Today’s Motherhood

Your thoughts and feelings have a great impact over your entire personality. Actions and words highly depend on what you think and how you feel.

It is usually the heart and the mind that dictate the disposition of a person. It is usually said that if you think you can, then you definitely can do something.

Everything initiates from within, and inner beauty is much more significant than what is seen outside. The positive outlook in the life of a person is dependent on the atmosphere at home. As parents, it is your job to recreate the home so that it would become the paradise of your children.

Here are some tips on how to create a positive home:

• To be optimistic is to see the good side of things. Everything is created with a purpose. Things may not always seem as we want them to be but if you look deeper into their essence, you will find their worth. Children could be different from each other. Treat children with fairness because each is created special. If children could see their parents treat them with respect, the negative implications of jealousy and rivalry will vanish.
• Visualize clearly what you want to happen. Set your goals so that your efforts could follow a direction.
• Refurbish your home with colorful decorations and soothing designs. The physical make up of your home could affect the perception of each family member about how their day should go about the moment they wake up. A clean and organized home is a source of positive views.
• Use good language. Harsh words are detrimental to the heart. The effects are enduring that good language is necessary in inducing a smooth relationship inside the home.
• Communicate your thoughts. Silence oftentimes creates that barrier that could build up into children-parents gap. This could not be beneficial because once the children have realized that parents could no longer be their ally, they tend to leave their homes and enjoy their peers’ company instead.
• Arouse happiness through simple fun activities right after dinner or before mealtime. Sharing of stories, mind games and other forms of play could stimulate joy and could let children look forward to another evening with their family at home.
• Prepare healthy and sumptuous meals. Food need not be extravagant and costly. Simple dishes prepared by your own hands could instill desire for mealtime together.

Optimism can emanate from any good act. Once you have began with it, the home will never run out of laughter and fun. Problems could be solved and eventually creating a positive home.

Science and religion has always been on the two opposing ends when it comes to many ideas about life and existence. But there is an area that unifies science and religion are very significant to human behavior and understanding – the power of touch.

Medical experts have proven how touch has come to magnify positive results to child growth and development.

You might want to read along as you seek for the reasons why your maternal touch will do great wonders to your growing child:

• Touch decreases the production of stress substance called cortisol. Touch deprivation could lead to the imbalance in the production of cortisol which causes the abnormal development of infant brain tissue.
• Touch provides comfort and warmth. The more frequent an infant is touched by the mother, the more assurance and protection the baby gets. Fear is instantly washed away and the infant begins to live with security.
• Touch strengthens mother-infant relationship. Various emotions and communication of feelings are transpired through the nature of touch a mother is giving the newborn.. Through touch, the mother is able to communicate her love and care for the child.
• Touch becomes a mode of transfer of skills to the child. If you want your baby to grow as you are.
• Physical contact works for infant survival. A lot of medical studies have shown that no matter how much you provide a human being with his physical needs like food and shelter, survival is crucial in the absence of touch because man is a unification of the body and spirit.
• Babies deprived of maternal touch exhibit antisocial behaviors when they grow up. They are usually characterized with hostile aggression, depression, inability to accept limitations, lack of giving and receiving affections and insecurity.

The mother’s touch is indeed important for the holistic development of a child. This is one of the reasons why breastfeeding has been strongly advocated by almost everyone in the world because it strengthens the emotional and physical bond of the mother and the child. Depriving the child of a nurturing maternal touch is robbing him off his humanity because the absence of touch treats the child as a material being.

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Apr / May issue Page 11

The Reading Loft is organizing a FREE 2hrs workshop on “How to Ignite the Passion of Reading in my Child” for parents with children aged 3 to 7 years.

Date : 2 August 2010
Time : 7 to 9pm
Venue : Goldhill Centre (Near United Square)
To register : Call / SMS 9681 6264
Email : dawn@thereadingloft.com

We have the opportunity to speak to Dr. John Langrehr, the leading international researcher and author of 25 books and 100 journal articles relating to creative and critical thinking. He is also the program developer of John Langrehr Thinking Program (JLTP) that focuses on developing young children (4-8 years old) mindset and thinking skills needed for creative and critical thinking.

Young children should be raised to be critical and creative thinkers

Dr. John Langrehr believes that it is not about having the correct answer but more on encouraging children to think in a critical and creative manner. Without this thinking skill, younger children are not able to receive and process quick message. It may be too late for older children as they have already developed a fixed way of thinking. In fact, children aged 4-5 years old is the best age to work on as they begin to absorb learning and develop their way of thinking to know more about this World. Children who are younger are not ready due to lack of content knowledge and the ability to make judgement.

Learning is about developing and unleashing children’s creativity!

The parents and early childhood educators play an important role in stimulating the child’s creative and thinking skills. In fact, you may be surprise that asking questions to get the children to think, is a great way to stimulate children’s thinking skills.

The importance of nurturing young children to be a critical and creative thinker

‘Creative thinking ability is to escape away from what the brain has in store for us. It’s about breaking away from the usual pattern stored in the brain and getting our brain to be flexible and critical,’ says Dr. Langrehr. Critical thinking ability is to keep questioning and probing about the information presented to them. You may wonder why it is necessary to be a critical and creative thinker? In fact, it is very important! Critical thinker goes beyond accepting the information presented to them, they process deeper into the consequences of statements, assumptions and question the reliability of information. Thus, it is essential to start young and develop good critical thinkers and problem solver.

Emphasis on Early Childhood Education

Dr. Langrehr stresses that the school system is still generally rigid and the emphasis is still on memorization, strengthening memory skills and getting correct answers. He believes that to help young children survive in this rapidly growing world, a world of wits and the rise of global issues, early childhood educators play a part in raising resilient children who are flexible and creative in the way they see things. It should start young by giving children the opportunities to ask questions and listening to their voices instead of merely answering questions in class. Overtime, children will grow up to be great thinkers who are critical about their future.

John Langrehr’s shares 5 tips to help heighten children’s critical thinking skills and creative skills:

1. Keep asking questions about their ideas, decisions, reason etc. Focus on asking interesting questions that are open-ended (the use of how/why).
2. Allowing children to pose questions. Encourage children to pose questions, acknowledge and praise their attempt for trying. It makes them feel valued and positive.
3. Be positive. Negativity will discourage children from trying and lower their self-esteem.
4. Don’t stop stimulating the child’s brain. Have a mini competition/game as often as possible (in the car, at home, in school) to challenge the wits.
5. Never restrict their thinking. Parents can encourage or guide them to form new connections/ideas/information.

Critical and creative thinking skills are the real keys to success!

For more information:  JLTP International

Would you like to improve your child’s handwriting? Your answer is here!

Are you occasionally faced with these questions:

1) I have a little boy who has never been very interested in coloring, or writing. He started out by holding his pencil like a dagger, and now he almost always holds the pencil like everyone else.

2) My son is left handed and he looks very awkward and uncomfortable when he tries to write. His writing is pretty illegible as well. Is there anything that I can do to make writing easier for him to master?

3) My son holds his pencil far too tightly. He breaks pencils all the time and even pokes holes through the paper. Telling him to change this makes little difference. What can I do?

Trial GROOVE pencil for FREE today, while stocks last! Click here for more information.

Note : The Groove Pencils are FULLY REDEEMED. Thanks for all your support

Technology is no doubt a part of us, even for our little ones. If you are troubled over the endless list of iPhone apps for children available, here are 5 recommended applications on the Free list suitable for young children!

1. First Words Sampler

First Words Sampler helps your little one learn letters, sounds and even words. Coupled with interesting graphics and animation, your children will be kept entertained while learning something new. This educational game is suitable for children, 2 years onwards, for independent playing. Alternatively, you can engage them in meaningful conversations about the words. If your child enjoys this sampler, you can also download FirstWords: Animals and FirstWords: Vehicle at a reasonable price.

Promotes: Language Skills

2. Baby Piano Lite

Wish to expose your child to a variety of experiences? Baby Piano Lite allows you child to play on a piano while on the go. Users are provided with the choices of either playing it freely or following the piano keys that light up to play a song. This app is suitable for children 1 year onwards as they will enjoy the music they produce with just a tap using their fingers. You can also play songs and sing along together with your child =)

Promotes: Music

3. Baby Flash Cards

An engaging and entertaining app for very young children at no cost! The colorful flash cards (with picture and word) change with a single tap. Flash cards are categorized into Animals, Food, Fruits, Musical Instruments, Numbers, People, Plants, Shapes, Transportation and Others which can be turn on or off in its setting mode. Suitable for children as young as 9 months old. Begin by going through the flash cards and reading aloud the words together with your child. Does your child really learn from looking at the flash cards? Find it out in Quest mode which shows the picture before the word.

Promotes: Language Skills

4. Rush Hr Free

The Iphone version of the Traffic Jam puzzle brought to you by Think Fun. Your child will be challenged to drive the red car out of the parking grid by shifting the blocking cars out of the way. 35 challenges, ranging from Beginner to Expert, will keep your child entertained and thinking. Hints are available to help in times of frustration. This game with simple rules is suitable for children 5 years old and above, promoting their thinking and problem solving skills. Encourage your child to play independently and praise when appropriate.

Promotes: Thinking Skills, Spatial Awareness

5. Shape Builder LITE

Shape Builder LITE is a puzzle and language game all-in-one. Move the shapes to complete the puzzle and learn more about the letter or the picture with interesting sound effects. Suitable for children 3 years old and above. Join your child in doing the puzzle and talk about the color of each shape. Download the full version to enjoy even more puzzles!

Promotes: Fine Motor Skills, Language Skills, Spatial Awareness

Tips: Despite the educational factor in these games, do set time limit with your child prior to their usage so as to prevent them for becoming over-involved in electronic games.

Congratulations to the winners of Today’s Motherhood Children Storybook Giveaway Contest Jun 10. They have won themselves a book of their choice as below.

Below are the names of the winners:

1. Kinston Kit (Barnyard Boogie)
2. Stacy Wong (Charlie and Lola: My holiday sticker book)
3. Teo Hwee Ling (Puddle the naughtiest puppy: Magic Carpet Ride)
4. Cheng Shita (Topsy and Tim Sticker Storybook: Start School)
5. Chan Wai (Baby Touch: Tickly Tiger Rattle Book)

**Winners will be notified by email individually.

** Terms and Conditions apply

The prizes are sponsored by

Today’s Motherhood speaks to a Pre-Natal Pilates Coach, Sophia Yasmin, to find out more on how pilates during pregnancy benefits mummies-to-be.

Exercise has a lot of benefits especially to pregnant women as their bodies encounter changes for the growth and development of the baby inside their womb.

Physical changes which are usually seen through broadening of body features, enlargement of the breasts and adjustment of joints for expansion are faced in everyday of the pregnancy.

According to Sophia Yasmin, there is one great maternal exercise called Prenatal Pilates which a pregnant woman can engage in. This exercise works for the heightened condition of the body as it focuses on the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy. Usually, expectant mothers fear the coming of the baby because they think they might not be ready.

Prenatal Pilates is especially designed for women to cope with pregnancy changes and prepare their bodies for labor. Pilates exercise benefits the parts of the body which absorb almost all transformations. The pelvic area, the back and the joints are targeted spots to provide comfort for the pregnant mothers.

What Pilates during pregnancy does is that it primarily reduces low back pain and sciatica; decreases chances of stress, fatigue, swelling and inflammation around the joints; aids in digestion and helps you prepare for giving birth.

Transversus abdominus is activated in Pilates by supporting the lumbar spine and the pelvic area. During pregnancy, the ligaments are lax due to natural hormone relaxin and Pilates strengthen them for relaxation and easy breathing.

Pilates, which was introduced by Joseph Pilates, emphasizes on physical conditioning through concentration of breathing, controlling of the mind over matter and physical strength. This separates it from Yoga which deals with mind and living a balanced peaceful life. It aims to work the body to equilibrium uniting the mind, body and spirit altogether.

Prenatal Pilates is an exercise which can be started out even before pregnancy. Joining a Pilates class with a professional instructor is best in order to shift your center of gravity for your baby’s growth to deal with loosened ligaments. As Pilates fitness can be modified according to your needs, Pilates adapt to them and vary in intensity and scope from prenatal, first trimester and until the end of the third trimester.

The variations of the exercise for adaptation affect your posture, movement and balance. This will make pulling and stretching easier for you during labor. Always opt for programs that enhance your joints flexibility.

Pilates fitness is best for any expectant mother except in cases when you are expecting twins, suffering from high blood pressure, blurred vision or had two miscarriages in the past. Pilates during pregnancy is a good routine if it is done according to a physician’s consent. Work your way to a happy and healthy pregnancy by preparing yourself through Pilates fitness.

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Aug 09 issue Page 10

Congratulations to the winners of Innokidz and Today’s Motherhood Win Numberjacks DVDs Contest. They have won themselves a set of Numberjacks DVDs.

Below are the names of the winners:

1. Beiqing Zeng
2. Ang Kooi Fung
3. Norhayati Ahmat

**Winners will be notified by Innokidz individually.

** Terms and Conditions apply

We are running a brand new contest on our Facebook fans page.  Simply tell us “Why You Love Being A Parent” and win Fisher Price Sing with Me CD Player worth $49.90

How to take part?

1. Be a fan of Today’s Motherhood by clicking “Like” on our Facebook fans page.

2. Comment under the album “Why I Love Being A Parent, I love being a parent because…….?” or simply follow this link.

3. The comment with the most number of “Likes” wins.

Contest ends 31 July 2010

Terms and Conditions Apply

Additional T & C as below

The management decision will be final and no correspondence shall be entertained.

Details of Sing-With-Me CD Player

With light-up buttons, sing-along songs and classic nursery rhymes, baby will love the take-along fun of this CD Player. It includes three pretend CDs for put-and-take, drop-through play. The handle folds back so it’s easy to drop the discs into the slot—then open the door for a tumble-out surprise! Includes 3 AA batteries.

CD Player approx. 2½” L x 8½” W x 8″ H.

(Not an actual CD Player.)