Today’s Motherhood

Wink to Learn’s Speak and Read application for iPad and iPhone is a spin off from their Speak and Read DVD series, developed by Mr. Lee Hann Yang.

Inspired by the flash cards method spearheaded by Dr. Glenn Doman and Dr. Makato Shichida, this application focuses on developing your child’s language skills. It includes lessons and games, where all words and images are in specific ‘cards’, with visual and audio features, to facilitate word and sound recognition skills.

A fun and interactive reinforcement tool, WinktoLearn iPhone apps / iPad apps are available in 6 different languages. Each application costs only USD$0.99, with free lifetime upgrade to more games and enhancements.

It is a 5-star application for iPhone & iPad whereby kids can have fun and at the same time learn with Wink to Learn!

Designed for all iPad, iPhone3 and iPhone4.

Download the application now: http://winktolearn.com/specials/itunes

In addition, to thank you for your continuous support, Wink To Learn would also like to present you with a $10 online cash coupon redeemable from WINKtoLEARN’s online store. Coupon code: MERRYCHRISTMAS2010. (Use this coupon by 31st December 2010!)

HypnoBirthing is now known as a new way of giving birth without much medical intervention, and relatively pain-free. But in reality,

HypnoBirthing is not that new. It actually dates back a long time, at the times when hospitals and surgeons were non-existent. HypoBirthing is actually the most natural way to give birth.

What puts many women at bay is the fear of pain. However, pain is relative and those who have attended HypnoBirthing classes know that birthing can be a pleasant experience.

To put it simply, a women’s uterus has three main muscle groups that contract regularly to allow babies to come out smoothly during birthing. But during this time, most women panic and unconsciously tighten those muscle groups, hence causing pain.

Today more and more women with low risk pregnancies are turning to HypnoBirthing as an alternative way to give birth. They choose to give birth using no medications at all, including pain relievers like epidurals. Instead they rely on techniques such as relaxation and controlled breathing.

With natural childbirth, the mother is in control of her body, usually with a labour assistant gently guiding and supporting her through the stages of labour. And the child comes into the world drug free.

Pain medications are known to affect labour — the mum’s blood pressure might drop, her labour might slow down or speed up, she might become nauseous, and she might feel a sense of lack of control. All this can be avoided through HypnoBirthing.

For many moms-to-be, having a natural childbirth isn’t about being “brave” or a “martyr” — it’s about treating labour delivery as a natural event. Many women find the experience extremely empowering and rewarding. These women choose to embrace natural childbirth to feel more ‘in-touch’ with their birth experience.

Would be mothers and their spouses are encouraged to attend a HypnoBirthing Couple’s Course (Hypnobirthing classes) so that they can explore what natural birthing entails. It is usually held for a couple of hours each meeting, with five sessions spaced out over five weeks. Those who would like to become HypnoBirthing professionals, may attend a Practitioners course which can be done over six full days.

For more information, you may want to contact Petra Hypnosis & Training Centre Pte Ltd at 64639500 or write to info@petrahypnosis.com

For more information on our other courses, go to www.petrahypnosis.com

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Oct Nov 2010 issue Page 6

Children Storybooks Giveaway. Read our Dec Story Book Recommendations and Stand a Chance to Win One of the following books. See end of post for details. Contest ends 20 December 2010!

1. Spot’s First Christmas by Eric Hill

Synopsis:
Spot Says Goodnight is a children’s classic lift-the-flap series that is short and simple for the comprehension of young children. The pages consist of bright and clear illustrations of a cute puppy welcoming his first Christmas, typical of what our little young ones will be excited over – presents! The simple words used will be easy for the young ones to comprehend and yet, engaging for emergent readers. No doubt, the illustrations will keep them occupied and excited over Christmas!

A perfect story to prepare young children for Christmas!

Age: Recommended for ages 2 and up (younger children may enjoy the book too)

2. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (Storybook & Magical Pop-up Snowglobe)

Synopsis:
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is a fantastic classic of a young boy’s delight when he discovers that it was snowing that day. He builds a snowman only to unfold an awesome and magical adventure that night – The snowman comes to life! The snowman explores the house, amazes with everything he sees. In exchange for the delightful exploration, the snowman brings the boy on an adventure to see the town in a different light. They fly for miles over hills and forests and past the sea before landing back in the garden, safely back at home again. The boy gave the snowman a hug before bidding good night. He wakes up only to discover that the sun was shining brightly in the sky. What is going to happen to the snowman?

This book is a simple and delightful Christmas story to share with all children. Narrated through pictures and simple sentences. No doubt, it captures the innocence and wonder of childhood with its dreamy illustrations. Not to mention that, the snow globe pop up at the end of the story is simply lovely!

Age: Recommended for aged 3 and up

3. Noisy Christmas Songs by Santa and his many helpers (Editor’s Note : This book will not be available for the giveaway and will be replaced by NOISY NOISY CHRISTMAS!)

Synopsis:
Noisy Christmas Songs is an amazing musical book that comprises of 10 favourite Christmas Songs. Children can simple sing, dance and play along to the music. This amazing musical Christmas Book comes with a xylophone and a beater to play the tunes. Just press a button and sing along with these songs or simply sing and play along in three different ways - press the sound button to hear the song played; follow the colour-coded music to play the song; or simply follow the notes as they light up on the keyboard.

This book is going to be fun and no doubt NOISY when the children lay their hands on it!

Age: Recommended for aged 2 and up (younger children may enjoy the book too)

4. I Love You by Peter Rabbit

Synopsis:
I Love You is a sweet and personalize board book that features two heart-shaped picture frames that allows us to insert photographs of our loved ones. This book feature simple concepts on love and warm family ties for your young ones. The story is simple for young children to comprehend and the illustrations are soft and beautiful!

Age: Recommended for infants and up

5. The Robot Book by Heather Brown

Synopsis:
The Robot Book is a fun and captivating book for young readers. This book features what are the different hard gears - bolts, screws, cogs, nuts, spinning gears and so forth that makes up a robot! So can you imagine what goes behind the movement of the robot’s eyes, mouth, arms and body?

This is an interesting and interactive book that allows children to manipulative with these ‘machinery gears’ manually. They get to spin and rotate the different gears, The illustration is simple and yet attractive to the readers.

No doubt the children are going to be captivated by the wonders of this book!

Age: Recommended for aged 3 and up

6. Animals by Eric Carle (Book and Block Play)

Synopsis:
Animals is a Eric Carle’s signature artwork combined in a sturdy three-in-one set that comes together with a book about animals and interactive blocks and puzzles to go with it. children can read and play together with this book and puzzle set. There are a total of six different animals in the book. As the children meet each of the animal in the book, they can turn the puzzle blocks to match the picture. The color-coded backgrounds and reference pictures printed on the box make the task easier for young children.

This interactive set with a combination of book and puzzle encourages the use of logic, deduction, and early reading skills for a new kind of reading fun!

Age: Recommended for aged 3 and up (younger children may enjoy the book too)

7. Charlie and Lola: I’ve Won, No I’ve Won, no I’ve Won by Lauren Child

Synopsis:
Charlie and Lola: I’ve Won, No I’ve Won, no I’ve Won is based on the original Charlie and Lola stories as seen on television. This book talks about Lola who has to win in every situation - She can run faster than a speedy cheetah, bounce higher than a kangaroo and drink pink milk faster than Charlie. She always says “I’ve won. I always win…always, always, always!” One day, Charlie thinks up a game that Lola can never win.

A situation that is typical for a family with more than one child. The ending gives a sweet twist for the siblings – you don’t have to win all the time! This book comes with a complimentary audio CD set to make reading more fun!

Age: Recommended for ages 3 and up

Giveaway Contest

We have one book of each of the above children book titles to giveaway. Total 7 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

This Contest is Closed.

The prizes are sponsored by

Terms and Conditions Apply.

Our Children’s Books are reviewed by Crystal

Not In The Malls is having the following promotion especially for readers of Today’s Motherhood

Get 10% off Unique Christmas Gifts for the little one in your life.

Use Coupon Code: TMH1210 at Checkout

Visit us at www.notinthemalls.com

Christmas bits too…

Brought to you by:

The Birth Shop will be at Little Footsteps Fair

Dates : 18th~19th December 2010
Venue : Singapore Expo Hall 5A Booth A121
Admission : Public - Free Admission
Time: 11am to 9pm

Great deals for Nursingwear, Bras, Baby Slings & Accessories!

We are a one-stop shopping for all mothers and mothers-to-be. You will be able to find innovative pregnancy and baby products. For more information, visit us at www.thebirthshop.com.sg

Korean Kids Boutique will be having a warehouse sale up to 50-80% discount

Venue : Level 3 Room 320 Suntec Convention Centre
Time : 10am to 8pm
Date : 12 Dec 2010

Korean Kids Boutique features quality children’s apparel at affordable price

The Year of the Rabbit is just round the corner and many of us will be interested to know the zodiac signs for 2011. Jo Ching, Principal Consultant of DestinyAsia Global Consultancy, tells us what the year of rabbit holds for your family and you.

Jo Ching is the Principal Consultant of DestinyAsia Global Consultancy – a feng shui firm that creates opportunities and results for individual, families and business owners. Coming from a reputable lineage, Master Jo is also a trainer that coaches enthusiasts and practitioners on advance feng shui and bazi techniques. You can visit his website or contact him as follows:

Website : www.destinyasia.com.sg
Blog : jo-ching.blogspot.com
Mobile : +65-97982675
Email : joching@destinyasia.com.sg

thedotedline imports kids apparels directly from Seoul, Korea. We are officially opened on 1st August 2010.

Most of our clothes (90%) are unique as there’s only 1 pc for each size and for each design (3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17). All of our clothings are hand-picked, chosen and imported directly from Seoul, Korea. Authentic and real with all labeled “Made in Korea“. That makes it very unlikely that your child will be wearing the same clothes as other children.

We will be having a promotion of 10% discount for purchases of $40 and above (Not applicable for whole sets of apparel and hair accessories) from 1 Dec 2010 to end of Feb 2011. Do check out our new season stocks for this coming festival.

Contact details -
Blog - www.thedotedline.blogspot.com
Facebook page - thedotedline
Email - thedotedline@gmail.com

The New Year means renewal of vows and elimination of the things that are unfavorable to you and the people around you. As parents, you also need to evaluate the ending year and look deeper into the things you should have done and you should have not done. A New Year’s resolution is something to hold on to as you continue your pledge to keep your family intact and perform your responsibilities as parents. Here is a list to guide you as you formulate your parental New Year Resolutions:

• Dwell on the positive side. Start making rewards for your children’s appropriate behaviours. Rewards are indeed great motivations for a good act.
• Spend quality time. You might want to include in your New Year’s resolution a time to spend with the entire family for bonding and relaxation. Children need attention and setting aside the other aspects of your life for a family vacation would mean a lot to them.
• Appreciate. Be grateful and appreciative of your children’s works. A simple “thank you” breaks the barriers between the parent and the child. This would mean that despite your authority, you are able to recognize your child’s efforts.
• Set a resolution to be a good example for your children. No other icon in this world influences the child more than the parents. Refrain from doing things you might not want them to imitate. Our innate tendencies for mistakes will eventually be overshadowed by our desire to hone better individuals.
• Get rid of bad habits. Children of parents who smoke are more likely to do the same when they grow older. Whatever parents do is something right in the eyes of the child. Stay away from vices and keep your child on the right path.
• Communicate. Talk to your children and know more about their activities. Once you have failed to be aware of what your child is up to, you are beginning to hinder yourself from getting closer with each other. Simple conversations will ease the child’s resentments and confusion. You can start by asking simple and easy questions. Let the child grab the floor to talk and express himself.

A New Year’s resolution is not just a change for you but a transformation for your children’s world. Whenever you decide to formulate a list, you have to think of your general relationship as a family.

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Jan 10 issue Page 6

Cuties Juniors is having some special promotions on Trunki ToyBox, Lugguage & Accessories this Dec