Mummy, why does it rain?

Ever had one of those simple yet difficult to answer questions from your children?

I was caught off guard by this one some time back when it rained for a few days.

My 6 year old asked me this while we were out for a walk. She saw the dark clouds in the sky and asked, "Mummy, why does it rain when the clouds are dark?"

A dozen thoughts flashed through my mind : How do I explain the water cycle?  How do I explain how clouds are formed? Why do the clouds turn dark? etc.

Then, by the grace of God, He gave me a very simple yet relevant explanation. Here goes!

I told her, that clouds contain water. When it gets really heavy with water, it turns really grey and dark. When it cannot hold the water any longer, it will rain. I can tell from the look in her eyes that she still didn't quite understand.

Then I used the analogy of our bladder. I said that the clouds are just like our bladder. It contains the water that we eat or drink that is not absorbed by the rest of the body. When the bladder gets really full, like the dark clouds, we need to go to the toilet and wee. Similarly, when the clouds get really full, it has to release the water and do a 'wee'. Sphere: Related Content

I'm somene's girlfriend!

I had a lovely conversation with a 5 year old boy this afternoon during school pick up.

He came and asked if I can be his girlfriend. I told him that I'm a bit too old, and perhaps my two girls will be of a more suitable age. But no, he said that me eldest is already is girlfriend and he wanted my younger one and myself to be his girlfriends too!

It was hilarious but I agreed to his proposal. :)

He was smiling from ear to ear and ran back to his mum to announce it!

I love the innocence of children. They love so wholeheartedly. No reserves. Full of faith.


Sphere: Related Content

What is in a name?

How long does it take for you to name your children? Took us the whole pregnancy and a few more days after birth. Actually, maybe even before pregnancy. When we decided that we'll try for another baby, we started throwing out names once in awhile to seek each other's opinions.

We always come up with both boys' and girls' names. Just in case. It's fun to run through names and check out each other's responses. I think it's very stressful to be dealing with children and names at the same time.

For both our children we have names ready for the hospital. A few of them, in fact. I'm glad we both are parents who need to see their children first before naming them, because I am this kind of person. If my husband wasn't, I'd be living in frustration and doubt throughout the pregnancy wondering if the name fits my child.

There's been quite a lot of news about celebrity baby names and to be honest, I sympathise with the children. Why do celebrities' children have to have odd names?

Was it last year that a Chinese couple wanted to name their child @. Then another couple wanting to name their child Facebook?

It really took us a good 6 months to come up with a list of names and then narrowing it down to final three. For both girls. The first one was easy as we already had names in mind. The second one was trickier as our favourite girls' name was taken.

Some have asked why it took us so long to decide upon a name. I always respond with this : A name is for life. It has to be fitting, meaningful, and the child proud to be called by. They will be using their given name the rest of their lives. Why make it difficult for them?

We are all called by God to be His children. He knows us by our names, our characters, our thoughts and deeds. God has put in a lot of thought into the making of a baby that will one day grow into an adult. Then, shouldn't we, as stewards of God, should put in a bit more thought into our children's names?

A friend inboxed me recently asking how I gave my girls their Chinese names. One of the suggestions I gave to her is to pray about it. Not trying to boast of how holy I am, which I can tell you I am far from! But that if God had given us this kicking little life to be brought up, I'm sure He has in mind a name for him/her. For both my girls, God has placed circumstances in our way to guide us in naming our children. He cares for all our needs, every little thing. If God can give names to people in the Bible, He sure can do it today.

The next time you're pregnant and is stuck for names, pray. God will provide.
Sphere: Related Content

New addition to the family

It's been over a year since my last blog post and the main changes would be having a baby added to the family.

I've quite forgotten what it's like to have sleepless nights until Miss H was born. This one is different from the first which I very quickly found out.

She refuses to drink cow's milk.
She refuses to take the teat.
She is fully breast-fed.
She grows faster than I can change her wardrobe.
She stood up before she could turn herself or crawl.
She climbed steps before she could walk.

There are so many differences that I feel like I'm learning to be a mum all over again. All the experiences from the first child just flew out the window.

However, there's one thing in common between the two girls. They are both miss independents. They know what they want and will persist till they get it.

This reminds me of two parables in the Bible in the book of Luke. One is the persistent widow who asked the judge to right a wrong and the other is of a man who knocked on his friend's door to ask for food. Both eventually received what they asked for because of their persistence.

I see the same persistence in my children. They will keep on at it till I give it to them. It'll have to be something that is suitable for their age. If only, as an adult, I have the same persistence as they do, in praying and seeking God! There is plenty to learn from the simple faith of our children! Sphere: Related Content

Childcare

Miss 3 has started her kindy at a nearby childcare centre since the last week of April. So far, she's been happy during her days there, except for the parting tears.

Yesterday, she said that she didn't want to go to kindy because she doesn't like a 'bad' teacher. Children can't lie. They're so real. They imitate and they remember. Apparently, the 'bad' teacher told her to sleep but she didn't want to. She only wanted to sleep at home with me.

We asked her then, when mummy and daddy tell you to sleep and keep repeating ourselves, does that mean that we're 'bad' parents? She said no.

This morning when I dropped her off, she pointed out the 'bad' teacher. I don't think there's anything bad about the teacher, and truly they do get tired looking after a bunch of preschoolers. Unfortunately, the 'bad' teacher came to pick her from me and she screamed more than she did before.

I'm glad to have another day to myself to do things before baby comes along, but felt sorry for my precious one. She has learnt to dislike and instead of seeing everything as good, there is a negative side to things. It's part of growing up, I suppose, but it hurts to know that a pure and innocent spirit has to change. I hope my children will keep their innocence and simplicity towards life, but still be watchful of danger.

It was good when God created the universe and everything in it, but sin has caused it to change... Sphere: Related Content

Do you smack your child(ren)?

Am following a fan page on Facebook and one of the status updates a few days ago asked its fans if they smacked their children in public on the legs or on the bum when they misbehaved.

Interestingly the response was mostly 50-50. Some have done so, some haven't and will not.

Those who had, did it because warnings and time outs have failed them while they were out and so a smack was issued. For some it was also a case of a dangerous act, like running across the road without waiting.

The other party who did not and refused to do it are against any form of physical punishment and deem it as an act of violence and abuse. One of them would have liked to 'report' some of the posts.

As I read the comments with interest and some disbelief, I must admit that I will smack my child in public if that's the last thing that will get the message across. I do smack at home too. And I do give warnings.

You may disagree with my point of view though.

I nearly smacked Miss 3 once for running across the road without waiting for me, which she was always told to do so. The best part was, she didn't even look out for cars. I went after her, with my big belly threatening to bounce off the body and gave her a stern lecture on the other side. The look on her face told me that she got the message and will not require a smack to enforce that message of danger. However, there were times when I was home and she would push boundaries. When 3 warnings and a time out didn't work, she got a smack on the bum.

I don't encourage physical punishment, although I grew up with them. The Bible says, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 13:24.

It does not promote punishment by the rod, but it does mean strict discipline by the parent. In love.

And when it comes to discipline, I have to admit that every child is different. There is no one set method that can be used to discipline every child.

And so, back to the discussion on the fan page. From what I've read, none of the parents sounded like they were abusive. And the reason behind the smack were mostly due to plenty of warnings given or in dangerous situations. Sphere: Related Content

Night time toilet training

Not that I'm doing the toilet training much. Little Miss 3 has been keeping herself dry at night and we haven't had to change her sheets since she decided to wear her panties to bed about 2 weeks ago.

She's probably been dry for a long time now, but we're just too lazy to get her into her panties at night. But I'm glad we went with her suggestion to go without nappies because it's saving us tons of money!

I've heard so much horror stories of parents waking up in the night to change sheets and some had to change the mattress because there was just so much wee, I have held back with the night time toilet training. Another excuse? I was horribly sick with morning sickness.

But one good advice given by all parents is : Do not rush, let your child decide at their own time.

How very true! It really saved us a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. No doubt the expenses spent in buying and throwing away nappies was huge, but we're glad we let her decide on her own. Hopefully this next bub will follow in her sister's footsteps and be just as mature and well-behaved. Sphere: Related Content

Pregnant and morning sickness

Haven't been posting since last August?, I think.. So much has happened over the last few months and am now keeping up with the blogging...

I am pregnant again, praise the Lord, and this time with only one. When I had the ultrasound, I asked specifically three times and made sure that they've checked me thorough that I only have one sac in there.

Due 25 May 2011, but my obstetrician is not in favour of me having a vaginal birth, so the operation it is again and we've decided on 19 May 2011, unless water breaks earlier.

This time round, morning sickness dragged on for a good 20 weeks. The first 3 months was more constant, all the time, then afterwards it was a few times a day, but mostly at night. Throwing up was an art, with me discarding only certain foods that I ate. Could have a bbq chicken with herbs stuffing along with rice and vegetables for dinner and all I threw up was the her stuffing. My obstetrician, husband and myself were amazed at how the body could separate foods that were taken in together.

Phoebe's a great comfort during these times of throwing up. She'd sit with me, put her arms around my shoulder and give me reassuring pats. What a grown up girl! She'd also bring me a stool to sit on while I throw up and pull the toilet paper for me to clean up too. For a nearly 3 year old (that was before December), I was and still am very proud of her.

We'd have a conversation everyday, with her asking if baby could come out and play today. Over the last few months, Phoebe has taken to having afternoon naps with me, for 2 reasons - One, I was not up to settling her in her own bed, and two, she wants to sleep with her baby sibling. We've found out that it was going to be another girl.

Poor husband had to deal with Phoebe after work as I'm mostly out of action by 7pm. Could hardly eat either and would just crash into bed. Thankfully, morning sickness went pretty much on the dot at 21 weeks.

We'll probably try for another child after a few more years... Sphere: Related Content

Children Quotes

I'm into quotes recently. Just a phase, perhaps.. But good quotes are always entertaining and some thought-provoking.

Compiled a list of quotes on children and parents that I read online while searching for quotes for my Ling's List's Facebook Page.

So here goes, from some that I quite enjoyed..

From Quote Garden on children :

I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring.  ~Liz Armbruster, on robertbrault.com

A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer.  ~Author Unknown

You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing.  What!  Is it nothing to be happy?  Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long?  Never in his life will he be so busy again.  ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762

A three year old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a fifty-six dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm.  ~Bill Vaughan

Boy, n.:  a noise with dirt on it.  ~Not Your Average Dictionary

Little girls are cute and small only to adults.  To one another they are not cute.  They are life-sized.  ~Margaret Atwood

There are only two things a child will share willingly - communicable diseases and his mother's age.  ~Benjamin Spock, Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, 1945

There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child.  ~Frank A. Clark

If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.  ~Edgar W. Howe


From Quote Garden on parents :

There comes a time when a woman needs to stop thinking about her looks and focus her energies on raising her children.  This time comes at the moment of conception.  A child needs a role model, not a supermodel.  ~Astrid Alauda, on the "hot mom" trend

Your children need your presence more than your presents.  ~Jesse Jackson

Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.  ~Robert Fulghum

It kills you to see them grow up.  But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't.  ~Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams

Children are a great comfort in your old age - and they help you reach it faster, too.  ~Lionel Kauffman

The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.  ~Lane Olinghouse

The beauty of "spacing" children many years apart lies in the fact that parents have time to learn the mistakes that were made with the older ones - which permits them to make exactly the opposite mistakes with the younger ones.  ~Sydney J. Harris

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.  ~Charles R. Swindoll, The Strong Family

You will always be your child's favorite toy.  ~Vicki Lansky, Trouble-Free Travel with Children, 1991

If your children spend most of their time in other people's houses, you're lucky; if they all congregate at your house, you're blessed.  ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

The guys who fear becoming fathers don't understand that fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.  The end product of child raising is not the child but the parent.  ~Frank Pittman, Man Enough

When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen.  When they're finished, I climb out.  ~Erma Bombeck

The hardest part of raising a child is teaching them to ride bicycles.  A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom.  The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard.  ~Sloan Wilson

The one thing children wear out faster than shoes is parents.  ~John J. Plomp

A child enters your home and for the next twenty years makes so much noise you can hardly stand it.  The child departs, leaving the house so silent you think you are going mad.  ~John Andrew Holmes

If your kids are giving you a headache, follow the directions on the aspirin bottle, especially the part that says "keep away from children."  ~Susan Savannah

It is one thing to show your child the way, and a harder thing to then stand out of it.  ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com Sphere: Related Content

What your name, mummy?

Last night at dinner, Miss 2 asked, "What your name, mummy?" at dinner time. In English.

We're constantly surprised at her grasp and understanding of English from Sunday School, MOPPETS and other children.

She speaks English with a Kiwi accent because I babysit these two girls whose mother is from New Zealand. Miss 2's constant, "Mummy, come he-yar!" and "Don't!" (with an emphasis on the 't') is a reflection of what the girls say to each other.

Today, she decided to give her rabbit doll a name : Rabbit. I can foresee role play coming soon. One of my dreaded types of play since growing up. Sigh.. The last few years as a day care mum gave me a bit more insight to the benefits of it, but I'm still not too keen to pretend play.

Time for another baby? Sphere: Related Content

Dreamy baby, creative mum!

Thanks to The Miss K Way for posting! Visited this very creative mum's blog and couldn't help marvel at her patience quick thinking! Reminded me of those cartoon animations! Expected her artwork to move anytime!

You have to read it and I'm sure you'll agree that she's gifted!

Check out Mila's Daydreams. Sphere: Related Content

I'm busy... I'm tired

Ask any mum, especially a new mum, how she is, and these are the two words commonly heard : busy, tired.

That was my standard answer too, for awhile after having Miss 2. Those sleepless nights trying to figure out what the fuss was about, reading up on parenting and settling babies, trying to get some sleep for my own sanity's sake, etc. I'm sure that with more children in the household, the madness increases.

Read this article on Kidspot : "Why don't friends with kids have time?"

One look at the title and you'd know that it was asked by someone who isn't a parent, or haven't been in contact with children enough.

The question was sent in to the Washington Post in 2007 and the journalist who responded gave her a blast!

I enjoyed it thoroughly and I hope you did too! Sphere: Related Content

Finished With Family Day Care

Today is officially my last day as a day care mum. Serious. No regrets. I hope! =)

Had talked about this for a few months with husband already. A lot of regulatory changes and increasing amount of paperwork that led me to reconsider being a day care mum.

I find that children are being overly protected under the system and it is no longer feasible for me to still spend time with family if I were to continue with family day care.

Some changes and how it affects my family and myself :
1. Move to another government department - Education. There will be a change in focus in the children's learning experience in care.

2. New names - We are now called 'Educators', putting us on par with teachers and child care centre workers. This just meant more planning of activities,  observation and notes taking.

3. Compulsory handwashing upon arrival and departure - All families and children are to wash their hands when they come in and when they go home. Either with hand sanitisers or the soap in the bathroom. This also meant that all my visitors, be it friends or family, will be washing their hands at the door and when they go home. Which in turn meant that if I were to have a dinner or social gathering at my place, I'll be better off installing an anti-bacterial spray at the front door and spray clean everyone when they come and go.

4. Table top and Kitchen Bench to be clear of things - I live in an organised mess. Unfortunately, it is not 'presentable' when parents come and when validated. So, there is not to be anything on the work table or kitchen bench.

5. More child-proofing around the house - linen cupboard to be inaccessible to children. Ours is difficult enough to pull open for adults, much less children, but a safety latch is put in anyway. 1st Aid Kit to be child proofed. Either kept away from children, or are lockable.

6. Backyard is not enticing enough for children to play outside - no play equipment. Did they not consider the sand pit, tricycles, chalk drawing, water play, painting, stepping stools, bubbles, balls available? A park is just 5 mins away and children get enough swings and slides there.

7. Not enough shade and shelter - need more shelter for children to play outdoors when it rains. Maybe they can give me the money to do it.

8. Resources (toys, books, mattresses) to either be washed with warm soapy water or wiped down. Daily for toys, weekly for mattresses.

9. Spot checks and validation - at least 1 spot check a month from the co-ordinators. Once a year, we get a spot check from the State licensing unit. Random pick of carers. We also have a national accreditation spot check once a year. Carers are also picked at random.

So, with these reasons, we think that it is fair to not continue with family day care. I'm happy with the decision and thank the Lord for a wise and caring husband who would like to see me happy with my work and be able to spend more time with me.

Furthermore, with no annual leave and sick leave paid out to myself and having to contribute to my own superannuation funds, I'd be better off working in a child care centre as an assistant with my Cert III. I get my annual leave, sick leave, superannuation all paid by the employer and I don't have to do my own accounts.

What will happen now? I'll be babysitting my day care children and looking forward to the next pregnancy. Sphere: Related Content

Classroom in the forest

With this world changing so rapidly, children now and in the future are missing out a lot on the nature walks and what nature can offer to them.

Read this article about some US preschools operating in the forests and found it a welcoming change. As a day care mum in the city, we're always told to bring the children out to the parks, to expose them to the world of nature. I am fortunate to have a huge backyard and a park nearby which children can run around, pick things up and explore with their senses.

Cedarsong Nature School is one of them. Children are their own teachers, where they can spend hours exploring one topic or activity and really learn as they play. This school also has a programme for autistic and ADHD children.

I don't think I can do it, because I grew up in a city. I have no clue what the forest holds. I can't tell one tree from another, much less the life cycle of a species or how their habitat functions. But I think, I'll be keen to send my children to one, even if it was once a week, to really learn about the world that God had created right from the beginning and which was good.

Modernisation sure has strengthened economy, but with it, we also see sacrifices in people's lives. More known allergies, mental disorders, health issues, etc.. Perhaps it is time to go back to nature and enjoy learning. Sphere: Related Content

Puff the Magic Dragon

I've never watched "Puff the Magic Dragon" before and have not watched it yet. Came across this song on youtube and it brought tears to my eyes at the end of it. Such a beautiful song of friendship and companionship.


A song of two friends that came together and went apart as age caught up. Something that is very true for all of us. Wonder how many true friends there are out there who kept their friendship throughout their lives?


It is something that I would like my children to have. Lifelong friendship and quality friends. Also teaching them that people move on in life, but true friendship and love will stay no matter how far apart.


I might go and look for the youtube videos!


Here are two videos of Peter, Paul and Mary singing the song. Two different crowds, but the same magic it calls up.








Did a search on wikipedia and it was originally "based on a 1959 poem by Leonard Lipton, a 19-year-old Cornell University student. Lipton was inspired by an Ogden Nash poem titled 'Custard the Dragon,' about a 'realio, trulio little pet dragon.' " Link to the page is here.


Had to do a search for the lyrics too! Courtesy of DigitalDreamDoor.


Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee

Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff,
and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. Oh

  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name. Oh

  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, Puff could not be brave,
So Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave. Oh

  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee Sphere: Related Content

Circumcision

I don't have a boy. Yet. I might, someday, God willing... Just wanted to have a post on circumcision as I've had this chat with a few mother friends who have thought of it when they were pregnant with boys. None of them went ahead with circumcision, but the thought did cross their minds.

It did cross mine too. I had wondered if I had a boy, would I put him through the process of circumcision?

Did have a chat with my husband about this before I was pregnant with my first child and we decided against it. We talk about these things, which I think is important, so that both of us are on common grounds if anyone asks why.

Why not then? Because, Biblically, it isn't a must. Health wise, it isn't a definite either.

Furthermore, the procedure for circumcision can result in infection and bleeding. For a 6 month old baby who had to go through an anaesthetic just to remove the foreskin on his penis can be quite a traumatic and painful experience. However, if, for some reason, my boy decides to do it in the future when he's a grown man, I don't think I will stop him.

Have you ever thought of circumcision for your boy? Did your boy go through the procedure? Sphere: Related Content

Truth vs Myth

With Miss 2 growing up so quickly, she is also picking up on stories and thoughts from other children. Most of the time, she doesn't quite understand what they mean and would ask me. Things like Santa and reindeers, aliens, Jesus dying on the cross, etc..

She accepts the answer when I tell her that Santa and reindeers flying is just a story but Jesus was real and he died on the cross just as the Bible told us so.

Then, as a day care mum, I've had children being excited about Easter bunnies and Santa Claus and though I look forward to these occasions, I also tell them that the rabbits and flying Santa and reindeers are just stories. Those times, it hurt more when I told them the truth.

I'm not even looking at spiritual teaching, but when children are told by someone else that Santa, reindeers, tooth fairies, rabbits, etc are not real, their little bubble seemed to burst somewhat.

Part of me says it's ok, they need to learn the truth one day, so better be from young. The other part of me says they're still young. Let them have the excitement of meeting Santa and the tooth fairy. But, the spiritual side of me says no to not telling them what is right.

I find it even more difficult when children from Christian families tell me that these icons are real. What do I tell them? That their parents lied?

I cannot avoid my own chid(ren) from learning about these festivity icons or other mythical people, either from the West or from my own Chinese culture. But my stand towards these stories is just that - stories. My children can learn about them because they are a part of the society's upbringing, but I'll stick to my side of the story and let them know that they are only myths.

It hurts to tell the truth, and it probably hurts for them to learn the truth. But if I were to insist that my children speak only the truth to others, then I think that even stories have to be differentiated between the myth and the truth and that I, as the parent, have the responsibility to tell them that what they're listening to is only a story. Sphere: Related Content

Midnight wakings for a toddler

Just when we thought that Miss 2 is sleeping through the night, done with her teething for now, she came up with something else. Not really sure what it was. My guess would be either dreams or needing to urinate.

She is definitely more aware of her bladder and bowel movements as well as what goes on in her brain at night. There were times when she woke up screaming for mummy and would say that she's frightened. Slept in her room most of last night and could hear her calling out once in awhile in fright. Then there were times when she sounded like she was very uncomfortable and wanted to get out of something.

Apparently children do dream after googling on dreams and toddlers. They start dreaming as soon as they were born. This website, www.drgreene.com has an article on dreams and night terrors. You can read more about it here.

As much as I'd like to remove all forms of fear from my child, I realise too that it is a part of growing up. Learning to overcome fear is a form of problem solving and understanding oneself.

If dreams were not the reason of her wakings last night, then my next guess would be the need to urinate. She does tell us most times that she needs to go to the toilet. Sometimes after she has done it in her nappy, sometimes before. We put her up on the toilet anyway and let her decide in her own time when she can be in panties totally.

There are differing theories and methods to toilet training, and I agree to most that parents need to make a conscious effort in helping and guiding them to the toilet. However, as far as I am concerned, that's about all that a parent can do - to teach them what and how to do it. After that, it is up to the children to want to be on the toilet all the time.

Perhaps it is a security and comfort thing for children to want to get it done in their nappies. It is also probably the last thing that they can use to retain their 'babyhood'. Once that is gone, they would be 'all grown up'. So, I must say that it is really up to the child to move on in its life. After all, we are teaching children to make decisions and not force a decision upon them.

Hopefully, we'll have a better night tonight. Sphere: Related Content

Time spent in handwashing alone

Have you ever counted how many times you wash your hands in a day? Assuming you do not have obsessive compulsive disorder.

I counted.

On a normal 10 hours day care day, with 4 preschoolers, of which 2 children needing a total of 6 nappy changes throughout the day and all are healthy children, meaning no coughs, runny noses nor sneezes.

A normal day where we would go outdoors for play, have our morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea and 6 toileting trips in total for the 2 other preschoolers who are not in nappies

Each handwashing will last at least 30 secs long, assuming a very co-operative child standing at the sink : 10 secs to wash with soap, 10 secs to wash off the soap, 10 secs to wipe dry with paper towel. NOTE : These are all government recommended regulations.

This is my calculations :
Applying sunscreen for 4 children : 30 secs x 8 = 240secs
(4 preschoolers to wash their hands after applying sunscreen + me washing my hands after each applying for each child)

Coming in from outdoors : 30secs x 5 = 150 secs
(4 preschoolers + me)

Before A.M. Tea : 30secs x 4 = 120 secs
(4 preschoolers)

Before preparing for A.M. Tea : 30secs
After preparing for A.M. Tea : 30secs

After A.M. Tea : 30secs x 5 = 150 secs
(4 preschoolers + me)

Before Lunch : 30secs x 4 = 120 secs
(4 preschoolers)

Before preparing for Lunch : 30secs
After preparing for Lunch : 30secs

After Lunch : 30secs x 5 = 150 secs
(4 preschoolers + me)

Before P.M. Tea : 30secs x 4 = 120 secs
(4 preschoolers)

Before preparing for P.M. Tea : 30secs
After preparing for P.M. Tea : 30secs

After P.M. Tea : 30secs x 5 = 150 secs
(4 preschoolers + me)

Nappy changing : 30secs x 12 = 360 secs
(2 children with total of 6 nappy changes + me washing hands after each nappy change)

Toileting : 30secs x 12 = 360 secs
(2 children with total of 6 toileting trips + me washing hands after each toilet trip)

Upon arrival : 30secs x 8 = 240 secs
(4 children + me helping them to wash hands)

At going home : 30 secs x 8 = 240 secs
(4 children + me helping them to wash hands)

My own toileting : 30secs x 3 = 360 secs

TOTAL : 2940 secs = 49 mins

It is almost an hour of washing hands per day. And I've not factored in the time needed for children to swap over at the sink, plus the occasional finger sucking, nose picking, sneeze and cough.

With winter coming up, I'm going to have to spread some moisturiser to keep the hands from drying up with all these hand washing.

Wonder if I'll turn into an obsessive compulsive person? Sphere: Related Content

3 wees in a row!

Miss 2 went to the toilet on her own accord from 5pm - 8pm, doing 3 wees in the toilet after announcing that she needed to go. We did have some false alarms in-between. She sat down but didn't have any output. She did not want her nappies back on after the first success and only had them on for the night sleep.

Was so pleased with herself and I was too!

Wonder when she can be nappy-free.... Sphere: Related Content