The ABCs of Raising A Thinking Child

A is for Ask

Instead of answering your child's question with an answer, ask her to think of what a possible answer might be. This practice forces your child to think about possible solutions, hypotheses or reasons instead of lazily accepting a spoonfed answer. (It also eliminates an endless string of nonsensical "why?" questions).

B is for Brave

Dare your child to be brave and to march to the beat of her own drummer. Try to find examples in everyday life when you are making a choice based on your own reasons of what others are ding. If other families are staying late at the park (past your child's naptime), explain to your child that even though most other families are still there, you are going home to get some rest because you want to have energy for an evening walk later. By explaining your reasons and the consequences of your choice, your child will understand why you are making her leave earlier than others and that  it is okay to be doing something different when there is a reason for the different choice. Let her know it's okay to color outside the lines, inside the lines, or off the coloring page completely!

C is for Choice

When your child doesn't know how to solve a particular problem or an answer or definition of something, give her choices (like clues) and let her work out the solution on her own. This helps her learn how to assign value to and compare pieces of information and engages her critical thinking skills. Choices are also effective in teaching appropriate behaviour without scare tactics or a follow-the-leader mentality. For example, if your child wants to go out into the snow in her tank top, let her make that choice and see what the consequences of the choice are. Use this opportunity to explain the factors that go into making a well-thought out choice: like observing the weather to see if a turtleneck would make a more reasonable choice when it's snowing because it is warmer.

D is for Discover

The more your child is exposed to different scenes, people, cultures, food and experiences, the more she'll be able to understand the world around her and the idea that there are numerous ways of doing things and thinking about things. Even if you can't travel to far away places, have fun on local outings to ethnic grocery stores and try new foods, or just take a drive to the next town, the zoo or a children's museum. You can take little adventures online (like through the Around the World in 12 dishes series) or discover new adventures in books borrowed from the library.

E is for Experiment

It's never too early to experiment. Not just science experiments, but experimenting with different outcomes in art, math, science, reading and life lessons. Let your child engage in sensory plays as an infant and toddler to give her a direct, hands on experience with discovering the world around her. Let your toddler touch too hot bath water (under your supervision) to learn about hot and cold as well as a life lesson in testing out the water before jumping in. Little ones can even be trusted with glass or china so they become familiar with the weight and handling of objects.

* tips from The Outlaw Mom Blog :-)

Short Holiday to KSL Resort, Johor Bharu

We went to KSL Resort, Johor Bharu last Thursday, just before the school holiday started. Arsyad was the one who is very excited and looking forward to go to the Dinosaur Water Theme Park. Everyday, he will mention about it and keep on asking when we will go there. Finally, when the day comes he woke up early in the morning, get his shower done, brought his pillows and sit down quietly on his booster seat. Haha.. Just after few hours later, both of them getting bored in the car, then started to argue with each other. Sabo je la.. Kids will always be like that.. Haha

After about 3 hours journey, Alhamdulillah we safely arrived at KSL Resort, easily find via waze or google maps. The resort is attached with the shopping mall. We had our lunch at the mall and checked-in into our room. By the way, we booked our room at Agoda.com. It is indeed a nice room, not so big but enough for 4 of us.

After got some rest for 1/2 an hour, we went down to the water theme park. It is free for all the hotel guests. The dinosaur water theme park is not that big but good enough for our children. They love it so much especially Arsyad. Luckily there were not so many people during our stay. So they can play happily all day long. :-)

There were 5 dinosaurs at the theme park, all of them were moving with sound. Arsyad and farrel were so afraid, so they were just playing in the pool that is far away from the dinosaurs. Haha..

Overall, we enjoyed our stay there. Maybe one day, we will visit the place again. :-)

The Treehouse Sports Day 2013

Arsyad's school sportsday was held last month, October 2013. It was indeed a very successful and fun event coz it is not just about the children, but the whole family of the Tree House Islamic Montessori Playschool including the parents. The event were also called as picnic day/family day. We have to bring our own basket, blanket/mat, any other food to enjoy the precious time with our children during the break. I love the concept coz I know most of the parents don't have so much quality time with their children. So, this is one way for the parents to get to know of their children at school, how excellent they are and what they are capable to achieve. :-)

The event started with the marching parade starting from Baby Khalifah (age 1 1/2-3 years old), Little Khalifah (3-4 years old) and Junior khalifah (5-6 years old). The fun part was, most of the babies in Baby Khalifah's group were marching with their parents coz they got cranky when they knew their moms and dads were there. Then the Little's coming in with their Froggy mask and the Junior's with the bird and horse theme I think.

After the marching parade, then the game started. I didn't get to watch all the games. Arsyad was playing hop hop the froggy game. Eventhough he was a bit shy to hop in front a loott of other people, but he managed to finish it. I was so proud of him. Hehe. 

I can't believe watching my boy doing all those. He is such a big boy already. Another one more year then you will be in standard 1 Arsyad. I hope you can stay this young forever!! Mama loves u baby..

A Trip to KL Bird Park

As we didn't go anywhere on that particular week (Deepavali's holiday), we've decided to bring the kids to the KL Bird Park. Alhamdulillah, the weather is very nice on that day, not too hot and it was not raining.

The fee for adult with MyKad is RM25 each and kids with MyKid above 3 years old is RM12 each. Below 3 years old is free. 

The park was quite big. There were not many birds that freely fly compared to years ago when I was 7/8 years old I guess. Haha.. But, at least the place was still nice, clean and properly taken care of.

There were bird's show which you have to take note the time of the show as it is not available all the time. And you can take photo at their photobooth as well with all the birds sitting on your lap, hands and on your shoulder. I forgot how much you have to pay for the photo, but if you use your own camera you just need to pay RM10. We didn't take the photo at the photobooth though coz Arsyad and Farrel was afraid with all the big birds. Haha..

All I can say is the place is very good for the kids to explore the outdoor. Lot of things they can learn, not just about the birds but all about the nature. We spent our time there for about 2-3 hours, then we went back home with happy faces. :-)

Tips To Do Children's Activities At Home

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Since Arsyad went to school, he always want to do something fun at home. Either workbook, art & craft, sensorial activities and many more. It is fun watching them having fun and enjoying themselves doing or should I say playing happily in completing those activities.

Everyday, I will make sure there is something ready for them to do. Usually we will start our activity around 4.30pm to 5pm as Arsyad finish school at 3pm. In order for us to make these kind of activities as a routine, we need to do it everyday, so that they will get used to it. Sometimes I also need a "me time", so there will be one or two days that they can play anything they want without me supervising them. But trust me, once they are getting used with all the educational activities, they will try to play something that they can learn with. For example playing with lego, build or create something with it on their own, then started to imagine what is actually they build. They will tell you a very nice story and sometimes I can just laughing and put a smile on my face listening to their conversation. :-)

I know to entertain our kids all the time is not easy. It needs a loooottt of patience!! Sometimes, me myself can't control my anger in handling both of my kids. But, after awhile, I realize that they will more behave if you were involved in the activities with them (meaning no phone, no TV and no house chores. Just concentrate on them), be more relax when having a conversation or playing with them ( for example, if you need to rush on something don't show it to them. Don't make them to do/complete it faster because you want to do something else. This is not helping them to learn. They can see it on your face).

Set your own ground rules. Everytime I want to do painting or arts & craft session with my kids, I will ask them to sit down first while I setting up all the things that they need in order to do it. If they didn't listen to you, then you will not set up the table. Make sure you stick with your own rules. After completing the activity, ask them to clean it up. Clean all the brushes, the containers and table. Please provide proper tools for them to use. I always prepare the stool for them to wash their hands at the sink, provide kitchen towels and multipurpose spray for them to cleanup the table. You will be amazed looking at them working together to make sure everything is clean. :-)

And the most important thing is, you are having fun in doing those activities with them. I always google on what activities that I can do with my kids. Hope those tips can give you an idea on how to do activities with your kids at home. Coz I know sometime kita tak sabar kan?? All those mess.. huh~ But it is worth it!! :-)

Inshaa Allah I will share any other tips if I have some time. :-)

Happy 2nd Birthday Farrel..

6 November 2013 - Alhamdulillah Farrel dah 2 tahun.. How time flies.. And, I'm officially graduated in my breastfeeding journey for my 2nd prince.. Hopefully he will be ready to wean off anytime soon ( mama wanna get some rest too boy!! Hehe..)

We didn't plan anything for his birthday party yet. Just had a special birthday lunch between us. Inshaa Allah we will do it together with Arsyad's birthday kay Farrel.. 

Mama doakan Farrel agar menjadi anak yang soleh, bijak pandai, sentiasa dikurniakan kesihatan yang baik dan sentiasa di bawah lindungan dan rahmat Allah S.W.T .. Mama loves u so much baby.. :-)

Latest Update..

Wow!!! My last post was a very long time ago.. Suddenly I feel like wanna post something here while my kids are taking their nap.. Alhamdulillah I am still here, busy with my daily routines taking care both of my kids, sending Arsyad to school and homeschooling Farrel at home..

Arsyad will be 5 by end of this year and Farrel will be 2 this November. Time flies so fast. Later, I need to stop breastfeeding Farrel and one more year I need to send Arsyad to school for standard 1. I need to get ready and I also need to get him ready. So much things to do on my side and so much things to learn on his side. But me myself also still learning on how to make learning is fun. Doing activities with my kids are so much fun, but after that I just feel like wanna lay down on bed and just close my eyes and sleep.

I would really like to share my daily activities with my kids, which I think can give ideas and tips for all moms out there to do something that is beneficial with your kids too, rather than let them watching televisyen or ipad. Maybe one fine day I will share it with all of you. But for now, I just wanna say Hi there, hope all of you can still remember me and still wanna come and visit my blog eventhough I seldomly update any posts in here. :P

with both of my kids :-)

Resipi Nasi Minyak Terengganu

Just cook this simple nasi minyak today together with ayam masak merah. Don't have time to do the gulai so masak merah pon cukup la.. hehe

So here is the easy peasy recipe.

Bahan-bahan:

3 cawan beras basmathi

4 1/2 cawan air

1/2 cawan susu cair

1 sudu kecik garam

Daun pandan simpulkan

Sedikit pewarna kuning dan merah

Bahan untuk menumis:

1 sudu besar minyak sapi

2 sudu besar marjerin

3 kuntum bunga cengkih

3 biji buah pelaga

2 kuntum bunga lawang

1 inci kulit kayu manis

1/2 inci halia

3 ulas bawang merah - mayang

1 ulas bawang putih - mayang

Cara-cara:

1. Panaskan minyak sapi dan marjerin dalam periuk. 
2. Masukkan bahan tumis. Goreng hingga naik bau/kekuningan.
3. Masukkan beras dan daun pandan. Kacau
4. Masukkan air dan susu cair.
5. Alih ke dalam rice cooker dan masak hingga kering. Titiskan sedikit pewarna merah dan kuning. Bila kering gembur2kan nasi.
6. Siap dan hidangkan bersama gulai ayam or daging. :-)

Selamat mencuba!!

Arsyad`s 4th Birthday Celebration

Alhamdulillah, we did a small celebration for Arsyad`s birthday last Saturday Jan 5th, just between our families around 50 to 60 people.. I did the preparation just few days before the day.. As we went back to our hometown last weekend, so I just did a small shopping for the party favors and few other things for the decorations. 

Arsyad requested the Ninjago`s theme for his birthday this time. I managed to prepare some stuff, but still lots of things I didn`t manage to complete. Lots of ideas, to do this and that but I didn`t have enough time to finish it. So, just let it be and focus on what I have. As I cook the main dish on my own, for the first time ever I cook for 50 to 60 people. Huh~ luckily everyone enjoyed the food, Alhamdulillah.. Even everyone can pack the food to bring home.. :-) 

One thing that I didn`t manage to get is his Ninjago`s birthday cake. I just bought the Secret`s Recipe`s cake, last minute order. Other bakers didn`t reply may email and sms at all. Sorry Arsyad, the cake was not like as you imagine. The one that he wants has ninjago characters on top and got lego around the cake. I`ll try to do my best next year kay dear.

Just enjoy the pictures captured using hubby`s iPhone. I still didn`t transfer the pictures from my camera, will update later once I managed to do so. Enjoy~ 

p/s: Ade nak tempah for your kids` birthday?? Hehehe..