Today’s Motherhood

Baby a2z and Today’s Motherhood are doing a giveaway of JD Bug Training Bike Worth $298. We have 2 training bikes to be given away. See below for details

INTRODUCING THE JD BUG TRAINING BIKE
This Ergonomically-Designed Training Bike Comes With
An Attachable Gear Box To Allow The Child To Pedal

The joys and benefits of cycling are aplenty for both adults and kids. So why not let your child learn to cycle at an early age?

After all, cycling can help develop the child’s motor co-ordination skill and instil confidence in them. Introducing the JD Bug training bike that is perfect for kids, from 2½ years old, pick up the skill of cycling that would last them a lifetime. Plus, enjoying the many wonderful moments of joy, laughter and bonding for the whole family through cycling.

A training bike (which does not come with pedals) prepares a child to cycle by first letting him or her learn how to push and glide the bike with both feet. The child should progress from the “push and glide” motion and ready to learn to pedal within six months. And at this stage, parents usually then look for a new pedal bike, making the training bike obsolete.

Exclusively distributed by Baby a2z Pte Ltd, the JD Bug training bike is unlike other training bikes as it can be easily upgraded to a pedal bike by just installing the gear box that comes with the bike.

This means that the “shelf-life” of the training bike is prolonged as it becomes a pedal bike that the child can then cycle on for the another two or more years. Parents do not need to spend more money to purchase a new pedal bike, which means, less inventory at home nor the need to worry about where and how to dispose the obsolete training bike.

Weighing at only 3.2kg, the lightweight JD Bug training bike is highly portable and can even be brought along for a family getaway. Even with the gear box installed, the JD Bug training bike weighs 4.9kg, which is still lighter than many normal pedal bikes, that usually weighs more than 6kg.

Ergonomically-designed to ensure comfort and safety for the child, the JD Bug training bike comes with an adjustable seat to cater to the height of the child; safety grips and safety break stop system for safer handling and threaded tires for better surface grip.

Aesthetically, the combination of lime green, black and white colours makes the JD Bug training bike striking and appealing for kids of both gender.

Priced at S$298, the JD Bug training bike, bundled with a gear box, is suitable for children aged 2½ years old and above. It is now available at Swissvalley Pte Ltd, 486 River Valley Road Singapore 248370, Tel: 6836 6566 or online at www.bba2z.com. For enquiry, email to enquiry@bba2z.com.

Giveaway Contest

We have 2 JD Bug Training Bike worth S$298 each to be given away. All you have to do are

1. Join Today’s Mother Mailing List below (existing members need not sign up again. New members need to check your email after signup to confirm subscription)

2. Be a fan of Today’s Motherhood

3. Fill in the form below

Contest ends 31 Jul 2011. Winner will have to collect the prize from Word of Mouth Communications Pte Ltd. Address : 54 Prinsep Street, #01-01, Singapore 188684

The prizes are sponsored by baby a2z

Terms and Conditions Apply.

Open for 2012 registration

Date : 8 Oct 2011 (Sat)
Time : 9am to 3pm

Centre Tour For New Parents at 11am

One free set of uniform for new applicants with this advertisement

For more information, visit Big Apple Child Care & Development Centre
Blk 297 Tampines St 22 #01-576 Singapore 520297
Tel : 62604391 HP : 92273861
Facebook : Bigapple Tamp

SRT The Little Company & Today’s Motherhood are giving away 10 pairs of tickets to Just A Dream - The Green Play to our loyal Fans!

Each fan is entitled to one entry. Do share to as many friends as possible to have higher chance of winning! 1 friend = 2x chances.

Contest ends 18 Jul 2011. Like us today and share with your friends.

Note : Tickets valid for 13 Aug 2011 2pm show only at DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT

Simply like us in our Facebook Fans Page

Share this good news with your friends in Facebook = 2x chances

Further 2 more chances if you join Our Great Parenting Deals Page

So why wait. Join us now if you have not!

Note : For existing fans, you will still need to fill in 1. Your Name 2. Contact # 3. Your Email on this Page and click “Enter”

Terms and Conditions Apply

Last September, there was a massive Fisher Price recall involving more than 10 million toys. My son’s Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders™ Kick & Crawl™ Aquarium was affected. The valve on the inflatable ball could come off and there were three children reported to have begun choking on the valve. Needless to say, I have thrown the ball away.

As toys are such an integral part of our baby’s or toddler’s playtime, here are some important tips for parents on toy safety.

Choosing Toys
Read packaging label and instructions: Select toys that are of the appropriate age group for your child. Read the instructions carefully, focusing on warning statements. If you are confident that your child is no longer mouthing things, and choose to offer him a toy labelled as unsuitable for age 0 to 3 years old, supervise him closely during play.

Check manufacturer’s safety standards and policies: Both large and small brand names may produce toys subject to recall. Take some time to read the manufacturer’s safety policies on its website. Sometimes, you would be able to find safety tests certifications.

Use the toilet roll tube test: If the toy can fit into a toilet roll tube, it is too small and poses a choking hazard for young children.

Beware of small parts: Ideally, the toy should not have any detachable small parts such as the eyes, nose, buttons of a teddy bear. Stuffed toys should also not contain beans and pellets, which are hazardous when the toy is torn. The wheels of some toy cars may also come off during play, posing a choking risk.

Avoid small magnetic parts: U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) warns that when two small magnets (or a small magnet and a metal item) are swallowed, they can attract each other through the intestinal walls, leading to intestinal damage and even death. For this reason, avoid getting toys with small magnets that could fall out. Any magnets in the house should also be out of young children’s reach. One such hazard is fridge magnets, which are popular in many homes.

Avoid toys with cords and strings: Cords and strings pose a strangulation hazard, especially when many children love to wrap them around their necks. For pull-string toys, you may choose to tie a dead-knot to significantly shorten the strings, or cut them off.

Avoid toys that produce loud / sharp noises: These could cause permanent hearing damage. A young child may put the noisy toy next to her ears or her peer’s ears, so it is better to steer clear of these toys.

Choose toys made of wood or cloth: To avoid potentially harmful chemicals such as PVC, phthalates and BPA, some parents opt for wooden or cloth toys, especially for their children who are still mouthing items. When getting wooden toys, choose those with lead-free paint.

Check the quality of the toy: This is a checklist of other areas to watch out for:
- Not easily breakable or chipped, especially thin plastic parts
- No sharp corners
- Nothing to catch small fingers
- No wooden splinters
- No opened seams for soft toys
- No metal rust
- No peeling paint
- Battery case is screwed tight (Without a screw, a child may remove the cover and ingest the battery, which is very dangerous.)

These Toys Aren’t Mine
Check hand-me-down toys carefully: When you receive a bag of handed down toys, check every item for its suitability and quality according to the other tips mentioned above. After that, clean and sanitise the toys before giving them to your child. However, there is always the risk of recalled toys that you are unaware of when accepting hand-me-downs.

Be extra careful during a play date: This is especially so if your baby is younger than the host’s child and still mouthing things. Scan the toys for small parts and supervise closely. You may politely ask the host to keep potentially dangerous items during the play date.

More Good Practices
Check toys regularly for wear and tear: Every week, check existing toys for signs of wear and tear, or accidental damage. If necessary, repair the items or throw them away before danger arises.

Check toys before next newborn arrives: The arrival of a new baby means many toys could be considered dangerous again. Keep unsuitable items out of the youngest baby’s reach and educate the older child on items that are unsuitable for baby.

Stay updated on toy recalls: When unsure of a toy, you may search the U.S. CPSC website to check it has been previously recalled. To receive first-hand information on the latest recalls, subscribe to CPSC’s updates via email or RSS feeds.

As parents, we can never be too careful, so let us make play time as safe as possible for our precious little ones.

About the Writer
MieVee is a Stay-At-Home-Mum with a 2-year old son, Vee. She supports cloth diapering, natural parenting and homeschooling. Her website, MummysReviews.com
, aims to help parents make smart purchases and organises regular giveaways. You may contact MieVee at MieVee@MummysReviews.com

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Apr/May 2011 issue Page 17

Bebe Avenue is proud to bring to you the Original Zippered Peanut Swaddle - The Woombie from USA.

The Woombie is the safest & most natural way to swaddle our baby, encouraging baby to softly stretch as needed, just like in the womb. The Woombie comforts, softly confines arms & gently compresses baby’s unique curves to hug baby, help baby sleep better, preventing startling issues, face scratching, overheating and also preventing dangerous loose unraveled blankets from covering baby’s face.

• The Woombie is a proud winner of the PTPA Best Product 2010 Award, PTPA Award, Creative Child Award & Moms Best Award.
• Woombie products conform to CSPIA guidelines and have been tested in a CSPIA accredited laboratory for safety and compliance.
• Woombie products are made in an Eco Friendly fashion which does not cause harm to your baby or the environment. Organic and natural products are used whenever possible to maintain the health of your baby.

Get yours today at www.bebeavenuesg.com. Apply coupon code T976XC4999 during checkout to enjoy 10% OFF the selling price (almost 15% OFF RRP). Promotion valid till 30/7/2011.

Join our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BebeAvenue) to enjoy additional discount on your first purchase (*terms and conditions apply)

*Terms & conditions: Applicable to bank transfer and cheque payment only.

After nine months of carrying your baby, the next crucial period is the post-natal confinement stage. During this time, mothers are expected to recuperate at home to replenish what they have ‘lost’ during the nine month of pregnancy.

Confinement food, practices and duration differ across culture and religion, however, the main idea behind the confinement period is for the mother to rest and restore her health by eating food packed with nutrients, protein and of medicinal value. This is where the job of a confinement nanny normally comes in. However, some mothers may not wish to hire a personal confinement nanny, but still require some help in their diet.

Below are some catering services which offer confinement food Singapore:

- Chili Padi Peranakan Food and Catering
- Confinementfood.com
- NEWBABY confinement food
- Confinement-meals
- Natal Essentials
- Pretty Mommy Confinement Soups

Even though your baby has been safely delivered and is healthy and strong, your post-natal care is as important as your pre-natal care. Your body requires a well deserved rest after the nine months of arduous strain. The confinement period is a crucial time where your strength and vitality must be properly replenished.

By Michelle Ang

This Personalized DVD is filled with birthday songs, dancing, and animated scenes. Your child joins Barney, Baby Bop and BJ for a very special occasion: his or her birthday!

Barney and his pals have planned a wonderful party. Your child can sing along while playing party games, trying on fun party hats, and blowing out the birthday candles. This video demonstrates the importance of generosity and love on a child’s very special day.

Order now!! Limited Release only. Avail of 5% Discounts for 50 first orders!

Watch sample Barney and Friends Photo DVD (under PHOTO) from www.music-and-i.com

Email us at sales@music-and-i.com the following:

NAME of the child:
Customized Message for the Child:
A front-facing clear picture of the child

*Check and Watch sample Barney and Friends videos from our www.music-and-i.com, the name of the child should be in our database

Congratulations to the winners of Today’s Motherhood Children Storybook Giveaway Contest May 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. Cathy Lee Fong Chan (Olivia says Goodbye to Grandpa)
2. Koh Hwee Hua (LEGO CITY: Police Chase Activity Book)
3. Magdalene Yeow (When the World Was Waiting for You)
4. Suzi (Molly Makes Friends)
5. Tan Ling Cher (When Katie’s Parents Separated)
6. Terry J Mascarenhas (Jacob Goes to the Doctor and Sophie Visits the Dentist)

**Winners will be notified by email individually.

** Terms and Conditions apply

The prizes are sponsored by

75% Off 60 mins Supreme Signature Womb Care Therapy for beauty inside out at Supreme QX Beauty at S$49 nett instead of S$198!

Highlights

• $49 instead of $198 for one session of Méditrina Womb care therapy
• 45 mins therapy + 15 mins infra red light
• Protect the health of your ovaries
• Prevent premature aging of your ovaries
• Meridian Energy Test included before treatment, providing you with detailed computerized analysis to determine health
• Therapy massage employs massage techniques to activate the meridian energy points and keep the womb healthy.

To get this deal, visit Great Parenting Deals

The Fine Print

• Voucher valid till 1 September 2011
• Purchase of multiple vouchers for friends as gifts allowed
• One customer can redeem one coupon only. Multi-purchase is allowed for gifts.
• Limited to one coupon per person
• Appointment required, call +65 6358 3029
• Not valid with any other promotions, redemption or discounts.
• Non-exchangeable & non-refundable

To get this deal, visit Great Parenting Deals

Play is something that is natural and we engage in it. Therefore play is a natural way to engage children struggling with issues around depression/sadness, anxiety, social issues and all the feelings commonly felt by adults.

Issues such as parental distress or arguments, divorce or remarriage can deeply affect children. For children, they may have a difficult time adjusting to a new sibling, school, teacher or classmates or social situation. Other life stress may result from medical procedures or health issues, serious accidents or the death of someone close to the child. Some children may need help enhancing his or her coping skills to better handle stress and anxiety.

Play is universal to all children around the world no matter what language or culture. It is through play that children learn and explore their world and also some to understand their own abilities, likes and dislikes. Play actually helps to organize the executive and symbolic capacities of the prefrontal cortex in a developing child’s brain. Therefore, it makes sense to treat children with play for emotional, social or behavioral issues.

Play therapy works because a child under the age of 12 has relatively limited language abilities and often lack abstract verbal reasoning in order express what they are feeling or thinking. The play therapist provides carefully selected toys, art supplies, games and other play media for children to communicate and process difficult emotions and feelings.

The American Play Therapy Association (2011) defines play therapy as “a form of counseling (or psychotherapy) by which licensed mental health professionals use play-based models and techniques to better communicate with and help clients, especially children, achieve optimal mental health.”

Play therapy works by providing a way for children to reduce stress, encourages develop of independence, promotes communication, competence and catharsis. These outcomes are achieved through play by means of role-play, fantasy/visualization and metaphoric teaching through stories, puppets and other play media.

Playing, in a therapeutic setting, allows a child to relive (symbolically) stressful and traumatic events. In this way children communicate with the play therapist what is happen in their world from their perspective.

The role of the play therapist is to provide a secure safe setting that fosters the child’s self-awareness and encourages independence, self-monitoring and self-efficacy. The therapist also works with the parents by providing feedback, parent education and skills training to further the work done in therapy to transfer to the home and school. The role and involvement of the parent is critical.

Filial Therapy is another therapy in which the play therapist trains the parent to do therapeutic play therapy at home with their child. This can be to enhance work by the therapist or just as form of parent education to help promote child/parent attachment, attunement and overall positive development.

All in the Family Counselling specializes in play therapy for children, families and adults. All in the family also provides Filial Therapy training. We welcome questions about how play therapy would work for your family please contact us by visiting our website at www.allinthefamilycounselling.com or calling 9030 7239.

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Apr-May 11 issue Page 20