Tuesday, September 27, 2011

They Don't Call It The Terrible Twos For Nothing

I remember very well, people once told me everything happened with a reason and guess this is not with exceptional too.

As Cayenne is turning 30mos, my patience level has to be increased to the max otherwise I think I could have done something which I will regret later. Is she trying to drive me nuts? The truth is, it is no fun for me but it is a normal reaction for a child at this age to starts showing her tantrum. Dealing with a defiant 2yo is a notoriously difficult part of childrearing.

I was so glad that I got the chance to meet with this lady doctor who works in a clinic in my mom's neighborhood. I had heard about her, a child specialist or child psychologist whom understand children better than any GP. Brought Cayenne to that clinic because of flu and bad coughing, and then at the same time asked her about child tantrum. I told her that Cayenne has a very bad temper and she starts shouting and screaming these days. I hate that she behaves like this and trying to seek for some advice from this lady doctor to educate my little princess because I do feel embarrassing when people comment about my child's manners.

The lady doctor only says:
- every child is different / unique, do not compare her with other kids
- even the most successful method might not works on her
- you must try to understand her, then
- speak / explain to her in her way (in children mode)
- there is nothing wrong in her, she has her own personality
- try to think it in this way that your child is special that is why she is different from other kids, she has her own thinking and she speaks / is expressing her idea or opinion to you

Her last words which really touches my heart and made my tears fall "A child with this attitude will be more successful than those who didn't fight back, very likely they will be the boss and not an employee". ;)

God bless my child and may God gives me the strength to hold on until I could see my child succeed in her life.


(More reading about terribe twos: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-2-year-old-big-emotions_5934.bc)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

When Another Kids Are Bad-Talking About Your Kid

I read a story about a lady whom her son (5yo) is being bullied by two older kids (7yo). They are putting words into his mouth and bad-talk him at the playground so that other kids would not befriended him. This lady is seeking opinion whether she was doing right by pulling her son away and saying loud (so the two kids hear it) that his son does not need friends like this. What say you?

Personally I would like to hear from my child's decision on how he would like to do with this but in this case it is a bit hard to let a 5yo gets the best solution by himself. If I were his mom, I would encourage him to invite the other kids to our house to have playtime or tea parties. For I believe these could create space and time to proof to others how good or bad my son is. Sooner or later the other kids will know whether that two kids been telling truth or lies and eventually this will build better friendship among these kids and my son.

At the same time I would comfort my son from his worries of losing his friends and explain to him not to worry so much of what people badmouthing him for no one can defeats the truth. In addition, I would let my son to organize his parties, i.e. food & beverages, activities, type of games to be played and who to invite (and why not inviting so and so?).

I would be glad if you could add on the list on what could I do to help him better. Thanks!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Fun Day: How to Make a Scarecrow

Thing you can make when you have free time with your children in decorating your garden.

(Thanks to eHow.com, http://www.ehow.com/how_3981_make-scarecrow.html#ixzz1KETQCeaM)

Materials:
* Buttons (optional)
* Straw Hat (optional)
* Gardening Gloves
* Glues
* Old Pillowcase
* Yarns, Straws, Dry Leaves or Rags (stuffing material)
* Felt-tip Pens
* Rubber Bands
* 10-foot long bamboo pole or something looks like it
* Ropes
* Old Belt (optional)
* Craft Wire, Floral Wire, Twine or Raffia (for tying)
* Old Shirt (not tees)
* Old Trousers or Overall

Steps:
1) Cut bamboo pole into two pieces, 4 feet long and the other 6 feet long.

2) Place the 4-foot section across the 6-foot piece, 1 foot down from the top.

3) Wire the two pieces together with floral wire, twine or raffia.

4) Place an old shirt on the short cross-piece of the frame and button the shirt in front.

5) Stuff the shirt loosely with straw, dry leaves or rags.

6) Place gloves at the end of the "arms" and secure them with rubber bands.

7) Pull one leg of a pair of trousers onto the long bamboo pole. The other leg will hang freely.

8) Tuck the stuffed shirt into the waist of the trousers.

9) Secure the waist of the trousers to the pole with a rope or belt, tying the belt or rope to the cross-piece if necessary to keep the pants from falling down.

10) Stuff the pants with the stuffing material of your choice.

11) Make a head for your scarecrow by stuffing straw into a pillowcase. Tie the pillowcase opening onto the top of the long stake with rope.

12) Draw a face with felt-tip pens, or glue on buttons for eyes and yarn for a mouth.

13) Stick the scarecrow in the ground or tie it securely in another location.

14) Put on a straw hat to make it look nicer.


Tips:
a) Be creative! Scarecrows can be male or female.

b) Dress up your scarecrow according to the occasion, perhaps in a tuxedo for a formal affair, or a cocktail dress if you're hosting a casual evening with friends.

c) If you decide not to make a scarecrow head, simply place a hat on the top of the long pole, stapling it to the bamboo so it stays in place.


d) Another way to avoid the pants falling off is to use overalls and secure them over the cross-piece.

e) Don't expect your scarecrow to scare off crows. They usually aren't afraid of such things.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Tell Me Why?

Got a DVD series suitable for children aged 3-12,十万个为什么?, from aPee. Will try to compile as many questions as possible not a million. And hopefully these could help you in replying your young ones.

Stay tuned for more ;)

1) Why thunder comes after lightning?
- Light moves faster than sound.

2) Why do people yawn?
- Human need to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide to survive. When we are tired, more carbon dioxide is produced. If it doesn't get expelled fast enough, it will cause harm to the body.

Yawning is like deep breathing, it helps us inhale more oxygen and get rid of the harmful carbon dioxide. That's why yawning, in a way, protects our health.

3) Why do people have dreams?
- Our brain is made up of lots of nerve cells. These cells are very important as they deal with our sight, hearing, thinking, movement and so on. They work very hard during the day. At night, when we sleep, our brain will start to relax but not all the brain cells will stop working at the same time. It is those cells that are still active that cause us have dreams.

What we see or hear or expecting in the day may appear in our dreams.

4) Why do we have earthquakes?
- Most earthquakes are caused by the movement of the earth's crust. When this happens, the rocks on the earth's surface start to move. As the pressure becomes greater, some of the rocks will crack or collapse. This is known as an earthquake.

The force it creates is very similar to a volcano which is erupting. The collapse of the layer of line just under the ground will also cause tremors. The tremors will then spread from the center of the quake to the area around it. The tremors is greater as it is closer to the center and become weaker as it moves further away from the center.

Actually there are slight tremors happen every 2 minutes or so, but we normally don't feel it. As for strong earthquakes, they happen about 20 times every year.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

How Does Your Little Sweetheart Tells You That He/She Loves You?

I read this from babycenter.com this morning and tears become visible in my eyes. Never had I thought that our little ones, as young as a newborn, does know how to express their love to us *silly*.

Here are what been read from that article:
1) Your newborn stares into your eyes
He's actually working hard to memorize your face. He doesn't understand anything else about the world, but he knows you're important.

2) Your baby thinks about you even when you're not around.
Between 8 and 12 months old, he'll start to scrunch his face and look around when you leave the room — and he'll smile when you return.

3) Your toddler throws wicked tantrums.
Nope, those screaming fits don't mean he's stopped loving you. He wouldn't be so hurt and angry if he didn't trust you so deeply.

4) Your toddler runs to you for comfort when he falls down or feels sad.
Kids this age may not truly understand the meaning of "I love you," but their actions speak louder than words.

5) Your preschooler gives you a flower picked from the garden, a finger-painted heart, a sparkly rock, or another gift.

6) Your preschooler wants your approval.
He'll start to be more cooperative around the house, and he'll look for chances to impress. "Look at me!" will become a catchphrase.

7) Your grade-schooler trusts you with secrets, like his first crush or his most embarrassing moment.
You're his confidante, even if he shies away from your hugs in public.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Para Cayenne Con Amor

When I was just a little girl
I never thought of what should I be
Will I be pretty, will I be rich?
What are all these to me?

When I grew up then fall in love
I thought who should my sweetheart shall be
And shall he be handsome, shall be rich?
Do these matter to me?

Now I grow old and have a little girl
I'm really worry'n how she should be
Shall she be pretty, shall she be rich?
I pray the best to be

Qué será será, whatever will be will be
The future must be good to she
Qué será será, what will be must be
The very best for she

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Menu 1: Fruity Salad Porridge (Instant)

Here is one of the baby's menu that I liked. It is for infant of 6+ months old.

Serves portion: 2 persons
Cooking duration: 20 minutes
Utensils: Usual Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients:
150 ml warm water
50 gm Nestlé® GOLD® Infant Cereal Rice with Apple and Cranberry
50 gm pureed pear
50 ml orange juice

Cooking Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients.
2. Mix well and serve immediately.

Nutrition count per serving:
Energy = 108 Kcal
Carbohydrates = 20g
Protein = 3.2g
Fat = 1.8g

Good To Know:
Cranberry may not be widely available locally but worth adding to a child’s diet.

Good To Remember:
Cranberry helps to fight infections with its anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.


Source: http://www.weaning.com.my/my/child_nutrition/recipes/recipe_detail.htm?stage=1&num=10&pci=5