theSun, Tues 23 Sept 2008
Early music education can aid in developing discipline and focus among children
WHEN it comes to music education, there are parents who are divided about its benefits to their children’s development. Should it be given priority equal to that of academic subjects like history, mathematics and science for example?
Many studies have been done over the years and the general conclusion is that music is good for children. However, research and tests are still on-going to determine the specifics of its benefits.
A study done in 1993 by scientists at the University of California at Irvine, found that listening to classical music before a test could improve one’s memory.
However, this study, known as the ‘Mozart Effect’, has been debated and further experiments conducted by other researchers could not provide the same findings. While there is no evidence that music enhances memory, it does not mean that music education is not important.
According to Kindermusik, a popular children’s music programme, learning music "encourages self-discipline and diligence traits that carry over into mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history and geography".
Findings from a study conducted at Sam Houston State University in Texas reports that early music training can improve intelligence.
It’s said that "strong correlations were found between musical abilities in young children – particularly the ability to match vocal pitches and reproduce rhythmic patterns – and abstract reasoning abilities".
Apart from intellectual benefits, I personally think that music education helps children develop discipline, focus, self-esteem and confidence.
My daughter is currently enrolled in a junior music course. Like most children, she has problems concentrating. However, she knows that in order to receive praise and applause, she has to focus and practise consistently, and does try to do that sometimes.
At the end of each semester, there is a mini concert where each child sings and plays individually for the audience. They also perform an ensemble. This develops confidence and team spirit. Even the most reserved and shy child can be seen performing without any problem.
Music also helps the child develop his fine and gross motor skills and rhythm sense when he participates in music and movement activities, for example jumping and skipping to music and using his fingers in action songs.
Research has found that the human brain has specialised parts to process music. As such, exposure to music develops cognitive skills, visuo-spatial capabilities, and perception, thus improving intelligence.
According to a youth arts project by the US Department of Justice National Endowment for the Arts, arts education has a measurable impact on youth in deterring delinquent behaviour and truancy problems.
It also increases overall academic performance among those youth engaged in after school and summer arts programmes targeted towards delinquency prevention.
If you do not wish to spend too much for music education initially, you could simply start at home by more consciously engaging your child in singing and moving to music, and listening to various types of music from ethnic and classical to jazz and rock.
Bouncing your baby on your lap in a rhythmic way while singing is already exposing him to music. Make musical instruments such as drums and shakers in craft projects, clap and dance to different rhythms. Find free and useful resources from the Internet to help you get started.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Budget with children in mind
theSun, Tues 9 Sept 2008
Being the family finance manager is part and parcel of good parenting.
How do we watch our pockets without compromising our family and childrens’ happiness and wellbeing?
This is nothing new as most families are already aware of or practicing, some form of budget. However, it helps to refresh the memory leave no stone unturned in our efforts not to overspend.
For the babies, instead of using disposable diapers, use cloth nappies. Babies, especially, go through a pack of diapers very quickly and these are not cheap.
While there is the hassle of washing, drying and folding them, cloth nappies are cheaper in the long run and they keep your baby’s bottom rash free. It is also more environmentally friendly.
If you are an expectant mother, plan to breastfeed. Not only will your baby get all the important and required nutrition from breast milk, you save a hefty sum on formula milk powder. All you need to do is to ensure you have a healthy diet and take care of your own health.
Eat out and takeaway less. It's cheaper and healthier to cook your own meals, plus you save on fuel, parking, tips and service taxes that come with the bill, not to mention the hidden cost for the ambience and the pretty swirls of gravy on your plate or slice of lemon wedged on your glass.
When it’s time for your children to eat solid food, cook for them instead of buying pre-packed, processed rice porridge, cereals or bottled purees. That way, you can ensure your children are getting all the right nutrients from the fresh and antural ingredients you are using.
And since you will be shopping for groceries for the whole family anyway, how much more inconvenient is it to get an extra carrot, potato or fish fillet for your tiny tots?
Moreover, you can cook tasty meals that cater to both adults and children. Simply remove a portion for the children before you add seasonings like salt or pepper, and chop or puree them into smaller bits or softer versions for them.
Plan your travel routes carefully to avoid burning extra fuel. If you need to get groceries, do it at a shop nearby your child’s tuition centre while waiting to pick him up.
Make a complete list of things you need to get. This saves you from making multiple trips to the shops just to pick up one or two items.
Buy only what you need and stick to the list. I used to be greedy and buy food that I plan to cook 'some day' and end up throwing them away.
Do your banking and pay your bills online to save fuel, parking cost, time and the hassle of queuing up.
Instead of going to the mall for entertainment, pack a picnic basket and visit a park or playground. The children get to exercise, bond with nature and play creatively. At the mall, you would have to pay to enter a children’s activity centre, eat at a restaurant, or buy tickets, sugar-filled popcorn and soda for a movie.
At home, keep your children occupied with books from the library, free online audio storybooks, and printable online games and activities.
Engage them in craft activities using recycled material or pretend play using costumes from unwanted clothes and fake jewellery.
Dust off the old board games and have a fun, educational time together.
Being the family finance manager is part and parcel of good parenting.
How do we watch our pockets without compromising our family and childrens’ happiness and wellbeing?
This is nothing new as most families are already aware of or practicing, some form of budget. However, it helps to refresh the memory leave no stone unturned in our efforts not to overspend.
For the babies, instead of using disposable diapers, use cloth nappies. Babies, especially, go through a pack of diapers very quickly and these are not cheap.
While there is the hassle of washing, drying and folding them, cloth nappies are cheaper in the long run and they keep your baby’s bottom rash free. It is also more environmentally friendly.
If you are an expectant mother, plan to breastfeed. Not only will your baby get all the important and required nutrition from breast milk, you save a hefty sum on formula milk powder. All you need to do is to ensure you have a healthy diet and take care of your own health.
Eat out and takeaway less. It's cheaper and healthier to cook your own meals, plus you save on fuel, parking, tips and service taxes that come with the bill, not to mention the hidden cost for the ambience and the pretty swirls of gravy on your plate or slice of lemon wedged on your glass.
When it’s time for your children to eat solid food, cook for them instead of buying pre-packed, processed rice porridge, cereals or bottled purees. That way, you can ensure your children are getting all the right nutrients from the fresh and antural ingredients you are using.
And since you will be shopping for groceries for the whole family anyway, how much more inconvenient is it to get an extra carrot, potato or fish fillet for your tiny tots?
Moreover, you can cook tasty meals that cater to both adults and children. Simply remove a portion for the children before you add seasonings like salt or pepper, and chop or puree them into smaller bits or softer versions for them.
Plan your travel routes carefully to avoid burning extra fuel. If you need to get groceries, do it at a shop nearby your child’s tuition centre while waiting to pick him up.
Make a complete list of things you need to get. This saves you from making multiple trips to the shops just to pick up one or two items.
Buy only what you need and stick to the list. I used to be greedy and buy food that I plan to cook 'some day' and end up throwing them away.
Do your banking and pay your bills online to save fuel, parking cost, time and the hassle of queuing up.
Instead of going to the mall for entertainment, pack a picnic basket and visit a park or playground. The children get to exercise, bond with nature and play creatively. At the mall, you would have to pay to enter a children’s activity centre, eat at a restaurant, or buy tickets, sugar-filled popcorn and soda for a movie.
At home, keep your children occupied with books from the library, free online audio storybooks, and printable online games and activities.
Engage them in craft activities using recycled material or pretend play using costumes from unwanted clothes and fake jewellery.
Dust off the old board games and have a fun, educational time together.
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