Children who learn from their mistakes will grow up into self-assured adults
theSun, Tues Jan 19 2010
EVERYONE makes mistakes – we adults know that for sure but not all children do. When a child makes a mistake or worse still,faces failure, we need to guide them through the experience in order for them to come out of it positively.
A child’s experience with a mistake or failure could lower his self esteem. The last thing you should do is react with disappointment, anger or impatience. Be calm when they make mistakes. Be calm when you make mistakes yourself, especially in their presence.
Teach them to have a more relaxed attitude and show them we can laugh at ourselves when we make mistakes. Find opportunities in day-to-day activities to encourage them to view mistakes as opportunities to learn something new.
Use creativity to turn the mistakes into acceptable outcomes if the situation allows it. If your child has failed at something major, such as a test or exam, help him to
cope with his feelings of low self-esteem, disappointment and sadness by showing him
your unconditional love. Assure him that you love him regardless of how he performs. Tell him that you value his efforts.
Other practical ways to minimise the negative impact of such situations is to find out your child’s learning style. Does your child learn best visually, kinestethically or audibly? Help him learn and work more effectively by using the style that suits him.
In learning math, for example, if he grasps the concepts better by using objects to count, provide him with suitable items to use. If he absorbs facts better by reading his textbook aloud, do not tell him to study quietly. Share stories of your own past failures and successes to show him that failure and success are part and parcel of life. Tell him what you had learnt from the experience and what you did to overcome the mistakes.
You could also tell him inspirational stories of famous people who overcame challenges and achieved success. When something goes wrong and your child is responsible for it, avoid putting the blame on him. Discuss what happened and encourage him to bring out the fi ghter in him to learn from the mistake, and not to give up too easily.
If your child has a fear of failure after a past experience, tell him that the only way to fail is to not try at all. Finally, be sure of what your definition of success is. Does it mean being the best in everything they do and scoring the highest
marks in every subject in school? If so, when they are not the best and when
you come down hard on them, will they be motivated to try again to be better, or to even dare to try anything new ever again?
While we all have dreams of our children being the best in everything they do, we have to be realistic of their abilities and talents. Think about what your child is capable of and set goals that are appropriate for his age, knowledge and skills. Actually, they do not have to be the best in everything; they just have to try their best.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Little helpers
Involving the children in household chores is good for them as well as for the parents
theSun, Tue, 05 Jan 2010
IF YOU are a homemaker, you will definitely have your hands full juggling all the household chores especially if you do not rely on hired help.
You have the laundry, tidying, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, errands, chauffeuring, child-minding, tutoring, gardening, and everything else in between.
If you have children who are old enough to handle some of the chores, it is about time you rope them in. Even your pre-schooler can help out as long as the chores are age-appropriate.
According to parenting author Elizabeth Pantley, by getting your children to help out with chores at home, you can build their feeling of competence and help them understand what is involved in running a household.
They can develop good habits, including discipline and good attitudes about work.
When assigning a chore, do not expect your child to complete it perfectly. You will only end up getting frustrated if you insist on perfection, making it a struggle.
If you insist on re-doing it yourself, your child may think that it wasn’t done well enough, making him feel unappreciated.
You do not have to wait for the chore to be completed before praising him. Praising him while he is doing the chore can encourage and help him feel good about his contribution.
Here are some chores your children can help you with:
» Laundry
Have separate baskets for white and coloured clothes so that you don’t need to spend time sorting before putting them into the washer. Buy crinkle-free clothes to reduce time and energy spent on ironing.
Get the children to join you in sorting and folding laundry. Sitting together to sort and fold laundry can be used as together time to chat and share thoughts and stories.
Children can also develop their motor skills, learn about colours and matching.
» Gardening
Simple chores like watering plants, weeding, and sweeping up leaves can be assigned to the children.
Doing gardening together such as planting, re-potting and fertilising can be turned into a lesson about plants and nature.
Dried leaves and flowers can be collected for art and craft activities later on too.
» Cleaning
Clean the house in stages, room by room within the course of the week if you have to do it yourself. Set aside a time during the weekend as house-cleaning time or what Malaysians refer to as gotong-royong.
Divide the duties among the children. The younger ones can tidy up their toys and books while the older ones can sweep, vacuum or mop.
Doing it together creates a feeling of teamwork and that no one is left out, making it fair.
» Grocery shopping
Keep a notepad around your kitchen so that you can jot down items as you find them running out. This prevents you from missing out any items and having to make an extra trip to the shop.
Bring your children along to help make the selections. By involving them in grocery shopping, they can learn about health and nutrition, math and money.
Upon returning home, they can be asked to help put them away in the pantry or appropriate storage places.
theSun, Tue, 05 Jan 2010
IF YOU are a homemaker, you will definitely have your hands full juggling all the household chores especially if you do not rely on hired help.
You have the laundry, tidying, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, errands, chauffeuring, child-minding, tutoring, gardening, and everything else in between.
If you have children who are old enough to handle some of the chores, it is about time you rope them in. Even your pre-schooler can help out as long as the chores are age-appropriate.
According to parenting author Elizabeth Pantley, by getting your children to help out with chores at home, you can build their feeling of competence and help them understand what is involved in running a household.
They can develop good habits, including discipline and good attitudes about work.
When assigning a chore, do not expect your child to complete it perfectly. You will only end up getting frustrated if you insist on perfection, making it a struggle.
If you insist on re-doing it yourself, your child may think that it wasn’t done well enough, making him feel unappreciated.
You do not have to wait for the chore to be completed before praising him. Praising him while he is doing the chore can encourage and help him feel good about his contribution.
Here are some chores your children can help you with:
» Laundry
Have separate baskets for white and coloured clothes so that you don’t need to spend time sorting before putting them into the washer. Buy crinkle-free clothes to reduce time and energy spent on ironing.
Get the children to join you in sorting and folding laundry. Sitting together to sort and fold laundry can be used as together time to chat and share thoughts and stories.
Children can also develop their motor skills, learn about colours and matching.
» Gardening
Simple chores like watering plants, weeding, and sweeping up leaves can be assigned to the children.
Doing gardening together such as planting, re-potting and fertilising can be turned into a lesson about plants and nature.
Dried leaves and flowers can be collected for art and craft activities later on too.
» Cleaning
Clean the house in stages, room by room within the course of the week if you have to do it yourself. Set aside a time during the weekend as house-cleaning time or what Malaysians refer to as gotong-royong.
Divide the duties among the children. The younger ones can tidy up their toys and books while the older ones can sweep, vacuum or mop.
Doing it together creates a feeling of teamwork and that no one is left out, making it fair.
» Grocery shopping
Keep a notepad around your kitchen so that you can jot down items as you find them running out. This prevents you from missing out any items and having to make an extra trip to the shop.
Bring your children along to help make the selections. By involving them in grocery shopping, they can learn about health and nutrition, math and money.
Upon returning home, they can be asked to help put them away in the pantry or appropriate storage places.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Childproofing your home
There are lots of potential danger in the house that can attract a toddler’s attention
theSun, Tue, 24 Nov 2009
Our young ones are always curious and love exploring. Besides poking their little fingers into their eyes, nose and mouth, they also make a beeline for buttons, knobs, holes, cracks, and tug at strings, wires, and handles. Colourful objects and things that move or make a noise also attract their curiosity.
Once you have a crawling toddler around the house, you need to keep him safe by childproofing your home. To be sure you leave no stone unturned, take a ‘baby’s-eye view’ around your home. Get down on all fours, crawl around and see what your baby sees as he makes his way around the house.
Here is a simple, but non-exhaustive, checklist to help you childproof your home:
» Do not place breakable items such as vases, decorative pieces or glass picture frames within his reach. It is best to keep them in storage for the time being.
» Secure doorknobs of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen cabinets and wardrobes with doorknob covers or safety latches. This will keep dangerous items such as poisonous household cleaning products, medicines or drugs, and sharp objects like knives and other tools from their reach.
» Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the staircase. It is best to use those that can be anchored to the wall or banister, instead of those that use pressure which may topple or dislodge if the child puts his weight against it.
» Secure all hard edges and sharp corners with protectors to prevent injury in the event your child bumps into them.
» Keep dangling cords for curtains, blinds and electrical appliances out of his reach. Also, hang mobiles or dangling toys out of his reach and remove them once he can sit or stand up.
» Babies pull up on furniture after they start crawling. And when they learn to climb, you need to watch out. Anchor shelving units, cabinets, television sets and bookcases with braces or brackets to the wall or floor to prevent them from tipping over. Place furniture away from windows and ensure that glass doors and windows are made of strong, tempered glass. Put heavier items on bottom shelves and drawers to make furniture less top-heavy.
» Place pots and pans on the inner burners of the stove, and turn the handles away from his reach. Install smoke detectors around the house and ensure they are in working condition. Keep a fire extinguisher in the house and have emergency telephone numbers handy.
» Keep unused pails empty or overturned. If you are soaking anything, make sure the pails are out of your child’s reach. Children are top heavy and can drown in just an inch of water. Secure toilet lids and bathroom doorknobs to prevent him from entering the bathroom. Install a fence around your swimming pool. Drain out your wading pool and store it upright if not in use.
» Keep your floors clean. Wipe up spills immediately. Check under the carpets or furniture for food crumbs or small items that your child could pick up and put into his mouth. They are not only dirty but could be choking hazards too.
Most importantly, watch your child all the time. Even if you have childproofed your home, it takes only an instant for him to fall, crawl or run over to a dangerous place or put something into his mouth.
theSun, Tue, 24 Nov 2009
Our young ones are always curious and love exploring. Besides poking their little fingers into their eyes, nose and mouth, they also make a beeline for buttons, knobs, holes, cracks, and tug at strings, wires, and handles. Colourful objects and things that move or make a noise also attract their curiosity.
Once you have a crawling toddler around the house, you need to keep him safe by childproofing your home. To be sure you leave no stone unturned, take a ‘baby’s-eye view’ around your home. Get down on all fours, crawl around and see what your baby sees as he makes his way around the house.
Here is a simple, but non-exhaustive, checklist to help you childproof your home:
» Do not place breakable items such as vases, decorative pieces or glass picture frames within his reach. It is best to keep them in storage for the time being.
» Secure doorknobs of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen cabinets and wardrobes with doorknob covers or safety latches. This will keep dangerous items such as poisonous household cleaning products, medicines or drugs, and sharp objects like knives and other tools from their reach.
» Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the staircase. It is best to use those that can be anchored to the wall or banister, instead of those that use pressure which may topple or dislodge if the child puts his weight against it.
» Secure all hard edges and sharp corners with protectors to prevent injury in the event your child bumps into them.
» Keep dangling cords for curtains, blinds and electrical appliances out of his reach. Also, hang mobiles or dangling toys out of his reach and remove them once he can sit or stand up.
» Babies pull up on furniture after they start crawling. And when they learn to climb, you need to watch out. Anchor shelving units, cabinets, television sets and bookcases with braces or brackets to the wall or floor to prevent them from tipping over. Place furniture away from windows and ensure that glass doors and windows are made of strong, tempered glass. Put heavier items on bottom shelves and drawers to make furniture less top-heavy.
» Place pots and pans on the inner burners of the stove, and turn the handles away from his reach. Install smoke detectors around the house and ensure they are in working condition. Keep a fire extinguisher in the house and have emergency telephone numbers handy.
» Keep unused pails empty or overturned. If you are soaking anything, make sure the pails are out of your child’s reach. Children are top heavy and can drown in just an inch of water. Secure toilet lids and bathroom doorknobs to prevent him from entering the bathroom. Install a fence around your swimming pool. Drain out your wading pool and store it upright if not in use.
» Keep your floors clean. Wipe up spills immediately. Check under the carpets or furniture for food crumbs or small items that your child could pick up and put into his mouth. They are not only dirty but could be choking hazards too.
Most importantly, watch your child all the time. Even if you have childproofed your home, it takes only an instant for him to fall, crawl or run over to a dangerous place or put something into his mouth.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Coping with jetlag in both young and old
theSun, Tue, 10 Nov 2009
IN my previous article, I gave some pointers on how to make long-haul flights with young children in tow less stressful. Here are some tips on how to cope with children suffering from jetlag.
After having survived the last 15 hours cooped up in a pressurised cabin with your child, brace yourself to face the next hurdle – jetlag. If you have travelled long haul to a place where the time difference is significant, you and your child will most likely suffer jetlag.
On long flights, you tend to get dehydrated and insufficient sleep while your body clock goes haywire. Your child gets irritable, throws tantrums and loses his appetite. So can you. It is best to be prepared for these.
If possible, get non-stop flights, or schedule your flight to coincide with your child’s sleeping time. Bring along your baby carrier or car seat to strap him into it so that you do not have to keep him on your lap or in your arms throughout the flight. This enables you to rest comfortably too.
Get started in following the local time as soon as you can. Set your watch to the local time of your destination while you are on the plane.
Be sure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks. Give your child enough fluids in the form of water, diluted juice, fruits or vegetables.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, do some light exercises or take short walks in the plane to get your blood circulating.
Upon arrival, get to work immediately on eating, sleeping and waking according to the local time. Opt for healthy food at mealtimes.
Exposure to sunlight helps your body naturally adjust your body clock. Try to be outdoors during daylight as much as possible. Find the nearest park and have some physical activities and stay outdoors until dinnertime if you can.
Try to get your child to nap when it is naptime according to the local clock. However, if your child is sleepy, allow him to nap but not for too long.
When it is bedtime, keep the room dark and keep the bedtime ritual and ambience similar to the one at home.
Try to nap or rest when they nap, and sleep when they sleep. This will give you the energy to attend to their needs, especially in the middle of the night. Form a tag team with your partner or other adults travelling with you so that you can take turns to get rest.
When your child wakes up at night, keep him occupied with simple, less stimulating activities. You could give him some light snacks or milk if he is hungry and make him go back to sleep as soon as possible.
He could wake in the middle of the night for the next few nights while his body is still adjusting to the local time.
While these few practical tips may help you and your child reset your body clock, it is also good to remind yourself to take things in your stride.
Do not fret too much when your child refuses to sleep or when he throws a tantrum because he is really tired. Impatience and frustration will add to the stress and make it all the more difficult to enjoy your holiday.
IN my previous article, I gave some pointers on how to make long-haul flights with young children in tow less stressful. Here are some tips on how to cope with children suffering from jetlag.
After having survived the last 15 hours cooped up in a pressurised cabin with your child, brace yourself to face the next hurdle – jetlag. If you have travelled long haul to a place where the time difference is significant, you and your child will most likely suffer jetlag.
On long flights, you tend to get dehydrated and insufficient sleep while your body clock goes haywire. Your child gets irritable, throws tantrums and loses his appetite. So can you. It is best to be prepared for these.
If possible, get non-stop flights, or schedule your flight to coincide with your child’s sleeping time. Bring along your baby carrier or car seat to strap him into it so that you do not have to keep him on your lap or in your arms throughout the flight. This enables you to rest comfortably too.
Get started in following the local time as soon as you can. Set your watch to the local time of your destination while you are on the plane.
Be sure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks. Give your child enough fluids in the form of water, diluted juice, fruits or vegetables.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, do some light exercises or take short walks in the plane to get your blood circulating.
Upon arrival, get to work immediately on eating, sleeping and waking according to the local time. Opt for healthy food at mealtimes.
Exposure to sunlight helps your body naturally adjust your body clock. Try to be outdoors during daylight as much as possible. Find the nearest park and have some physical activities and stay outdoors until dinnertime if you can.
Try to get your child to nap when it is naptime according to the local clock. However, if your child is sleepy, allow him to nap but not for too long.
When it is bedtime, keep the room dark and keep the bedtime ritual and ambience similar to the one at home.
Try to nap or rest when they nap, and sleep when they sleep. This will give you the energy to attend to their needs, especially in the middle of the night. Form a tag team with your partner or other adults travelling with you so that you can take turns to get rest.
When your child wakes up at night, keep him occupied with simple, less stimulating activities. You could give him some light snacks or milk if he is hungry and make him go back to sleep as soon as possible.
He could wake in the middle of the night for the next few nights while his body is still adjusting to the local time.
While these few practical tips may help you and your child reset your body clock, it is also good to remind yourself to take things in your stride.
Do not fret too much when your child refuses to sleep or when he throws a tantrum because he is really tired. Impatience and frustration will add to the stress and make it all the more difficult to enjoy your holiday.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Flying with kids
Going on long-haul flights with children in tow can be a challenge for some parents
theSun, Tues, 27 Oct 2009
Wasn’t travelling a breeze when you did not have kids? However, with baby around, you will probably think twice before deciding to travel.
When you have your little ones as travel companions, you will have to be prepared not only to meet their physical needs such as sleep, food and diaper changes, but also their endless whining, restlessness, crying, impatience and the frequent: “Are we there yet?”
The whole idea of travelling can be even more daunting if it involves a long-haul flight when stopping at the nearest rest area as and when you wish is not an option. However, with enough preparations, a long-haul flight with children can be managed well enough to make travelling less of a hassle and more of an enjoyable family experience.
For seasoned travellers, getting ready to travel with children may be a routine affair, but for some of us, the following few pointers may help us get prepared for that first or rarely taken long-haul flight with our young ones.
Flight schedule
If possible, time the flight according to the child’s feeding, nap and sleeping schedules. If your child can sleep on the plane, the flight will be less stressful for you. Breastfeed or bottle feed your child before take-off and landing to alleviate discomfort in the ears.
If you have to transit, factor in extra time, taking into account the extra baggage you will have to carry like stroller, diaper bag and the like.
Don’t even think you can dash from one gate to another just as you did on your honeymoon trip! Also, allow time for customs and passport checks.
It will be helpful if you know the facilities available at the airports you are stopping at. Find out if they have restaurants, nursery, play areas, convenience stores selling children’s necessities and baby-changing rooms.
Use the airport lounge if you can during transit. Here, you can rest more comfortably and be more accessible to amenities such as toilets and shower facilities as the main terminal is usually busy and crowded.
In-flight
For infants, pack diapers, formula, bottles, pacifier if required, wipes, snacks, favourite toys, books, blanket or any other items he feels secure with.
It is better to overestimate and bring more than you think you need. Have a change or two of clothes for him and at least a spare top for yourself, in case of spills or vomit.
For toddlers, pack age-appropriate colouring, sticker or activity books, crayons, small toys and story books. Include a few new (or even old but seldom-used) toys as surprises to distract them when they get antsy. Dish them out sparingly, however, only when all else fails, lest they start expecting something new every time they throw a tantrum.
Avoid jigsaw puzzles or toys with small detachable parts as you will not want to be crawling around the cabin floor in search of fallen or missing pieces. Also, avoid noisy toys unless you relish stares and glares from other annoyed passengers when your child makes Polly Parrot squawk continuously throughout the 15-hour flight.
Check if your airline offers in-flight movies for children. It will be better if the TV screen is on the back of the seat, as children usually cannot see the large screen placed in front of the cabin. Or bring your own portable DVD player and your child’s favourite cartoons and educational shows.
theSun, Tues, 27 Oct 2009
Wasn’t travelling a breeze when you did not have kids? However, with baby around, you will probably think twice before deciding to travel.
When you have your little ones as travel companions, you will have to be prepared not only to meet their physical needs such as sleep, food and diaper changes, but also their endless whining, restlessness, crying, impatience and the frequent: “Are we there yet?”
The whole idea of travelling can be even more daunting if it involves a long-haul flight when stopping at the nearest rest area as and when you wish is not an option. However, with enough preparations, a long-haul flight with children can be managed well enough to make travelling less of a hassle and more of an enjoyable family experience.
For seasoned travellers, getting ready to travel with children may be a routine affair, but for some of us, the following few pointers may help us get prepared for that first or rarely taken long-haul flight with our young ones.
Flight schedule
If possible, time the flight according to the child’s feeding, nap and sleeping schedules. If your child can sleep on the plane, the flight will be less stressful for you. Breastfeed or bottle feed your child before take-off and landing to alleviate discomfort in the ears.
If you have to transit, factor in extra time, taking into account the extra baggage you will have to carry like stroller, diaper bag and the like.
Don’t even think you can dash from one gate to another just as you did on your honeymoon trip! Also, allow time for customs and passport checks.
It will be helpful if you know the facilities available at the airports you are stopping at. Find out if they have restaurants, nursery, play areas, convenience stores selling children’s necessities and baby-changing rooms.
Use the airport lounge if you can during transit. Here, you can rest more comfortably and be more accessible to amenities such as toilets and shower facilities as the main terminal is usually busy and crowded.
In-flight
For infants, pack diapers, formula, bottles, pacifier if required, wipes, snacks, favourite toys, books, blanket or any other items he feels secure with.
It is better to overestimate and bring more than you think you need. Have a change or two of clothes for him and at least a spare top for yourself, in case of spills or vomit.
For toddlers, pack age-appropriate colouring, sticker or activity books, crayons, small toys and story books. Include a few new (or even old but seldom-used) toys as surprises to distract them when they get antsy. Dish them out sparingly, however, only when all else fails, lest they start expecting something new every time they throw a tantrum.
Avoid jigsaw puzzles or toys with small detachable parts as you will not want to be crawling around the cabin floor in search of fallen or missing pieces. Also, avoid noisy toys unless you relish stares and glares from other annoyed passengers when your child makes Polly Parrot squawk continuously throughout the 15-hour flight.
Check if your airline offers in-flight movies for children. It will be better if the TV screen is on the back of the seat, as children usually cannot see the large screen placed in front of the cabin. Or bring your own portable DVD player and your child’s favourite cartoons and educational shows.
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