Singapore's Child August 2016 [Preview]

WIn!

Staycation at Holiday Inn Singapore

Atrium

NDP Special

singapore pride Celebrate all things Singaporean this month

MARRIAGE 101

SIZZLING ROMANCE add the spark back into your relationship

MOONCAKE MANIA

august 2016

“Help! I feel a lump in my breast!”

CREATIVE TWISTS

savour new flavours and traditional favourites

Learn how to distinguish the different lumps and bumps w w w . s i n g a p o r e s c h i l d . c o m . s g

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WHAT’S THE SCOOP? HAPPY ONE MONTH, baby!

Now that baby is almost one month old, it’s time to meet up with family and friends, and let your little one be showered with endless love and attention. We give you tips on how to plan the perfect full-month celebration, and also give you alternatives to the traditional ang ku kueh and red eggs treats.

bébé

BREASTFEEDINg

101 The miracle of the human body knows no boundaries.

After nine months of carrying your little one, and hours of intense and emotional labour, your baby's introduction into this world opens up your own world to more joys and challenges. In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, we share with you our top perky tips for breastfeeding success.

Find out more on pages 2-5.

GOT A QUESTION? Why is my baby crying so much? How long will my morning sickness last? What colour should my baby’s stools be?

We’ve got a team of medical experts to answer all your burning questions.

02

BIRTH CONTROL

Prevent unwanted pregnancies with these options

12

ACHY TUMMY

Understand your baby’s digestive health

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16

22

Sleep myths and facts you need to hear about

Vestibular stimulation for baby’s healthy growth and learning

Get these latest baby gear essentials

SLEEPY BABY

BABY BALANCE

baby trending

baby / plan

Beyond the Basics Here’s what you need to know about permanent birth control.

W

hen women decided that they are done having children, they need to understand their options for permanent birth control. It is also important to comprehend that there is no “best” method of birth control and that each method has its pros and cons. Of course, contraceptive methods go beyond just condoms and pills, too. We share with you the different types of contraceptive methods, and how they can help you prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Oral Contraceptive Pills

Effectiveness: 99 percent effective if taken regularly and as instructed.

Pros: • Safe, easy to use, and acceptable to most women.

• Does not interfere with sexual intercourse.

• Regulates the menstrual cycle and may improve skin texture.

8 august 2016

Cons: • Pill has to be taken at the same time daily.

• May have temporary side effects, such as nausea, giddiness and headache.

Spotting is common in the first few months but tends to improve with time. Weight gain is possible but not common with the newer preparations. Consult a doctor if side effects persist.

Diaphragm

A flexible, cup-shaped rubber device that is placed in the vagina.

How does it work? It covers the woman’s cervix and prevents sperms from entering the womb.

Effectiveness: • Good protection if inserted correctly.

• 85 percent effective when used together with spermicide.

Pros: • Safe to use and can be inserted two to three hours before sexual intercourse.

• No physical side effects.

• Fertility returns immediately with discontinued use.

Cons: • May become dislodged before/during intercourse.

• Must be left in place for eight hours after intercourse.

• Some people may be allergic to the rubber diaphragm.

text Raja Jumira

Tablets containing synthetic hormones – there are many brands of oral contraceptive pills, each with slight differences in the types and amounts of hormones. Contraceptive pills today contain slight doses of hormones to minimise side effects.

Intrauterine Device (IUD) Ligation

An operation where the fallopian tubes are cut or tied so that the egg is unable to travel down the tubes to meet the sperm, hence preventing fertilisation. Do note that this method is permanent, and the couple must be sure that they do not want any more children.

How does it work?

• This procedure is done under general anaesthesia.

• A small incision is made in the abdomen. The fallopian tubes are tied, clipped, or tied and cut.

• Sexual intercourse can be resumed when the wound heals – usually within a week.

Contraceptive Injection

A long-acting reversible contraception that does not depend on you taking it daily.

How does it work?

The doctor will give an injection every three months.

Effectiveness: Almost 100 percent.

Pros: • It can be used if you are breastfeeding (though no contraception is required in the first 21 days after birth).

• It does not interrupt sex.

Effectiveness: Very effective – failure rate is one in 200 women.

Pros: • The operation is safe and simple.

• No interference with normal bodily functions.

• No hormonal side effects – woman retains her femininity and continues to menstruate and ovulate.

• Improves the sexual life of the couple as fear of unwanted pregnancies is removed.

• No ill effect on health.

Cons: • You may experience some discomfort after the operation.

• Permanent – couple must be sure that they do not want any more children.

How does it work?

• The doctor inserts the IUD during or immediately after menstruation when a woman is unlikely to be pregnant.

• The doctor will explain how to check for the IUD thread every month and provide advice on the frequency of check-ups.

Effectiveness: 98 percent effective.

Pros: • Safe, effective and readily reversible.

• Long lasting and can be left inside the womb for two to five years, depending on the type used.

• Does not interfere with sexual intercourse.

Cons: • Some women may experience heavier periods and vaginal discharge. These symptoms usually disappear two to three months after insertion.

Having cramps immediately after insertion is also common.

• There is an increased risk of infection, and hence, more suitable for women in a stable relationship.

Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning, also known as fertility awareness, relies on the woman knowing the fertile and infertile times of their menstrual cycle.

How does it work? The woman estimates when her egg is going to be released and avoids sexual intercourse during these unsafe periods. It may take three to six menstrual cycles to learn it.

Effectiveness: Best used with other contraceptive methods, such as the condom or diaphragm.

Pros: • This method is hormone-free and requires no device or pill.

• It gives you greater awareness of your body.

• It can be used to plan a pregnancy, as well as prevent.

Cons: • It takes time to learn how to use it correctly and accuracy is important.

• Woman need to keep daily recordings and observations.

• It may not be very reliable as a woman’s ovulation can be affected by anxiety, stress or illness.

9 august 2016

Cons: • Women may have irregular menstrual cycles and may put on weight.

• Although this method does not affect fertility, it may take six to 12 months before a woman can conceive after her last injection.

• The operation can be done anytime but is best during menstruation when the woman is unlikely to be pregnant. It is important to continue using other reliable methods of contraception until after the operation.

A small device that is inserted into the womb to prevent pregnancy. It is believed that the IUD prevents the fertilised egg from attaching to the wall of the womb.

baby / grow

Read Up!

bouncy baby The key to your baby’s healthy growth is movement like rocking, bouncing and swinging. Find out why.

Body’s role in learning

Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head

by Carla Hannaford

D

evelopmental psychology research has shown that thinking and learning stem from movement. According to Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head by Carla Hannaford, “from birth to 15 months, the vestibular system is very active as the child gains a sense of gravity and knowledge of the physical environment through movement. Rocking, swaying, and movement which rotates the head stimulate the vestibular system, stimulating the brain for new learning”.

A healthy vestibular system

Brain balance and brain healing

Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders

by Dr Robert Melillo

The vestibular system concerns our sense of balance and movement, with each of the vestibular organs located deep in our ears. The organs contain fluid that shifts when we move our heads, allowing us to gain awareness of our own bodies in relation to the space around us and the positions of our heads. This allows us to maintain our balance and feel confident that our movements will not result in us ending up flat on the ground.

16 august 2016

Dharma Parenting: Understand Your Child’s Brilliant Brain for Greater Happiness, Health, Success, and Fulfillment

by Robert Keith Wallace and Frederick Travis

For more tips and information on baby’s healthy growth, head on to singaporeschild.com.sg

text HAIRIN RAHMAN

Science and ayurveda

The vestibular system is therefore responsible for engaging our other systems, helping us engage safely and confidently with our environment. To put it simply, it is closely related to one’s sense of safety, survival, attention and arousal. With a normally developed vestibular system, the brain can then react with proper motor or language responses.

Children with healthy vestibular systems are able to: • coordinate head and eye movements • develop and maintain muscle tone (allowing the child to hold body in position) • maintain balance and equilibrium • coordinate both sides of the body together for movement and activities.

Vestibular activities for babies

Even at five months old, babies have shown themselves not only capable of moving to music, but enjoying it as well. Music, accompanied by movement such as rocking, bouncing and swinging, can be a fun and effective way to stimulate children’s vestibular systems.

5 Tips to engage babies in vestibular stimulation

1

Do you notice that mothers instinctively know that rocking baby gently and rhythmically usually seem to calm them down? Always ensure that there is neck support while doing so.

2

Lifting and/or dropping movements can be very thrilling for babies and is a great way to stimulate sensors. Be sure to observe their reactions to your movements.

3

Carry out these activities to stimulate your baby’s vestibular system daily. Your child can either be sleepy after a session of movement, or awake and alert. This is because the brain will decide if it needs sleep to process what has been learnt or it can undergo more learning. When the latter happens, get some toys out of the box for more stimulation.

4

Place baby in a variety of positions – on her back, on her tummy, on her sides – to allow baby to experience different head positions.

Sophie & Friends Our favourite giraffe, Sophie la giraffe, turns 55 this year! We love that Sophie is designed to stimulate baby’s five senses from the age of three months. As a baby’s first toy, it is very important that it can effectively aid in baby’s healthy development.

Smell

Sophie is made from natural rubber from the Hevea tree and its scent is very distinct, allowing your baby to easily distinguish it from other toys.

Touch

There’s a reason why Sophie is so popular with mothers and their babies – its numerous chewable parts are great for soothing baby’s sore gums while he is teething. It also has a soft texture that can provide much-needed comfort.

Taste

Made from natural materials (100 percent natural rubber) and food paint, mothers don’t have to worry about baby chewing on the toy.

Hearing

Sophie squeaks when pressed, providing entertainment and amusement to baby and stimulates his hearing. When he grows older, it can also teach him the relation between pressing (cause) and sound (effect).

Sight

Sophie’s spots are attention-grabbing and can provide baby with visual stimulation, especially important since baby’s eyesight is not fully developed yet.

When your baby is able to stand or hold herself upright, play some music and allow her to move naturally to music. This can strengthen her sense of balance but since she might still be wobbly on her feet, ensure that you’re close by to provide support.

Each Sophie teething toy is made with care and love.

17 august 2016

5

baby / play

Event planning

Pixie Dust Events’ party pixies provide custom design, décor, floral arrangements and curated lifestyle pieces to make your celebration a momentous one. For more information, visit www.pixiedustevents.net

full moon celebration What a joyous occasion it is! Your baby is now 1 month old, and this calls for a party. here are some tips.

I

t’s time for a celebration! After an agonising pregnancy and a difficult labour, you have spent 30 wonderful days holding your bundle of joy in your arms.

As per Chinese tradition, the full moon, or full-month celebration marks the first month of your baby’s life. It also coincides with the end of the new mum’s confinement period. This is when the new baby is formally and officially introduced to family and friends. Typically, blessings and gifts are given to the baby, and traditional food such as red eggs and ang ku kueh are eaten.

So, don’t be surprised if you attend a full-month celebration these days and not a single tray of these customary foods are seen. As with everything else, modern times call for a remake of traditions and while older folks might balk at the idea, younger ones might be happier with macarons instead. Here are some tips we have for you for the perfect full-month party.

text HAIRIN RAHMAN

20 august 2016

Assemble Happinest & Stories provides planning, floral and styling to meet your party needs for an extraordinary experience for both host and guests.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ AssembleHappinest

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01

Jara Petit

We love cupcakes and we think founders Jia Hui and Cara have created the perfect dessert – a cheesecup! A hybrid of a cheesecake and a cupcake, the cheesecup is small and eases our guilt when we eat them. Cheesecake jars are also available and make the perfect door gift for guests. For more information, visit www.jara-petit.com

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Life’s Moments

Offering full-month packages ranging from below $5 to premium packages at $20, Life’s Moments was first set up in 2005 to cater to your different celebration needs. Its mid-range packages offer traditional treats like ang ku kueh and also cookies with flavours like earl grey tea and cranberry rose. For more information, visit www.lifesmoments.com.sg

04

Swissbake

Choz confectionery

Baby Packs are cute little boxes with different combinations of Smiley Face or Cutie Bear cookies, and red velvet or chocolate muffins in them! These boxes come in a baby blue and pink design, with a card attached. If you like to include a baby photo, all you have to do is upload it on www.swissbake.com – it’s that simple!

You’ll be spoilt for choice at Choz.

The baby full-month cake packages come in a pastel-themed design, with macarons, rabbit and bear-shaped cupcakes, cake cubes, and conventional items like ang ku kueh, red eggs and glutinous rice. Prices range from $7.28 per set to $19.05 per set. For more information, visit www.choz.com.sg

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Lulu’s

Confinement You’ll be under confinement while planning this big party.

Don’t overstress yourself. The main aim of the celebration is to introduce (and boast about) your little one to everyone you love, but it doesn’t have to be an over-the-top affair.

Set a budget Everything to do with baby requires a budget, because anything baby-related will be cute to you. The next thing you know, you’ll be convinced that you need to cover every surface with French lace and soft satin. We cannot emphasise on how important it is that both you and your partner have discussed the budget beforehand.

Venue This would depend on the type of celebration you’d like to have and your budget. If it’s just going to be a cosy group of close friends and family, then holding the celebrations at home would be ideal as it might be most comfortable for baby and you. You need to decide if you’re willing to bring your baby outdoors.

21 august 2016

Want a more customised box of treats? Lulu’s is the place for you. With a wide range of adorable and classy novelty theme boxes available, you’ll be sure to find the perfect packaging for their yummy treats. They also offer a food-tasting programme where you can order a 9-piece platter of their delectable pastries if you’re unsure of which to choose.

For more information, visit www.lulus.com.sg

considerations during the planning process

COLOUR BLOCK Here’s how to jazz up your child’s casual wear by playing with colours!

Photography Oksana Seregina Stylist Katerina Rybolovkina Makeup and Hairstyling Evgenia Penzienko Models Varvara, Nika and Yaroslav (Macaronis Kids)

On Varvara: Jumpsuit, Zara; T-shirt, Moschino; Jacket, Mango; Shoes and Cap, H&M

get the look Superstar Cap, $18.95, Cotton On Kids

Jumpsuit, $85, Massimo Dutti

Anna SS Applique, $18.95, Cotton On Kids

Mango Panel Sneakers, $26.90, Mango Kids

special feature

Rich histories, revamped spaces

The lesser-known stories of iconic local landmarks.

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e may be a young nation, but our journey to SG51 is a richly-layered history with no lack of compelling stories. And it’s not just the people who tell stories – our buildings and landmarks hold equally fascinating memories of yesteryear.

The National Gallery, The Arts House – we know them as go-to places for cultural immersion (not to mention great date night spots) – but we hardly consider each as a place of historical interest in itself. For a truly Singaporean celebration of our nation’s birthday, we visit these iconic buildings to find out what went on behind the scenes of history, before they came to be the spaces we know today.

And if you’re looking for an inspired way to celebrate the nation’s birthday, you can always buck the mainstream NDP celebrations for a rewarding trip to each of these historical sites.

#01

#02

Then: Supreme Court and City Hall Now: National Gallery Singapore

Then: Tao Nan School Now: Peranakan Museum Before Tao Nan School’s relocation to Marine Parade in 1982, it was originally at Armenian Street, or where the Peranakan Museum is located today.

Designed in the “Eclectic Classical” style, several factors led to Tao Nan’s relocation, with the main reason being World War II forcing the school to halt its classes. After the war, as the Hokkien Huay Kuan returned to repair the building, they realised it could no longer accommodate the number of enrolled students, which had grown.

After they made their shift to Marine Parade, the premises eventually came to be designated for a new space to showcase the uniqueness of Peranakan culture. Today, the Peranakan Museum is an educational and stimulating experience, representing the living culture of the Peranakan community in the region. text Lee Kai Lin

In the heart of the CBD is the iconic green dome that used to house the Supreme Court, and the adjacent building of the City Hall. Facing the Padang, the Supreme Court complex was the last grand Neoclassical building constructed during Singapore’s colonial era. It once dispensed justice as the highest court in Singapore, while City Hall was where events pivotal to our history occurred (the Japanese surrender, and the swearing in of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew as our first Prime Minister).

These days, the revamp of the National Gallery is an exciting development in the local arts scene. With programmes such as Gallery After Hours, the art space draws throngs of trendy youth and art-lovers to immerse in the art and iconic architecture of the building.

Photo courtesy of the National Heritage Board

46 august 2016

#03

#04 Photo courtesy of the National Heritage Board

Then: Empress Place Building Now: Asian Civilisations Museum Today, it is the only museum in the region dedicated specifically to exploring the artistic heritage of Asia – but almost 150 years ago, it first functioned as a courthouse, and as government office.

Empress Place was named in 1907 in honour of Britain’s Queen Victoria (who was also known as Empress of India). It was also the site of history-shaping events – one of the most prominent being David Marshall (our first Chief Minister)’s speech in 1956, in which he called for a “Malayan Merdeka” – one of the earliest appeals to self-governance. Later in 1959 when Singapore embarked on selfrule, Singaporeans flocked to the building to register as voters for the Legislative Assembly elections.

The building was then converted into the Empress Place Museum in 1989, and now, has been home to the Asian Civilisations Museum since 2003. The ACM continues to play a pivotal role in highlighting the roots of Singapore’s different ethnic groups in the various cultures and civilisations of Asia.

From now till September 11th, the ACM will showcase Christianity in Asia: Sacred Art and Visual Splendour. Many of the artists behind the works displayed were not Christians. In fact, most of them belonged to such faiths as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Confucianism.

For a firsthand experience in diversity, a precious characteristic of our nation, you can visit the exhibition this August, and perhaps reconsider how similar cross-cultural influences have played a part in our nation’s history.

Photo courtesy of the National Heritage Board

Then: Parliament House and Annex Building Now: The Arts House Situated on Old Parliament Lane, this nearly 200-year-old building originated as a Scottish merchant's residence.

Subsequently leased out to the government to be used as a Court House, it became Singapore's first Parliament House on the day of our independence.

It was in the historical chamber of the Parliament House that our pioneer leaders had debated and passed laws laying the foundations of the nation.

Various renovations over the years have gradually eroded the original NeoPalladian style of the House, though the three-part window on its front facade retains prominent architect G.D. Coleman’s design from 1826.

Today, this complex is the nation’s oldest surviving public building, and more notably, one of Singapore’s most important arts and heritage centres. The Arts House actively promotes the local creative scene, frequently presenting multidisciplinary programmes and festivals such as literary arts and film.

47 august 2016 Photos courtesy of National Gallery Singapore

special feature

Uniquely Singaporean Habits What makes you a true blue (or, red) Singaporean? We count the ways.

But first, let me take a picture!

These days, it is almost customary to take a picture of your food before digging in. So, be prepared to drool while waiting for each member of your group to capture a perfect shot.

What can we say? We need a pictorial keepsake of our Instagram-worthy foodfares and we also need to keep our friends updated on our food-tinerary.

50 august 2016

Saucy Singapore

Tissue = Taken?

Singaporeans always strive to give themselves the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the icing on the chocolate cake. As the critical gourmets we are, we believe in putting in that extra effort to pump up our food with chilli, ketchup, mayonnaise, along with a hundred other types of sauces to our already-tasty food. Does anyone remember the dark days of eating nuggets without McDonald’s curry sauce? #NeverForget

Singaporeans are foodlovers and the place to find the best local delights is inarguably the hawker centre. However, they’re often packed with fellow foodies, so the only logical way to ensure you can save a seat for yourself while queuing up for Hokkien mee is to call dibs with the thing that obviously belongs to someone, without the heartache if someone does decide to steal it – a trusty pack of tissue paper.

Complain Kings and Queens

Queue-Up.

Derived from the Chinese adjective, 怕输, which translates literally as a fear of losing, kiasuism is said to be the definitive characteristic of a true Singaporean. Kiasu parents send their kids to tuition classes because they do not want them to lose out to their peers.

Kiasu housewives hog the aisles at supermarkets to grab the best and cheapest deals because they cannot afford to lose a single cent.

Queuing is a spillover effect from kiasu-ism.

Singaporeans love queuing – they say that there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but we’d like to think that there’re freebies at the end of the queue. The standard protocol in our country is to join a queue when you see one – whether or not you know what people are queuing for in the first place. The rule of the thumb is, if there’s a queue, it has to be good.

2am Supper Dates

V for Volunteering

Because having three meals a day is obviously not enough for a country with so much diversity in terms of cuisine!

In fact, we are almost sure the word “supper” is synonymous with “Singapore”. Judging by the number of “Top Supper Places in Singapore” posts clouding our social media channels, we reckon supper is the most important meal of the day for Singaporeans.

You know how anxious parents get when their child is about to enter Primary 1. To heighten their child’s chances of getting into the school they want, Singaporeans tend to not mind volunteering in that particular school, building networks and going the extra mile just to secure a spot for their child.

I need one more seat... for my bag Maybe we like to keep our eye on our belongings, or maybe the floor is really dirty, but Singaporeans like to think that their bags totally deserve a seat of their own – even in crowded hawker centres. Bag hooks would totally solve the problem, but it seems that having our precious bags hang precariously from the table isn’t that appealing after all.

51 august 2016

Complaining is something we Singaporeans do. We complain about everything, from the weather to the expensive HDB flats. Despite the complaining, we aren’t ungrateful people. We just complain because… well, we just like to. Also, we believe that positive criticism would do our country good.

Kiasu-ism

You / learn

turn your fizzle… into sizzle Keeping romance and adventure alive in your marriage. Here’s how.

Here are some tips to put some spark back into your relationship.

Seek to meet your spouse’s romantic needs Do you know that men and women view romance through different lenses?

Become a student of your spouse and learn what pleases them.

As a man, I can guarantee that we tend to focus on physical intimacy: “Dress up in a sexy negligee,” or “Meet me at the front door without any clothes.”

The women, however, will say, “Take me to a romantic, candle-lit restaurant”, “Spend time talking with me”, or “Sit on the couch and cuddle.” Sight and touch motivate men but women want to develop a relationship.

Meeting your spouse’s romantic needs involves more than understanding male/female differences. It also means sacrificing your own needs to meet those of your spouse. Selfishness and romance do not mix well.

60 august 2016

Everything of value or everything that requires a time commitment finds a place on your schedule. Romance should, too.

Sit down tonight with your spouse and your calendars. Find a time in the next two weeks when both of you can go out.

Ensure that both of you write down the date. This exercise will cause both of you to anticipate your time together.

This also means making time in your schedule for sex. One reason so many

text Dennis Loh

Make romance a priority in your relationship

“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.”

marriage beds seem frozen over or boring is that couples do not have time for sex. Let’s face it; today, our jobs and businesses seem to get our best. Our children usually get our best. But adding romance and adventure to our marriages seldom gets our best.

As we communicated, we reminded ourselves of what attracted us to each other, and romance had the opportunity to ignite. We did not need to worry about a babysitter nor leave the house to get away alone.

Look for creative ways to communicate love and commitment to your spouse

Plan some special dates or weekends together

When two people are dating and considering marriage, they often come up with creative ways to woo and attract each other. They talk on the phone, send notes and flowers, and plan special outings. Isn’t it a shame that this courtship fizzles within a few months of the wedding? We need to court our spouses with the same enthusiasm.

Make your home – and especially your bedroom – a creative setting for sex

61 august 2016

Your bedroom needs to be a private, secure, romantic hideaway, not a place where the husband rebuilds his motorcycle or the children gather to sculpt Play-Doh. For instance, my wife and I worked hard to save some of our best time for each other. Our children learned over the years that Mum and Dad often like to have quiet evenings alone. When the children were younger, we occasionally turned the kitchen into a famous, big-time restaurant called the ‘Loh Loving Room’. We let each child order a special meal from a special menu. My wife and I served as chef and waiter, and the kids had a great time learning a little about how to eat out.

Later in the evening, they knew they were to stay in their rooms except for bathroom runs. At 9pm, Barbara and I turned our bedroom into our own romantic cafe, complete with a small table, candles, and flowers. There we would eat, talk, and relax.

You may be thinking, “How can you plan romance? It is supposed to be spontaneous.” Sometimes, that is true.

You’ll be surprised at the number of couples who rarely spend meaningful time together. Even more shocking is the fact that some have not been away alone together overnight since their honeymoon. How long has it been for you?

I know of a man who planned a romantic getaway as a surprise for his wife. About two weeks before they were to leave, he began to scatter little hints around the house. Using clues he gave her, she would find these hints and collect them.

Finally, she took all the clues and pieced together a map of France.

Then, the husband told her what was happening and all she had time for was to pack and kiss their kids goodbye.

They took off and spent their 10th wedding anniversary in France. His wife still talks about that trip – and is ready for another one.

Having said that, rekindling the romance in your marriage does not require a great deal of money, and it often does not even take much time.

What you do need is a long-term commitment to do it.

Like any good fire in the fireplace, romance needs attention and fuel. Take some time today to throw another log on the fire — the warmth is worth it.

you / LEARN Laugh out loud

91

%

of Singaporeans over 50 years old believe that laughing is the best anti-ageing medicine.

age is just a number Just what is it that keeps Singaporeans young at heart? Let’s find out!

66 august 2016

Smile more, worry less

Being contented

Singaporeans feel good about growing older, their age and their appearance, with ageing seen more to be about attitude than the physical effects of passing time.

Singaporeans with a younger inner age were also more likely to report they’re living life to the fullest (85 percent), while 72 percent feel more fulfilled now than ever before.

Grandchildren rock!

Feel it to believe it

87 percent of grandparents believe that spending time with their grandchildren is key to staying young.

70 percent of Singaporeans over the age of 50 feel five years younger than their actual age.

Life starts at 50

Positive attitude

64 percent believe that being over 50 means they have finally found the time to realise passion, such as socialising with friends, travelling, playing sports and exercising.

Nine in 10 Singaporeans aged over 50 believe that a positive attitude is the secret to feeling younger. And 78 percent say that the best days of their lives are ahead of them.

In the pink of health

Let the good times roll!

In general, 74 percent of Singaporeans, who feel younger than their actual age, report having good or excellent health.

82 percent of Singaporeans above 50 years old tend to believe that the best days of their life are ahead of them. Oh yeah!

Study finds courtesy of GSK Inner Age Index

It is often said that age is in the mind, and not in the heart.

Be inspired by these Singaporeans over the age of 50 who are doing it right.

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SC August Issue 177

CVV code (3 digit code behind credit card) :

YOUR INTERIOR STYLE GUIDE IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME

5

MAJOR TRENDS FOR THE HOME

From Scandinavian to luxury themes, we show you how you can achieve your dream home.

Available at all major newsstands! www.squarerooms.com.sg

SquareRooms

@SquareRoomsMag

AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 177

THE RACE IS ON Max and Duke like their food!

IN 3D CINEMAS SEP 1

Establish an exit for Max and Duke but make sure they don’t go hungry and collect the sausages on the way!

The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

august 2016 Publisher Foo Mei Siah Operations Manager Emmeline Lee Writer Hairin Rahman

Contents 2

Best Toys

4

Movie Picks

ADVERTlSlNG & MARKETlNG Business Manager Porter Christopher Andre

6

Fun Guide

Associate Business Manager Maggie Mok

8

Cool Picks

10

Let’s Learn

art Creative Director Aris Lai Senior Designer Geraldine Tan

Executive (Marketing) Jenny Teo Executive (Business Support) Wendy Kartikasari Contributors Lee Kai Lin, Michelle Lim, Rasti Annisa Iwan For editorial matters, sc-ed@key-editions.com For advertising & marketing enquiries, enquiry@key-editions.com For subscription, subscription@key-editions.com Published by Key Editions Pte Ltd 20 Bedok South Road, Singapore 469277 Tel: 6445 3313 Fax: 6445 3373 Email: info@key-editions.com Business Registration No. 200005022G All materials printed within Singapore’s Child are Copyright 2007 © and protected under the Copyright Act. All rights reserved 2007.

MCI (P) 167/01/2016 Colour Separation & Printer: KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968 Tel: 6543 2222 Fax: 6545 3333 Distribution: Pansing Distribution Pte Ltd No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole by any means without the express and prior written permission of the Publisher and Copyright holder. Singapore’s Child will not be held responsible for any infringements of Copyright material in articles submitted by contributors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of material for this publication, the Publisher is not liable in any way for errors, inaccuracies or omissions arising thereof and contained in the contents of the articles, advertisements, photographs or illustrations. All information published is correct at the time of printing. The views and opinions expressed in Singapore’s Child by writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Publisher.

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Our picks of the coolest toys in the market

Get into the world of the Secret Life of Pets

Events to look forward to in August

What’s on TV this month?

Fun facts you didn’t know about Singapore

Did You Know

Who are the Javanese, Minangkabau and Boyanese?

DIY

Create the fighter jet segment of the National Day Parade

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Let’s Learn

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Book Nook

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How well do you know Singapore?

The best reads this month

Animal Planet

Find out which sea creatures are named after land animals?

22

Brain Teaser

24

Try These

25

Say It!

26

Science Whizz

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Let’s Laugh

www.keyeditions.com

GCE ‘O’ LEVEL

Crack this morse code!

These hidden words are all related to calcium

Try this homographs activity

All you need to know about the science of vision

These riddles will tickle your funny bone

TV Picks

CN Superstars

n o o t Car ic Mdas og d f fun an

Loa it you! a w a r laughte

Marathon Begins 6th August, 10am, Weekends Enjoy the Sports Weekend with Cartoon Network’s most loved superstars! Watch as your favourite characters compete in Toe Wars, Mud Wrestling, Fruit Ball, Card Wars, Battle of the Bands, and other hilarious sports that you’ve never seen before. Get ready for a back-to-back giggling session with a non-stop marathon of your favourite shows’ funniest episodes ever.

Steven Universe

New Episodes Begins 1st August, 6.30pm, Weekdays Steven (and his magical belly button) is back with new episodes.

This time, the half-gem hero discovers what happens to the living watermelons that he created. When Malachite emerges from the sea to commence battle with Alexandrite, Watermelon Steven convinces the whole watermelon tribe to unite and get ready for the war. Will they defeat Malachite? Find out on Cartoon Network.

8

Captain Jake and the Neverland Pirates

Uncle Grandpa

New Episodes Begins 8th August, 4.30pm, Weekdays

New Episodes Begins 9th August, 8.30am, Weekdays When Captain Hook and his crew are in the midst of searching for Neverland, the ship enters the Pirate Piranha zone and they are not friendly at all. As everyone onboard panics, Captain Hook destroys the piranhas’ dinner, and the angry fishes take their revenge by eating his ship. Jake realises that the crew is in trouble and decides to help. Catch his heroic action on Disney Junior!

Goldie & Bear

Uncle Grandpa always sees the glass half-full. He never fails to believe in himself and trusts that everything will be okay in the end.

If he happens to mess things up a little, he will find a way to make it right again! Join everyone’s favourite uncle (and grandpa) and his loveable friends in the brand new episodes of Uncle Grandpa every weekday afternoon on Cartoon Network.

New Episodes Begins 9th August, 12pm, Weekdays Oh, no! Goldie and Bear are in trouble. They accidentally eat the yummy upside-down cake that Mama Bear has prepared for the tea party. Now, the two of them have to find a way to replace it before the party starts. What will they do to get a new cake in time? Watch the duo’s adorable adventure in the magical world of fairy tales on Disney Junior.

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Book Nook

Shelf Help The best new stories to inspire young minds.

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2

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Pig the Pug

Sula’s Voyage

Henry & Amy

By Aaron Blabey

By Catherine Torres

By Stephen Michael King

Do you ever have days when you don’t feel like sharing? Whether it’s yummy food that you want all to yourself, or your favourite toys, perhaps you can relate to Pig – a grumpy pug dog that isn’t fond of sharing anything at all.

Too bad for his poor friend Trevor, the sausage dog! All Trevor wants is to play together with Pig and have fun. Watch what happens when Trevor asks Pig whether he can join in the fun with him, and see what ultimately wins Pig over to enjoy the spirit of sharing.

Fifteen year-old Sula has always had an affinity with the sea. She was named after the Sulawesi Sea, and born on board the boat her parents built for them to sail around the world.

With her dark skin and unusual name, she’s never felt like she fit in, even at home. With a growing feeling that her parents are hiding something from her, Sula begins asking questions. Before she knows it, she finds herself on a journey of self-discovery that somehow always takes her back to the sea.

Be it colouring within the lines, or wearing matching clothes, Henry can’t seem to do anything right.

One day, he meets Amy, who’s the exact opposite of him. She never forgets to bring her umbrella out and writes her name perfectly. In fact, deep down, she wishes that she could be different and special like Henry. Henry & Amy is a delightful tale of friendship between the unlikeliest of friends that will turn your frown upside down.

Retails at $32.29 at www.opentrolley.com.sg

Retails at $10.49 at singapore.kinokuniya.com

Retails at $5.99 at scholastic.asia

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2

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Island of Legends

By Don Bosco Illustrated by Sharon Lei

True or false: Singapore used to have our very own princess, who lived in Telok Blangah? True! Princess Radin Mas Ayu was a brave and wise girl who willingly sacrificed herself to save her father from the dagger of the vindictive Prince Bagus. Fact or fiction?

There was once a warrior named Badang who was so strong he could fling an enormous rock all the way to the Singapore River. Well, no one knows for sure! You can read about these legends and more in Island of Legends, which also contains picture puzzles and colouring pages.

Retails at $15.80 at www.marshallcavendish.com

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The Little Singapore Book

The Hunt for the Green Boomerang

By Sim Ee Waun and Joyceline See Tully Illustrated by Diane Ng Rose

By Neil Humphreys Illustrated by Cheng Puay Koon

Did you know that one can run seamlessly from Changi Airport all the way to town via park connectors? Did you also know that you can see real dinosaur skeletons in Singapore, or that our largest mosque, Sultan Mosque, is almost 200 years old? There’s so much about our history that we have yet to discover, and this book summarises it all, starting from the past to present.

Peppered with interactive questions throughout, The Little Singapore Book also takes your learning online, with links to the answers provided.

You’ve probably heard of Pulau Ubin a.k.a. Singapore’s most popular island, but have you been there? With swamps, forests and mysterious wildlife, there’s so much the island has to offer. Join Alfie, Luke and Pacey on a wild adventure as they tread, bike and row across Ubin on a mission to find all its hidden treasures.

Use your pull-out treasure map included in this book to tick off each treasure as the boys discover them!

Retails at $26.75 at singapore.kinokuniya.com

Retails at $16.00 at botanicgardensshop.sg

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The Colourful Ones Animal Planet

The Equine Ones Seahorses belong to the genus Hippocampus, which comes from the ancient Greek words “hippos” (horse) and “kampos” (sea monster).

But seahorses are far from scary. These tiny creatures reside mainly in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world. Their favourite homes include seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangroves. While they usually wear murky brown and grey patterns to camouflage themselves among the seagrass, they can change to bright colours during social moments like mating and eating, or in unusual surroundings. Seahorses are also unique; it’s the father who carries the babies before they are born!

These tropical marine fish are generally active during the day and hang around reefs less than 18 metres deep. They like to stick to particular home ranges and move as mated pairs or large groups. They are named for the vivid butterfly-like colours and varied markings on their bodies. Most butterflyfish are combinations of black, white and yellow. Like butterflies, many of these fishes also sport dark bands across their eyes and eyespots on their flanks to confuse predators.

The Striped Ones This shark can grow up to 5 metres long. It is named for the dark tiger-like stripes down its body, which fade as the shark matures. The solitary tiger shark usually goes out at night to hunt for crustaceans, fish, seals, birds, smaller sharks, squid, turtles, sea snakes and dolphins.

This shark is considered a near-threatened species because of excessive fishing by humans worldwide, who use their fins in a deadly delicacy: the shark fin soup.

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The Ones with the Beaks

d Flas r o

h!

W

Parrotfish are found in relatively shallow oceans throughout the world, but most are found in the IndoPacific. They are so named because of their dentition: their teeth are tightly packed on the external surface of the jawbones, forming a parrot-like beak that they use to scrape algae from corals and rocks. This feeding habit helps to prevent algae from choking coral. Their teeth grow continuously to replace the material worn away by feeding.

Parrotfish excrete their meals as sand that contributes to small islands and sandy beaches. One parrotfish can produce 90 kilogrammes of sand every year!

predators: any organisms that exist by preying upon other organisms mimic: resemble closely equine: pertaining to, or resembling a horse dentition: the makeup of a set of teeth, including their kind, number and arrangement

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Eyes

Science Whizz

and

V i s i o n

The sense organs are parts of the nervous system that take in information from the outside world. The information comes in through special nerve cells called sensory receptors. In the eye, the receptors are light detectors.

Eye Parts

The eye is built for absorbing light and focusing it into a layer of light-detecting cells called the retina. Muscles on the outside of the eyeball pull to move it, while muscles on the inside focus the lens and adjust the size of the pupil.

Sclera

Iris

White of the eye.

The coloured part of the eye – adjusts to change the size of the pupil.

Pupil

The opening in the iris.

Anatomy of the human eye Cornea Clear covering at the front of the eye.

Vitreous Humour Thick, jelly-like liquid that fills the inside of the eyeball.

Lens Changes shape to focus light on the back of the eye.

Optic Nerve Carries nerve signals to the brain.

Anterior Chamber Small space filled with a liquid called aqueous humour.

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Retina Layer of light-detecting sensory receptors.

brain

visual cortex

Making Adjustments

Human-made lenses are then needed on the outside, in the form of glasses or contact lenses. The lenses of short-sighted humans focus the images in front of the retina. Faraway objects can appear blurry.

The lenses of long-sighted humans focus the images past the retina. Up-close objects can appear blurry. In both cases, glasses or contact lenses can take care of the problem.

Light reflects off objects around us. It enters the eye through the cornea, and then passes through the pupil to the lens. The lens refract (bend) the light rays to focus an image on the retina.

The light-detecting cells in the retina send information about the image in the form of nerve signals to the brain through the optic nerve. The brain uses the information to build a picture of the world.

The image projected on the retina is actually upside down. But your brain takes care of this by ensuring that you see everything the right side up.

d Flas or

h!

How We See

Did You Know?

W

Muscles attached to the lens adjust its shape to focus the image clearly on the retina. Sometimes, the lens can't focus clearly if the eyeball is too long or short, or if the lens is less flexible because of age.

organs: parts of an organism that are typically self-contained and have specific vital functions receptors: organs or cells able to respond to light, heat, or other external stimuli and transmit a signal to a sensory nerve reflects: (of a surface or body) throws back (heat, light, or sound) without absorbing it projected: caused (light, shadow, or an image) to fall on a surface

27

Let's Laugh

Which school subject is

Fruity?

$1,000 $500

Answer: History, because it’s full of dates

Which STARS wear

How did the

barber win the race?

sunglasses?

Answer: Superstars

Answer: He wanted to make a clean getaway

What kind of

button cannot be found at a tailor’s shop?

Answer: A belly button

28

say

Why did the man put his money in the

freezer?

Answer: He wanted cold hard cash

shower?

What did one wall to another wall?

Answer: Meet me at the corner

Answer: He knew a short cut

Why did the burglar take a

Tickle Your Funny Bone

Spo t

the Difference

1 Spot five differences in the pictures and circle them.