If time and weather permits, I love to bring my child into the nature, even when he was just a toddler. I think it is a great starting point to discover the big wide world. Otherwise, I'll find nice local spots (in Singapore) that can either keep him occupied mentally or provide an outlet to let out his physical energies. Here's the list of places that you may love too. Enjoy the parenting moments.
1. Playground
The number one place I'll bring my child to has got to be the playground, in any form, because my child is almost hyperactive. Places include: the playgrounds near our house, the playgrounds in public parks and gardens (e.g. Botanic Gardens), playgrounds within shopping malls and those within cafes and restaurants (e.g. Marche).
While he is playing, I'll always remind him to share toys, not to push or hit anyone, and look out for dangers like sharp corners, slippery floors and potential spots of trips and falls. I might sound like an over-the-top mom, but my child is too accident-prone. He often heads home with some bruises or a bleeding nose.
But I can't possibly stop him from playing altogether, right? And so, my struggle to choose between a broken leg and a broken spirit continues. Which do you think is worse? Which would you choose? Well, to me, a broken spirit is no better than a lifeless person. I couldn't bear to see him lose that sparkling smile in his eyes. Striking a balance is the key here.
While he is playing, I'll always remind him to share toys, not to push or hit anyone, and look out for dangers like sharp corners, slippery floors and potential spots of trips and falls. I might sound like an over-the-top mom, but my child is too accident-prone. He often heads home with some bruises or a bleeding nose.
But I can't possibly stop him from playing altogether, right? And so, my struggle to choose between a broken leg and a broken spirit continues. Which do you think is worse? Which would you choose? Well, to me, a broken spirit is no better than a lifeless person. I couldn't bear to see him lose that sparkling smile in his eyes. Striking a balance is the key here.
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| At Marche's, Somerset |
2. Nature (gardens, parks, hilltop)
This overlaps some places listed in number 1 but the point here is not about the playground, but about letting my child spend lots of time in nature, like the forest or any green spaces. Let the little one breathe in fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. And like what I did, you can show him simple things: Darling, this is a leaf, come touch it. This is a flower. Oh look! A bird... squirrel, over there! You can even let him paint, play ballgames, blow bubbles or pick up sticks in the wild - whatever makes your child and you happy.
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| Kent Ridge Park |
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| Singapore Botanic Gardens |
3. Water time
My son loves to play with water. Our weekday afternoons often end with a bathtub time right before he showers. He gets all excited whenever he sees me filling up his bathtub with water and his bath toys. And a 'no bathtub' day will send him crying. As he grew older, we began to bring him to bigger sources of water like the swimming pool and the beach. You can also bring your toddler to playgrounds with water features which you can find in many Singapore malls.
My son loves to play with water. Our weekday afternoons often end with a bathtub time right before he showers. He gets all excited whenever he sees me filling up his bathtub with water and his bath toys. And a 'no bathtub' day will send him crying. As he grew older, we began to bring him to bigger sources of water like the swimming pool and the beach. You can also bring your toddler to playgrounds with water features which you can find in many Singapore malls.
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| Sentosa, Siloso Beach |
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| Jurong East Swimming Complex |
4. Walkabouts
... in Changi Airport, huge shopping centres (e.g. Vivocity), or any huge spaces to wonder about. My son and I will grab a bite, buy little treats or a toy and also make pit-stops whenever we see a little playground or a toddler-friendly cafe. Really, it is to walk about and perhaps squeeze in an errand or two involving the little one. For example, when he needed a new set of pyjamas, I'll get him to choose one for himself. This is where errands turn into little adventures for my toddler.
5. Child-friendly stores
My top 2 choices are IKEA and supermarkets with child-carrying pushcarts. This is usually an errand-running day. I'll pass my child a copy of the shopping or grocery list and I'll tick things off as we go along. Meantime, he can learn to identify a few things: Jovie, say Nnn-oooo-dles. Where are the noodles?
6. Train and bus rides
I like to point to distant objects to exercise his eye muscles. I'll show him the lake, a river, or a tall building. Or I'll show him where we are on the train map, names of train stations or streets, and so on. Mostly, I want my child to enjoy the scenery, enjoy the ride, watch the vehicle doors open and close, watch people come up and get off, or simply watch the day go by. But sometimes, he'll doze off into deep sleep. So, wearing diapers for a long ride is a must, in case of toileting 'accidents'.
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| On the train, near Lakeside Station |
7. Library
Jovie's not really into books when he was younger. Instead of flipping the pages, he finds more joy in tearing them off! So I waited till he was more mature before bringing him to the library and hoped to arouse his interest in reading. Luckily, I did - he now requests that I read him a book before he sleeps. At the library, he gets to choose books and we'll read together. Initially, his attention drifts off by the third page but I'll just try my best to read as much as his attention span can afford. At the same time, I'll teach him to behave appropriately: speak softly in the library, treat books gently, and put them back after reading.
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| At one of the public libraries |
8. Places of interest
There are many other places where you can spend a wonderful afternoon [or just 2 hours of bliss before he drives you crazy!] with your little one. For me, they include: plant nursery, small animal farms**, ice-skating rink, short musical shows provided by the library/museum, science centre, kid-themed exhibitions or just places with Christmas and New Year decorations during the festive season.
**when he was younger, we brought him to the zoo, but instead of looking at the animals in the distance, he was fervently interested in the puddle of water on the ground! *faints* Here, an animal farm with small animals (rabbits, chicks, hamster, fish, bird) that you can get really close to would be a better choice.
There are many other places where you can spend a wonderful afternoon [or just 2 hours of bliss before he drives you crazy!] with your little one. For me, they include: plant nursery, small animal farms**, ice-skating rink, short musical shows provided by the library/museum, science centre, kid-themed exhibitions or just places with Christmas and New Year decorations during the festive season.
**when he was younger, we brought him to the zoo, but instead of looking at the animals in the distance, he was fervently interested in the puddle of water on the ground! *faints* Here, an animal farm with small animals (rabbits, chicks, hamster, fish, bird) that you can get really close to would be a better choice.
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| People watching at Jcube skating rink in Jurong East |