Today’s Motherhood

It is known that gripping pencil correctly can improve handwriting, general comfort and flow of writing. Many educators believe that it can help with the overall brain development as well. Thus we can see that many parents are struggling at what age should their child be holding the pencil correctly and how to train them to hold it correctly? Some parents think that incorrect grip may be hard to rectify later while few are also worried for their child who are left-handers.

But children develop skills at different pace so do not worry or pressure your children before they are ready to learn to write. Children develop their pencil grip development at different stages - from palmer grasp, pincer grasp, to eventually the tripod grasp. The tripod grasp is considered the desired pencil grip which the pencil is loosely held between the thumb and first two fingers.

The key is not to grip too tightly. When a child has white knuckles, holes in his paper, or frequent snaps from the lead in his pencil, you can bet his grip is too tight which indicates weak fine motor skills.

Thus even before your child begins to write, we should build on their fine motor skills through activities such as lacing, threading, or sorting small objects like paper clips. Then we encourage the correct pencil grip by supplying him with jumbo crayons and paintbrushes.

Some parents may think that it is a disadvantage for children who are left-handers and may even pressure them to change into right-handers. However it is absolutly not true and not necessary to stress them. If not they may even lose interest in learning to write. They may face more obstacles in learning to hold a pencil but all they require is the correct guidance, to place their paper and ideal position of their wrist, arm and shoulder.

Parents need to teach them using mirror image of everything that is taught to a right-hander. Other than that they should be learning to grip the pencil in the same way as a right-hander would.

Even children who are right-handers may be slower in developing their motor functions or cannot understand complicated instructions and just need to be helped constantly

Thus here is an review on the GROOVE coloured pencils which is designed to help children learn the correct grip the natural and fun way.

What it is:
- An innovative set of Three-sided ergonomic shape designed colour pencil.
- Each color is designated with natural grip zone with no additional materials needed.
- It provides a non-slip side holes for the thumb, index and middle fingers which are used in a proper pencil grip.
- The natural grip zones are still located in the correct positions and provide optimal writing hold even after sharpening.
- Other accessories are Groove Sharpener /Groove Twin Hole Sharpener.

Our Review:

The GROOVE coloured pencils is suitable for children aged 3 years onwards. This is the age when children are slowly developing from their immature grasp thus with GROOVE the feel of the natural grip zone helps to modify children’s positioning of the fingers as they will understand without being told that their fingers should rest in the comfortable grooves provided.

Even an adult like me is fascinated by the holes on the colour pencils and are interested to place my finger on it. So no additional pencil grip is needed anymore as it is in built in an environmental friendly way.

As mentioned previously some children might grip the pencil too tense but with GROOVE circular depression and triangular design it helps to teach children to relax their hold and also prevent their fingers from slipping off continually which reduces the chance of them gripping it too tightly.  The triangular shape makes it comfortable to grip and also prevent it from rolling off the table.

Next, for parents with child who are left-handers, the GROOVE naturally allows fingers involved (index, middle finger and thumb) to rest just where they should be, no matter the child is right- or left-handed. Moreover even after sharpening, the grooves are still located in the correct positions.

It is also easy for parents to point out and demonstrate how the pencil should be held so no more complicated instructions for children anymore. In additional, the two sharpeners also have soft rubber grip zone at the side of the sharpener which provide a good grip for children too.

It is important to start good writing habits in the beginning thus it is strongly recommend that parents invest in GROOVE for children to learn the correct pencil grip independently while they immerse in the joy of writing, colouring or drawing.

Groove is available in box of 5 colours (S$14.90), box of 10 colours (S$26.90), Graphite Writing Pencil (S$2.00 per piece), Single-hole sharpener (S$1.50) and Twin-hole sharpener (S$3.90).

For the list of locations carrying GROOVE products, please click here

Many parents introduce their children art activities such as scribbling with crayons, chalks, markers and painting with paint at the age of two as they are developing their small hand muscles and creative expressions. Thus providing the right materials for children helps to stimulate their creativity and aid in enhancing their development. Lyra brings to you a range of products suitable for toddlers +2 years onwards.

Giotto Be-bè has designed a range of child-friendly products that meet the developmental needs of children and stimulate their creativity and learning.

• The products are bright, lively and easy-to-use colours for children, with attractive packaging which children can open and close the product like a book by themselves.
• The products are also safe for children to use as there are no small parts and they are dermatologically-tested.
• In addition, these products are washable from hands and fabrics thus parents no longer need to worry about the creative mess children leave behind in the house and feel free to let them express their creativity.
• These products are suitable for children aged 2 and above.

GIOTTO Be-bè Egg

Available in a set that includes 1 Egg and 8 Super Fibre Pens

What I Like About?
This works to develop toddler’s fine motor skills which are essential for proper pencil grip. At the toddler stage it is important to pay attention to their fine motor skills - all the tiny, detailed thumb, finger, hand and wrist movements and the best way is to let them play.

Thus the Giotto be-bè Egg acts as a toy for children and at the same time allows them to exercise the small muscles in their hands and their eye-hand coordination as they control the movement of it. The Giotto be-bè is an egg-shaped marker case which fits children’s hand and with the two wheels below that roll smoothly on paper, it stimulates children’s curiosity with the lines created by their movement.

A marker may be too long for children to handle, but the Giotto be-bè Egg allows toddler to enjoy the same privilege of expressing their creativity with marker in a comfortable way. It is easy for toddler to manipulate by themselves and insert the marker into the hole to start using it!

GIOTTO Be-bè Super Large Pencil

Available in a set of 6 or 12 colours, including a sharpener which needs adult supervision when using it.

What I Like?

It works like a crayon, which is jumbo in size so it is easy and comfortable for young children to grip as they have small hand. It also has soft lead which makes the drawing and colouring process smooth and easy for the children.

Moreover the leads are adhered to the wood wrapping all the way down and the ends are covered with an anti-bite plastic so it will not dirty children’s hand when using and also play safe for children who likes to put the pencil in their mouths.

GIOTTO Be-bè Super Crayon

Available in a set of 8 colours.

What I Like?
Frustrated when the crayon breaks? These crayons are break-resistant so parents do not need to worry about children dropping the crayons or using it too hard till it breaks. These pastel crayons are also easy to use as it glides over paper smoothly and the colours spread evenly. Moreover it is in jumbo size for young children to grip easily and have loads of fun.

GIOTTO Be-bè Super Fibre Pen

Available in a set of 6 or 12 colours

What I like?

This assortment of jumbo coloured broad tip fibre pens are suitable for children to hold  for writing, colouring and drawing. It is waterbased and odourless. The ink is also washable from hands and clothes so fret not when children accidentally draw on their clothes. It also has ventilated cap with extra strong, tight-fitting nib and can be kept for 3 years under normal storage conditions.

GIOTTO Be-bè Super Chalk Set

Available in a set of 10 colour coated chalks, a double-face blackboard, chalk holder and chalk eraser.

What I like?
It comes with a chalk holder which can keep children’s hand clean from dust. The large-sized chalk holder also provides a good grip for young children and also prevents children from breaking the chalk easily. It is nice for children to continuously express their imaginative drawing and writing as it can be easily clean off with the chalk eraser and recreate again with minimal dust.

In addition, besides using chalk on the blackboard, children can also use it with the chalk holder to do chalk art on black construction paper or simply along the corridor pathway.

GIOTTO Be-bè Super Soft Modelling Dough

Available in a set of 3 basic colours (Yellow, Red and Blue), 6 maxi shapes, 1 trimming tool, 1 rolling pin

What I like?
The texture of the dough is very soft which makes it easy for young children to handle and mould it into shapes. Children can create and recreate as they like and at the same time develop their small muscles in their hand as they pinch, roll and pound the dough.

It comes with the different shapes of cutters and tools which children can use it to create characters for their own personalized stories or imaginative pretend play.

Even the bottoms of the containers holding the dough comes with interesting patterns which children can use to press on the dough. The colour on the dough also does not stain which makes it pleasant to use as it is water-based and made from natural ingredients.

GIOTTO Be-bè Super Finger Colours

Available in a set of 3 x 100ml pots of colours (red, cyan and yellow), 3 fun-shape sponges and a plastic apron.

What I like?
It provides 3 basic colours of paint which children can play around with and also explore other colours when they mix 2 basic colours together. The texture of the paint is gel-like, being different from the usual paint so children can easily spread it on the paper and paint out their creativity.

The 3 sponges provided are thick enough for children hold and prevent it from crumbling. So now that it is washable with warm water and comes with an apron which can prevent children from staining their clothes, children can enjoy the fun of painting without the parents being stressed.

Conclusion:
I like the products and find the designs thoughtful as it suits the developmental needs of children who are developing rapidly, learning from activities and refining their small muscle development. The bright and colourful range of products from Giotto Be-bè are great to get for children to keep them occupied meaningfully.

For the list of locations carrying GIOTTO Be-bè products, please click here

We have the opportunity to speak to Richard Gerver, an Internationally Renowed Speaker, Consultant & Author in the Education & Corporate Sector. Gerver shares his perspective on global issues confronting children of today and tomorrow and how we can prepare them for success in an ever changing world.

1. Hi Mr Richard, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I used to be a school principal with children up to 11 years old for a good seven years. During that period of time, I created a very creative school. I moved on to be speakers specializing in human capacity, education and leadership.

2. With your expertise, what to you foresee are the global issues that are confronting our children of today and the near future? Please explain.

There are a number of things that are threatening our children, but the main problems are issues about environment, community and social economics. These are arising issues that children need to deal with as adults. Thus, today’s children are growing very differently from our times, theirs are at an accelerated rate.

To be able to cope, children need to be highly creative, a good problem-solver and risk-taker. Parents need to be educated in order to help their child succeed.

3. How will these issues affect them – in their childhood and adult life?

It starts from childhood, where young children need to be educated not just academically but in terms of the different aspects of their development, in order to raise a whole child. In order words, education should also developed and enhance children’s creativity, flexibility and problem-solving opportunities. When they are adults, they will be able to apply these skills. These soft skills are hard currency of the 21st century that determines success of failure!

4. How can parents play a part to develop a child that is creative, flexible and a good problem-solver?

As parents, we should see each child as individual, stop worrying or comparing that your child should be the same as others or learn at the same rate as other kids. Children develop at different rate, we should celebrate as they explore not pressurizing them.

Most parents place strong emphasis on the academic aspect and neglect the other important dimensions. We should encourage other dimensions and give equal attention to it such as allowing your child to make mistakes. They learn nothing new if they make no mistakes. Thus, we should encourage and support our children to learn through their mistakes – turn it into a constructive discussion or open conversation instead of punishing them.

Respect their human right and their mind of their own.

5a) In your opinion, when is the most suitable age to start preparing our children for success?

Children are born with these soft skills and further developed up to 80-85% during the first 5 years of their life before they begin formal education.

b) How do we go about doing it?

As parents, do not restrict them but encourage them and set the environment for them to learn and develop. Asking active questions help child to think and be creative, which will in turn stimulate their brain development.

6. In the recent years, there is a growing trend where parents are sending their child to different learning programs (enrichment programs, brain development classes), what are your views on it?

Learning should be fun, interesting and a value to our child. If we push them too hard, there will be a point that they will repel and they fall out of love with learning. That is when learning becomes a chore for them! Thus, we should provide the right environment for life-long learning in order to nurture life-long learner.

7. What advices or tips would you give to parents to prepare and equip their child for success in the 21st century?

1. To relax and allow your child to grow according to their pace. Keep asking and engaging them in active conversations. Constantly challenging their thinking and resist from providing them the answer.
2. Allow child to make mistakes, celebrate their ability to learn through these mistakes.
3. Childhood should not be a chore! Provide healthy environment for children to strive and grow.
4. Don’t project your aspiration on your child - prepare them to live their life and not yours.

You can get GROOVE products at the following locations.

Central

Attic Pals @ Tanglin Mall : 67325051 Crosscom @ Forum : 68362456 Harris @ The Great World City : 6732 3679 NBC @ Takashimaya : 67347437 Popular @ Bras Basah : 63382339 Prologue @ ION : 64651477 Robinsons @ Centrepoint : 67330888 Robinsons @ Raffles City : 62168388 Tango Mango @ Tanglin Mall : 68353895 Urban Write @ Orchard Central : 68380820

North/South

Popular @ Northpoint : 68522100 Creative Hands @ Harbourfront : 62713038

East/West

Urban Write @ Tampines1 : 64651485 Harris @ Jurong Point : 65146658

The retail prices of Lyra GROOVE products range from S$2.40 to 26.90 (as at 23 Jul 10).

You can get GIOTTO Be-bè products at the following locations.

Central

Attic Pals @ Tanglin Mall : 67325051 Art Friend @ Bras Basah Popular @ Ngee Ann CityHarris @ The Great World City : 6732 3679 NBC @ Takashimaya (selected products) : 67347437 Prologue @ IONPopular @ Bras Basah : 63382339 Robinsons @ Centrepoint : 67330888 Robinsons @ Raffles City : 62168388 Tango Mango @ Tanglin Mall : 68353895

North/South

Creative Hands @ Harbourfront : 62713038 Mothercare @ Harbourfront : 6513 3270

East/West

Harris @ Jurong Point : 65146658 NTUC Finest @ Marine Parade, Popular @ Jurong Point, Popular @ White Sands

The retail prices of Lyra GIOTTO Be-bè range from S$8.90 to 89.90 (as at 23 Jul 10).

Started in 2006, ThinkersBox specialises in Cognitive Skills Assessment and Enhancement for children aged 5 – 12 years old.

Cognitive Skills are defined as the basic building blocks to learning. Having a strong cognitive profile will enable every child to maximise his/her learning potential and enhance each child’s capacity for understanding information, remembering it for use and applying to specific tasks in school.

Working closely with our US partner, SOI Systems, which is backed by 70 years of research, theory and application; our training programmes are personalised according to each child’s learning strengths and weaknesses.

Our programmes are tailored to the learning needs of specific age groups:

• LEAP: Learning Enhancement and Preparation for Primary 1
• Learning HeadStart!® (5 – 6 years old)
• Learning EnHance! ® (7 – 9 years old)
• Learning ProPel! ® (10 – 12 years old)

Website : www.thinkersbox.com

Opening Hours:
Monday         Closed
Tues – Fri     11am – 7pm
Sat – Sun      9am – 6pm

Contact : 6773 4886

Email: enquiries@thinkersbox.com

Address:
420 North Bridge Road North Bridge Centre,
#03-02/03 Singapore 188727

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Many mothers or mothers-to-be are often puzzled about the traditional confinement rules and taboos. Here we discuss the Top 4 Confinement Myths and provide further scientific reasonings and suggestions.

Confinement Myth #1 - To Bathe or Not to Bathe

New mothers are advised not to bathe or wash their hair for a month after childbirth to prevent catching a chill and suffer from rheumatism in later part of their lives. However, there is no scientific reasoning to this and it could also be due to the living conditions in ancient China whereby women had to fetch water from rivers to bathe.

Furthermore, in tropical country like Singapore, in order to observe good personal hygiene, bathing is necessary to prevent build up of germs and sweat or any infection. It is recommended to take warm baths and dry yourself quickly or take hot sponge bath to remain fresh and clean.

You wouldn’t want to be sweaty and smelly when breastfeeding your baby. New mothers should also be encouraged to wash their hair only when they are more stable on their feet after giving birth.

Confinement Myth#2 - Keeping Warm with Food and Alcohol

It is believed that alcohol promote blood circulation and warm the body. However, alcohol can be transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding and it is proven that drinking excessively during nursing may result in delay in development in the child.

Instead, have a healthy and balance diet to provide your body with the necessary nutrients. Recommend oatmeal, brown rice, wholemeal bread, plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and calcium-rich food. Gingers are also commonly used to get rid of ‘wind’ in the body as the stomach and bowels, which are compressed during pregnancy, are now expanded causing organs to swell up with air and fluid.

Confinement Myth #3 - Saying “NO” to Air Condition

Many believe that new mothers should not come in contact with direct wind and this is true as after childbirth, women tend to be weaker. To keep health and body in tip-top condition, new mothers should avoid receiving direct wind from fan or air-conditioner.

However, the room should be sufficiently ventilated with adequate lighting so as to feel comfortable. In fact, air conditionings are allowed but temperature should not be too low. It is recommended to keep temperature between 25oC – 27oC.

Confinement Myth #4 - Eight Glasses of Water Per Day, No?

It is believed that new mothers should not drink water during confinement as it may cause water retention in the body.

However, sufficient fluid is essential to replace the lost fluid produced during breastfeeding. It is usually recommended for new mothers to consume longan and red date tea but it may not be adequate.

Hence, do consume plenty of longan and red date tea but also not forgetting to have plain warm water at times as well.

Apart from knowing about the confinement myths, do not forget to spend quality bonding time with your newborn and enjoy your new stage of life – motherhood.

(Note : Online registration is closed but walk in registrants will still be accepted. Goodie bags are available for walk-in participants but only on a first come first serve basis.)

The inaugural Jacob’s Walk of Life is coming to Singapore and Jacob’s encourage all Singaporean families to take the first step towards creating a healthier lifestyle by signing up for the walk.

Date: 5 September 2010
Time: 7:00am
Location: Pasir Ris Park

Themed “Healthy Fathers, Healthy Families“, the Jacob’s Walk of Life wants Dads to take the initiative to gather the family for the 5km walk around Pasir Ris Park.

According to the Jacob’s Healthy Fathers, Healthy Families survey, Dads are important role-models for their children’s physical well-being. So Dads, log on to www.jacobs.com.sg now and spend some quality time together with your children and spouse.

There are fun activities, performances and games with fantastic prizes to be won. Celebrity Gurmit Singh will also be making a special appearance for the walk.

For enquiries, please e-mail: jwol@sansys.com.sg

(Note : Online registration is closed but walk in registrants will still be accepted. Goodie bags are available for walk-in participants but only on a first come first serve basis.)

Children Storybooks Giveaway. Read our August Story Book Recommendations and Stand a Chance to Win One of the following books. See end of post for details. Contest ends 13 September 2010!

1. Zoo Babies by Paula Hannigan

Synopsis:
Zoo Babies is a board book designed for young children. It consists of simple texts that introduce young readers to baby zoo animals and the typical things that they will do in a day like Chimpanzees swinging on vines, elephants spray water to cool off etc. To add on, the adorable and beautiful illustrations will no doubt attract children’s attention. That is not all! What’s even interesting is that this book is combine with the action-packed AniMotion windows that creates motion images, creating a dimensional feel when you and your child read together, almost feel like you are watching these animals in the zoo.

The book about baby animals are simple irresistible to kids, just what you need to engage your little one!

Age: Recommended for infants and up

2. When The Dragons Came by Naomi Kefford and Lynne Moore

Synopsis:
When the Dragons came is a book about a family-load of boisterous, bumbling dragons came into peaceful Poppledown Town and create unrest everywhere, affecting everyone’s lives. No doubt, the whole town is thrown into chaos. The local market is turned upside down, the library is louder than ever and the local playgroup has never experienced such disruptive pupils! Will Poppledown Town EVER be the same again?

A great book teaching children about respecting others. with funny rhyming text and colourful illustrations, When the Dragons came is a treat for all little dragon fans!

Yes! Watch out for the dragons in Poppledown Town!

Age: Recommended for ages 3 and up

3. Let’s Get Cleany-Clean by Dan Clarks

Synopsis:
Let’s get cleany-clean is one of the book series of Yo Gabba Gabba, based on the TV series Yo Gabba Gabba! This book talks and teaches young children about hygiene, germs and care. When Muno coughs into his hands and forgets to clean them afterwards, Plex the robot teaches him about icky, wiggly germs. And how do we stop icky germs from spreading? By being cleany-clean! Besides washing hands, what else can we do to stop germs from spreading?

Parents and educators can also use this book to teach kids about hygiene in a fun and friendly way.

Age: Recommended for ages 3 and up

4. Christian the Hugging Lion by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Synopsis:
Christian the Hugging Lion is a beautifully illustrated story about two men named Ace and John, who purchase a baby lion cub from Harrods, the most famous store in London that sells anything, from chocolate tea, coconut from Brazil, yacht to the most unusual pets. Together the three create a truly special family.

For a year, Christian lives happily with his ‘family’ playing with toys and watching birds from the window of their tiny London apartment. He was happy to go for walks in the park with his owners and play in the churchyard. However, as time goes by, Christian was no longer a tiny lion cub. He grew and grew and now, he is too big for the sofa and the small apartment that Ace and John live in.

Ace and John knew that Christian needed a better life; he needed to be in the wild with animals like himself. They made arrangements to transport Christian to Africa. One year later Ace and John returned to Kenya to see if they could find Christian. Will they find Christian? Will Christian remember them?

No doubt it is a heart-warming and TRUE STORY of Christian, the most hugable lion cub!

Age: Recommended for ages 5 and up

5. The Hoozles: My Magical Teddy by Jessie Little

Synopsis:
The Hoozles: My magical teddy is a story book about Willow and her brother Freddie who have gone to stay in Summertown with their Aunt Suzy whilst their parents are away for the summer.

Aunt Suzy owns a toy shop in town, and she makes her own special Hoozle soft toys. Willow and Freddie each have a Hoozle of their own that their Aunt made for them - Willow has Toby the teddy bear and Freddie has Wobbly the Lion. Willow loves Toby dearly, but it isn’t until she is staying with her aunt that she discovers that Toby can come to life and talk to her and she can talk to him! And so, it begins a summer full of magical adventures for Willow and the Hoozles. But now Freddie’s Hoozle has lost his magic pocket heart, and it’s up to Willow to find it as they embark on their first Hoozle adventure…

Fully illustrated throughout, and with puzzles, maps and stickers, the Hoozles books will be the newest collectable treat for young children. Check out the whole series now!

Age: Recommended for ages 7 and up

6. Superhero Phonics Readers - Space Hamster Level 2 - Mandy Ross

Synopsis:
Superhero Phonics Readers - Space Hamster Level 2 is a book that talks about Space Hamster who always come to the rescue when there is trouble. But one day, a big monster flies towards Earth, determined to gobble everything up. Space Hamster will have to use all his powers to keep the Earth safe!

This is a great reading book for beginner readers who have been learning synthetic phonics in school. No doubt, it will help your child learn to read at home without contradicting schoolwork. These exciting superhero adventures are ideal for building confidence in learning to read. Special ‘Superhero Secrets’ puzzle pages help build comprehension skills. The book includes stickers and a reward chart to keep learning fun.

Age: Recommended for ages 5 and up

Giveaway Contest

We have one book of each of the above children book titles to giveaway. Total 6 winners. All you have to do is

1. Join Today’s Mother Mailing List below (existing members need not sign up again)

2. Be a fan of Today’s Motherhood in Facebook

3. Fill in the form below and indicate your choice of book you would like to win

Closing Date is 13 September 2010.

The prizes are sponsored by

Terms and Conditions Apply.

Peek-A-Boo Playground is having an event in September

A professional stylist will give your little ones a complete makeover inclusive of hair, makeup and accessories! They will then change into a Disney Princess costume or a Superhero costume and spend some personal ‘posing’ time with our choice photographer from Montage Studios!

What’s more, your child gets to decorate and personalize a photo frame of her own and bring home a 5R photo print as a memento!

Call us today at 6440 8355 to book a slot for your princess!

Date : 9 September 10

Time : 4 to 6 PM

Venue : Peek-A-Boo Playground

Workshop Price: $70 (non-members) and $65 (Peek-A-Boo members)

For more information, visit
http://www.peekaboo.com.sg/news_promotions.php?id=41
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Singapore/Peek-A-Boo-Playground/161492755179