Marriage & Family Archives | Page 45 of 80

Send your kids to these schools to groom them to be coding geniuses

Coding and programming for kids have seen an upward trend in recent years.

In fact, since five years ago, primary and secondary schools have adopted the Code for Fun enrichment programme thanks to The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE).

But now, preschools are starting to jump on the bandwagon with curriculums or enrichment lessons revolving around programming robots.

Parents with children who suffer from FOMO may want to send their kids to these schools to groom them to be coding geniuses.

#1: Saturday Kids

Image Credits: saturdaykids.com

Locations: Bukit Timah Plaza, Parkway Centre, Orchard Central & King Albert Park

Saturday Kids pride themselves as the first coding school for children in Singapore. Established in 2012, they have taught children not just in programming but also in electronics, digital art, and design thinking.

Have a look at their on-site and online course schedule here.

#2: Coding Lab

Image Credits: codinglab.com.sg

Locations: Bukit Timah & Parkway Parade

Next up, we have Coding Lab. This enrichment centre is a four-time award winner of the Best Enrichment and Learning School voted by parents. Its founder is an MIT alumnus who has worked in Silicon Valley. You can expect a top-notch inquiry-based curriculum for your kids and teens aged 4 to 18.

Check out their classes and special programmes here.

#3: Computhink

Image Credits: facebook.com/computhink.com.sg/

Location: Toa Payoh Central

Third, on our list, we have Commputhink. The programming school for kids is led by trainers who are NUS Master of Technology graduates. Centring their teaching philosophy on interest, your child will possess the freedom to create, write, and understand computer programs.

Not too sure if you want to commit? Sign your kid up for a trial class first.

#4: Children’s Worklab

Image Credits: facebook.com/childrensworklab

Location: Forum Shopping Centre (Orchard)

Children’s Worklab focuses on delivering applied-technology lessons to children aged 4 to 12. It promises a 100% hands-on and mind-stimulating curriculum that will bring out the creative juices of the little ones. With a low teacher to student ratio, your child will also be given the right amount of attention from highly qualified teachers.

View their course schedule or consider some holiday camps for the upcoming June break.

#5: LCCL Coding Academy

Image Credits: facebook.com/lcclcoding

Location: Tanglin Shopping Centre

LCCL is an acronym for “learning to code, and code to learn”. The academy aims to inspire computational thinking among young learners. For parents unfamiliar with computational thinking, the centre defines it as a mental skill and a range of analytical and problem-solving strategies one can apply in life.

There are both regular and holiday programmes at LCCL Coding Academy. Click through the link for more details.

With tighter measures kicking in from Sunday, 16 May, do enquire directly with the respective enrichment centres on their latest COVID-19 protocols and e-learning arrangements before enrollment.

A simple guide to purchasing an engagement ring online

Hey folks, good day. Have you read the news on tighter COVID-19 measures to come into effect from Saturday, 8 May?

For those planning to get married, be aware that marriage solemnisation can still proceed with the 250-attendee cap. However, pre-event testing will be needed if there are more than 50 attendees. The same goes for wedding receptions.

Indeed, this is the “new normal” and not at all a surprise. In fact, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong noted that the authorities might even bring in another “circuit breaker” if the newly announced restrictions aren’t able to bring down COVID-19 community cases.

Individuals who are thinking of popping the question might want to plan ahead to get their engagement rings in time for that unique proposal. Here’s a simple guide to purchasing one online.

Choosing the right jeweller

Image Credits: unsplash.com

An engagement ring is for a lifetime, and it’s essential to choose the right jeweller to help make your dreams come true.

This is the perfect time to put on your researcher cap and start reading reviews. Googling the jeweller’s shop name will showcase testimonials, and all the good and bad opinions shared on social media platforms.

Also, head to the shop’s website and see if you can find contact details or arrange an online video call to speak with the experts. Observe if they are prompt with their replies and go the extra mile to provide a detailed explanation to your questions.

Sizing and budget

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Once you’ve chosen the jeweller you can trust, it’s time to consider the next steps to purchase your ideal engagement ring.

When it comes to sizing, using a universal sizing system can be safe, but there are always risks since variations are unavoidable. Considering that this is an online purchase and you can’t try it out physically in stores, you should find out the shop’s resizing policy.

Kate Furman, a jeweller and designer, shares that wider bands will fit more tightly than thinner ones, so that’s something to keep in mind. It’s also worth noting that rings with gems around the loop may need to be remade to alter the sizing.

To work your way around this bump, visit a physical jewellery store to find out the exact size. Or you may also try out a similar-style ring to observe the fit.

Also, a big question to ask yourself is the budget you have in mind. Most individuals are okay to spend about two months’ salary on an engagement ring, but ultimately, it’s a personal decision. As such, do what is most sound for you financially.

Furman said that the quality, craftsmanship, technical skills, and materials would affect the price range. Look at your list of shortlisted ring designs and ask questions to understand the mechanics behind their price tags.

Custom designs online

Image Credits: Pinterest

Sometimes, it’s impossible to find a ready-made design that hits the sweet spot. Frankly speaking, that’s alright since customisation options are available. But what you want to do is work with the designer directly to ensure no misinterpretation over the consultation process.

Remember also to check the measurements thoroughly as custom items are usually non-returnable and non-refundable.

“Jewelry is often measured in millimeters. If you cannot picture the size, find a device to measure it against your own hand. You do not want to be surprised that it is smaller or larger than you expected it to be when it arrives,” Furman recommends.

Don’t rush the process and take time to consider the range of online jewellers out there before placing an order. Have a successful proposal and a blessed marriage to come!

5 Mother’s Day gift ideas for the ones who like to DIY

Here’s a warm welcome to May from all of us at Money Digest.

With the increase in community cases recently, the government has encouraged residents to limit their social interactions.

For those planning to tone down this year’s Mother’s Day celebration, given the current situation, how about having a simple meal at home? Just in case you’re unaware, you can still keep to the eight-person limit for now.

As you prepare your mini celebrations for mummy, allow us to share some Mother’s Day gift ideas for children and adults who like to DIY.

#1: Meaningful bilateral self-portrait

Image Credits: Pinterest

Make mum a meaningful bilateral self-portrait with two halves of your photo! You can choose your favourite childhood picture and attach another current adult photo to make one whole. Or, if you have kids, use your child’s picture to mirror the other half.

#2: Handmade everlasting flowers

Image Credits: thinkmakeshareblog.com

Are you thinking of getting flowers for the first woman in your life? While real flowers are pretty and can instantly lift a person’s mood, their lifespan is relatively short. Not to mention, they are quite expensive too. Click through the link to view 12 DIY paper flower types you can make for 9 May.

#3: Creative stone paperweights

Image Credits: Pinterest

See if you can grab hold of some fabric scraps from a friend or neighbour who likes to sew. If not, visit Daiso to get some affordable printed fabric. Then, find a heavy pebble and cover it with your choice of material. There you go, a simple but useful paperweight made with love.

#4: Lovely stitched card

Image Credits: crafts.tutsplus.com

With most things going digital nowadays, wishing mum a Happy Mother’s Day can be done in a simple text message. But we believe the old school way of writing cards would definitely be a great surprise for all mummies!

Don’t just pick one off the shelves. Make a simple stitched card along with your handwritten message. All you need is a printed heart template, a needle, and coloured threads of your choice. Paste the template lightly on your card, poke holes along the heart’s outline, and run the strings from end to end. Easy peasy.

#5: Practical coaster creation

Image Credits: delineateyourdwelling.com

We’re not sure about you, but we think most households have watermarks on their desks or dining tables, thanks to the absence of coasters. Make mum one if she doesn’t already have it.

All you need is to purchase some adhesive-backed felt (as the base) and coloured ones from Popular. Cut them into different shapes and sizes, and then paste them on the base to form your unique one-and-only practical coaster! Make a few designs, so mum has enough replacements to last her through the year.

For more creative gifts and adorable card ideas, click here and here. Blessed Mother’s Day to all the superwomen in the world!

How to help your baby pick up a language during their early years

Most Singaporean households use two languages to communicate with their kids – English and a preferred mother tongue.

But there are some families who stick to one preferred language and use it as the central lingo to make contact.

While there is no right or wrong method, some parents are looking to help their babies pick up a second language during their early years. Maybe you have not been exposed to Mandarin as a kid and hoping that your child will keep up the pace while he or she is young.

Great idea! If you believe that babies can learn within the first year of their lives and it’s crucial for them to get proper exposure for language learning in their early childhood days, stay on this page for tips.

#1: Magnify your expressions

Well-trained preschool teachers are usually very “big” with their gestures. To the average adult, their body language may look a little crazy. But it’s such craziness that your baby needs to attract their attention.

#2: Be responsive

In fact, not just for babies alone, most young children are encouraged by responsiveness. Pay close attention to your baby’s feedback and reply in your preferred language accordingly. Remember our previous point? Be sure to exaggerate your response to capture their concentration.

#3: Repeating is key

a grandmother reading a storybook to her grandchild

Image Credits: considerable.com

Even adults frequently repeat specific phrases in order to remember it. If you’ve had the experience of learning a third language, you would be well aware of how repetition plays a huge part in retaining new sounds, words, and phrases. This process is similar for your little one!

#4: Use children songs with visual aid

Children songs and nursery rhymes are usually filled with actions to stimulate a child’s interest. If you prefer not to expose your child to the television for prolonged periods, then do it yourself! But too much of something isn’t productive and may even wear out your baby. So, watch the clock.

#5: Keep interests in mind

No one person would like to continue an interaction if it doesn’t interest them. Hence, it pays to use your baby’s curiosity, for example, in a particular object, to engage in a “dialogue” with them.

#6: Q&A works fine

Image Credits: identifythesigns.org

Q&A is a system adults use to confirm understanding. Your baby may not be able to speak right now, but they can respond to your questions in their unique way. To make sure they understand the language you’re using over time, ask simple questions and watch their reply.

#7: Include storytimes

One of the things I admire about European families is the presence of storytimes before bed. It’s not just a wonderful way to teach a language but also a fantastic time to bond with your baby. Don’t forget to slow down your reading speed and make sure you’re articulating those words clearly.

#8: Avoid over rectification

As we come to a close, perfectionist parents should keep in mind not to go overboard with correction. Even if your child is unable to pronounce certain words accurately, that’s okay. They are still in the process of speech development, and you can aid them by giving them the confidence to speak freely.

Time and patience will go a long way. Take heart!

6 ways to approach someone who has lost a baby

Long-awaited pregnancies can bring immense joy to expecting parents.

But when one faces a miscarriage, the feelings of loss can be tough to cope with. Whether it’s a loss at three months or a miscarriage at six months, it’s indeed an incident to grief over. It can be even more challenging as a bystander if one does not know how to approach the situation.

If you have a friend or a close relative going through such an unfortunate situation recently, read on.

#1: Keep it simple

In a situation where someone you know has lost a baby, the most effective way to communicate is to keep your sentiments brief and straightforward.

Lengthy messages can be emotionally taxing for people who have just experienced a tremendous loss, even if the messages intended to provide comfort. Simple statements such as, “we are here for you if you need to talk” or “we are thinking of you, and your family” are easy to process, sincere, and meaningful.

#2: Acknowledge the reality

Losing a baby causes tremendous, deep-rooted grief. When a person mourns a lost baby, it is crucial to understand that there is no replacement for the baby that they bore.

While no single prayer or conversation can ease their grief instantly, we mustn’t simply pull away from reality. Yes, it might be difficult and awkward to talk about it. However, acknowledging the miscarriage and being present with a grieving friend can provide a safe space for them to talk about their loss openly.

“When you bring a healthy baby home from the hospital, everyone wants to come over and see the baby and talk about the baby. When your baby dies, people don’t want to come (to) visit; they don’t want to talk about your baby — and that hurts. I wish people didn’t assume we didn’t want to talk about her,” shared a mum who lost her daughter at six months.

#3: Read the room

Image Credits: helpguide.org

This is a time to be sensitive, and one way to do that is to read the room. Whatever situation you find yourself in, it is okay to follow the parents’ lead.

Listen to their tone and the language they use, then try to mirror their chosen words and phrases in your conversation. If the parents are referring to their baby by name, follow suit. If they are using another term, such as “our baby”, follow their preference.

For those holding on to religious or spiritual beliefs, listen and subtly acknowledge their thoughts even if you may disagree. This is not the time to share your views, start preaching to them on what you trust or oppose the bereaved’s feelings.

#4: Allow silence

Know that there may not always be the right words for a mother who has lost a precious child. If you do not know what to say, keep silent.

Gossip, meaningless chatter, over excessive verbal sympathies may sometimes do more harm than good. Everyone grieves differently, and as a bystander, simply being present and tolerating silence can make a massive difference to the affected parties.

With that said, do avoid such phrases:

It’s meant to be.
This is all God’s will.
Maybe it’s for the best.
He/she is in a better place.
Everything happens for a reason.

#5: Present open-ended offers

It can be hard to know what to offer to someone who has lost a baby. Sometimes, we might try to guess what they need out of goodwill and miss the mark completely.

Thus, sometimes it may work if you ask them directly. An open-ended question is best. For example, “What can I do to help you?” or “Is there anything you need?” is an excellent way to open a direct line of communication.

Another way to make an open-ended offer is to volunteer for a specific task that might need to be done. If they have a young child to take care of, offer to babysit them after school so they can get some quiet time. Or you could also help pick up their groceries from the supermarket or even share a dish for dinner.

#6: Check-in regularly

Image Credits: themakingofamillionaire.com

A psychologist shared in her book that it can take a few years for a mother to conclude the episode of her baby’s death.

Since no one person is wired in the same way, different individuals may get over the intense grief at various periods. If there’s something you can do, it is to check in regularly with them. Make it a habit to listen rather than just comfort whether you’re on the phone or seeing them face-to-face.

Being available to listen, especially when paired with an acknowledgement of what happened, can be a powerful way to help someone who is processing the loss of their baby.

Final thoughts

Facing a miscarriage is a heartbreak no one can understand unless they’ve been through it before. Even so, it can be very different between mothers who carry their own stories and pregnancy histories.

More often than not, well-intended words and phrases offered as comfort may come across as belittling, downplaying, or simply just unhelpful. Heed the advice given above if you know not where to start, but if you’re too afraid, then sometimes just being silent but physically available can be an appropriate way to approach a friend who has lost a precious one.