our own place

i am so annoyed with HDB now. this is like the FOURTH time they're asking me for the same documents, the same damned documents, when i have told them each time they send their stupid request that i DO NOT have the documents they are requesting for!!

it's really damn annoying!!

ok, chope.
let me give you some background to the situation, cos i don't believe i have spoken about this here yet. heh. well, we had wanted to keep this hush hush till everything is firm and concrete. well, our flat is pretty much built, firmed and concrete, so i suppose it's okay to talk about it now, heh!

yes! our flat!
noel and i have applied for our HDB flat last year in October actually. the $2000 option fee has been paid, documents have been signed, and our unit has been booked. yey!

but far from this being a happy and exciting journey, this is actually becoming a totally annoying and exasperating experience! for me, at least!

even from the beginning, this is proving to be a complete hurdle for us. firstly, the unit we have successfully applied for is in AMK. we had actually wanted a resale flat in AMK Ave 10 - very near Auntie D and Gramma Gerry! - and was looking forward to moving out to our own place in a matter of three months. i just wanted our own place as quick as possible.

but alas, when it came to our turn in january this year (our balloting number was 247, which was very promising as we were told by fellow house-buying-experienced friends), all the resale units were snapped up, so we were left with no other choices, but to opt for a new flat that will be completed in august 2012. TWO YEARS!!

the pro to this is that we will get a totally "clean" and new apartment, with no need to fear about previous owner issues, or having to deal with massive renovations. the only downside is having to wait for nearly two years till we can eventually move out. but oh well. we had a back-up plan, which is to perhaps rent a place, till we get the keys to our new place. (still searching by the way!)

okay, so the reason why we opted for a place in AMK is, because we were under the correct impression, that if we get a place within 2km radius of any of our folks, under the Married Child Priority Scheme, we'd get that "proximity grant" of about $30K. right? noel's folks stay in upp thomson, which is just at the junction of AMK Ave 1, and our new flat is along AMK Ave 1, facing Bishan Park 2. definitely within or at least just skirting the 2km radius.

so imagine our dismay, when during our first appointment in january, we learned that we are not entitled to any housing grants! not even the first timer grant! and why? because according to HDB (or at least, the staff that attended to us), the flat we are opting to purchase is from the Sale of Balance Flats Exercise, and is (quote) already considered cheap (unquote), therefore no grants will be extended to us.

like, hello???? $367 THOUSAND for a 4-room 87m² pigeon hole of a flat is hardly CHEAP!! if we had known this fact before we submitted our application, we would have opted for a flat in Punggol or Sengkang!! screw the 2km proximity! i would have been happier, we would have a smaller hole in our pockets, and be a lot less stressful!!

but wait, it gets WORSE. because noel and i are both over 30years of age, instead of having to pay 5% downpayment, we are required to put up the full 10%! this is, like, nearly FORTY-THREE GRAND, after adding in the stamp and conveyancing fees. ok so, nevermind, we can't change our minds already, because that would mean forfeiting our application and our turn, so we paid the $2000 option fee, booked our flat, and went ahead with it.

so now we're in the process of sorting out our HLE - and it is getting more and more frustrating by the month. today we received another letter from HDB, asking yet again, for my Notice of Assessment for the Year 2008 and 2009.

sigh.

i have told them FOUR times already, i do not have my NOA for these two years. since i left Bar None in 07, i have been unemployed. i was pregnant, and just starting to build stubbornsnails. more importantly, i was NOT required to file. when i logged into myTaxPortal, a big fat statement that read "You are not required to file" was plastered on the home screen. i have even printed a screenshot of this to provide as proof!

i have written to them THREE times, told the HDB staff during our first appointment at least TWO times, that i was unemployed technically till June '09 cos that was when i registered my company. i have given them all possible necessary documents, declared all that is possible to declare, so i am getting quite annoyed that there is no form of ability to record it in their system, that i do not have my NOAs for the two damned years they keep requesting! argh!

all this is delaying the approval of our HLE application, and consequently the signing of our Agreement for Lease! hey, not that i can't wait to part with 43grand, but i just want to feel secure that we will get our place as estimated in 2012 (maybe in late 2011 if all goes well), and not have our option fee forfeited for whatever case.

it's just...i want noel and i to have our own place so badly, because drayden needs his own space and room to keep his toys, and i just think it's a nice and warm feeling to come home to a house that is truly our own, with just the three of us. everytime we drive by AMK 1, i get incredibly excited just staring at the heap of on-going construction!


soon-to-be ours! *fingers crossed!*
hopefully, noel and i will be proud house-owners come 2012! =)

when i grow up...

....i wanna be just like uncle nal, uncle mang and uncle athif from the goodfellas! =)

this is drayden's FOURTH guitar, and i love how he rocks it! he even sings (ok shrieks) sometimes! i guess the countless visits to timbre@substation watching the goodfellas perform good "live" music has rubbed off on the mini man!

ma

drayden and his best buddy...ma! (he gave the name himself!)
when he plays games on my iPhone, he makes ma sit and watch him play!

bernice's barney birthday

on sunday, we attended drayden's baby buddy, bernice's barney-themed birthday party at the lavish grounds of shang-ri la's garden terrace. it was a fantastic party! i love parties that are designed around children - with fringe activities and games for the kids, and the little things that children love at a fun fair, like ice-cream, popcorn and candy floss!

bernice's party was a blast, not only were there fringe activities like balloon sculpting, glitter tattoos and funfair games, there was even a Barney mascot! and my favorite of them all, bernice's mommy hired a photographer to go around the party taking photos of guests, and these photos were turned into badges that were later handed out to the guests! it's a fantastic idea and makes a great party favor!

the buffet spread was delish...there's sushi! and bread-and-butter pudding! a big two thumbs up in my books! drayden loooooves sushi.

well, we had left the camera at home, so i only managed a few shots from the iPhone!










this reminds me, we have EIGHT MONTHS to plan and prepare for drayden's third birthday! eeeks!

well, anyway, after the party, we scurried over to auntie d's place to help out with the garage sale she was organising. more on that in another post!

a great start to the week!

i woke up today with an sms from a client-friend of mine waiting on the phone, telling me she discovered my name in one of the articles in today's Straits Times while looking for news articles to discuss with her students. i'm like, eh? what news article? (still groggy from sleep, lah! lol!)

and then i remembered. oh ya! i had done an interview with ian poh from straits times a week or so ago. it's an article on the rise of mompreneurs. so for those of you who missed it (its in the money section of monday's straits times - 26 July 10 - page B19), here's the article!


click on the image for a larger view
now i just can't wait for the interview with Young Parents to be out! =)

Choosing & Training a Babysitter

With the high cost of living and raising kids in Singapore, it is common for most families to be dual-income, and kids are usually left in the care of grandparents, domestic helpers or babysitters. Some of us may not be privileged to have our parents look after our children, and we are left with the option of getting a domestic helper, or for some, a babysitter to just mind our children while we're at work.

For parents looking to engage a babysitter or nanny to care for their children, here are some information that may help you in your search. These may also apply to domestic helpers as well.

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Entrusting someone to care for your kids can be difficult. Finding a qualified babysitter requires time and effort, but your reward is assurance that your child is in capable hands. Qualities to look for include maturity, friendliness, common sense, and a genuine fondness for children.

The recommendations of people you know and trust are your best bet for finding a reliable and capable babysitter. If you're new to the area and don't know how to go about finding a sitter, ask your neighbors or coworkers for recommendations, inquire at your place of worship, or ask your child's doctor or nurse practitioner for suggestions. If your child is already enrolled in a daycare or after-school care program, staff members who are already familiar with your child may be willing to either babysit or provide sitter recommendations.

Interviewing prospective sitters and checking their references will help you narrow down your sitter choices. Ask about a sitter's experience caring for children and whether he or she is certified in infant and child CPR.

In addition, consider inviting the sitter over for a dry run while you're at home to familiarize him or her with your household and observe the interactions with your child.


BABYSITTER INSTRUCTIONS

Before you walk out the door, prepare the sitter with the following information:

• Go over your child's usual routine (for example, homework, bedtime, mealtimes) and your general house rules (for example, any limits on TV, computer use, video games, playing outside, etc.).
  
• Make sure the sitter knows where you will be and how to reach you at all times, and under what circumstances to call 999 before contacting you.
  
• Make sure the sitter knows what to do in an emergency. Provide an emergency phone list that includes neighbors, friends, relatives, and your doctor. Write your own phone number and address on the list, so that in case of an emergency, the sitter can provide that information to the police or paramedics.
  
• Show the babysitter where emergency exits, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers are located. Demonstrate how to enable and disable security systems and alarms.
  
• Show the sitter where you keep the door keys in case a child locks himself or herself inside a room.
  
• Let the sitter know of any special problems your child may have, such as an allergy to bee stings, certain foods, or household products, or the need for medication at a specific time (the directions for which should be clearly explained and written down). Show the sitter where first-aid items are kept.
  
• Teach older kids the meaning of 999 and how to call for help, so that if something happens to your babysitter, they know what to do.

Let your babysitter know your expectations before you leave your home. If you'd prefer that the sitter not leave the house with your child, make that clear. If the phone and visitors are off limits, discuss those restrictions.


BABYSITTER SAFETY

Make sure the sitter knows the following safety rules:

• Don't give your child any medicine without your written instructions.
  
• Don't leave kids alone in the house or garden, even for a minute.
  
• Don't leave kids unattended near water. Infants and small children can drown in only a few inches of water, even in a bucket or toilet.
  
• Don't feed kids under 4 years old nuts, popcorn, hard candy, raw carrots, or any hard, smooth foods that can block the windpipe and cause choking. Foods such as hot dogs or grapes should never be served whole and should be chopped into very small pieces (skin should also be removed from hot dogs).
  
• Don't let kids play with plastic bags, latex balloons, coins, or other small objects they could choke on.
  
• Don't let kids play near stairs, windows, stoves, or electrical outlets.

After you return home, ask your child if he or she enjoyed the sitter's visit. If you find a reliable sitter your child likes, you'll probably have a more relaxing and enjoyable time away from home.


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In Singapore, it is more common for parents to send their children to the house of the nanny or babysitter, versus having the babysitter/nanny come over to their homes.

The same above pointers should also apply, but in addition, do ask the potential sitter if she wouldn't mind you having a look around her place, to ensure the environment is baby-proofed and/or baby friendly.

Do ask her if she has other errands/chores that she does during the day that may distract her from taking care of your child. If she has other children in her care, too, do find out if she has help, or otherwise, how she manages her care and attention among the children.

Helping Your Child Adjust to Pre-School

last month, i shared an article that may help parents in choosing the right preschool or child care center for their little ones. Some of you may have already find the perfect one for your child!

With the new school term just starting, here's something that's timely to share! For parents of preschoolers, here's a GREAT and INSIGHTFUL article on how you can help the little ones adjust to preschool. It has some very important pointers that will definitely help ease their fears and anxiety, as well was what we can do as parents to further reassure our children.

Read on!

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(from kidsheatlh.org)

There are plenty of benefits of preschool - it can be a great place for kids to interact with peers and to learn valuable life lessons such as how to share, take turns, and follow rules. Preschool can also prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond.

But going to preschool does come with its fair share of emotions, for both the parent and the child. For a kid, entering a new preschool environment filled with unfamiliar teachers and children can cause both anxiety and anticipation. For parents, there may be mixed emotions over whether the child is ready for preschool. The more comfortable you are about your decision to place your child in preschool and the more familiar the setting can be made for your child, the fewer problems you - and your little one - will encounter.


EASING YOUR CHILD'S FEARS

Spend time talking with your child about preschool even before it starts. Before the first day, gradually introduce your child to activities that often take place in a classroom. A child accustomed to scribbling with paper and crayons at home, for example, will find it comforting to discover the same crayons and paper in his or her preschool classroom.

Visiting your child's first preschool classroom a few times before school starts can also ease the entrance into unfamiliar territory. This offers the opportunity to not only meet your child's teacher and ask about routines and common activities, but to then introduce some of those routines and activities to the child at home. While you're in the classroom, let your child explore and observe the class in his or her own way and choose whether to interact with other children. The idea is to familiarize your child with the classroom and to let him or her get comfortable.

You can also use this time to ask your child's new teacher how he or she handles the first tear-filled days. How will the first week be structured to make the transition smooth for your child?

Although it's necessary for you to acknowledge the important step your child is taking and to provide support, too much emphasis on the change may just make your child's anxiety worse. Young kids can pick up on their parents' nonverbal cues. If you feel guilty or worried about leaving your child at school, he or she will probably sense that. The more calm and assured you are about your choice to send your child to preschool, the more confident your child will be.


THE FIRST DAY

When you enter the classroom on the first day, calmly reintroduce the teacher to your child, then step back and let him or her set the tone. This will allow the teacher to begin forming a relationship with your child. Your endorsement of the teacher will show your child that he or she will be happy and safe in the teacher's care.

If your child clings to you or refuses to participate in the class, don't get upset - this may only upset your child more. Follow the guidelines described by the teacher beforehand, and go at your child's pace.

Suggestions for leaving your child at preschool are simple but can be hard on a parent. Always say a loving good-bye to your child, but once you do, you should leave promptly. Never sneak out. As tempting as it may be, leaving without saying good-bye may make your child feel abandoned, whereas a long farewell scene might only serve to reinforce a child's sense that preschool is a bad place.

A consistent and predictable farewell ritual can make leaving easier. Some parents wave from outside a certain classroom window or make a funny good-bye face, whereas others read a short book before parting. Transitional objects - a family picture, a special doll, or a favorite blanket - can also help comfort your child.

Also, keep in mind that most children do well once their parents leave.

Regardless of whether your child is eager or reluctant to go to preschool, make sure that a school staff member is ready to help with the transfer from your care to the classroom when you arrive in the morning. Some kids may jump right in with their classmates, whereas others might want a private cuddle and a story from a caregiver before joining the group.

Many preschools begin with a daily ritual, such as circle time (when teachers and children talk about what they did the day before and the activities that are ahead for the day). Preschoolers tend to respond to this kind of predictability and following a routine will help ease the move from home to school.


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Drayden is now in his third term in Playclub, and he's been enjoying school massively since we first started. next year, we'll be starting PlayNursery - an independent program - so i'm sure the tips i've posted here will be useful to me when my turn comes! =)

supermompreneurs

a month or so ago, i did a detailed interview with a website that was due to be launched - a website that celebrated mompreneurs, by showcasing the strength, capabilities and talents of these moms, who have embarked on new career paths while juggling the duties of motherhood.

today i received great news that the website has since been launched, and what's even sweeter, i am the "Supermompreneur of the Month"! *beams*

do give the website - SuperMomPreneur.com - a visit, and if you are a supermompreneur, or know of a friend or a loved one that deserves to be recognised on the website, do let the supermom behind the website, Nidhi Banthia Mehta, know about these special women!

meanwhile, do give the website a visit, or click here for the interview i did!

thanks for viewing! =)

Teaching kids to share & to be thankful

One of the first few things we parents teach our children is how to say "please" and "thank you". It's always heartwarming to see our children being thankful for every kind deed done for them or for anything that is given to them.

Recent studies have also shown that people who have a thankful attitude also have higher levels of happiness and optimism and are less likely to be affected by stress or problems.

Here are some specific steps in teaching your children to develop a grateful attitude.

1. Lead by example.

Make saying “thank you” a part of your habit. Let your everyday talk be seasoned with gratitude. In this way your children picks up that attitude. Say “thank you” to your spouse whether or not your child sees or hears you. Also express appreciation to what your child has done or is doing.

Whenever we ask any of our children to pick up a toy on the floor or to hand out something to us, we would always say thank you after they do what we ask for. By saying “thank you,” we also tell them “very good”, “wow, my child is obedient”, “I appreciate what you did” or such other phrases to express gratitude.

2. Allow kids to help in household chores.

This could mean asking them to keep their toys, cleaning the table, and many more. When you ask your kids to take part in the housework, they will realize that it is not easy work and they will appreciate more their parents’ efforts for them.

3. Encourage them to say “thank you.”

Explain to them that it is part of good manners to express thankfulness to someone for what they have given or have done for them. For little children, this takes time to sink in so when someone gives them something or a gift, lead them to say “thank you.” But this of course should not be done in a demanding way. When your children gets used to saying thank you, the next time you won’t have to tell them because they will initiate doing it on their own.

4. Make gratitude a part of your daily routine.

You can establish this during the times when family members gather together such as dinner time. Before you start eating or while eating, each one can take turns in share something he or she is thankful for. Even the little ones can share what they want to thank for.

5. Write thank you notes.

Whenever someone gives you a gift, always write a thank-you note which you can share or impart to your kids. This will make your children realize the importance of gratitude.

6. Learn to say "no" to your kids.

As a parent, it is normal for you to have the tendency to give all that your child needs but it is unhealthy if you give everything your child wants and asks for. Your child might appreciate less or might not appreciate at all what you are giving him or her. So, to lead your child to realize that not everything she wants or asks will be given, practice saying “no” to him or her. Consequently, this will also make your child appreciate those times you grant what he or she longs for.


Aside from their "please"s and "thank you"s, another good habit parents will always try instill in their children is sharing.

Here are more helpful tips on how you can encourage your children to share.

1. Set an example

Demonstrate in front of your children that you share what you have with your spouse though it is only less than enough. It is important for your child to see this because children most of the time, imitate what they see. For example, when a family member or a neighbour asks a little favour and you do it for him or her, they will learn that it is good to help and give to others in need. Thus, they will become givers themselves.

2. Talk to your child about giving and sharing

Aside from showing them that you give and share what you have to others, explain to them its importance. Explain what generosity can do for others and for them as well.

3. Motivate them to share and take turns in playing toys with their playmates

If there are other kids around whether they are at home, school or at a playground, lead your child to share or to play his or her toy with another kid. Suggest how they can take turns in playing or in playing together using the toy. This will somehow open up your child’s mind to the joy of sharing with another.

4. Express gratitude and appreciation when they give and share

Say “thank you” or “well done” or anything that will tell them that you are pleased and happy when they give to others or when they share to anyone especially those in need what they have. For example, ask them for a bite of their ice-cream or a piece of their french fry - to encourage them to share. And when they do, say “thank you” and give them a hug or a kiss for what they have done.

5. Ask them to hand out gifts you have prepared for others

During the times when you prepare a gift for another person, you can ask your child to give it. For instance, when you go to a birthday party of another child, ask your child to hand out the gift for the child celebrating his or her birthday. You can also ask your child to drop loose change to the buskers along Orchard Road the next time you walk around town. Praise them after they do so, and show them how please their actions made you or the other party feel.

6. Encourage them to give away things they no longer use to be given away to those who need it

When your kids are old enough to understand that there are less fortunate people in the society, you can motivate them to set aside their old and clothes, toys and books to be given away to children who can still use those things.

Be involved in charity work together with your kids. You can make donations, or by volunteer at a charity institution on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis. And as you do this you can tag along your children with you so they can also see what you are doing. If they see you giving yourself and time to help other people, they will learn that it is good to give and share to others.

Preparing your child for a sibling

A good friend of mine is expecting a second child, and it gave me the inspiration to share some tips on how you can prepare your firstborn for a new sibling, and also help you deal with the emotions your first child may be going through, such as jealousy or even resentment.

The arrival of a new baby can bring many changes to a family. Parents spend a lot of energy on preparations, and after the baby arrives, much of the family's attention involves meeting the newborn's basic needs. All this change can be hard for older siblings to handle. It's common for them to feel jealousy toward the newborn and to react to the upheaval by acting out.

Your first child may experience a range of emotions, from jealousy to excitement and even resentment. Younger toddlers are unable to verbalize their feelings, and their behaviors may regress after the new child is born. They might suck their thumb, drink from a bottle, forget their recent potty training skills, and communicate using baby talk in an effort to get your attention.

Older toddlers and children might express their feelings by testing your patience, misbehaving, throwing tantrums, or refusing to eat.

But parents can prepare kids for an addition to the family. Discussing the pregnancy in terms that make sense to kids, making some arrangements, and including kids in the care of the newborn can make things easier for everyone. A little preparation can go a long way in helping your older child adjust to the idea of welcoming a new sibling.


DURING PREGNANCY

There's not one right time or perfect way to tell a child about an impending sibling. When discussing the pregnancy, consider your own comfort level and your child's maturity level. Preschoolers, for example, may not grasp concepts of time, so it might not mean much if you say that the baby will arrive in a few months. It may be more useful to explain that the baby will arrive in a particular season, such as Christmas or Chinese New Year, or when the school holidays come.

How much detail should you provide? Let your child's questions be your guide. For example, a 4-year-old child may ask: "Where do babies come from?" Despite how it sounds, the child isn't asking you to explain sex but probably wants to know where, literally, they come from. It may be enough to explain: "The baby comes from the uterus, which is inside the mother's belly." A child who wants to know more will ask.

If your child shows more interest in the baby, these activities can encourage that:
- going through your child's baby pictures
- reading books about childbirth (make sure they're developmentally appropriate)
- visiting friends who have infants
- packing a bag for the hospital
- thinking of potential baby names
- going to the doctor to hear the baby's heartbeat


PLANNING FOR CHILDBIRTH

As your due date draws near, make arrangements for older kids for the time when you're in the hospital. Discuss these plans so kids know what to expect when the day arrives.

Consider letting your child visit you in the hospital as soon as possible after the baby is born, ideally when no other visitors are around — this helps reinforce the birth as an intimate family event.

Try to keep routines as regular as possible in the days and weeks around the baby's arrival. If you plan to make any room shifts to accommodate the baby, do it a few weeks before your due date. If older kids are approaching a major milestone, like potty training or moving from a crib to a bed, try to make those changes well before your due date or put them off until after the baby has been home for a while.


BRINGING THE NEW BABY HOME

Once the baby is home, you can help your other kids adjust to the changes. Include them as much as possible in the daily activities involving the baby so that they don't feel left out.

Many kids want to help take care of a new baby. Though that "help" may mean that each task takes longer, it can give an older child a chance to interact with the baby in a positive way. Depending on their age, a big brother or sister may want to fold or fetch diapers, help push the carriage, talk to the baby, or help dress, bathe, or burp the baby.

If your child expresses no interest in the baby, don't be alarmed and don't force it. It can take time.

Some occasions, like breastfeeding, excludes older kids. For these times, try to have toys on hand so that you can feed the baby without being interrupted or worrying about an older child feeling left out.

Try to take advantage of opportunities for one-on-one time with older kids. Spend time together while the baby is sleeping and, if possible, set aside time each day for older kids to get one parent's undivided attention. Knowing that there's special time exclusively for them may help reduce any resentment or anger about the new baby.

Also remind relatives and friends that your older child might want to talk about something other than the new baby.


DEALING WITH FEELINGS

With all of the changes that a new baby can bring, some older kids might struggle as they try to adjust.

Encourage older kids to talk about their feelings about the new baby. If a child cannot articulate those feelings, don't be surprised if he or she tests limits or reverts to speaking in baby talk.

If your child acts up, don't bend the rules, but understand what feelings may be motivating that behavior. It could be a sign that your child needs more one-on-one time with you, but make it clear that although his or her feelings are important, they have to be expressed in appropriate ways.


ENCOURAGE THE ROLE OF OLDER SIBLING

Aside from those above, here are a number of things that can help your firstborn to play up the role of older sibling:

- Letting your older child help pick out items for the new baby's room. If your children will be sharing a bedroom, this is particularly important.

- Finding a special gift that your older child might like to share with the baby, such as a favorite book or toy, or a photo of the sibling for the baby's room. You might also want to pick out something for your older child too, such as a special chair just for him or her that he or she can sit in while you're feeding the baby.

- Arranging special time just for you and your older child. This might involve a trip to the library, grocery store, or simply reading a few extra stories at bedtime. Your partner can help you by caring for the baby during these times.

- Role-playing or reading stories to your child that will help him or her understand what is happening in the family. There are several books written especially for toddlers that can help. Check your favorite bookstore or ask your librarian for specific titles.

- Preparing your child for what to expect when the baby comes home. This includes explaining that a new baby cries, sleeps, and needs diaper changes frequently. Assure your older child that although the new baby needs lots of attention, there will still be plenty of time and love for him or her.

- Reinforcing your older child's role in the family. Tell your child that he or she will be the "big brother/sister" to the new baby, and let your child revel in this new role.

- Consider taking your child on one of your prenatal visits or letting him or her be present for an ultrasound. If you're giving birth in a hospital setting, ask about sibling visitation after the baby is born.

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The arrival of a new child represents a big shift in your older child's life, so you might want to hold off on introducing other major changes. This is probably not the best time to start toilet teaching, to begin the transition from bottle to cup, or to enroll your child in a program where he or she will be separated from you for the first time. Consistency will go a long way in making your child's adjustment easier.

Siblings play a very special role in your new baby's life, so don't leave your first child out of the decision-making. So much attention (baby showers, new furniture, clothes, toys) is lavished on the new baby, making it easy for the older child to feel overlooked. Reassure your child that he or she is as special as the new addition by letting him or her participate in the flurry of activity.

pool party

yesterday, noel and i brought drayden over to gerry's brother's place in seletar springs, for the kids to all get together and have a swim by the pool. it goes without saying, drayden had a blast!

i thought it would be timely to share these pool safety tips with other parents. for a lot of toddlers like dray, swimming can be one of the most exciting and memorable activities for them. sadly, though, drowning is one of the most leading causes of death for toddlers worldwide.

pools can be fun yet very dangerous for toddlers because they think that they can do anything including walking on water. no matter how behaved a child may be, he or she will still be very curious and at risk for drowning. a lot of toddlers drown because of parents who think that their children are too well-behaved to jump into the pool. it is every parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe no matter what their personality or behaviour may be.

here are some pool safety tips:

1. Never leave your children unsupervised even for a second. It is very important that you keep an eye on them at all times. If you want to leave the pool, bring your kids with you. Never think that someone else is watching over them. Don’t let them swim if nobody can look after them. Floaters are not substitutes for supervision.

2. Help your kids learn swimming safety skills. Your toddler should learn how to relax in water and to hold their breath when under water in case of emergencies. It would also help if they could learn how to recover their breath and swimming to the side of the pool when they start drowning. This will really be helpful just in case your kid goes into the pool without your knowledge.

3. Do not be too complacent even if your children know how to swim. A big percentage of drowning happen to children who have had swimming lessons. Toddlers who accidentally fall into a pool will immediately panic and forget everything that they’ve learned about swimming.

4. If your child jumps into a pool and starts to drown, dive in and get him or her out as quickly as you can. This advice may seem very silly but a lot of children die because their parents panic and freeze in place when they see their children drowning.

5. Set limits as soon as you and your family arrive at the pool. Tell your kids that they can only get into the pool when you are with them.

6. If you have a pool in your backyard, make sure that you put child-safe locks in your doors so your children will not be able to go to your pool unnoticed. Install a fence around your pool to prevent them from jumping into it unsupervised. Make sure that you remove objects that they can use to climb over the fence.

7. Put away toys, especially those with wheels, from the pool area. Your children might accidentally fall into the pool while playing with these.

8. Children who cannot swim should have floaters just in case they jump into the pool while you are not looking.

9. Learn CPR and first aid. Have an action plan prepared so you will know what to do in case of emergency. You should also have a telephone installed in your pool area which you can use during emergencies.

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that said, i was the "official photographer" yesterday, so while noel, dray, gerry and everyone else were splashing around in the pool, i busied myself capturing memories of yesterday!