Shoebox 4 Syria - Let's Make a Child Smile for Eid 2015

WHAT IS SHOEBOX 4 SYRIA?

Image Credit: Shoebox 4 Syria

Conceptualised in the UK last year (2014), a group of like-minded people decided that they wanted to help put a smile on the faces of displaced and refugee children in war-torn Syria, during the joyous month of Eid (2015). So using the simple but brilliant idea of filling a shoebox to the brim with thoughtful little presents, these gift-wrapped shoeboxes will then be collectively shipped over to Syria for the children to receive in time for Eid. 

:: PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL SHOEBOX4SYRIA WEBSITE ::

WHO ARE THE SYRIAN CHILDREN?

A young Syrian child thinks that the camera is a gun pointed at her, so raises her arms in surrender.
(Image Credit: Osman Sagirli)

Syria faces ongoing armed conflict which started out as anti-government protests but soon escalated into a full-scale civil war. More than 11 million people have been forced from their homes. Over 5 million are innocent children who are in need of emergency help. For them, the horrors of war is an everyday reality. Forced to leave their homes, school, friends, toys and all things familiar in their lives behind, all these children long for is a normal childhood once again. And what else can put a smile on their face? Being able to play and just be a child.

WHAT IS EID?

Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadhan for all Muslims, and is a celebrated joyous festivity. It is a time to show happiness, pray, ask for forgiveness, and be charitable. Most people will decorate their homes and prepare great feasts for their family and friends. It is customary to give gifts especially to young children, or some cultures also give monetary gifts. Although Syria is a predominantly Muslim country, these Eid gifts will be distributed to all children regardless of their faith. Shoebox 4 Syria also welcomes donations from people of all walks of life :)

WHAT KIND OF SHOEBOX SHOULD YOU USE?

The box must have a lid.

It can be the usual cardboard shoebox you get when you buy some new shoes from a shop, or a small plastic storage box, or even a nice gift box you purchased (from Daiso, Ikea, Popular, etc). As long as it has a lid.


WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS OF THE CHILDREN?

Baby: 0 - 3yrs
Girl (Younger): 3 - 6yrs
Boy (Younger): 3 - 6yrs
Girl (Older): 7 - 11yrs
Boy (Older): 7 - 11yrs


WHAT SHOULD YOU PUT IN THE SHOEBOX?

Top L-R: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Skipping Rope, Stationary Set.

Bottom L-R: Cookies, Candy, Balloons, Notebooks.

This is your own Eid present for the children, so don't be too stressed about it and just give what you feel is in your heart, and what you think is appropriate for the age group. Here are a few of my own suggestions, as well as from the official website:

BABY - Bib, Rattle, Teethers, Ball, Baby Biscuits, Baby Blocks, Sensory-Play Items, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Socks, Plush Toy, Sorting Toys.

BOYS - Toy Car, Ball, Comb, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Playing Cards, Action Figure Toy, Puzzle, Marbles, Stickers, Candy, Lollipops, Cap, Colouring Pencils/ Crayons, Colouring Books.

Top L-R: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Skipping Rope, Stationary Set.
Bottom L-R: Cookies, Candy, Balloons, Notepads.

GIRLS - Skipping Rope, Hair Accessories, Ball, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Doll, Puzzle, Beads & String, Stickers, Candy, Lollipops, Scarf, Colouring Pencils/ Crayons, Colouring Books.



DO'S & DON'TS

DO GIVE: 

a) Edible treats that are Halal
b) Age appropriate gifts

c) A variety of things
d) Things you think your own children would like

DON'T GIVE:
a) Chocolate
 b) Sharp items
c) Military-themed or toy weapons
d) Second-hand items
e) Tinned food

f) Any liquids

g) Anything that is easily breakable

h) Perishable items
i) Any toys that require batteries


HOW TO WRAP THE SHOEBOX?

Please wrap the box and the lid separately.

Use some nice wrapping paper to wrap the box and the lid SEPARATELY, and only use a rubber band to seal it shut. This is so that the organisers can check through the contents of each shoebox.

Seal the shoeboxes with rubber bands only and label each box clearly according to gender and age.

WHERE TO SEND THE SHOEBOX?

SINGAPURA DROP-OFF POINTS:

(2 locations)

71, BUKIT BATOK CRESCENT, #06-10 PRESTIGE CENTRE, S(658071)
(Drop-off times are between 1.00pm - 7.00pm)
DEADLINE IS SATURDAY 18th APRIL 2015!


956 DUNEARN ROAD, GARDENVISTA, #01-19, TOWER 4, S(589484)
(Drop-off times are between 10.00am - 6.00pm)
DEADLINE IS SATURDAY 18th APRIL 2015!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A SHIPPING COST OF SGD$8.00/ 1KG FOR THE SHOEBOXES SENT FROM SG -> UK. SO PLEASE WEIGH YOUR BOXES AND KINDLY PREPARE EXACT PAYMENT IN CASH FOR THE SG VOLUNTEERS.
(1.2kg & below = SGD$8.00. Above 1.2kg will be considered as 2kg, and chargeable at $16)

UK DROP-OFF POINTS:

ISLAM HOUNSLOW, 307 WELLINGTON ROAD SOUTH,
HOUNSLOW, MIDDLESEX, TW4 5HL, LONDON
UNITED KINGDOM

There are several other drop-off points in the UK.
:: CLICK HERE TO FIND THE NEAREST LOCATION TO YOU ::

Image from Shoebox4Syria Facebook Page

*Please use the above-mentioned details when sending parcels to the UK to avoid tax and duty charges.

They will then be collectively shipped over to Syria (shipping costs from UK -> Syria will be made by the organisers).

MAKE A CASH DONATION INSTEAD

If you would like to make a cash donation instead, PLEASE CLICK HERE.


Thank you for doing your part to help bring a smile to a child's face, be it by donating an Eid gift, cash or just sharing the message. And bless you :)

Please Teach Your Children To Be Kind To Animals

Gemini Grrl (1yr old) with the neighbourhood kitty, Polly.

One of the moral values that definitely makes the list in our house is: 

Be Kind To Animals.

I have always loved animals ever since I was a little girl and we had a lot of pets growing up as well. Cats, rabbits, chickens, more cats, fish, turkeys, doves, turtles, hamsters, and even more cats. Living in a large 2-storey house in Brunei with a backyard, front lawn, artificial pond and fake waterfall, we had a lot of space for our small community of animals. We must have had about 20 cats at one point! My sister and I loved each and every one of them and every day was an opportunity for us to play with our furry/ feathered friends.

Our parents didn't particularly sit us down and specifically tell us to actually be kind to animals - they just were. So as children, we naturally would take our cues from the adults around us. My Mother bought a small rice cooker especially for our pet cats, and when she went to the wet market with my aunts, they would buy back some small fish (like the kind you put in Nasi Lemak), steam it until the bones are soft and then mash it altogether with the rice for all the cats to eat in the backyard. Sometimes, as a treat (or especially for the pregnant cats), they would stir in some egg into the rice as well.

Image credit: One Green Planet

I remember however that my Mother was completely petrified of snakes (and still is actually), so much so that she cannot even see an image of it on TV or even in a magazine. I on the other hand, for some reason have a complete phobia of lizards, especially house lizards. Just typing or saying the word "lizard" is already enough to make my skin crawl and I am actually grimacing right this very minute. I'm not sure what exactly caused this fear to begin with, since no one else in my family is scared of lizards. My sister isn't as scared of them as I am (she despises cockroaches though!), but I hate that I have this unreasonable fear. I know that they are harmless and so much smaller than I am. At least my Mother's dislike for snakes makes a bit of sense because some species are known to bite and can be very dangerous - so it's just a natural human reaction. But tiny little lizards on the other hand are probably more scared of me than I am of them.

However, I do not want my daughter to be scared of lizards, or snakes, or any other animal for that matter. I want her to love all animals and be kind to them. Lizards may gross me out, but I wouldn't want to bash one over the head with a broom (I just want it go far, far away from me! Haha). So when I see one lurking at my front door while I am clumsily fumbling for my keys, trying my hardest to scream in sheer terror, I put on a brave front and acknowledge my daughter's excited remarks of, "Look, Mommy! Up there! A baby lizard! So cute".

Me trying not to get too freaked out by the fake "tukae" (gecko). AARGH!!!!

Every now and then, I let her play with some educational games on the Tab, so would sometimes go through the Apps list to download new games. Once I came across a particular game marketed for little kids and the whole point of the game was to see how many ants you can smash with your fingers before they could eat all the candy! Sure, I am no saint and I do admit I have killed millions and billions of ants, mosquitoes and flies before - but I don't want to teach my daughter to sit there and aim to kill off little ants, be it animated or real, all in the name of "fun". There was also a children's song in one of my daughter's playlist that I have promptly deleted and banned, called "Baby Bumble Bee". Here are part of the sickening lyrics:

"I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee
Won't my Mommy be so proud of me
I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee -
Ouch! It just stung me!

I'm squishing up my baby bumble bee
Won't my Mother be so proud of me?
I'm squishing up my baby bumble bee -
Ew! It's so yucky!".

Why would anyone write such lyrics for a children's song?? And who's Mother would actually be proud of them for killing a baby bumble bee?? Some of you might think I'm overreacting and it's "just a song", but no, I don't like the message it's sending across to my child, so I have the right to keep such horrid stuff away from her.

Being kind to animals is something I feel all parents and teachers should teach to children, because it in turn makes them kind, compassionate and have empathy for other human beings as well. You've probably read countless reports of how some murderers would abuse or kill animals when they were children - most likely because animals are usually more helpless and are easy targets. Cruelty to animals is also one of the symptoms displayed by a future psychopath. If children are taught to be kind and caring towards animals, it will help them to value all lives and also prevent violent behaviour.

As parents, we should set good examples to our children as well and remember that their little eyes are always observing us and their ever attentive ears catch more than we think they do. So try your best not to smash a cockroach to death with such relish; Don't run through a flock of pigeons for no apparent reason except to just chase them off and laugh about it, Refrain from making any negative remarks about any animals, even if you have an unreasonable fear of them. As a Muslim, we are not allowed to eat pork, but that does not mean I will kick a pig if I saw one. We are also advised not to touch dogs (we can actually, and are also allowed to have them as pets, but there are several criterias we need to fulfill - another blog post for another time!), but that does not stop me and my husband from petting them or treating them with kindness as well.

Gemini Grrl's very first word was, "Cat", and she has a love for all animals (although she sometimes has this random fear of ants one day, but then is talking to them and feeding them her cookie crumbs the next day!). She squeals with delight every time she sees any animals on TV or in real life, and is already starting to ask for a pet cat. She enjoys it when I read her storybooks with animal characters. She cuddles all her animal plush toys, lovingly tucks them into bed and patiently nurses them when they apparently have boo-boos.

Someday, when she's a little older, I will let her adopt a pet of her choice, which will also teach her how to be responsible and caring for another life. But for now, we will stick to tea parties with her Panda, feeding stray cats around our neighbourhood, and singing nicer songs about being kind to all animals big and small.

Polly and my Gemini Grrl (1 yr old at the time) strolling side by side ^_^

Miniature Baking Trays for Dollhouse: Upcycled Project

Itty Bitty baking trays with donuts and cakes (which are actually erasers) for a dollhouse.

I saw this GREAT post on Pinterest recently and thought it was such an easy but clever idea! They are tiny baking trays for a dollhouse, and you want to know what they were originally? Compact powder trays! You know when your makeup is all used up and you (generally) throw it away? Next time, hold on to the casing because not only are they refillable (and therefore minimise waste, plus save you a few dollars), you can pry out the tiny metal trays which have been emptied out an reuse them for this uber cute DIY project :D

Yes, I am aware that I am somewhat of a hoarder!

I personally have A LOT of empty compact powder cases which I squirrel away in my vanity cupboard because I do buy the refills and I just hate throwing things away. Boy am I glad I did that because I have LOTS to choose from now.

My favourite case is the one in the front with the silver roses, which is from Anna Sui. SO pretty!!!!

So you see the little metal trays inside which once contained the compact powder? You can carefully pry them out with a pair of tweezers, because they are usually glued on. Or some of them which are not glued can just easily be lifted out.

The washed and cleaned metal trays

Wash out any remaining makeup with water and soap. The glue can easily be rubbed off with a little baby oil or cooking oil and then rinsed thoroughly.

And you're done! You have adorable miniature baking trays for your dollhouse, which didn't even cost me a thing. There are different shapes of trays depending on which brand you use. Some are circular as well. You can also use eye shadow trays. Next time I might try to paint them and add other decorations, or use them as something else. Leave your comments to tell me what other ways you can use them! :)

FAQs About Gemini Grrl: 10 Questions Answered

My Rockin' Gemini Grrl

Q1: Who is Gemini Grrl?
ANS: She is my daughter, my first-born, my one and only child (for now!), the apple of my eye, my world, my life, my everything.

Q2: How old is Gemini Grrl?
ANS: She turns 3 years old this year (2015) - officially becoming a Preschooler and a Threenager! Hahaha.

Q3: Why the name "Gemini Grrl?" Is it a typo?
ANS: For privacy reasons, I have chosen not to disclose her name on my blog, so have created a pseudonym for her. Since I am am Taurus Mommy, I thought it would be fitting that she had Gemini incorporated into the new nick name, as that is her zodiac sign. The second half of the name is not a typo, it is an alternative way of writing "Girl", just with a little more attitude, because that is exactly how my daughter is ;)

Q4: Are you raising her to become a Feminist?
ANS: I am raising her to hopefully become a strong, confident, kind, caring, generous, independent, intelligent, worldly, open-minded young lady who will help to be the change in this world. I am not into the whole "princess" thing and will not encourage it in my household, nor am I particularly a fan of the colour pink. But I do not want to strictly dictate my daughter's choices or preferences in life so will grit my teeth if she steers in that direction.

Q5: So what is her favourite colour?
Definitely NOT pink! Phew. Haha! Her favourite colour so far is purple (like mine! But I promise that I did not force it upon her. Maybe she's just constantly surrounded by a lot of my purple stuff so associates that colour with me, so therefore prefers it?). But I do have some pink stuff here and there for her because I don't want to make it a "forbidden" colour of sorts as it may later on become an obsession (!!).

Q6: Does she have a lovey/ cuddly/ security blanket?
ANS: Yup! It is a "Perfect Panda" Care Bear (cousin) plush doll from my personal vintage toys collection. Well, so maybe he is not exactly vintage (because this exact doll was made around the year 2000), but he had been sitting in my cupboard with all my other plush dolls for quite some time before she was even born. It was originally a birthday gift from my sister (because she knows how much I love Care Bears and My Little Ponies), but when Gemini Grrl finally came along in 2012, she picked him out by herself out of all the other dolls presented to her and he just became her favourite ever since then and thus earning the honourable status of being her lovey/ cuddly. In fact, you can actually see him in the background on the left of the picture above :)

Q7: What is Gemini Grrl's personality like?
ANS: She is friendly, cheerful, cheeky, active, inquisitive, generous, vocal, fun, out-going, articulate and talkative. True to her Gemini nature, she is also sociable, but has her quiet moments, and sometimes even appears to have a dual personality! Always a joy to be around, but can get bored rather easily so constantly needs to be doing something. She's pretty easy-going though and warms up to people rather quickly.

Q8: What are her favourite activities?

ANS: Swimming or any kind of water play; Painting; Drawing; Singing; Dancing; Playing with her dollhouses; Doing puzzles; Having playdates with her friends.

Q9: What is her favourite food?

ANS: Ice cream! Just like Mommy. Hehehe.

Q10: Is she more like Mommy or Daddy?
ANS: When she was just born, she looked EXACTLY liked her Daddy! But as the months went by, she started to resemble me at that very same age. I would even make photo comparisons and my own Father couldn't tell us apart! She definitely has her Daddy's nose though, but most people says she looks more like me now. She walks like her Daddy, but is dramatic like Mommy. Her food preferences are more like Daddy, but she gets her sweet tooth from me (oops!). She has curly hair like Daddy, but large eyes and long lashes like Mommy. Her skintone is just the right mix of the both of us, and she lands right in the middle shade. She is a Gemini just like Daddy, and they also share the same blood type. Hmm, so maybe she is a little bit more like Daddy, but she gets all the best bits from Mommy! Hmph! Lol :P

Handmade Dollhouse Sofa/ Daybed & Cushions: DIY Tutorial for Miniature Furniture (All Upcycled Materials!)

My DIY Doll Daybed/ Sofa made from upcycled materials.

While doing the laundry (my most dreaded chore of the week!!!!), one of the plastic clothes pegs I was using broke and just before I tossed it into the bin, I stopped to inspect it a little closer. The metal ring that kept the two plastic clippy parts together was brittle, so I removed it and realised that the two clippy parts (ok, so those are clearly not the technical terms, but you know what I mean!), sort of looked like super slim chairs if you sat them upright on a flat surface. I had them side by side on the kitchen counter top and then it hit me that I could turn it into a DIY project and create a miniature sofa or daybed for Gemini Grrl's dollhouse!


SOFA/ DAYBED

For the miniature daybed/ sofa, you will need:

1 plastic clothes peg
3 popsicle sticks
Superglue
Felt/ Piece of fabric

Ribbon/ Lace

Step 1: Building the frame

STEP 1: Take apart your plastic clothes peg and place them side by side on a flat surface.

Step 2: Glue on popsicle sticks

STEP 2: Glue a popsicle stick across the "seating" part at the bottom, front and top.

Step 3: Add felt and ribbon

STEP 3: Glue on a piece of felt or fabric, as well as bits of ribbon or lace for decorative purposes and to hide any parts of the popsicle sticks or clothes pegs showing underneath.

CUSHIONS

Adding the stuffing to the cushion.

For the teeny weeny cushions, I used some leftover scrap material from another dollhouse project I did previously, as well as an old baby washcloth with a cute little bird embroided on it.

For the cutesy cushions, you will need:

Cotton
Pieces of fabric
Superglue

Itsy bitsy teeny weeny cushions :)

STEP 1: Cut out the piece of fabric to the shape and size you desire.

STEP 2: Fold up a piece of facial cotton or use a round cotton ball for the stuffing.

STEP 3: Glue the sides together.

Baby School Bag (Vintage My Little Pony - 1984 ) & her new handmade Daybed ^_^

And there you go! It was so easy to make and is an adorable addition to my daughter's new wooden dollhouse I am currently working on. I will keep you updated about that project in a new post once it's completed! Do leave your comments and tell me what you think about this little DIY project of mine, I'd love to hear your feedback :)

Free Diapers & Milk for Tots & Bubs!

Image from: Inmagine

Although us Taurus personalities tend to naturally be frugal, we also love to share with others. In this case, I'd like to share these wonderful freebies with all my readers to grab for your little one :D

*Please note that this is only open to Citizens & PRs of Singapura.

DIAPERS

Image from: Imagine

As much as I wanted to save the planet and also save my baby's bottom, I personally don't think I can cope with washing poopy diapers amongst the other long list of household chores, various job assignments I have to complete as a WAHM, as well as just being a Mom to my very active daughter! So disposable diapers are the way to go. Sorry Mother Earth! 

:: DRYPERS ::

:: GOON ::

:: HUGGIES ::

:: MAMY POKO ::

:: MERRIES (TAPE) ::

:: MERRIES (WALKER PANTS) ::

:: NEPIA BABY ::

FORMULA MILK

Image from: Imagine

Although I am pro-breastfeeding and strongly believe in extended breastfeeding, I also understand that we all have different bodies and circumstances. So for those who do use formula milk, here are some free samples :)

:: DUMEX (MAMIL)::

:: ENFAGROW ::

:: FRISO ::

:: KARIHOME ::

:: NESTLE ::

:: S-26 ::

:: SIMILAC ::


I will be posting another list soon of freebies for us Moms to enjoy, so do check my blog for updates. Also, if you have any other links to free samples (Mommy, Baby, Kiddy or Family related only please!), do share them with us either by leaving a comment or emailing me. Thanks!

My Perfect Plan Preparing for Preschool & Primary School

Image source unknown

In 3 months' time, my little Gemini Grrl will no longer be a Toddler, but will technically become a Preschooler. It seemed like only yesterday that I saw the positive sign on my testkit; heard her precious little heartbeat; found out I was having a girl; held her in my arms for the very first time after feeling her grow inside me for 9 months. And pretty soon she's going to be starting "school"? When did that happen?? Ok, so I'm not completely shocked, because I have been planning it carefully ever since she was born (because I am a natural planner - some people might even say I may over plan things, but hey, this is how I am and it makes me happy, so please shut up).

To make the whole transition easier on her (and me!), I have this whole preparation process all planned out, and hopefully it will work out as well as I hope it would.

STEP 1: PLAYDATES

Gemini Grrl (left) with her good buddy (right) at the Jurong Birdpark for a playdate :)

Ever since my daughter was almost a year old, we started bringing her on playdates to introduce her to new friends and just socialise with other children her age. We would go to each other's houses, sometimes let the little ones roam around various kiddy indoor playgrounds together, visit various places of interests, have fun splashing about at pools and water-play areas, or just meet up for lunch and have the little ones sit side by side in their high-chairs to munch on their snacks together. It's lovely to see them gradually learning how to socialise and play with one another, and the older they get, the more the children enjoy each other's company and even start to request to meet up with their friends by name! :)

STEP 2: PARENT ACCOMPANIED PLAYGROUP

Gemini Grrl playing in the sandpit at her weekly playgroup

Shortly after turning 2 years old, I signed us up for a parent accompanied playgroup at an international school near our house, which we still attend once a week. It is open for toddlers aged 15 months - 3 years old, but once you're already in the programme, they are flexible enough to let your child continue for a few more months until they turn 3.5 years old (and then they are no longer eligible for the playgroup). It's a fun little class where there are lots of interesting activity stations set up in a classroom, and parents are encouraged to take part with their children as well. There is also outdoor play time for the kids to stretch their legs while getting some fresh air and sunshine. Then it's back up for snack time as a group, more free play and to end it off, circle time with some upbeat songs (dancing and singing), stories and bubble-blowing. It's great fun and the children are introduced to the concept of a classroom, a having a teacher, other classmates, as well as a class schedule to follow.


STEP 3: DROP-OFF ENRICHMENT CLASS

Gemini Grrl painting a colourful little masterpiece

I'm still trying to find a weekly drop-off class where she can attend for an hour or so to have a little fun while learning something (Dance, Drama, Singing, Gym, etc), and at the same time, get used to me not being around for a short while. However, a lot of such enrichment classes offered here are usually for 4 year olds and up, or the ones in her age range are quite far away from where we live and the commute gives me a headache just thinking about it. So the search continues.

STEP 4: DAILY DROP-OFF PLAYGROUP

Gemini Grrl (right) painting with water on a dry deck, alongside her playgroup classmate (left).

Luckily for me, a new learning centre has just opened up literally at my apartment complex. So I peeked in on their classes and noticed that they also offer an integrated daily drop-off playgroup for toddlers and preschoolers (18 months - 4 years old). Since we are pretty happy with our current weekly parent accompanied playgroup, she'll only be starting this daily drop-off programme next year at the start of their intake for the new term, once she turns 3.5 years old.


STEP 5: KINDERGARTEN

Gemini Grrl paiting with marbles

When she is 4 years old, she will attend Kindergarten at this wonderful little preschool I discovered, not too far away from where we live (it's a very short drive, but no direct buses unfortunately). They have a half-day programme and a full-day programme, but we most likely will sign her up for the full-day programme, as I will be going back to work again fulltime, but the hours are flexible and I can pick her up any time I'm done. I love the preschool I have chosen for her, because they have such wonderful facilities, including an Art Studio (for Arts & Craft activities), Dance Studio (for Dance, Movement and also Drama lessons), Multimedia Room (to play educational computer games), Library (for story time and quiet reading), Mini Kitchen (for cooking lessons), as well as swimming lessons.


STEP 6: PRIMARY SCHOOL (GRADE SCHOOL)

Gemini Grrl's scribble-art (1 yr old)

The year that my daughter turns 7 years old, by law we are required to send her to a Primary School (Grade School). Now, as she is a Citizen (because my husband is a Citizen), she is also required to only join a local school, but not an international school (which is a shame, because I went to international school since Preschool. But oh well, I have faith in the local school system as well). The great thing about our neighbourhood is that there is a Primary School right next door (I can sometimes hear the faint murmurs of their school assembly, right from my living room), so the location is super convenient, plus it is dirt cheap. Seriously, astoundingly cheap, as compared to an international school, which you probably would have to sell your kidneys for.

***

As much as I would love to homeschool her (and have even done my research and connected with the local homeschooling community), living in the world's most expensive city means that it is only feasible for both parents to be working. Also, the particular preschool which I have selected is on the higher end of the price range, but for the facilities and activities provided, I feel that it is just the price we have to pay for a quality preschool. Some people argue that young children don't really need to go to preschool, plus they are only required by law to get formal education starting from the year they turn 7. 

But personally, I don't want her very first day at school to be at a proper academic establishment such as Primary School (Grade School), where there are school bells blaring, teachers glaring, textbooks to lug, and homework to be completed. I feel that there are already certain expectations of the students, especially in Singapura's competitive education system. You'd be surprised how many preschools here already start enforcing a rather regimental approach to learning, assign homework and even have pop quizzes in school. 

This may be favoured by some parents, and that is entirely their prerogative, but personally I am definitely into a more play-based approach when it comes to preschool, and like the Montesorri method as well as the Reggio Emilia approach. I may go as far as to say that I do not believe in homework given to Primary School students (but that is another topic for another day).

Well, that is my own little plan for my daughter's preparation to enter Preschool (and eventually Primary School). Ok, it may be far from perfect in some people's eyes, but to me, that's the best route I can think of to make the whole transition as painless and stress-free as possible. Currently, we are still at Step 2, whilst looking around for a suitable place for Step 3, and will only be starting Step 4 at the beginning of next year (2016). 

What do think about my plan? Do you have your own little plan sorted out for your little one? Do share your thoughts with me or feel free to ask me any question in the comments section! :)