How to Choose Secondary School after PSLE

It was 6 years ago that I blogged about Primary School registration. Time flies, now our firstborn is moving on to the next milestone - choosing Secondary School! 

I believe that it is important to involve our children in the decision-making process, after all, they are the ones who will spend a few years in secondary school! After PSLE, we sat down with our firstborn to discuss her strength and interest. 

We used Ministry of Education's School Finder to shortlist some secondary schools. How did we do the shortlisting? Based on our child's preliminary examination results, we considered the possible range of her PSLE score and looked at the past-year cut-off point of the secondary schools. The School Finder website allows the users to filter based on the range of past-year cut-off point, then from there, we shortlisted some secondary schools.

Next, we checked the schools' programs and CCA from the schools' websites. Some secondary schools offer programs for languages, art and music, so if your child has interest and capability, you should check out which schools offer those programs. As CCA is compulsory, it is important for our child to identify which schools offer CCA that she is interested in. 

In addition, distance from home and accessibility are also part of the consideration. As school hour for secondary school is longer, especially on CCA days, we do not want our child to spend too much time on travelling as it would be very tiring.

When our child was in Primary 5 last year, we had visited open house of some schools. Due to Covid situation this year 2020, the open house go online, so we attended some online open house for Secondary School, you can find the list of Secondary Schools e-Open House 2020 here. 

Another 2 weeks before PSLE result is released. We shall make the decision based on the result that our child achieves. Personally, I would consider putting the choices of secondary schools such that her actual score is higher than the past-year cut off point of the school, because I do not want our child to be stressed out to be the "bottom" of the cohort. 

What are your consideration when you and your children choose secondary school?

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PSLE Journey for My Children... and Myself

Time flies, my firstborn is taking Primary School Leaving Exam (PSLE) this year! And then my younger child will be sitting for PSLE next year. Yes, I often joke with my friends that I am "sitting" for two PSLE in two consecutive years! 

This is one of our ERP - Examination Resource Packages. Those on the left (assessment books and practice papers) are for the children, those on the right (snacks) are for myself! Just kidding, I share the snacks with them too.

If you ask me how we have been preparing our children for PSLE, I would say that our preparation started way before primary 6. We believe that it is important to develop positive habits and mindset since young, this is not just for PSLE, but for the long run.

1. Sleep and wake up early

Having sufficient rest is important. Our children go to bed latest by 9 p.m. even before they started primary school, so this has become a habit for them to sleep early and wake up early.  Well, I am guilty to say that I can't wake up early on weekend and holiday morning...

2. Balance study time and play time 

Our children enjoy reading and drawing. After school, they will rest a while before studying, and they can enjoy their hobbies when they finish their work. However, we are rather particular about screen time for our children. During school terms, they are allowed to watch certain TV programs, but no mobile games / TV games. They are allowed to play mobile games / TV games only during school holidays. 

3. Make a study plan before major assessment

I print out the monthly calendar for the few weeks leading to the school's major assessment. To encourage them to make good use of the study plan, I print some of their favourite cartoon characters on it. As the children are now older, I would do the planning with them together. It is quite difficult to do a daily plan as we do not know the amount of daily school homework, therefore, we write down the plan for the subjects and topics to revise for each week. There is also a need to have some flexibility to update the study plan from time to time.

4. Sort out the study materials and write notes

Yes, filing is an essential skill! Our children learnt to sort their study materials according to subject, and for each subject, sort the materials according to topics. I also guide my children to write notes for English and Chinese compositions, as well as Science. 

5. Consistency is the key

Revision has been done regularly. When our children have completed learning a topic, they would revise that topic and do practice questions to check understanding.  

While efforts have been made to prepare our children, honestly, as a first-time PSLE parent (excluding the PSLE that I myself took N years ago), my biggest issue is - how do I prepare myself as a PSLE parent?

As a full-time-working-parent, in the midst of busy work schedule, I sometimes doubt whether I have done "enough" to prepare my children for PSLE. And what is "enough" and yet not too much? I don't want to be the "tiger mum" that controls my children's life.

In addition, this year is a special year for everyone due to Covid 19. As the children had a few weeks of home-based learning, I had concern whether this would affect my firstborn's preparation for PSLE. Apart from working from home, I also "work" part-time as their teachers to teach them, because some of their home-based learning lessons were videos, but not live lessons conducted by their teachers where they could ask questions. Honestly, I was not sure whether I had taught them correctly!

Another challenge - many parents with primary school children may agree with me - is to teach primary school Mathematics problematic problem sums without using algebra! Along the way,  I think I have improved in model method to solve Mathematics problems! Other than Mathematics, I think I have re-learnt English, Chinese and Science in the past few years!

I am still learning to manage my own expectation and emotion - keep myself as chilled as possible by the following methods:

At this time of writing this post, my firstborn has already sat for PSLE oral examinations and listening comprehension examinations. I reminded myself not to ask her too much about the exam questions, but rather, ask her for her feeling.

I make encouragement cards for my children for all major assessments, this is my encouragement card for my firstborn for PSLE listening comprehension examination last week - a sweet treat for her with a character that I specially designed for her. 

All the best to all primary 6 children taking PSLE! 

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Scholastic Must-read Adventure Books for Tweens

[Sponsored Review]

We let our children to have a choice in what books they want to read. However, we noticed that they usually like to read certain series of books. In order to expose them to different genres, we encouraged them to read widely beyond those particular series of books. Recently, they are introduced to adventure books that are suitable for tweens, thanks to the kind folks from Scholastic.

With technological advancement, we can now watch television, movie and online videos to experience the adventure and fantasy that we would not be able to experience in real life. The visual and sound effects make the experience more vivid. However, there is still value in getting our children to read the adventure books, it is because reading such books allow them to paint the pictures themselves, and hence stretch their creativity and imagination.

Here are some must-read adventure books for tweens from Scholastic:

Guardians of Ga'Hoole - The Capture

Author: Kathryn Lasky

Age: 10 - 12

Product url: http://www.readershouse.com.sg/product/guardians-of-gahoole-the-capture/

When Soren, a barn owl who is the centrepiece of the series, is pushed from his family's nest by his older brother, he is rescued from certain death on the forest floor by agents from a mysterious school for orphaned owls, St. Aggie's. When Soren arrives at St. Aggie's, he suspects there is more to the school than meets the eye. He and his new friend, the clever and scrappy Gylfie, find out that St. Aggie's is actually a training camp where the school's leader can groom young owls to help achieve her goal.

Guardians of Ga’Hoole fantasy series has sold more than 4 million copies, and is one of the New York Time Bestseller. The Newbery Honor-winning author has written over one hundred books for children and young adults, including a number of critically acclaimed nonfiction titles, such as Beyond the Burning Time and True North. 

Wings of Fire - Moon Rising

Author: Tui T. Sutherland

Age: 10 - 12

Product url: http://www.readershouse.com.sg/product/wing-of-fire-moon-rising/

The war between the tribes is finally over, and now the dragonets of the prophecy have a plan for lasting peace: Jade Mountain Academy, a school that will gather dragonets from all the tribes and teach them to live together, perhaps even as friends. Moonwatcher isn't sure how she feels about school, however. Hidden in the rainforest for most of her life, the young NightWing has an awful secret. She can read minds, and even see the future. Living in a cave with dozens of other dragons is noisy, exhausting and dangerous. In just a few days, Moon finds herself overwhelmed by her secret powers and bombarded by strange thoughts, including those of a mysterious dragon who might be a terrible enemy. And when someone starts attacking dragons within the academy, Moon has a choice to make: Stay hidden and safe? Or risk everything to save her new friends?

The author of the New York Times was a two-day champion on Jeopardy in 2009. This book is one of the New York Times Bestseller.


Fall of the Beasts Spirit Animals - Lights in the Darkness

Author: Varian Johnson

Age: 10 - 12

Product url: http://www.readershouse.com.sg/product/spirit-animals-lights-in-the-darkness/

Split between two worlds, Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan are four young heroes who are racing to stop an ancient evil. Even the spirit animal bond, the sacred link between humans and animals, is on the brink of destruction. The friends face an enemy with the power to enslave others to its will - and to steal spirit animals away from their rightful partners. With their own allies falling to this darkness, the four must look to their bonds to light the way forward. But one of those lights is about to go out. Briggan, Uraza, Jhi, and Essix. Before their journey is over, one of these legends will be lost.

This book is one of the New York Times Bestseller. The author has written 9 novels, including The Parker Inheritance, which was named a 2019 Coretta Scott King Honor Book and a 2018 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book among other accolades. His middle grade caper novel, The Great Greene Heist, has been named to over twenty-five state reading and best-of lists. He has also written for the Spirit Animals: Fall of the Beasts middle-grade fantasy series as well as novels and short stories for YA audiences.

National Geographic: Everything Ancient Egypt

Author: Varian Johnson

Age: 10 - 12

Product url: http://www.readershouse.com.sg/product/national-geographic-everything-ancient-egypt/

Kids will discover all they want to know about the mysteries of ancient Egypt and learn new weird, wacky, and fascinating facts as well. Sections in the book include Rise of the Pharaohs, Death and the Afterlife, Life in Ancient Egypt, and Fun with Ancient Egypt (a section that provides readers with exciting hands-on learning).

The author writes about science, history, wildlife, and technology. In 2013, the author's cover story for National Geographic Kids magazine, "Return of the Missing Lynx," won an Eddie Award for Best Single Article, Youth/Teen. 

Disclaimer: We received the books for review purpose. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and photos are mine. 

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5 Tips for Instilling the Love of Reading in Children

[Sponsored Review]

Reading has many benefits for children. For example, improving their focus and concentration, stimulating their imagination,  developing language skills, and so on. However, how can we instill the love of reading in children? 

Tips #1. Model reading

Put down your IT gadgets for a moment, read a book or newspaper or magazine. When the children see us reading a book, they would learn from us.

Tips #2. Read with your children

Reading with your children can be reading aloud with your children, or, you and your children read your own books and then talk about your read after that.

Tips #3. Making the home environment conducive for reading

Place the books on the bookshelf, make them easily accessible for your children.

Tips #4. Making reading a routine

Schedule 20 to 30 minutes everyday for reading. 

Tips #5. Let children choose what they want to read

While sometimes you choose the appropriate books for your children, do allow them to choose books that they are interested in.

Our children enjoy books on Shopkin, LEGO Ninjago and so on, they are currently reading the following titles from Scholastic:

LEGO The Ninjago Movie Junior Novel

Age: 7 - 9
Product URL: http://www.readershouse.com.sg/product/junior-novel-the-lego-ninjago-movie/
About the story:

The wise-cracking Masters of Spinjitzu are hitting the big screen in September 2017. Meet Lloyd. He is the leader of the secret ninja force, a high school student, and his dad is pretty much the most evil guy ever - Lord Garmadon. It is up to Lloyd and the rest of the Secret Ninja Force to take down Garmadon and save Ninjago City!


Shopkins Comic Collection

Author: Tristan Demers
Age: 7 - 9
Product URL:  http://www.readershouse.com.sg/product/comic-collection-shopkins/
About the story:
Nobody knows funny quite like the Shopkins -they're always telling corny jokes! Laugh along with them in this collection of more than 75 illustrated comic short stories and jokes featuring all of favorite characters.


Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot The Unpleasant Penguins from Pluto

Author: Dav Pilkey
Age: 7 - 9
Product URL:
http://www.readershouse.com.sg/product/ricky-ricottas-mighty-robot-vs-the-unpleasant-penguins-from-pluto-ricky-ricottas-mighty-robot-9/
About the story:
An out-of-this-world friendship adventure by Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey, with full-color art and mini comics by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat.

Ricky and his Mighty Robot have made a mess. They have been mean to Cousin Lucy, and now they must make it up to her. But their surprise present for Lucy turns into a trap when President Penguin from Pluto plots to take over Earth. President Penguin is peeved because Pluto is no longer considered a real planet. Now he plans to make things very unpleasant for anyone who stands in his way. Can Ricky, Lucy, and their friends defeat this tiny terror and keep Squeakyville safe?


Puppy Princess Super Sweet Dreams

Author: Patty Furlington
Age: 7 - 9
Product URL: http://www.readershouse.com.sg/product/super-sweet-dreams-puppy-princess-2/
About the story:
Princess Rosie couldn't be happier with her new best friend, Cleo! And with Cleo's birthday in two days, Rosie wants to find a special birthday gift for her. Only, none of the ideas her friends and family have are good enough. But when Cleo mentions she wants to spend a night at the palace, Rosie decides to throw a sleepover. Can she plan the perfect sleepover in time for Cleo's birthday?

Scholastic Asia
Website: http://scholastic.asia/en and http://www.readershouse.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScholasticAsia


Disclaimer: We received the books for review purpose. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and photos are mine. 

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Building Character through Reading

[Sponsored Review]

"He was scared of many things, but eventually, he saved the day." The children shared with me after they read Geronimo Stilton Heromice #10 Sweet Dreams, Sewer Rats!

"How did he save the day when he was scared?" I asked.

"He did not give up easily."They explained.

When the children read the books, they identify with the characters and situations in the story. After they finish reading, I would engage them in a conversation to talk about what the story is about, and ask them how they feel about the characters. From there, we discuss the positive characteristics and values, and how we can apply in our daily life.

Currently, they are reading the following titles from Scholastic. Through the adventures of the characters, the children learn about the importance of perseverance and responsibility.

Geronimo Stilton Heromice #10: Sweet Dreams, Sewer Rats!

Author: Geronimo Stilton

Age: 7 - 9

About the story:

Sludge and the Sewer Rats have turned day into night, and they want the sun to stay away forever! Now it's up to the Heromice and the mysterious new crime fighter Super E to stop them. But can Superstilton and his friends bring daylight back to Muskrat City before it's too late?

Possible conversation with the children:
How did Geronimo Stilton save the day when he was scared of many things?

Boys vs Beast Battle of the Worlds #1: Aquatan

Author: Mac Park

Age: 7 - 9

About the story:

A young boy, Kai, must use various technological weapons at his disposal to defeat the Beasts of Beastium. With every battle that Kai wins, he unlocks more gear to help him defend Earth. In this installment, when dead fish covered in glowing moss wash up on the beach, Kai knows it's time for battle. 

Possible conversation with the children:
Why did Kai win the battle against the water beast?

The Word Eater

Author: Mary Amato
Age: 7 - 9

About the story:

Life is miserable for sixth-grader Lerner Chanse at her new school, where the MPOOE (Most Powerful Ones on Earth) Club ruthlessly rules over the SLUGs (Sorry Losers Under Ground). Then Lerner accidentally discovers that her pet worm Fip eats paper - with startling results...When he eats a label with the words "Mack's Thumbtacks", all Mack's thumbtacks instantly vanish and papers slip from bulletin boards everywhere! It seems that if Fip eats a word, that item simply disappears from the world - forever. Now that Lerner knows about Fip's magic, she has some extraordinary powers of her own - and some big decisions to make.

Possible conversation with the children:
Is Lerner a responsible person? Why do you think so?

Melowy- The Song of the Moon

Author: Danielle Star
Age: 7 - 9

About the story:

The Melowies are required to perform a musical in front of all of Destino. Selene does not want to participate because she made a fool of herself the last time she performed publicly. With a little encouragement from her friends she auditions and wins the role of the moon! A rival Melowy sabotages her performance, throwing green pain all over Selene's costume before the performance. Nevertheless, she closes her eyes and sings. The school is amazed by her voice and both teacher and peers praise her performance.

Possible conversation with the children:
How did Selene overcome her fear?


Scholastic Asia
Website: http://scholastic.asia/en and http://www.readershouse.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScholasticAsia


Disclaimer: We received the books for review purpose. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and photos are mine. 

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Benefits of Reading Comics and Graphic Novels for the Children

[Sponsored Review]

Both DaDi and I enjoy reading comics, so our children follow suit, and love to read comics. What are the benefits of reading comics and graphic novels for the children?

1. Learn to infer and be observant

Reading between lines is an important soft skill for the children to learn. Of course, other than finding the clues from the text, the children learn to seek clues from the cartoons.

2. Widen the vocabulary bank

Sometimes, some authors use more complicated words to make a pun or to illustrate certain intention. The children would be able to learn more vocabulary.

3. Strengthen family bonding 

As I mentioned earlier, our whole family enjoy reading comics. We share and discuss the interesting comics content, and this strengthen our bonding.

Currently, our children are reading Star Wars: Jedi Academy Trilogy Box Set from Scholastic. 

Star Wars: Jedi Academy Trilogy Box Set
Author: Jeffrey Brown
Age: 8 - 12

Titles:

• Star Wars: Jedi Academy
• Star Wars: Jedi Academy Return of the Padawan
• Star Wars: Jedi Academy The Phantom Bully

About the story:

Roan's one dream is to leave home and attend Pilot Academy like his older brother, father, and grandfather. But just as Roan is mysteriously denied entrance to Pilot School, he is invited to attend Jedi Academy - a school that he didn't apply to and only recruits children when they are just a few years old. This series of  graphic novels follows Roan's three year at Jedi Academy where, under the tutelage of Master Yoda, he learns that he possesses more strength and potential than he could have ever dreamed. 

Disclaimer: We received the books for review purpose. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and photos are mine. 

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How to Help Your Child Start Reading Chapter Books

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It is a new milestone for the children - transition from reading picture books to chapter books! In this post, we are sharing how we helped our children to start reading chapter books.

1. Look for engaging chapter book series

For the start, look for chapter books that have easy-to-read text, as well as simple plot lines. Do not be too eager to get books that are full of text! Get chapter books that have purposeful illustrations which would help the children to comprehend the story.

2. Choose chapter books that are age-appropriate

The children usually choose books with attractive cover. However, the reading level may not be age-appropriate. Some books indicate the suitable age, so that you do not need to read the entire book to check. You can ask the children to read the first few pages of the book, and check whether they understand the story by asking them to tell you what the story is about.

3. Check the children's understanding about the story

Reading a chapter book is different from reading a picture book, it often takes more than one reading session to complete the book. Therefore the children have to remember what happened in the story in the previous reading session, otherwise, it would be difficult to follow up in the next reading session. To help the children in this aspect, you can ask them to share with you what happened in the story after they have read the book, or, you can do this before they continue reading the next part of the book.

You may ask, so what chapter books are suitable for the new independent young readers? Branches from Scholastic is a unique line of books that bridge the gap between the leveled readers to traditional chapter books.

Sharing with you some of the books from Branches that our children have read:

Eerie Elementary #1: The School Is Alive!
Authors: Jack Chabert and Sam Ricks
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Sam Graves discovers that his elementary school is ALIVE! Sam finds this out on his first day as the school hall monitor. Sam must defend himself and his fellow students against the evil school! Is Sam up to the challenge? He'll find out soon enough: the class play is just around the corner. Sam teams up with friends Lucy and Antonio to stop this scary school before it's too late!

Kung Pow Chicken #1: Let's Get Cracking!
Author: Cyndi Marko
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Gordon Blue was just an ordinary second grader—until he became the superhero known as Kung Pow Chicken. Now Gordon must put his super powers to the test…. He is having a blast at the Fowl Festival, but then POOF! Feathers fill the air and naked chickens fill the streets. Is the Evil Granny Goosebumps up to no good? Kung Pow Chicken is about to find out!

Owl Diaries #1: Eva's Treetop Festival
Author: Rebecca Elliott
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she decides to create a Bloomtastic Festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is no way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled?

Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe: Picture Day!
Author: Susan Nees
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
It's almost picture day, and Missy has her outfit all picked out. It will have ruffles, rainbows, ribbons, and sparkles! But Mom has a different outfit in mind. Will Missy's picture day turn into her worst day EVER?

Hilde Cracks the Case #1: Hero Dog!
Author: Hilde Lysiak with Matthew Lysiak
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very own early chapter book series -- inspired by news stories Hilde wrote in real life! In this first book, there's been a break-in on Orange Street! Cupcakes have been stolen, and soon a pie goes missing, too. Hilde and her sister/photographer, Izzy, must interview witnesses and follow the clues. Can Hilde crack the case in time to post her news story online? Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's personality-filled illustrations appear on every page, bringing Hilde's adventures to life for young readers!

The Notebook of Doom: Rise of the Balloon Goons
Author: Troy Cummings
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Alexander Bopp has just moved to Stermont, and already, he thinks it is one creepy town. First, he finds a notebook filled with monster drawings. Then he starts seeing balloon goons—those arm-waving balloon men—all over town. Are they after him? And what's really in that notebook? Alexander is about to find out!

Press Start! #1: Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!
Author: Thomas Flintham
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Uh-oh, Animal Town is in trouble! Meanie King Viking has created a dreaded robot army to spread No Fun across the land. On top of that, he has stolen the happiest and most fun animal ever, Singing Dog. There is only one person who can save the day -- Super Rabbit Boy! Super Rabbit Boy is super fast and super brave, but he's also a video game character living in a video game world. What will happen when Sunny, the boy playing the game, loses each level? Will it be game over for Super Rabbit Boy and all his friends?

Other than these books, there are other series in Branches. Check out the books at Scholastic's website http://www.scholastic.com/branches/index.htm

Disclaimer: We received the books for review purpose. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and photos are mine. 

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Using Picture Books for Primary School Readers

[Sponsored Review]

When the children were younger, we read picture books with them. The children were engaged by the beautiful and vivid illustrations, and the pictures helped them to visualise what was going on in the story. 

Our children are now in primary school, but we did not put away our old picture books, because we see the values of the picture books to our children. While the language in the picture books is now too simple for them, the pictures empower and inspire their creativity.

Recently, we received two award-winning picture books from Scholastic for review purpose - The First Journey and Wandering Off . The former was the winner of The Scholastic Picture Book Award 2015, while the later one was a finalist.

Let's share with you how we used these two picture books to educate our children:

The First Journey

Author: Phung Nguyen Quang & Huynh Kim Kien
ISBN: 9789810992736
About this book:
During the Mekong Delta's "floating season", when the great river overflows, An and others like him must brave the floods to attend school. When An sets out on his own for the first time, he faces heavy rain and the mysteries of the dark Melaleuca swamp. Although strange dangers lurk in the water, An takes comfort in knowing that his friends are waiting for him at the end of his first journey alone.

How to use this book for primary school readers:

• Discuss the different way of life of children in Vietnam and Singapore
• Discuss the qualities of An, and why these qualities are important
• Create a boat using recycled materials e.g. straws, cardboard

Wandering Off

Author: Wendy Aw 

ISBN: 9789810992743
About this book:

Lucas faces a long, boring wait when his Mum goes shopping at the wet market, but a new friend helps him turn a dull afternoon into an exciting, fun-filled one. This energetic and colourful story celebrates the power of the imagination and how it can transform the world into anything at all.

How to use this book for primary school readers:

• Discuss examples of daydreams that the children had
• Discuss what the children would like to do with no one stopping him, and why

Disclaimer: We received the books from Scholastic Asia for review purpose. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and photos are mine. 

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Travelling with Children - Packing Checklist

We had a few family overseas trips so far. However, when come to packing of luggage, we still ask ourselves, have we missed out anything? Therefore, I have decided to write down our travel packing checklist to serve as a reminder for ourselves.

Travel mini pharmacy

Ear thermometer
Vitamin C
Dhamotil and Ultracarbon for diarrhoea
Repalyte for dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting
Lozenges for soar throat
Decolgen for cold, flu, fever
Dhasedyl syrup for cough
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen for fever
Chlorpheniramine for running nose
感冒茶 / 葛根茶 (flu tea) for cold
Gauze pad for children tooth drop
Plasters
Antiseptic cream
Desitin
Mopiko ointment
Insect repellent
Lip balm
驅風油 / 猴子油 (medicated oil)

Note: The medication is based on our need. Please bring the medication based on your need.

Travel documents
Passport and photocopy of passport
Wallet + $$ (foreign currency and SGD)
International driving licence (for self-driving trips)

Personal hygiene
Wet wipes
Tissue paper
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Shower gel for children (adult will use those provided by hotel)
Nail clippers
Sunblock
Baby lotion
Skin care products
Comb

Clothing per person
Sweater
Disposable underwear
Sleeping wear (T-shirt + trousers / shorts)
Socks

Summer clothing:
Short sleeves tops
Shorts
Cap

Winter clothing:
Fleece jacket
Down jacket
Heattech tops
Heattech pants
Short sleeves tops (for inner layer)
Long sleeves tops (for outer layer)
Jeans / Pants
Heat packs

IT
Camera, camera charger and cable
Universal adapter
Phone charger and cable
Power bank and cable

Others
Water bottles
Umbrella
Rain coats for children
Recycled bags
Foldable travel bags
Pen
Notebook
Thermal flask (for winter)

Things to pack when travelling with younger children and babies
Milk powder
Milk bottles
Detergent for milk bottles
Diapers
Baby carrier
Portable stroller
Toys

As our children are older now, we would involve them in packing, and let them bring their own bags and their belongings.

What else do you pack when you travel with children?


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5 Lessons Learnt from Travelling with Children

We started travelling with our children when they were 5+ and 6+ years old respectively. We didn't bring our children overseas when they were younger because we were worried that we couldn't manage. After travelling with the children overseas a few times, now I have learnt 5 lessons from travelling with the children.

Lesson #1. Managing my own expectation

I learnt to manage my own expectation about travelling because:

• The children may not enjoy going to places that you enjoy e.g. scenic sightseeing spots on the mountains and at the seas.
• You may not really enjoy the places that they enjoy e.g. hotel's indoor swimming pool.
• The children need to eat when you are busy admiring the scenery / shopping.
• The children need to visit the washroom at the most inconvenient times e.g. in the long queue at some places of interest.
• The children's batteries are flat by afternoon and refuse to continue the evening itinerary.
• When you have 2 or more children, they will fight for whatever they can fight e.g. sitting at the window seat in the plane, sleeping on the same bed with DaDi (no one wants MaMi, sob...)

For example, I planned to enjoy this beautiful scenery for 1 hour. However, the wind was so strong that the children screamed and wanted to leave. So we were there for 9 minutes 59 seconds.

Well, these happen even if we do not step out of Singapore!

I have to keep reminding myself to manage my own expectation especially when I have to increase my alert level by 1000% in the foreign environment.

Lesson #2. Slow is the key, but fast when necessary

Before we have children, our itineraries were usually very packed, we tried to visit as many places as we could within a day. But this travelling method is a big No No with children. So when we planned our itinerary, the number of places to visit per day is 2 to 3. No more than that. 

While slow is the key, there are exceptions.

You bring your children to the beautiful cape. It is super windy and the children are very scared. What do you do? Take a fast selfie. Admire the cape within 59 seconds. Leave. the. place. FAST!

You order the sashimi which the children don't eat. They start fidgeting when they are getting bored. What do you do? Take a quick shot of the sashimi if you have to. Swallow. that. sashimi. FAST!

Lesson #3. Plan at least one activity that is specially catered to the children

Ok, let's be fair, the trip is not just for the children, it is for the whole family. So we should not just visit places for children only, go to places that you would love to visit too! But still, plan at least one activity that is catered for children.

We visited Disneyland Hong Kong, as well as slides in Taiwan and Japan, specially planned for the children. Recently I asked the children what their favourite activity in Japan was, they answered "The indoor swimming pool at the sea side hotel". Before I almost fainted, they answered, "Actually the long slide!" Yes, they do remember those special activity planned for them!

Lesson #4. Availability of food

The children have an amazing appetite, and they get hungry every 2 to 3 hours. So we always carry some bread and biscuits in our bags for such emergency. Sometimes the snacks may not satisfy them, so when I plan the itinerary, I always make sure that I know where the eateries, supermarkets and convenience stores are.

In addition, I learnt that I shall never order child's meal on the flight again! No, I don't mean that the child's meal is not nice, it is actually quite delicious. But it happened that the airlines we took offered pasta with tomato sauce as part of the child's meal, and it happens that my children do not like tomato sauce! So we ended up eating child's meal, while our children ate our meal!

Lesson #5. Capture the moments 

Take photos of my children and my hubby. And not to forget to include MYSELF in the photos too! I used smartphone to take wefies, but the quality of photos is not that great under low light condition. So I bought a camera with flip-out screen!

But there are times that I remind myself to keep the camera. Just savour the bonding moments with my family.

What do you learn when you travel with your children?

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