Rock-a-bye baby ...

theSun, Tue, 22 Dec 2009

All parents, whether they are musically-inclined or not, have certainly sung various songs to their children. We sing to soothe a crying baby, to rock him to sleep, to entertain and interact with him. Research has shown that singing, in actual fact, benefits the brain.
According to Kidshealth.org, a parenting website, "children who grow up hearing music, singing songs, and moving to the beat are enjoying what experts call ‘a rich sensory environment’. That’s just a fancy way of saying a child is exposed to a wide variety of tastes, smells, textures, colours, and sounds".

Researchers believe this forges more pathways, or neural connections, between the cells in their brains.

When children sing and move to music, both the left and right hemisperes of their brains are activated, stimulating learning and memory. A simple example will be the Alphabet Song – by singing it a number of times, children can memorise the entire alphabet with ease and enjoyment.

And when we put a tune to a telephone number (think of the phone number for a certain pizza company’s delivery service!), there is a higher likelihood of us remembering the number.

Not too long ago, I watched an inspirational movie, The Triumph (a.k.a. The Ron Clark Story) based on the true story of Ron Clark, an American teacher who used creative teaching methods to make a difference in the lives of his class of problematic students in Harlem. This included composing a rap song to help them remember the names of all the past presidents.

In the article Born to Sing: How Music Enriches Children’s Language Development (chicagochildrensmuseum.org/learn_sing.html), Ann Gadzikowski writes that language learning is enhanced when children experience the rhythm of music. Children’s experiences with music build vocabulary, listening skills, and language acquisition.

In studies conducted by educator Phyllis Weikert, a child’s ability to clap or tap a steady beat is directly linked to language learning. For example, clapping or tapping the rhythm of an unfamiliar word often helps children learn new vocabulary.

My Google search for more information on the benefits of singing turned up over 13 million results. In reading some of these articles, I have learnt that singing not only benefits children but adults as well.

Research conducted by scientists at the University of Frankfurt in Germany showed that singing strengthens the immune system in adults.

In another study, choir members were asked how singing affected them physically and psychologically. They reported "improved lung capacity, high energy, relieved asthma, better posture, and enhanced feelings of relaxation, mood and confidence".

Singing also reduces stress and pain, according to Patricia Preston-Roberts, a board-certified music therapist in New York City.

She said that studies have linked singing with a lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and reduced stress.

So, if a song wells up in your heart or a jingle keeps playing in your head, just give your vocal chords free reign, be it in the bathroom, car or kitchen.

Even if you don’t sound professional, you now know it’ll do you and your children some good.

Cooking made easy

theSun,Tue, 08 Dec 2009

Cooking for the family takes up a large chunk of a mother’s time. When I tell people I am a housewife, or in more current terms, a S- or WAHM (stay- or work-at-home mother), I hear comments like: "So free", or the much-detested phrase: "Since you are not working, you have more free time".
"Free", "not working", and "have more free time", however, are complete misperceptions.

A stay-at-home mother "stays" at home to care for almost everything in the house and family, and "works" from home if she has a home business or an employer that lets her work off-site while caring for the family.

While we may have more flexibility with our time, having more free time is hardly a privilege we can claim. For such mothers, it takes skill, which comes from trial-and-error and experience, to juggle the various commitments and responsibilities.

Ideas to maximise time are needed, especially when it comes to the time-consuming activity of cooking for the family. Here are some tips I have used in my attempt to save cooking time:


» One-pot meals

Cooking one-pot meals will save you the headache of preparing a five-course meal while still meeting the demands of your family’s dietary needs. They save time without compromising on the quality of the food you serve.


» Cook and freeze

Cook larger portions so that you can eat one portion and freeze the rest for another meal (or two) next time. Even pureed baby food can be frozen in ice cube trays, as childcare experts have suggested, as it is easier to make a bowlful of mashed peas than just half a cup.

» Thaw frozen food earlier

Thaw frozen food like meat in the refrigerator overnight so that it is ready to be cooked the next day.


» Involve your children

Children can help rinse vegetables, and grate or cut them using a butter knife. They get to play, develop their matching, counting and motor skills. You save some time and they remain right under your nose while you are busy in the kitchen.

Also, children tend to enjoy and eat more of the food they have helped prepare. They will be more open to trying new tastes and textures.


» Make use of appliances

Use appliances like food processors to chop and blend to save time and energy. Steamers and slow cookers with a timer offer a safe and convenient way to cook food healthily. You do not have to watch over the stove to prevent the food from boiling over or burning. Ensure the appliances are in good condition to avoid unnecessary stress and breakdowns.


» Be prepared

If you use a gas stove, keep a spare cylinder. Getting stranded with half-cooked food while waiting for the supplier to deliver is a waste of time, and your food may not be tasty later.


» Keep a notepad handy

A notepad allows you to immediately jot down any food item that is running out. This way, you will not leave out anything during your next shopping trip. Making an extra trip just to get that box of cereal is not only a waste of time but also add to the cost of fuel for the vehicle, parking and other related expenses.