Marriage & Family Archives | Page 47 of 81

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.

It’s time to consider having a money date

Even the strongest couples can experience tension when the topic of money presents itself. Money can bring hidden differences in opinions, priorities, wants, or needs to the surface. Though in all honesty, it can be pretty uncomfortable to talk about it with your partner.

However, avoiding the topic altogether will not solve any problems. Money touches every aspect of our lives since we need it for our daily living. We also require cash for well-deserved luxuries such as staycations or cruises.

It’s crucial to allocate the right amount of money towards expenses, savings, and splurges to thrive. And in a committed relationship, we cannot do it alone. That is why what you might need is a money date.

What is a money date?

Simply put, it is a date with money as the main highlight. Yes, we know it’s tough even to start. But Kathy Entwistle, the founder of Entwistle Partners, a financial specialist team, says that it gets more accessible and comfortable with every little step.

Having a constructive conversation with your partner about your monetary resources and financial goals can bring both of you to better wealth management and freedom in the future.

One of the best ways to have this conversation is to set up a time with your partner, just like how you would do for a typical date invitation. A scheduled time and safe space where you and your partner can talk openly and honestly about money issues is the first vital step to take.

When should we arrange for a money date?

You and your partner should begin having money dates when you are ready to build a future together or you’re moving towards a committed relationship.

However, even if you’re already married, it’s not too late to start. You know the famous phrase, right? Better late than never. Regular money dates are essential, so you can adapt to changing financial circumstances and chart your progress towards your current goals.

Why should you consider having one?

a white mug with the word 'conversations' printed

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Mentally, don’t you agree that it’s easier to look forward to a date than a discussion? Scheduling a date ahead of time gives you and your partner time to reflect, get into the necessary mindset, and prepare yourself for potentially problematic money issues surfacing in your conversations.

A money date is also an apt time to gear yourself to discuss your values, goals, plans, and existing resources. Being willing to discuss any finance-related problems freely can help you and your significant other feel less stressed about the topic of money, in general, going forward.

Is there an ideal spot?

Unlike a traditional date, a money date requires an atmosphere conducive for serious discussions. It should be set at a time and a place where you and your partner can be comfortable and enjoy some privacy at the same time.

With that said, the latest cafe, rooftop bar, or restaurant may not be an ideal environment for a meaningful talk surrounding money. Your home can be the right place, and you could even choose to have your discussion over a glass of wine or a cup of tea to set the mood right.

If you have children at home, find a way to get privacy by considering dropping them off at your parents’ house for a few hours.

How do we kickstart the conversation?

Entwistle recommends that we begin with the bigger picture. These questions could guide both of you to find out what matters to you in life and the role of money in it:

What are our priorities?
Is it taking care of our parents?
What’s important to you when it comes to money?
Is it that you can provide for the family and put our children through university?
Does it have to do with security? Or is it knowing that you have enough to “get by”?

If your priority is to pay off credit card debts, you may want to examine your debts and decide how to approach them systematically. On the other hand, should your partner’s aim be caring for his ageing parents, both of you may wish to set aside an agreed sum of money for this purpose.

Or it could also be that both of you have started thinking about saving up for retirement. If that’s the case, then the conversation could revolve around minimising unnecessary expenses and maximising saving opportunities.

What about financial stresses?

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Having a negative net worth or financial struggles can be upsetting. This emotional distress can spill over into your money date. Thus, it is vital to avoid getting into an overly aggressive discussion on your first money date.

As you and your partner gradually move towards subsequent money dates, you know it’s probably a good time to focus on more specific details. This could surface one’s irrational fear about a particular area. From there, start digging deeper and decide if there’s a solution to work towards.

Final thoughts

While it may feel uncomfortable to talk about money with your partner at first, it’s ultimately an essential thing to have. In fact, you might even surprise yourself by how easy it is to get into the flow of things. If you’ve yet to start, we urge you to consider taking that first step. It’s not as scary as you think it to be.

6 Beautiful Places To Propose In Singapore

If you are popping the question soon, you may be pondering about where it shall take place. May this list help you start planning for the perfect proposal in Singapore. Be honest with your emotions. Your genuine intentions accompanied by the romantic ambiance will make your partner swoon.

HENDERSON WAVES BRIDGE

People say that love takes you to greater heights. What better way to propose to your loved one than by declaring your love in the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore? It is none other than the Henderson Waves Bridge. True to its name, it mimics the distinct shape of a wave as it curves along its entire 274-meter length.

This spot is suitable for couples who love to take an afternoon hike or an evening stroll. Just picture the city lights at night as you prepare for your memorable proposal. It is a popular place, so do not expect much in terms of privacy.

Address: Henderson Rd, Singapore 159557
Visit nparks.gov.sg to know more.

SINGAPORE FLYER

One of the attractions that make Singapore standout is the Singapore Flyer. Feast your eyes on its iconic skyline and famous sites such as Singapore River and Merlion Park. During your special night, you can book a romantic for two with its premium Sky Dining offering.

The Singapore Flyer Sky Dining experience includes:

a. two rotations (60 minutes) on the Singapore Flyer,
b. an in-flight host,
c. a four-course dinner of your choice (i.e., Western, Oriental, or Vegetarian Menu),
d. priority boarding to skip the queues,
e. and complimentary admission to the Time Capsule.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You need to shell out a whopping S$300 (*special online price) to experience this. Remember to book at least one working day in advance!

Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803
Visit singaporeflyer.com for more details.

PULAU UBIN

Home to diverse habitats and overflowing ecosystems, the island of Pulau Ubin is the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Depart from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the island by bicycle or kayak through its tranquil river.

Wait for the golden hour to come. Enjoy the island’s rustic charms as you kneel and ask the big question. Surely, it will be a life-changing moment for the both of you!

Address: Pulau Ubin, Singapore 508329
Visit nparks.gov.sg to know more.

SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

Treat yourself and your loved one with nature’s beauty as you explore the wonders of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This place has numerous alluring spots on its arsenal. You can ask the most important question of your life in the Swan Lake, Palm Valley, Learning Forest, Symphony Lake, Ethnobotany Garden, or the new Tropical Montane Orchidetum.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It recently unveiled the Tropical Montane Orchidetum. This Orchidetum spans around 2,480sqm and features the largest collection of high-elevation montane orchids in Asia. Embrace the beauty of your surroundings as you pop the question!

Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Visit nparks.gov.sg/sbg for more details.

ST. JOHN’S ISLAND

Nestled in the string of islands on the Southern coast of Singapore is St. John’s Island. What was once a quarantine facility in the late 1800s has since become a destination for locals who want a quick getaway from the cityscape. Take your partner in this place to enjoy a variety of activities.

From dipping on the calm waters of the Swimming Lagoon to keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings, you can find the perfect timing to propose while enjoying a fun-filled day. Do not forget to snap some pictures!

Address: 12 St. John’s Island, Singapore 098600
Visit nparks.gov.sg to learn more.

CHIJMES

With its unique architecture and warm ambiance, CHIJMES is one of the favorite local spots for wedding ceremonies. In fact, its glistened in the big screen through the Crazy Rich Asians film. The place was decorated beautifully to celebrate the wedding of the fictional characters – Araminta and Colin. See for yourself!

Since its inception in the 1840s, the pristine walls of CHIJMES have not aged one bit. You do not have to think twice about considering to propose here. Complete the proposal by making a reservation for a romantic candlelit dinner.

Address: 30 Victoria St, Singapore 187996
Visit chijmes.com.sg to learn more.

Note: As a friendly reminder, the places on this list follow safety procedures for the well-being of all its visitors. Please observe these guidelines and ask necessary questions ahead of time. We wish you the best!

Sources: 1 & 2