Advice For Parents

Mar 10 2010

Buying a new Car

The last few weeks, I had a sudden inclination to go to the showrooms to test drive some cars.

I guess the main cause is that COEs have been going up, and also because recently my Toyota Wish has been giving me problems.

The Toyota Wish is a real functional car, but it has grown to a bit cramp for the family. With the 2 car seats, and 1 booster seat, the car is always fully-packed when we go out. In terms of the car interiors, the kids have maximized all the compartments, and even my cup holder has been stolen by the kids. (Read about it here)

I decided to test-drive a mini MPV instead of a full size MPV(as they have better fuel consumption), and after driving Japanese all my life, I decided to test drive a European car as they offered better road handling and safety.

I was looking at 2 essential ingredients: Safety and Performance.

With these factors in mind, I looked at:

1) The Volkswagen Touran

2) Citroen Grand Picasso

Both of them are Ranked 5 star in terms to European Safety standards and in terms of Performance:

Both cars have a turbo engine, but the Volkswagen has more power and offers better fuel consumption. (I will spare you all the techie specifications, as it might be a bit boring to read if u are not a car enthusiast)

The Volkswagen also needs a smaller area to make a turn, and it is therefore more agile as compared to the Citroen Grand Picasso.

When looking at the Interior:

The Volkswagen is very simple and functional. This is German Efficiency at its best, and everything is placed with no frills and made with a “boring” efficiency.

For the French Citroen Grand Picasso:

The Driving Console was artistically done, with lots of extra compartments to put all your essentials. The car also has a “moon roof” and it has increased visibility with it’s larger than life windscreen.

In the Volkswagen Touran:

Last row seats were small, which were similar to the Citroen. However, the car seemed smaller than the Citroen, and it felt cramped when the family squeezed into the German Automobile.

Both Cars could fold their 2 and 3rd row seats down, so as to carry more luggage, and both had European simplicity in shifting the chairs.

Hmm…Which car should I choose? Power or Functionability?

Find out in the next post…

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Jan 31 2010

Free tickets to Asian Civilization Museum

You are invited to a sneak peek at a upcoming blockbuster exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) … The Treasury of the World is THE exhibition of the year at the museum…

Wow! When I saw the email invite, I was curious! A blockbuster exhibition? Treasury of the WORLD?

When I read on, I realised this is no ordinary collection! It has been shown in the British Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Louvre in Paris… and now for the first time in Asia—in Singapore!

I’m no historian, but when I read about what would be shown at this collection, I really wanted to see the artefacts up close!

So along with Nicole, we went for this exclusive sneak peek! Ooohh it was a night of Indian Culture! We had a short introduction to the Mughal Empire – one of the wealthiest dynasties ever in the world.

Some interesting facts:

- the Mughal rulers lived lavishly. Everything they owned was jewelled with precious stones. Check out the dagger…

It’s adorned with rubies, diamonds, emeralds, ivory and agate! And that round ball-looking thing? That’s a mouthpiece for a smoking pipe. It’s just good ol’ rubies that they used!

- the Mughals loved life and lived it to the fullest! They smoked pipes, and collected art pieces.

- the Mughals were passionate people. The famous Taj Mahal was built by a Mughal emperor, out of his love for his beloved queen. One of the rulers who had a harem of 5,000!

After the presentation, we were treated to an Indian dance performance, and were even taught basic dance steps! (See how shy Nicole was!

Nicole had a blast as she bravely offered her leg to the Henna artist. We had to convince her one leg is enough! She wanted her hands and legs and face drawn!

Artist at work:

Near completion:

Check out Nathan—our little Mughal prince! (much thanks to ACM for the turban)

I can’t wait for the exhibition when it runs from 12 February-27 June! The whole family would be going down to see how the Mughals lived, try their clothes, taste their food, and have a hand at some jewellery designing. I know Mummy is definitely going to check out those precious stones!

FREE TICKETS TO THE MUSUEM

AND… I have 5 pairs of tickets to give away to my readers!

To qualify, simply leave a comment on this post by completing this sentence (less than 50 words):

“I have a bit of the Mughals in me because … …”

Please send in your entries by 5 Feb 2010, 2300hrs .

Winners will be announced on 7 Feb 2010.

Valentine’s Day Contest

Well, that’s not all! The museum is having a Valentine’s Day contest for visitors in February.

In celebration of the Mughals’ passion, ACM is giving one lucky visitor a chance to win a prize of a venue sponsorship of ACM’s River Terrace and River Room. The location is ideal for a wedding, anniversary party, or any special occasion! Look at the pictures!

To win, simply fill in a contest form stating your favourite artefact and why. You can drop in your form into a box at the end of the exhibition. More information is available at the museum. The contest closes on 28 Feb 2010.

So quickly send in your entries to win those tickets!

Below are additional details about the exhibition:

Date: 12 February to 27 June 2010

Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555

Website: www.acm.org.sg

Admission charges: $8 (adults) / $4 (concession); Family packages at $20 for up to 5 pax. Free admission for children aged 6 and below and seniors aged 60 and above.

Opening hours: Mon 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tues to Sun 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (to 9 p.m. on Fri)

Tips for Parents:

On the 27 & 28 March, ACM is organizing a weekend festival for the Treasury of the World.

It’s going to be carnival time as you get to try out the Mughals’ favourite past-time of archery, and get to watch live performances of song & dance!

Cool Yah!!! See you at the ACM!

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Jan 2 2010

Macritchie TreeTop Walk

I am always looking for new places to bring the kids and today I decided to bring them on the HSBC Tree Top Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir.

The reservoir has existed since I was a small boy. However, I was unfamiliar with where the entrance to the Tree Top Walk was.

I did some research and to my surprise, the nearest entrance to the Tree Top walk is at Venus Avenue which is located after Thomson Plaza (Towards Sembawang). This is very much further from the main entrance of the MacRitchie reservoir, which most of us are used to.

In fact, this is found off Thompson Road, in the direction of Singapore Island Country Club.

The HSBC Tree Top walk is open at these times:

Tue – Fri: 9am to 5pm

Sat, Sun and Public Holidays: 830am to 5pm

Closed on Mondays

Most of us who have kids think that after we park our cars, the HSBC Tree Top Walk would not be too far away.

Well, Be Warned: This TREE TOP WALK…

IS NOT CHILD FRIENDLY AT ALL!!!

First of all, forget about your strollers and prams! You will face undulating terrain!

It is like Army Terrain found in Lim Chu Kang, and most of the time, you are walking along the ala Cross Country Trek that you ran on in secondary school. Check out more of the terrain below:

Not only did we have to deal with the terrain, but we Walked…

The hike is actually about 2.6km to the Ranger Station which leads you to the entrance of the HSBC Tree Top Walk.

However, there were animals that kept us company along the way. The monkeys are actually quite tame and the kids got used to seeing them!

By the time, we reached the ranger station, which was the starting point of the Tree Top walk, the kids and myself included were soaking wet in perspiration.

We then proceeded to the Tree Top Walk which was going to be another 2.5km in distance.

This is the grand entrance of the promise land! We were so happy when we reached this entrance.

The bridge is a 250 m aerial free standing suspension bridge spanning Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang which are the two highest points in MacRitchie. Completed in July 2004, the structure is 25 m at its highest point, and offers visitors a panoramic view of Upper Peirce Reservoir and the surrounding lush rainforest.

Narrow and only one and a half man wide, the bridge is also the place of no return! Once on the bridge, you CANNOT turn back!

Walking into Tree Top structure, the kids were greeted with an awesome bridge, that brought us above the tree tops. Even my 20 months little girl, was on the ground and walking!

Here are some pictures of the Promise Land. Check out the greenery and wonderful surroundings!

There were also signs along the way to describe the scenery and vegetation.

After the wonderful view, then came the bad news! It was going to be a 2km walk back to the ranger station!

Check out the long staircases that we had to walk down!

There were in Total…

Check out Nicole’s Dance of Victory!

If you are thinking of going there, here are some simple tips for parents:

Important Parenting Tips:

Parenting Tip No.1:

Do not follow the directions given by the National Parks and park at the Venus Avenue Car Park.

Instead park at the PUB installation off Singapore Island Country Club. Parking here will reduce the walking distance by at least 2.6km.

To find this road, enter Venus Avenue and follow the directions to Island Country Club. Keep on driving past Island Country Club and you will be driving up a hill towards the PUB installation.

Parenting Tip No.2:

I was the only parent there with kids that young! Most of the kids there were in Primary School. In fact, most of the time, I was carrying my 20 month old baby.

So, if you do go, travel light, and drink lots of water!

Parenting Tip No.3:

Apply lots of Mosquito repellent.

The Tropical Rainforest is full of insects and mosquitoes, and therefore go with lots of protection!

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Dec 2 2009

Recently, I attended a Parenting talk by Dr Tim Elmore, and it was enlightening to hear his perspectives on parenting.

Through his talk, I was reminded about the important role that we have as parents. We need to prepare them for the world and help them so that:

“They will not endure life today, but we should equip them to thrive.”

And as parents, we should build bridges that they can hear the weight of truth for us to speak to them.

One important nugget that I took home with me is that despite the busy day, there are some natural activities that we can use to mentor our kids.

Check out the different roles that we can play with them:

1. At Meal Time – We can play the role of a teacher. we talk about the day and we try to make sense of it to them.

2. At Travel Time – We play the role of a friend. We talk to them about life.

3, At Bed Time – We play the role of a counselor. We discuss “heart issues” and play with them.

4. At Morning Time – We play the role of a coach. We motivate them to face the new day.

Personally, I feel that these nuggets are a great help. It keeps me aware of the the different roles that I can play consistently in the Children’s lives.

Hopefully, I can be consistent enough to raise up great kids!

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Nov 13 2009

Family Fun Vacation

We are flying off to Hong Kong today and we are so excited!

Mummy is a bit worried as it is the first trip off, and she is worried whether if they can sit through the 3.5 hour flight.

She is worried if she has brought enough milk…enough diapers…enough clothes!

Btw, Nathan needs 5 diapers a day (Daddy thought 2 diapers is enough – 1 in the morning, and 1 in the night). That is about 1 dollar/day for diapers.

Sigh…Going on a trip used to be so easy…I just used to chuck everything into the bag, and I was off!

In fact, the way I pack my bags – makes me feel so garung!!! Like Rambo!!! Ready to face the new world and the challenges ahead!

Things have changed!!!

Today, I had to make sure that all of mummy’s worries are dealt with. Even have to pack seedless grapes, bananas and toys for the flight over to Hong Kong (We are not even talking about Hong Kong yet…)