The weather has been torturous since we landed in Hong Kong. Even though it is also hot in Singapore the heat is not as contained. The numerous tall buildings and lack of greenery has caused hot air to be trapped within the city during the day making it extremely unbearable.
The past few days R and I went on a free and easy short trip to Macau
We got maps of the place and planned out own itinerary as we wanted to take in the sites that we fancied and not be herded around like sheep on a tour.
It was relatively easy to move around by ourselves as we had no problem communicating with the locals.
It was the first trip for me to Macau and R hasn’t been there for more then 10 years.
It was really romantic going through the olden areas in Macau , walking down the narrow lanes . It was really great admiring the portuguese architecture and taking in the rich culture that Macau has to offer.
There were numerous casinos which we visited but being a non-gambler I was more fascinated with the opulence decor of the interiors then the numerous games offered at the gaming tables.
One of the highlights of our trip was watching The Bubble over at the City of Dreams. It was a really entertaining 30 min 4D show.
* Post has been updated since it was first published in 2009.*
A tightly knit family is like a solid rock which can survive
the toughest storm- Dominique
Family Bonding is the process that members of a family go through to build up emotional ties which would last them a lifetime. Is the first and most important relationship that we are exposed to since birth.
As one grows older and the kids get bigger sometimes we can get so caught up with work and providing the basic needs that we neglect the need for family bonding. It is very important to constantly work at maintaining the dynamics within a family in order for every member to function at their optimal level.
In times of crisis family is the one who is always there to
support and help us.
I’m sure this statement resonates well with some of you based on your own personal experiences in life.
In 2004 I felt that we were finally a family when Monkey Boy was born. Fast forward to 2009 as a mother of two boys I feel even more strongly about the need for family bonding.
Now in 2011 I’m a mother of three with a two boys and a little girl the dynamics of the family has drastically changed since then but it’s still work in progress to get the family to bond.
The best present we can give our children is the sense of being love and treasured as a member of the family. It beats all the fancy toys or holidays that we can bring them on.
5 Ways to build up your family bond
There are many different activities which you can do as a family to build up a close relationship with all the family members.
Have your meals together regularly. For us we make it a point to have dinner with the kids at least 5 days a week. We also get the kids to participate in setting and clearing the table.
Do not be quick to judge the other person.Nobody is perfect. When a mistake is made do be supportive of the other person so that he will be able to learn from his mistakes.
Do plan family activities.For us we go rollerblading together as a family. After dinner we spend time reading books or playing games with the kids.
We also schedule outdoor family activities on weekends which everyone can take part in.
Give each member their own space and freedom to self develop.
No one likes to be restrained and dictated upon. We are not animals who have to be put on leash. Everyone grows and matures at their own pace so patience is needed.
Respect individual difference and opinions.
Even at the age of two, Doggie Boy does have a mind of his own. It will be extremely exhausting and frustrating if I try to force him to comply with what I want him to do if he is unwilling. This sometimes end up at me shouting at him and he bawling away in defiance. Instead of dictating my will on him I try to reason with him and normally we are able to come to a compromise which leaves both parties happy.
