Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

How much do your kids love water play?

Our kids LOOOOOVEEEEE it! =D

Recently, during our 3-week trip back to Singapore, we went and checked out different ‘water playgrounds’!

The kids had a blast!

Here are the top 3 water playgrounds that we love:

1) Palawan Beach, Sentosa

2) Port of Lost Wonder, Sentosa

3) Children’s Garden at Garden’s by the Bay

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Notice something about Brie in all the shots above? =)

She’s wearing this cute swimsuit by Cheekaaboo that looks and feels like a wetsuit.

(AND, it’s pink, her favourite colour! =)

We ‘tested’ out this swimwear (including the hat and the floaty) and the verdict is : we really like it! =)

Here’re some of the reasons why I gladly recommend this product:

1. The material is 2mm thick, neoprene material, and it comes with insulating and sun protection properties.

Now, just in case you’re not too familiar with what ‘neoprene’ is :

It is synthetic rubber that can maintain flexibility over a wide temperature range.

It’s quite elastic and it helps keep the child nice and warm.

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Cheekaaboo website describes it this way:

Neoprene has insulating properties that help to trap water between the suit and the child’s skin to create a layer of insulation from cold, hence it can keep a child warm in and out of the water. It is also a water-resistant material that offers UV protection.

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Well, I don’t know about your kids, but Brie often complains about ‘feeling cold’ whenever she plays water out in the open.

Well, THIS swimsuit does keep her nice and warm (but not ‘hot’!)

2) Easy to wear.

The zips are sturdy, and a child can put it on herself/himself easily.

It comes with ‘velcro fastenings’ (at the top of the zip line, near the back of the neck), and it keeps the zip and the neck area nice and secured.

3) The colours are happy and vibrant.

I particularly like vibrant colours in kidswear, especially when they’re out and about, … because it helps me ‘spot’ them from afar! =D

(Even more necessary, I feel, when they’re in the waters)

Anyway, kids naturally like happy and vibrant colours too, don’t they? =)

4) The floatsy jacket is great!

I love how it fits nicely on Brie and keeps her afloat!

(Even her brother went to check it out =)

Now you see, Brie is scared of being ‘let go’ when we’re in the deep pool.

BUT, when she wears the floatsy jacket, it does keep her afloat nicely (without that feeling of ‘about to topple forward’).

And, what a nice surprise it was when I saw how she stayed afloat and slowly paddled her way towards the side of the pool, all on her own!

PS: In cases where the kids can’t yet swim properly:

When the kids wear the floatsy jacket, ALWAYS still keep an eye on them whenever they’re in the pool (children pool or the deep pool).

Read more about Cheekaaboo’s floatsy jacket and see the range of Cheekaaboo’s jackets HERE!

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Anyway.

Do check out Cheekaaboo’s range of products!

Here’s the link to their online store : CHEEKAABOO ONLINE STORE!

And.

Here’s some good news to share with you :

Cheekaaboo is running a giveaway for the Ramadhan month!

*whoopee*

Check out Cheekaaboo’s Facebook Page to enter! (Or, straight to their contest page HERE)

*super easy to do*

Everyone who enters the giveaway will get a gift voucher, and THREE winners will get to win their choice of Cheekaaboo merchandise!

Giveaway contest is on from 8 – 14 July 2015.

Have fun, everyone! =D

I’ve always heard the saying, ‘It’s not about the quantity. It’s more about the quality of time.’

Someone shared with me sometime back, … 2 situations commonly found in families:

Mommy A spends 4-5 hours a day with her kids, on weekdays.
She is engaged on her phone almost all the time, not communicating much with her kids though she’s physically there with them.

Mommy B spends an average of 20 minutes a day with her kids, on weekdays,.
While with her children, she totally devotes her time and energy for them.

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She said that out of the two above, she personally feels Mommy B is a better Mom.

Because although the ‘quantity’ is 20 minutes a day, she spends it well.

‘The quality is what matters most, not the quantity’, she said.

[Being silly with the kids? Yes, sometimes we may need to =)]

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If you ask me, I can’t quite say which one is better, because things are generally not as simple as they seem.

(It’s of course easier to finger-point other moms, and say this mother is better, THAT mother is worse, and so on)

As an ‘outsider’, how is it possible to really know the struggles and reasons behind other people’s actions?

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To me, every family is unique.

Every situation a mother faces is unique.

And really, the best person who knows the true situation and motivation of one’s action is … the person himself / herself.

(Hmm, … and God, the devil and our own conscience?)

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What I truly believe is this though:

In whatever we do, to achieve good quality in anything, … quantity is also needed, because quantity is equally important.

eg. To be able to play tennis or the piano well, the child needs to spend lots of ‘quantity of time’ to practice and practice and practice regularly.

To know a person better (eg. Before we marry the guy!), we need to spend a good quantity of time to get to know him, chat, communicate, exchange thoughts, discuss, etc.

The same goes with our family, I feel.

We need to spend a good quantity of time with our family, with our children, in order to get to know them better, in order for THEM to know US better, in order to build that trust, communication and relationship.

[A photo taken by Brie from across the MRT train]

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And, here’s what I also wanted to say:

WE know our situation best, don’t we?

It’s really not for others to say and decide.

So.

May I encourage fellow moms to do some self-reflection today?

To see our role and involvement in our family, in the lives of our children.

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Let’s continually strive to do our best, in whatever situations that we are in.

Let’s improve on things, whenever we can.

Let’s create memories.

Let’s treasure our children.

While we still can.

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Btw, while we’re on the topic of ‘Mothers’ and spending time with the kids, I’d like to share this video with you.

(The clip is in Indonesian)

#waktunyakeluarga

And here are two other similar clips (the Daddy and Brother series) you may want to check out too:

Daddy
https://youtu.be/cw8dA0z5XiE

Brother
https://youtu.be/ngDYG0Guc8E

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Have a wonderful week ahead, everyone!

PS: The post has been sponsored by Permata but all the thoughts are mine

First thing first.

What is ‘Gojek’?

Basically, it’s this company that runs ‘motorbike taxi’ services, and you can place bookings via your phone app!

‘Gojek’ has changed the way I see ‘motorbike taxi’ services!While ‘making a booking via our phone app’ may sound very normal in other countries (like Singapore), it is a wonderful technological BREAKTHROUGH for us who live in Indonesia!

Really, I must say, ‘Gojek’ has changed the way I see ‘motorbike taxi’ services!

Imagine this : all my life, I’ve only got on a motorbike taxi ONCE, which was early this year.

And, it was to go to another place some FIVE minutes away by motorbike!

I mean, if I had other options, I would’ve avoided taking those ‘motorbike taxis’, because to me, it just seems dangerous to get on a bike with a total stranger, who could possibly be a … criminal or a kidnapper?

(okay, I’m exaggerating, but seriously these drivers are not licensed or registered. They could be bad people, riteeee …. ?)

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Anyway.

Here’s my Gojek story.

(Btw, this is NOT a paid review. I am just happy with their service that I’m sharing it with you all =)

I should check out this Gojek service and use my free credits!Last Saturday, I had a meeting at church and Wilson was away with the kids, sending our car to be serviced.

When I wanted to go to them after my meeting, I had two options in my head : grab a taxi from the street side, or try this ‘Gojek’ service =)

You see, I had this not-yet-used Rp50,000 FREE credits in my Gojek account when I first downloaded the app and created an account with them.

So I thought to myself, I should check out this Gojek service and use my free credits!

Plus, I’ve heard so many good reviews, like :

– Price is very competitive
– They give you free head cover and mask
– If you use their courier service, you can even track your package (where the driver is) via your phone app
– Other than taking you from A to Z and send your packages, they can also buy your groceries or your meals!

And you know what?

I then found out how they’re having this Rp10,000 promo rate for the Ramadhan period (till 17 July)

Like, only SG$1 for their ‘instant courier’, ‘meal collection’ and transport services!?

They’re mad!

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To cut the story short, I made a booking through their Android app, and it was so easy!

I was impressed!

It was so convenient, and it felt similar to making a taxi booking back in Singapore!

When the booking was confirmed, the motorbike driver’s name and photo was sent.

There’s an option to call him too, just in case there’s anything.

The driver was friendly and he arrived in 8 minutes, instead of the stated 15 mins of arrival.

It was a cashless trip, because the Rp10,000 was deducted from my account.

And when I got to my destination, within 2 minutes, I received this message below, asking me to give some feedbacks on their service.

I was a satisfied customer.

Well, I did ask the driver about his job as a Gojek driver.

He joined 2 months ago, he said.

I asked if this job is better than being a ‘freelance motorbike taxi driver’.

And he said, yes … as long as you’re hard working (taking on the ‘job orders’).

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Anyway.

If you’re thinking of downloading the app and creating an account with them, here’s a referral code for you to redeem your free Rp50,000 credit at Gojek : 542989605

I downloaded the app from ‘Play Store’.

Enjoy! =)

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And, my hopes for Gojek?

Well … I hope they stay good and reliable!

We in Indonesia NEED good and reliable services!

Looking forward to seeing more and more improvements in Indonesia!

Children grow in a blink of an eye!

These 2 photos above were taken four years apart.

June 2011
Anya : 7 years, 3 months
Vai : 4 years, 8 months
Brie : 4 weeks

February 2015
Anya : 10 years, 11 months
Vai : 8.5 years
Brie : 3 years, 9 months

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Being a parent, I feel there are tough days that are so emotionally, physically and mentally draining.

But, as tough as my parenting days get, … I wouldn’t trade those three kiddos for anything.

Love them all!

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Let’s treasure our moments with our little ones.

Especially since we know how time flies so fast!

In our family, one of the things that we instill in our children since young is the importance of appreciating others, regardless of their religion, race, social or economic background.

Like, when we teach our children to be polite and appreciative towards others, that means they need to show politeness and appreciation to ‘everyone’.

Our friends, their friends, teachers, helpers, street vendors, security guards, cleaners, … well, everyone.

Now.

Since it is now the kids’ long school holiday, which also coincides with the Ramadhan month, I thought it’d be a nice idea to let the children put into ‘practice’ the values that our family believes in.

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What exactly did the children do?

They made Bread Cheese Sticks, and shared them with the security guards and cleaners!

Security guards and cleaners work till late hours, from 8pm to 8am too, keeping our areas clean and safe, and yet their presence is often forgotten by many.

And so I thought, it’d be timely for our children to show their little gesture of appreciation to them, by offering something that they themselves made, ie. When the security guards and cleaners broke their fast just before 6pm!

It was nice to see the kids learn and work as a team and make something together as siblings.

But, if you ask me, I thought it was even nicer to see them learn to share goodness with others.

To let them experience and see for themselves the smiling faces, a direct impact of their sharing and giving back.

It is indeed a wonderful thing to share and care.

Hope it inspires you to do the same, or more!

Let’s share, appreciate and give back! =)

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Btw, I captured the moments and made them into a video!

Click THIS LINK to watch it, or click the embedded video below to watch the clip!

(The video is in Indonesian =)

Enjoy!

Have a good week, everyone!

#indahnyamembericinta

The other day I read about a celebrity who blogged about how things have changed so much these days with the existence of social media.

He’s referring to common cases these days where youngsters seem to have ‘lost their manners’ when they interact with others ‘online’.

… youngsters seem to have ‘lost their manners’ when they interact with others ‘online’Those in their teens call others in their forties by their names (which obviously is not a common practice here in Asia).

They would tweet something rude about someone (and tag him/her!).

They ‘bully others comfortably’ on social media.

They’ve become keyboard warriors.

And they could be as young as 12, or even younger.

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The children in our family are now 11yo, 8.5yo and 4yo.

And no, they have not entered the social media world.

They understand why it’s not a necessity for children their age.

(I wrote a related topic last week, ‘Staying real though on Social Media‘)

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Our words, our actions, and everything … reflect not just ‘who you are’Anyway.

When it comes to interactions with others, one of the things that I often remind the kids, especially my two older ones, is:

Be watchful of what we do and say, because … it’s never just about you.

Our words, our actions, and everything … reflect not just ‘who you are’.

I often share with them how whatever they do and say to others also reflects :

… their parents

… their family

… their upbringing

… their faith

… their church / school

… their God

The principle to remember is simple : it is never just about you.

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So, when do I have such talks with the kids?

Usually it’s during our car rides, … on our way to school, or on our way back from school.

And it’s usually related to how our kids treat each other, their friends and teachers at school.

(Like all other kids, they still have their natural tendencies to be rude, indifferent or disrespectful towards others)

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Well, anyway … I sincerely hope and pray that the kids will hold onto this value and exercise it as they grow up.

Including when it’s time for them to enter to the social media world one day.

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our lives are like an open bookThis btw is also a self reminder.

To  always think things through.

To exercise better self-control over ourselves, offline and online.

To choose what’s right, … which sometimes (or often) is not quite what we want.

Because, our lives are like an open book.

We are read by everyone.

And really, our life is never just about us.

One of the things that our children truly love about Singapore is, its water playgrounds!

There are just SO many of them, all across Singapore!

And, … wait for it … admission is free!

I’ll feature the water playgrounds that we checked out during our recent trip to Singapore.

Here’s the first : The Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay!

One of the BEST ones that I totally recommend!

The three kids had a blast there!

You know what, I’ll copy what the website says about this place:

Catering to kids from 1 to 12 years old, the one-hectare Far East Organization Children’s Garden consists of playtime elements that combine both nature and adventure.

From exploring a 7.5 metre-tall tree house to splashing around at interactive water tunnels, adventure awaits at every corner.

In short, just come on over and enjoy some water play fun!

Awesome place!

I love how it’s so spacious, clean, and I particularly love its water sprays and water fountain features!

All the basic things that we parents need can be found over there :

– Wash rooms, toilets, changing areas

– Water cooler to fill our empty water bottles

– F&B outlet to fill our hungry tummies

– A dedicated water play area for toddlers

– Lockers

– Padded flooring for those little feet (unlike the rough, painted cement flooring that we often see)

– Shaded areas for parents to sit down and relax while the kids play

And, it also has ‘Rainforest Tree Houses’ meant for kids 6 – 12 years old

Basically, it’s a really nice and spacious playground!

Okay now, any downside of this water play area?

I guess there’s only one thing  : its distance.

For those who don’t drive their own cars, the easiest way to get to Gardens by the Bay is via the MRT.

Alight at Bayfront MRT Station, and you’d need to walk for about 20 mins, from the station to the water play area.

(The Children’s Garden is just next to the 2 huge domes – Flower Dome and Cloud Forest)

Still, it’s worth the walk, if you ask me =)

Website:
http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/the-gardens/attractions/childrens-garden.html

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Hope you have a blast there like we did!

When it comes to our kids and our big family, there are a few things that we often share with the kids, again and again.

We share with them things like :

– We can’t choose our family members. They are God’s gifts to us.

It is important to realise how blessed we  are– We are to show respect and appreciation to others, especially to those who are older than us (eg. Parents, grandparents, uncles, etc)

– It is important to realise how blessed we  are … because it is not common for anyone to still have their GREAT-grandma spending time with them, knowing their names very well, healthy and all.

Yes, she is my maternal grandmother, and she turns 91 this year!

To me, it is such a huge blessing to still have FOUR generations in our family!

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One of the values that we also instill in the kids is the importance of showing their appreciation towards others.

The importance of giving back, especially to those who’ve given them so much to begin with.

Now.

I have plans to make a series of videos of the kids doing some giving back! =)

It’s a collaboration with Kraft Cheddar!

It’s timely I guess, because it is now also the Ramadhan month where, pretty much like Chinese New Year, families get together and create memories with each other.

A wonderful time to show love to the ones we love.

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So, are you ready? =)

This is a video where the kids actually cooked something all on their own!

(Psst … it’s Rice with Sausage and Kraft Cheddar!)

It’s their way of expressing their THANKS to their grandma and their great-grandmother for all the care and love and everything else that they’ve received from them all these years.

The clip also will show how to make the dish.

It’s simple and YOUR kids can surely make them too if they want! =D

(The video is in Indonesian =)

I had fun making the video, and I treasured it, because it captured the relationship and the moments spent between them all!

The video is below … enjoy … =)

Don’t forget to LIKE it! =)

[If you can’t click the video below, click HERE]