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10 lessons to teach kids about money and abundance

Dear parents, guardians, and caregivers, this is written specially for you. Are you looking for some resources on how to teach kids about money and abundance? New York Times best-selling authors Dr Wayne W. Dyer and Kristina Tracy have a book for you to share with the little ones.

If you think you haven’t been a good role model in money management, you might want to rewrite the situation by introducing some money-related life lessons for your children. Especially with the upcoming Chinese New Year, teachable moments from “angbaos” will present itself.

Here are 10 lessons from the book titled “It’s Not What You’ve Got!: Lessons for Kids on Money and Abundance”. Share with your children to help them cultivate positive perspectives on money and life in general.

#1: You’re not what you’ve got!

It’s easy to fall into the cycle of comparison. While having more toys and beautiful clothes matter, remind your child that they are not defined by the things they possess. Without that latest remote control car or that lovely barbie doll, they are still precious little beings on earth!

#2: Live within your means

As much as these are tips for kids, we would like to believe that there are learning points for everyone too. Some adults struggle with difficulties living within their means. The authors wrote this essential takeaway in their book:

“Don’t spend more than you make. Using money that’s not yours can be a big mistake.”

Isn’t this a potent reminder to have no matter the age? However, even more so for kids, you must instil in them the practice of spending within their limits from a young age. Let them know it’s okay to dream big and have goals, but encourage them only to buy what they can afford and work towards the rest.

#3: It doesn’t matter what others have

One will never be happy by yapping on non-stop about what others have. The truth is that there will always be people who have more and others with much less. Jealousy gets nowhere! Getting mad entertaining such recurring thoughts is probably a waste of time and energy.

#4: You have the power to get what you want

Instead of squandering valuable time away being sour, highlight to your kids that they hold power to get what they want. Are you curious as an adult too? Well, it all boils down to the power of the mind.

Do you know that an average person has 6,000 over thoughts a day? Thoughts can become actions, and actions can give way to results. Don’t underestimate an optimistic opinion because it can turn into something huge!

If you’ve heard your children telling you that they want to be wealthy when they grow up, don’t just dismiss it as a silly idea. Tap into their imagination and let them tell you the steps they need to take to become rich. It’s never too early to delve into the finest of details.

#5: Money does not create happiness

Adults who’ve had the chance to interact with the younger generation may come across some “money-minded kids”. Some adults are like that too. While money is necessary to live in this expensive world, it cannot buy certain unmeasurable luxuries like family love and genuine happiness.

Tell your children that mountains of money may bring temporary happiness but not deep-rooted joy. Even households with a little money can still lead fulfilling lives. Money is not the main contributing factor to happiness, and the little ones need to know that.

#6: Every job is important

How you treat people around you can reveal a lot to your kids. Do you respond respectfully to the server at the restaurant? Or do you yell at the customer service representative over the phone when something goes wrong?

Children are like monkeys because they see and do accordingly. As responsible adults, you want to pave the way for kids to understand that every job is important. While some may not be as glamourous, they still have an influence on our economy.

#7: Follow your dreams

To walk the talk, you have to be a parent who believes. We’ve seen many adults who scoff at their kids’ dreams after hearing it firsthand. Those who do it at family gatherings ought to reflect on the impact of their actions.

A dream is never too big or too small. But it’s definitely personal! Whether your child aspires to be a pet groomer, a celebrity, or a lawyer, don’t be a wet blanket. As the authors rightly point out, what your child does to earn money is their choice to make. It’s their life to live after all, and you can’t always be with them every step of the way.

#8: There is plenty enough for everyone!

The writers are talking about abundance here. When a kid sees another kid having more than they have, they may start to wonder if there’s enough to go around. Let them know that there’s plenty of life’s gifts for everyone! And there will be even more for those who work hard for it.

#9: Enjoy what you’ve earned

Hard work and rewards often go hand in hand. Parents and guardians who want to use this as a teachable moment can do so in terms of giving extra pocket money. Let the kids help out with household chores and provide them with a dollar to add to their piggy banks if it’s a job well done.

If your child decides not to add it to their piggy bank, don’t sweat over it. They’ve worked hard to earn the little reward so let them decide how they should spend it. But of course, there’s no harm in sharing with them the benefits of having savings over the long term. Just don’t nag at them.

#10: Abundance means more than money

Abundance is not a word associated just with money. Sometimes, the greatest treasures on earth are those that money can’t buy. Richness can come in the form of excellent health, loyal friends, and loving family members!

Have a closure to the reading session

We’ve come to the end of the list of 10 lessons. Hope you’ve found them thought-provoking. The book ends with several questions you can use to follow-up with your kid’s reading session. Here’s a glimpse of it:

Why do you think it’s important to save and use your own money for something you want? How do you feel when you use your own money to buy something?
To get what you want in life, it helps to picture it clearly in your mind—down to the littlest detail. Describe something you want to do, be, or have. What does it look like? How will you make it happen?
What is something important that you’ve learned about money from reading this book? Do you see now how money is not something that is good or bad but will always be a part of your life? Do you understand what money can and can’t do? Knowing these answers will help you have a healthy relationship with money throughout your whole life!

Get the book on Amazon if you want your child to benefit from the abovementioned lessons: “It’s Not What You’ve Got!: Lessons for Kids on Money and Abundance”.

Consider these creative writing platforms to groom your children to be champion expressionists

Do you want your kids to become champion expressionists in the future? Start them off from a young age. Writing will stick with your children for almost the rest of their life, be it in school, at work, or in other areas of their daily lives.

Here are some creative writing platforms you can consider enrolling your child in.

#1: MindChamps

Locations: Islandwide from the East to the West

MindChamps should be a relatively familiar big brand name among parents and guardians of primary school kids. Their creative writing programme designed by well-known author Brian Caswell targets little ones aged 6 to 12.

The structure and techniques used at MindChamps complement the primary school English curriculum so your child can relate to what he/she learns in the enrichment classroom. A level will run for 10 weeks with 2-hour lessons happening each time.

During the classes, your kids will be able to use the MindChamps Writing Toolbox to:

Hone their grammar knowledge
Gain opportunities to proofread and edit their writing
Have a hand at broad genres of writing
Be exposed to various writing styles

Sounds awesome? Keep reading because we’re just getting started.

#2: Julia Gabriel Centre

Locations: Orchard and Tampines

Julia Gabriel founded Julia Gabriel Centre in 1990. It is part of the Julia Gabriel Education group which focuses on programmes supporting innovative communication, speech & drama, and early childhood.

Julia’s unique EduDrama® methodology will craft the learning environment needed for your child to top these areas: language, confidence, expressive communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Let’s Read & Write (5 – 6 years / Kindergarten 1 & 2)

Parents who want their kids to get a headstart before entering primary one can sign them up for Julia Gabriel Centre’s Let’s Read & Write programme. Through experiential learning, your child will cultivate an interest in reading, share their opinions on stories, and have a go at writing short stories.

Think N’ Ink (7 – 12 Years / Primary 1 – 6)

It’s alright even if you miss out on sending your child for preschool enrichment writing classes. It’s not too late to start now! The Think N’ Ink programme will aid your kids in comprehending different text types.

They will be able to identify the main and supporting ideas and tackle diverse comprehension questions. If you want your children to grasp a range of thematic vocabulary, grammatical rules, and succeed in their PSLE, this could be for you.

But hold up! Wait till you consider the rest on this list.

#3: The Write Connection

Locations: Islandwide including Jurong, Punggol, and Woodlands

The Write Connection’s writing enrichment programme has been tried and tested in Sydney back in 2002. You can expect world-class writing pedagogy and curriculum aligned with MOE’s.

In selected two-hour lessons, your child will experience language exercises to help them analyse and read like a writer. They will have a chance to be updated with current news to sharpen their general knowledge. Simultaneously, mentors will encourage participants to connect with other classmates through effective communication within the classroom and beyond.

Their very structured curriculum cycle consists of:

Formative Lesson → Formative Assessment → Summative Assessment → Consolidation Lesson

Great for parents who are very OCD.

#4: AGrader Learning Centre

Locations: Islandwide including Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, and Bukit Gombak

AGrader Learning Centre has creative writing classes for children from primary 1 to 6. Your little one will be able to gain exposure in descriptive writing, narrative and even personal recounts. Experienced teachers will guide your child through brainstorming to ideate their main characters and craft a plot with conflicts and solutions.

Through storybook reading, primary school students can pick up new vocabulary and apply metaphors, personification, and similes in their future writing. Most importantly, instructors will set aside time to review common mistakes committed. Whether its poor expression or incorrect language use, students can reflect on these errors and avoid them going forward.

We’re almost at the end. Two more to go!

#5: Write Edge

Locations: Islandwide including Sengkang, Tampines, and Bukit Timah

Write Edge claims to employ the approach of skills-based and thematic-based lessons to prepare their students for PSLE. Through the assorted story topics given every week, your child will be able to deposit new words into their vocabulary bank.

Parents who are worried that these extra writing assignments might stress your precious little ones, fret not. At Write Edge, full composition writings are completed in class at a frequency of 1 to 2 weeks. There will be ample time for them to craft their own stories alongside proper guidance.

Write Edge instructors will also introduce model essays with intriguing plots and relevant vocabularies. Class sizes are kept small and conducive enough for individuals to gain sufficient teacher-student interaction.

The next listing will sum up our list of creative writing platforms.

#6: Writers @ Work

Locations: Clementi, Bukit TImah, Ang Mo Kio, and Marine Parade

Like the writing programmes we’ve looked at thus far, Writers @ Work offers various writing line-ups for K2 to primary 6 students. The junior writing programme will set the foundation right and transmit the joy of writing before the young ones start their primary school journey.

As they progress through the years, students will learn how to meet the word count with precision and explosive vocabulary. From primary four onwards, Writers @ Work’s dedicated tutors will aid your child in mastering the art of storytelling. By the time they are at primary six, your child should be able to adapt whatever they’ve practised to ace their PSLE!

Learning how to write does not stop at primary school. If you think your child has benefited over the writing classes, enrol them for Writers @ Work’s secondary school enrichment programmes.

It’s never too late

We hope you’ve found this list useful! Amid COVID-19, parents looking for online resources can consider the premium creative writing courses (monthly subscription) by the Writing Samurai. There are several other online crash courses with one-time payments so check it out here for more details.

As Richard David Bach, an American writer, rightly puts it, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” It’s never too late to start honing your child’s writing skills! Take action now and make an investment in your child’s education you won’t regret.

11 realisations we had while watching the first part of Bling Empire

Bling Empire’s the rage right now. It’s probably one of the trending keywords in Singapore and among several other Asian communities. The new reality show by Netflix which aired on 15 January features the life stories of a group of rich Asians living in Los Angeles. This includes Kane Lim, a Singaporean cast member.

We read from an exclusive interview that Kane gathered his LA friends to form Bling Empire’s cast. Together with Kelly Mi Li, they were the ones who pitched the reality show idea to Jeff Jenkins. Jenkins is the producer who was in charge of Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ production.

There are already a couple of reviews on Bling Empire, so we will spare you from that. What we are keen on focusing on is not the way the rich flaunt their wealth. Instead, while watching the program, we had some meaningful realisations. Here are 12 that stuck with us while watching the first part (episodes 1 to 4).

Fashion & Business

#1: Less is more when it comes to jewellery

Do you agree with Christine that more is more when it comes to jewellery? Putting the wealthy mindset aside, we agree more with Coco Chanel that simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance. It’s also wise that you heed this advice, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”

#2: Never put the offer first

This is some wise advice on the art of negotiation. While it may not work in every workplace or client discussion, if you can, take it from Kane to allow the other party to give you an offer first before closing the deal. This could even work for a new job’s salary negotiation if done wittily and correctly!

Life & Relationships

#3: Live life to its fullest

What a powerful reminder to have at the start of 2021. Everyone has their definition of what “fullest” means. No matter the intention, we think it’s essential that we live life within our means. Hold that swipe at the store if you think you won’t be able to clear that credit card bill at the end of its cycle.

#4: The right person will come along when it’s due

Kim shared in Bling Empire that her mum advocates the idea of working hard, being independent, and not worrying about any man. This is especially true for ladies (and gentlemen) who are worried about their love life. Focus on yourself first, and the right person will come to you when it’s due.

#5: Sex benefits of caviar

According to Cherie, caviar is a natural viagra for men. We researched and found that high-fat animal foods like caviar can help stimulate the production of sex hormones such as testosterone. Think you can afford some to boost your libido? Check out where to have premium caviar in Singapore.

#6: True change takes time

Dr Bethany Marshall, the psychoanalyst who was featured during Kelly and Andrew’s therapy session, revealed an excellent point. That is, real change takes place slowly. While it’s good to be quick to forgive, remember that a person does not overturn their bad habits overnight. Be sure to give it some time before you reassess your relationships status and make the next move.

#7: Ability to control people with money

While discussing the topic of surrogacy, Christine’s husband, Dr Gabriel Chiu, commented that when it comes to using money to control people, it’s possible. What are your thoughts? Considering most of us being placed towards the end on a financial spectrum, would you gladly be governed by the rich using money as a weapon?

#8: Need for privacy in sharing about your relationship

We’ve got to agree with Andrew that privacy is necessary for a relationship. Oversharing your relationship issues can stir up troubles, especially if your partner is one that values privacy. Kane shared in an episode about Kelly’s sex life with Andrew and Kevin. As Ryan Howes, a psychologist in Pasadena, California, rightly points out, “Without consent, discussing the specifics of your sex life should be a no-no.”

#9: Be respectful as a house guest

With the approaching Chinese New Year, there’s no better time than now to remind yourself to be respectful when home visiting. Kim and Guy are the exact opposite of who you should be – walking into Anna’s bedroom and shower and then invading her privacy by throwing a penis pump out of her house window in front of other guests.

#10: Apologies has its limits

Kevin decided to be the bigger person and apologise because Kim felt no remorse in her actions. Though it’s praiseworthy to be the person apologising when it seems like you’re not at fault, sometimes it’s better to let the situation cool before relooking into it again. This is to prevent similar problems from happening again.

#11: Perspectives matter

It takes courage to look back on one’s life and make a comment as Anna did. In episode four, Anna revealed that though she had four marriages and then divorced following, it was good. No, we’re not backing that divorce is the only way out for problematic relationships, but more of seeing the good in the past while moving on to the next chapter in life. All things happen for a reason!

Did the abovementioned realisations speak to you? Watch it on Nextflix if you’re keen! Meanwhile, please excuse us as we continue with the second half of Bling Empire for more life takeaways.

Why a Positive Role Model is Necessary for Primary School Students

In the year 1961, renowned psychologist Albert Bandura carried out his trademark Bobo doll experiment on behavioural models. Here, a group of students were exposed to a group of grown-ups physically and verbally abusing a Bobo doll. The students were then provoked with a negative situation and their behaviour observed. Soon enough, the experimenters observed the children punching and abusing the Bobo doll, mimicking the nasty behaviour they had just noticed. In contrast, another group of students who had witnessed non-aggressive behaviours did not engage in such aggressive acts.

Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment paved the way for his much-acclaimed social learning theory, emphasising the significance of “role models” in a child’s life. Bandura’s observation that children model – or mimic – adult behaviour has led psychologists to study the converse of this study, i.e., the role of positive role-models on children’s behavioural patterns. Therefore, for parents and teachers, it is necessary to mind language, action and other behaviours in front of children.

Let us look at some ways in which positive adult role-models significantly mould students’ behaviours:

1. As Emotional Anchors

When children observe an adult’s positive behaviours and look up to them, they also tend to rely on them for emotional support. They feel free to express their emotions to such adults and may open up to them even when they sense any impending threats. Over time, positive role-models tend to provide children with a comfortable space where they can voice their feelings without being judged.

Children take their cues from the adult, and if you are attentive when listening, instead of cutting off the child, or engaged in your smartphone, the child will stop sharing.

2. Windows to the Social World

Human beings are social animals who rely on one another to create their support-systems. Behaving in socially beneficial ways can help them establish healthy relationships and contribute to their social well-being. Positive adult role-models allow children to distinguish socially relevant behaviours from the potentially harmful ones and thus live in social harmony.

Manners and mannerism both are inculcated from a young age, and hence, it is important to help a child maneuver good and bad behaviours.

3. Confidence Boosters in a Topsy-Turvy World

In a world that continually challenges our resilience, positive role-models can restore a child’s confidence and foster hope. Such an adult can explicitly and implicitly motivate children to never give up on themselves and work on their self-esteem. For example, teachers and counsellors at reputed primary schools in Punggol and other prominent cities help students deal with major issues like bullying, negative self-image, and stress.

Here, we go back to the first point. It is important for the child to know that they are adults who listen to them without judging. it will help them to reach out at the earliest.

4. As Motivators to Constantly Push the Envelope

At times when students feel demotivated or confused about their true passion, adult role-models can help them realise their potential and work towards achieving their goals. They encourage students to shed their comfort zones and “shoot for the moon to land among the stars”. Indian schools in Singapore and other such educational hubs offer diverse extracurricular and co-curricular activities that accommodate different areas of interest.

Positive role-models fuel students’ passion and help them earmark their preferred domains

5. Sounding-Boards and Advisors During Trying Times

Sound advice when asked for can considerably change one’s direction in life for the better. Adult-role models provide such timely advice and guidance, enabling students to pick the right path and steer clear of danger. Since students recognise that their role-models have only their best interests in mind, they would typically hold their advice in high regard.

Again, it is important to create a safe space. A child should know that all the fears and shame they share will stay with the adult and not be spilled to other children.

6. Calling a Spade, a Spade: Constructive Criticism

Besides the much-needed appreciation and encouragement, every human-being, including every child, also requires someone to point out their mistakes objectively. Adult role-models provide students with constructive criticism, offering practical solutions to counter their weaknesses.

Nuanced feedback helps students recognise and work on their flaws, eventually becoming better versions of themselve.

7. Mentors for Figuring Out the Future

Students are often confused about what courses to take up post their matriculation. While taking aptitude tests helps them gain better clarity, personal touch to the whole process can help students find their niches. Positive role-models provide a holistic perspective to such students by enabling them to consider their various options.

Never dictate to the child. To the child, it may come across as a non-verbal cue of doing one thing without considering the other. Instead, encourage them to take informed decisions.

Conclusion

Children often tend to emulate the adults they observe around them. As a result, positive role-models help them to develop into well-adjusted, sensitive and mature human-beings who can distinguish the right from the wrong. A role-model may practically be any adult they frequently interact with – parents, teachers, counsellors, other caregivers etc. Top international schools across the globe consist of teachers and counsellors who not only preach but also model the expected behaviours for children to imbibe.

Pocket-friendly basic yu sheng platters from S$9.90 for CNY celebrations

Yu sheng (鱼生) is also commonly known as yu sang in Cantonese. Most of us who have a basic understanding of Chinese know that yu sheng literally translates to “raw fish”. But it also refers to a Chinese New Year dish with various vegetables, thin slices of raw fish, and seasonings.

Do you know that yu sheng has over 2,000 years of history in China? This well-known dish to many Singaporeans almost disappeared in China during the Qing dynasty. Thankfully, this tradition is still well-kept on our sunny island. Will you have it on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year? If yes, 18 February is the date to note.

Here are some pocket-friendly basic yu sheng platters from S$9.90 you can buy for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Under S$10

#1: Sing Long Loh Hey Yee Sang 350g

Price: S$9.90

Where to buy: Sheng Siong

We will start our list with the cheapest option. Sing Long’s Loh Hey Yee Sang is the only one that’s priced under S$10. It contains several shredded ingredients including papaya, golden lemon, and winter melon.

Under S$15

#2: Happy Family Fa Cai Yu Sheng 500g

Sale Price: S$11.80

Usual Price: S$12.80

Where to buy: Sheng Siong

For our under S$15 category, the most affordable product is Happy Family’s Fa Cai Yu Sheng. There is an ongoing sale at the point of writing so if you want to take advantage of the dollar savings, then get yours soon! This box serves up to eight people.

#3: Fortune Prosperity Yu Sheng 500g

Price: S$11.90

Where to buy: Cold Storage

Similar to the previous listing, this is another 500g option you can consider. As you toss to prosperity and good luck during lo hei this year, how about wowing your loved ones with phrases such as 一本万利 (yi ben wan li) and 青春常驻 (qing chun chang zhu)?

#4: Tungsan Prosperous Yu-Sheng 520g

Price: S$12

Where to buy: FairPrice

Tungsan Prosperous Yu-Sheng is a product of Singapore. According to the item’s listing on FairPrice, it’s suitable for vegetarians. It’s also halal-certified and trans-fat free! Although not a common sight, it contains assorted yam slices and one free red packet. Huat ah!

#5: Harvest Prosperity Yu Sheng 500g

Price: S$12.50

Where to buy: FairPrice

Harvest Prosperity Yu Sheng is just right for a group of eight persons. Why not let the seniors take a break from saying auspicious phrases this year? Allow yourself to take on the challenge! Need a guide? Click through the link to find out what you need to say when adding the different yu sheng ingredients.

#6: Sing Long Yee Sang 600g

Price: S$13.80

Where to buy: Cold Storage

We started this article with Sing Long’s Loh Hey Yee Sang at S$9.90. But if you have more mouths to feed, then this 600g option would be perfect. Instead of raw fish slices, you can also add some abalone to the platter. New Moon’s New Zealand Abalone 425g is currently on a 19% discount! Get yours at S$36.80 before the promotion ends.

#7: Chef Chen Green Tea Yusheng 650g

Price: S$13.80

Where to buy: FairPrice

Oh wow, wasn’t expecting a green tea flavoured yu sheng to make our list. This pack from Chef Chen offers up to 10 abundant servings! It comes with the healthier choice label, so health-conscious peeps can enjoy it guilt-free.

Under S$20

#8: MCM Yee Sang – CNY Red Box Yu Sheng (Small) 350g

Sale Price: S$16.80 (till 1 February)

Usual Price: S$19.90

Where to buy: FairPrice

This item is a recent addition to FairPrice. It’s a product of Malaysia and can serve up to six persons. If you have a little more budget to spare and would like to present a bag of yu sheng as a gift to someone, consider the MCM Yee Sang – CNY Gold Box Hong Yun Yu Sheng (Big). The well-packaged 600g box is priced at S$22.80 (promotion till 1 February only).

#9: RedMart Prosperity Yusheng 850g

Sale Price: S$17.30

Usual Price: S$18.30

Where to buy: RedMart

RedMart’s platter is made up of freshly shredded vegetables, unlike the ones we’ve introduced thus far. Those who are concerned with excessive preservatives, this yu sheng kit might put you at ease. Please store in the refrigerator if you’re not serving it immediately upon delivery.

#10: Sin Hwa Dee Fa Cai Yu Sheng 635g

Price: S$17.80

Where to buy: FairPrice

We like the unique packaging on this one. A box has up to 15 servings for everyone to eat their fill! Add some Fukuyama Frozen Hokkaido Scallops or fresh shrimps if you prefer variety over the usual raw fish slices.

Under S$30

#11: Din Tai Fung Prosperity Yu Sheng (Vegetarian)

Price: S$26.80

Where to buy: Din Tai Fung

A standard plate of vegetarian prosperity yu sheng from Din Tai Fung will cost you only S$26.80, and that’s why we’ve parked it at the “under S$30” category. But families who don’t mind spending a little more can consider the non-vegetarian options shown in the graphic above. UOB cardmembers get 10% off.

Cheers to a bountiful and flourishing 2021, everyone!