Am I Overparenting

One of my friends shared this wonderful article in FB. It totally resonates with me so I am putting the link here that I may come back to it from time to time.

Insomnia

Never thought I will suffer from insomnia. Not even sure if it is really insomnia, but I had difficulties falling asleep for the last couple of nights. I can toss around in bed for 2 hours and still can't fall asleep. The hubby asked if I was stressed about anything, but no, no stress at all, just perhaps more thoughts running through my head. This weekend is Sarah's birthday celebration, though nothing elaborate, I still need to be suitably clear-headed to be heading out. Hopefully I can put in a decent nap this afternoon.

His First Theatre Experience

Two weekends ago, the entire family went to the well-loved production The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, featuring 3 of the author's books. This being Nigel's very first theatre experience, he enjoyed himself tremendously. Perched on this booster seat, he sat through the entire production quietly with his eyes fixed intently on the puppets. I simply loved productions which are targeted at children as their main audience. No one will raise their brows should the children get noisy. And boy, it did get really noisy when the children all shouted the names of the various animals during the The Mixed-Up Chameleon segment. I loved the Q&A session at the end where it was explained to us how the play was produced. It was really interesting especially the part where they explained how they created the effect of the chameleon shooting out its long sticky tongue to catch the fly. This is Sarah's second time watching this. Her first being 3 years ago. Unfortunately she has forgotten about this play, and I can see that she enjoyed herself this time round.

The following weekend, we were at the Esplanade for another play, Rocky The Baby Panda by PlayTime! This is one part of a series of plays by PlayTime! It was highly reviewed in the newspaper some time ago, which was why I bought the tickets. Well, I guess I had gotten my expectations too high, as although it was quite an enjoyable production, I felt somewhat disappointed. These series are targeted at the 2 to 4 age group, so it was understandable when Sarah proclaimed it was too childish for him. The little boy enjoyed the play, although he was quite reserved and did not participate in the audience activities.

When was Sarah was younger, she was quite the frequent theatre-goer, be it ballet performances or dramas and plays. Now that I know that the little boy is able to sit through an entire production, we will definitely be back at the theatres more often.

While Waiting...

With his favourite drink and the iPad, I have a happy boy as we wait for S's ballet class to end.

Our Meals: Simple Meals

Once or twice a week, I will prepare a very simple meal, usually meatless, to compensate for all those meat which we consumed during the week. This simple dish of steamed tofu with pork floss is one such dish I have whipped up this week. Quick to prepare, and the kids loved it.

The Great Pretenders

S has always been great at pretend play, and ever since N is old enough, she has roped her brother in to join her in her pretend world. Almost every day after dinner, the two will organise their pretend play scenario, almost always led by S. Their scenario changes every day. One day, it may be a restaurant, the next day it may be a school or a child care. Or they will pretend that the sofa is their boat and the floor is the sea and they will endeavor not to drop into the sea. If I attempt to sit on the floor, they will shout, "No, Mama! That's the sea! Quick, climb onto the boat." Or they may go, "Help! I have dropped into the sea. Help me!". Recently, they have taken the old computer mouses which we no longer use, and set up computer stations on their bookshelf.

In this picture, they have sent up a restaurant with a scrumptious spread of food, and have enthusiastically invited me to partake of the feast. How can I say no to that?

From the Mouths of Babes

I often find it a joy to carry a conversation with very young children. They don't mince their words, they say it as it is, and sometimes, what comes out of their mouths really catches you by surprise.

I have missed many memorable and funny conversations I had with my children because I have neglected to record them. So, I have decided to do just that, to record such conversations I may come across every week. Here are two this week.

Conversation 1:
This is a conversation between S and Papa.
S: I don't want a younger brother. I want an older brother.
Papa: But that's not possible. You are the eldest.
S: I wish I can go into a machine which will turn me into a baby. Then Nigel will become my older brother.

If only there is really such an age-reversing machine. I certainly not mind turning 10 years younger.

Conversation 2:
Had this conversation with N today.
Me: We are going to Yeye's house for dinner.
N: What are we having for dinner?
N: 副总裁

This is what happens when your son watches too much of a certain Taiwanese drama serial.