KIDZ magazine - MayJun2009 issue by Cindy Chin

Homage to Fathers May-June 2009 Issue No. 28 KDN: PP13791/08/2009(022209) www.kidz.my RM 5.00 SUBSCRIBER COPY NOT FOR RESALE

FR E E

What Makes A Dad Great? Kidz Exclusive: Hollywood Dads Joint Parenting by Separated Couples

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Happy Homes

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May-June 2009

Happy Homes

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Contents

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See P age 45

20 24

30 ish (L-R) Darw

& Danish

Adam Shah Iskandar

Angel & grandm

Lily Zej Lee

27 7

Happy Homes Photos of your candid family moments

Parenting 101 Co-parenting by couples that are apart

From the Editor

Your Shout What’s on your mind?

Wish Upon Kidz The elderly gets their wish to see again

What’s New The latest products & services for parents & kids!

Celebrity Corner Celebrity Dads & how they raise their kids

36 38 39 40

In Focus Education Math, simplified! By E.nopi MATH Sleep, diet & learning the Lorna Whiston way! Literacy tips from I Can Read The fundamentals of saving

Fitness Learning to swim

Rock ‘n’ Rule Recent & upcoming events to rock your kids’ world

Subscriptions It’s free! Subscribe now!

Kidz-Friendly Award City Golf – virtual golf indoors!

Your Pick Reviews & recommendations by parents & kids!

Parents’ Timeout Eavesdropping on what Dads talk about

We Say, They Say What makes a Dad great? How does Dad measure up?

Kidz for Kids Outreach Love & laughter for the disabled, the challenged & the underprivileged

46 48

Dear Kidz Answers to your parenting questions Classifieds & Directory Listing Ads & info on where to go for your parenting needs

The Last Say Cheeky quips from parents & kids!

Liya & family at Cameron Highlands

Manami Jenn

ifer Teo

33 Mandip at Bang

kok DreamWorld

Sunny Khoo

ong Taylor-Mae W

Send us photos of your wackiest, most unguarded and most tender family moments. * Kindly include contact details on back of photos & specify "Happy Homes" 10.01 Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur Email: submit@kidz.my

From the Editor

Fathers: Are Your Children Your Top Priority? There’s more to being a Dad than just being a bill-payer or the disciplinarian. Old school parenting has limited the father’s role in the family to simply being the wage earner and the tyrant. Luckily, some modern Dads are reinventing the traditional role of the father in our culture.

Issa with James, 11 (left) and John, 8 (right)

*Newsflash!

Beginning September 2008, Superkidz Magazine will no longer be distributed for free with Kidz Magazine but will be available for sale at selected bookstores and newsstands at RM5. If you wish to continue receiving Superkidz magazine, you may: • Subscribe to Kidz and Superkidz Magazine for one year for RM25; or • Sign up for Superkidz Club Membership at RM25 which includes a one-year subscription to both Kidz Magazine, Superkidz Magazine & one child’s membership valid for one year. All Kidz Magazine subscribers will only receive Kidz Magazine with their RM10 subscription. If you wish to include Superkidz Magazine with your Kidz Magazine subscription, you need only pay an additional RM15 and we will extend your subscription for a full year! Don’t miss out on Superkidz Magazine with all the exciting contests, giveaways and activities for children.

Today’s well-meaning fathers are realising that a job well done should not be confined to the office but is actually measured by how well they raise their kids into healthy adults who will, one day, make great parents, themselves. A man’s “success” is no longer gauged by a high-ranking title, a fat pay cheque, a big house, two cars, time deposits, trust funds, insurance, educational plans and a diversified investment portfolio. When your children grow up to happy, confident and fulfilled, you know you must’ve done something right. Many men are striving to be great achievers, not knowing that their greatest achievement is in their children. Being the greatest Dad possible is the toughest job of all. It is where a man’s energy should be put into, and should be taken more seriously than simply putting food on the table. A man has every reason to be proud of his profession but one cannot be infinitely prouder than in being a great Dad. Show me a man who has passion for his work and I will salute him. But show me a man with a passion for excellence in fathering and I will hold him in the highest regard. This is a man who puts his children first, a man who builds love, affection and communication with his kids, instilling spiritual values and steering them consistently to make the right life choices. These are the steady and consistent Dads who build a solid base for their children to

Publisher Kit W. Lim Editor Issa Rodriguez-Medina Managing & Production Editor Cindy Chin Contributing Entertainment Editor Janet Susan R. Nepales Contribution Ng Yi Xing Graphic Designer Cedric Woon Paul Naquiddin Stewart Advertising Sales & Marketing K. Lim Circulation & Accounts Manager TS Bee

Administrative Executive Wan Suriani Penny Ma March - April 2009

Photographer De One Baby & Family Digital Photo Studio Publisher Epitome Communications Sdn Bhd (570021-X) (Formerly known as Pan Asia Concepts Sdn Bhd)

10.01 Wisma Lim Foo Yong 86 Jalan Raja Chulan 50200 Kuala Lumpur Telephone 03-2144 5733 Fax 03-2144 6733 Email kidz@epitome.com.my Website www.kidz.my

feel stable and secure, knowing that they can always depend on Dad’s presence when they need him most. These are the Dads who are not afraid to be silly, who know how to have fun and be playful with their kids - from tickling toddlers to playing computer games or rocking to rock music with their teens. These are the Dads who are their children’s biggest fan, Dads who make the time to cheer them on in their pursuits, to photograph or videotape every important moment in their child’s life. These are the Dads who listen to their children’s own growing-up struggles, Dads who come across as weak and vulnerable themselves, and Dads who share how they overcame their own tough times instead of being an all-knowing dictator. These are the Dads who make every single moment with their children matter. They treasure not just the big moments, but even the most seemingly insignificant ones that may never come around again and will make beautiful memories to last a lifetime.

KidzSmart A c a d e m y

Kidz pays tribute to these Dads, who, even with their busy lifestyles, have a lifelong commitment to making their children a top priority. You have done the world a lot of good by giving of yourself and by raising your children to be the best that they could be.

For letters to the Editor, please email issa@epitome.com.my

*New Website!

Bright Kids Edu Ace Learning

Check out the new site:

Sime Darby Specialist Centre Megah

w w w. k i d z . m y ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PORTION OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE READERS, CONTRIBUTORS AND PANELISTS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE POLICY OF THE PUBLISHER AND EDITOR. INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MAGAZINE IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR REPLACE MEDICAL ADVICE. APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONALS SHOULD BE CONSULTED PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTING ADVICE PRESENTED. ALL LIABILITIES INCLUDING LOSS, DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH IS HEREBY DISCLAIMED, WHETHER CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE, ERRORS AND OMISSIONS OR OTHERWISE.

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Kidz has a readership base of 60,000 throughout Malaysia. Would you like to distribute Kidz at your establishment? Contact 03-2144 5733 or email subscribe@kidz.my for more info.

Kidz Cover Models After much deliberation and a very stringent selection process, a threeday catwalk audition, and more than 700 Superkidz Club members aspiring to be cover models, Kidz congratulates its choice cover models for this issue:- Megat Khairuddin & father

Simply send us photos:

Want to become a model? Then WE WANT YOU! For our upcoming July-August 2009 issue, we are inviting Superkidz Club members to send in their photos for selection.

• Include parent’s name, contact number, email, and child’s name, age, gender and Superkidz Club membership number

Details of the photo shoot session Date: 2nd June 2009 (Tuesday) Time: starting from 1pm Venue: De One Photo Studio, 26-1 Jalan 24/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 KL

• Via email to: submit@kidz.my (Subject: For Model Selection); OR By post to: “For Model Selection”, KIDZ Magazine, 10.01 Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 KL

Successful candidates will be notified via email and/ or by phone. Parents with children who wish to try their luck can still register with Superkidz Club to qualify for the search. Kindly fill up the application form on page 45 (select Option 3) or for further details on how to join Superkidz Club, please call Kidz Magazine at 03-2144 5733.

Your Shout

Don’t suppress it, express it!

Hi, my son, Johann Faryz Pang Yi Han, made cover with four other children for the March/ April issue of Kidz magazine. I'd like to say thank you for the opportunity (he enjoyed the photo shoot playing dinosaur!) and look forward to reading more issues of KIDZ in the future.

Dear staff of Kidz Magazine - would love to thank you for including my belated birthday wish in your Jan-Feb 2009 issue (Superkidz magazine) for my son Mandip Singh. My boy was so thrilled to have his picture in print (since his brother’s picture was also featured during the July birthday wish issue). Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.

Intan Fuhaira, mum of Superkidz Club member Johann Gurmit Kaur, mum of Superkidz Club members Rajdip and Mandip

Happy Shopper! Ampang

With much appreciation, Julia Chong (Chief Executive Officer, TLC)

My family and I participated in the Earth Hour event on 28th March 2009 by switching off our lights at 8.30pm. A few of our neighbours did the same too, and so we had a small party with pretty lanterns, good food, lots of laughter and many mosquitoes! I think it’s a great idea. Not only does it remind us of the need to save energy, but with one hour of no electrical distractions, ‘modern’ kids learn that they actually can have fun away from the TV and their computers. Donald Lee, single father

10 have something May - June 2009 If you to shout about regarding anything under the sun, send us an email at submit@kidz.my (Subject: Comments)

Model: Shiva Jogesnaren

Dear Kidz - Thank you for telling us about TLC products (Kidz for Kids Outreach, Mar-Apr 2009 issue). When I went to buy the handwash soap, I was delighted to see that they have the larger refill size. Not only do I save money, but I can also reduce waste and do my bit to save the environment AND help charities at the same time. I now look out for their products whenever I am in the supermarket and tell all my friends about it too!

We want to thank you for the lovely article on The Truly Loving Company (Kidz for Kids Outreach, Mar-Apr 2009 issue) and we really appreciate the support we have been given in building the TLC brand awareness. You have a great magazine and we would like to wish you all the very best.

What’s New

Updates on latest products and services!

Title: The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son Genre: True story Author: Rupert Isaacson Price: RM69.90

Title: Eat Well, Live Well: Your Healthy Lifestyle Guide Genre: Healthy eating Author: Chia Joo Suan Price: RM32.90 “Some people develop rashes after consuming seafood or taking a sip of wine; others avoid chicken when having a bad cough; people suffering from gout feel their pain intensify after excessive consumption of duck; rashes may also occur in some people when they eat preserved meat. What are the scientific explanations for

“When my son Rowan was first diagnosed with autism, I had this irrational shame as if my faulty genetics had cursed my own child to live on this earth as an alien. It was a horse, Betsy, who showed me I had it all wrong. From the first day I put Rowan on her back, his nonsensical babble turned immediately to meaningful speech. I started to wonder... what if instead of shutting our lives down, Rowan's autism was the starting point of our biggest adventure? His progress gave me so much hope.” -- Rupert Isaacson

these maladies?” -- Excerpt from p.xii If you have enjoyed Chia Joo Suan’s other healthy lifestyle guides What’s In Your Food? and You’re What You Eat, you are in for another delicious treat with Eat Well, Live Well. This book addresses popular natural remedies and recipes from Malaysia’s different communities. It also offers scientific studies to show how these may not be merely old wives’ tales after all.

When Rupert Isaacson’s son Rowan was diagnosed with autism, he was devastated. He was afraid that he might never be able to communicate with his child. But after Rowan rode their neighbour’s horse on one occasion, Rupert (a lifelong horseman) noticed that his son improved immeasurably. He was struck with a crazy idea why not take Rowan to Mongolia, the one place in the world where horses and shamanic healing are intersected?

From making children grow taller by boiling peanut root with chicken in soup, to advice on abstaining from chicken to help treat a bad cough, Chia Joo Suan clarifies truths and debunks the myths behind seemingly ambiguous traditional recipes for good health. As a food chemist, she advocates safe eating habits for a healthy life.

Deeply moving, truly one-of-a-kind, The Horse Boy is the dramatic and heartwarming story of that impossible adventure. In Mongolia, the family found undreamed of landscapes and people, unbearable setbacks, and advances beyond their wildest dreams. This is a story about a family willing to go to the ends of the earth to help their son, and of a boy learning to connect with the world for the first time.

Title: Peaks and Valleys Genre: Self help Author: Spencer Johnson Price: RM62.00 “Do you really think a story can make that big a difference?” Michael asked. “I’m in a pretty tough spot right now.” Ann replied, “In that case, what do you have to lose? All I can tell you is that when I applied what I got out of the story, it had a big impact.” “Some people,” she cautioned, “get very little from the story, while others get a great deal!” “It’s not the story; it’s what you take away from it that is so powerful. That’s up to you, of course.” -- Excerpt from page 3 Peaks and Valleys is a story of a young man who lives unhappily in a valley until he meets an old man who lives on a peak, and it changes his work and life forever. Initially, the young man does not realise that he is talking with one of the most peaceful and successful people in the world. However, through a series of conversations and experiences that occur up on peaks and down in valleys, the young man makes some startling discoveries. Eventually, he comes to understand how he can use the old man’s remarkable principles and practical tools in good and bad times and becomes more calm and successful himself. With this self help book, take a similar journey through the story and use what you find to your advantage in your own working and personal lives. 12

May - June 2009

What’s New

Eat Well, Live Well is for anyone with an interest in food safety and nutrition, and who wants to know more about food ingredients, additives and toxins. Those who yearn for a healthier life and wellbeing will also find this book most useful.

Title: Moving Forward: Taking the Lead In Your Life Genre: Self help Author: Dave Pelzer Price: RM89.90 For me, this is the essence of life: Accepting the situation for the reality of what it truly is and accomplishing what needs to be done to advance oneself for the greater good of all, no matter the cost or sacrifice. -- Excerpt from book Self-help books are not for everyone as they tend to make one look into one’s innermost feelings and wonder if the subject matter applies to oneself. For those who are not familiar with the name, Dave Pelzer became known with his first book, A Child Called It, which was his personal account of his abusive childhood. He then wrote two more, The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave, which continued his story in foster care and becoming a man, coming to terms with his past. When I first read his earlier books, I was at first shocked at how any parent could abuse his or her own child and amazed at how Dave had managed to survive to tell his tale. However, he not only moved on from his abusive past but was able to move forward to achieve his goals in life, usually against great odds. In Moving Forward, he talks about letting go of baggage and freeing yourself of your past so that it does not hold you back and you are then in control. Because it is based on his personal experience, Dave Pelzer’s book would motivate and inspire most readers to aim for their goals and be the best that they can be. Book recommendation by Cat Lee, a working mum.

Information provided by MPH Distributors. All books featured are available at major bookstores nationwide. May - June 2009

Kidz-Friendly

Awarding establishments where kids are king!

Our family met resident Golf Pro, Greg Petzer, a PGA professional from South Africa, who showed them the basic golf swings including driving, chipping and putting. The simulator is able to calculate the speed and direction of the golf ball and translate this into an image on the screen, so that you can see the golf ball land on the green and roll towards the hole (with any luck). What’s more, you can even hit the replay button and watch your last shot from a different angle.

Kidz-Friendly

City Golf is not just for beginners. Keen golfers come here to practice their game or to take lessons from the Pro so they can improve before their next game. For offering a great venue and facilities for families to play the “gentleman’s game”, we give City Golf three thumbs up and our Kidz-Friendly Stamp of Approval.

As the children took turns practising their long and short games, mum and dad relaxed on the comfortable sofas situated just behind the playing area. “This is a great place for families as it  is comfortable, safe and clean and it’s wonderful for beginners,” said dad Bingley, adding “Great for bonding since non-golfers can relax while the golfers do their thing so no one is left out.”

The Kidz -Friendly Stamp of Approval – City Golf The Malaysian weather is certainly as challenging as the game of golf itself. It is usually either too hot or too humid or too wet or all at the same time. But for all wannabe Tiger Woods out there, now there is City Golf, Malaysia’s only indoor golf venue located right in the heart of Bangsar! Kidz decided to check out this new centre and sent along our intrepid reviewers in the form of our Superkidz Club members, Isabella (15), Iza Elina (12) and Imen (8).

City Golf also has a bar and restaurant area so if you are feeling hungry, all you have to do is place your order. Feedback from our reviewers: Isabella – I like it here. Iza Elina – I think I want to learn golf. Imen – this is such fun! Dad is already planning the next birthday party for the children at City Golf while mum thinks about taking up the game again. The cost is based on an hourly rate starting at RM 100 per hour, off-peak, with a maximum of eight persons using the simulator.

City Golf Lot 4-1, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, 59000 KL Tel: 03 2282 0011 Website: www.citygolf.com.my

Accompanied by mum and dad, our three reviewers arrived one Sunday afternoon dressed in their shorts, t-shirts and slippers (yes, slippers!). The dress code alone would have barred them from most driving ranges and all golf courses in the country. At City Golf, you can be dressed as casually or smartly as you like. No need for golf shoes or even golf clubs. City Golf has a wide range of clubs to choose from and they have two sets for children, depending on age and height. For those who are interested to check out the game, this is a great way to learn some basics without having to part with your hard-earned cash buying clothes, clubs and shoes. What makes City Golf unique are the four latest specification Full Swing Golf Simulators which incorporate infra-red technology to provide the ultimate indoor golf experience. There are 50 of the world’s most recognised courses to choose from and an interactive practice facility which allows you to get close to the real thing. And all this in the comfort of an indoor, fully air-conditioned room.

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Isabella, Iza Elina, Imen & dad

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May - June 2009

Your Pick

Reviews and recommendations by parents & kids!

Celebrating parenthood

Reviews and recommendations!

It’s that time of year again, where everyone is searching for that perfect something for their parents. At a loss for inspiration? Well, why not find out from the parents themselves what gifts are most memorable to them.

Tech Savvy Mum – Hamidah, mother of four aged eight to 18

I am a, full-time mum and I have kept busy looking after the family 24/7. I have always wanted to learn how to use a computer but did not have time. Then last year, my husband bought me an Apple iMac for Mother’s Day. I scolded him for spending so much money on something I would not have time to use. But he assured me that it would not be a problem. He was right. It was so easy to use that I am now able to send emails and keep in touch with my old friends. I also chat with my eldest son who is studying in Australia at the moment and I can even see him on the computer! And I have managed to sort out all our family photos into albums that I proudly show off to all our relatives when they visit. Whenever I am looking for a recipe, I only have to Google!

Your Pick

card and it contained a voucher which had written on it “We love you Daddy. Today you will be KING for the day!”. So the whole day, they did everything to help me, including preparing my breakfast, washing my car, watering the plants in the garden, clearing up their room (which is usually left in a total mess). I could not think of a better gift. And now every year, I ask them for the same gift.

Golf Lessons – Muhammed Malek, father of Norzam, aged eight

Family Reunion – S C Chin, grandmother

A few years ago, my oldest son decided to take me for High Tea on Mother’s Day. When we arrived at the hotel, I was surprised to see that it was not just my oldest son and his family who had turned up but also all my other children and their children. They had decided to throw a surprise party for me.

Favourite Father’s Day gifts iPod Touch – Ken Tan, 38, father of two girls

Favourite Mother’s Day gifts Floral Memories - Janet Wong, mother of two lively teenage boys

When my boys were much younger (four and six), they didn’t quite fully understand the significance of Mother’s Day but my husband would take them to the shop to buy me a card which they would write in their best handwriting. That year, they told daddy that they wanted to buy mummy a present with their pocket money but they only had RM15 in their savings between them.

His client in the US had recommended them to him when he heard about my problems. When I first saw them, I was rather skeptical as they looked like ordinary flip-flops. But when I put them on and started walking around in them, I found them to be extremely comfortable. I now wear them everywhere and find that my legs don’t get tired, even if I have been walking all day and my back problem has improved.

The coolest iPod ever allows me to listen to my favourite songs or watching the latest videos in the privacy of my headset. And I can even download loads of Apps (that’s Applications to those who aren’t ‘with it’) and get the latest games and software. Don’t know how I ever lived without one! (Available in 8, 16 or 32 GB. Prices start from RM949.)

As an early Father’s Day gift because I will be away on business in June, my wife bought me a one-hour golf lesson at City Golf where I learnt the basics of the game from the Golf Pro. It was a wonderful gift as my son was able to come along and join in the lesson. I think he is a better golfer than me. My wife came with us and we spent the afternoon together, a rarity for the family as I am usually busy with work, even on weekends. (One hour at City Golf starts at RM 100.)

My Own Bengal Tiger – Terry Chan, father of two

Picture courtesy of Zoo Negara

We spent the whole afternoon eating, talking, laughing and sharing stories. Some of my grandchildren sang songs and there were lots of cameras snapping away. I will never forget that lovely afternoon we spent together.

My husband took them to the florist and they bought a small bouquet of flowers for me. When my husband told me how they had used their own savings to buy my gift, tears started streaming down my cheeks. That will be the most meaningful present I have ever received as it came from the heart.

Pamper Me More - June Cheng, working mother with three young children

Being a working mother, it is difficult to find time for myself. Even finding time in my hectic schedule to get my haircut can be a challenge. Two years ago, my family decided to surprise with a wonderful Mother’s Day gift which included getting my hair styled, a facial, three hours at the spa with massage and when I came home at around 6 pm, they had cooked dinner so I did not have to lift a finger the whole day. Now, if only every day could be like this!

Fitflops, not slippers – Susan, mother of baby girl

My husband bought me a pair of Fitflops for Mother’s Day last year when he was in the US on business as he knew I had back pains. 16

May - June 2009

Pulse Smartpen – John Ng, 41, father of three

I first saw this product at PC Fair when they demonstrated what it could do and immediately I knew I had to have it. I travel a lot in my consultancy business and need to take notes or even record discussions all the time. With this Smartpen, I can immediately download my notes and voice recordings to my laptop and send the files to my staff to work on the information as required. No need to photocopy or fax my notes as the pen does all the work. (Available in 1 or 2 GB. For more info, go to www.ebigant.com)

Best Gift Ever – Raj Dorai, father of twin boys aged 14

Two years ago, my, boys decided to surprise me with the best Father’s Day gift ever. They came to our bedroom with a handmade

I love animals and we have three dogs, two hamsters and five goldfish at home. Last year, my wife and children decided to give me a tiger for Father’s Day. But before you freak out and wonder how we managed to keep a tiger at home, they partially adopted the tiger from Zoo Negara for one year. We had the opportunity to visit ‘my’ tiger at the Zoo and it was a very meaningful gift since it helps pay for the animal’s food and care at the zoo. (For more info on adopting animals, contact the Public Affairs Department, Zoo Negara on 03-4108 3422.) May - June 2009

Parents’ Time Out

Everyone deserves a break, especially parents!

When Dads

Kick Back

Jokes, Anecdotes & Gadgets

When the top five topics for discussion wear out, talks about the latest computers, mobile phones and gadgets to make them look sexy as well as other toys for the big boys will do the trick. A fair amount of time will then be spent on being witty or funny. When no one is laughing, they usually just bring the conversation back to themselves.

Forget buying him a pair of cuff links or a new necktie for Father’s Day. Wanna know what Dad’s idea of a treat or a good time is? Send him out at happy hour to chill out with the boys over a few mugs of beer (or teh tarik at the 24-hour open nasi kandar stall). We eavesdropped on a group of fathers chatting to find out just what interests men and what they talk about …

Advice to wives: don’t even try to speak to them or get them to share their emotions. They will never truly let you into their hearts. Why not? Because they’re men, of course! And even among fellowMEN they rarely really talk to each other. Instead, they do things together. Women get together and cry their hearts out about their feelings and relationships. Men, on the other hand, get a kick out of a few subjects that will always be part and parcel of any boys’ night out on the town. And unlike women, the male buddy kind of talk is usually limited to their achievements or what worries them at work.

Parents’ Time Out

So how do they really view their lives? What do they long for and agonise over? What do they truly care about? Will they ever express how much they care? How do they really see themselves? What is life actually like for them at their age?

Sports Unlimited

Whether it is about how they fared in their golf game, who won between Manchester United and Liverpool, or even how much they won in a mah jong bet, men obsess over endless discussions on sports as an escape from the worries of the day. Better to mull over the losses of their sports favourite rather than their own business losses and failures.

Cars, Cars, Cars!

Whether or not they drive the latest Mercedes S-Class or a 7-Series Bimmer, men talk incessantly about cars. In a world fixated with status symbols and objects of wealth and power, men are defined by what they drive (or what they aspire to). And if they don’t drive an expensive set of wheels, they usually get away with babble on how to pimp their ride or by simply having an impressive know-how on cars in general.

These are practical issues that are better left unsaid. For men are mostly inexpressive and are expected to be tough, so they deaden their emotions. Dads have real issues to worry about. So next time they opt to have a few drinks with the boys, cut them some slack. They can sure use a break!

The Politics of Small Talk

Men like to talk about topics they can master or make them feel more powerful. Talking about politics and current affairs make them sound more professional and all-knowing. The more hardcore the issues, the more manly they become.

Here are the usual topics of discussion that can keep most Dads, and men, in general, occupied and entertained till the wee hours of the morning.

Money, money, money!

As the breadwinners of the family, Dads feel that they are judged solely by their success which is measured by how much money they make. Whether or not they measure up, an endless discussion on business and money matters would make them feel more powerful. Can we blame them? Society views them as providers and moneymakers first and foremost. They introduce themselves more by what they do rather than who they are. And when “bringing home the bacon” is what is expected of them at home, playing oneself up and boasting before other men becomes the norm.

1. Learn 2. Grow and 3. Master

Women, Girls (all except their wives)

Men have to deal with feelings of emasculation, especially when they reach the mid-life crisis. As a form of self-reassurance, talks about women who flirt with them at work or stare at them at the elevator as a form of conquest abound. It’s not that they’re cheating, but sometimes the thrill of the chase is reward enough. For the same reason, they hardly ever talk about their wives, and, instead, delve into erotic fantasies to boost their male egos.

chess

together with the

ASEAN Chess AcademY Official Training Centre of the World Chess Federation

WHY CHESS? This intriguing question has exercised many minds as far back as the 19th Century even as students from top universities like Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Columbia played chess in inter-varsity games. Benjamin Franklin said, “Chess teaches foresight, by having to plan ahead; vigilance, by having to keep watch over the whole chess board; caution, by having to restrain ourselves from making hasty moves; and finally, we learn from chess the greatest maxim in life - that even when every thing seems to be going badly for us we should not lose heart, but always hoping for a change for the better, steadfastly continue searching for the solutions to our problems.”

COURSES Young Beginners (4-5 years old) . Beginners (6 years & above) . Adult Beginners Competitive Chess (for those who are competing for schools) Mastering Chess (for those who are playing at national and international level) School Holidays Camps . Private Lessons . Workshops Scholastic Chess at Kindergartens, Schools, Child Enrichment Centres, Colleges & Universities 18

May - June 2009

Registration & Enquiries: Asean Chess Academy, Kuala Lumpur 22-1 1st Floor, Jalan 27/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: +60 3-2300 1680 www.intchess.com Asean Chess Academy, Singapore Teck Ghee Community Centre 861 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 #01-05 Singapore 569734 www.intchessasia.com May - June 2009

We Say, They Say

Forum for parents and kids!

We Say>>

Dad Great? Any Dad would like to think that he is doing a great job at fatherhood. But notions of what makes a great Dad differ, especially between fathers, themselves, and their children. We weighed the Dads’ views with the kids and here’s how their responses fared.

Head of the family, master of the house, patriarch, pillar of home. They go by many terms of endearment – Daddy, Papa, Bapa – whatever the title, however we regard them; fathers are revered (while some are reviled) for varying reasons. How do Dads feel they measure up? What are their own standards for good fatherhood? How do kids rate their own Dads? Are they up to par or are there a lot to be desired? Here’s a no-holds-barred opinion poll conducted on our community of fathers and children. We’ve also thrown in some famous quotes from famous people on what makes a Dad great.

May - June 2009

By the time a man realises that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong. - Charles Wadsworth My father came from a different generation. His was a time when a Dad is expected to be strong, strict and resolute to the point of being almost almighty. Take that and compare it with how, we, modern Dads, raise our kids. We are still strong but we are accessible. We are also strict but flexible. We are resolute but with a purpose that our children would understand. Above all, we are not emotionless and we are not afraid to show our children how we really feel. Dads in those days hardly said “I love you” to their kids. For me, I express my feelings for my children at every chance I get. Be it a hug, a wrestle, a tickling session or just a phone call, I show them just how much they are loved as that is how I would have wanted it with my own father. - S. C. Loy, Damansara

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters. - George Herbert Papa was perfect. We didn’t have much but ours was a home overflowing with love and laughter. Times were hard when we were young but we were content with what we had. He taught us to uphold the value of family above all. Though he was hard at work most of the time, he managed to spend precious moments with us – fishing, running in the park or simply sitting down with us at dinner time without fail to genuinely hear out our thoughts and concerns. He also loved our mother very much. A good father becomes a great Dad when he treats mum right. “You can lose everything you have but you will always have your family,” Papa always used to say. The saddest day of my life was when he passed. His wisdom and love still lives on in me. When I’m at my lowest point, I can almost still hear his voice saying “Your family will always be here for you.” If I can be half the father he was to me, I’d be a great Dad. - R. K. Mahendran, Ampang Jaya Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad. - Anne Geddes I’m sure there was something great about my Dad. But nothing comes easily to mind. He left mum when I was just four so I hardly have any recollection of how he was as a father. But I can still remember how abusive he was and how mum was almost like a martyr to endure the violence in his hands. He resurfaced a few years later in a futile attempt to come back into our lives, but it was already too late. Mum has always been the one and only parent I knew. Through the years, she kept our family going and we survived. Now that I’m a Dad, too, I can only be guided by

Model: Jiivan & Harrish with their parents

What Makes a

Models (L-R): Megat Khairuddin, Puteri Nur Alyra & Puteri Nur Diana with their parents

My Dad was a great provider and breadwinner. We were never lacking in the things we needed when we were growing up. But a child doesn’t see the many hours of labour he puts into his work at the office. A child doesn’t realise the pressure he surmounts to pay for the house, to have a decent car, put food on the table, pay for our education and provide life’s simple pleasures. As a child, all that mattered was how much or how little of Dad I saw at home. All I remembered was how tired he always was when I wanted to play and how grumpy he became after a long day at work. Was he a bad Dad? No, but now that I’m a father myself, I always keep to mind my Dad’s shortcomings that I may not disappoint my own kids in the same way. - Nigesh A., Desa Pandan

We Say, They Say

May - June 2009

We Say, They Say

www.kidzsmart.com.my

Forum for parents and kids!

doing everything for my children which my father never did for us. I may not know exactly what to do, but I know what not to do. - Lee Toong Boon, Sungei Long My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. - Clarence Budington Kelland We had a modest home and we came from a small town. But I was rich in knowledge about how life works as I learned everything from my father. I owe almost everything I know and believe in to him. And you know what? He was right about a lot of things! I just hope that I can impart the same wisdom and values to my children. It’s the best gift a father can pass on to his kids. - Yong Jin, Subang Jaya Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, singers of songs. - Pam Brown The famous psychologist Sigmund Freud once said “I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.” I can’t agree with him more. My father was all that and more for us. Growing up, life was difficult for us but Dad always assured us that everything will be okay. It’s that comfort of knowing that Dad will always look out for us and make everything alright that got us through it all. Children need security. They don’t need to know about the unpaid bills, the problems with Mum or the evils of the world. As long as Dad is not worried and is on top of the situation, life goes on. He is my role model and my hero. I hope I am living up to what he raised me to be and that I can be the same kind of father to my children. - Hazreq H., Sungei Buloh Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance. - Ruth E. Renkel

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Do I have a great dad? I just wish I had a dad! My parents divorced when I was two years old so I grew up without a father. - Justin, 16 The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get. - Tim Russert

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Papa and Mama are always fighting. Mama says Papa has another girlfriend so they’re always fighting. How can Papa do that to Mama? He’s a bad Papa. - Rakkhi, 7 The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. - Rev. Theodore Hesburgh

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Dad wakes up, goes to work, pays for the bills, comes home, watches TV, then goes to sleep. The next day, it starts all over again. Yeah, he’s home alright. He’s there, but he’s really somewhere else. - Heng Yan, 14 It is easy for a father to have children than for children to have a real father. - Pope John XXIII I can’t ask for a better father. Dad cooks, fixes the house, repairs the car, helps us with homework, takes us out for fun and buys us what we need. He disciplines us but only because it’s for our own good. He can be formal but he also knows how to chill out. - Alice, 13 A man's worth is measured by how he parents his children. What he gives them, what he keeps away from them, the lessons he teaches and the lessons he allows them to learn on their own. - Lisa Rogers

Sat 29th & Sun 30th Aug 2009 Venue: To be confirmed Limited Seats Available

It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was. - Anne Sexton

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I have a great daddy. He always plays with us. We go out and have fun all the time. That’s why we’re sad when he has to go to the office. - Brian, 8

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May - June 2009

Model: Ethan Kuan & dad

Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow. - Reed Markham

Love and fear. Everything the father of a family says must inspire one or the other. - Joseph Joubert

You will find out that you are unique and that you have special talents unique to you alone and that there is no such thing as unemployment.

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Papa buys me everything I need. That’s cool but sometimes I wish he’d just spend more time with us. - Rosalind, 13

My Dad believes in me. I don’t always do well in school but he thinks I’m smart enough. For him, doing my best is good enough. - Dexter, 11

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They Say>>

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Kidz for Kids Outreach

Kidz for Kids Outreach is dedicated to kids in need. We believe in helping charitable organisations that support children.

Kidz for Kidz Outreach is dedicated to kids in need. We believe in helping charitable organisations that support children.

Kidz for Kids Outreach

“Children is home and home is children” Children who live in Homes are often depicted as children who are given less love, attention and care, or that they simply cannot be happier than other children who live in the love and warmth of their very own biological families. The attentive staff of Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah (PPKKCTM) has proven that children in Homes can be given proper and unconditional care, attention, love and respect, too.

A home for disabled and underprivileged children, PPKKCTM was founded by the late Mr. Manikumar, a recipient of the NSTPWC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Malaysian Lifetime Humanitarian Award in 2006. Although physically handicapped himself, he dedicated his life to improving the lives of disabled children and promoting equal rights for them. Since his death in 2006, his wife, R. Umah Devi, has taken over the responsibility of running the Home as the President. Today, PPKKCTM is home to about 138 beneficiaries – from toddlers to adults as old as 53 years - of all races and with various disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, speech, including the hearing and vision impaired, the physically challenged, intellectually disabled, and also underprivileged children from broken homes. Being a multiracial Home, new admittances are not based on race or religion, but on whether PPKKCTM is able to tend to their needs. Unable to walk or talk, most of the Home’s children merely smile cheerfully when greeting visitors. Others who are more ablebodied will approach visitors and eagerly shake their hands and say “hi”. Behind their smiles though, one can only imagine the

loneliness and misery that they have grown accustomed to while facing the everyday challenges of their disabilities. Children are placed under the care of PPKKCTM for many reasons. For those with major disabilities, their families simply are not trained to provide proper care for them, or that they are facing financial difficulties. Though there are some biological parents who simply refuse to raise them as their disabilities are viewed as an embarrassment to the family. Such parents have even changed or falsified their contact details to avoid being contacted by the Home. One case in point is that of a boy who was abandoned by his parents. “When he was one year old, his parents brought him to the Home, but at that time, his father said he didn’t want to give him up. So we advised them to come back when they’re ready,” mentioned Mr. Baskar @ Baskin, Administrative Manager of PPKKCTM. “Then one day we found the son by the roadside next to a big drain, outside our premises. He was simply laid on top of a red basket filled with old clothes and a small tin of milk powder,

Susan Lim (front middle) & her daughter Francine (back, pink top) with their friends who joined Kidz during the PPKKCTM visit placed under the hot afternoon sun. This is only one case. There were also parents who told us not to contact them if their children died, to simply do as we see fit with their bodies.” It is astonishing how some parents can be so heartless and unfeeling. But thanks to PPKKCTM, children are well looked after and are raised in a caring environment by full-time staff. “Different children will have different needs, so each new admittance is on a case-by-case basis by considering whether we’ve the facilities, manpower and suitable equipment to care for them,” explained Mr. Baskin. “There are currently 360 children on the waiting list, but as much as we’d like to take them in, the Home is unable to due to space constraints. We’ve already acquired a piece of land and hope to raise enough funds to build our own place soon.” PPKKCTM is a blessing to the children under its care. It offers them loving kindness, hope of a future and better life in a home environment. It is obvious that the efforts of those behind PPKKCTM have not gone to waste. As Umah puts it, “I don’t blame those who say we’re not treating them well because they don’t know exactly what it is we do. We welcome anyone to visit us, volunteer and to spend time with the children. To me, (the) children is home and home is children. They’re very dear to me and I treat them like my own. I hope that others will see them that way too.” At the moment they are housed in four separate premises. This decentralised system is not in the best interest of the Home, its children and the residents of the area. Hence PPKKCTM is in urgent need of funds to pay for the remaining balance on the land and to build a one-stop centre on it. Those who would like to donate may contact the Home directly.

(L-R) Trustee Mr Cheah Siong Nyin, President R. Umah Devi & Mr Baskin with a potrait of founder Mr. Manikumar 24

May - June 2009

Kidz for Kids Outreach

Kidz for Kids Outreach is dedicated to kids in need. We believe in helping charitable organisations that support children.

Being a mum of an active Superkidz member, I must thank the Kidz team for initiating such opportunities for members of the club. The activities not only excite and benefit my daughter, but have done wonders in strengthening our mum-daughter bond. The recent visit to PPKKCTM resulted in a fruitful morning of sharing and caring. It was an eye-opening experience to many of the children and youths who came along with us. It didn’t take them long to warm up to the unfortunate children there because they were so affectionate and loveable. I remember clearly a little girl, obviously afflicted with Down’s syndrome, who loved being carried. She enjoyed being passed around and carried by different people! It moved me to realise how happy and at peace the children are, oblivious to the challenges they face. Despite their limitations, they are such a carefree bunch, appreciative of our time and smiles.

Recently Kidz organised a visit to the PPKKCTM and was joined by a group of children, parents and families. For most, it was the first time that they have been to a Home for disabled children. Below are some of their comments. I’ve always wanted to visit and help out in such Homes but when I entered for the first time, I did not know what to expect. Many people said that seeing the children would make me depressed as they would be emotionally attached to me by the end of my visit. So I had images of crying children, clinging to my arms. However, it was not so. I was surprised to see that the children were given a lot of attention and love considering the number of children staying there. Besides that, the staff was really strict on rules to maintain the hygiene of the place for those children who spend most of their time indoors. From my experience, people should prepare themselves mentally and emotionally before visiting homes as it affects different people in different ways. Personally, I was emotionally touched at the sight of the children who are unable to do anything but lie down, as well as those who had to eat through tubes and never tasted food before. Through this experience, I feel fortunate and blessed with the life I have. It is sad that until today, disabled children are being discriminated against by society. If that wasn’t the case then parents wouldn’t feel the pressure of being embarrassed by their own kids. Yi Xiang, ex-intern of Kidz It was my first time bringing my five children to visit such a Home. At first, I thought my children will feel scared to see these poor children who were born with abnormalities, but to my surprise, they weren’t scared and were even able to interact and play with them. Only my youngest was afraid and stuck close to his father. Maybe because of his age, he couldn’t comprehend or understand why the children looked or behaved differently from him. Mrs Leong, mother of five When I saw children with deformities and those with feeding tubes inserted in them, my heart felt so heavy. I immediately turned and left the hall/ living room area; it was heart wrenching to see. I was scared to approach them because I couldn't bear to see or witness their suffering. I also felt very angry with those parents who just dumped their kids there – how could they do such a despicable thing? Thomas Leong, father of five

May - June 2009

The little gestures of love definitely did all of us much good. Such warm feelings are priceless and cannot be compared to all the material goodness our children enjoy these days. It definitely takes effort to identify such teachable moments to help us parent our children to have empathy and compassion for others. Susan Lim, mother of Francine Yeap

Parents share life lessons with other parents

Parenting 101

Separated Couples can still do Joint Parenting Divorce or separation is never easy. It is especially hardest on the kids. And though you may no longer be a couple, you are still parents to your children. As some divorced or separated parents share, joint parenting can still keep a broken home together.

A word of advice if you’re visiting PPKKCTM in PJ; Take a deep breath before going in…. As soon as you step past the gates, you’re going to be swarmed by children. If you’re carrying a bag, they’ll want to know what’s in it, and then ask you to take it out and if your hands are free, they’ll want to shake them and hold them. When I went there one Saturday morning, one girl of about eight years old, afflicted with Down Syndrome, held my hand so tight, it felt like she was hanging on for dear life. I couldn’t find out much about her as she mainly smiled at all my questions. I’ll call her Grace. Despite Grace not saying much, she was quite sociable with the various groups of people who visited that day, which earned her hugs.

Vengeance will do you no good

However, there are a large number of children there who aren’t as socially confident as Grace. Many of them just sit around in the home, not daring to make the first move. Some of them can’t even move, due to physical disabilities. There were some eight children with cerebral palsy, lying on mats. I guess my biggest regret would be that I didn’t spend more time with those who were either too shy to come say hello, or too weak to move. I wasn’t sure what to say, or do, so I kind of avoided them. Since that visit, I’ve been trying to work up the courage to go back again, so I can maybe sit with the cerebral palsy children. Sue Chan, Radio DJ/ Youth Group Leader of EFC Gospel Centre To read the comments of Francine Yeap, her friends and of other children, grab a copy of the May-June 2009 issue of Superkidz magazine. Available at major bookstores nationwide (RRP: RM5.00). The main house of PPKKCTM is located at No. 2, Jalan SS24/10, Taman Megah, 47301 PJ. Visitors are welcome and no appointments are needed. For more info, call 03-7806 1143/ 4261, email ppkkctm_4@yahoo.com or visit www.ppkkctm.org

My ex-husband cheated on me on more than one occasion. It was long coming. We finally divorced, no thanks to his many acts of indiscretion. I would just love to take revenge on him by taking the kids away. But he is still their father and his absence in their lives would only leave them feeling abandoned and neglected. I don’t want to drag my kids into more distress with prolonged battles in the family. Creating a stable environment for my children is more important to me than getting even. - Sze Pei, Klang So the inevitable has happened. You now find yourself divorced or separated. You feel you have now lost all sense of love and belonging in the world and everything you have built over the years of your married life has gone down the drain. But the end of your marriage doesn’t necessarily spell the end of a happy home for your kids. You may have ceased being a spouse but your being a parent will never come to an end. You are still mum or dad to your children and taking care of them during this time should be your first priority. It is easy to feel like the aggrieved party and blame the failure of your marriage on your spouse. And because it is “not your fault,” the tendency for any bitter spouse, especially wives, is to seek sole custody of the children. But open-minded divorcees and “singles again” are seeing the wisdom in negotiating for joint parenting which would, ultimately, go a long way in repairing the damage of divorce or separation.

Co-parenting works My ex and I are constantly at each other’s throats. There is no way we can ever live under the same roof again. But the thought of either one of us leaving the house or “disappearing” makes the children frightened and insecure. They can accept that we can’t get along as a couple but they can’t stand the thought of losing either one of their parents. So my ex and I have come to an arrangement where the kids stay in our conjugal house and we both take turns in being home for them … but just not together at the same time! I’d be at home with the kids the first three days of the week and my ex-husband leaves the house. He returns and stays with them for the next three days of the week and it would be my turn to go. Then every Sunday, we put our differences aside for the sake of the children and we all come together to go to church and do something special as a “family” for the weekend. Our children have gotten used to this arrangement and have come to accept it as the next best thing to having both mum and dad around at the same time. - Clarisse, KLCC May - June 2009

Parenting 101

Parents share life lessons with other parents

Parenting 101

Be there for them now more than ever Separation or divorce would naturally mean being less present for the children. Now more than ever, separated parents should spend as much time with their kids as they possibly can. Great efforts should be made to make regular contact with them and to be at their every game, school play, birthday and even on ordinary days. - Leong WY, teacher

Don’t let the new love of your life come before your kids When my husband divorced me, he left me for another woman who wanted to put herself ahead of our kids. This is so wrong! And my ex-hubby is crazy enough to allow it! I don’t care how great he thinks she is! When we had our kids, he made a covenant to put them ahead of everything. Even after our marriage had failed, his relationship with our children should be the strongest love of his life! - Scorned Wife

Let them express how they feel

Children need routine & consistency

Don’t put down your ex

From our experience, co-parenting can only work if the kids can stick to a routine or some sort of pattern in their lives. My ex and I have our own new relationships now and our kids move back and forth between two homes. However, we agreed to live near each other so that they still get to go to the same school and do their exrracurricular activities. The children will find it confusing at first but, over time, they will get used to it and learn to cope and accept the situation. - Geetha, Ulu Klang

No matter how terrible my ex is, I bite my tongue from maligning him and discussing his failures with my children. He may have failed as a husband but I still want our children to love and respect him as their father. Besides, if he is as bad as I think he is, our kids are smart enough to see his shortcomings. It will be obvious to them. If I put him down, I will gain nothing from it and they may end up holding it against me in the long run. - Adreanna, Puchong

Both parents count Whether I like it or not, my children need their mother (whom I think is an incompetent parent) just as much as they need me. She will always play a significant role in their lives and I should never deprive them of that. I have to see her value as a mother to our children in the same way that she has to see my value to them as their Dad. For that reason, we have shelved our personal differences in the interest of working together for the sake of the kids. So, now, both my ex-wife and I have agreed to share in the parental decision-making processes and split family expenses. We have come up with a set of common rules for discipline, behaviour and parenting style. - No-choice Dad

Don’t fight in front of them Separated or not, no couple should fight in front of the kids. This is especially damaging to children who are already facing the distress of their parents’ separation. The higher the conflict between mum and dad, the longer it would take for the children to adjust to the divorce and recover their well being. - Shahindran S, Marriage Counselor 28

May - June 2009

Don’t make them take sides My therapist has advised me not to put our kids in the middle. I used to make them send messages to their mother. I even made them spy on her to see if she has somebody new in her life already. I realised that this behaviour only does more harm to our children as they need to love both dad and mum and not have to choose sides. - Dad of Go-between Kids

How are my kids taking it? They are mad, sad; they blame themselves for our breakup and they think they’re losing their home and security. They still wish that my husband and I would get back together again but I don’t make them feel silly for thinking that way. Whatever their feelings, I let them vent it out. They are very vulnerable at this time and I have to be sensitive to them. However they feel, I allow them to express their feelings and let them know that it’s okay to feel that way. - JS Kaur, Mont Kiara

Look out for tell-tale signs of depression and anxiety When my wife and I split up, our son took it quite well and, in fact, was pretty stoic about it. Little did we know that this was a sign that he wasn’t dealing with his emotions the way he should. So we sought professional therapy until he managed to handle things better. The psychologist advised that his withdrawal and alienation weren’t healthy. Other kids from broken homes regress by bedwetting, thumb sucking or becoming clingy to either one of the parents or both. Some show mood swings, and others, display uncharacteristic aggressive behaviour or show a drop in performance in school. When these symptoms appear, I advise you to do as we did and seek professional help! - Tevan R, Titiwangsa

Don’t lie to them about the situation I tell my children everything – how their dad and I can’t get along anymore and how he now has a new family. But my ex still makes up stories to them about why daddy is always away. I know he’s just trying to protect them but they will feel even more betrayed when they’re old enough to know and understand the truth. Honesty counts, no matter how young we think they still are to understand. Kids nowadays are smarter and more open-minded than we think. Lies are not a good foundation for them, especially at this trying time. - Natasha, TTDI

May - June 2009

Wish Upon Kidz

When you wish upon Kidz, your dreams may come true!

Wish Upon Kidz

For the recipients of Vista’s kindness, life is literally seen in a new light. For 87-year-old Leong Mee Han, recognising her friends’ faces was difficult and her cloudy vision always made her depend on someone to perform even the simplest tasks. After undergoing the cataract surgery in her right eye, she now has her eyesight and her confidence back to take care of herself. “The doctor was very nice to me and the surgery was quick,” she expressed relief. “I can now enjoy activities with my friends,” she rejoiced.

VISTA provides free cataract surgery to residents of My Father’s Home.

Phoon Sim Pheng,78

Leong Mee Han, 87

The Gift of Sight, a Vision of Hope for the Elderly

78-year-old Phoon Sim Pheng had always had trouble walking properly due to a bad fall she had a few years back. And with her progressing cataract, the fear of falling became nagging and required her to hold on to someone just to move around. Within a few days after the procedure performed on her right eye, she could walk faster and no longer required assistance. “It was quick and painless. Everything looks much brighter now,” she exclaimed with glee. She was also comforted by the friendliness of the doctors and the nurses.

Life is seen in a new light by a group of octogenarians and septuagenarians who became the recipients of free cataract surgeries through the kindness and generosity of Vista Vision Specialist.

This was what inspired the establishment of My Father’s Home in 1998, a non-profit church-run social ministry committed to the passionate cause of bringing help, care, love and support to the aged, emotionally-challenged, the poor and the homeless in Malaysia. Operating under the Evangelical Free Church (EFC) Gospel Centre (Hokkien Ministry) in Petaling Jaya, founding members Leon Lim and Ms. Sia made it their ministry to build a retirement home, a home for the mentally ill and for the Orang Asli. The noble cause championed by the Home for old folks caught the attention of a caring corporation. Vista Vision Specialist 30

March - April 2009

“We found that many of them were suffering from very poor vision due to cataract,” recalled Vista Director, Ng Wai Heng. “As cataract surgery has been shown to be one of the most effective health-care interventions, we wanted to help them so that they may regain their vision and continue leading active lifestyles,” she added. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently estimated that globally, cataract is the single most important cause of blindness. There are estimated to be almost 18 million people who are bilaterally blind from cataract, representing almost half on all causes of blindness due to eye disease globally. As Malaysia moves towards an ageing population with individuals living longer because of improved health care, the onset of age related diseases such as cataract is inevitable. According to statistics, it is estimated that 9.8% of Malaysians will be 60 years and above by 2020. “Cataract is a common affliction that affects both men and women over 50 which sometimes brings about apprehension to those who suffer from it. From our experience, we know that those with cataract fear undergoing surgery and the prospect of losing their vision. In actual fact, blindness and vision impairment brought on by cataract is avoidable!” underscored Ng.

70-year-old Wong Loke Nin’s sheer joy was to read the Holy Scriptures, books and newspapers in her free time. But as her eyesight deteriorated, she grew more and more frustrated that she could no longer see the words in the Bible and her reading materials. She thought this was unavoidable in her old age. But after some encouragement from her son, she underwent cataract surgery for both eyes. “It was painless and my eyesight came back very fast. The doctor was very caring and there was no need to be scared at all,” she enthused. With her eyesight regained, she not only can read again, she also has a more positive frame of mind.

Len Kon Yin, 72

But such is not the crowning glory for many senior citizens in Malaysia. A crown of grey hair becomes more of a crown of thorns when one becomes unwanted, neglected and abandoned by your own children. As if that is not pitiful enough, the elderly also have to live with the loss of their youth, their vitality, not to mention the financial means to survive. Weak, frail, sickly and wheelchair-bound, some of them are handicapped and even illiterate; aimlessly wandering the streets in search of a place they could call home. Just imagine a 77-year-old lady seeking shelter at a storeroom in a temple and a 73-year-old woman resorting to delivering goods for drug pushers just to get by.

was giving free eye checks to the residents of PJ in line with its Vista Through the Eyes of Love “blur to clear” corporate social responsibility programme and campaign. Giving free vision correction procedures to the community naturally extended to My Father’s Home, where ten lucky senior citizens became the beneficiaries of free cataract surgeries.

Wong Loke Nin, 70

Old age. It is a reward for those of us who would be fortunate enough to enjoy the gift of life till our twilight years. Becoming a senior citizen shouldn’t be a dreadful prospect, that is, when one expects to enjoy the fruits of having lived a full life. One can only picture a grandma or grandpa surrounded by little tots on their laps, with caring, doting children who are now, themselves, parents, and are giving back the love they received from their parents in their old age.

72-year-old Len Kon Yin was brought into the Home by her daughter so she could be well cared for after a fall. For many years, she suffered from a blurry vision which made seeing things hard and tiresome. She underwent the cataract surgery in her right eye, assured by a warm and caring doctor. She can now see clearly again and has no trouble doing things on her own. A newfound liberty to move around has made it easier for her to go about her daily routine.

March - April 2009

Wish Upon Kidz

When you wish upon Kidz, your dreams may come true!

Kidz exclusive interview feature with the stars

Celebrity Corner

Celebrity Dads reveal how

they raise their kids By Janet Susan R. Nepales

Celebrity actors may be blockbuster kings, superheroes, Golden Globe or Oscar winners to the public, but to their children, they are simply their Dads, their Papas, or their loving fathers who tuck them in to sleep and more. LOS ANGELES --- In honor of Father’s Day, we are featuring some selected celebrity fathers who reveal to us what kind of relationship they have with their kids, their philosophies in raising their children, or what makes them enjoy their life-long roles as fathers.

Billy Ray Cyrus My Father's Home Singer-actor Billy Ray Cyrus, who gave us Grateful for Vista’s generosity, David Soh, Consultant for the Home said: “It is visibly clear that many of the patients are confident in their own abilities following the cataract surgery. They see things clearer now; they are very thankful for the treatment they have received and also appear be in a happier mood. They also display more confidence in the things they do.” Equally indebted are the families of the patients: “They are very glad and thankful that their parents have regained their confidence and independence in caring for themselves,” Soh added. “We are truly happy with the results. As the residents who underwent cataract surgery are able to see clearly again, this certainly fulfils our mission,” a gratified Ng said. “Vista is committed to help those in need. We also want to tell those who suffer from cataract to seek treatment to avoid permanent loss of vision. So much fear is generated through thoughts of going blind due to cataract

that most delay seeking treatment. With today’s advances in cataract surgery technology with less post-operative pain and a faster healing process, most can immediately resume their daily routine to lead better quality lives,” she explained. After giving the elderly the gift of a renewed vision with the prize of living normal lives again, it was Vista’s turn to make a wish: “We would like Malaysians to be better informed of the importance of regular eye health checks and of eye diseases. Regardless of their age and physical health, having regular eye checks with an eye doctor is one of the most important things they can do for their health. In most cases, as eye diseases do not exhibit symptoms in the early stages, early detection and treatment of eye diseases can help reduce the risk of permanent vision loss,” Ng concluded.

David Soh

Apart from providing free vision correction procedures and free eye screenings via road shows, Vista Vision Specialist also educates the public by generating awareness on eye health issues such as cataract and glaucoma. They encourage members of the public to get their eyes tested regularly especially if there are family case histories of eye diseases.

March - April 2009

My Father’s Home is presently occupying eight rented single storey orang asli bungalows which house 75 residents. Residents consist of paying and non-paying residents to help cover their operation expenses. The Home needs funds for the Mental Health and Asli Ministries and the purchase of a van. My Father’s Home is located at No. 7, Lorong PJU 8/7F, Desa Temuan, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya.

the line-dancing hit “Achy Breaky Heart” and now is the co-star of his daughter Miley Cyrus in the musical “Hannah Montana The Movie”, revealed to us how he has kept his superstar daughter grounded and levelheaded despite the fame and fortune she has received in Hollywood. He said, “I always remind Miley who was born Destiny Hope Cyrus to always remember her roots…where she came from which is Nashville Tennessee. I remember what my dad used to say to me. He would say, ‘Son, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and where you’re at, at any time of your life. And it’s always important to be focused on the future and look ahead and know where you want to go. But most importantly, never forget where you come from.'” Prayer, he pointed out, also helps a lot in raising your kids. He disclosed, “I pray every day that God will give her the wisdom and the vision to be what she’s supposed to be in this world because I really do believe that it was her destiny to bring hope. I always tell her that she will always have choices in life. You make good ones and you make bad ones. Sometimes you score a touchdown and sometimes you get knocked down. But if you are knocked down, it does no good to lie in the road and cry about it. You’re just gonna get run over. So, you get back up. I am like that and some of it has rubbed off on Miley. I think she is pretty strong too. She is a fighter. Sometimes stuff happens. And when stuff happens, you just adjust.”

May - June 2009

Celebrity Corner

Kidz exclusive interview feature with the stars

Jamie Foxx

British comic actor Hugh Laurie, who is popular as Dr. Gregory House in the hit TV show, “House” and who did the voice for the scientist-turnedalien, Dr. Cockroach, in the animation “Monsters vs. Aliens”, is the proud father of three.

Golden Globe and Oscar awardee, Jamie Foxx, who is portraying the homeless musical wizard, Nathaniel Ayers, in the true story “The Soloist”, is daddy to 15-year-old Corrinne Bishop.

Asked if he ever told his children that it’s ok to be different, the Golden Globe-winning actor told us, “I was always keen for them to believe and know that it was good to be themselves. But I don’t know if I actually consciously thought, ‘It’s good to be different from everyone else.’ I didn’t think carefully enough about that as a sort of parenting strategy because I was never strategic. It’s almost everything I do is almost spur of the moment. It’s an instinct. But I hope my children have the confidence to be who they want to be, irrespective of everyone else or what everyone else thinks. They don’t have to dress like everyone else or think the way everyone else thinks. I think they are armed with that knowledge. I feel pretty confident about that.” As for himself, he said, “Yes I was lonely as a kid but feeling different? I don’t know if I felt any more different. We all grow up feeling that no one sees the world quite the way we do. Or we’re the only sane ones. Or we’re the only mad ones. Whichever ways around you want to look at it. I don’t think I had it particularly badly. I was on my own a lot. I got used to that. I’m sort of comfortable with that.”

Matt Damon Voted in 2007 by People magazine as “Sexiest Man Alive”, the “Bourne” and “Ocean” star, Matt Damon, is daddy to three girls --- 10-year-old stepdaughter Alexia (daughter of wife Luciana Bozan Barroso, a former bartender-turned-interior designer, in a previous marriage), and his daughters with wife Luciana, namely Isabella, 3, and Gia Zavala, 1. The award-winning actor who has just completed three films this year (“Margaret,” “The Informant,” and “Green

Zone”) and is currently filming “The Human Factor”, had always wanted to be a dad, “a good dad.” He said in an interview, “That’s every man’s fear, yet his most important job.” Matt, who supports “OneXOne”, a fundraiser for domestic and global children’s charities, revealed how being a father “changed my whole outlook. At a certain point, it becomes difficult to look at other children and not see your own. Something does change in you once you become a parent. You become more obsessed about helping children.”

May - June 2009

Photos courtesy of: Janet R. Nepales, www.liveinternet.ru/users/alisa_jd/post50843762/, www.mattdamononline.com/picture/8.htm , www.mattdamononline.com/picture/8.htm

Hugh Laurie

His children with wife Jo Green, a former theatre administrator, are Charlie, 21, Bill, 19, and Rebecca, 17.

Celebrity Corner

Kidz exclusive interview feature with the stars

Jamie said of his daughter, “My daughter is 15 now and 5’7” tall. One time, we came out of a restaurant and people were taking photos of us. Later on the internet, it said, ‘Jamie Foxx with young hottie.’ They thought she was my girlfriend. So I am dealing with how she’s going to be as a young woman. We’re talking about the coming Winter Ball and whether she’s taking a date or not. So I am dealing with it as best as a father can, raising a child in California.” He added, “The one thing that we talked about, however, was the Chris Brown and the Rihanna situation (Singer Chris Brown allegedly hit his girlfriend-singer Rihanna). I take her to the Grammys and she says, “dad, please tell me that Rihanna is not going to get back with Chris Brown.” And I said, “Well, I can’t tell you what she’s going to do. But I’ll tell you what you’ll never do.” And the reason that she was upset about it was because on December 23, 2008, her favorite aunt was killed by her boyfriend. And so, where she is now and where all of her friends are now, are in a very weird situation when it comes to our society. Because we sort of let things like that go. Like with the Chris Brown thing, we kind of said, well maybe it was Rihanna’s fault. And how do I raise my daughter when there are guys out there thinking that they can get away with something like that? So that’s where I am right now. Just making sure she understands that she’s powerful; she’s going to be respected, whether she has something to do with it or I have something to do with it.”

Robert Downey Jr. Robert Downey Jr., who gave us the blockbuster “Iron Man” and now stars as Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez in “The Soloist ”, is father to Indio Falconer Downey, 15, from his marriage to first wife, singer-actress-model Deborah Falconer. Robert said about raising his teen son, “I went to a shrink once and he had craftsman furniture and Indian feathers and he said, ‘You know how I’ve dealt with raising my son, just stay out of his way.’ And I was like, ‘This pompous schmuck…what the…how…’ I became indignant at his inability to realise that he had to intervene at certain times. My son is in Guatemala on Spring break. He is building a shelter for orphans and I am just staying out of his way….” Then he added, “Except when it comes to getting his driver’s license. He thinks that the DMV is going to decide whether or not he gets a car when in fact it is going to be me. I am going to take him out to Mojave with two Mini Coopers. And if he can survive road-rallying with me, for two days, then he gets a license.” Robert, who is doing “Sherlock Holmes” next and is now married to producer Susan Downey, revealed, “But Indio’s mum, Deborah Falconer, is fulltime and fantastic. And Susan and I get him half the time, and you know, it takes a village to stay out of his way!” Other celebrity dads who are doing well raising their children despite the challenges offered by Hollywood are Tom Hanks who (children are Colin, Elizabeth Ann, Chester Marion and Truman Theodore); Clint Eastwood (children are Kimber, Kyle, Alison, Scott, Francesca Ruth, and Morgan) and Hugh Jackman (Oscar Maximillian and Ava Eliot) just to name a few. Here’s a toast to these celebrity dads and to all the dads out there who are the day-to-day superstars to their kids. E-mail the writer at jrnepales@kidz.my for your comments. May - June 2009

In Focus

Education

E.nopi MATH – Best Way to Learn Math

Fitness

Education

In Focus

Learning to Swim – Part 2 Children should be introduced to swimming at an early age so they have no fear of water. You can start from as early as six months as at that age, babies are not afraid of water as they do not understand the possible dangers it poses. Teaching children to swim reduces the risks of mishaps in water and ensures they are safe. Children should first be made familiar with water on their face so when they are in the shower, get them used to water splashing over their head.

Getting used to the water

Mathematics is undoubtedly an academic subject that requires a thorough comprehension of the formulas and their applications. The key word is to “understand”. If it does not make sense to children, then they cannot fully grasp the concept. It has to be an approach that children can easily comprehend and relate to. So, it all boils down to the delivery method used. E.nopi MATH is a fun and effective way of learning, using an easy step-by-step approach to mastering basic and critical mathematical learning. It covers a mathematical learning curriculum from preschool to secondary school levels (for children aged four to 15 years old). It is very much a study-at-your-pace learning at E.nopi MATH. Subjects are taught by levels (Level 1 to 32) and each child’s progress is based on their own ability. Students move on to another level only when they have mastered the previous level. Enopi MATH consists of two parts - Basic Thinking Maths focuses on the calculation skills of the child. It guides the child to master skills like basic number sequence, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, order of operations, equations, ratios and more. Critical Thinking Maths focuses on problemsolving skills. It develops the skills to think beyond numbers. Students are not only taught the numbers but also to learn by looking at visuals and drawings. The fundamental stage of critical thinking is fully developed during the pre-school stage of children. After the critical thinking ability is developed, students are taught new ways to approach problems. This is to enhance their ability to solve problems creatively, logically and effectively. Students will begin to understand that objects, although perceived differently, can be the same. For example, a bag of 500 beans is the same, whether it is in a bottle or in a pipe.

The teaching tools as well as the visually and mentally-stimulating curriculum help children to develop their thinking ability and areas of critical thinking such as reasoning, logical thinking, memory, creativity, practical skills application and imagination. Students are given worksheets to do during classes and teaching tools to help them learn in a concrete manner. Each new student will start the programme with a diagnostic test to enable the instructor to determine the appropriate starting point. The child will start at a suitable ‘eye-level’ which helps to ease the transition into the E.nopi MATH system, thus boosting students’ confidence and making learning fun. The benefits from the E.nopi MATH 1. Fun Learning 2. Strong reasoning, logical & abstract thinking ability 3. Strong foundation in Math concept and skills 4. Able to view and solve problem from different angles 5 .Capable of solving word problems 6. A keen sense of spatial awareness

At E.nopi MATH, students’ weaknesses are identified and gradually worked on. Understanding makes practice fun, thus the emphasis is on understanding the problems. While there is only one correct answer in mathematics, there are often many methods to find the answer. The E.nopi MATH material guides students in exploring the many possibilities, aided by illustrations and examples that present the concepts.

To learn more about E.nopi MATH, visit any of its centres located nearest to your area. To register or to find out about its franchise opportunity, contact 1300-88-0909, email malaysia@enopi.com or log on to www.enopi.com. May - June 2009 E.nopi HQ is located at 50-4-3, Wisma UOA, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Flotation devices are necessary for babies (water wings) but as they get older, make sure they do not become dependent on floats or ‘noodles’ as they need to understand their own buoyancy and how the body floats in water. One fun way to teach them about floating is to get them to make the shape of a starfish (arms and legs extended) while lying on their backs. Using the nursery rhyme, “Ring a ring a rosie”, get the children to sing along but when you get to the part where ‘we all fall down’, they have to quickly go under water and then come back up. In this way, they don’t think so much about the submersion as they are having fun.

Learning to kick

With the help of a board, ask the child to hold on to the board with both hands, extend the body and kick the legs. The kicking action should be using the whole leg from the hip joint to the toes and not by bending at the knees. The toes should be pointing outwards as they kick which will propel the body forward.

Sink or Swim

To get the best results, the body needs to be as streamline as possible on the water surface. When floating on the front, the face and eyes should face down towards the bottom of the pool which will help the legs rise to the top. When swimming freestyle or backstroke, ask the child to imagine the body is straight as a pencil so that he can move fastest through the water.

SAFETY TIPS Remember that the pool can be lots of fun but it can also be a dangerous place. • Children should never be left unattended when they are near or in the pool. • Ensure that there is always an adult nearby to attend to the child if he or she needs help. • If you have to move away from the pool for any reason, ask another adult to help keep an eye on your child, or ask the child to get out of the pool till you return. • Do not allow children to run or play around the pool area as it can be slippery. May - June 2009

In Focus

Education

Literacy Tips

In Focus

Literacy : the art of being fluent in a language, including expressive and receptive competency in the language - reading, writing, spelling and all aspects of verbal and written communication. Let’s discuss the matter of helping prepare children for reading, by challenging them to work with sounds, and to ignore spelling habits. Spelling habits require children to remember the visual sequence, but reading is the ability to decode the letter sequence using the sound sequence. In this issue you’ll be able to judge how your child fares in the reading stakes.

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body

For children to succeed and reach the goals set for them at school, and in all aspects of life, there are two factors which play an important role - sufficient sleep and a well-balanced diet. Children need to be alert and able to concentrate on the tasks set for them to achieve a successful outcome, and this can only be done when they have had enough rest and have had the chance to recharge their energy levels.

These words all consist of two single sounds (two phonemes), but to spell them, they have more than two letters. Ask your child for the sounds of the following words, not the spelling letter names:

The Importance of Sleep Parents often complain that it is hard to get their children out of bed and ready for our morning classes at Lorna Whiston. When asked about their bedtime, it is not unusual for the answer to be anywhere from 11pm to 1am, even for kindergarten children. It is very difficult then for these children to focus on the activities prepared for them at Lorna Whiston when they have not had enough sleep the night before.

Feeding children should not be something that is done hastily or poorly planned. Parents need to take an active interest in what their children eat so that they get a proper diet that will adequately fuel their education. Children need to be able to concentrate and focus on a task to learn effectively. This is not possible if they have not eaten, are hungry, or if what they have eaten will affect their behaviour in a detrimental manner.

Young children need quite a lot of sleep all the way through to being teenagers. Although an early bedtime may be difficult to enforce for working parents, it is beneficial to the children to have a set routine every night. If they are to get up early for classes, their need for sleep should not be overlooked.

Researchers have been warning us for many years of the dangers associated with diets that are largely dependent on fast food and pre-packaged food. A diet rich in sugar, additives and colourings can adversely affect children’s cognition, behaviour and school performance, leading to a wide range of problems such as hyperactivity and aggression.

A regular bedtime routine which allows children to sleep for about ten hours each night is very important. This routine can be a great bonding opportunity for parents and their children, and can be made a special nightly event with the sharing of books before the child sleeps.

Children’s appetite vary greatly in how much food they will eat, what they will eat and when they are most likely to eat. As responsible adults, it is the parents’ duty to ensure that their children receive the nutrients required to develop to their greatest physical and mental potential. To successfully meet their daily demands, diet plays an important role in achieving this potential and should be well planned on a daily basis.

May - June 2009

I Can Read 25.6.08.ai

25/6/08

4:11:52 PM

Then try these examples of two-sound words with final consonants and long vowels:

Your child must say the sounds of the words as shown in brackets, using long vowel sounds. This is a purely an oral exercise, with no letters or words visible. With these simple games, we are teaching children that spoken words have little sounds (phonemes), and that those sounds do not always correspond with the letters of the words as they are written. Work slowly with the sounds, not the letter names. If children can successfully manipulate the sounds of the words that they hear, then you will have done a great job in preparing them to learn how to read. You can look forward to that day when your child shouts with glee, “Mummy! I can read!” Artical contributed by I Can Read

The internationally acclaimed literacy system.

A well balanced diet is one which contains a wide variety of foods from each of the five major food groups. It should include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, plenty of grains, a good amount of meat and fish, dairy foods, and some fats and oils. Anything that is pre-packaged or not prepared in the home may contain unknown quantities of salt, sugar, oil, preservatives, colourings and other additives which, cumulatively, can be harmful to children and their mental and physical well-being. Teaching children from a young age how to lead healthy lives may be one of the most effective ways of ensuring optimal mental and behavioural performance in school. Interesting sites • www.kidshealth.org Tips for kids on how to read and understand the information on food labels. Plus some great, kid-friendly advice on keeping fit, staying healthy and having fun!

Food for thought

day (d-a), say (s-a), way (w-a), bee (b-e), knee (n-e), she (sh-e), tea (t-e), die (d-i), pie (p-i), why (w-i), low (l-o),sew (s-o), show (sh-o).

ace (a-s), ache (a-k), age (a-j), each (e-ch), ease (e-s), eight (a-t), ice (i-s).

• www.bbc.co.uk/schools/bigchallenge A selection of the best school sites packed with facts, quizzes, advice and competitions to help you eat healthily and get more fit and active! Article contributed by Lorna Whiston Study Centres

All levels! All ages! • reading • writing

• speaking • grammar

• spelling

• comprehension

Aman Suria Centre J-1-15, Jalan PJU 1/43 Aman Suria Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya Tel: 03-78052115 Fax: 03-78053115

Email: kl.icanread@gmail.com

Book now

for a free

assessme

Subang Jaya Centre 27A Jalan SS15/2A (Opposite Subang Carrefour) 47500 Subang Jaya May - June Tel: 03-56317431

2009

In Focus

Education

Events that rock, kids that rule!

How to Save

Cempaka Schools’ students emerge as World Maths Champions!

Continuing our series of articles on financial literacy and money management, this issue, we look at the fundamentals of savings.

In conjunction with the World Maths Day in March 2009, 1,952,879 students from over 38,058 schools in 204 countries participated in a worldwide online competition. Organised by the UN agency UNICEF and 3P Learning Centre of Australia, Cempaka Schools of Malaysia swept the top five places in the High School category, beating students from other schools and several universities from around the world, and also came out top in the Middle School category

For those who live from paycheque to paycheque, savings is probably a pipe dream since they feel they can barely make ends meet, let alone have enough to put aside for savings.

Step 1 – Calculate your monthly income

Do you know exactly how much money you have available and how much you spend every month? Make a list of all your regular monthly income, including interest from savings account or other sources.

Step 2 – How much do you spend? Keep a diary of your daily expenses for a week, including cash, cheque or credit card payments. Do not leave out anything, no matter how small. Add to this your household expenses such as housing loan, car loan, insurance, electricity, petrol etc to calculate your total outgoings for the month. (see sample 1) Step 3 – Excess or shortfall If your income is greater than your expenses, then you have excess funds which you can put away in your savings account. However, if your income is less, then you will need to decide: - how much you want to save each month - how to increase your income if possible, such as working overtime, taking on a part-time job - how to reduce your monthly expenses

Step 4 – The Next Steps You should revise your budget by deducting the amount you wish to save from your total monthly income. Then using what’s left, you should then budget to pay essential bills first and then non-essential items. (see Sample 2) Congratulations! You have successfully budgeted to save. Next issue, we will look at how you can invest your savings. You can download sample worksheets from www.kidz.my (click on the Kidz Smart tab).

May - June 2009

Sample 1: Ann’s Daily Spending Date

Expense

Cash/Cheque

1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5

Coffee with Jen 5.50 Newspaper and snack 2.75 Car park 2.00 Groceries Lunch (with Sue) Breakfast 4.95 Lunch 9.85 Pharmacy Clothes Breakfast 4.95 Newspaper and snack 3.25 Lunch 8.50 Cake 4.95

Rock ‘n’ Rule

Credit Card

75.25 30.10 35.70 69.95

In their record-breaking feat that placed them on top of the world, the students correctly answered 4,967,325 questions, in 324,943 minutes, which is 66.19% of the total correct answers of the top ten classes in the world. This has drawn media attention from as far away as Tasmania, Australia to Florida, United States - proof and world recognition that Malaysian schools can be the best in the world. For more info on Cempaka Schools, visit www.cempaka.edu.my

B.O.N.E.S. = Beat Osteoporosis: Nourish, Equip, Strengthen Dr. Lee Joon Kiong

Sample 2 – Ann’s Monthly Budget Current INCOME Monthly salary (net) 2,375 Overtime 200 Total Income 2,375 EXPENSES Rent 700 Electricity, water 45 Phone 50 Life/Medical insurance 110 Groceries 250 Clothing 150 Car loan 400 Petrol 200 Meals out, entertainment 200 Miscellaneous 370 Total Expenses 2,475 Net (income – expenses) -100 Balance available for savings 0

Changes

Revised

2,375 200 200

Dr. Winnie Chee Siew Swee 2,575

700 45 50 110 -25 -50 400 200 -25 370

225 100

-100

2,375

Adopting the B.O.N.E.S. way to better bone health (Far left - Vincent Ong and far right Dr. Lee Joon Kiong)

175

300

Osteoporosis is a remarkably common disease; one in four women and one in eight men over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis. In Malaysia, it is estimated that over one million people are at risk from osteoporosis. Thus, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare has launched a new bone health awareness campaign called B.O.N.E.S. that advocates sufficient calcium intake and exercise in preventing osteoporosis. The campaign was launched recently with the support of the Osteoporosis Awareness Society of Kuala Lumpur (OASKL).

To further demonstrate the importance of exercise, a team was on hand to demonstrate “Flexercise”, a set of simple bone-strengthening exercises designed to improve muscular strength, endurance and flexibility using a resistance band. “The rationale behind the campaign is Wyeth’s belief that in order to beat osteoporosis, we need to nourish with sufficient calcium supplementation, equip ourselves with knowledge and to strengthen our bones and muscles through exercise,” explained Vincent Ong, Commercial Manager of Wyeth Consumer Healthcare.

May - June 2009

Rock ‘n’ Rule

Events that rock, kids that rule!

Upcoming Events

Malaysians recycled 300,000 beverage cartons Winners of the contest were announced recently, and with a total collection of 68,500 used beverage cartons, Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Kelana, Selangor proudly walked away with the first prize of RM5,000. The second place went to SJK (C) Chung Hwa Wei Sin, Terengganu while SRJK (C) Chung Shan, Perak claimed the third prize. On top of cash rewards, winning schools also received desktops, laptops, laser printers, trophies, and certificates. Students of those schools also received a green recycling bag each.

On 3rd April 2009, Colgate-Palmolive Marketing Sdn. Bhd started its Oral Health Month 2009 campaign in collaboration with the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA). In line with this year’s theme, ‘Our Mission: Zero Cavities’, its aim was to reach out to at least 500,000 Malaysians via its month-long initiative of providing free dental check-ups for the public at over 560 dental clinics at road shows nationwide.

Date: 30th & 31st May 2009 (Sat & Sun) Time: 10am – 4pm Venue: Sri Garden School, No. 9 Jalan 1/75C, Off Jalan Pria, Taman Maluri, 55100 KL Everyone is invited to visit Sri Garden at their upcoming Open Day to find out more about its progressive holistic programme. There will be exciting activities to showcase what the school has to offer, including a public speaking competition, story telling for children, demonstration and coaching of co-curricular activities, highlights of the school’s Mandarin programme, one-on-one counselling on study options and educational talks. For more info, contact 03-9200 9898, email admissions@srigarden.edu.my or visit www.srigarden.edu.my

Wall’s Moo Dance Competition The highly contested Wall’s Moo Dance Competition among primary schools saw outstanding performances from a total of 15 finalist teams in early April 2009. The teams took to the stage to showcase their creative rendition of the Moo Dance. Shaking and moving to the sounds of the Moo Song, Do The Moo-vement, the finalists displayed active moves and lively choreography through ballet, contemporary and hip hop dance styles.

Second runners-up sporting their Moo-viest costumes 42

May - June 2009

Cost: RM80 per person (includes refreshments and workshop materials)

Sri Garden Open Day

On its sixth consecutive year, the campaign is dedicated to driving public advocacy on oral healthcare’s best practices, with the aim of fostering a better state of oral health consciousness amongst its community. It was officiated by Yang Berbahagia Datin Dr. Norain Binti Abu Talib, Principal Director of Oral Health, Ministry Of Health. Present at the launch were 30 children from Harvest Centre in collaboration with Yellow House, a non-profit children society created by Malaysian Friends of UNICEF.

Team A of SK Convent (1) Bukit Nanas

Date: 2nd July 2009 (Thurs) Time: 3pm - 5pm Venue: Eastin Hotel, 13 Jalan 16/11, Pusat Dagang Seksyen 16, 46350 PJ

Topics to be covered in the workshop include: Choosing books for your child; Phonics as a reading tool; Developing a sight vocabulary; Reading for meaning; Using rhymes and songs to help with reading; Auditory exposure; Spoken vocabulary; Knowledge of word stress and intonation; Structure of the language; and Comprehension. To register, contact 03-7727 1909 (Audrey) or email audreyliew@lornawhiston.com.my

Oral Health Month 2009

Big smiles all around

Early Reading Workshop for Parents @ Lorna Whiston

Jenny Strachan, Headteacher of Lorna Whiston Study Centres, will share tips with parents on early reading for children to succeed. Enjoy an informative and relaxed afternoon while you pick up some useful skills to assist your child as an early reader.

From June to November 2008, over 25,000 primary school students from 25 schools nationwide participated in the Tetra Pak Recycle and Win contest. It was organised by Tetra Pak (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, together with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, to increase the awareness of beverage carton recycling amongst Malaysian students.

Team A from SK Convent (1) Bukit Nanas, who showcased an energetic and creative dance routine, emerged as the winners. For its efforts, the winning team received the grand prize of RM5,000 worth of sports equipment for their school. Best of all, the team also starred in an original music video that was aired on national TV in April 2009. The first runner-up team was from SK Taman Megah, followed by second runner-up Team B from SK Convent (1) Bukit Nanas. All teams were also presented with a Wall’s Moo hamper and certificates of participation.

Rock ‘n’ Rule

Get Healthy! Get Smart! Get Running! Date: 28th June 2009 (Sun) Time: varies for different categories/ age groups Venue: Dataran Merdeka Get started on the habit of running the fun way by signing up for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 with your whole family and friends. With the theme “Run Your Race”, get yourself, family and friends involved. Kids can run in the Fun Run (5KM) and Kids Dash (6 to 9 years old /10 to 12 years old) while older kids and adults can join the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10KM, and Fun Run (5KM). The closing date for registration is on 15th June 2009. To sign up, go to Standard Chartered Bank branches, MSIG Insurance branches, and offices of the Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union and the Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association, or visit the race’s official website, www.kl-marathon.com

Holiday chess classes @ ASEAN Chess Academy • Young Beginners (10 lessons; 1.5 hours daily) Date/ Time: 8th – 12th June / 10am – 10.30am • Beginners (10 lessons; 2 hours daily) Date/ Time: 1st – 5th June; 8th – 12th June / 10am – 12noon; 1.30pm -3.30pm • Elementary (10 lessons; 3 hours daily) Date/ Time: 1st – 5th June / 12.30pm – 3.30pm • Intermediate (10 lessons; 3 hours daily) Date/ Time: 8th -12th June / 10am – 1pm • Tactical Workshop: for those playing in tournaments (3 hours daily) Date/ Time: 1st – 3rd June / 4pm – 7pm • Chess Camp: for Elementary & Intermediate players (3 days) Date/ Time: 1st – 3rd June / 10am – 5pm • Openings Workshop: for Elementary & Intermediate players (3 hours daily) Date/ Time: 8th – 10th June / 4pm – 7pm Cost: from RM200 – RM390 depending on the level Venue: 22-1 (1st Floor), Jalan 27/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 KL For more info, call 03-2300 1680

International Montessori Convention 2009

Date: 30th & 31st May 2009 (Sat & Sun) Time: 9am – 6.30pm Venue: Auditorium Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, 50150 KL The Montessori method is a child-centred alternative educational method for children, based on theories of child development originated by Italian educator Maria Montessori. Organised by Success Marks Sdn Bhd, the first International Montessori Convention in Malaysia will see 400 international as well as local speakers and participants. For more info, call 03-4270 6677 (Kelly).

Exclusive for Superkidz Club members: Super Memory Workshop Trainer: Mr. Mark Lee Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Date/ Time: 13th – 14th June 2009 (Sat - Sun) / 10am - 4pm Venue: Stars & Planet Edufun Club, 26 Jalan 19/31, 46300 PJ Suitable for: Children aged ten – 15 years old Cost: Special fee of RM98 for members (normal fee: RM198)

Specially designed to help participants to develop their cognitive thinking ability through specific Accelerated Learning skills, the objective of the workshop is to expand participants’ thinking ability through learning memory skills and techniques. Topics that will be covered include ways of using both sides of the brain, Memory Principles, The VAK of memory, Creative Pegging, Story Recall System, Number Rhyme System and Alphabet System. Practice, observation and feedback would form an essential part of the programme to help participants grasp concepts faster. Normal fee for the workshop is RM198. However, 30 Superkidz Club members can sign up for it for the special fee of only RM98. For more info, call 03-2144 5733. May - June 2009

Rock ‘n’ Rule

Events that rock, kids that rule!

Subscribe Now!

Mother’s Day Event Highlights @ Genting Theme Park

KidzSmart A c a d e m y Come meet the Kidz Smart Academy

Date/ Time: 16th May 2009 (Sat) / 12 noon - 2pm Venue: Kidz Smart Academy, E-06-2, Plaza Kelana Jaya, Jalan SS 7/13A, Kelana Jaya, 47301 PJ The fundamentals taught in school are important to every child, but Kidz Smart Academy believes that there is more to education than the 3Rs. Life Skills are just as important to empower children and help unlock their potential as they deal with the challenges of life. Come meet the trainers and find out more about the programmes offered. Refreshments will be provided. The first 30 families will receive goodie bags as well. For more info, call 03-2144 5733 or visit www.kidzsmart.com.my

Coaching Your Child For Excellence – Parenting Workshop Series (see page 47)

Speaker: Dr Billy Kueek Date/ Time: 16th May 2009 (Sat) / 2.30pm - 5.00 pm Venue: Kidz Smart Academy, E-06-2, Plaza Kelana Jaya, Jalan SS 7/13A, Kelana Jaya, 47301 PJ Cost: RM 98 for 1 parent / RM 150 for 2. (RM 10 discount for parent of Superkidz Club member – quote membership no.)

Life Success Strategies Bootcamp (see page 23)

Dates: 29th & 30th August 2009 (Sat & Sun) Time: 9am - 5 pm (both days) Venue: Sekolah Sri KDU (Secondary School), Kota Damansara, Selangor Cost: RM 788 (early bird fee if booked and paid before 30th June 2009) RM 988 (from 1st July 2009 onwards) Age: 13 to 17 years old

Financial Literacy in Practice (FLiP) classes Classes will commence starting 16th May 2009. These include Foundation, Intermediate and Professional levels of the FLiP Programme. For more info on any of the above programmes, call 03-2144 5733 (Penny or Bee) or email info@kidzsmart.com.my

• “Me & Mom” Pose & Win Contest 1st-3rd, 9th & 10th May / 11.30am & 2.30pm Stand a chance to walk away with a FujiFilm Digital Camera! • Hand-in-Hand with Mom Wax Sculpture Fun Activity 1st-3rd, 9th & 10th May / 12.30pm & 3.30pm • Special Gift-Making for Mom! 1st-3rd, 9th & 10th May / 1pm & 4pm • Magical Clown Stage Performance 1st-3rd, 9th & 10th May / 11am & 2pm • Beryl’s Chocolate-Making for Mom! 9th & 10th May / 12noon & 3pm • Fire-eater Performance 1st-3rd May / 12.30pm & 3.30pm • Mascots Meet & Greet Sessions 1st-3rd May / 12noon & 4.30pm 9th & 10th May / 10.30am & 4.30pm • Balloon Workshops 1st-3rd, 9th & 10th May

• Beryl’s Chocolate-making @ Beryl’s Chocolate Wonderland 9th & 10th May * Limited to first 30 customers with purchase of RM50.00 Beryl’s products. • Theme Park Annual Passport Rewards: Free* Entry to Genting Outdoor Theme Park for Mom! 10th May

Father’s Day Event Highlights @ Genting Theme Park •Theme Park Annual Passport Rewards: Free* Entry to Genting Outdoor Theme Park for Dad! on Father’s Day • Happy Bricks Fun Activity with Dad • Wonderful moment with Dad • Hand-in-Hand with Dad Wax Sculpture Fun Activity June Theme Park Annual Passport Annual Party - 7th June 2009 Great News to Theme Park Annual Passport members! Mark your calendar and join us at the Theme Park Annual Passport Annual Party 2009. Get ready for all the freebies and prizes specially catered for our members!

May - June 2009

F wo ree g rth i R Mf t Don’t miss out on 38 Superkidz Magazine with

* N e w s f l a s h ! Beginning September 2008, Superkidz Magazine will no longer be distributed for free with Kidz Magazine but will be available for sale at selected bookstores and newsstands at RM5.

all the exciting contests, giveaways and activities for children.

If you wish to continue receiving Superkidz magazine, you may: • Subscribe to Kidz and Superkidz Magazine for one year for RM25; or • Sign up for Superkidz Club Membership at RM25 which includes a one-year subscription to both Kidz Magazine, Superkidz Magazine & one child’s membership valid for one year. All Kidz Magazine subscribers will only receive Kidz Magazine with their RM10 subscription. If you wish to include Superkidz Magazine with your Kidz Magazine subscription, you need only pay an additional RM15 and we will extend your subscription for a full year!

NOT

is free This copy TO BE with Kidz RESOLD Magazin SEPARAe TELY

Superkidz Clu A Treasu re Trob:ve

Girl Gym nast is a Supe rkid!

Search for

Awa inning Guesrd-W t Edito r

All-Kids

WIN

of Talents

Special Movie Scre for Supe rkidz Club ening members

Editorial

Staff is

On!

Book s and worth mo over vie prem RM10 iums ,000 !

• Magical Clowns & Diablo Performers Walk-about 1st-3rd, 9th & 10th May

Fresh Look of Corkscrew @ Genting Outdoor Theme Park Check out the fresh look of the Corkscrew with its brand New coach! Feel the thrill of this giant double loop roller coaster at the Outdoor Theme Park that spins up to a height of 90 feet above the ground. 44

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By FAX: 03-2144 6733 (for bank-in payments) Bank in your payment to Public Bank A/C number 3136617202. Complete the form below and together with the bank-in slip, fax to the number above. Option 1 – Subscribe to 6 issues of Kidz & pay RM10 for postage Option 2* – Subscribe to 6 issues of Kidz & Superkidz for RM25 * FREE gift for Option 2 – One bottle of Nivea Sun Children’s Sun Spray SPF30 (200ml) worth RM38!

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Dear Kidz

You ask, we gather the answers!

Time Management

Dear KIDZ...

Now that I’m a Dad, too, I find myself being too tied up with work & letting my work stress out on my kids sometimes when I get home. I’d hate to admit it but … am I becoming my own father? - Don’t-wanna-be-like-Dad A: The first step to any form of solution begins with self-awareness. As a matter of fact, you have taken it one step further by writing to us. I congratulate you on your initiative. There are three issues in your letter and I will address them accordingly as follows: • Bad childhood • Time • Work demands

Work Demands All corporate professionals multi-task and perform a variety of demanding tasks daily. Therefore, it is important that your work skills are up to the mark. Take a skills inventory and determine what skills area you need improvement in. Take a training program, read a book or learn from someone to improve your skills so you manage the work more efficiently and more effectively. Remember to learn soft skills too.

Tearing your hair out in response to your kids’ behaviour? Fret not! In our Q & A column with acclaimed trainer, bestselling author and master motivational speaker, psychologist and counsellor, Dr. Billy Kueek doles out answers to your parenting questions from his wealth of workshops, newsletters, journals and audiobooks, but most of all, from the standpoint of ordinary parents.

Q: I had always resented my Dad for my bad childhood & for the many ways he let me down as a father. From the way he disciplined us, to how he was never there for us when we were kids, I swore that if I’d have children of my own I’d be his exact opposite.

Dear Kidz

I understand that in the challenging times we are living now, work is becoming more and more demanding. As such, many opt for quality time rather than quantity with their loved ones. Besides spending quality time, do spend time daily with the children even if it may be short. Get rid of all distractions when you set aside the time for them. Also, note that the time you wish to spend with them must also be time they wish to be with you.

Bad Childhood Hurting people hurt others. When we are hurt, we hurt others. Before we can become good examples to others, we must lead by example. Self-management is, therefore, the first thing to focus on. We cannot choose our parents and our past, but we can choose how we respond to those experiences and we can choose our future. Granted, your father may have hurt and disappointed you but whatever he did, he did it once and it was many years ago. If you are still hurt, guess who is hurting you? Release pain by letting go of the past rather than rehearsing it.

Quality time does not have to be a weekend getaway or an outing. Sometimes you and your loved ones will find the simplest pleasures of companionship in day-to-day activities like having an ice-cream together after dinner with no distractions, doing house work or washing the car together. Take the son out to enjoy a soccer match, visit the SPCA to see and pat the discarded animals, learn about the video or computer games the children are playing and play with them. No matter how old we are, there is a child in everyone of us. An added benefit is playing with your Parents work Half page 4 kidz.pdf 5/1/2009 1:47:01 PM to de-stress too. Most children andshop being child-like can help you importantly, be really there when it is time for quality time.

Another thing you can do is to work on your mindset and what you chose to focus on. If you are looking for dirt, you will find it even if you are in the cleanest room in the world. When you mentioned that you want to be the exact opposite of your father, you are unconsciously thinking about him. Since the unconscious mind is the mind that governs all your behavior, habits and actions, you ended up doing things you detest rather than what you should really be doing. Instead, think in positive terms, think what you want to be, how you are going to be, what you are going to do to be. Focus on the positive.

Do you spend 80% of your work time doing things that are of 80% significance or do you waste 80% of your time doing things that are of 20% significance? Prioritize your work and tasks and classify them into categories so you deal with the priority accordingly. Which of the tasks at hand are urgent and important, which are urgent but not important, which are important but not urgent and which are not urgent and not important? Add creativity to the work that you do, seek out new ways, new skills to do it better and faster. If you do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always gotten. Being busy is one thing, being busy doing the right things right is another. Remember, activity does not equate to accomplishment. To know more about Dr. Billy Kueek, visit http://www.billykueek.com/billy_kueek.html. For answers to your parenting queries, email us at kidz@epitome.com.my

PARENTING WORKSHOP SERIES

Coaching Your Child for Excellence Date: Saturday 16th May 2009 Time: 2.30 - 5.30 pm (3 hours)

CMY

Cost: RM 98 per person or RM150 per couple (Special rate for first 30 to register and pay before 1, May, 2009. RM 120 for couple) Venue: Kidz Smart Academy, E-06-2, Plaza Kelana Jaya, Jalan SS 7/13A, Kelana Jaya. 47301 Petaling Jaya How you will benefit: · Understanding How Coaching Really Works · Communicate More Effectively with your Child · Improve family dynamics · Motivate your child for academic success · Effective influencing and persuasion strategies · Learn how to help/guide your child properly · Discover fundamental Coaching skills · Develop Trust and Rapport with your child · Offer feedback positively · Train Your Child to be more independent Organised by Kidz Smart Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Dr Billy Kueek

May - June 2009

Call 03-21445733 for registration or enquires or email info@kidzsmart.com.my

May - June 2009

classifieds - Suria Kreatif_3boxes.pdf 5/1/2009 12:18:23 PM

Spread the word on your biz!

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

WELFARE ORGANISATION CADS Enhancement Centre 03-4256 8227 http://www.care4cads.org.my Provides children with learning disabilities and special needs the opportunity to learn via a curriculum similar to the National Curriculum on Special Education Needs. Hospis Malaysia 03-9133 3936 http://www.hospismalaysia.org Provides palliative care and medicine at no cost to those living within the Klang Valley and who has a life-limiting illness. NASAM National Stroke Association of Malaysia 03-7956 4840 / 1876 http://www.nasam.org Provides rehab services to enable stroke survivors to return to as normal a life as possible, and promotes the concept of stroke prevention by raising public awareness. National Council for the Blind, Malaysia 03-2272 4959 (automated answering machine) http://www.ncbm.org.my/ An umbrella body comprising 5 major voluntary organisations serving the needs and general welfare of the blind. PPKKTAJ The Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children Association Johor Bahru, Johor 07-598 9676 http://www.handicapjb.org.my Looks after the welfare of mentally-disabled children suffering from various mental illnesses, ranging in age from 3 to 50 years old. Pusat Majudiri Y for The Deaf 03-2274 1439 www.ymcakl.com/pmy Provides pre-school education to deaf children and workshops to help parents to communicate with their deaf children. Rumah Aman 03-5519 0107 http://www.rumahaman.com Currently bringing up 30 young orphaned boys from poor families and hopes to educate them up to degree level. Rumah Charis 03-7781 5977 / 03-7784 4645 http://www.rumahcharis.org.my Provides care for orphans and single parent children & shelter, support and medical care to destitute old folks. Rumah Hope 03-7954 5523 http://www.rumahhope.org Provides a sanctuary for abused, neglected and under-privileged children between the ages of 5 to 17 years old. Rumah Jaireh 03-6035 5218 Situated in Batu Arang, it provides for women and children with HIV or AIDS and those with special needs. Rumah Kanak-Kanak Angels, Kuala Lumpur 03-7983 2126 Run by a husband & wife team, it is home to orphans and abused, abandoned and underprivileged children irregardless of race.

Rumah Kanak-Kanak Impian 03-7804 3451 Set up by the St Vincent de Paul Society and cares for children from single parent families until they complete secondary school. Rumah Sayangan 03-9131 4339 A safe haven for the underprivileged, abused, abandoned and orphaned children, irrespective of race, creed or religion.

Da Vinci (The One Academy)

03-5637 5510

E.nopi MATH

1300 88 0909

EC Swim

03-7960 0539

Fly Kidz Gymnastics Sdn Bhd

03-6203 7939

I Can Read

03-7805 2115

InsightKids

03-2093 6178

Kidz Sports & Gym

03-7726 6313

Kidz Station

012-224 4202

Kidz Zone

03-6201 8799

SHELTER 03-7955 0663 http://www.shelterhome.org Provides care for abused, abandoned, neglected or at-risk children through home care, counselling and therapy sessions.

KL Sogo Starz Studio

03-2698 2003

Kumon

03-2080 9129

Magic Craft Clay

03-7804 1488

Magic Tree

03-7982 2268

Ti-Ratana Welfare Society 03-7988 1818 http://www.ti-ratana.org.my/v2/ A community service society set up to serve and provide shelter, education and care to the underprivileged members of the community.

Mega Kidz Sdn Bhd

03- 2282 9300

Music Notes

03-6252 5253

CMY

Musikhaus Enrichment Centre

03-7728 0834

My Lil' Artist Kids' Workshop

012-321 0356

Play N Learn Sdn Bhd

03-7726 5611

Signature Art & Craft Attack Sdn Bhd

03-7729 6155

SIM Music Sdn Bhd

03-7956 6202

Skateline Malaysia Sdn Bhd

03-7727 7758

Stars & Planet Edufun Club

03-7955 5513

World Vision Malaysia 03-7880 6414 http://www.worldvision.com.my A Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.Â

HOSPITAL

Interested in placing an ad here?Email us at kidz@epitome.com.my

KINDERGARTEN/SCHOOLS

Ampang Puteri Medical Centre

03-4270 250

APIIT Smart School

03-7847 1000

Assunta Hospital

03-7680 7000

Blooming Tots Montessori Pre-School

019-381 9988

Damansara Specialist Hospital

03-7722 2692

Brighton School House

03-2093 2267

General Hospital (HKL)

03 2692 1044

British Council Malaysia

03-2723 7900

Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre

03-4257 1300

Erican

03-2163 5998

Hospital UKM (HUKM)

03-9145 5555

In Touch Kids Kindergarten

03-4260 2080

Institut Jantung Negara

03-2617 8200

Krista Kindergarden Sdn Bhd

03-2141 7575

Pantai Medical Centre

03-2296 0888

Lorna Whiston Study Centres

03-7727 1909

Pusat Pakar Tawakal

03-4023 3599

Sentosa Medical Centre

03-4043 7166

Mont' Kiara International School

03-2093 8604

Sime Darby Specialist Centre Megah

03-7803 1212

Small Wonder Children's House

03-5632 7980

Subang Jaya Medical Centre

03-5639 1212

Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd

03-2300 2555

Sunway Medical Centre

03-7491 9191

Sri Cempaka School

03-9076 8400

Tung Shin Hospital

03-2072 1655

Twin Towers Medical Centre

03-2382 3500

University Hospital (PJ)

03-7949 4422

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

CLASSIFIEDS

quarter page ad 1.pdf 5/2/2009 12:16:27 PM

made of recycled cardboard easy to assemble available in 3 designs Rocket Ship, Princess Castle & Wild Jungle 70cm high, 54cm wide & 104cm long

Special price for SUPERKIDZ CLUB members! SPECIAL PRICE of RM85.00!

Sri Garden School

03-9286 2668

Sri KDU School

03-6157 8123

Sri Kuala Lumpur School

03-5634 3491

Sri Sedaya School

03-5637 7109

Sri Utama School

03-4021 2490

CMY

Tadika Cergas Jaya

012-211 3812

Allegro Music

03-4251 5780

Tadika Diyana

03-7729 4664

Asean Chess Academy

03-2300 1680

Tadika Prihatin

03-9287 3588

Brainskills Enrichment Studio

03-6203 2528

Tadika Si Manis

03-9019 5295

Camp 5

03-7726 0420

Tadika Terbilang

012-276 9717

Circle of Colours

03-7876 6088

Craft Attack

03-4251 6663

Creative Crafting Classes

03-7804 1488

Showcase your products and/or services here. For enquiries, please call 03-2144 5733 or email kidz@epitome.com.my (Subject: Listings section).

or call us at 03 - 2144 5733

Playhouse for sale in Malaysia!

******************************* (Normal price: RM99.90)

SUPERKIDZ CLUB members enjoy many privileges just like this. To sign up your children, call 03 2144 5733 for more info.

Princess Castle

Classifieds & Listings

The Last Say

Parents & kids have the last word!

Children's Answers to Science Exam Questions Have a laugh at some of the answers given by children in their exam papers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are sure to get you teary-eyed from laughing too much!

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour? A: Keep i t i n th e co w. Q: Name the four seasons. A: Salt, pepper, mustard

Q:What is the most common form of birth control? A:M ost p eop l e p revent

contra cep tion b y wea rin g a con dominium.

and vinegar.

Q: How is dew formed? A: The su n s hi n es d o w n o n th e

Q:Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean Section" A: The caesarea n section is a

Q: What happens to your body as you age? A: Wh e n you g e t o ld, s o

Q: What is a seizure? A: A Roma n emperor.

leav es a n d mak es th em per s p i re

d o your b o w e l s a n d you g e t i nte rco nt i n e nta l.

Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty? A: He s a y s g oo db y e to his bo y hood

a nd looks for wa rd to his ad u l te r y.

district in Rome.

Q: What is a terminal illness? A: Wh en you a re sick a t th e

a irp ort.

Q: What does the word "benign" mean? A: B enig n is wh a t you will be af ter

Q:Name a major disease associated with cigarettes. A: Premat ure de a th.

Source: http://www.funny-haha.co.uk

May - June 2009

Coach your child from average to excellence, success to significance.

Equipping your Child starts with Equipping Yourself.

www.BillyKueek.com/NLP

Q: What is the Fibula? A: A small l i e.

These great individuals share one thing in common. They are equipped with the best tools for success and excellence. Now, these tools are available to you.

you be eig ht.

Q: What does "varicose" mean? A: Nearb y.

Oprah Winfrey. Anthony Robbins. Andre Agassi. Bill Clinton.

If you have any quirky, funny or thought-provotking quotes you would like to share, email them to submit@kidz.my!

or Call 012 2888 321 (Maverick)

A Program by

Billy Kueek International

OutRageously PiNk Nite 2009 Contests OutRageously PiNk Nite (OPN) is back in Bangsar. This fun breast health event will be held on 7 November 2009 (within Bangsar Village II). Get spotted in your most outrageous pink outfit, participate in the “Topless Contest with a Twist” and a variety of other attractions. Don’t know what you missed previously in 2004, then, check out the reports at: www.radiologymalaysia.org/breasthealth In conjunction with OPN2009, Radiology Malaysia and its partners in breast health, Kidz Magazine & Challenges Magazine is inviting entries to its Digital Video and Slogan Contests. The digital video must be less than 3 minutes and themed or centred on “Living life to the fullest even with breast cancer” whilst the 3-word slogan is the tagline to describe OutRageously PiNk Nite. Please check out: www.www.radiologymalaysia.org/opn2009 for more details and entry forms. Exciting prizes await the winners and prizes will be awarded at the very fun, and highly invigorating OPN2009 at Bangsar Village II, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur.