Kin Folk
Mealtime Fun Find out why Family meals are important
Play Space
Safety & Creativity Learn how to set up a safe playroom
september 2016
“I don’t want to infect my unborn child!”
stressed out
emotion management identify breaking points early
what are congenital infections, and what can you do about them?
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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bébé
WHAT’S THE SCOOP? health and Wellness The true challenges happen once baby is born. Learning how to manage your newborn can take up a lot of your time but getting your health and physical condition back in balance is also important. Learn all about the common postpartum woes and how you can fix them.
Pre-Eclampsia Vertical Transmission Also known as congenital infections, verticallytransmitted infections can be passed to the embryo, foetus or baby from the expectant mother. Viruses such as the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can also be transmitted through breast milk. Should you be worried?
Nightmare While pregnancy is a life-giving miracle in itself, many complications can arise from it. One of these complications, known as pre-eclampsia, causes high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. A worsened condition can cause stomach pain, severe headaches and blurred vision, among other serious issues. The more severe pre-eclampsia is, the greater the risk of complications to both mother and baby. What are some facts about pre-eclampsia do you need to know to ensure your baby’s good health and yours? Find out more on pages 2-3.
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Get these tips on how to set up your child’s playroom
Find out why and how you should do it
Do you know what your baby’s visual milestones are?
Must-have baby essentials in your parenting journey
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baby / plan
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Common Mistakes To Avoid
Buying too many toys Your kids will most likely choose a few toys that they really like and then ignore the rest. The toys will then pile up in the playroom and you’re going to regret every decision you’ve made before purchasing those toys. Be smart about what kind of toys you buy.
PUTTING TOGETHER THE ULTIMATE KIDS’ PLAYROOM What to know and do to create the ultimate playroom your kids will love.
Get more practical tips on our website singaporeschild.com.sg
10 september 2016
Putting the TV or computer in the playroom That’s a surefire way to ensure everything else in the room gets ignored. Instead, set aside areas in the room where your child can engage in creative play. Leave the TV in the living room for family time.
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lay is an essential part of a healthy development, whether done outdoors or indoors, as it shapes the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of a child. While there might be a host of superior benefits to playing outdoors, such as the diverse playscape that could stretch your little one physically and mentally, an indoor playing environment done right can also go a long way in ensuring your child gets the most out of his playtime. A playroom is a designated space or room in your home specially designed for your child to engage in play (and to get out of your hair while you do the chores). While it is tempting to just pick up a catalogue and attempt to build a pretty play space with fluffy dolls and cute rugs filled with boxes of toys, it is important to step back and think about how you could make the play space one that could developmentally support your child.
text ANTON D. JAVIER additional text hairin rahman
Not enough storage Teaching your kids to put their toys away after playing is one of the most important skills you can equip them with. And for that, you need plenty of storage in the form of boxes or shelves.
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GET CREATIVE WITH COLOUR
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Grow N Up -Scramble N Slide Play Centre ($249.99, Toys ‘r’ us)
MAKE IT AN EXPERIENCE
The playroom is a place for your kids to be kids; in particular, on days when playing outdoors is not an option (especially since the haze is here). Indulge their fantasies and let them play dress up here or set up a little fort made of playing blocks or an old blanket. Want them to experience the benefits of fitness while they’re playing? Let the playroom double as a gym too by adding a mini slide and stairs, a rock climbing wall or even monkey bars.
When it comes to putting together kids’ spaces, colour is probably one of the most important aspects to cover first (the toys can come later). Sure it helps pull the look of the place together, but beyond that, it has the power to impact moods, productivity, emotional well-being, behaviour and learning. If you find that you’re the traditional type of parent, go ahead and paint the walls with light pastel shades. Those with more artistic inclinations can play with graphic shapes and designs in primary colours. But if you’d rather keep the walls white, play around with accessories instead like lamps, rugs, curtains and even stick-on wall decals. 05
STORAGE
Natural Power Sericite Paint ($139, www.naturalpower-sg.com)
04 FLISAT Children’s Table ($79, IKEA)
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UNLEASH THEIR ARTISTIC SIDE
Safety in the playroom can be achieved in many ways. First, always opt for natural materials as opposed to synthetic ones. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they’re kid-friendly too. We suggest cotton fabrics, curtains and rugs, which are easy to clean and free from harmful chemicals. Meanwhile, a cork floorboard is great for babies and toddlers who crawl because it’s softer and more comfortable. Meanwhile, paint plays an important part when it comes to overall health. Opt for paints that are low in VOC or those made from all-natural components. Plus points if they have air-purifying and anti-oxidant effects, as well as flame retardant properties.
FLISAT Toy storage with wheels ($39.90, IKEA)
11 september 2016
If you want your children to develop their creative side and perhaps lay off drawing on the walls, setting up a dedicated arts and crafts corner is the perfect solution. By fostering and encouraging their creativity, you help them develop mentally, socially and emotionally. Not much is needed – all you really need is a corner that’s set up with a table, chair and an assortment of materials they’ll need to come up with the next masterpiece. Expect a lot of mess, but that’s all part of the fun. And once they’ve finished their paintings or drawings, you might even want to frame them up and use them as additional playroom décor.
HEALTH AND SAFETY FIRST
The playroom is not where you let your minimalistic tendencies reign. As you know, kids will be kids and there will be mess – lots of it. So the best thing to do is to anticipate it and have a storage system set in place. By doing so, it’ll be easy to find the toys when the little one wants to play and put them back once they’re done. To further utilise space, why not put a row of brackets along the walls and stack or line them with clear plastic containers? Not only will this keep things tidy, it’ll make it easy for everyone to find a particular toy when it’s needed. At the same time, take this opportunity to teach your child the importance of responsible ownership when you’re both tidying up.
baby / health
Through the eyes of baby What does baby see? Newborns (0-4 months)
Babies are born being able to see in black and white and to an extent, shades of grey. Vision is blurry at this stage, as baby has not learnt to focus on objects near or far from them. The ideal distance for focusing for babies at this age is from 20 to 30cm from their faces. Newborns first learn to focus their eyes on those who hold them before gradually branching out to focus on bright objects of interest brought near.
14 September 2016
By 8 to 12 weeks of age, many babies would be able to follow moving objects with their eyes. At this age, you might notice that your child would be using his whole head to move his eyes. By 2 to 4 months, baby will be able to start moving his eyes independently, demonstrating the start of tracking and eye teaming development.
text Raewyn Koh
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ust like walking and talking, babies learn to see over a period of time. While they are born with all the tools necessary, they are not born with all the visual abilities they need in life. There are drastic changes to baby’s visual development that start from the second baby is born. Knowing the developmental milestones allows you to monitor any developmental delays that could be symptomatic of other serious issues. Parents should therefore be familiar with the following visual milestones.
By 4 to 5 months, crossing of eyes should stop when coordination of eye movements as a team via adequate neuromuscular control is learnt. If eyes continue to cross after this period, it might indicate a problem and it is best to seek advice from a children’s optometrist.
Infants (4-12 months)
There are rapid changes to look forward to at this age. By now, your child’s visual system would have fully developed and he should be able to see the world in all its technicolour glory. This age is also when your child will become quite skilful with hand, eye and body coordination. Baby’s hands will become important tools, as this is when he’ll start reaching and grabbing for almost everything he sees! This will be a good time to start baby on teaching him to remember the things around him. By 7 to 8 months, baby will begin to start crawling, further developing eye-body coordination. This exciting time will see baby setting his eyes on something and moving towards it. Baby is learning on his own how to judge distances and set visual goals, while experiencing the relation of his body to other objects and their differences in size, shape and position. By 8 to 12 months old, he would be well versed in judging distances for himself. In terms of agility, baby’s developing eye, hand, and body coordination would have advanced
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Simple games such as stacking blocks, rolling a ball back and forth, colouring, drawing, cutting with child-safe scissors, or assembling lock-together toys all help to refine and improve visual development. Reading is another activity that is strongly encouraged at this time, as this will help develop strong visualisation skills. Children at this age will already be able to picture the story being told to them in their minds. By 3 years old, your child should have his first eye exam, sooner still if vision problems run in the family. This is to ensure the optometrist can check if vision is developing normally and to detect any problems early.
Tell-tale signs to look out for to detect vision problems (for all age groups)
Trouble moving eyes in all directions Eyes jiggle quickly from side-to-side or up-and-down and cannot hold still Keeping eyes closed most of the time Pupil appears white Extreme sensitivity to light
Eye exercises to train baby’s eyes
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Black and white boards High contrast colours are easier for baby to see and will train baby to use his vision to see things. You can easily create black and white boards using paper and black markers.
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Toy tracking While baby is on his back, hold a colourful soft toy in front of his face. Wiggle it and move it around to get his attention to encourage baby to follow along with his eyes.
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Mirror play Hold baby about 20-30cm away from a mirror. Ask, “Who’s that?” and repeat the exercise with your own reflection and that of siblings and other toys.
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Peekaboo From 6 months onwards, playing this simple game elicits great visual and social development. It trains baby to focus on what’s in front of him, gets him to start recognising familiar shapes and even trains him in handeye coordination.
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enough that he will be able to grasp and throw objects fairly accurately. Other perception skills, such as visual memory and visual discrimination will further help your child make sense of his exciting new world. In addition, baby will begin to integrate vision with fine motor coordination, which will allow him to manipulate smaller objects. Let baby refine this skill by allowing him to feed himself with a bowl of small baby snacks. In no time at all, baby will begin to walk and he will learn to use his eyes to direct and coordinate his body’s large muscle groups to guide his body movements.
$18K* How much your baby would cost you
Food & Nutrition
Medical bills
Read the full article at bit.ly/babycostinsg
There's no denying that your little bundle of joy will be worth every dollar that you spend but understanding the underlying costs of raising a child will give you a better head start in your parenting journey.
Pre & PostNatal Care
Singapore's Child Digital provides on-thego access to our comprehensive parenting resource that will put you in the best position to provide for your child.
Essentials
*An estimated amount based on recent facts and figures
www.singaporeschild.com.sg
3 Complicating Factors
10 newborn baby essentials every expecting mum needs to have
Pregnant Mothers Must Know About
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Ways to Avoid Overspending on Baby Essentials
Foods To Eat When breastfeeding
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postpartum woes & fixes
what to expect during your first prenatal checkup
find these informative reads at singaporeschild.com.sg STAY CONNECTED with singapore's child wherever you are! SingaporesChild
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kids / trending
Big brand for tiny feet
Jazz up your child’s wardrobe with Salvatore Ferragamo MINI. Italian luxury house, Salvatore Ferragamo, introduces the Ferragamo MINI, an exclusive capsule collection of children’s footwear and accessories. Designed for children aged three to eight, the capsule emulates the adult’s collection with its spirited charm. Iconic Ferragamo styles, such as the Varina ballet flats, Double Gancio moccasins, and bold miniature Vara handbags have been reworked into the Ferragamo MINI collection so your young tot can exude the same modern and chic style as you.
Study Help
Everyone's favourite highlighter pens are now available in softer hues 26 september 2016
Pilot FriXion Light highlighter collection (from $1.10 each, available at all leading stationery retailers) now comes in soft pastel colours that will make studying a more exciting affair! The stationery staple in your kids' pencil cases also has a debris-free stub that allows you to remove mistakes on your documents, so you don't have to worry about messy note-taking.
Brushing fun
Pen pals 1 From now to 4th October, 7-Eleven unveils an exclusive range of novelty pens in the shape of your child's favourite character. This unique stationery features 12 Sanrio figures including Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, and Gudetama in an adorably stubby version.
2 You can redeem one marker pen with every 24 stamps collected, or with six stamps and a top-up of $4.90. Simply make a $3 purchase at 7-Eleven to receive one stamp! Not sure how to display your collection? Get the colourful carousel pen holder for $29.90!
Protect your little ones with Philips Sonicare For Kids ($119), an electric toothbrush with kid-friendly power that delivers gentle yet effective clean. The inclusive KidTimer helps your child to develop a good habit of brushing teeth for at least two minutes a day while enjoying the process with its interchangeable stickers and inbuilt fun melodies.
Appetite boost
Party planner paradise
27 september 2016
Whether it’s for baby’s first month celebration or your own birthday party, Dreams & Confetti has you covered. This luxe boutique that sells all that is needed to accessorise a party – dining ware, cake toppers, party supplies, balloons, eco-friendly wooden cutlery, an assortment of pickand-mix confetti and much more – has moved from its previous home in Great World City to a compact 300-square-feet shop in Dempsey Hill. For convenience, customers can also browse their extensive catalogue online at dreamsandconfetti.com. Browse by brand or by colour to quickly put together a get-together. Free shipping available for orders above $150.
Is your kid showing signs of fatigue or is refusing to eat? Pediakid Appetite Booster ($24.90) might just be what he needs! Specially formulated with extracts of Fenugreek and Turmeric, and essential vitamins and minerals, this raspberryflavoured syrup helps to stimulate appetite, help in weight gain and reduce fatigue for a daily tonus. Acacia fibers also provide prebiotics to promote gut health and ensure a well-functioning digestive system. Suitable for babies and children from six months to 12 years. Available at Watsons personal care stores.
Jazz IT up
Play up your kids’ outfits with vibrant graphics and prints. All outfits from Bobo Choses (www.bobochoses.com)
get the look Knitted Jumper, $39.90, H&M
Huggie Tights, $14.95, Cotton On
Canary Socks, $6.95, Seed Heritage
Thunderbird II (Child), $34.95, Minnetonka
kids / learn
stress management It is easy for a child to get overwhelmed, especially with school and the many activities that they have. As parents, identifying breaking points early is crucial to turn the situation around.
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rying to maintain that perfectly balanced schedule for your kids is a work in progress. This is something that Chaya Mahtaney, mother to eight-year-old Tej in Primary 3 and seven-year-old Tyra in Primary 1, is well aware of. Besides regular school hours, they also have strategically allotted Mandarin classes – every other day, no more than one hour at a time, and only as many times a week as absolutely necessary. Beyond that, all other activities are selected to keep Tej and Tyra physically active and to stimulate their creativity – things like soccer, piano, ballet, art, and swimming. “We think that’s very important for kids. And with the weather in Singapore, they might not otherwise go outdoors,” she shares. However Chaya freely admits that it makes for a hectic day, especially because she wants the kids in bed by 7:30pm each evening, at least for as long as she can, to protect their health and well-being. “After their homework is done, that leaves no free time during the week.”
When is too much, too much?
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One important factor to keep in mind is that children are not yet equipped with the language to describe feelings of stress so they express it physiologically – as in a stomachache or headache – or through complaints or protests, explains Saras Atre, a psychologist and family therapist at Raffles Hospital.
text Debbie Andrae
Chaya tries the best she can to keep the stress of the family’s daily balancing act at bay. Yet it’s a fine line. There is probably an ideal combination of tuition, scheduled activities, homework, playtime, family time, and sleep to keep a child from going over the stress cliff. However, as the child progresses in age, parents lose control of the quantity and quality of some of these factors.
“I make sure that the kids do a lot of physical activities some time in the week. A walk around Bukit Timah Reserve, an afternoon at the pool, or even a couple of hours with friends in the park will do. This way, they are physically tired and sleep well, and it takes their mind off the school stress.” - Tina Maria
Warning signs “Parents need to be vigilant of the other tell-tale signs that their children may be exhibiting. While some early warning signs might only require a minor course correction, there are some signs that would warrant a parent needing to seek professional help”, shares Geraldine Tan, psychologist at the Centre for Effective Living. Be aware of these signs • There is an observable change in personality. For instance, your child becomes excessively loud or withdrawn. • Your child is unable to go to school or even look at the schoolbooks – a case of severe avoidance. • There are persistent physical symptoms and the doctor has confirmed that there are no real medical issues. • Your child displays acting-out or disruptive behaviour, where none has been observed before. • Your child describes or fabricates surprising or disturbing events.
Ways you can help
• Be realistic Geraldine says parents need to be objective about their children’s aptitudes. “I understand that the academic stress is high, but I encourage parents to see the ability of the child. If the child is able to cope without that extra tuition, don’t send him just because you feel you need to or that your friend’s child is there, or that the tutor is known to produce the ‘A’s. This may just add to the stress of the child.” • Establish attainable goals Children rarely make vast improvements overnight, and suggesting that can cause performance anxiety and fear of failure. Daphne Lee, mother of Jonathan, finds that what helps keep stress low in their house is a healthy attitude toward competition and comparison to other classmates. “I tell my son that he only needs to do better than the last time, even if it’s only one mark better,” she shares. Of course, Daphne and her husband have minimum standards of achievement for Jonathan, but they feel that the system itself puts enough pressure on kids and that at this point, they feel there is no need to push them over the edge. • Just be there When a child is feeling stress, there is a strong need for parental support. It is not necessarily about fixing it, or changing it, or making it go away. Saras says, “You don’t have to cave in to demands. A simple ‘We hear you’ is often enough to relieve the pressure they feel. The important thing is that children need to know that you are on their side.”
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It is important to remember that a certain amount of stress is normal and is in fact linked to enhanced performance as long as the stress is kept in balance. Primary school is only the beginning. As the ongoing daily grind will only get more complex as they grow older, children should start developing a healthy relationship with stress. However, there are still ways that you can help ease the stress on your child, especially when you suspect that the stress is starting to get too much.
• Manage your own expectations Kids are quick to sense your moods and are eager to please. Are your well-intentioned hopes and dreams for your child manifesting themselves in academic performance expectations that they may never live up to?
Kids / learn
the truth about lying Most children tell lies at some point of time, but it can be a real surprise for parents the first time it happens. Learn why children lie and ways to prevent fibbing.
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Out of Guilt / Fear
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More often than not, children act to evoke positive responses from their parents. Yet, they also know the consequences if they do something “wrong”. Therefore, if they know they’ve made a mistake, fear and disappointment in themselves can cause them to try to rectify the situation, sometimes with alarming results due to their inability to problem-solve effectively. What can parents do? Control your emotions and do not fly into a rage. This will only confirm their fears or accentuate their guilt. Instead, calmly let the child know that you are upset or disappointed with their actions, but you are not rejecting them. These situations provide an excellent opportunity for parents to teach children how to deal
with their conscience in the appropriate manner. In such situations where the child has owned up to their actions, parents should feel happy as it shows that the child has a conscience.
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Seeking Attention
A child may engage in inappropriate behaviour to gain your attention. When discovered, they would be happy to receive the attention, regardless if it is negative. As the basic need of a child is to gain approval and love, they would attempt to shift the responsibility away. What can parents do? If your child deliberately does something wrong simply to gain your attention, sit them down and have a talk with him. Be as honest and open to the child as possible, as this allows the child to observe the parent and helps the child learn how to communicate his needs openly and honestly. Find out from the child if his feelings prompted him to act in the manner that he did.
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Testing Boundaries
Children always have a tendency to test boundaries as part of their growing stages. They learn what they are able to get away with and what may result in them being punished. Children
who engage in such behaviours should be corrected as soon as possible. What can parents do? Children who are younger should be taught that there are rules and regulations to follow in every situation, and that there would be consequences if they overstep the boundaries. Parents should also show consistency in defining limits in every situation. If the child realises that he is able to push the limits once, he would attempt to do so again. Parents have to be cautious that they are not sending out conflicting messages on where the boundaries lie. It is important that adults understand children’s motivation behind the lying behaviour before jumping to conclusion that they are “bad” or “naughty”. This is essential in helping children process their feelings and finding appropriate prosocial alternative behaviour. With kids of any age, help encourage truth-telling by practising it yourself. Keep in mind that kids often can’t tell the difference between small lies and big ones, and that lying is a learned – but changeable – behaviour. The more they’re conditioned to hearing lies, the more they’ll think that telling lies are a normal part of behaviour. The biggest truth of all is that raising honest kids starts with you.
text Geraldine Tan
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any times when parents realise that their child has told a lie, they would reprimand the child and tell them that it is wrong. Consequently, the parents may feel that their child has turned into a monster, wondering how their child can lie without batting an eyelid. What many parents don’t realise is that lying happens for a variety of reasons. Here are the reasons why children lie, and what you can do about it.
vitagen special
happy tummy, happy child Cultured milk drinks pack quite a probiotic punch that helps in your child’s digestion, but many contain far too much sugar.
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oung children are more susceptible to digestive issues than adults and face problems such as indigestion, bloating, constipation and other more serious conditions that warrant a visit to the doctor such as inflammatory bowel disease. As their digestive system matures and you learn what triggers certain reactions and what is acceptable to the body, most childhood tummy aches will disappear. Cultured milk drinks, supplying Lactobacillus bacteria, also known as good bacteria, can support the development of a healthy digestive system by improving gut flora to fight against bad bacteria. While cultured milk drinks can improve one area of your child’s well-being, it can also be detrimental in others as these drinks can at times contain far too much sugar. A recent landmark study of more than 3,000 infants and toddlers found that close to half of 7- to 8-month-olds are already consuming sugar-sweetened snacks, sodas and fruit drinks, a percentage that increases dramatically with age. Cultured milk drinks can lead to a healthy digestive system, but if not careful, can also lead to other serious health issues such as obesity if the right drinks are not chosen for your child’s consumption. How does sugar harm your child? • Sugar fuels the growth of bacteria that causes cavities, leading to an increased likelihood of tooth decay. • When your child is given a high amount of sugar, the body responds by quickly removing the sugar out of the blood and into the cells, causing his blood sugar levels to drastically drop. This is when your child becomes shaky or sluggish, and crave for more sweets. 1
50% Less Sugar*
*Source: Total sugar test report from accredited laboratories. Comparison based on per 100ml 2
Does your cultured milk drink have prebiotic fibre (dietary fibre)? These fibres help support the growth of good bacteria. Each bottle of VITAGEN LESS SUGAR has 7.5 grams of prebiotics, making up almost 28 percent of the recommended daily intake.
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Look for cultured milk drinks that use real fruit juice in its fruity flavours for a more authentic taste that your kids will absolutely love.
For more on how to lead a healthier less-sugar lifestyle, visit VITAGEN Singapore Facebook Page.
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How to choose the right cultured milk drink for your kids
Choose food with the healthier choice logo as this tells you that the product meets the Nutritional Guidelines of the Health Promotion Board as a healthier choice. VITAGEN LESS SUGAR contains 50 percent less sugar than regular cultured milk drinks, making it a healhier choice for the whole family.
• Sugary drinks and treats are yummy so many children ingest far too much sugar than is required by the body. Consuming more calories than what is being burnt can lead to obesity. • An obese child then increases his risk of diabetes and a paediatric condition known as insulin resistance syndrome. Further health complications like heart disease and infertility can develop later in life.
Kids / health
keeping an eye on childhood myopia Childhood myopia may be prevalent these days, but that doesn’t mean that you should take it for granted. Our experts share facts and tips on the causes of myopia and what you can do to slow its progression.
44 september 2016
However, this convenience usually comes at the expense of kids suffering from childhood myopia at a young age. Long hours of staring at a screen tire their eyes out, and before they know it, vision starts to get blurry. Soon, you’re on your way to the optician to pick out a pair of glasses for the kiddo – when he's not even in primary school yet. Studies show that Singapore has one of the highest incidence rates of myopia in the world. For a small country, that definitely sounds worrying, but fret not for our experts have facts and tips to share so that you can learn all about the condition and how to keep it at bay.
CHILDHOOD MYOPIA 101 Often referred to as short-sightedness or nearsightedness, childhood myopia is a condition where a child’s distance vision becomes blurred, causing him to squint and/or rub his eyes in a bid to correct his vision. “It’s when the focusing power of the eye’s cornea and lens becomes too strong, or the eyeball becomes too long. Light rays come to a focus before it reaches the retina, and are out of focus when they finally reach the child’s retina, causing blurred vision” explains Dr Gerard Nah, Medical Director of W Eye Clinic. You may have noticed your child complaining that he can’t seem to see things on the whiteboard clearly or is unable to get a clear view of the numbers of approaching buses. He might be constantly squinting or having to look at things way too closely. Don’t take these red flags
text CHELSEA TANG Additional Text Hairin Rahman
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hildren today live in a time where they learn the alphabet, read and play games on a smartphone or tablet. And who can they blame, really? It’s the undeniable truth that e-books and online games are more convenient for busy parents, as compared to reading aloud from an actual book or heading outside to play.
Quick Eye Care Tips lightly; that might mean they require spectacles to correct their vision.
check with an eye specialist as to whether or not their child is suitable to wear contact lenses. He shares, “Always get your child’s eyesight screened and tested on a regular basis, and only an eye specialist is able to determine if your child is a fit candidate.”
WHAT CAUSES IT? Environmental factors and genetic traits both play a part when myopia hits. Fundamentally, eye experts agree that children whose parents are myopic are more likely to develop the same condition. Dr Audrey Chia, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist of Singapore National Eye Centre & KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, shares that sudden changes in a kid’s lifestyle may also result in short-sightedness. Sustained near visual work, such as using the computer or tablet, reading or watching TV, as well as reduced exposure to outdoor activities during the day, is also a major cause. Your child might not feel it, but the strain he's putting on his eyes will gradually cause damage, resulting in blurred vision.
Always ensure your child reads in adequate lighting
Hold book about 30cm away from face while reading
WHAT CAN BE DONE? Like other types of refractive lenses, childhood myopia is usually corrected via spectacle correction. It is recommended for children to wear glasses prescribed with minus-powered lenses. Dr Jovina See, Senior Consultant at Shinagawa LASIK & Eye Centre, explains, “This allows the child to form a sharp image of the object that they’re looking at, and also a crucial step to prevent the development of amblyopia, also known as the ‘lazy eye’.” Some parents may opt for their children to use contact lenses, but they are generally not recommended. Unless you are affirmative that your child is able to properly care for the lenses – which include religiously cleaning them every day, not wearing it for more than the prescribed hours and other good contact lens hygiene – it’s best to save the contacts for when they’re teens.
Sit about 50cm away from the computer screen
Cultivate good habits such as taking five minute breaks after spending more than 30 minutes reading or writing
Unfortunately, there is no cure for myopia. There are, however, ways to prevent or slow its progression in your child – through good eye care habits. Dr Nah encourages parents to organise more outdoor activities for children during the day; even a short stroll around the neighbourhood park would suffice. “It’s much healthier than constantly staying indoors and constantly staring at a computer or smartphone screen,” he says. Other preventive measures include using hats and sunglasses to keep harsh UV rays from entering the kids’ eyes. Well-balanced, healthy meals with ample servings of leafy green vegetables and fish, as well as a good nights’ sleep and regular exercise are additional ways to maintain good eye health. Ensure that there is sufficient lighting at home too, so that kids don’t have to regularly squint to get a clear view of whatever they’re doing, recommends Dr Chia. “Children should also be reminded to rest their eyes and take vision breaks every half an hour or so, simply by looking out of the window at distance, preferably at greenery.” Parents could also ensure that their kids read and watch television upright rather than lying down. A recommended distance guide would be 30cm away from the eye for reading materials, 50cm for computer screens and two metres away for television screens. Childhood myopia may be prevalent in a technologically advanced society like Singapore, but that doesn’t mean that parents should take their children’s eye health for granted. Practise good eye care habits and instill them in the kids so that they make the right lifestyle choices in the future to protect their eyes.
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In addition, contact lenses might not be suitable for a young child’s developing eye, since it is after all a piece of plastic that’s intimately close to the eyeball. Stephen Donald Newman, Managing Director of Menicon Singapore Pte Ltd, points out that it is essential for parents to
Don’t watch TV from a close distance. The bigger the TV, the further away your child should sit
GOOD EYE CARE HABITS ARE A MUST
you / trending Keep Zika virus at bay
Play that funky music Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing for over 30 years, officially announced the first three models of the Premium Wireless Series. Utilising DTS Play-Wi technology, this series provides listeners the freedom and flexibility to stream high-resolution music wirelessly over and existing Wi-Fi network to any number of connected speakers that utilise DTS Play-Fi technology once paired with the Play-Fi app. As an open platform, listeners can also mix and match any DTS Play-Fi enabled audio products, and even stream audio to existing traditional loudspeakers or in-wall/in-ceilinng speakers, no matter the brand. Retails from $999.
The effects of the Zika virus infection is very worrying, and to put your minds at ease, effective mosquito control is very important to ensure your whole family remains protected. Using ultraviolet LEDs and a coating that produces carbon dioxide through a photocatalytic reaction, MOSCLEAN ($88) catches up to 13 times more mosquitoes than the conventional mercury lamp traps. It also operates quietly, does not use chemicals, gas or refills, has low power consumption and is environmentally-friendly.
It’s laundry day
48 september 2016
For parents, ensuring your home stays germ-free can be a challenge, which is why Bosch takes de-germifying the house one step easier with the latest Bosch ActiveOxygen Washing Machine ($3,999). Using first-to-market ActiveOxygen technology in Singapore, this high-powered washing machine is able to kill 99.9% of bacteria and germs, even at low temperatures. The washer is also perfectly suited for allergy-prone adults and children with its AllergyPlus programming that adds an extra rinse cycle to remove allergens and detergent residue to perfectly clean laundry. Another handy feature for large families is the VarioPerfect that allows for faster washing or energy-saving washes.
Democratic design What’s home design without first consulting the common people’s design bible? The IKEA catalogue 2017 is set to unleash your inner domestic designer with new products and services, with over 300 pages of ideas and solutions to cater to the needs of real people. With solutions and inspirations to improve lives, the new catalogue even has a special section on feature stories, taking us into the home of people all over the globe.
Your world in the palm of your hand
Vintage looks, modern sounds
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Goodmans, a household name in home entertainment since the 1920s in the UK, recently released the Heritage II Connect ($699) and Heritage II Portable ($599) speakers. Encased in real wood veneer, the Heritage II Connect makes a visual statement with its nostalgic, vintage exterior but is modernised with crisp sound quality supported by 36W high power stern speakers, digital amplifier and built-in DSP. The Heritage II Portable also comes in a compact real wood veneer wooden cabinet in piano white or natural wood. Powered by a high capacity rechargeable 5,000mAh battery, the radio is able to play 10 hours of uninterrupted rich audio on 24W high power stereo speakers anywhere you go.
The MiLi iData Pro (from $89) is designed for any mobile device user who worries over the lack of storage space. Compact and portable, this smart flash drive offers a storage capacity of up to 356GB, or the equivalent of approximately 128,000 photos or 112 hours of video (that’s at least 56 of your children’s school plays to fully record on video!). The integration of the iData Pro App also helps users manage and store important files without tapping onto more space on your mobile device, while the data encryption function ensures maximum security and privacy.
you / learn
daddy’s girl Fathers play a more important role than just providing an ‘X’ chromosome to his little princess.
S
ince the beginning of time, society has put the role of parenting solely on mothers, while fathers are expected to take a backseat, only stepping in to provide for physical needs, such as shelter, food and other expenses for their children. Fast forward a couple of decades and fathers are taking a more active role in nurturing their children. Even so, there seems to be a prejudice that fathers do not have the same emotional capabilities as mothers.
Strong research links Multiple studies have shown that a father’s presence makes a world of a difference to a child’s life. A study by Ronald Rohner and Robert Veneziano in 2001 suggests that the influence of a father’s love on a child’s development is as great as and occasionally greater than the influence of a mother’s love. Their research revealed that fatherly love appears to be as heavily implicated as motherly love in children’s psychological well-being and health, as well as in an array of psychological and behavioural problems.
Learn other ways you can build a positive relationship with your daughter on our website. singaporeschild.com.sg
text Raewyn Koh
52 september 2016
A compilation of research by the Child Welfare Information Gateway also showed that children in father-present homes had better educational outcomes, developing better linguistic and cognitive
“Fathers, be good to your daughters. Daughters will love like you do.” – ‘Daughters’ by John Mayer capabilities earlier in life. The same compilation also included various papers that supported the fact that children in similar households were more emotionally secure, more confident in stepping out of comfort zones, less likely to get in trouble with authorities, and grew up to have better social connections with their peers.
as women. Attentively, teenagers with more involved and attentive fathers were found to less likely engage in risky sexual activities, according to a study reported by NBC News.
Effects on emotional health
In particular, the presence of a father in the home not only improved the well-being of girls, it helps in their psychological development and even determines the kind of relationships they seek. The term “daddy issues” is often loosely thrown around to describe the reasons why adult women fall into harmful and toxic relationships but the term holds truth behind it.
Positive relationships empower daughters Fathers have the power in them to empower their daughters. Research by Dr Peggy Drexler, a professor of psychology, for the Wall Street Journal found that women often sought for the approval of their fathers. Even women whose fathers had been neglectful or abusive loved their fathers and continued searching for approval from the men they would later on meet in life. This search for approval also extended to a girl’s self-esteem. How a father not only treats his wife but the women he comes across in daily life can make a huge impact on how girls view themselves and how they should be treated
Other positive effects of fathers being involved in their daughters’ lives also saw better handling of stress in a more calm and rational manner. The National Center for Biotechnology Information saw a correlation between the types of relationship women had with their fathers and the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Women who characterised their relationship as chaotic and filled with rejection had lower cortisol levels when faced with stress as compared to women who characterised their relationship as supportive and structured. Cortisol is a hormone induced by stress that helps the body in preparing for a fight or flight response. Girls with absent fathers in early childhood were also more likely to develop depression, according to a study done in the United Kingdom. In short, the daddy-daughter bond is important and irreplaceable as mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Each parent plays an important role but together, make an excellent team. Having both parents raise a child has its clear advantages.
3 ways to engage with your daughter For fathers who might be clueless as to where to start 1
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Get involved with her interests Support your daughter in the hobbies that she picks up and refrain from putting down her interests as “girly” or “a waste of time”. Find out what she enjoys about the sports she plays or even why she might be closed off to certain activities. This can encourage her to step outside of her comfort zone. If possible, get involved, such as coaching her sports team, taking her to her lessons, or simply attending her games, recitals, and art shows. Don’t forget to compliment her on her achievements and for the dedication she shows in pursuing her passions!
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Be open about your struggles There are expectations for men, and especially fathers, to be an emotional rock but there is value in allowing yourself to display vulnerability from time to time. It might be unlikely that you would ask your daughter for advice, but opening up about your struggles could be the green light she needs to share hers with you as well. Sharing how you solve problems can also teach her a thing or two about pro-social and effective problem-solving.
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Learn to listen When your daughter shares about her day with you, it is because she believes her day is worth sharing with someone she considers important in her life. As she grows older, it might turn into serious discussions about her life. Most of the time, girls require a listening ear much more than hearing what you might have to say about the situation. Practise active listening without judgement or offering advice. Only make comments to clarify and better understand her thoughts and feelings.
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events
september What’s Happening in
Spend quality time with friends and family at these events
11 sep
Moonfest ParentChild Workshop: DIY Snowskin Mooncakes
16 - 18 sep
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
64 september 2016
Head down to Esplanade for a sweet Sunday as you bond with your child and learn how to make snowskin mooncakes. In this series of Moonfest Parent-Child Workshop, Bloop Desserts Studio will guide you and your little one on making cool and flavourful MidAutumn delicacy. At the end of the tutorial, you can bring home your yummy creations to share with the family.
Fulfil your need for speed at the most awaited event in September! Cheer for your favourite drivers and enjoy a stroll along the scenic Marina Bay area. Keep your adrenalines pumping after the race and catch off-track performances by top-rated celebrities like Kylie Minogue, Queen, Adam Lambert, and other in-the-famous bands. Also, annual post-race parties will be happening in the swanky Podium Lounge Amber Lounge, where you can sip champagne and spot a few local celebs around.
Visit www.esplanade.com/moonfest for more details
Visit www.singaporegp.sg for more details
till 17 sep
Singapore International Festival of Arts Singapore International Festival of Arts brings you the best of dance, music, and theatre performances from international artists and performers. Expect jaw-dropping moves throughout the month-long art fest held in several venues – including the Victoria Theatre, Malay Heritage Centre, Drama Centre Theatre, and Gardens By The Bay. Although most of the shows are family-friendly, a couple of performances involve explicit contents. Look out for Advisory signs before booking your tickets! Visit www.sifa.sg for more details
22 - 24 sep
24 sep
29 sep - 30 oct
ASICS City Relay
Wicked The Musical
Beatles fans, rejoice! World’s greatest reverence to the legendary band is making their way to Singapore. The Bootleg Beatles recreates the look of The Beatles from head to toe and inside out – costumes that mirror the appearance of the famous four, the accurate note-to-note instrument plays and voices with an uncanny resemblance to Lennon and McCartney. If you ever dreamed of screaming your heart out at The Beatles concert, The Bootleg Beatles is the absolute closest you can get.
Besides its regular 42km marathon, the ASICS City Relay run introduces a new 21km half-marathon and a new scenic route alongside Kallang River for its second year. The night relay requires a team of four, so get three of your fastest friends or family members to join you and set your eyes on the prize. To complete your running experience, you can opt to purchase an additional night pack. It includes things like socks, shoe laces, and tattoos, and the best part is that they all glow in the dark!
Wicked is back in Singapore! After a successful performance in Singapore four years ago, the soldout musical returns to the Marina Bay Sands Theatre for a limited time. Let yourself and the kids be enchanted by the amazing world of wizards, witches, magic, and sorcery. Follow the adventure of Glinda the Good Witch of the South and Elphaba the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West in the Broadway play that has won 100 international awards, including the Academy Awards – three times!
Visit www.sistic.com.sg for more details
Visit www.cityrelay.com.sg for more details
Visit www.sistic.com.sg for more details
65 september 2016
The Bootleg Beatles
Remembering S R Nathan 1924 - 2016
68 september 2016
“I’ve done the best I can. If it’s good enough for some people, fine. If it’s not good enough for some people, and there will always be noise in the environment, you can’t stop it. You don’t do it because you want to leave a legacy. You do the best you can.”
september 2016 ISSUE 178
september 2016 Publisher Foo Mei Siah Operations Manager Emmeline Lee Writer Hairin Rahman art Creative Director Aris Lai
Contents 3
Activity Page
4
Best Toys
6
Show Pick
8
TV Picks
Senior Designer Geraldine Tan ADVERTlSlNG & MARKETlNG Business Manager Porter Christopher Andre Associate Business Manager Maggie Mok Executive (Marketing) Jenny Teo Executive (Business Support) Wendy Kartikasari
Learn how to make butterfly origami
Our picks of the coolest toys in the market
Enjoy Beatlemania with BEAT BUGS
Watch out for these exciting shows
Contributors Michelle Lim, Rasti Annisa Iwan
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Cool Picks
For editorial matters, sc-ed@key-editions.com For advertising & marketing enquiries, enquiry@key-editions.com For subscription, subscription@key-editions.com
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Try These
15
Brain Teaser
16
Science Whizz
18
Animal Planet
22
Book Nook
23
Try These
24
Let’s Laugh
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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Fun apps to download
Word puzzles to try out
Handwashing facts you must know
All you need to know about water and its properties
Find out Asia’s most colourful animals
The best reads this month
BEAT BUGS colouring fun
These riddles will tickle your funny bone
TV Picks
n o o t r a C agicand M f fun ou!
s o ait y d a Lo er aw ht g u la
Puffin Rock Miles from Tomorrowland New Episodes Begins 2nd September, 9am, Fridays
New Season Now Streaming Oona is a puffling who loves to wake up to a new day. Along with her clumsy little brother Baba, the little birds explore the beautiful island they live in – the Puffy Rock. Oona’s friends Mossy, Silky, and Otto are always by her side, too! Together, the animals of Puffy Rock learn more about nature, friendship, and family. Watch the adorable series on Netflix.
Project Mc2 New Season Now Streaming
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Blodger wants to have a robot pet, so he convinces Mum and Dad that he is old enough to take responsibilities. Together with Miles, the little green blob goes to a robot factory to create his dream pet, like a cyborg kangaroo or gorilla who can run fast, jump high, and do other cool tricks. But to their surprise, the Pet Matcher machine builds something of the total opposite – a tortoise! See how Blodger plays with his new pet, Sheldon, on Disney Junior.
Smart is the new cool! The four smartest girls in school are joining the NOV8 (read: innovate), a topsecret association that aims to save the world. Using science and technology, McKeyla and her friends are solving mysteries and catching bad guys. Tune in to Netflix and join the group’s secret operation!
Sofia the First
New Episodes Begins 16th September, 10am, Fridays Sofia is playing Bewitching Bowling with Clover when she suddenly disappears. The little princess reappears in a garden around a castle, where she hears a woman’s cry behind the bushes. Little does she know, the voice belongs to Princess Charlotte who looks like a beast! After learning that it was a curse, the two princesses are now finding a way to break the spell. But why is Charlotte cursed? Find out on Disney Junior!
New Show Begins 10th September, 11.30am, Saturdays
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventure
Rowan, Kordi, and Zander Freemaker are ordinary siblings who travel through the galaxy with Roger the battle droid, to pick up parts of damaged and destroyed spaceships to build and sell the new ones. During a daily scavenging, Rowan finds a relic that reveals his connection with The Force. The revelation sets the family on an epic galactic journey. Join the Freemakers’ adventure as they cruise the space on Disney XD!
Kazoops! New Show Now Streaming Meet Monty, a highly imaginative boy and his pet pig, Jimmy Jones. One day, the 6-year-old brings home a guinea pig for the weekend, and it makes his piglet jealous! Because of this, the two of them wonder if they can have other friends when they have a best friend by their side. Watch the unique friendship of Monty and Jimmy Jones only on Netflix!
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Try These
Looking at Letters
Franklin likes writing his name in the sand. Look at the words below. Circle the ones that contain only letters that are in Franklin’s name.
FRANKLIN NAIL ANKLE LEARN LINE LAND RINK RAIN FLAKE FAN LINK
word Scramble
Fill in the blanks by unscrambling the letters in each box.
1. Franklin uses his _ _ _ _ _ to dry off.
w e t l o
2. Harriet finds a beautiful _ _ _ _ _ in the sand.
l h e s l
3. Franklin’s parents like to read at the _ _ _ _ _.
a b c e h
4. Franklin’s mother brought sandwiches for _ _ _ _ _. 5. The wind makes lots of _ _ _ _ _ in the water. 6. Franklin builds a _ _ _ _ _ _ in the sand. 14
h u n l c
e v a w s
l a c e t s
Test Your Handwashing Know-How
Brain Teaser
How much do you know about the importance of handwashing and the best way to wash your hands?
1 What are the key occasion(s) to wash your hands? a) At bath time b) Before breakfast c) Before lunch d) Before dinner e) After visiting the toilet f) All of the above
4
Germs spread a thousand times more on wet and damp hands than on dry hands. a) True b) False
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Arrange the steps below in order of how you should wash your hands.
2 When you wash your hands, which should you use? a) Just water b) Soap and water c) Just soap
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Did you know? It only takes at least 10 seconds* to wash your hands if you're using Lifebuoy soap! As per lab test, Lifebuoy kills 99.9 per cent germs in 10 seconds. *refers to lathering time only
Handwashing reduces the risk of diarrhoea. a) True b) False
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If you use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, you don’t have to wash your hands after. a) True b) False
Quiz courtesy of Lifebuoy
Use soap on hands and make foam Towel-dry your hands Wash your hands with soap and water Wash hands for at least 10 seconds Rinse your hands
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Answers: 1. f 2. b 3. a (Bacteria that causes diarrhoea is often found under fingernails, and the best way to get rid of this bacteria is washing your hands.) 4. a (It is therefore important to dry your hands thoroughly with a paper towel after you have washed them.) 5. b (Despite using a tissue, you should wash your hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing.) 6. 2nd, 5th, 1st, 3rd, 4th
Animal Planet
Birds of Paradise Although most of the 42 species are found in Papua New Guinea, some can be found in the Maluku islands in Indonesia and Australia. Like the peafowl, the male birds are more elaborately coloured than the females. They are known to be the most dramatic and attractive birds in the world. Most of the males perform bizarre and complex courtship rituals to attract potential mates. Some species even perform in large groups known as leks. Such displays last a long time. It seems that is all the males tend to do, constantly performing in front of the females. After mating, the female birds leave to raise the young on their own.
FUN FACTS • Carola’s Parotia bird-of-paradise performs some of the most complex courtship dances in the animal kingdom. • Bird-of-paradise plumes are used as currency by certain Papua New Guinea tribes. • South Africa has also named one of their flowers after these beautiful birds, as its flowers resemble these birds in flight.
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The Panther Chameleo n
Native to Northern Mada gascar, Panther Chamele ons come in many colours and pa tterns depending on the ir loc ale on the island. The adult males are tw ice the size of the female s and have a larger and more defin ed “helmet” or casque on their heads. These slow-movin g lizards change colour as a form of communication. They can show dominant or submissive behaviour; females tell the males when they are ready to mate or when they are carrying eggs and turn a dark colour to ward the males away. How chameleons chan ge colour They are born with spec ial cells that have a colou r pigment. These cell pigments are arranged in layers that have a wide range of colours known as chromatophores. The chameleon can the n change the colours on his skin when its brain tells the cells to swell or shrin k causing the cell pigments to mix, mu ch like how we mix colours of paint .
FUN FACTS
d Flas r o
h!
W
• A sick chameleon wil l stay pale because they don’t have the energ y to change colour. • Each chameleon spec ies has its own colour range. They can’t just tur n into any colour. • Chameleons do not change colour according to its surroundings. Instea d, light, temperature, mood and health cause these lizards to change colour.
iridescent: showing luminous colours that seem to change when seen from different angles mottled: marked with spots or smears of colour notorious: famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed
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