Myopia & What Helps

Nearsightedness is a common concern for children in Singapore.  It does not help when the parents are also blind bats.  Because nearsightedness can be hereditary.

We are all myopic.  So it was not surprising when E needed spectacles too.  We have been going to the eye doctor, a professional, since E had strabismus.  Although he no longer needed those eye patches, his myopia increase is something that has to be controlled.

At Primary 1, he was prescribed with his first pair of spectacles.  After 6 months, we were back at his Paediatric Ophthalmologist for review and alarmingly, his myopia increased pretty rapidly.

What's done cannot be undone.  It is definitely there to stay.  There is no cure to myopia.  The only way is to prevent it from further increasing.

Myopia arises when the eyeballs are longer than normal, which changes the angle at which light enters the eye and therefore the ability to focus on distant objects.  Thus, light rays from distant objects focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina. 

We all blame the reading, the gadgets and screen time.  We all know about limiting our time for using handheld devices and TV.  We all know about looking out to far distance.  But it all does not stop there.

We should take a break after 20 minutes of looking into handheld devices.  Which I am now making them be accountable for it themselves.  They set a timer on the iPad or timer and stop when it rings.

We learnt from the doctor that sunlight is good for the eyes too.  Reading up myself, I learn that we should all spend at least 20 minutes daily out in the sun, without sunglasses or tinted glasses.  Morning sun will be the best if UV is a concern (the bad harmful impact.  Sigh.)  For now, I tell the boys to get out to the field to walk or play after eating during recess to get their daily dose of the sunlight.

The boys are reminded that their eyes belong to them and we can only nag at them this much, threaten them that much.  They have a long way to go and should always love themselves.



Disclosure: I am not a doctor or a medical professional.  What is stated is my personal experiences and what I have learnt as a parent.

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{Review} Sit Tight, Laugh, Clap and Cheer at The Great Moscow Circus

Hello Singapore!  

If you have watched the short clip by the Ringmaster and his friends, you will know that The Great Moscow Circus is in town.  Till 2 Dec.

We hardly have a circus.  So this is one good chance to catch it.  Family-friendly, mind-blowing, and full of fun.  Not forgetting times you will be sitting at the edge of your seat.  Trust me, you should really watch it - I have been telling friends and people around me to go watch it.

Why?!

Because it is really that good.  With about 1,650 seats, no matter which seat you choose, you will be able to enjoy the Circus (I saw that a lot of the ringside seats are left with single seats for many dates).  Ringside seats are those that are nearest to the ring, and the performers are literally in front of you - not a must, but good if you can get those.

The boys love this act the most.  Colourful, funky and fast, these Fast Track Acrobats make cartwheels and flips look so easy.  But, I am pretty sure they are not.  

I would really love to tell you all the acts.  But no, I shall not.  Because, to be able to see and hear it is a thousand times (and more) better than just reading it.  

Juggler?  Yes

Clown?  Yes

Acrobats?  Yes Yes

Daredevils?  Yes Yes

Audience Interactions?  Yes Yes Yes

With more than 16 sensational acts, featuring over 45 circus stars, The Great Moscow Circus preserves the fun and thrills of the Circus of yesteryears, yet injects in the heart pounding experiences of today's Circus.  You will be glad to know that there are no animal acts.

One of my favourite.  The Aerialists.  At each turn and spin, the elegance and strength of the performers make me love them so much.  No safety net, no safety wires, the duo displays their acrobatic gymnastics in such an artistic, yet thrilling way.  Their fitness and daring acts are all that I admire.

If you are those who like that "heart in the throat" moments, this is for you.  For the first time in Singapore, the biggest Globe of Death will be one of the acts that make you remember and talk about The Great Moscow Circus for a long time.  With up to 5 speeding motorbikes in the steel globe, one wonders how they can speed together at the same time.  It takes an open minded, strong hearted individual to challenge this death-defying circus act.

We watch American Got Talent and British Got Talent quite abit and we saw familiar faces!  If you are a fan of this talent show, then you will be happy to see 2 of the acts in The Great Moscow Circus. 

Not forgetting the adorable and funny clown, who never fails to bring laughter to all those under the Mighty Big Top.  So, remember, it's a show not to be missed.

Not to be missed.  Indeed.

The Great Moscow Circus

25 Oct - 2 Dec 2018

Tue - Fri: 7.30pm
Sat: 12pm, 4pm & 7.30pm
Sun: 11am, 3pm & 6.30pm
Public Holiday: 12pm & 4pm

Tickets can be purchased at all Sistic outlets or online.

Just a friendly reminder.  No food and drinks allowed.  There are popcorn, candy floss, drinks available for sale there.  And the Circus merchandise too if you are interested.

Disclosure: We were invited to The Great Moscow Circus.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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Introduction to POSB Smart Buddy Programme - Should You Fear It?

In this day and age, technology is something we have to embrace.  Trying to work against it might bring fears and resistance.  But if I were to work around it, look at it positively, life will be much better right?

Frankly speaking, I went to the introduction of the POSB Smart Buddy Programme with a hint of skepticism.  When I first heard of this programme, my initial fears were about the inability to learn counting money due to the lack of contact with it, understanding the concepts of paying and getting back the change.  And of course, the touch and feel of real money and what it meant.

As the world's first in-school savings and payments wearable programme for primary school kids, it is essentially a watch with features.  For the child to pay his food at the school canteen or bookshop, track his steps and in-school location.  Now, this is only available at selected schools who have embarked on the journey.  

Hearing from other parents whose children are using this in their primary schools, it was not that all negative.  To me, the features such as tracking a child's steps, knowing his location is a yes for me.

A chargeable by USB wearable, this watch is easy to set up.  Simply download the app from the different smartphones' app store, activate the payment chip that goes into the watch and viola, the rest is a breeze.

We were unable to test the payment out in the school as D's school is not in the programme but I understand that parents set a daily allowance and when the child uses it at the school canteen, the amount used will be automatically deducted.  Parents can track what the child spends on and what he / she bought.  This definitely eliminates the "trust" issue because it's all known.  

If I am the parent on this programme, I will tell the child to just let me know what he wants to buy.  I mean, we all grow up and went through this phrase whereby we secretly bought that country eraser or pretty clip and hide it from our parents. However, there is no need to with this as we will all be able to know what is bought.  From there, we can explain to the child on how he should be spending his allowance and hopefully, he understands the logic of saving. 

Now, this feature is what D exclaims is the coolest.  The steps tracker.  I have never tracked his steps and am amazed that each day, he takes about 6000 steps,  From this number, I can actually tell a few things - whether he was active in school or was unwell and not moving much.  Not that it is real-time but I guess, it gives that little insight of what he does in school, apart from just him saying, "I went to the field to play! or "I was not feeling very well so I sat at the canteen during recess time.".

I wish that the watch is introduced on a larger scale basis.  I would like to see how it can include the locator feature island-wide - not to the extent of the exact position real-time, but at least for primary school children, the ability to track when they reach and exit school, board and alight the public transport and from there, we will be able to know how long it takes to reach home or if they are home.

Beyond the fears of children not being able to count money, we should look at the prospects of this watch, and I think, "when you can't fight them, why not join them?" (in terms of technology) and make it a better wearable for the better of our children.

Disclosure: We were given a POSB Smart Buddy for the purpose of this review.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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My Little Climbing Room - A Place to Climb All You Want

A new indoor playground just sprouted in the North East of Singapore!

With colourful walls, it was a pleasant sight.  Initially, my first thoughts was the small area.  However, it was enough to keep the children occupied.  Space is never an issue to children indeed!

My Little Climbing Room is a perfect place to expend those energy of the little ones.  Catered to children from 0 to 12 years old, I thought it was perfect for ages 5-7.  The older ones may be able to complete everything in a very short while and that is why, there are challenges for them.

Looking at these walls, it is really not easy.  But with encouragement from the parents, it is not impossible to ring the bell for the 5/6 years old.  Because E managed to do it.

Some parents may think that the instructors should be assisting with the rock climbing but in fact, the folks at My Climbing Room encourage parents to be part of the fun as the children definitely will feel safe with us and it is also a good opportunity to bond with the kids.

I really like these slightly shorter walls as it was through these that E found the confidence to attempt the taller ones.  We were all initially very enthusiastic to try the tall 4-meter walls but halfway up, boys felt initimidated, and felt they could not do it.  After rounds of 'games' at the number wall, interactive wall and obstacle wall, they felt braver.

Limited to only 15 children and 15 adults per 90-minute session, one probably think that there are not enough walls or things to do.  Don't worry as there are other 'ground' toys at their Wheelie Zone, where children learn balance and coordination while playing.

During the 90-minute session, the first 30 minutes will be free play.  The next 30 will be group games (read:parents rest) and the last 30 minutes will be another round of free play.

A total of 1 hour to complete this challenge card to redeem a mystery gift!  Don't all kids love a challenge? 

More details as follows:

- Weekday sessions are unlimited play time.  Woohoo!  Group games will be conducted every 2 hours.
- Each admission pass admits one child and one adult.  Additional adult is at $5 each.
- Multi passes are available and are transferrable.  So if your children loves climbing or moves non-stop, good deal!
- Parties can be hosted there so check it out with the staff at My Little Climbing Room.

My Little Climbing Room is having their Grand Opening on 30 September 2017!  This for that weekend (30 Sep and 1 Oct), admission passes are discounted!  At just $15 each (usual: $22), there will be free popcorn, candy floss and special prizes for the children speed competitions.

Book online now here and online booking is highly recommended due to the limited capacity.  You would want a fuss-free play time right?

Do not forget grip socks!!!

Disclosure: We were invited by My Little Climbing Room for the purpose of this review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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5th Brick-Versary @ LEGOLAND Malaysia!

Happy 5th Birthday, LEGOLAND Malaysia!

It has been 5 years.  I remembered the first time we stepped foot in September 2012, with E in stroller and the many rides that the 2 of them couldn't take.  5 years later, we are back here again, with many rides done and dusted.  But pending their opening of a new exhibit!

This 5th Brick-Versary, there are many many activities going on.  Before the celebrations end on 30 September 2017, make a trip down!  If not, I am sure October will bring the Halloween events and activities.

First up, let's take a photo with the giant birthday cake and at the same time, contribute to the "making" of it.

You get a memorabilia once you completed a part of the "cake".  :)

You know how sometimes we have certain Lego Minifigures that we do not really fancy?  Well, have it traded here at selected timings!  There are many different kinds!

Apart from the existing rides, mascots appearances, one must try ride is the pretty new Ninjago Ride.  The first ever cutting edge 4D indoor ride in Asia, the children love it!  We adults thought it was very cool too.

That's not all!  Every visitor gets a goodie coupon and guess what?!  Scratch it and you could be the lucky guest to win an all-expense paid trip to LEGOLAND Japan for your family.  There are also others like discounts or free merchandise with a certain amount of purchase.  A good time and place to get your Lego collections!

Disclosure: We were invited to the event at LEGOLAND Malaysia.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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{Media Invite} Changi Loves Kids - I Kid You Not!

Changi Loves Kids - I Kid You Not!

I am sure you know how much we love to hang out at Changi Airport.  Many times, I hear my boys saying, Mummy, so and so said they went to the airport on Saturday.  So I guess, many love our award winning airport.

This September school holidays, Changi Airport is set to wow children with their Changi Loves Kids Carnival.  From now until the Children's Day weekend, get ready to have fun at our own airport with games and rides.  There are dining specials too!

  

Carnival operating hours:

31 Aug - 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 Sep & 1, 6 - 8 Oct : 12noon to 11pm daily

15, 22, 29 Sep : 6pm to 11pm

Apart from the Carousel, Heli Jet Ride and Western Train, there are these carnival games.  Looks easy but not!  The boys love these and tried hard to win a prize.

Each capsule in the claw machine contains a note and if you are lucky enough, you may win something!  I heard that there are Sea Aquarium tickets and Nanoblock!

Purchase of carnival passes is available at the ticket counters at the carnival area located at Terminal 3, near Departure Hall check-in row 11.  Each pass is S$10 and allows the holder access to any four rides or games.  Alternatively, one may redeem by presenting a maximum of two same-day receipts with a minimum spend of S$60 (S$80 for supermarkets) from any Changi Airport Public Area retail or F&B outlet to redeem three carnival passes.  Other terms and conditions apply and more information can be found here.

I thought the easiest way to redeem the carnival passes is by eating at one of their F&B outlet.  And to sweeten the deal, at some of the F&B outlets, kids dine for free - on weekends between 11am and 2pm during the carnival period.

There are lots of food outlets that offer kids menus.  From japanese to western.  From rice to burgers.  And one of the food outlets that is participating in "kids dine for free" programme is the famous Hello Kitty Orchid Garden.  With every adult main ordered, the child gets a complimentary kid's meal.

With a newly launched Kids Menu, no better time to visit them but now, right?!

One of the favourites among children, the Holy Macaroni is a hit with E.  Thumbs up!  And the portion is good for him.

There is always room for waffles, I do not know why.  And children love waffles.

The adults' main courses which we thought were pretty good.  For a theme cafe, this is pretty decent.

Rain or shine, the Airport is always a great place to go.  Bias I know, but that's because we really love going to the airport.  :)

Disclosure: We were invited to the event at Changi Airport.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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Cold Storage Kids Run 2017

The family loves going for family runs.  Since a baby in the stroller, B and I brought them out for family runs often.  Then, the number of family runs were not as many as what we have today.

One of the runs that have been around since we started our family runs is the Cold Storage Kids Run. At it's 10th edition this year, the crowd was massive!  It is heartening to see both the young and the old coming together for a great morning workout.  Be it a walk or a run, it is definitely both a healthy lifestyle and a great bonding time together.  What can be better than this?!

Who doesn't like rewards?  A medal to encourage the next run, to prove an achievement and a reminder that we reap what we sow.

The Kids Run is a very family oriented run.  With children in mind, there are lots of activities for the children.  Even milk is free for the keen little ones.

The run was carried out in different waves - one for each age group.  The good of it being that similar ages, similar capability and thus, probably easier to run.  The bad?  B had to run with E and D with me as we fall under 2 different categories.  So it was not exactly a family run.  

This run, D was tripped over by another kid and fell.  Instead of whining, he picked himself up and ran again.  Sometimes, kids show us the resilience we thought they do not have.  And I am guilty of that.

End of the day, though we were all sweaty and smelly, we thought we had much fun.  A good workout too.  We definitely welcome more family runs.  Of course, I am sure if the runs are priced reasonably, many will be interested too.

Disclosure: We were invited to the event.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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{Media Invite} Singapore's First Ski and Snow Open @ Snow City

Looking for some place to "hide" from the sunny Singapore this weekend?  Why not head to Singapore's First Ski and Snow Open at Snow City?!

Just for 5 and 6 August 2017, Singapore's first ski and snow open and Singapore's first snow travel expo will be at Snow City.  For registered visitors, there will be ample activities for both children and adults.  If you did not register and just thought of giving it a visit, there are talks every other hour too, such as "Injury Prevention for Skiing", not forgetting the available deals for the next ski holidays.

But, I would strongly advise registration because of the free skiing and snowboarding try outs.

Throughout the event, at certain timings on a first come first serve basis for registered visitors, the G.Os from Club Med will conduct their own Snowsports Try Outs to give parents a chance to preview the lessons the children can experience while at Club Med's all-inclusive ski holidays.

Ski equipment is provided and these G.Os are really lovely and good with children.

I believe many have not heard about Follow Me Japan.  But looking at the packages they have, it looks like they have tours to places that aren't that common.  The good of it?  Plenty of new places to explore.  Plus, they specialise in customised Japan holiday tours!  This Expo, be sure to check them out if you are planning for your next winter holiday.

We never know if we can be skiing like Coach David Murrie (photo below) until we try.  And SportQuest Snowsports Academy is here to help.  

A market leader in the local snowsports and snow travel industry, SportQuest's focus is to provide an effect, safe and fun snowsports learning curriculum for people like us in a country where it is always summer.  So if you are interested in taking skiing and snowboarding lessons, you can now do so.  Available for kids too, yea.  :)

Last but not least, if you ask E if skiing is fun?  You bet!

Disclosure: We were invited to the event by SportsQuest Pte Ltd.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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