It is over!



     The inaugural Youth Olympic Game has come to an end on 26th August.
I am no fan of YOG. In fact, I didn't quite like it as it had taken much of the TV slots.



    The game held in Singapore, started on 14 August with opening ceremony filled with fire, water and lights.  It started spectacularly with Darren Choy walked in water to light up the YOG flame.


      For the next thirteen days, although there were some complaints on the food and minor incident, Singapore has managed to put on a great show. Many had previously cast doubt about the ability of Singapore hosting the game. After the dazzling display, many has second thought.

     Before the game. there was this 12-year old boy who was so enthusiastic with the torch relay that he trailed the torch relay in Singapore for more than 2 and half hour in the rain or almost 15km. His action moved many readers and the organizing committees too. He was invited to be one of the torch bearer as well.

      I didn't watch any of the games, I don't think it is comparable to Olympic games. But I amazed with the performance of the athletes. Champions are not made in one day, nor one year. It is through perseverance, determination and hardwork that make one shines. The athletes, though are kids, have gone through years of training to come this far. They have put in great effort for the game. I guess their parents are very proud of their kids and they are the champion to them whether they win or lose. And I think they should be the role model for all kids in the world!

Give your best in everything you do, success will be yours one day!


 

     It was a sunny afternoon, worryfather and friends were having a meal and chit chat. One of my friend told us that she felt bad recently. She told us, her daughter were often teased by her schoolmates. As she was in a famous school, many of her schoolmates are from well off family. They always go to North Asia, Europe or even US during school holiday. While my friend who is a decent family, only manage to bring her daughter to nearby places for holiday, if there is. So, her daughter is always teased by her friends, like 'kampung girl' (village girl).
This lead me to think that this is part of Bullying, though not serious.

    Bullying in school is not new. It has been in school for very long time. During my primary school time, though I wasn't targeted, but I still vividly remember that one of my classmate shouted across the class to address a female classmate as Tigress. The female classmate broke down and cried. Luckily, the bully stopped his action. And recently, Princess Aiko of Japan, daughter of the Crown Prince Naruhito was a victim of pranks and harassment from classmate. She complained that she was been hit by a ball during a game. There was a case of 15 year old girl set on fire by her school mate over a text message.
     Bullying can be in physical and verbal context. Most parents are more concern about physical bullying as they can see the physical injury. But, verbal bullying can be deadly also as for the case of Phoebe Prince due to constant verbal bullying.
      As a parents, how are you able to protect your children? It is no easy task. Child expert, Dr Michele Borba has provided some marvellous advices if your child is teased or bullied.
     I think the first thing the parents must do is to able to notice your child is been bullied. The victim might become quiet, introvert or afraid/worry to go to school.One of the story I read from newspaper, the mother noticed her daughter asked for more pocket money when going to school, while she knows that the pocket money was more than enough. She questioned her daughter and found out that her schoolmates were forcing her to give them a treat almost daily. So, communication with children is very important.
      Like Dr Michele Borba suggested, it is important to stay calm and don't get offensive when confronting the bullies. Most of the bullies are usually just want to play a prank or making fun of others. They are just been playful. If your child able to stay calm, not agitated or take it too seriously, the bullies will just go away. Teach the child to stand up for themselves but not resort to violence. If they still harass you, you should let the teachers or the principal knows. Parents are not advisable to confront the bully or the bully's parent directly as this might complicate the matter.
      Bullying is happening everywhere. Most of the children will encounter some sort of bullying. Parents are advise to stay calm too, and not to teach their kids to hit back or become offensive with bully. Help your child to build confidence and teach them how to handle bully.
     

     Once a while, I like to surf for parenting info.

      Today I would like to share about my wife friend's bento website.

     Every time I read about children bento blogs, I am very impressed. The mothers really put in a lot of patience and love to come out with creative ideas. Look at one of the bento set I stole from my wife friend's blog. I specially like the chick in the egg. It looks absolutely marvellous and appetizing. And it is very healthy too. I am sure most kids will be proud to bring one of such bento to school, and they will love it.

     It doesn't really look difficult to prepare it. It is just an egg, corns, kiwi and watermelon. That's all, but it is the thought that's difficult. You will need to put in your heart to make one, that when you or your kids look at it, will make them smile and happy. It is really a Happy Meal.

     There are many good blogs on bento, but today I would like to introduce this blog to you. Simple but creative, healthy and delicious.
It is in mandarin, though. Please feel free to visit her blog, Cozy Kitchen