ADHD in Singapore

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental disorder of self-control. As the name suggests, the symptoms of ADHD are characterised by serious and persistent difficulty in three areas, namely:

• Inattention
• Impulsivity
• Hyperactivity

It is quite normal for children to be active, inattentive and impulsive. However, children have difficulties in the above areas when these behaviours:

• are severe and persistent
• occur across more than one situation, for example, at home, school, the supermarket
• impair their performance at school and their relationships with others

Children who exhibit such behaviours may be suffering from ADHD. Another name for this is hyperkinetic disorder. ADHD is related to abnormalities in brain functioning and development. It is also associated with other factors that can affect brain functioning or development, such as genetic factors, injuries, toxins and infections. 

Signs and Symptoms

Children with ADHD exhibit a variety of symptoms. Accordingly to diagnostic criteria, the symptoms must have started before the age of seven and be evident for at least six months.

With inattention, the child:

• often fails to give close attention to details
• often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• is often forgetful in daily activities
• often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
• often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties
• often has difficulty organising tasks and activities
• often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
• often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys, school assignments, pencils or books)

With hyperactivity and impulsivity, the child:

• often fidgets or squirms in the seat
• often leaves his seat in the classroom or in other situations where remaining seated is expected
• often runs about or climbs excessively in situations where it is inappropriate
• often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• is often ‘on the go’ or often acts as if he is ‘driven by a motor’
• often talks excessively
• often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• often has difficulty waiting turns
• often interrupts or intrudes on others

Treatment

There is no simple treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is most effective. This includes:

• Medication
• Medicine changes the brain chemistry so that the brain may function in a more orderly manner. As a child’s concentration improves and hyperactivity lessens, the child will find life more manageable and satisfying.

• Help with behaviour management and organisation skillsParents can help children structure and organise their life. Having a routine is essential. Parents may make use of concrete reminders, such as lists, schedules and alarm clocks to help break down homework activities into small steps. Use of small, frequent and constantly repeated incentives and feedback increase children’s awareness of what they are doing. Positive results are encouraged in this way.

• Training parents to elicit desired behaviourTraining parents helps them to elicit the desired behaviour they want in their children. As children with ADHD often feel they can do nothing right or well, helping children experience success by discovering what they are good at will foster their confidence and competence.

Where to Get Help for ADHD Diagnosis, Treatment and Support

 

(A) Subsidised Venues for Diagnosis & Treatment of ADHD/ADD (For Children)

 

Child Guidance Clinic (CGC)
Health Promotion Board Building
3 Second Hospital Ave #03-01
Singapore 168937
Tel: 6435-3878/9

The main government clinic in Singapore under the Institute of Mental Health that assesses and treats behavioural and developmental disorders in children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years. Students can pay a subsidized fee if there is a referral letter from school or polyclinic (Long queue expected)

                 

Child Development Unit (KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital)
Specialist Clinic M
Podium I, Children’s Tower
100 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 229899
Tel: 6394 2211
Students can pay a subsidized fee if there is a referral letter from school or polyclinic
(Long queue expected)

 

The Children's Specialist Clinic (National University Hospital)
Clinic 'A'
Main Building Level 1
National University Hospital
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119074
Tel: 6772 5502

 

James Cook University Psychology Clinic
JCU Singapore Psychology Clinic
JCU Singapore Campus Block D
600 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574421

Email: psychologyclinic@jcu.edu.sg
Website: www.jcu.edu.sg/Clinic_Intro.htm

This is a University Clinic where ADHD children and adults can get diagnosis and medical treatment. Low cost of $20 per consultation session (diagnosis tests will cost more). As this is a training clinic, patients are seen by psychiatric students under training.

(B) Support & Service Organisations

 

Student Care Services (SCS) – Educational Psychology Services (EPS)
The EPS serves students aged 5 to 18 years coming from families with less than $2000 monthly income. The EPS provides diagnostic and intervention programmes for students with learning difficulties, special behavioural / emotional / developmental issues, and special needs eg autism, dyslexia, attention deficit. They also provide support services for parents.

There are 3 centres:

SCS Clementi Centre
Blk 437 Clementi Ave 3 #01-98
Singapore 120437
Tel: 6778 6867

 

SCS Hougang Centre
Blk 463 Hougang Ave 10 #01-964
Singapore 530463
Tel: 6286 9905

SCS Yishun Centre
Blk 202 Yishun St 21 #01-89
Singapore 760202
Tel: 6759 6821

Email: epsenquiries@students.org.sg
Website: www.students.org.sg

Care Corner Educational Therapy Services (ETS) - Mr. Isaac Tan
Offers specialized services for children with special learning needs which covers ADHD, attention difficulties, dyslexia, reading difficulties, writing difficulties and slow learning.
Serves children from 5 to 13 years old. Services include consultation, specialist tuition and intervention programs to improve learning abilities conducted at its centre in Toa Payoh and at six primary schools. Subsidies are available to families needing financial assistance.

Care Corner Educational Therapy Service
Blk 149 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #01-963
Singapore 310149
Tel: 6259 8683
Email: ets@carecorner.org.sg
Website: www.carecorner.org.sg/ets.html
Learning To Learn Centres (Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation)
The Learning To Learn Centre is run by Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation. The Centre helps children with learning challenges, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Dyslexia, developmental delays and children who do not respond well to traditional teaching methods, at affordable and subsidized rates.

They run 2 Centres :

 

Kovan MRT Centre
Blk 221 Hougang St 21 #01-90
Singapore 530221
Tel: 6487 3430 (Mr. Ong Chee Seng)

 

Tampines Centre
Blk 840 Tampines St 82 #01-113
Singapore 520840
Tel: 6788 2568

Email: email@kg-senang.org.sg
Website: www.kg-senang.org.sg

(C) Support Groups

 

Society for the Promotion of ADHD Research and Knowledge (SPARK)
1008 Toa Payoh North, #03-08
Singapore 318996
Email: Spark_Singapore@yahoogroups.com
Website: www.spark.org.sg

SPARK is an independent, voluntary welfare organization which promotes ADHD awareness and runs a support group for parents who have children with ADHD / ADD.

 

SPARK holds monthly Parent Support Group meetings and talks relating to ADHD, treatment methods and coping strategies. They are held on the first Saturday of every month, from 9am–12noon at the Child Guidance Clinic, 3rd floor of the Health Promotion Board Building, 3 Second Hospital Ave, Singapore 168937. 

 

ADHD Singapore Mailing Group
This is a mailing group which offers a forum for people to connect with others in the group to ask questions on ADD / ADHD related issues and to share learning. To join the mailing group, just send an empty email to:

Email: ADHD_Singapore-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADHD_Singapore/

                   
Sources:
http://www.imh.com.sg/clinical/page.aspx?id=249
http://www.spark.org.sg/help.html

Does your child have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Does your child have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or is overly active? If he does, does that mean he is suffering from ADHD?

Unfortunately, above characteristics are symptoms of ADHD. And that makes almost the entire population of children being classified as sufferers of ADHD at one point or another. An article published by the British Medical Journal, claims that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is being overdiagnosed. The writers argue that the definition of ADHD in doctors’ guidelines has broadened in recent years and this has contributed to a steep rise in diagnosis of and drug prescriptions for the disorder, which is unnecessary and possibly harmful for some individuals. The authors call for a more cautious diagnostic approach to help reduce the risk of overdiagnosis. This move is certainly welcomed. Well, before any changes is made to the diagnostic approach, let's take a look at what ADHD is and how a child is currently diagnosed.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). Although ADHD can't be cured, it can be successfully managed and some symptoms may improve as the child ages.

ADHD has three subtypes:

• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
  • Most symptoms (six or more) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories.
  • Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present, although inattention may still be present to some degree.

• Predominantly inattentive
  • The majority of symptoms (six or more) are in the inattention category and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present, although hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be present to some degree.
  • Children with this subtype are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, the child may be overlooked, and parents and teachers may not notice that he or she has ADHD.

• Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
  • Six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
  • Most children have the combined type of ADHD.

Causes

Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. Like many other illnesses, ADHD probably results from a combination of factors. In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at possible environmental factors, and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and the social environment might contribute to ADHD.

Genes.
Results from several international studies of twins show that ADHD often runs in families. Researchers are looking at several genes that may make people more likely to develop the disorder. Knowing the genes involved may one day help researchers prevent the disorder before symptoms develop. Learning about specific genes could also lead to better treatments.
Children with ADHD who carry a particular version of a certain gene have thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention. This NIMH research showed that the difference was not permanent, however, and as children with this gene grew up, the brain developed to a normal level of thickness. Their ADHD symptoms also improved.

Environmental factors.
Studies suggest a potential link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in children. In addition, preschoolers who are exposed to high levels of lead, which can sometimes be found in plumbing fixtures or paint in old buildings, may have a higher risk of developing ADHD.

Brain injuries.
Children who have suffered a brain injury may show some behaviors similar to those of ADHD. However, only a small percentage of children with ADHD have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Sugar.
The idea that refined sugar causes ADHD or makes symptoms worse is popular, but more research discounts this theory than supports it.

Food additives.
Recent British research indicates a possible link between consumption of certain food additives like artificial colors or preservatives, and an increase in activity. Research is under way to confirm the findings and to learn more about how food additives may affect hyperactivity.

Signs & Symptoms

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age.

Children who have symptoms of inattention may:

• Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
• Have difficulty focusing on one thing
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
• Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
• Not seem to listen when spoken to
• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
• Struggle to follow instructions.

Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may:

• Fidget and squirm in their seats
• Talk nonstop
• Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
• Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
• Be constantly in motion
• Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.

Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may:

• Be very impatient
• Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
• Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
• Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.

Who Is At Risk?

ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. The average age of onset is 7 years old.

Diagnosis

Children mature at different rates and have different personalities, temperaments, and energy levels. Most children get distracted, act impulsively, and struggle to concentrate at one time or another. Sometimes, these normal factors may be mistaken for ADHD. ADHD symptoms usually appear early in life, often between the ages of 3 and 6, and because symptoms vary from person to person, the disorder can be hard to diagnose. Parents may first notice that their child loses interest in things sooner than other children, or seems constantly "out of control." Often, teachers notice the symptoms first, when a child has trouble following rules, or frequently "spaces out" in the classroom or on the playground.
No single test can diagnose a child as having ADHD. Instead, a licensed health professional needs to gather information about the child, and his or her behavior and environment. A family may want to first talk with the child's pediatrician. Some pediatricians can assess the child themselves, but many will refer the family to a mental health specialist with experience in childhood mental disorders such as ADHD. The pediatrician or mental health specialist will first try to rule out other possibilities for the symptoms. For example, certain situations, events, or health conditions may cause temporary behaviors in a child that seem like ADHD.
Between them, the referring pediatrician and specialist will determine if a child:

• Is experiencing undetected seizures that could be associated with other medical conditions
• Has a middle ear infection that is causing hearing problems
• Has any undetected hearing or vision problems
• Has any medical problems that affect thinking and behavior
• Has any learning disabilities
• Has anxiety or depression, or other psychiatric problems that might cause ADHD-like symptoms
• Has been affected by a significant and sudden change, such as the death of a family member, a divorce, or parent's job loss.

A specialist will also check school and medical records for clues, to see if the child's home or school settings appear unusually stressful or disrupted, and gather information from the child's parents and teachers. Coaches, babysitters, and other adults who know the child well also may be consulted.
The specialist also will ask:

• Are the behaviors excessive and long-term, and do they affect all aspects of the child's life?
• Do they happen more often in this child compared with the child's peers?
• Are the behaviors a continuous problem or a response to a temporary situation?
• Do the behaviors occur in several settings or only in one place, such as the playground, classroom, or home?

The specialist pays close attention to the child's behavior during different situations. Some situations are highly structured, some have less structure. Others would require the child to keep paying attention. Most children with ADHD are better able to control their behaviors in situations where they are getting individual attention and when they are free to focus on enjoyable activities. These types of situations are less important in the assessment. A child also may be evaluated to see how he or she acts in social situations, and may be given tests of intellectual ability and academic achievement to see if he or she has a learning disability.

Finally, if after gathering all this information the child meets the criteria for ADHD, he or she will be diagnosed with the disorder.

Some children with ADHD also have other illnesses or conditions. For example, they may have one or more of the following:

• A learning disability. A child in preschool with a learning disability may have difficulty understanding certain sounds or words or have problems expressing himself or herself in words. A school-aged child may struggle with reading, spelling, writing, and math.

• Oppositional defiant disorder. Kids with this condition, in which a child is overly stubborn or rebellious, often argue with adults and refuse to obey rules.

• Conduct disorder. This condition includes behaviors in which the child may lie, steal, fight, or bully others. He or she may destroy property, break into homes, or carry or use weapons. These children or teens are also at a higher risk of using illegal substances. Kids with conduct disorder are at risk of getting into trouble at school or with the police.

• Anxiety and depression. Treating ADHD may help to decrease anxiety or some forms of depression.

• Bipolar disorder. Some children with ADHD may also have this condition in which extreme mood swings go from mania (an extremely high elevated mood) to depression in short periods of time.

• Tourette syndrome. Very few children have this brain disorder, but among those who do, many also have ADHD. Some people with Tourette syndrome have nervous tics and repetitive mannerisms, such as eye blinks, facial twitches, or grimacing. Others clear their throats, snort, or sniff frequently, or bark out words inappropriately. These behaviors can be controlled with medication.

ADHD also may coexist with a sleep disorder, bed-wetting, substance abuse, or other disorders or illnesses.

Recognizing ADHD symptoms and seeking help early will lead to better outcomes for both affected children and their families.

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ADHD/
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/11November/Pages/Experts-argue-that-ADHD-is-overdiagnosed.aspx

Kids' learning styles

One 'style' does not fit all. Everybody has their own learning styles, or rather a prominent way in which they absorb information more effectively than the other - kids' included. Not all children learn the same way. Learning styles describe the ways in which individual children acquire information, evaluate it, and then examine their findings.

By identifying your child's learning styles, you will be able to understand him better and reinforce the particular skills he needs to succeed in school.

SPATIAL VISUAL LEARNER -- Needs and likes to visualize things; learns through images; enjoys art and drawing; reads maps, charts and diagrams well; fascinated with machines and inventions; plays with legos; likes mazes and puzzles. Often accused of being a daydreamer in class.

MOTIVATING TIPS -- Use board games and memory devices to create visual patterns. In reading suggest visual clues. Offer picture books of all types; when reading chapter books together, encourage visualization of story and scenes at intervals. Promote writing via colored pens, computer or drawing.

KINETIC LEARNER -- Processes knowledge through physical sensations; highly active, not able to sit still long; communicates with body language and gestures. Shows you rather than tells you; needs to touch and feel world; good at mimicking others; likes scary amusement rides; naturally athletic and enjoys sports. Often labelled with attention deficient disorder.

MOTIVATING TIPS -- Physical action is the key ingredient to stimulating this student. While reading, let child chew gum, walk around, rock or ride stationary bicycle. Use numerous hands-on activities and experiments, art projects, nature walks or acting out stories.

LANGUAGE-ORIENTED LEARNER -- Thinks in words, verbalizes concepts; spins tales and jokes; spells words accurately and easily. Can be a good reader or prefer the spoken word more; has excellent memory for names, dates and trivia; likes word games; enjoys using tape recorders and often musically talented.

MOTIVATING TIPS -- Encourage creation of own word problems. Have child dictate a story to you and watch while you write it or type it out on a word processor -- then child can share it with you. Read aloud together and tape session for later playback. Consider purchasing some book/tape selections.

LOGICAL LEARNER -- Thinks conceptually, likes to explore patterns and relationships; enjoys puzzles and seeing how things work; constantly questions and wonders; capable of highly abstract forms of logical thinking at early age; computes math problems quickly in head; enjoys strategy games, computers and experiments with purpose; creates own designs to build with blocks/legos.

MOTIVATING TIPS -- Do science experiments together and have child record results; use computer learning games and word puzzles. Offer context clues as a reading aid. Introduce non-fiction and rhyming books. When reading fiction, discuss relation of story to real-life situations and people.


Source: http://www.fortnet.org/ParentToParent/PFellers/par_lern.html

Earwax: digging your child's ear

There are many articles out there about earwax and the advice on not to dig children's ears, the ears self-clean by themselves, they said. OK, here are some information to resolve the misunderstandings. 

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is usually a friend, not a foe. It is formed by secretions from the sebaceous glands lining the ear canal, plus a collection of the cells that slough off from the lining of the ear canal. Earwax has protective properties. It provides a barrier protecting the sensitive lining of the ear canal against water. It also contains infection-fighting elements that protect against bacterial and fungal infections.


Yet, earwax can plug the canal, causing irritation and sometimes interfering with hearing. Earwax may also need to be removed if your doctor suspects an ear infection and needs a clear view of the eardrum. The best way to handle earwax is to not handle it at all. Leave it alone. Do not go mining for wax in your child's ear. You may only use your finger or wet cloth to remove any visible wax from the outside of the ear canal. Experts advice not to dig ears for the fear of pushing even more wax deeper into the ear. This can lead to a totally blocked ear canal.


Although the advice is to "leave it alone," wax can build up enough to completely block the ear canal. This feeling can be very uncomfortable for a person. It can also muffle the hearing, which is okay for a brief time, but not good if left alone. Children and adults need to hear optimally to function in life. If an infant or toddler goes for many months with blocked ears, this can interfere with speech development.

So if digging of ears is necessary, see a doctor. Otherwise, if you are doing it yourself, use a wooden ear digger (the type with a tiny spoon), don't use cotton buds as you might end up pushing the ear wax deeper in.

Here are some summarised tips:

1. Never dig your children's ears with a cotton bud. It will make matters worse as the cotton buds would push the dirt deeper into the ear and there it will stay. 
2. The ear wax forms on the outer part of the ear where there is ear hair. It will trap the dirt. The wax in the ear will 'clean out' the dirt in the ear. It will flow out to the outer part of the ear and that's when we clean it out. Don't dig in.
3. Use an ear digger (the metal/wooden ones with a tiny spoon). Not cotton bud. 
4. Don't dig in. Esp for babies and children. Their ear drums ain't too far in. 

Sources:
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/childhood-illnesses/earwax http://joanne-momsays.blogspot.sg/2009/11/should-we-dig-our-childrens-ears.html http://www.babycenter.com/0_earwax-buildup_11426.bc

How many times can your healthy child sneeze in a day?

I know this is outright funny. But there are parents who are as paranoid as this. The moment their child sneezes, they get uptight, fearing a flu or cold. So perhaps this information about the number of times a child can sneeze in a day will give them some comfort.

A healthy person sneeze on average up to 13 times in a day.
Source: http://www.chineseop.com/health/How-many-times-does-the-average-person-sneeze-a-day-.html

Of course, we do not know if the source is credible. If anyone has other answers, please tell us.
Meanwhile, parents, just relax :)

Haircut for kids

Babies and kids tend to get scared and cries during their haircuts. It's perfectly normal for toddlers to feel anxious during haircut time, especially when they are being wrapped in a plastic cape, surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds, squirted with water, and attacked with a pair of sharp scissors or an electric shaver by a stranger! Thus a friendly and familiar environment is very important to them. Imagine, if you could take your child to a hair salon especialised for kids, which they can sit in an airplane/fire truck/race car and watch a DVD while getting their hair cut, isn't it wonderful?

Several hair salons have sprung up specially for children, complete with fun chairs and distractions like cartoons to watch and XBox 360 gaming consoles that will make the whole experience child's play and make them forget they are having their hair cut.

If your toddler has hair-cutting phobia, try bring them to these specialised kids salon:

Hua Xia
The salon's chairs come in the shape of toy car, airplane or truck, where kids can pick a DVD to watch while they have their hair cut. Its hairdressers also make home visits for babies too young to leave the house, charging the usual fee for a cut plus transport fees.

Price: S$16 per cut and the fifth cut is FREE!

Location:168 Punggol Field #02-09 Punggol Plaza

Website: http://www.babyswimming.com.sg/babies_and_kids.html


Junior League Children's Style Salon
Kids are pampered with candy, balloons, toys and stickers. Each chair even comes fitted with its own TV screen, playing popular cartoons like Dora The Explorer and Tom And Jerry. Its first outlet was opened at United Square, and has now grown to a chain of four. Its three other outlets are at Suntec City, Parkway Parade and inside VivoCity's Toys "R" Us.

Price: S$18 per cut

Location:
Forum Mall #03-03/25 (in Toys "R" Us)
Vivo City #02-183 (in Toys "R" Us)
Parkway Parade #02/52
Suntec City #03/K02
United Square #01-76A

Website: NIL


Curly & Spike
From the funky décor to the specially designed kids styling stations, everything is set up just for kids. Equipped with special dwarf-size seats, each comes with a 19-inch flat screen TV, a DVD player and XBox 360 with the latest games like Shrek and Superman to pacify the scissor-avoiding squirmer.

Price: $20 per cut

Location: 81 Clemenceau Avenue#02-14 UE Square

Website: http://www.curlynspike.com.sg


Other places:
Kitz Kid's Salon
80 Marine Parade Road
#02-52 Parkway Parade
Tel: 63465818

Cost: $16

Handling a fussy eater

Here are some tips from Baby Center:

It's perfectly normal for young children to suddenly decide they will only eat a few foods and refuse everything else - even foods they loved yesterday. They may eat these same few foods over and over again at every meal, while turning up their noses at anything new. Children like things to be familiar, whether it's their bedtime routine or their cheese sandwich, so many children won't try new foods until they've been exposed to them several times.

Picky eating can also be a child's way of exerting his independence ("You can't make me eat that") and may have less to do with the actual food than his need to push the limits of your authority and to assert some control over his life. This is why pressuring a child to eat often backfires. Finally, it may seem like your toddler cannot sit still long enough to eat very much at one sitting because of his short attention span. But children are generally good at getting what they need, even if it doesn't seem like much to you.

Here are some more specific tips on how to handle a picky eater:

• Provide a variety of good foods for your child to eat at each meal.
Keep in mind that it takes multiple exposures to a new food for a child to see it as familiar and OK to try. So, be patient. When you do offer a new food, simply place it on the dinner table with everything else, and don't make a big fuss about it. Eventually, after he's seen you eat the food a few times, he may feel more open to trying it himself.

• Limit the options at mealtimes.
"If you say, 'It's dinnertime. What do you want to eat?' your child will probably choose something familiar to him, and he'll seem like a picky eater," says Hudson. "However, if you say, 'Here's dinner,' he'll choose from among the foods you're offering." Of course, you can't offer an entire meal of unfamiliar foods because your child simply won't eat them. Instead, offer a meal that includes at least one thing you know your child likes.

• When introducing new foods, offer just one or two, and present them in small quantities.
If by some miracle your child is willing to try a new food, give him just a taste before putting a whole serving on his plate. This way he won't feel overwhelmed - and it won't seem like a waste of food to you.

• Some children's palates are more sensitive than others.
They simply won't like the texture, colour, or taste of some foods. This is why a child will often claim to dislike a food he has never even tried. Likewise, some children may have an aversion to a food because it reminds them of a time when they were sick or has some other negative association. If your child complains that a particular food will make him ill, stop offering that food for a while. You can always try again when your child is a little older.

• Whenever possible, let your child be involved in food decisions.
This includes shopping or making his lunch. This will give him a sense of control over his diet, and he'll be more likely to eat something that he's chosen for himself. (This works best if you let your child choose from a small selection of healthy foods you've already picked out!)
As your child's world expands and he begins attending playgroup or nursery, his taste in foods might broaden as well. When he sees his friends eating new and different kinds of food, it might inspire him to eat new things, too.

Your child has an innate sense of how much food his body needs to grow and be healthy, and it's his job to decide what he's going to eat. The best thing you can do is to provide a wide variety of healthy foods in a positive, relaxed environment so that mealtimes will be enjoyable for everyone involved.

Know about vaccinations and how they work

Below is a useful piece of information from the web on immunity and vaccines, which all concerned parents would be interested to know.

How Immunity Works
You get sick when your body is invaded by germs. When measles virus enters your body it gives you measles. Whooping cough bacteria cause whooping cough. And so on.

It is the job of your immune system to protect you from these germs. Here's how it works:

Germs enter your body and start to reproduce. Your immune system recognizes these germs as invaders from outside your body and responds by making proteins called antibodies. Antibodies have two jobs. The first is to help destroy the germs that are making you sick. Because the germs have a head start, you will already be sick by the time your immune system has produced enough antibodies to destroy them. But by eliminating the attacking germs, antibodies help you to get well.

Now the antibodies start doing their second job. They remain in your bloodstream, guarding you against future infections. If the same germs ever try to infect you again - even after many years - these antibodies will come to your defense. Only now they can destroy the germs before they have a chance to make you sick. This process is called immunity. It is why most people get diseases like measles or chickenpox only once, even though they might be exposed many times during their lifetime. This is a very effective system for preventing disease. The only problem is you have to get sick before you develop immunity.

How Vaccines Help
The idea behind vaccination is to give you immunity to a disease before it has a chance to make you sick.

Vaccines are made from the same germs (or parts of them) that cause disease - measles vaccine is made from measles virus, for instance, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine is made from parts of the Hib bacteria. But the germs in vaccines are either killed or weakened so they won't make you sick.

Then the vaccines containing these weakened or killed germs are introduced into your body, usually by injection. Your immune system reacts to the vaccine the same as it would if it were being invaded by the disease - by making antibodies. The antibodies destroy the vaccine germs just as they would the disease germs. Then they stay in your body, giving you immunity. If you are ever exposed to the real disease, the antibodies will be there to protect you.

Immunizations help your child's immune system do its work. The child develops protection against future infections, the same as if he or she had been exposed to the natural disease. The good news is, with vaccines your child doesn't have to get sick first to get that protection.

It is common for your child to have fever after the immunisation. So don't worry too much. Click here for the side effects of various childhood vaccinations.

Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=21429

Putting too much pressure on kids

Below is an extract of a very well written article which serves as a good reminder for all parents. Maybe it's time to reflect and ponder.

Obsession with paper qualifications has added a new dimension to parenting in Singapore. A good parent is often seen as the one who gives the best help possible to assist his child in the pursuit of academic excellence. The final goal of parenting, more often than not, is to help one's offspring obtain highly-paid jobs, preferably with social status attached to them. As a result many ambitious parents exert pressure on their children to excel in school work. They coax, demand, bribe or even threaten and thousands of dollars are spent on private tuition for young aspiring scholars... because of the importance placed on education, many parents tend to be over-concerned with their children's performance in school, thus sometimes unknowingly exerting unnecessary and even harmful pressures on them.

It is natural for parents to want the best for their children. Unfortunately, what a parent thinks is the best for his child may not be what the latter is capable of or is interested in doing.... Many parents are also guilty of intellectual snobbery. They are more concerned with the status rather than the well-being of their children. May would rather have their children fail at a university than have them sent to a technical college...

Another area of concern is related to the pressures and stress many parents exert on their children by involving them in all kinds of activities in order to have an "all round education". We are only too familiar with the laments of many parents over the tight schedule they have chauffering their children from one activity to another. For them life has become a hectic rush from school to music lession, tuition class, competitive games and martial art practice session, etc. leaving both parent and child very little time to relax. No doubt, no one can deny the values of engaging our children in such cultural activities, but need we make life so burdensome for our children? These activities are only helpful when they are tailored to the capacities of our children, allowing time for leisure and play. Children are young only once. We must allow them a break from the demands of a competitive school curriculum and the burden of so many extra-curricular activities.

There is yet another aspect of the paper chase. While those who can cope are caught up in the rat race, those who can't can cause problems to themselves and others. Many young people who are capable of high achievement along the academic road have fallen by the sideway because of their inability to cope with the pressures from school as well as from their parents. Child psychiatrists have found that neurosis in children could be caused by unrealistics parental pressures. These children develop symptoms such as nervous habits, withdrawal or aggressive behaviour...

By Esther Tan. One Voice, Jan-Mar 1984, pp 8-10

Are your kids drinking too much juices?

If your toddler has recently lost his interest in food, do check if he is drinking too much juices. Too much juices can spoil a kid's appetite, at the same time not good for digestion. Read this:

Avoid fruit juice drinks because they contain a lot of sugar. Sugary drinks and juice can fill toddler's up and decrease their intake of more nutritious foods. Limit juice to about 125mL (½ cup) per day. If fruit juice is given it should be diluted with water and only in small amounts. Choose 100% fruit juice and avoid sugary fruit drinks.

Juices fill kids with empty calories. Fruit juices can fill kids up so that they're not hungry at the dinner table and are too full to eat more nutritious foods. Certain juices are associated with tummy troubles. Some fruit juices -- including apple, pear, and prune -- contain sorbitol, a naturally occurring but problematic sugar alcohol. Because sorbitol is not completely absorbed in the small bowel, it makes its way to the large bowel where it ferments and produces gas. In addition, many of the juices that contain sorbitol also have an imbalance in the ratio of the sugars fructose and glucose, which may reduce fructose absorption. These factors can lead to cramps, diarrhea, or loss of appetite in a child. Several studies have reported this malabsorption, or incomplete digestion.

What formula milk do you use and why?

Milk powder for kids are getting more and more expensive with the current inflation. Which brand do you buy for your children? And why? Can share with our mothers here?


Enfrapro A+ stage 2 follow-up formula /1.8kg for $36.20








Enfragrow A+ stage 3 grow up milk / 900g for $24.60







Enfrakid A+ Stage 4 grow up milk / 1.8kg for $39.50








Gain IQ 1+ growing up / 1.8kg for $51.20 / 900g for $26.70






GAIN IQ Kid 3+ Growing up / $1.8kg for $45.90 / 900g for $24.50







Pediasure / 1.8kg for $57.50 / 900g for $29.70







Similac Stage 2 follow-on / 900g for $34.10








Promil Gold 2 followup / 900g for $29.00



Prices quoted are from NTUC Fairprice (16 Jun 2008)

Beneficial kids' programmes on Playhouse Disney channel

Here are some educational TV programmes on Playhouse Disney channel for your kids:

Little Einsteins
Little Einsteins features four children (which include two boys and two girls) — Leo, June, Quincy, and Annie — along with their intelligent and transformable "Rocket". In each episode they embark on an adventure (or "mission") to solve some problem or help a new friend. These missions take them to far-flung locations including foreign countries and "extreme" environments such as Antarctica, underwater, or outer space. The show was designed to teach art and music appreciation by integrating famous or culturally significant art works and classical music into the scenery, plot, and soundtrack of each episode.

Mickeymouse clubhouse
This show, which stars Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto focuses on interacting with the kids to stimulate problem solving. Each episode will aim to "solve a specific age-appropriate problem utilizing basic skills, such as identifying shapes and counting through ten." Mickey and friends also get aid from a computerized flying machine named Tootles, who brings "Mouse-ka-tools" to them, where one of the tools is a "Mystery Mouse-ka-tool", which Mickey and friends will prompt the kids to guess what the surprise tool is.

Hi-5
Hi-5 is a children's television program, based on the original Australian TV show.The show was so popular in Australia that an American group assembled to form its very own Hi-5. The band comprises 5 cast members who perform to preschoolers. Their shows are made into DVDs and aired on Playhouse Disney channel. Each show has its specific theme like Senses, animals, machines, adventure, and wonderful songs and dance.

Pocoyo
Pocoyo is a fantastic pre-school animated cartoon series about a young boy who dresses in blue and who is full of curiosity, loves to play games and discover new things. Kids are encouraged to recognise situations that Pocoyo is in, and things that are going on with or around him. Pocoyo's world is set in a 3D space, with a plain white background and has no backdrops. Pato, Elly, Loula and Sleepy Bird are his friends! The show teaches good morals like sharing things with friends, say sorry when you are wrong, etc. Each character has its own distinctive dance, and most episodes end with the characters dancing.

Danny & Daddy
It is an interactive animation series in which Danny, a boy with a lot of imagination draws pictures starting from very simple drawings, and gradually creating what will be its final form, and Daddy and audience must guess what he is drawing. Each episode is a single picture full of ingenious creativity that stimulate the imagination of children.

Use of hand sanitiser in small children

Parents, be warned. Hand sanitizer can be hazardous to children if ingested. Read this:

Despite their obvious benefits, hand sanitizers can pose a very serious health risk. In recent months, several stories have circulated concerning individuals, most of them children, who were harmed by being left unsupervised with access to a hand sanitizer, such as Purell. Other children became very ill after just licking the sanitizer from their hands.

Apparently a little girl named Halle Butler ingested enough of the hand saitizer given to her at school to be come seriously ill. She was taken to the emergency room, and, thank goodness, recovered.

Hand sanitizer is mostly alcohol, so she and another little girl mentioned in another story who ate it after being given a dollop of it by a teacher got alcohol poisoning from ingesting the hand sanitizer.

Although both stories contain incorrect or dubious information such as Halle's blood alcohol level being at 85%, or that someone found "on the Internet" that ingesting three squirts of hand sanitizer can prove fatal to a toddler, the thought is still the same: Kids WILL put anything into their mouths.

Allergic reactions to mosquito bites in children

Mosquitoes are flying, biting insects that are closely related to flies and gnats. Only the female mosquito feeds on humans, and she needs a blood meal in order to produce eggs. During a feeding, the female mosquito bites the human skin, and injects saliva. The saliva contains various proteins that prevent the blood from clotting, as well as proteins that keep the blood flowing into the mosquito’s mouth.

Many of the mosquito saliva proteins can cause immune reactions, including allergic reactions. If you are like most people with sensitive skin, you may find that you have a mosquito bite allergy. A mosquito bite allergy will appear as a very red swollen and itchy bump or bumps where mosquitoes have bitten. The allergic reaction is a reaction to the digestive enzymes and anti-coagulants that the female mosquito injects before sucking blood from your body.

For the most part, children and adolescents are more likely to have a mosquito bite allergy than adults who have become immune to the mosquito’s saliva.

Home-made cough remedies for kids

If your child is down with cough and it has last so long, exhausting all medicines, don't give up! Try other natural home made remedies. They might work.

Cough remedy 1
The simplest and the easiest: drink a lot of fluid.

Cough remedy 2
Freshly squeezed lemon juice ( 1/2 a lemon )
Mix with a little bit of drinking water and drink immediately.
You can take this as many times as you want.

Cough remedy 3
1 teaspoon of honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Stir mixture in a little bit of drinking water and drink.
Active Manuka honey and propolis have been commonly used as ingredients in the home remedy for cough because of their strong antibacterial properties.

Cough remedy 4
Mix a syrup consisting of 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, mix and drink.

Cough remedy 5
Boil some water with 2 garlic cloves, 1 table spoon of oregano. Pour into a cup add 1 tablespoon of honey and drink.

Some researchers believe that honey, a traditional, natural home remedy for cough offer a safe alternative to dextromethorphan (DM), which can occasionally cause severe side-effects in children, including muscle contractions and spasms. So, try honey!

And not forgetting lots and lots of water.

Coughs in kids

Coughs are one of the most frequent symptoms of childhood illness. Cough is generally a response to some irritating condition such as inflammation or the presence of mucus in the respiratory tract. In fact, coughing is a healthy and important reflex that helps clear the airways in the throat and chest.

Here's some guidance on different types of coughs and the kinds of conditions they're typically associated with.

"Barky" Cough
Barky coughs are usually caused by an inflammation or swelling in the upper part of the airway. Most often barky coughs are caused by croup, an inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe).

Croup can be brought on by allergies, change in temperature at night or, most commonly, a viral upper respiratory infection. When a young child's airway becomes inflamed, it may swell near, or just below, the vocal cords, making it harder to breathe. Children younger than 3 years of age tend to get croup because their windpipes are narrow.

Croup can come on suddenly, and in the middle of the night, when your child is at rest. Often it's accompanied by stridor, a noisy, harsh breathing (some doctors describe it as a coarse, musical sound) that occurs when a child inhales (breathes in).

"Whooping" Cough
Whooping cough is another name used to refer to the illness pertussis, an infection of the respiratory tract that's caused by a type of bacteria called bordetella pertussis. The illness is marked by severe coughing spells that end in a "whooping" sound when a child breathes in. Other symptoms of pertussis include a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and a low-grade fever.

Cough With Wheezing
When coughing is accompanied by a wheezing sound as your child exhales, it may be a sign that your child's lower airway is inflamed. There is also the possibility, particularly in a younger child, that the lower airway is being blocked by a foreign object or mucus from a respiratory infection.

Nighttime Cough
Lots of coughs get worse at night because the congestion in a child's nose and sinuses drains down the throat and causes irritation while the child lies in bed. Asthma can also trigger nighttime coughs because the airways tend to be more sensitive and become more irritable at night.

Daytime Cough
Allergies, asthma, colds, and other respiratory infections are the usual culprits of daytime coughs. Cold air or activity can make these coughs worse, and they often subside at night or when the child is resting. It's a good idea to make sure that nothing in your house - like air freshener, pets, or smoke (especially tobacco smoke) - is making your child cough.

Cough With a Fever
If your child has a cough, mild fever, and runny nose, chances are that he or she has a common cold. But coughs with a fever of 39 degrees Celsius or higher can mean pneumonia, particularly if your child is listless and breathing fast. In this case, call your child's doctor immediately.

Cough With Vomiting
Children often cough so much that it triggers their gag reflex, making them throw up. Usually, this is not cause for alarm unless the vomiting persists. Also, if your child has a cough with a cold or an asthma flare-up, he or she may throw up if lots of mucus drains into the stomach and causes nausea.

Persistent Cough
Coughs caused by colds can last weeks, especially if your child has one cold right after another. Asthma, allergies, or a chronic infection in the sinuses or breathing passages might also be responsible for these persistent coughs. If the cough lasts for 3 weeks, notify your child's doctor.

Home remedies
Try running a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier, and encourage your child to drink more fluids, especially water. Both methods help keep the mucus in the nose and chest looser and make it easier for her to move mucus up and out of the lungs. Hard candy or lozenges are good for coughs in children older than 4 (younger children may choke on them). You can also try warm liquids or tea with honey and lemon to a child above age of 1. There's no evidence to support the belief that milk products increase mucus production, so if your sick child wants a glass of milk, you needn't say no.

Kid-friendly eateries

Globetrotters
Where: 101 Thomson Road, 02-02 United Square, tel: 6356-5285

Open: 8am to 10pm (weekdays), 9am to 10pm (weekends and public holidays)

What: Kid and baby menus available, glassed-in play area with play structure and toys, colouring sheets and puzzles for older children, activities like pizza decoration at the kids' bar and cooking workshops


Disney Naturally
Where: 370 Alexandra Road 01-05/06 Anchorpoint, tel: 6479-2823

Open: 10.30am to 10pm (weekdays), 10am to 10pm (weekends)

What: Play area with computer terminals dedicated to Disney games. Screening of Disney movies and cartoons on giant screen. Games and play sheets with quizzes at every table which cater to kids of different ages


One-Ninety (Sunday Brunch)
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Boulevard, tel: 6831-7250

Open: 11.15am to 3.30pm (Sundays only)

What: Play area with a bouncy castle, video screenings, face-painting and other activities. Mini-buffet with kids' favourites such as mini burgers and French fries. Child minders are around to take care of the children


Food Junction @ Great World City
Where: B1-15 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, tel: 6736-2030

Open: 10.30am to 10pm daily

What: Five of the 20 stalls have kids' menus and the food court uses a world map as a design theme. There is also a fun corner for youngsters equipped with rocking horses and other toys which is used as a venue for ad hoc story-telling sessions


Ikea restaurant @ Ikea Tampines
Where: 60 Tampines North Drive 2, tel: 6786-6868

Open: 9.30am to 10pm daily

What: Play Tent featuring children's and various smaller play stations throughout the restaurant. Kids' menu available. Baby food is sold at the restaurant and two microwave ovens are available for warming milk bottles


The Ranch Home @ Dempsey Hill
Where: Block 8, Dempsey Road, 01-14, tel: 6473-3231

Open: Various times, check by calling

What: The Ranch houses two restaurants - CA * California serves healthy fare like sandwiches while Ben & Jerry's sells premium ice cream. The homey, rustic touches include couches, outdoor swings and little cosy corners for play


Pasta de Waraku
Where: 10 Sinaran Drive, 01-07 Square 2, tel: 6397-6266

Open: 11.30am to 11pm daily

What: Kids' food served on plates with dinosaur designs and cutlery with either Pokemon or Hello Kitty designs. All youngsters receive a gift, ranging from toys to stationery. Kids' menu available with complimentary drink and dessert for each set meal


Shokudo Japanese Food Bazaar
Where: 52 North Bridge Road B1-44E Raffles City Shopping Centre, tel: 6837-3793

Open: 11.30am to 10pm daily

What: Play area featuring three sets of toys placed on low tables

Source: Sunday Times, 24 Feb 2008, Life!, P. L34

How to choose a car seat

Shopping for a car seat can be an overwhelming chore for parents. There are so many types, models and sizes. In choosing car seat, it is important to consider whether the car seat is:

• the appropriate size and type for your child?
• able to provide the best fit and comfort for your child?
• able to fit securely in your car?
• easy to fasten into your car?
• easy to fasten your child into?

Types of seats. The first question that must be answered is, what's the right seat for your child? Here are the basics about the different types of seats and some of their features.

Rear-facing, infant-only seat. For infants 5 to 20 pounds; some seats will hold up to 22 pounds. These have a handle that allow you to take the seated infant with you, and then snap the seat into either a frame or stroller. Many models also have a detachable base that stays in the car, allowing you to easily snap the car seat in without fooling around with the seatbelt. It's very important that the seat be angled correctly to protect the baby (45 degrees), so some seats come with angle indicators and built-in angle adjusters. Also look for harness adjusters and head support systems. Some infant car seats now come bundled with strollers and can snap into them (called "Travel Systems"). Personally, I prefer the Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier made by Kolcraft or the Baby Trend Snap-n-Go. They are compatible with most infant seats and have less bulk and weight than travel systems, but won't take you past the infant stage.

Convertible seat, which can face rearward or forward. For toddlers, 20 to 40 pounds; some Britax models go up to 65 pounds. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should keep your child rear-facing until he is at least one year old and has reached the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer (check the manual). At that point, you should turn the safety seat forward-facing and make the following three adjustments before installing: Move the shoulder straps to the top slots or as they are described in the manufacturer's instructions. The shoulder straps must be at or above your child's shoulders. Check instructions for any additional information on the placement of the shoulder straps that may be specific for your car safety seat.

Booster seats. Will hold a child from 30-100 pounds, depending on the model. Children should not move from a full harness to a booster seat until they reach the top weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. High-back boosters are for use in cars without a head rest or high seat back. They're also a good idea if your child tends to fall asleep in the seat, or if the seatbelt still doesn't fit properly with a backless booster. Avoid shield boosters altogether.

Source: Myshopping.sg, 9 May 2007

Clueless about what toys to buy for your kids?

The mind-bogging range of toys and games in the market can create a big headache for parents. Take a glance at the many different types of toys for different age groups below, and you will know the pain involve in choosing the right toys.

Baby Toys: baby mobiles, baby rattles, baby picture books, stacking rings, nesting cups, dolls, stuffed animals, play gym, baby mirrors, baby building blocks and texture toys.

Toddler Toys: construction toys, building blocks, climbing toys, pull toys, push toys, stuffed animals, dolls, jigsaw puzzles, stacking rings, and nesting cups.

Preschooler Toys: construction toys, building blocks, climbing toys, pull toys, push toys, stuffed animals, dolls, jigsaw puzzles, cards, puzzles, and pretend play toys.

Toys for Kids Age 6-12 years: pretend play toys, building blocks, construction toys, climbing toys, stuffed animals, dolls, word games, electronic games, board games and jigsaw puzzles.

When buying toys and games for children, it is important to make sure that they are educational. Educational games help children learn and grow. Don’t waste money in buying toys with no value. When you are looking for educational games, you may consider the following types that bring educational value:

Building blocks. Stacking cups, shape sorters and building blocks are all toys that young children love. They are also very educational.

Cards and board games. Do not underestimate a simple deck of cards. There are many that serve their educational purposes. Alphabet cards, number cards, thematic cards such as Happy Family, Donkey, are some examples of cards for young children. Others like War can teach children their numbers and hearts can teach strategic thinking. Many classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Ladders and Clue are also as educational as they are fun. These are more for older children.

Puzzles and wordplay games. Wordplay games such as crossword puzzles are educational games that kids can play independently. Mad Libs is a classic wordplay game that kids can play with friends. Jigsaw puzzles are games to test the child’s patience and are also educational.

Electronic games are very educational and popular with kids. Both Leap Frog and VTech invent excellent games. There are also many websites that have educational games appropriate for young children. Some examples of fun and educational websites for kids include Funschool, Nickelodeon, Eduplace and Funbrain.

Tips: Look for toys that encourage:

Dramatic play, which helps children work out their own ideas about their experiences. Such toys include blocks; toy vehicles; dress-up clothes such as hats, vests and fashion accessories; toy animals; puppets; and props to recreate real life such as a restaurant or store.

Manipulative play, which helps children develop small muscle control and hand-eye coordination. Examples include construction sets, puzzles, models and toys with interlocking pieces.

Creative and problem solving. Arts toys encourage self-expression and creativity while the use of symbols, and numbers are vital skills for problem-solving and literacy. These include blank pieces of paper, paints, clay, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and more.

Planning and strategic thinking. These games teach children about taking turns, planning strategy, following rules and cooperating with teammates or opponents. Standard examples are dominoes, card games and checkers.

Avoid choosing toys with:

• Small parts and sharp edges
• Violent themes
• Linked to media entertainment designed for older audiences
• It is important to select toys and games carefully. Spend some time browsing through sites that sell educational games for more ideas. Visit websites like ToysRUs, KBToys, Wonder Brains, Toys to Grow On, and Toy and Game Warehouse for more toys and games ideas.

Source: Myshopping.sg, 23 May 2007