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enrichment classes for children

These days, there are so many children enrichment classes for all ages - reading, art, music, craft, gymnastics, dance, sports..etc, so many that it's hard to decide if they are essential and necessary. Personally, I do believe in including enrichment classes into the child's life, provided he/she is keen in that subject and it's not too costly.

A recent report by several independent researchers concludes that participating in the arts nurtures the development of social, personal and cognitive skills. Programs based on Arts can improve academic achievement and decrease the tendency towards delinquency. It helps youth form positive attitudes about themselves and build self-esteem.

Clayton got a LeapPad Learning System

Yesterday, I took Clayton out for a time of bonding in the mall. It was nice having lunch at Sushi Zanmai before heading to Isetan for some shopping. I had some vouchers that were expiring and it was a good excuse to go shopping with clayton!

I decided to get him a LeapPad, which was also Clayton's gift from godpa Daniel. I could see that his eyes lit up when I told him that I was buying that for him. For a long time, I wanted him to have a LeapPad and I thought this was a good time, since he had started to talk so well and begin with some simple reading.

So now, LeapPad Learning System has become his new toy... he woke up with LeapPad in mind, cut down his TV and rather spend time checking out his new learning system. As usual, I'm a little slow in uploading the pictures... will be posting soon!

check on your kids' ceramic clays

Even at three years old, Clayton likes to put his fingers in the mouth, bite his cars, toys and anything he gets his hands on and it annoys me when he does that. I always ensure that he washes his hands when he comes back from school or when he's done with any outdoor activities. And because he likes to put things in his mouth, I am careful about the safety of his toys especially modeling clays. He enjoys kneading and sculpting though he usually makes a mess of everything. But that's ok for me cos that's how children learn - they learn through play!

A word of advice to parents out there when buying arts and crafts materials for your kids. Take time to check on the product quality and make sure it doesn't contain lead as lead is linked to a host of health problems including learning and developmental problems in a child. Check out the wide selection of ceramic clays and other modelling materials at Amercian Art Clay who is the industry leader in children's ceramic products and materials. Kneading a slab of clay together with your child is a great way to foster closeness and promote bonding with your child. Just make sure they are toxic-free!

baby products and reviews portal

I just got back from a full moon party cum a birthday celebration of a two year old boy. It was clever of parents Callie and Darren to combine the celebrations together. It was a nice evening out especially when Clayton found little friends to play with. That left the adults with more time to catch up with each other.

Being a mom of two is not easy for Callie. She told me briefly about her postpartum blues which made me wonder if I'll be ready for number two! Moms like Callie will find Lilaguide dot com a useful stop to find information and resource on baby shops, products, reviews, services and shopping guides. With 32,000 listings and more than 120,000 reviews from real parents, it is a good place to chat with new moms, those who have been there and done that and contribute reviews to help others with buying decisions on baby products. So moms, drop by the site and check it out!

discount products for your baby

Unlike those days, bringing up a child is getting tougher and more challenging. It is no wonder that birth rate in many countries has witnessed a declination as couples are complaining about the high costs of childcare. When Clayton was born, we had to stock up lots of babycare items - baby cot, sterilizer, bottles, diapers, skincare, diaper ointment, clothing, mittens, baby toys, pram....etc. And as he grew, new items had to be added month after month, this process seemed endless. Sounds familiar?

Woudn't it be great if you can buy discounts on products for your baby? While Supplies Last understands what it is to pay so much for baby stuff so what it does is that it alerts you with the best deals in the web for baby products. Everyday, you will see updated specials that are released from major online retailers in the web. In other words, you can shop and save with these special deals without wasting time on numerous websites. While Supplies Last brings you the best deals on all baby products, whether it's bedding, feeding items, diaper bags or early development toys. Why pay full price when you can save on your purchases?

shopping for kids' toys

Can I tell you how much I adore little dollhouses? I never had the luxury to grow up with these so it just makes me wanna turn back the clock and experience the fun. Besides, my little boy will never go near a dollhouse, boys being boys! He would hop onto any motorbike or ride-on car but never likes anything soft and pink. I suppose it must be the hormones!

When it comes to shopping for kids' toys, it's always good to compare prices at various stores, and online shopping makes it convenient to do do. Shopping dot com has a huge collection of toys for all children of all ages. Kids' costumes, dollhouses, soft toys, toy vehicles, lego, star wars sets...etc. What's great is that you can compare prices among various stores, all in one glance, which makes it a cool way to save!

do you go overboard with baby clothes?

Even before I became a mom, I loved looking at baby clothes and would get excited when I needed to buy gifts for baby showers. Nowadays, baby clothings are soooo cute and adorable. It's amazing that parents are willing to spend on dressing up their little cuties. Some of the children's clothes are even more expensive than adults' ones. As for me, I do buy nice stuff for Clayton but will not go overboard. Children grow fast and if they don't usually wear that dress or pants for too long. So as parents, it's up to your own belief systems and preferences on how much you are willing to lavish on your kids. Personally, I just don't think it's good to spend $200 top for a baby's t-shirt or dress or a pacifier that costs $100. What do you think?

check out burt's bees and california baby

Not sure if anyone is keen to order natural and organic baby products online. If you do, and you live in Singapore, Malaysia or around this region, check out Whoopeekiddies.com

I had just received a load of products from them, mostly my favourites from Burt's Bees and California Baby except a new one from Orjene Organics. If you are new to Burt's Bees and California Baby products, do find out more about their range of products from their respective websites as these are great for children or adults with skin sensitivities.

http://www.californiababy.com
http://www.burtsbees.com

mommies and their darlings

My good friend cum blogging buddy, Bro Bok Jae posted an interesting topic on mommies and their darlings... and I got the notice cos my little boy is in the post lah :) That is a nice post of mommy bloggers and their precious ones and it is nice of Bok Jae to highlight that - Bro Bok Jae started his blogging stint since last Christmas and his blog is growing in popularity so do drop by and read his inspiring stories!

Daily Candy Kids Everywhere

Hey Mommies, I found a cool site that brings you the "hot, new, and undiscovered — from fashion and style to gadgets and travel" but that's not what I'm buzzing about - if you wanna read about Daily Candy, head over to my shopping blog. But Daily Candy has launched Daily Candy Kids Everywhere which brings you fun and fashionable news of all things related to kids. Get tips on parenting, product updates, fashion for kids, food ideas...etc.



Kids Everywhere (for busy and hip parents) is published on Thursday and there are local Kids editions are published on Monday in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago; DailyCandy Travel is published on Wednesday; DailyCandy Deals (which features special sales and promotions) comes out on Tuesday.

children should learn good eating habits

It makes me wonder - why do children like junk food? It's strange. I don't even have to teach Clayton how to like french fries but when he sees them on the restaurant table, he'll ask for them. Besides, I don't even cook french fries at home. Kids don't need to be taught many things such as loving biscuits, junk food and candies. I'm particular with the snacks offered to Clayton as I believe that they should develop healthy eating habits from a young age. This will help avoid tooth decay, obesity, allergies and a whole lot of illnesses. But I'm not that strict too - he does get a treat from mommy every now and then. To help them develop healthy eating habits, we as parents should avoid stocking unhealthy snacks or junk foods in the house.

What do you think?

learn from real parents at lila guide

How many of you know that being a mom is not an easy task? We make most decisions pertaining to the child from feeding to nutrition, from hygiene to attire, from schools to outings...etc. But the best way to learn as a mom is to read about other mom's reviews and experiences. I remembered learning so much from those mommies' forums on my first year of being mom to Clayton. Until today, I still read real reviews from other moms on what is the best feeder cup, where to buy organic skincare for children, where to find good children's shoes...etc

If you like to read real reviews by real moms, check out the lila guide who serves as an informative stop for moms looking for resources and help. You can read just about any reviews on anything pertaining to babies, children, baby stores, children's products, education, kids' furniture, toys...etc. At lila guide, you know that all reviews are by moms who have been there and done that, so you can learn from others and avoid any costly mistakes.

clayton's updates

Clayton is enjoying every bit of school in the last few months. He has been coming home with his craft work and colouring sheets. I often hear him singing to a tune and sometimes, he will be telling me about his friends. He's talking alot these days and could recognize every letter, number, animal, fruit, vegetable, vehicle...etc. I saw these animal masks and thought he would like them for his semester thematic party. He doesn't like anything over his face so I'm really not sure if he would wear them. But they are so cute. Check them out if you have little ones at home.