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4 kid-friendly shows/events under $44 to bring your child to for the upcoming June holidays

As the June holidays begin, the quest to keep the little ones entertained becomes urgent.

If you’re on the hunt for fun-filled activities, we have compiled a list of kid-friendly shows/events, all under $44, for your consideration.

Red Dot’s Rovin’ Ride through the Four Seasons

Price: from $22

When: Sat, 22 Jun 2024 & Sun, 23 Jun 2024

First up, you may want to join Red Dot’s Rovin’ Ride through Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for a musical adventure!

This interactive theatrical production brings the masterworks to life, with the musicians themselves stepping into the role of storytellers.

From a barking dog to a partying villager, characters, and scenes spring to life, bringing you through the changing seasons.

Designed for families and young maestros, this performance by the Red Dot Baroque ensemble promises to delight audiences of all ages.

[Editor’s note: Infants and children aged below 4 years old are not allowed to enter.]

ROAR! Dinosaur Adventure Park 2.0

Price: from $31

When: now till Sun, 30 Jun 2024

Or enter prehistoric paradise at ROAR! Dinosaur Adventure Park 2.0, where life-size dinos roam the land.

Hop in an adventure car and explore the Jurassic forest or get hands-on as a paleontologist and dig for fossils.

Brave the dino-themed inflatables, take a spin on the dinosaur ride, and test your child’s aim at the VR shooting game.

Don’t forget to collect all 9 stamps for a bring-home souvenir!

With weekday tickets just $31, it’s an adventure the whole family will love.

Just remember, little ones 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Bluey’s Big Play

Price: from $38

When: Thu, 13 June – Sun, 23 June 2024

Bluey’s Big Play brings a pup’s adventures to life in an all-new theatrical experience.

Join the Heeler family through crafted puppets and an original story by the series creator.

This live show lets your child see Bluey like never before.

Whether your child’s a longtime fan or discovering the series for the first time, Bluey’s Big Play is a can’t-miss event.

Maybank cardholders and StarHub subscribers can enjoy 10% off (T&Cs apply), and VIP box seats with a special meet-and-greet are available if you have the budget to spare.

The Gruffalo

Price: from $42

When: Fri, 14 Jun 2024 – Sun, 23 Jun 2024

Last but not least, join the fearless Mouse on a journey through the dark forest in this musical adaptation of the children’s book.

Filled with tunes, humor, and Gruffalo, this show is THE SHOW for kids aged 3 and up.

See for yourself how Mouse outwits the cunning Fox, eccentric Owl, and party-loving Snake, all while searching for hazelnuts.

With 15% off Thursday and Friday performances, it’s an opportunity to treat your little one to this much-loved production that has wowed audiences across Britain and the world.

As the June holidays approach, you want to grab those tickets ASAP. Whether your kids are tapping their feet along a musical adventure or screaming their lungs out at those real-life-looking dinosaurs, these experiences are sure to be the highlight of their June holidays—and yours, too 😉

4 kids’ cameras under $54 to consider buying if your child loves taking photos

If your little one is showing an eye for images and a curiosity for capturing moments, a user-friendly camera can be a tool to further foster creativity.

With a budget of just $50+, you might think your options are limited, but you will be pleasantly surprised.

Allow us to bring you a list of kids’ cameras that not only stay under budget but also deliver fun, functionality, and a child-friendly experience.

YEEHAO 32MP Dual Lens Digital Camera

Price: $33.78

First up, help your little one capture his/her world with the YEEHAO 32MP Dual Lens Digital Camera.

Designed with easy-to-use controls, this camera lets kids simply press a button to switch between modes, making it a breeze for even the youngest photographers.

Equipped with a 32MP front and rear dual lens, plus 1080P HD, they can easily capture details in their photos and videos.

And with a pre-installed 32GB TF card, there’s plenty of room to store their masterpieces.

Made using soft, comfortable materials and comes with a lanyard, this lightweight, kid-friendly camera can withstand those unavoidable drops, so the fun never has to stop.

ARNSSIEN Camera for Kids

Promo Price: $40.99

Or let your little shutterbug unleash their creativity with the ARNSSIEN Camera for Kids.

This mini marvel has a 2.4-inch HD screen and 1080P resolution, so your child can capture every detail in clarity.

The larger buttons are perfect for little hands, and the 180-degree flip lens makes self-portraits a breeze.

With a 32GB storage capacity and 1000mAh battery life, they can snap and shoot to their heart’s content.

Plus, 31 fun photo frames and filters ensure their photos are unique all the time.

This kid-friendly camera is a wonderful way to nurture their inner photographer.

ArtCWK Dinosaur Kids Camera

Price: $42.04

This kids’ camera boasts dual 48MP lenses, 1080P video, and an eye-protecting 2-inch HD screen to capture all their adventures.

The durable silicone case shields the camera from bumps and scratches, while the included lanyard and dinosaur-themed carrying bag make it easy to tote around.

With 8x digital zoom, 28 frames, and 6 fun filters, this camera lets kids get creative, from selfie snapshots to time-lapse videos.

And with a 32GB SD card, they can store up to 5,000 photos and videos to relive their dino-mite memories.

The ultimate companion for young explorers, the ArtCWK Dinosaur Kids Camera makes capturing life’s biggest (and smallest) moments a roaring good time.

VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix Plus

Price: $51.07

Last but not least, your little shutterbug will have a blast capturing the world around them with the VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix Plus.

This kid-friendly digital camera packs a punch with 2.0MP resolution, 4X zoom, and a 1.8″ screen for framing.

But the real fun starts with the 40+ camera effects like photo frames, stamps, and kaleidoscope—let their creativity run wild!

They can even stitch together panoramic shots or create animations.

Perfect for ages 3 to 8, this camera makes a great gift that will keep them entertained for hours.

In wrapping up our snapshot tour of budget-friendly cameras for budding photographers, we’ve highlighted some options for you that feature durability, simplicity, and engaging features that are just right for little hands and creative minds. Watch as they capture the world one click at a time and who knows, you might just have a mini-Ansel Adams in the making 😉

Love & Money: Finding Financial Compatibility in Relationships

Discussing finances in a relationship may not seem romantic, but it’s crucial for long-term success. Money often becomes a source of stress and addressing it early can prevent conflicts that extend beyond your wallet. On that note, here are some tips that you can follow when dating.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL COMPATIBILITY?

Financial compatibility involves aligning spending and saving habits with your partner. It’s about understanding each other’s beliefs about money and supporting individual and joint financial goals. This alignment determines whether money becomes a source of harmony or conflict in the relationship.

Furthermore, research shows that a significant percentage of couples break up due to financial disagreements. Being on the same page as your partner regarding money can help you avoid major conflicts and achieve financial goals faster.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

Identifying signs of financial compatibility early on is crucial. Here are five indicators to look for:

#1: OPEN COMMUNICATION

Being able to discuss financial matters honestly and openly is essential. Avoiding or evading conversations about money can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in the future.

#2: TRANSPARENCY IN PURCHASES

Is your partner using girl math when she purchases and often leaves some information to herself? Hiding purchases can lead to distrust and strain the relationship. On the flipside, feeling comfortable showing each other purchases indicates trust and financial alignment.

#3: MUTUAL TRUST IN SPENDING HABITS

Observe your partner’s spending habits in the early stages of dating. Aligned spending priorities and trust in each other’s financial responsibility contribute to a harmonious relationship. Shared attitudes toward saving help achieve joint financial goals.

#4: COMPARABLE INCOME & CREDIT SCORES

Similar earning levels and credit scores reduce resentment and imbalance in financial contributions. This alignment fosters stability and reduces conflicts over money.

#5: JOINT EFFORT IN DEBT MANAGEMENT

Actively working together to pay off debts demonstrates financial responsibility and shared goals for stability.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you’re still uncertain about your financial compatibility, consider the following five questions to gain insight:

Are you inclined towards spending or saving? Understanding each other’s financial habits is essential.

Do you employ any budgeting or saving tools? Discussing your methods can reveal compatibility or areas for adjustment.

How do you approach debt? Addressing existing debts and future plans for repayment is vital.

Do you consistently pay off your credit card balance monthly? Aligning on responsible credit card usage can prevent future conflicts.

What is your annual income? Being transparent about earnings facilitates a clearer picture of your combined financial landscape.

These questions serve as a foundation for understanding each other’s financial philosophies and fostering open communication. Initiating these discussions at the right time allows for trust to develop and sets the stage for a financially secure future together. Expanding upon the importance of each point can provide a deeper understanding of financial compatibility and its role in relationship success.

IN A NUTSHELL

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Open communication about finances sets the tone for honesty and transparency, building a strong foundation for trust. Transparency in purchases fosters an environment of mutual respect and understanding, essential for a healthy relationship. Mutual trust in spending habits ensures that financial decisions are made collaboratively, promoting unity and shared goals. Comparable income and credit scores contribute to a sense of fairness and equality, reducing potential sources of conflict. Joint effort in debt management demonstrates commitment and responsibility, strengthening the bond between partners. By addressing these aspects of financial compatibility, couples can navigate financial challenges with confidence and work towards a prosperous future together.

Singapore to trial childminding service for infants as an alternative to infant care centers

Are you a working parent with an infant or having a newborn on the way?

Then this post would be relevant to you.

The government is planning to try out a childminding service to supplement infant care centers.

This pilot program will care for 500 kids between 2 months and 18 months in the first year, and then increase to 700 kids after that.

Childminders, also known as nannies, used to be common in Singapore back in the 70s and 80s.

But now it seems like parents don’t know where to find trusted childminders.

Or perhaps some think that childminding may cost more than other options like infant care centers.

What are the real costs involved?

This new childminding service should cost about $700/month.

That’s similar to what median-income families pay at major infant care centers where fees at those centers are capped at $1,235 per month for Singaporeans.

But if you’re a working mom, you can receive subsidies of at least $600/month.

Private childminding, usually with home-based nannies, costs between $1,200 to $2,800/month.

Unlike centers, the government doesn’t regulate these prices.

The good news for the pilot program is that you can use money from the Child Development Account (CDA) to pay for childminding.

What’s the hiring process like?

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will appoint operators, and in turn, these operators will hire the childminders.

Each childminder can care for up to 3 infants at a time and this could be at their own home, or at community centers/clubs nearby where there is high demand.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

All operators must follow set rules to keep the kids safe.

For instance, having guidelines for safety and letting you know about the profile of these childminders.

The childminders will also need to be formally trained to care for infants.

The government will conduct background checks on operators and childminders and work with operators to set industry standards too.

What are the benefits?

Childminding offers flexibility compared to centers with lots of kids.

And FYI, centers usually don’t take in sick kids.

With childminding, parents like yourself can choose what works best for your family’s needs and preferences.

Since not everyone prefers the structured setting of centers, there may be a demand for more flexible hours or individualized child care at home.

The bigger goal is to grow childminding as another affordable and reliable option for parents.

With that said, the government wants to set baseline rules without limiting the types of services provided or reducing how many parents can use childminding.

Currently, there are no formal regulations for childminding or babysitting.

Anyway, more details will come in the 2nd half of 2024 after more discussion with parents, childminders, and operators.

So stay tuned for the next update.

HDB flat assistance measures for young couples and families starting June 2024

News has it that the government is making it easier for young couples to buy their first HDB flat starting in June.

And here’s what they are going to do:

Lower the initial down payment from 20% to just 2.5% of the purchase price.

What are the requirements?

Right now, couples, where one is a full-time national serviceman, student, or recently completed their studies or national service in the last year, can defer having their income assessed until right before they get the keys.

This is because if they were assessed earlier, they might not qualify for grants like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), which requires being employed for at least a year.

By waiting until key collection to check income, the couples have a better chance of getting the grant or even qualifying for a higher loan amount.

Other requirements for deferred income assessment include one person being 30 or younger.

The couple must also be married or applying together under the Fiance-Fiancee Scheme, where the minimum age is 21.

Down payment benefits

Additionally, young couples currently have the option to split the minimum 20% down payment into two installments.

The first is either 5% or 10% depending on the loan, and the second is due at key collection.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Since 2018, over 3,700 couples have used deferred income assessment and staggered down payments to make it easier to buy their first flat earlier.

Now, the government wants to help reduce the initial costs even more.

For some, the reduced initial down payment of just 2.5% will significantly lower the financial barrier to owning a home.

The changes take effect starting with the BTO sales launch in June.

Additional rental vouchers

Families who qualify for the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) will also get temporary $300/month rental vouchers while waiting for their new homes to be completed.

HDB is doubling the supply of rental flats they provide to help meet demand.

In the interim, the government will provide eligible families vouchers for a year starting in July to help cover renting an HDB flat or bedroom on the open market.

The $300 amount was carefully set to provide relief without over-inflating rental prices for others.

To qualify for the new vouchers, families must meet the PPHS requirements and have a rental tenancy registered with HDB when applying.

Those eligible will get reimbursed based on how long their approved tenancy falls within the year.

With that said, renting from family members won’t count.

More details will be shared closer to the official launch so stay tuned if you’re eyeing this segment from the government.

What are the real costs involved?

What’s the hiring process like?

What are the benefits?

What are the requirements?

Down payment benefits

Additional rental vouchers

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