June Parenting

Words of Wisdom

Hi Singapore Parents

Today, would like to share some words of wisdom with you:

Walk for 10 - 30 minutes every day, while smiling.

Sit quietly for at least 10 minutes every day, in isolation, if necessary.

Upon arising in the morning, one must immediately say: “My goal today is . . . . . . . ”

Listen to quality music every day. This is real nourishment for the soul.

Live with the 3 Es - ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM and EMPATHY.

Play more games than last year.

Thoughts for this moment . . .

Hi Singapore Parents

Today, would like to share with you an extract about “Thoughts for this moment . . .”

Do not take away someone’s hope, it may be all they have to hold on to.

Do not make decisions when you are angry, take cause of your physical body.

Do not pay for a job until it is finished.

Be careful of those who have nothing to lose.

Learn to say NO but do so with kindness and caring

Do not expect life to be fair.

Do not worry about losing a battle if this helps you win the war.

Do not put things off. Do what is needed to be done in the moment.

Do not be afraid of saying “I don’t know” or “I am sorry”.

Contemplate the dawn hours at least once a year.

Look into the eyes of people.

Loveliness is a state of mind. You do not need other people to love yourself.

There is nothing good or bad in life. it is all about choices so choose wisely.

Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.

Live in the moment. Do not rush ahead . . .

There is much to taste life in the “now”.

Do not be hard on yourself. You have come to this life to learn al about who you are so enjoy the experience.

Always tell the truth.

Do not believe al that you hear and do not say al that you think.

Much of your growth as a person will come through hardships and challenges.

Enhance those and know you will be better, stronger and wiser because of them.

Learn to listen, it is an ART.

Life is all about energy. Try to feel it around you, through you and in you.

Distinguish the positive from the negative.

Enjoy the beauty of this Earth all around you.

Do not get out of control at any time, breathe deeply.

There are no coincidence and no accidents in life. Everything big or small is for a reason. Pay careful attention.

Meditate at least 30 minutes a day.

Enjoy times of rest.

Nurture and maintain your friendships.

Live more in your heart and less in your head.

Get rid of hatred and bitterness, they do more harm.

There are those things in life that can never be recaptured: the spoken word, time passed and opportunities.

Do one thing at a time and do it well.

There are 2 dominant energies in life – LOVE and FEAR

LOVE overcomes all. Stay our of FEAR.

There is nothing to fear, it only brings chaos.

Love your body. It knows what you think, from your emotions spring health or illness. Send yourself positive thoughts al the time. One day, you will look back over all that you did in this life and you will die with laughter . . .

Surround yourself with LIGHT everyday!

(Author unknown)

So parents, something to ponder on this weekend . . .

Posted on November 22nd, 2009 by June
Filed under: Reflections and Resolutions, Poems and Quotable Quotes, Parenting Tips | 3 Comments »

A story that may change your life

Hi Singapore parents Today, would like to share a story with you.

One day, a donkey fell into a dried well. The poor donkey cried for several hours to no avail. The desperate farmer tried in vain to have it rescued. Finally, the farmer decided the donkey was old, the well ought to be covered, so it was not worth the while to save the donkey.

The farmer then gathered all the neighbours to help him cover the well. Everyone took the hoe and started filling up the well.

The donkey immediately realized what was happening. Initially, it continued to wail. However, shortly, it quiet down. After a while, the farmers could not bare their curiosity and decided to take a look. What they saw was a shocking sight.

For every scoop of soil ploughed onto the donkey’s back, it shook them off and fiercely stamped them on the ground.

With that, the donkey was able to elevate itself out of the well in no time. It jumped out of the well and sped off. Everyone was amazed by this act.

Morale of the story – actually life is just so. For all difficulties and setbacks, it will fall on our back. To get out of this suffering well and move towards success and glory, there is only one way. That is, shake them off and heavily stomped them onto the ground. Because, for life’s difficulties and failures, it is actually the stepping stone in one’s journey.

So parents, do share this story with you kids.

Posted on November 17th, 2009 by June
Filed under: Reflections and Resolutions, Parenting Tips | 1 Comment »

Life after retirement

Hi Singapore parents

I read with interest 2 articles in today’s Straits Times - Mind and Body section:

Retire, but keep working on Page 2 and
Working retirees in better health on Page 5

I cannot agree more. After retirement, one must continue to work in some ways to stay active. That way, you will also be in better health.

3 years ago, I opted for early retirement with my company of more than 30 years. I remembered my HR Manager telling me: “June, you are still young. Why do you want to retire?” My answer was: “I have given 30 years of my life with this company. I want to try new things and do things that I like.”

Well, I must say the last 3 years have been very fulfilling for me. I have been working part-time to get things going as I still have 3 school going children. During this time, I also learn many new things and made many new friends.

What I would like to share is you have a choice. Be it wealth, career, health, family, knowledge and social aspects, you decide what you want. For me, my concentration is on health, family and knowledge.

For healthy living, I practise Reiki and watch my diet. Reiki has helped my physical being to look younger and rid me of many ailments. As for diet, have been dishing out salads and simple delicious meals which my family enjoys.

For family, I am glad that I am able to spend more time with my mum who is catching up life in her 70s. For my children, I am pleased to see them growing up to be confident and mature kids.

For knowledge, this is a never ending journey. New found interest was acting with Theatre For Seniors with The Necessary Stage since March 2008. We will be staging another public performance in March 2010.

So Singapore parents who are thinking of retirement, do plan and stay active. That’s the way to go . . .

Posted on November 5th, 2009 by June
Filed under: Reflections and Resolutions, Delights and Woes, Parenting Tips | 164 Comments »

Building Strong Families For Tomorrow

Hi Singapore Parents

The above event has been postponed to 23 January 2010. For those of you who are still interested, do log on to http://www.familiesfortomorrow.sg/ for registration.

Cheers

@ 23 Oct 2009

Hi Singapore Parents

Are your children’s exam over? For those still in progress, I wish you and your family good luck and good health.

Come 21 November 2009, do give yourselves a break. Join the Parenting Conference at Hersing Hub, Toa Payoh, 743 Lorong 5, Singapore 319457. Hear the following 4 speakers touch on topics such as:

Protecting and strengthening marriages by Mr Simon Sim
Nurturing and developing a learning resilient child by Dr Moo Swee Ngoh
Communicating and managing emotions effectively in the family by Mr Jason Ng
Healthy money management for the family by Mr Dennis Ng

Also concurrently, children from Primary 1 to Secondary 2 can participate in fun and activity-based learning workshops such as:

Genius brain development training
Magical journey to creative thinking
Habits of successful teenagers
Money wise apprentice camp

This event is organised by Family For Tomorrow, an appointed School Family Education (SFE) service provider which conducts family eduction programmes at primary/ secondary schools and junior colleges. It is supported by Ministry of Community Development , Youth & Sports (MCYS) and Health Promotion Board.

So parents, if you are interested, do log on to http://www.familiesfortomorrow.sg/ for registration.

Posted on November 2nd, 2009 by June
Filed under: Events and Projects, Parenting Tips | 1 Comment »

The Flu Tales

Hi Singapore Parents

Would like to share with you the following flu tales . . .

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn’t believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work.. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)

The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu.

If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case..

Whatever, what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So Singapore parents, on your next visit to the market or supermarket, just pick up the onions!

Posted on October 31st, 2009 by June
Filed under: Food and Juices, Parenting Tips | 2 Comments »

What I want in Life

Hi Singapore Parents

Yesterday, I was at 8Q, Singapore Art Museum and did an art piece using some of my past articles and photographs. The invitation was by Felicia Low who was tasked to do visual arts from people relating what they want to do with their lives.

I shared on My 100 successes, Reflections for Year 2008, Half A Century Old and Remembering My Dad.

At this point of time, I want to live life to the fullest, enjoy what I do and follow my heart. The 3 things I want to focus on are:

v To do more training - with my NPL certification, I would like to help willing parties improve their lives;

v To write more articles on health and parenting topics which I am passionate to share with other parents;

v To continue to use my ‘magic’ hands and apply Reiki to those in need.

So parents, do make a trip down to 8Q, 8 Queens Street Level 3, Felicia Low’s My Space and see my ‘master’ piece. The exhibition is on until Dec 2009.

Posted on September 13th, 2009 by June
Filed under: Reflections and Resolutions, Delights and Woes | 3 Comments »

The Story of “Hospital Window”

Hi Singapore Parents

I have heard this story many times. Whenever I am down, I would recall the lesson drawn from it.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man couldn’t hear the band - he could see it. In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.

So parents, do share the story with your loved ones.

Posted on September 4th, 2009 by June
Filed under: Reflections and Resolutions, Poems and Quotable Quotes, Delights and Woes, Parenting Tips | 12 Comments »

Remedies the Natural Way

Hi Singapore Parents
Below are some interesting food for thought remedies using fluids, food, fruits and vegetables.

USING FLUIDS

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!! High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

INSOMNIA (CAN’T SLEEP?) HONEY! Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

TO PREVENT STROKE - DRINK TEA! Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (Actually, tea suppresses appetite and keeps the pounds from invading. Green tea is great for our immune system!)

HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT! Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season. Honey also helps for this ailment.

USING FOOD

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!!!! Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH! Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis(Fish has omega oils, good for our immune system.)

HEADACHE? EAT FISH! Fish oil helps prevent headaches. So does ginger which reduces inflammation and pain.

MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS! Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.

USING FRUITS

APPLE - although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants and flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C. It thereby helps to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke. As the saying goes “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!”

DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES! Grate an apple with its skin let it turn brown. Then eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are also good for this ailment)

CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO! Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.
UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - They will settle an upset stomach.

BLUEBERRIES – high in anti-oxidants. They are the best and very versatile in the health field as they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies. (Actually, any berry is good for you as they’re high in anti-oxidants. They actually keep us young.)

GUAVA - top award for Vitamin C. It is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation

KIWI - tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E and fiber. Its Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

ORANGE - sweetest medicine. By taking 2 - 4 oranges a day, it may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent/dissolve kidney stones and lessen the risk of colon cancer.

PAPAYA (like guava) - is top awards for Vitamin C. It is also rich in carotene and this is good for your eyes. In addition, It aids in indigestion gas release.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!!! Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.

STRAWBERRY - protective fruit. It has the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals.

TOMATOES are very good as a preventative measure for men. They keep prostate problems from invading their bodies.

WATERMELON - coolest Thirst Quencher composed of 92% water. It is packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. It is also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C & potassium. It also has natural substances that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those ultra violet rays.

USING VEGETABLES

BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage. They help to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!! The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE!!! It contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!! Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure. Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.

COLDS? EAT GARLIC! Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. Remember, garlic also lowers cholesterol.

HEADACHE? EAT GINGER! Ginger reduces inflammation and pain.

UPSET STOMACH? EAT GINGER! Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE VEGGIES!!! A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!! Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes.(As a traditional remedy, try putting onion packs on the chest. It would help the respiratory ailments and actually made breathing easier.)

COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS! A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution - it can irritate your tummy.

So parents, do try out the above tips the natural way and skip the pills.

Posted on August 22nd, 2009 by June
Filed under: Know Your Body, Food and Juices, Parenting Tips | 172 Comments »

Saving Money by Cooking at Home

Hi Singapore Parents

Eating out often can zap your budget in times of economic crisis. Also, busy schedules make it difficult to find the time to cook healthy, tasty, and economical home-cooked meals.

Below are some suggestions that can help tighten your belt:

Cook in bulk. When you make chili, make enough for three meals. Eat one tonight and pack the extras in labeled freezer bags. You now have two meals ready to go in just minutes for those nights when you’re in a hurry. Just pop the freezer bag in the microwave or pour the thawed chili into a pan on the stove top. Toss together a green salad and dinner is served.

For additional savings, plan your bulk-cooking sessions around the supermarket’s sales.

Use a slow cooker. A slow cooker (shown in this figure) is both convenient and a money saver. When you come home at dinnertime, the food is already done. This eliminates the temptation to run out for something quick (and more expensive). Slow cookers can save you money in other ways:

- You can cook larger meals, providing leftovers and possibly a second meal from one cooking time.
- You can buy tougher (and less expensive) cuts of meat because the slow cooker acts as a tenderizer.
- Meat shrinks less when cooked in the slow cooker and does not dry out.
- A slow cooker uses less electricity than an oven. It also does not heat up the kitchen nearly as much as the stove top or oven. So it is a perfect hot-weather cooking appliance.
- Tofu, an inexpensive meat substitute, tastes better cooked in a slow cooker because it has time to soak up the flavors of the broth, spices, and other ingredients.
- Besides stews, slow cookers can also broil soups. There are just too many things you can do with slow cookers. Vary the ingredients and the whole family can enjoy different meals all the time. The library is a good source to borrow books on food preparation for slow cookers. Even children can be involved and help in the cooking. Make it a family affair where everyone can take turns to prepare his or her speciality for their loved ones.

Go green and eat more vegetables. Not only are vegetables healthy for the family, they are also rich in vitamins. You will be amazed by the varieties and different colours you can mix and match to make your meals appetizing. Pop lesser pills and go the natural way.

Well parents, happy saving money and cooking at home.

Posted on August 19th, 2009 by June
Filed under: Food and Juices, Parenting Tips | 87 Comments »

June Parenting

Words of Wisdom

Thoughts for this moment . . .

A story that may change your life

Life after retirement

Building Strong Families For Tomorrow

The Flu Tales

What I want in Life

Yesterday, I was at 8Q, Singapore Art Museum and did an art piece using some of my past articles and photographs. The invitation was by Felicia Low who was tasked to do visual arts from people relating what they want to do with their lives.

I shared on My 100 successes, Reflections for Year 2008, Half A Century Old and Remembering My Dad.

At this point of time, I want to live life to the fullest, enjoy what I do and follow my heart. The 3 things I want to focus on are:

v To do more training - with my NPL certification, I would like to help willing parties improve their lives;

v To write more articles on health and parenting topics which I am passionate to share with other parents;

v To continue to use my ‘magic’ hands and apply Reiki to those in need.

So parents, do make a trip down to 8Q, 8 Queens Street Level 3, Felicia Low’s My Space and see my ‘master’ piece. The exhibition is on until Dec 2009.

The Story of “Hospital Window”

Remedies the Natural Way

Saving Money by Cooking at Home

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