September 1, 2013

Top 10 Highlights of August 2013

Dominique Parenting and Kids, Thoughts Monday Listicles

I can’t believe that it is already September.  The months really passes much faster in the 2nd half of the year. During the past month of August I have been  trying to finish up all the outstanding items  which had accumulated from the previous months. Unfortunately there is still quite a bit to get done before I can strike out all that is on that list.

In August  I have been cutting down the time spent online and on  the promotion of this blog. I have been focusing more on the kids as they will be having their final year examinations in October.  They are also looking forward to the  end of year trip to Disneyland which we promised them if they do well in school.

Here are some highlights of August.

1. During one of the weekends the kids participated in a stenciling activity and created their own personalized recyclable tote bag.

2. They had a spin in the Go karts we rented at West Coast Park. It had been awhile since we brought them there and they were thrilled to pedal around in the park. Tiger girl had fun too being driven around.

3. We brought the kids to the Peranakan Museum during one of the weekends. It was the first time visiting this museum for us and it was certainly an eye opener for all.

4. I saw these really cool looking cupcakes in my Facebook stream one day and decided to try making my own version of slippers/ high heel cupcakes. I’m lucky that I have many friends who are more then eager to eat my creations as they know that I am still on a weight lost challenge.

5. Playing doctor is something which Tiger girl is currently into. She loves taking out her stethoscope and using it to diagnose what is wrong with her patients like Doc McStuffins.

6. I’m been indulging in some of our local delicacies like Laksa . This is a meal which one cannot afford to eat too often as it is really high in calories as it does have coconut milk inside.

7. Other foods which I have been eating a lot the past month was Sushi. The kids  and I love Japanese food so it is one of the must visit restaurants if we get the chance too. Unfortunately the portions served in many Japanese restaurants have really shrunk a lot. I’m seriously thinking of attending Japanese cooking classes if I do get the opportunity so I can cook a greater variety of Japanese dishes at home for the family.

8. August is an important month for me as it is the month where I celebrate my birthday. This year I turn 35 and we didn’t have any cake. I had 4 separate celebrations with the family and relatives instead.

9. There are many things which one can and should talk to your kids about. I came up with a list of 10 Things to talk to your kids which I feel is a great summary of all the topics which one as a parent should cover.

10. Now and then one needs to refocus so that one is able to keep on track and on target to reach the goals that were set.  I feel that this month I have been doing refocusing to remove all the unwanted stuff in my life.

How was your August?

 

 

 

August 19, 2013

10 Things to talk to your kids about

Dominique Parenting and Kids, Thoughts Monday Listicles

Kids these days grow up much faster than we think. There are certain things which we need to talk and  start to explain to them while they are young.

Sometimes we may assume that our child is too young to understand the concepts which we wish to teach or convey to them. We tell ourselves that it’s too early to approach the topic with our kids and we should wait till they are much older so they will be able to understand better.

We put things off and as a result may never find the “right moment” to get around  letting your child know what you have been meaning to tell him/her.To me there is never a “right” moment and if we wait around for it you will never get around to doing it.

What for put off what you are able to do now?  You be surprised how advance the mind of a two year old is and that she really is able to understand what you wish to say.

Here is a list of ten things which I will/have been talking to my kids about.

1. We are always here for you as your parents.
   No matter where you are or what time it is in the day they can count on us to be there for you.
2. Trust yourself
   We may not be there with you 24/7 so you will need to make your own decisions at time. Do be confident that you are able to make your own decisions. Trust in yourself.
3. Treasure your body
   Your body is a sacred part of you which shouldn’t be randomly shared with others or abused. Take care of your own health and mind. Parts of the body which are private should remain as so- PRIVATE. Do think twice before giving into the pleasures of the flesh and regretting it later on. You have been informed about the various dangers/ consequences that come with a intimate relationship with others. You do know what is appropriate and in-appropriate behaviour.
4. Stand by your morals and values
   Diligence, respect, honesty are just some of the values which you have been taught since young. They will serve you well throughout your life. These values will keep your rooted and be your anchor.
5. No topic is taboo or off limit.
   Sex and Death which used to be something hidden in the cupboard and left up to self discovery during my time is not something which is off limit at home.  The kids are entitled to know about these issues regardless of their age. There are many age appropriate props/ books which can be use to facilitate their understanding these days.
6. No one is perfect
   As a human we do err and have our fail moments. We do not know the answer for everything nor need the answer for every questions that we have in life. The thing that we need to remember is that we need to give it our best and not give up without even trying.
7. We live in an imperfect world
   We live in a scary world. It can be unsafe and harmful and not every person that we meet has our best interest. You need to be vigilant and look out for yourself.
8. Place GOD as your top priority.
   Always remember to put GOD at the top of your list followed by family then self. This will remind yourself that it is because of your creator that you are existing here in this world.
9. Do not covet what others have.
   The grass may not be greener on the other side. You may not live in a bungalow house  or be driven around in a Ferrari but you have been given the best that we can afford. In fact you can consider yourself to be extremely lucky to have been born in a place where there is no natural disasters and you do not worry about a roof on over your head or food to eat.
10. Be flexible and adaptable.
    Things change and people change. Nothing is really absolute these days. Buildings can be torn down and rebuilt. Be open to the ever changing environment which you are in and  seize the opportunities and chances which come your way.

What would you be talking to your kids about?