Kids' World

There's no doubt about it. Kids bring complications to our lives. 
courtesy of fillinn.com
They appear when we least expect them to; disappear when we most desire them to stay, or do a no-show when we expect them to. They do not come with manuals on how to be fixed or dealt with.  And they bring into our orderly, pristine adult lives chaos and mess.  Yes, they inspire love, joy and tenderness; not forgetting the other range of emotional repertoire (anger, distress, exasperation, and helplessness) that only these little people can invoke in human beings ten times their size.

They remind us of our past. They aspire us to be better people.  They show us our weakness and make us confront our fears. They teach us to be patient and kinder beings; to stop and reflect; to forgive and to remember.  They bring us to our knees, then build us up and made us stronger.   And just as we thought that we have mastered one phase, they challenge us with another.  The most famous of television Dads, Bill Cosby once said, "Even though your kids will consistently do the exact opposite of what you're telling them to do, you have to keep loving them just as much." 

Why? Because kids have an innate ability to find that hidden button of yours and pushed it multiple times, then find it again and pushed it a dozen times more.  Because laughter and love are the only way to help you stay sane during the tough moments when you really want to throttle the kid.  Because by showing them your love despite their mischiefs and misbehaviour, you are upholding the higher order of the universe - being an adult. And because that's also how you show them how you'll like to be treated when you are a senior citizen.

Celebrity actor Johnny Depp jokes: "When kids hit one year old, it's like hanging out with a miniature drunk. You have to hold onto them. They bump into things. They laugh and cry. They urinate. They vomit."

Kids! They are messy and complicated, but they are your legacy. Whether you want to or not, once you have kids, you become a parent.  And in this elevated role as parents, you start your 20-year PHD course to teach, guide, and influence the young ones in your charge.  It is a huge job and  a life-long career.  But, if you lay your foundation well, do lots of research (i.e. keep reading this blog), you will do very well.


Kids and stuff
The 15-minute birthday party
Birthday party suppliers
Brain supplements for your child
Increase your child's memory
Mid-Brain Activation - does it work?
The Singlish Dilemma
Fostering a positive attitude towards learning
Expert tips on creativity

Parenting Concerns
How much do you need to raise a child?
When should kids have their own mobile phones?
Internet safety for your child
Are we over-scheduling our preschool-er?
Is 6-year-old too young to go solo?

Behaviour and Discipline

Zoe Tay shares about her 3 boys and discipline issues
Discipline from a child's perspective
How to stop nose picking
Teaching kids manners
The class bully
Aggressive kids

Education - Preschool years
The different preschool curriculum
Best preschools in the North
Best preschools in the South
Best preschools in the East
Best preschools in the West
Cutting Edge preschool curriculum
I don't want to go to school

Education - Primary School years
Getting into a TOP primary school in Singapore
Primary School: top schools to volunteer
The essential guide to parent-volunteering
The school gate principal
Help your child to like homework
How to prepare yourself for your child's exam?
How to prepare your child for exams?