Today’s Motherhood

Congratulations to the winners of Today’s Motherhood Children Storybook Giveaway Contest Mar 11. They have won themselves free children story books of their choice for their children as below

Below are the names of the winners:

1. Anita Agarwal (Happy Easter, Peter!)
2. Chong Sieh Yin (Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom (A Magic Wipe-Clean Game Book))
3. Koh Hui Chen (Young Cam Jansen and the 100th Day of School Mystery)
4. May Chow (What Does a Seed Need)
5. Ooi Ling Yin (Charlie and Lola: I Slightly Want To Go Home)

**Winners will be notified by email individually.

** Terms and Conditions apply

The prizes are sponsored by

With the current onslaught of children’s media programs, children today are more exposed to violence as compared to the past. What should you do when your child starts to ‘become’ Batman, Superman or Spiderman? This article will address some concerns parents might have regarding Superhero play in children.

What it is
Superhero play is a type of sociodramatic play that children engage in by using superhero-related figurines, costumes and other related props. While it is primarily seen in young boys, girls may be interested in superheroes and engage in such play as well.

Why are children attracted to Superhero play?
• It offers children authority and power
Superhero play is one way for children to achieve a sense of power and invincibility as portrayed in the various media. Children may experience doubts about their abilities and feel frustrated when they are not successful. Assuming the role of a superhero helps to eliminate these feelings. This is especially true for young children who have limited control in many areas of their lives.

• An outlet for physical activity
Young children enjoy vigorous physical activity such as running, jumping and wrestling. These activities often help to release tension and frustration. The themes in superhero play provide children with a setting in to incorporate such physical behaviors.

• Children can experiment with new roles
Superhero play allows children to use play to work out an understanding of experience, including violent experiences. Children’s play often focuses on the more graphic, confusing and aggressive aspects of violence, because they are trying to work out and understand such content.

Benefits
Play is a major medium in a child’s development. Superhero and war play can actually be beneficial to children. Young children grow to be familiar with the concepts of goodness and fairness and they are able to act out these concepts through their play. Children use play to help them understand their world, and superhero play enables them a safe avenue to role play and understand the violence they have seen from the media.

Researchers have also found that superhero play engages in healthy rough and tumble play. It also leads to greater skills and experiences in managing adversity without aggression as children grow up. Children also learn empathy as they take the roles of others. Through play, they practice responding positively to fearful situations, such as teasing and bullying.

Strategies for parents
• Entering into the play process
Adults should accept children’s play theme, encourage children to think through whom they want to play with, what and how do they want to play, to expand children’s thought processes. Parents can also involve themselves in the children’s play to gain their perspectives. Being involved in children’s play allows parents to observe children’s interaction with one another better and stop any inappropriate behaviour in time.

• Voicing your opinion and be honest
Parents should voice out and be honest with their children, should they see actions that are harmful or dangerous. Make it clear to children that there is one rule that will never change, which is “Everyone must be safe”. In this way, children will be able to understand the seriousness of the actions they are doing and be more cautious when they are playing.

• Acknowledge children’s appropriate use of authority
Acknowledging children’s appropriate use of their authority will help them develop a sense of autonomy. Children need to feel a sense of autonomy in order to develop their confidence. If they were shamed many times during this process, they will grow to doubt their capabilities.

• Connecting feelings to actions
Parents can help children link their feelings to actions when they engage in superhero play. Linking feelings to actions help children associate their imaginative play to reality, and helps them differentiate between imagination and reality. In this way, children’s play processes are facilitated appropriately and are transformed from negative play tovpositive ones.

• Setting clear boundaries
Parents can involve children in the planning of both indoor and outdoor rules. They can help children to be aware of the safety issues and ways to protect themselves and others from physical and psychological injuries.

Written by Michelle Ang

Updated 18 Jun 2011
Thank you for your participation. The Top 5 Voted Entries in our Coverpage Baby Photo Contest are as below

1. Liyu Jiong Lin (260) (Coverpage Winner)
2. Celeste Liaw (68) 2nd
3. Elkan Chan (392) 3rd
4. Rhanzce Matthew Aguirre (123) 4th
5. Aidan Lee Zaidi (540) 5th

Their photos taken will be published in August September 2011 issue of Today’s Motherhood Magazine and the winner will be the Coverpage Model of the same issue.

The Coverpage Photo Contest - Baby Photo Contest Jun - Jul 11 is on-going.

Today’s Motherhood Coverpage Photo Contest Apr/May 2011 is open for submission. The contest theme will be Photogenic Baby Contest.

1. You must be a subscriber of Today’s Motherhood mailing list to enter the contest. To subscribe

(Existing members need not sign up again. New members need to check your email after signup to confirm subscription)

2. Only ONE photo per child (multiple entries will be deleted)
3. File size of photo must not exceed 1M btyes.
4. You can only submit photo of your own child.
5. Age of child is 5 years old or less

- The Top 5 winners of the Coverpage Photo Contest will get prizes sponsored by Photography by Yew Kwang, Smart Alley and Today’s Motherhood

- The First Prize winner’s photo will be featured on Today’s Motherhood Magazine Coverpage

1st Prize Winner
- Coverpage Model for Today’s Motherhood Parenting Magazine Singapore Aug/Sep 2011
- Photography by Yew Kwang package
* Up to 45 minutes of shoot in studio
* 2 different outfits (self provide)
* 10 high resolution images in CD ROM
* Value of package - $128
- Smart Alley Cash Voucher worth $100

2nd to 3rd prizes
- Photography by Yew Kwang packages worth $128
- Smart Alley Pretend & Play Little Learners Backpack worth $79.90
- Photographs will be featured inside the Aug/Sep 2011 issue

4th to 5th prizes
- Photography by Yew Kwang vouchers worth $48
- Smart Alley Pretend & Play Little Learners Backpack worth $79.90

For details of rules and regulations, terms and conditions and how to enter the contest, please see details at Coverpage Photo Contest.

The contest will be an INTERNAL voting contest by Today’s Motherhood panel of judges. The judges decision are final and no correspondence shall be entertained.

Closing Date : 31 May 2011

This Baby Photo Contest is held together with Photography by Yew Kwang & Smart Alley.

Steps To Submit a Photo:

1. Click Upload Photo below
2. Select an image to upload : You can either choose from your harddisk or a WebURL (Note : File size must be less than 1M bytes)
3. Caption : Please enter photo description
4. Enter Your Name, Your Email (the one used to join our mailing list)
5. Key in Your Phone Number, Your Child’s Name, Your Child’s Birthday
6. Click Submit
7. Once the photo shows up, click Done

For enquires, please email support@todaysmotherhood.com

Terms and Conditions Apply

To submit a photo,

Select an image to upload:	Browse for file  Enter URL Import Image by URL
Caption:
Your Name:
Your Email:
Your Phone:
Your Child's name::
Your Child's birthday:

5.  Aidan Lee Zaidi

4.  Elkan Chan

3.  Liyu JiongLin

2.  Rhanzce Matthew Aguirre

1.  Celeste Liaw

SportsKids is a multi-sports program developed by a team of professionals with sports science and medical expertise.

The program is designed specially for pre-schoolers aged 2.5 to 6 years old.

Our aims :

• To create safe and non- competitive environment for pre-schoolers
• To foster confidence by mastering fundamental motor skills such as running, jumping, skipping, kicking, hopping, catching and throwing with 10 different sports.
• To develop social skills
• Lastly, to have lots of FUN FUN FUN!!

Our Program

‘SportsKids‘ is our revolutionary multisports program designed with the development of the individual child in mind. We teach kids major movements in a set of sports to develop their fundamental motor skills in accordance to their current capabilities.

Kids learn about sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, hockey, athletics, cricket, rugby, volleyball and tennis while having immense fun in the process.

Our Classes

Age 2.5 – 3 years old
Age 3 – 4 years old
Age 4 – 5 years old
Age 5 – 6 years old

Website : www.sportskids.com.sg
Email: enquiry@sportskids.com.sg
Tel : 9299 8032
Address : 51, Jalan Rajah Road, Singapore 329154



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Nurture Kids will be having 2 holiday programmes this June holiday 2011. Enjoy early bird discount of 20% if you sign up before 30 Apr 2011.

Dealing with Feelings
(4 - 6 years old)

Objectives :

• To become aware & label own feelings
• To understand feelings: angry, happy, frustrated, proud, afraid, sad
• To learn how to deal with uncomfortable feelings
• To learn to perspective take and show empathy

Duration : 3 consecutive days; 3 hours per day
Dates :
1 to 3 Jun 2011 (2-5pm)
6 to 8 Jun 2011 (9am to 12pm)
15 to 17 Jun 2011 (2-5pm)
20 to 22 Jun 2011 (9am to 12pm)

Fees : $210 (plus $25 registration fees)

Resolving Conflicts
(7 - 9 years old)

Objectives :

• To understand and respect that we are all different and that people can have different views and feelings
• To learn to recognise and manage uncomfortable emotions
• To learn and practise problem solving, negotiation and cooperation skills

Duration : 3 consecutive days; 3 hours per day
Dates :
30 May to 1 Jun 2011 (9am to 12pm)
8 to 10 Jun 2011 (2pm to 5pm)
13 to 15 Jun 2011 (9am to 12pm)
22 to 24 Jun 2011 (2pm to 5pm)

Fees : $210 (plus $25 registration fees)

Call +65 62884823 or email enquiry@nurturekids.com.sg or visit www.nurturekids.com.sg for more details

Innokidz is happy to announce their latest series Sid The Science Kid.

Sid The Science Kid series will bring the children on science adventures, and explain everyday scientific discoveries. Sid The Kid is designed to further develop children’s natural wonder and build a strong foundation for early science exploration. A great science teaching tool.

Children Storybooks Giveaway. Read our Apr 11 Story Book Recommendations and Stand a Chance to Win One of the following books. See end of post for details. Contest ends 15 May 2011!

1. The Rainbow Book by Kate Ohrt

Synopsis:
The Rainbow Book is a book blooming with colors of the rainbow and optimistic feelings. Flip the pages in the book and you will find how creative the author uses different colors to connect with the different sentiments. This book brings in inspirational sentiments that will brighten up a child’s outlook in life. It consists of delicate paper-cutting in bright colors on every single page that will captivate young children’s attention and imagination.

Definitely a good book to talk about colors or sentiments to the young ones. It may spur them to do up something different and creative.

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

2. Charlie and Lola: Look after your Planet by Lauren Child

Synopsis:
Charlie and Lola: Look after your Planet is based on the original Charlie and Lola stories as seen on television. In this book, Lola who wanted to dump away the old things in her room as she does not want to have messy room like Marty’s. She was persuaded by Charlie to recycle those things. She went on a long but meaningful journey to learn all about recycling and how it is extremely very important to look after our planet. Soon she has found an extra-specially fun way to do more recycling – and gets lots of her classmates to join in too!

This book sends an important message to these young readers about the need to go green to protect the Earth that we live in. It includes great ideas on how these little ones can do a part to protect our planet!

Age: Recommended for aged 5 and up (younger children may enjoy the book too)

3. Mini Racer by Kristy Dempsey

Synopsis:
Mini Racer is a children’s book featuring all kinds of vehicles racing up hills, down hills, through forest, passing terrain, under bridges and even stopping for a pit stop! It is accompanied by bright and interesting illustrations with rhyming words that will engage your child. The rich language used in the book is very enriching for young readers. Words are used in a fun and playful manner that will heighten the children’s ability to listen and pick them up fast.

This book is coupled with colourful and beautiful illustrations will be a great hit with young children especially children who adore vehicles and racing cars! Now, who will win the race? Read this book to find out!

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

4. Manner Mash-up – A Goofy Guide to Good Behavior

Synopsis:
Manner Mash-up – A Goofy Guide to Good Behavior is a book loaded with rich etiquettes, specially contributed by fourteen talented artists. Each one is handed a different place where one should show good manners. In short, each spread illustrates a setting from kids’ everyday lives and the potential blunders they may commit there. There will be messages emphasizing on the appropriate behaviour somewhere in the page. From the dinner table to the doctor’s office, from the playground to the pool, this irreverent book will help kids navigate any social scenario with utmost grace, or at least without too much embarrassment.

The well-illustrated pictures in all their different and recognizable styles will amuse young readers and parents!

Age: Recommended for aged 4 and up

5. The Perfect Hug by Joanna Walsh & Judi Abbot

Synopsis:
“There are hugs for wrigglers, hugs for gigglers. Hugs that are tickly, and hugs that are prickly…” Panda is looking for ‘the perfect hug from one that will suit me down to the ground; one that will fit me all the way round.’ But why can’t Panda find the perfect hug? Join him and his adventure as he meets different animals in search of the perfect hug. Now, will he find the perfect hug that he has been yearning and searching for?
This book consists of bright, colourful and fun illustrations that will sure to captivate these young readers. A good book to express love and shower hugs and kisses on these young ones!

Age: Recommended for aged 3 and up

Our Children’s Books are reviewed by Crystal

Giveaway Contest

We have one book of each of the above children book titles to giveaway. Total 5 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

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

The prizes are sponsored by

Terms and Conditions Apply.

Kids Cover Looks will be having a Kids / Babies Profile Photo Promotion @S$28 till 30 Apr 11. Valid to first 100 bookings only. Call +65 6235 4993 for appointment & present this page for your kid’s photo session. See below for more details

Congratulations to the winners of Today’s Motherhood Skylace Match It! Snapper & Memory Games Giveaway. They have won a themselves Match It! Snapper & Memory Games each.

1. Charlene Ang
2. Elsie Soh
3. Karen Kua
4. Ruth Soh
5. Sharon Tong

*Winners will be notified by email/phone individually.

** Terms and Conditions apply.

The prizes are sponsored by Skylace Language School.

In collaboration with the Singapore Zoological Gardens, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, Wink to Learn has created an innovative information program especially for children!

In 2009, Mr. Lee Hann Yang conceptualised the idea of collaborating with the Singapore Zoological Gardens, Jurong Bird Park and Night Safari to film and develop an encyclopedic series of DVDs. The purpose was to give children an opportunity to view the animals in action up close, and develop understandings in science while listening to the narrator comment.

Through real-life videography, children are exposed to more than 300 animal and nature facts. Animated pictures are used to explain a science concept and help children understand each animal’s unique characteristics. The DVDs will help children have the opportunity to visit the habitats of the animals featured in each disc, learn at least 500 new English and Chinese phrases. I believe that Hann Yang has the entrepreneur spirit by being able to identify what the market needs, and conceptualize products to meet the needs of all customers.

There is much planning and testing during the processing of development before its release to be a high-quality educational resource for families with young children. A distinctive quality unique in Wink to Learn products are the reality of the pictures. When children are exposed to pictures in their natural context, they are able to better appreciate the world in which we live in.

“A Picture speaks a thousand words – Latin Saying.” Imagine how much meaning a moving picture can convey. View sample videos at www.winktolearn.com

Also, find out more about Wink to Learn in an exclusive interview with the founder. Remember: The most important gift we as parents can give our children is to provide them with opportunities to learn from a young age, and to enjoy the learning process :)

Article written by Michele See