Archive for the ‘Kids: Fun At Home’ Category

HUMAN MULTI-TASKING is such a PHENOMENON.

AT WORK, “one requirement” I mention to prepare new officers and at staff appraisal is the “ability to multi-task”. Of course, as an employee, I am required to REALLY multi-task too. 

[Frankly, till I lose my job focus sometimes.]

As working parents, our multi-tasking skill is further stretched.

We have been tested and proven that human ability to handle between 2 or more tasks AND aspiring to deliver the best for 2 or more important responsibilities at the SAME TIME —- IS POSSIBLE!

[although VERY CHALLENGING!!]

Yeah?

 Nowadays, I hardly hear about people implying that they do not need to multi-task.

———–

Even for my boys….In school, there are times when they have to be Group Leader/Monitor and STUDENT concurrently. Other times when they try to use that short interval of 20 minutes during recess break to rush off to bookshop, play with friends and still fill their stomachs.

At home, they are sometimes found playing or reading or even writing WHILE eating; singing while bathing; dozing off while doing school homeworks; AND reading while doing that business in the toilet.

For parents while at home, we multi-task among the housework, spending time with our kids, running our own errands and …….

Just that in parenting, we contentedly choose to and not being assigned to multi-task. Given that limited hours in a day to spend quality time  with family and for oneself…..

And when I have to see my PARTNER IN LIFE multi-task as a PARENT, especially these particular moments…..

It amuses me.

But it also demonstrates how an exhausted father could have chosen sleep but prefers — to relax and also spends time with his kids instead, in return for that FAMILY JOY. * I salute him*

Papa spending time with the boys on a game of chess while enjoying a leg and back massage.

Next, Papa playing 2 different types of Board Games, with two different boys at the same time.  I will never be able to concentrate like this on two games that require thinking unless I am out to lose..haha.

I am not sure if our boys APPRECIATE moments like these. However, I know they definitely ENJOYED themselves while I watched on this time - for a change.  Hence, every moment like this, is WORTH IT *grin*

The result of a parent’s equal attention for both kids and fairness despite multi-tasking - Abundance of Happiness and Laughters.  

Moments of multi-tasking like this for our family — are what MAKES our LIFE CHALLENGING but FULFILLING & COMPLETE.

And, we make full and good use of our time —- to develop super abilities and skills too *haha*.

Heard of this?

“The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.”
- William Arthur Ward -

Yes, a great teacher never fail to inspire regardless of the aptitude or quality of the students.

In life, even if we are not qualified teachers by profession, we  somehow play the role of “Teachers”, to our children, family, friends and colleagues.

As parents, we try our best to TEACH our children many things ( like the right set of values in life, the right behaviours),

And we Prepare them for their new milestones and journey to adulthood.

[I remember when I was a child, my mom would TELL me not to do this and that but I never actually got to know why. When I encountered difficulties as a child, my mom would settle them for me and I wish someone would show me how instead.

Then, I wish I had someone to inspire me to do what I faced most difficulties in than having it done for me. And someone to tell me not to avoid when I meet obstacles and inspire me to continue with my efforts even if I might not get the result that I need instantly.

That was when I was a child and what I did not have the opportunity to learn back then .....]

Now as a parent, I trully appreciate the importance of our role as a parent and teacher in inspiring our children.  Easy to say and not so easy to remember all the time BUT I am learning.

——–

Anyway, Teachers’ Day is 2 days away and in appreciation, the boys had prepared some handmade cards and gifts for their Teachers. It is more personal to make than to buy and it also gives  the opportunity for the boys to work on art and craft which they hardly have the chance to lay their hands on recently - especially with more school homework.

So, with some materials bought from Daiso, these are some of the results of our joint efforts

Once in a while, we immerse ourselves in our kids’ world.

We play PS3, arcade and ball games together. We play hide-and-seek and chasing. We engage in water splashing challenge in the pool. We allow the kids to win us in board games. He crawls/climbs with the kids at the playground.  I let my hair down and sing/dance with the kids. He challenges the kids to games of arm wrestling. Many more…

These are our childish moments together *hee*.

[I find these moments easier to treasure and remember instead of those shopping and movie watching moments together.]

It is FUN!

It enables us to relive our childhood life and  experience the joy that we have never had before.

It allows our Papa Ed, who usually plays the firm father role, to show his fun-loving side to the kids.

It makes us feel YOUNGER although not as energetic as before.

It allows our kids to feel a sense of pride because these are some moments that they can outshine their parents *haha*.

Most importantly, these are one of those QUALITY TIME that we engage ourselves with our kids. All enjoy it!

And…I would very much like our kids to carry these memories with them even as they grow - the PARENT TIMES that we have much FUN, LAUGHTER and ENJOYMENT together as a family.

Yay!

See what I mean when I say that it is FUN….we  find true meanings in this fun way of bonding *smile*.

The kids hiding from mommy

Mommy giving chase

Darren claiming victory because mommy was slower to find her way out of the maze

I love the bright smiles on the kids’ faces

Never too old to be sporty..hee.. not that we are that old now.

Not as agile as before but never a constrain to be part of our kids’ play

Another of Darren’s weekly art edition *smile*.

[You might have read our earlier post on 12 July about Darren's latest hobby to create art editions of his family members.]

Subject: Family

Topic : The Race. How Papa Shows That He Is Strong and Fast

Illustrations and Narration: With courtesy by Darren

——

 His story starts…..race with horses

 [In his drawing, mommy has become a horse! Luckily, he has not forgotten to draw my hair on my head. I like it though because in his photos, we always look so HAPPY.]

Darren: “One day, Darren and Mumy is chasing Papa’s car with a horse.”

Mommy:”Why did Papa drive off without waiting for us? Why do we chase him with horses when I can use my car?”

Darren:”Because Papa wants to go first and see how fast we are. I think a horse is faster than a car! Haha!”

Mommy:”Really?”

Darren:”Naughty Papa. Want to show that he is strong and fast. Actually, we are faster!”

Mommy:”?”

His story continues…..race with bus

Darren:”Papa chasing a bus. Papa drives so fast until his car engine spoils. Now, he has no car and he has to run after a bus. He is strong. He can catch up with a bus!”

His story ends…..race with gogo

 Darren:”It is Games Day. Papa wants to challenge gogo a race. Papa is showing that he is strong.”

[his gogo means brother Brendan]

Mommy:”So, Papa wins since he is strong?”

Darren:”No. You guess wrong. Gogo wins!”

Mommy:”Huh?”

Darren:”Because Papa is so strong and stamps his feet so loud until the ”judge”scold him and he lose.”

Mommy:”HUH?”

Darren and Mommy:”Hahahaha…hahaha…!”

——

He is imaginative and creative, isn’t he? Illustrating a story with a “twist” in the ending. Piecing all the stories together when the pictures are actually drawn on different occasions.

It is nice to know that our little boy holds so much respect for his dad for being strong and fast (in his own words). Except that the ending is  a pleasant surprise that made his Papa laugh too.

And our little boy really enjoys the narration while mommy enjoys typing it - as Darren lets his imaginations do the work and laughs out loud.

Over the weekends, he made us laugh with his latest art theme of “Sunny and Rainy Day”. It is not how well he draws but how he portrays his Papa and Mama from his little artpiece.

This is what he drew.

What's Papa doing on a sunny day?

Our boy narrates for the sunny day version:

“It is a hot sunny day.

Papa is watering plants.

Darren and Brendan are lazing on the beds.

Mommy is in the house doing something.”

[Haha, our boy must have seen too much of his Papa watering the plants in our little garden.]

What’s most interesting is the next picture. The rainy day version.

What's Mommy doing on a rainy day?

Mommy: “So that must be mommy? Haha..you have finally given mommy a new hairstyle!”

Darren:”Yah.Heehee…”

Mommy:”Oh! I am flying two kites! So challenging! That must be the strong wind blowing!”

Darren:”No. That is not kite. You are holding two umbrellas.”

Mommy:”You mean those are mini umbrellas? Oh! I see. So those dropping down is the rain. “

Darren:”Yah..heehee..haha…”

Mommy:”Why am I holding two umbrellas outside the house?”

Darren:”You are sheltering the flowers so that they don’t get wet and drenched. You are protecting the flowers, mommy. I  know you like flowers and you don’t want them to die”

Mommy:”Then mummy must be drenched while protecting the flowers since the umbrellas are so small.”

Darren:”No mommy. I take care of you. So that is why you have two umbrellas. Heehee…haha….

Mommy:”Then what are all of you doing at home?”

Darren:”It is at night already. So we are all sleeping and Papa is using computer.”

Mommy:”So mommy is standing outside protecting the flowers under heavy rain while it is late at night?”

Darren:”Yah. Haha..Haha. So, mommy, you like what I draw for you?”

Mommy:???

Hmm..I was speechless. Then we broke into laughter together.

I really love these drawings. Our children are indeed observant.

In real life, I do not go to the extent of sheltering plants under the rain but I do love planting. However, as I am really busy now, Papa Ed has been playing the role of our home gardener for a while.  For this, I must thank Papa Ed for setting up the landscaping in our little garden and Darren for helping me to choose new plants and also water them at times.

These drawings show how we are, who we are from the eyes of our children.  At other times, they reflect how our children feel for us.

I am happy that Darren has this initiative and creative idea to present these surprises to us each week. It helps us to bond in a way and laugh out loud too. Most importantly, he is fair cos both Papa and Mama get a picture each.

Really, I am already looking forward to what Darren is going to draw for us in the coming week *Smile*.

Thank You Darren. We like these very much *Big Hug*.

In Toy Story 3, we saw how children grow up and either donate, discard, store or neglect the toys that they used to spend so much GOOD OLD TIMES with.

I was touched by the story. To me, it is about sentiments and memories.

When I was young…..

I didn’t have the chance to play with that many toys. I recalled how I would share the limited toys with  my neighbours and cousins.

I remember fondly how we used to be highly innovative during our play times, simply making good use of resources around us like sand, leaves, seeds, rubber bands and cloth. 

Amongst others, we played with five stones (made with cloth and beans), skipping ropes made of rubber bands, and marbles. 

Most fun of all - we climbed trees, went on hunt for fruits, played hide and seek in the estate (where compound was large and not constrained by boundary) and fished along the drain (longkang).

Hmm…I am all smiles as I recall.  It was tremendous fun then, even though we had little toys.  Needless to say, I didn’t have the chance to keep any piece of those old toys as keepsake for today.

All the fun we had is in my memory…the fun of playing as a group, sharing and exploring.

Today……

With commercialisation, the varieties of toys have increased.  Toys are bought and played with.

However, how many toys would the children hold dear to as they get fascinated soon by other toys?

With technology, it becomes a common sight for children to carry handphones (which has easy access to games) and electronic game sets.

Besides the luxury of playing with a wide selection of toys, childern can still choose to be resourceful when it comes to play time.

Despite the number of toys that they have owned, they sometimes invent interesting play ideas with existing items at home.

I can seriously relate to this as Darren is creative in keeping himself out of boredom with items he is allowed access to.

His play items are extensive - from laundry basket, bags, kitchen paper roll, chopsticks, empty bottles, clothes hanger - to even my hair clips!

He makes me remember our childhood moments - like I say before playing with leaves, tree branches, many others and even my mom’s handbag *haha*.

Take a Peep…..

At these pictures to catch Darren in action having fun play times with items like laundry basket, balls, sticks, bags and books. 

It can be really messy at times but as long as he does not play with the forbidden items and keeps the items after play, I am alright *grin*.

My exercise hula hoop, bag, books, balls - in for a fun “ball” time

No wonder our laundry basket is missing! As for the books, they apparently have become dividers *lol*.

Chairs are now "goal posts"?

Here, out little boy at PLAY:)

It is good to encourage creative play times for our children (advice: with close supervision by parents for younger children).  Allow them to explore, imagine and share through playing - just like how we used to enjoy ourselves during our younger days. 

These are memories of FUN that will follow us for a life time and not for the moment only.

 Have you or your young ones tried the FINGER PRINTING ART before?

I came across the finger printing art set by FABER-CASTELL while at Popular Book store the other day. 

I thought : “It will be a creative holiday activity for the boys and a good way to exercise their motor skills”.   So I bought it to create another family activity with the boys.  True enough, I am glad that the boys really enjoy and like it after trying out.

Just a look at the samples in the art book and Darren is thrilled by the number of stuff he can finger print!

I love this floral design found in the art book.

A car sample from the art book.

Let the “fingers do the pressing” and we can never imagine the number of designs that we can create simply with our fingers.  We can create different designs and sizes, simply by the placement of our different fingers.  Yeah, it is like the “thumb print” concept except that we are free to use any fingers.  To me, this seems like an artwork that could be accepted by people of any age group, besides the children.

I like the fact that the paints used are non-toxic and they are easily cleaned off with tissue paper or wet tissues. No worries about spill, stains or cleaning.

In two hours, we managed to make four cards using the technique of Finger Printing. It is just timely as Father’s Day Cards, both for Papa Ed and Grandpa.

Mommy's first finger printing art piece for the boys :)

Brendan's special card for Father's Day. According to him the theme is "Save the Earth" and "A Smiling Earth"

Darren's card for Papa Ed

This card is meant for Grandfather (Ah Gong)

The Finger Printing Art Book, that came with the paint set, served as useful reference guides too for the boys. Being our first time, the book certainly provides great ideas for us.  Found a site “billybear4kids” that gives us more ideas too.

Keen to try out new methods of colouring or painting besides using crayons, colour pencils and magic ink?  Why not try finger printing with your young ones? Let their imaginations run!

Im my younger days, playing “Five Stones” was an enjoyable game activity. 

With a minimal of 2 players, we would be  having friendly matches and at the same time, putting our motor skill, concentration and agility to the test.

My mother would handmake these “Five Stones” for us, simply with beans, fabric and by sewing.

I remember it as I have a good time playing it with my family and friends.

One toss of the stone(s) into the air and with the same hand, another quick move to grab another stone(s) from the surface and then the one from the air! There are stages involved. Each stage gets tougher.  

Ultimately it is to determine how swift our hand is in grabbing these “fabric” stones - that is not to let them drop after we toss them into the air.

Oh, I missed those childhood days……

 When I saw these “Five Stones” at a shop, I bought them to play with Brendan and Darren.

I thought it is a great idea to share with the boys one of the traditional games that we used to play…nothing fanciful or expensive ….but yet never failed to bring FUN.

We were not too bad with this game in our good old times and I thought our boys will have no problem either. Or so I thought….

Hmm…Practice Makes Perfect. They need more practices because ensuring that the “stones” do not fall to the surface is definitely not easy for them. Juggling with two “stones” are not easy either.

Nevertheless, we have FUN. *Grin*

Sometimes, the stones got tossed too high up or faraway. Sometimes, the boys are not fast in grabbing the next stone.

 Hmm…They are still far from mastering a stage or two. With practice, I am sure they will soon be there *smile*.

Well, if you have played this game before, how do you like it? Are you an expert?

Here’s a video on how to play the game. Do you think it is easy? Try it to find out!

Two weeks ago, during my birthday, I have birthday greetings from POKEMON CHARACTERS *hee*.

Brendan and Darren, like usual years, have decided to present to me their BIRTHDAY WISHES in THEIR OWN SPECIAL WAY— through self-made pokemon cards (their favourite cartoon character of all time).  I have indeed received a number of self-made POKEMON cards from Brendan over the years. However, I still like them because each of them reflects their individual effort, their beautiful thoughts and improved drawing skills.

What really touches me are not only their efforts in making the “cards” for me but also their “thoughtful words” and “their impressions of me” which are explained in the cards.

FROM BRENDAN

He designed A CARD, A BOOKMARK and A POEM. 

The card……( I love the words and the cute pokemons)

Front Cover

 Inside of the card

Back Cover

The huge bookmark ….. ( lovely!)

The poem…. (4 simple sentences means a thousand words)

It warms my heart to stumble on “A Paper of Concept” where Brendan conceptualised what he wanted to make for me. Somehow, I am very happy to see this.  It shows his effort to do his best and also that he has learnt to organise his thoughts and plan.

 FROM DARREN

Haha..Darren didn’t want to give less than his elder brother and so he also designed A CARD, A BOOKMARK and A POEM.

I especially like the way he described me to be as “LIKEABLE” and “NICE” as PIKACHU! *lol*

Also the way he has constantly drawn my hair. I am not sure how that two pony tails come about but that has always been the way I have looked in my other portraits drawn by Darren*grin*.

Haha…I have won myself a “Star” and “Lots of love”.  Not sure why I am called Alice and perhaps he meant Alice in Wonderland?

Finally, a blue colour and heart shape paper gun (his kind thoughts to keep me safe) and another blue cut-out, with a heart, to illustrate to me that his love for me is inside his heart.  Really very sweet!

**********

In my heart, these are one of the most precious gifts I receive each year. I really like them and also the “Candles” that came as a pleasant surprise.  Thank You! FATHER AND SONS *I appreciate*.

With the tender care of Brendan, our little terrapin “Le Le” has grown.  It has been 11 months since “Le Le” came into the family.

“Le Le” is now very aware of our presence as it will scramble towards us and surprisingly respond actively to yellow colour.

Brendan enjoys personal moments of touch with Le Le and also feeding it:)

Keeping a pet involves responsibilities and we make sure our little boy is mindful of it.

I never know that regular writing of feedback and complaints can improve a young one’s written English. I also marvel at how a young boy’s eagerness to understand his game, can actually motivate him to spend more efforts, recognising his words and WRITE.

Well, at least, it works for my little one, Darren. For him, it is A WAY that hastens his reading and writing abilities, in a natural way *smile*.

Looking back….

A year ago, Darren was still not that good in forming complete sentences. Getting him to cultivate the habit of writing was at a snail’s pace.  Prior to his admission to Primary 1, just about 4 months ago, he was only keen to form 1 or 2 complete sentences.

Current Progress…..

He is able to write lengthy and complete passages.  It is quite a quick advancement despite the imperfect grammar.  Frankly, I am happy with his progress *smile*.

Lately……

Our little one has been pestering me to buy pens and booklet for him. I noticed that he has suddenly discovered the FUN of WRITING and has, hence, fallen in love with WRITING.  Somehow, the passion has grown stronger these few weeks and I hope it would last. 

I saw him writing lots of topics of his interest on used papers. The topics captured were FUN. So I thought “Not a bad idea at all to let him have a good headstart in writing by encouraging him to continue his style of WRITING IN A FUN WAY.”

Darren's latest booklet that contains his writings of his little secrets and interests *smile*

Then, I got him the booklet and he started his writing hobby. I mean real writing hobby because for a moment, he and his booklet were inseparable. For unknown reasons, he suddenly has so much to express.  Besides using the book as a diary (actually, I am surprised where he got the idea to start a diary), he also uses it to write and draw any topic that interests him.

WRITING IN A FUN WAY means the contents are actually full of his favourite game characters, enjoyable places that he has visited, unforgettable and pleasant experiences, captivating things that has brought him much excitement, and his favourite topic of all time - his elder brother, Brendan *LOL*.   Wow! I am amazed at how long and expressive he could be, when it comes to writing complaints about his brother - who apparently has irritated him *wink*.

See how a young boy can get so inspired to write a LONG passage when it comes to complaining about his brother

Here is an extract of his written complaints.

“Brendan is very naughty

Brendan jump bed to bed

He still say good

He go and knock the door

He still play

He still dance

He still laugh

and dance again

He keep laughing

He jump bed to bed again

He still go to the toilet and laugh more

He still laugh more and more never stop

He dance more and more never stop

He keep playing never stop.”

[Well, this is definitey not his only written complaints. Hmm....not a bad idea afterall for him to express his grievances about his brother, in written form, for us to witness INSTEAD of their usual verbal war *LOL*].

Our personal experiences…..

Our little one’s written skill has improved in a short time frame - NOT DUE TO tuition; NOT BY force; NOT DUE TO pressure.

In fact, in Darren’s case, I believe in allowing him to write freely at this moment, with no delibrate attempt by us to correct his sentences or grammar.  No doubt  it is important that he is also taught the correct grammatical usage (which we are teaching him through other exercises anyway).  However, it is more important at this moment to continue inspiring him in his interest to learn and write than dampen his spirits by being overly critical or restrictive.

THE KEY IS LET THE CHILD LEARN IN A FUN WAY.

IF A CHILD ENJOYS HIS OWN WAY OF LEARNING AND CAN INDEED LEARN MORE, LET IT BE. 

[Perhaps, in another separate post, I will share how our elder brother's influence and the boys' gaming interests have indirectly inspired our little one to pick up his reading and writing abilities in his own way:)]