singapore's
check out
KidZone,
now a magazine on its own.
Just for kids!
Your Lifestyle & Practical Family Resource
Spread Some Win!
• Inspire your child to be a lifelong learner • Unconditional parenting explained
3D2N Stay at Club Med Cherating Beach
How to
Make Your Spouse Happy
17 awesome anniversary gifts
Sexiest Escapes
Empty beaches, hidden villages & remote retreats
Nov 2014 Issue 156 $4.50 (Incl. GST)
p a r e n t i n g
F A M I L Y
l i f e s t yl e
E D U C ATI O N
Shorts, $31.90, Gingersnaps; Pink oxford shirt, $100, Ralph Lauren; Sequined top (layered underneath), $45.90, Guess Kids; White/purple shoes, $79, Geox; Hair clips, $12.90 for four, Accessorize
Wondering how to get the most out of your child’s button-downs? THERE A RE e n d l e s s outfit options, if you ask us.
Style Panel
The Oxford Shirt
Leather military jacket, $143.90, Guess Kids; Pink oxford shirt (layered underneath), $100, Ralph Lauren; Skinny jeans with prints, $85.90, Guess Kids; Fuchsia shoes, $79, Geox; Rainbow hair, $12.90 for four, Accessorize
Photography Max Ng, Shining Head Media Fashion Assistant Shaistah Munawar
Art Direction Mabel Leng
Fashion Stylist Raja Jumira
Makeup & Hairstyling Venice Ng, using Make Up For Ever
Model Lara VirĂĄg PĂŠrez Mathis
Balloons The Party Stuff
snips & snaps
let’s Roll Looking for a great gift for your kid? Heelys ($139-$169, STARTHREESIXTY Junior Paragon & STARTHREESIXTY Marina Square) is the coolest way for them to move around. These unique shoes have removable wheels in the heels! Wheels out, they are stylish shoes on your child’s feet. Wheels on, the kid gets to roll around fearlessly, being the envy of their peers.
CLOSE SHAVE Achieve smooth, hairless skin in a jiffy with the Gillette Venus & Olay Razor ($19.50, leading supermarkets). Its special Olay Moisture Bars help nourish the skin, and you won’t even have to use soap or shaving cream for a slick shave – just wet the razor to create lather and lubrication. How convenient!
Men, too, can get the perfect shave with the Philips Shaver Series S9000 (from $389, leading department stores and electrical stores). The rotating blades adjust to the contours of the face so that they are able to provide a clean shave without causing irritation or harming the skin. Best of all, this nifty device works both wet and dry.
24 singapore’s child | november 2014
SHOW YOUR BEST SELF Apart from the usual culprits like a bad diet and lack of exercise, stress can also cause weight gain. Stressbelly (available at Guardian stores) helps you shape up by relieving tension and tackling weight problems simultaneously. It comes in two forms – capsules ($99 for 60) to help suppress appetite and tea sachets ($18.90 for 30) for detoxification. You’ll look more refreshed and feel healthier from inside-out. To keep your mane in check, smooth on the John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir ($16.90, selected Watsons, Guardian and Cold Storage outlets). The non-greasy formula will tame frizz and hydrate deeply, giving you well-hydrated tresses that are easier to style.
Retain a youthful complexion with the Eversoft High Protection Whitening Sunscreen Lotion ($19.90, leading supermarkets, hypermarkets and retail outlets). Thanks to its special blend, including Sakura Extract and Lipo Vitamin C, it lightens skin while protecting it from ageing caused by sun damage.
Beat The Heat Keep little feet comfy with a pair of GEOX J Creamy High Cut Sneakers ($93, GEOX Stores)! These funky kicks feature perforated soles that allow perspiration to escape as vapour, while a special membrane keeps the sole waterproof, designed to let feet breathe. With a futuristic look and feel, these pearlised patent sneakers are a versatile footwear for your little princess, be it for play or for that special occasion.
BOSOM Buddy Pigeon has a range of both electric and manual breast pumps (from $79.90) to stimulate milk flow and help you express more easily, making breastfeeding a fuss-free affair. The Comfort ProperFit Soft Silicone Cushions that come with it are available in two sizes (23mm and 27mm), for a better fit and prevention of air leakage.
KOREA Crazy Apart from the drama serials that we love watching, one thing we can’t get enough of from Korea has to be the food. If you constantly crave Korean fare, look no further as Cold Storage Plaza Singapura is well-stocked up on it. We would recommend the Paldo Spicy Octopus Ramyun ($6/pack of five). Top it with healthy Koryo Seaweed ($2-$6.50), and wash it all down with BHD Makkoli rice wine ($12). If you like slurping up some soupy goodness, try the Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup ($11.50).
LOOK MA, No Hands Slip on the Jabra Stealth Bluetooth Headset ($128, Challenger and Harvey Norman) to stay connected even if you’ve got your hands full. Discreet and comfy, it allows you to access Siri and Google without you having to hold your phone, making things oh-so-convenient, especially for those who drive.
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singapore’s child november 2014
25
grow
FEELING Blue Depression is no laughing matter, especially when it hits the kiddos. Let’s learn more about this condition and how you can go about helping your child. By Shaistah Munawar
I
t is true that all children feel blue, lousy and sad from time to time. But, what happens when that once-in-a-while mood turns into something daily? A survey on suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents done by the doctors of the Institute of Mental Health reported that 22 per cent of the 600 kids (aged six to 12 years) surveyed indicated having suicidal tendencies. “For children and adolescents, the depressive state makes them feel like astronauts whose tethers have been cut, and they are drifting in space,” says Dr Douglas Riley,
36 singapore’s child | november 2014
author of the best-selling book ‘The Depressed Child: A Parent’s Guide for Rescuing Kids’. Even kids get the blues Depression is a serious mental health issue that can affect even very young children. Depressed children are generally lacking in energy and enthusiasm. They often become withdrawn and are unable to concentrate or enjoy life. If they are old enough to express and share their thoughts and feelings, they may refer to themselves as stupid and ugly, friendless, unloved and unlovable, worthless, or even hopeless.
Don’t miss the signs According to Tulsi Rani, a freelance family counsellor, the symptoms vary from child to child, and are dependent on the individual’s situation. Concurringly, Dr Navina Evans, a consultant psychiatrist, states that the obvious signs to look out for include having a low mood and unhappiness, with tearfulness or irritability that may not be related to anything specific. “Also, watch out for reactions when something sad happens. For instance, when someone dies, it’s normal for everyone in the family to feel distressed. But if you feel your child’s reaction is too extreme or has gone on for too long, that could also be a sign of depression,” Dr Evans adds. Some of the other common signs and symptoms include: Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness Social withdrawal Increased sensitivity to rejection Changes in appetite – either increased or decreased Changes in sleep – sleeplessness or excessive sleep Vocal outbursts or crying Impaired thinking or difficulty concentrating Fatigue and low energy Understanding child depression “Family instability, bullying and depressed parents are usually the main triggers for child depression,” says Tulsi. In her almost 10-year-long career as a counsellor, she shares that while depression has no single cause, they are usually caused by the mentioned causes. During our interview with Tulsi, she shared an incident where a parent’s depression was passed on to the child. “My client was at her lowest after finding out that her husband had cheated on her. That caused my client to drown into serious depression where she used to sit alone in the dark for hours and sob away. For a primary two child to see that is not healthy at all.” Tulsi added that her client’s daughter slowly began to quieten down, preferring to be alone, and was always being deep in thought. Thankfully, her grandparents were there to notice her strange behaviour. They intervened immediately by talking her out of it and ensuring that she always shared how she was feeling – be it happy or sad.
WORRIED ABOUT YOUR CHILD?
Here’s what you should do. Address it
“The first thing you should do is talk to them,” advises Dr Evans. “Try to find out what’s troubling them. And whatever’s causing the problem, don’t trivialise it. It may not be a big deal to you, but it could be a major problem for your child.”
Never ignore the symptoms
Early intervention by a mental health professional is crucial to prevent deterioration in the child’s functioning and recurring depressive episodes. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so give your child that check-up they deserve.
Listen without lecturing
Tulsi shares that parents tend to jump the gun and draw conclusions very quickly, so try not to always do that. On days when your child seems glum, try cheering them up with their favourite TV show, more play time or an extended hour at the playground. If all these don’t suffice, try other ways to communicate with your child so that they can openly pour their heart out to you.
Make your child understand
In his book, Dr Riley explains that, “In order to rescue your child from depression, you have to help him understand that the way he is thinking is actually causing him to be depressed. In order to help him escape depression, we will have to show him, sometimes quite dramatically, that his thinking is faulty.”
HELPING HAND No one deserves to feel lonely and hopeless. Help is always available, no matter what the situation. Singapore Association of Mental Health (SAMH) 1800 283 7019 Tinkle Friend (Singapore Children’s Society) 1800-2744 788 Samaritans of Singapore 1800-221 4444
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singapore’s child november 2014
37
family
Crazy Little Thing
Called Love! Here’s what the little ones have to say about love.
Love is how my father still asks my mother out for dates even after being married for more than 10 years. Sherrie, 12 years old
My grandpa always picks me up from school every day with a smile on his face. He must really love me so much. Cherilyn, eight years old
Love is consoling my little brother after a real bad scolding from mummy. Haseena, eight years old
Love is to never break anyone’s heart. Ervin, eight years old
Love means to appreciate someone and take care of the person. Always treat that person well and with respect. Ali, 10 years old
I love soccer. So to me, love means being able to play soccer every day! Haikal, nine years old
40 singapore’s child | november 2014
Love is being able to sit next to Emma in class. Hansel, seven years old
When the prince fights the evil monsters and saves the princess, that’s love. Nina, six years old
Age
is just a number Just what is it that keeps Singaporeans young at heart? Let’s find out!
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.
Laugh
GRANDCHILDREN
ROCK!
out loud
87%
According to
91%
of grandparents believe that spending time with their grandchildren is key to staying young.
of Singaporeans over 50 years old, laughing is the best anti-ageing medicine.
starts
at 50 Feel it to believe it
70%
of Singaporeans over the age of 50 feel five years younger than their actual age.
In the pink of health
74% of Singaporeans, who feel younger than their actual age, report having good or excellent health.
48 singapore’s child | november 2014
64%
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.
Let the good times roll!
82%
of Singaporeans above 50 years old believe that the best days of their life are ahead of them.
Keep calm and active
83%
of Singaporeans over 50 years old like to keep themselves busy and active.
Being contented
85%
of Singaporeans with a younger inner age were also more likely to report they’re living life to the fullest.
Study finds courtesy of GSK Inner Age Index
Life
family
RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA, Indonesia
Extraordinary Experiences,
Unforgettable Memories Looking for your own private hideaway, coupled with engaging activities and attractions for an exciting family adventure? Deputy editor Raja Jumira shares her knowledge of the best places to stay with kids in the Asia Pacific region.
T
he first time I took my son to Bali, he wasn’t even a year old. I got some strange looks, as if I was unnecessarily risking his life by taking him to a dangerous island. Fast forward to 2014 – he’s visited more than five times now, because Bali with littlies is wonderful! Not only is security better than ever, and the Balinese being the most family-loving people, but more and more resorts are now tailor-made for parents travelling with children. This time round, we were guests at RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA. If you’re familiar with the
54 singapore’s child | november 2014
luxury beach resort AYANA, it has now opened another enclave on its 90-hectare property. The high ground above Jimbaran Bay, fringed by some of Bali’s best private swimming beaches, has been called the “Beverly Hills of Bali” for its cliff-top villas and luxury resorts. The eight-hectare RIMBA shares its piece of privileged property with the oceanfront AYANA resort. Extravagance and family fun combine at RIMBA. Featuring 282 contemporary rooms and suites, RIMBA is set back from the cliffs, overlooking an impressive complex of constructed pools and manicured gardens. The natural setting is extended to the hotel’s many
conservation efforts and ecological design. More contemporary than the Balinese interiors at AYANA, the public spaces, rooms and suites at RIMBA incorporate well-placed skylights and sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood and recycled glass. Why SC loves it? Despite being newer, RIMBA’s room rates are cheaper than AYANA’s, yet you have access to two resorts in one vicinity. It is near the airport, yet it is secluded and breathtakingly beautiful. In total, there are 11 swimming pools on different levels – the concept is to cascade down the landscape like
RIMBA Kids’ Club
RIMBA’s Premium View Suite
Balinese rice terraces. But RIMBA’s most impressive water feature diverts guests almost into a trance, upon arrival in the open-air lobby. An infinity pond spills out towards the horizon, reflecting the sun, with two circular lounges sunk into the water. One of the star attractions is our room. We highly recommend RIMBA’s Premium View Suite – perfect for families who seek maximum space and comfort. It includes a bed so wide and plush that it is ideal for accommodating three people comfortably, a private, furnished balcony, day-bed that doubles as an extra bed, marble bathroom with double vanities, separate shower and large soaking tub, and L’Occitane bath essentials. What I love the most is its large walk-in closet, with floor-to-ceiling mirror flanking the built-in wardrobe. Another highlight of the resort
is its Kids’ Club, located through a ‘secret’ entrance via one of the poolside cabanas, just a hop and jump away from the Lower Pool waterslide. My son begged to be dropped off at the Kids’ Club every day. The colourfully-decorated area is equipped with a mini-cinema room, games room with PlayStation 4, two computers for online games, indoor rope swing and soft toys, puzzles and books to keep your little ones occupied. A kids’ activities programme is also available to better cater for families, and children can choose from a variety of activities. During our stay, my seven-year-old even attended a perfume-making workshop at the L’Atelier Parfums et Creations Studio, where children are taught to create their own fragrance. Parents can be rest assured that your juniors are in safe hands, as they’ll be under the careful supervision of the professional caretakers. This also means that Mum and Dad can enjoy some play time of their own. No doubt, RIMBA is amazing with its modern boutique feel,
Children’s waterslide at the lower pool
wonderful spa and prime location – from there, it’s just a short shuttle ride to their exclusive Kubu Beach. To access it, you have to walk down 197 steps, but trust me, it’s all worth it! The tranquil seclusion is simply enchanting. If this private cove with white-sand and crystal clear waters isn’t a slice of paradise, then I don’t know what is. In the evening, we also took advantage of the VIP access to Rock Bar (at AYANA), positioned on a cliff edge over the Indian Ocean. Waves crash on the rocks while revellers drink opposite a pink sunset. Bare feet in the sand and cocktail in hand, we honestly can’t think of a better located bar in the world. An inclinator then takes us back up the limestone cliff to catch the shuttle to RIMBA, where we indulge in a bedtime moonlit swim. Why choose the ordinary when you can have an extraordinary family holiday? RIMBA Jimbaran Bali – a beautiful harmony. Karang Mas Estate Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali 80364, Indonesia Tel: +62 361 846 8468 www.rimbajimbaran.com
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With fun educational activities for boys & girls KID
z o n d i e K & B S 12 ELO W
November 2014 ISSUE 156
, n e t s a T luxe Fun De w mallo Marsh y Factor Jour ney with
Peter
Pan &
frien
ds
ways t
to be ful hank
Learn
more abou t
clou ds, rain & wind
STO RY
eng
s Mabel L
lustration MaeLi Il By Wong
“Hey Jie Jie,” John called his elder sister. “Come and check out this new app.” “Cool graphics,” Grace said. “What does it do?”
It all began with two curious kids, an iPad and a very strange app. It was a Saturday and the twins, Grace and John, were at home. Grace was listening to some music on her iPod. John was using the iPad. He was scrolling through the latest apps in the app store, when something caught his eye. The app was called “Time Jumpers”. It looked like it was a history app. Since it was free and John enjoyed reading about history, he decided to download the app and try it out. When the app had finished installing, John opened it. 'Dastardly Knights', 'Cranky Pirates' and 'Twisted Pyramids' were some of the topics on the screen.
10 KIDZone
“I hope there are games,” John said. He chose the topic 'Dastardly Knights'. A picture of a medieval marketplace opened up on the screen. A big button appeared in the middle of the screen. It said, “Take me there!” John shrugged and touched the button. Two things happened at the same time. A bright light shone out from the iPad. The light filled the whole room, making it impossible for the children to see anything around them. There was also a “whooshing” sound, like the sound a train makes when it is travelling through a tunnel at a very high speed.
“What…” John said. He could not complete his sentence. He and his sister were standing in a doorway, facing the street. On the street was a marketplace. A medieval marketplace. It was exactly like the one he had seen on his iPad a few seconds ago. “John,” Grace said slowly. “What's going on?” The bright light. The sound. Had something happened when John touched the “Take me there!” button on the iPad? Had they somehow travelled back in time to the age of knights and castles?
The iPad! Where was it? John realised he was carrying a sling bag and that the iPad was inside the bag. He let out a sigh of relief. But before he had a chance to take out the iPad, he heard the thundering of horses' hooves approaching the This lasted only two seconds. Then marketplace. People were hurriedly the sound stopped, and the light shoving and pushing each other to began to disappear. Grace and get out of the way. It was clear that John blinked. they were afraid.
A group of six knights on horses thundered into the centre of the marketplace and skidded to a halt. The knights were all dressed in black and had helmets on. The horses were huge. The previous joyful chatter of the marketplace had dimmed to a whisper. The knight at the front of the group looked around slowly. He reminded John of a snake. “Who are they?” Grace wondered aloud to John. “Shhh… keep quiet!” a voice said softly. John looked down to see a young boy, around his age, hiding behind a nearby fruit stall. “Those are the Black Knights,” the boy whispered again through gritted teeth. “Be quiet or you'll get in…” Just then, the leader of the Black Knights leapt off his horse. He kicked aside the fruit stall. Apples and oranges tumbled on the floor. The young boy got up. He had nowhere to hide. “Well, look here,” the leader said. “If it isn't the thief. This was easier than I thought!” “I'm not a thief!” the boy shouted back.
“You can explain that to Lord Blackerby. He wants his compass back,” the leader hissed. John knew that the boy was in trouble. He had to do something to help him! John had an idea. It was not a very good idea, but he had to try. “Hey!” John shouted out, to the surprise of Grace and everyone else around. “What's that over there?” he asked, pointing. That old trick worked. The knights all turned around to look in the direction where John was pointing. The moment of distraction was all the children needed. “Run!” the boy shouted as he took off. John and Grace ran as fast as they could. The boy led Grace and John through a narrow alley. John turned back to see the knights had gathered themselves and were now barrelling after them. The children had the advantage because they were small and could squeeze through small alleys that the horses seemed unwilling to enter. But every time they thought they had lost the knights, the thundering of hooves could be heard again. The knights always seemed to be getting close and the children were running out of breath.
“This won't work,” John said, stopping to catch his breath. “We need a better plan.” “What can we do?” the boy asked. “We need a distraction,” John said, looking around for an idea. Grace put her hand in her pocket. Suddenly her eyes lit up. “I've got it!” she said. She pulled her iPod out of her pocket. She flipped the volume to maximum. Then she placed the iPod on a nearby cart and hit the playlist button. Katy Perry's “Roar” began playing. “Dear God!” the boy exclaimed in shock. “What is that thing?” “Come on, let's go!” John urged as the trio ran towards the edge of the nearby forest. The distraction worked. The Black
KIDZone
11
Anim al planet
Parenting Moments in the Animal Kingdom
Which baby has the best mother?
Did you
know?
A baby gorilla has one Gorillas are a type of ape, of the best mums in along with chimpanzees, the world. A grown-up gibbons and orangutans. gorilla may look a bit All the apes make jolly frightening to us, but good mums! she's loving and gentle to her young. Not only does she groom the baby, she also feeds it for up to three years, as well as protects and helps it for longer still.
Why do ducklings play ‘follow-my-leader’? When ducklings hatch, they follow the first moving thing they see, which is usually their mother. By following her everywhere, they learn how to swim and feed. If they wander off, she only has to call and they fall in line!
14 KIDZone
Did you
know?
Play is how baby animals learn all sorts of important skills for grown-up life. Sea otters, for example, know how to have fun too. The mother tosses her baby into the air, and then catches it.
Why do pandas have one baby at a time? A giant mother panda gives her cub so much love and attention that she can only cope with one at a time. By looking after her cub for a year or more, she is helping to ensure that her baby survives.
Why do lion cubs chase their mother’s tail? Lion cubs are very playful, and pounce on anything that moves, especially the tassel on the end of their mum's tail. Games like this teach the cubs how to chase and pounce. These are skills they'll need when they have to hunt for themselves.
Did you know? A mother moose nudges her baby from behind. This tells the young moose that it has to keep moving on, even if it is feeling tired!
Which baby has lots of aunties? Besides having a mother, a baby elephant has lots of aunts. That's because female elephants live in a large family groups of up to 50 animals. In fact, a new calf not only has plenty of aunts, it has grannies, sisters and cousins too!
Did you
know?
There aren't many pandas left. Zookeepers fly their pandas around the world so they can meet other pandas, and hopefully, have babies.
groom – (of an animal) clean the
fur or skin of (itself or other animal)
wander – move slowly away from a fixed point or place
nudges – touches or pushes
(something) gently or gradually
Did you
know?
When a baby elephant is naughty, its mother punishes her calf by whacking it with her trunk. The calf learns quickly what it should and should not do. But a mother elephant will also use her trunk to stroke her baby and other young elephants in the herd. This is a sign of affection.
tassel – a tuft of loosely hanging
hair or threads knotted at one end stroke – an act of moving one's hand across a surface with gentle pressure
15
KIDZone
travel
und AroTHE WORLD
ad, D d m an u M g us ily n r i t a t De r le he fam e o f s t k er Than you plan year. H s help tion this our idea vaca ome of e best s are ake it th r! to m tion eve vaca , Love kids r u o Y
47%
of travellers with kids have taken at least two family vacations in the last year.
63%
3 Let me be responsible for my own rolling backpack to carry my electronics and whatever else I need.
4 Surprise me! Bring along new 5 Pack a collapsible insulated
cooler in our luggage to hold our water and snacks.
planning 1
o nZeo n e KID KZI D 20 4
packing
small toys or books for the trip.
of parents say their children influenced their vacation destination.
HO TEL
adv
We can visit Pinterest together and create pinboards to collect our ideas.
2 Making a family itinerary will
help us keep track of our daily schedule – we don't want to miss anything!
ice
from
Kids
66%
of parents say kids help to plan daily vacation activities.
activities 6 If it gets really hot, ice cream
and waterparks will keep us cool.
have the best sandcastle 7 We'll on the beach if our family builds one together!
8 Vacation means trying new food – does squid taste like chicken tenders?
90%
of kids say some of their best memories come from family vacations.
$
memories 9 Remind us to bring an
autograph book and a pen to get signatures at the theme park.
pinboards – boards covered with cork and fixed to a wall so that messages and pictures can be pinned on to it for display itinerary – a travel document recording a route or journey collapsible – (of an object) able to be folded into a small space insulated – prevent the passage of electricity to or from (something) by covering it in non-conducting material autograph – to write one's signature on (something); sign
10 Can we trade chores for souvenir money?
KIDZone
21
TS F A CR
Art Z a Cr n Sparkle r‘ e l m w m i O h S e
m illow o s e Aw c Art P ithout w w o ll i Fabri g ep cut ny cuttin a e t a Cre ng to do a g! in havi or sew
1
Retails for $24.90 at all leading department stores
Peel off the backing from the glitter stickers and paste them according to the shapes on the pillow.
2 Match the fabric flowers to the colours on the Fabric Art Pillow and use the fabric tool to poke them inside the holes in the pillow.
24
KIDZone
Materials you need: • • • •
Crafted by
Fabric Art Pillow Fashion fabric flowers Fabric tool Glitter stickers
©2014 DISNEY
IN CINEMAS 13 NOV