Tips and hints on discipline

*Children may behave badly as a way of getting attention from parents, so try to praise your child for what he or she has done well and give hugs and attention as rewards, so they get your attention from good behaviour.

*Try to concentrate on telling your children what you want them to do, instead of telling them what not to do. Let your children know how you see things, and explain why you are holding onto a boundary.

*Try to be consistent about the rules and boundaries you set, so that children know that you mean what you say.

*Don’t make threats you can’t carry out as this will just encourage them to keep pushing to find the real boundary.

*Children may push your limits but often they do this to see how firm and secure their world is - so saying no may really be what they want and need.

*If you are feeling angry and out of control, try to get some help and support for yourself - perhaps a friend or relative could give you a bit of a break to do something for yourself; perhaps you might like to talk with other parents about how they cope.

How to raise optimistic children

Do you fear the worst for your children, or feel they can do anything?

You can determine whether they grow up with a can-do attitude

Do you think positive?

Few moments conjure up the joys and freedoms of childhood more than a playground teeming with laughing, energetic children. But among all those happy-go-lucky, carefree spirits playing on swings there will be at least one anxious youngster. The same goes for the parents waiting at the foot of the climbing frame. Some will delight in their offspring's exploits; others will be waiting for the fall, the cry of pain.

Susannah, who is married and has two children, aged seven and five, can't help anticipating catastrophe. 'I have been excessively anxious since having children,' she admits. 'From the moment my first child was born I was convinced that something dreadful would happen to the baby, probably at my hands. Although that extreme anxiety has abated, it is very much still there. I am particularly terrified of car crashes and of my children drowning in the sea.'

It could be that the burden of parenthood has triggered this anxiety, but Susannah is acutely aware that it must be rooted in her own personality. 'I am discovering how negative my attitude can be. My immediate response to many things is 'we can't do that' or 'something bad will happen'.'

Susannah's husband is, by contrast, naturally optimistic and encourages his young children to test their physical capabilities – something she is grateful for. 'I wouldn't want them to internalise my belief that something bad will happen – that is so limiting. I am thrilled to see that, thanks to their father, the children are bold and full of confidence in the world and in people.' They seem to have learned, in short, the optimism she lacks.

Children who are optimistic are more able to bounce back from adversityOptimism is valuable because it enables a child to navigate a world that is as full of obstacles, new encounters and setbacks as adults experience. Optimism needs to be part of our armoury. 'We know that an optimistic view of the world is a key factor in resilience,' explains psychologist Judith Lasker. 'People who are optimistic are more able to bounce back from adversity. Children will, of course, be affected by the atmosphere in which they are brought up. However, the influence is not necessarily a direct one and will be mediated by other relationships. So a child may actually develop optimism in reaction to a parent's pessimism if they have other experiences of optimism to draw on.'

What makes a child optimistic?by parenting expert Michael Grose, author of 'One Step Ahead' (£12.99, Newleaf)

There are five building blocks of optimism:

*Having a go and persisting
*Practising skills
*Coming to terms with success and failure
*Planning for the future
*Having the belief and confidence to try again

Optimists tend to explain adverse events in the following ways:

*Adverse events are often temporary: 'It takes time to find a friend', rather than 'No one likes me'

*Situations or causes are specific: 'I am not so good at football', rather than 'I am hopeless at sport'

*Blame is rationalised rather than personalised: 'I was grounded because I hurt my sister', rather than 'I was grounded because I am a bad child'

Teaching children the skills of optimismTo promote optimism in your children, try the following four strategies:

*Model positive thinking and optimism. Let your children hear your positive self-talk

*Challenge your children's negative or unrealistic appraisals. For instance, 'Everyone hates me. I have no friends' can be challenged with 'Sometimes it feels like we have no friends, but you spent all morning with Melanie yesterday'

*Teach your child to look for the good things they do, and say them to themselves or out loud. They can look for the good things that happen in life, no matter how small

*Teach children to positively reframe their thoughts. When something unpleasant happens or failure occurs, they can actively look on the bright side. For example, 'I crashed my bike, but at least I came out unhurt' or, 'That activity didn't work but I know what to do next time'

This is an extract from a feature taken from Psychologies. For further details and to subscribe, visit Psychologies. The current issue of Psychologies magazine is now on sale in newsagents nationwide

Tips on dealing with exam stress

Exam periods are stressful times for children of all ages.

You can help them by following our useful guidelines

*Be calm, positive and reassuring and put the whole thing into perspective.

*Help them revise by re-arranging the family's schedules and priorities. Be lenient about chores and untidiness, give them a break and understand lost tempers and moodiness

*It's never too late to study, revise or ask for help

*Bribes or presents conditional on getting high grades aren't the best way to help young people. It's far better to encourage them to work for their own satisfaction and schedule small and frequent rewards for effort

*Make sure they have a comfortable place to work – and accept that some people CAN revise better with loud music or the TV on in the corner!

*Get them ready for an exam. Encourage them to get all their pens and pencils ready the night before and try to get them to go to bed at a reasonable time. On the day of the exam, try to organise a special breakfast and go through a check list with them to make sure they have everything they need

*Send them off with the knowledge that you love and support them whatever the result of the exam

*As each exam is finished, let them voice their worries and expectations, but also encourage them to let go and focus on getting through the next exam or next event, whilst listening out for any underlying serious problems

*Mark the ending of exams with a celebration, so that whatever result they get they have at least been valued and praised for having done their best

Parentline Plus is a national charity that works for and with parents, offering help and support through an innovative range of free, flexible and responsive services - shaped by parents for parents. For more information visit Parentline Plus.

Persevere vs Endeavour!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmV5fmAd_vc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihild58rQmU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CATAEXtUymQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNDzN-cgCUY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBRhEVSRCvI


EPPS Sports Carnival 2007 was celebrated in conjunction with Chrildren's Day. PSG was involved in bringing the extra cheer to the event with cheering mums branishing placards cheering the students on.

There were alot of excitement and tension between the 2 main houses- Persevere and Endeavour. Students divided between the 2 houses were participating in various sports activity at various locations in school i.e. school field, basketball courts, school hall and the parade square.

Presevere emerged as Overall Champion and Endeavour was the Cheering Champion.

Mrs Persevere aka Diana Teo and Mrs Endeavour aka Susan Koh rocked the house with their cheers along with other PSG members Lim Cheng Cheng, Karen Ann, Lilian Koh, Chiang Meng Lee, Maple Tan and Michelle Wee.

See them in action with the exuberant students on YouTube!

The Parent-Teacher Partnership ... Talking with teachers

Our experts (all teachers or school psychologists themselves) report on ways to approach teachers that will get their attention, and the ways that won't.

Find the right time to speak to the teacher. Always ask the teacher if she has time to talk at that moment, or better yet, when it might be convenient for her to do so. If a conference is not coming up soon, ask if you can make an appointment for a brief conversation. Don't expect to have an extended conversation during drop-off and pick-up. Mornings and after school can actually be quite hectic times. The teacher may appear free but she may not be.

"The teacher may have up to 40 kids in her class, and you may have only two or three at home. So don't expect her to know your child as well as you do, but respect what your teacher knows, as she sees your child function in ways you rarely will. The relationships are not equal, but each of you has something important to contribute to a picture of 'the whole child.'"
Linda Lendman, M.S.W.Guidance Counselor,Family Coordinator, Rand SchoolMontclair, N.J.

Write short, effective notes. If you want a quick response, keep your correspondence brief. Nobody (particularly teachers) has time to read more than one page, and a short paragraph will probably get the fastest response. Be specific about the issue and ask for guidance. For example, you might say, "Lucy's been having trouble with the math homework recently. She struggled for 30 minutes and then we stopped. Can we speak on the phone for a few minutes at your convenience about how to help?"

Make sure your message gets to the teacher. Handwritten notes, leaving occasional messages on teachers' voicemails or sending emails (if allowed by school policy) are effective ways to communicate. Sometimes mailing a note to the school can be the most reliable way to get information through, for parents who do not take their kids to school. But don't be upset if you don't get an immediate response. If you don't hear back after a few days, make sure your teacher got your communication, particularly if you sent it via your child.

Come prepared to conferences. Make a list in advance of what you want to discuss. Let the teacher know you have some questions and be specific: give concrete details that paint an objective picture of a problem. Instead of sweeping comments like "Denzel is having a terrible year," offer tangible data, like "at least three days a week, Denzel melts down while trying to do his math homework. He says 'I don't understand' and 'I'm stupid.'" This way you can collaborate with the teacher on solutions.

Discuss what matters most. Your teacher wants to know about how best to teach your child, so share what your child loves to learn about as well as any struggles he may have. This way, you can look at the whole picture of your child together. "Instead of focusing just on grades, focus on what your child loves, how he learns, and what he struggles with. Think of specifics you can offer the teacher to help her teach your child and listen to what he has to say," advises Michael Thompson, Ph.D. "If you have a report card to review, use it to brainstorm together how you can both support your child's learning, instead of dissecting each grade. Ask how your child functions in the classroom as a person. Does he make friends? How does he resolve conflicts?"

Supply data. Teachers will find comments from previous teachers useful, and giving this data is a non-threatening way to address issues. You might say, "Last year, Johnny's teacher noted he was struggling with attention issues. He was tested and this is how we are handling it." Or you might explain, "Betsy was put in a special reading group last year by Mr. Miller because he evaluated her and thought she needed more advanced books."

Accept your differences with your teacher. Recognize that your teacher may have a different style from you, but that doesn't make her a bad teacher.

"Some teachers will be older and seasoned veterans, others will be younger and more idealistic. There are lots of differences in styles of communication and educational philosophy. You will need to really listen to your child's teacher to get a sense of who he is," notes Dalton Miller-Jones, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Portland State University and an advisor to the Portland School district.

Ask what you can do to help. When discussing a problem your child may have, ask your teacher for specific ways you can help at home. Ask her to define what your role should be in the problem-solving partnership, making sure the teacher, parent, and child all play important roles.

Adapted from PBS Parents Guide, PBS Kids

Chairman and Vice Chairman- Rohani Matnawi's point of view!

The multi-talented Rohani is at it again...... this time, she gives you her impression of the PSG Chairman and Vice-Chairman. You be the judge!

Message from Mrs. Wong Siew Shan

It was around mid-morning on 30 August 2007 when I met Yvonne at the General Office. She told me that Karen and a few PSG members were putting up the stage decorations in preparation for the Teachers' Day Performance the following day. I got myself invited to go and have a peep!

I can't accurately describe the thrill and wonderment I felt when I set my eyes onthe yet-to-be-completed jungle scene that Karen, Meng Lee, Maple, Diana andMichelle were piecing together. The animals seemed so real that I expected them to step out of the wooden panels any time! We really have some highly gifted artists amongst our parents.


When Eliasians streamed into the hallfor the Teachers' Day performance on 31 August 2007, I could almost hear their collective gasps as their eyes feasted on the beautiful stage setting!


On behalf of all staff and Eliasians, I would like to thank the PSG for demonstrating such passion, love, creativity and above all, thoughtfulness in the preparations and execution of the Teachers' Day celebrations, under the excellent leadership of Yvonne, the chairperson of the PSG.


• From auditioning pupils for the Teachers' Day performance to overseeing the rehearsals;
• from sourcing for and preparing the sale items to manning the Teachers'Day Fair;
• from making the beautiful hand-designed Teachers' Day Card to presentingthem to the teachers with the lovely teddy bears;
• from capturing the joyful faces of Eliasians, to framing them, to presenting me with the most beautiful and meaningful Teachers' Day gift I've ever received;
• from designing the spectacular stage decorations to intricately cuttingthe life-like pieces to climbing up the ladder to painstakingly piecingtogether the jungle scene;
• from making the huge attention-grabbing placards to the facilitation of audience participation;
• from baking beautiful cupcakes to presenting them to the non-teaching staff so that every staff member was included in this day of appreciation; the PSG looked into every minute detail for the Teachers' Day celebrations.


I am very sure that apart from the above that I was aware of, there would have been a myriad of other time-consuming and equally important activities that went into the planning of Teachers' Day 2007 that I may not have been aware of.


Thank you for making all of us feel so special and for being an inspiration to us. My colleagues and I have lots to learn from the PSG about audience involvement.

I believe the National Day Parade organizers would have given their thumbs up too to our PSG for succeeding to create such an electrifying atmosphere of anticipation and building it to such a deafening crescendo with enthusiastic audience participation and unabashed appreciation for the talented and exuberant performers, that it motivated them to surpass themselves in performing for such an appreciative audience.


And just as we thought the Teachers' Day performance has ended on the highest note, three huge 'Happy Teachers' Day'’ banners lovingly painted by a grandfather, fell from heaven (He! He! Actually it was from Level 2 ofthe school hall!). We are extremely privileged and thankful that in Elias Park Primary School, we not only have parents who actively partner us intheir children's education, we also have grandparents who actively support us in our endeavours.


The messages on the banners read, 'You're my guiding light!', 'You inspire me!' and 'You're a class above the rest!'. My colleagues and I pledge to be the guiding light for all Eliasians, to inspire them to be scholars, sportsmen, artists, citizens and leaders, and to do that, we'll continue striving to be a class above the rest!

Thank you, PSG, for putting all our ELIAS Values in action through the many programmes and initiatives you undertake throughout the year. The Teachers' Day celebration was a platform that presented Eliasians with many opportunities to demonstrate the values of Excellence, Love, Integity,Adaptability and Service. Thank you, PSG, for helping Elias Park Primary further her mission and vision of providing a holistic education where potential becomes a reality!

Teachers' Day Special Effects Team

Bouquets for Teachers' Day Concert

From Mr. Jeremy Ang
"Hi Yvonne and all other parents from the PSG,
Must say that this year's Teachers' Day Celebrations was one of those very memorable ones for us teachers at EPPS! Thanks for all your efforts of love and time spent in the deco, in training the pupils etc. It shows the tremendous support from the parents and is an encouragement to us that we can always count on the PSG as one of our very supportive partners in education. regards, Jeremy"

From Mrs Pat Ng
" Thank you for organising such a wonderful concert. So much effort put into details and preparations. We really enjoyed the show."

From Mdm Aini
" Thank for the great concert! Wow! The PSG has really put in so much effort in details and creating the atmosphere. Good job!"

From Mdm Melati
" It was very heartening to see our parents putting so much effort to say thank you to us for teaching their children. We are so grateful and appreciative."

From Mr. Sim Soon Huat,
" Thank you Mrs. Chin and PSG members for putting up such an interesting concert."

From Mr. Ang Swee Chong,
" We're impressed that the PSG were able to engage the students in such a positive and vibrant manner to show appreciation for their fellow students' performances and their teachers' efforts. Also, we love the creativity and thought put into making the show more interactive and captivating by using placards and banners. "

Teachers' Day Concert presented by Parent Support Group

After months of preparations, PSG was finally ready to showcase the Teachers' Day Concert on the 31st August 2007. PSG started conceptualising and planning as early as June 2007. The plan was to have an interactive concert which involves the participation of the audience. After much deliberation themes, PSG task force members unanimously agreed on an " Animal Kingdom " theme as it will great fun for all.

Once a theme was decided, we have been busy putting our plan into action, placards were made, stage cut out of animals and weeds, dance practises, cloth banners painted and concert rehearsals were in full swing. We were very careful not to miss even the smallest of details.

The result was a well executed and highly entertaining concert with full participation of the audience. Mrs. Yvonne Chin, Chairperson of PSG with MCs Pratyay and Foo Yong Qi hosted the event.

Mrs. Wong opened the concert with a speech and a special song, " You raised me up", specially dedicated to teachers and students. There was a special mention for Mr Jeremy Ang for making it to the Top 12 finalist for the President Award for teachers. Well done, Mr. Ang!

The audience were put into 4 animal groups : Siberian Tigers, Mandarin Ducks, Chimpanzees and Rams. They were highly participative and gave the loudest cheer they can muster. The noise was deafening! The PSG members were assigned each group to lead the animal groups into action.

Animals chiefs for day were Jenny Mak for Mandarin Ducks, Faizah Ab Rahman for Chimpanzees, Karen for Siberian Tigers and Cheng Cheng for the Rams.

The stage was elaborately design and decorated with life size animal prints meticulously hand drawn by Karen Ann. Working together with Meng Lee, they put up the most spectacular stage setting in synch with the " Animal Kingdom" theme. Helen Chee put her artistic talent in producing the most interesting animal group banners. A PSG grandfather painstakingly handpainted the huge banners for the finale surprise for the teachers.

PSG member Rohani Matnawi sang a Japanese Folk song specially dedicating it to our teachers. Check her out on YouTube!http://rbm18260.multiply.com/journal/item/8/Teachers_Day_Performance

Diana Teo and Susan Koh were the audience managers giving cues to audience to applause or make animal noise after each performance. Diana did a fantastic job at entertaining and controlling the crowd's responses. Grace Choo and Zubaidah Othman were the backstage managers to ensure the performers are ready on cue. Phyllis Wong was backstage supporting choreography. There were altogether more than 30 PSG parents actively supporting the event!

The performers were very motivated by the applause and cheers they get from the audience gave their best performance on that day. The "Guess the Teacher " game was well received and students were all so excited about which teacher is hiding behind the cloth. It was a lot of fun for everyone.

The highlight of the concert would the exuberant performance by theP2 students. They were dancing to the song, " We're all in it together", from the High School Musical which was very meaningful to all teachers and students. Mrs. Lynn Kirk took them under her wing, 2 weeks before the concert and brought out the very best in them. It was very heartening to see the young ones perform with so much zeal and enthusiasm.

The best is yet to come, on cue by Mrs. Chin, huge banners measuring 3 metres by 1 metre rolled down from the left side of the school hall with special greeting and wishing our teachers a very " Happy Teachers' Day!"

Spectacular indeed!

The Parent Teacher Partnership

The experts have been polled and the results are in: a positive parent-teacher relationship contributes to your child's school success.

"Easier said than done," you may be thinking. After all, there are teachers your child will love and teachers your child may not. There are teachers you'll like and dislike as well. There are teachers who may adore your child, and those who just don't understand him. But whatever the case, your child's teacher is the second most important person in your child's life (after her parents, of course). And you can help make their relationship a strong and rewarding one.

"Even if you disagree with a teacher, show her that you respect the profession because this will establish the basis for a productive relationship. A child can't really learn from a teacher if her parents don't respect the teacher and a teacher can't really teach a child if he thinks the parents don't respect him, so you want to create that trust, so those sacred learning moments will take place. In Finland, Italy and Japan, teachers are more respected by the entire culture, and as a result, kids perform better in school."
Michael Thompson, Ph.D.Author of The Pressured Child
"A positive parent-teacher relationship helps your child feel good about school and be successful in school," advises Diane Levin, Ph.D., professor of education at Wheelock College. "It demonstrates to your child that he can trust his teacher, because you do. This positive relationship makes a child feel like the important people in his life are working together."

Communicating well is a key factor for making this relationship work. "Communication on both sides is extremely important," notes teacher Susan Becker, M.Ed. "The parents need information about what and how their child is learning, and the teacher needs important feedback from the parent about the child's academic and social development."

But communicating effectively with a busy teacher, who may have up to 40 kids in a class, can be challenging. When's the right time to talk — and when isn't? How can you get her attention? What should you bring up with her with and what should be left alone? How do you create a relationship with someone you may only see a few times a year? And how do you do this without coming across like an unreasonable and over-zealous parent?


The Parent-Teacher Partnership
Nurturing the Relationship
Try these strategies to build a positive relationship with your child's teacher.

Approach this relationship with respect. Treat the teacher-parent-child relationship the way you would any really important one in your life. Create a problem-solving partnership, instead of confronting a teacher immediately with what's wrong. "Meet with a teacher to brainstorm and collaborate ways to help your child, instead of delivering a lecture," recommends Susan Becker, M.Ed.

“Read the school memos, rules and schedules so you know what’s happening and what’s expected of your child and of you. Keep school information in one place, or better yet, in a loose-leaf binder so it doesn’t get lost. This information should help you answer your child’s questions about homework and school policies. This is the single most important thing you can do to foster a positive relationship with the school.”
Diane Levin, Ph. D.Professor of EducationWheelock College
Let your child develop his own relationship with the teacher. "This is one of the first relationships with an adult your child may have outside the family unit. If you take a back seat and let the relationship develop without much interference, a special bond may develop," advises guidance counselor Linda Lendman. "For young children, the teacher-child relationship is a love relationship," adds Michael Thompson, Ph.D. "In fact, it may be their first love relationship after their parents and it can be pretty powerful and wonderful."

Try not to brag. Of course you think your child is brilliant, but bragging over her many accomplishments may send a message to the teacher that you think he may not be good enough to teach your child. "You don't need to sell your child to the teacher," notes Michael Thompson Ph.D., "you have to trust that your teacher will come to know what's important herself. Telling a teacher that your child loves to read will thrill the teacher. But challenging your teacher with statements like 'Susie read 70 books over the summer' or 'Matthew is a whiz at math,' may backfire."

Remember how you liked (or disliked) your teachers. Your experience at school is likely to affect your attitude toward your child's teacher. "It's important to leave your own baggage at the door, so you can talk about your child with the teacher (and not about you!)" adds Michael Thompson, Ph.D.

Adapted from :
PBS Parents, USA

Teachers Day Quotes

More is to be got from one teacher than from two books.

-- German Proverb

Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.

-- Japanese Proverb

The most extraordinary thing about a really good teacher is that he or she transcends accepted educational methods.

-- Margaret Mead

Inside every great teacher, there is an even greater one waiting to come out. -- Unknown

One learns more from a good scholar in a rage than from a score of lucid and laborious drudges.

-- Rudyard Kipling

Inspired teachers...cannot be ordered by the gross from the factory. They must be discovered one by one, and brought home from the woods and swamps like orchids. They must be placed in a conservatory, not in a carpenter shop; and they must be honored and trusted.

-- John Jay Chapman

Teachers are ordinary people engaged in extraordinary work.

-- Hayes Mizell

We expect a lot of teachers but often forget they are ordinary people. They can be magicians for some students at specific points in time, but it is the rare teacher who can consistently work his or her magic on large numbers of students.

-- Hayes Mizell

Teachers open our eyes to the world. They give us curiosity and confidence. They teach us to ask questions. They connect us to our past and future. They are the guardians of our social heritage. [...] Life without a teacher is simply not a life.

-- Jonathan Sacks

Men learn while they teach.

-- Lucius A. Seneca

To teach is to learn twice.

-- Joseph Joubert

He who dares to teach must never cease to learn.

-- Unknown

Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old, and you may become a teacher of others. -- Confucius

Teachers Day Fair 22nd to 24th August 2007

Dear EPPS parents,

EPPS.PSG will be organising a Teacher's Day fair in view of the forthcoming Teacher's Day which will be celebrated on the 31st of August 2007.

We will bringing together a wide range of items and gifts which the students can opt to put together or create to give to their beloved teachers on Teacher's Day. Our PSG members will at hand to assist the students to personalise their gifts for their teachers.

Students have a wider choice of materials which they can put together and create or they purchase finished goods put together by the PSG members for them. Priced from $1.00 to $5.00 maximum, the students will find it very affordable and convenient as they purchase these items at school.

********************************************************

Dates : 22nd, 23rd and 24th August 2007

Opening Hours :

9.30 am to 10.30 am

11.30am to 2.00pm

3.00pm to 4.00pm

Venue : CCA Room ( Next to canteen)

*********************************************************

The funds raised will go towards the Needy Pupils Fund and EPPS.PSG funds. We look forward to your continuing support on this project.

Best regards,

Yvonne Chin

"Good" Moms Sacrifice For Their Kids.. Right?

A "good" mother puts her children first! Right? WRONG! This is a myth that needs to change for the health and well being of our families.

"Good moms" (even "good dads") who use selfless devotion often wind up making their kids suffer in the end! Allow me to explain.

In reality, selfless devotion often leads to having less "self" to give. A mother who burns the candle at both ends often ends only winds up "burntout."


And as we all know, "When mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"
So am I suggesting moms should become selfish? No. As a family counselor I have seen what neglect can do. What I am suggesting is a new paradigm. I recommend that parents become "self-full"-being fulfilled in their own life, so they can inspire their children to do the same. Our
children need us to model what in means to be a happy and healthy adult-not a stressed out frazzled one.


Mom, consider this article to be your wake up call that inspires you to realize that if you love your kids, you need to start putting some of your own needs first. Far too many children are becoming unhealthy adults who lack esteem and motivation. Parents whose lives revolve around their kids breed a sense of entitlement in their children who grow up wanting to
get , rarely wanting to give. Don't make this mistake!


So put a little of yourself first-for the sake of your kids.Find you don't even have a minute to yourself? Let me give you one simple suggestion. The
next time you are looking at one of the items on your to-do list, ask yourself the following question:

"Will this task fill me with joy or deplete my joy?"

Answer honestly from your heart. If the task will deplete your joy pass it up or ask yourself,


"How CAN I make this task fulfilling?" With some practice, you can transform even the most mundane task like scrubbing out the toilet by putting on your favorite music, repeating your favorite affirmation (or prayer) or even by hiring someone else to do it!

Mom, each day you make choices. The choices you make today determine how fulfilled you are. To live a happier life you only need to make better choices. The more you say "yes" from your heart, the more heartfelt your life will become. Mom, you deserve to be happy and your children deserve to have a mom who is happy!

The only question remains: Will you do what you know you need to do to give your child the gift of a happy mother?

By Kelly Nault
Kelly Nault, MA corporate spokesperson and award winning parenting author of "When You’re bAbout To Go Off The Deep End, Don’t Take Your Kids With You " inspires moms to put themselves first—for the sake of their children. She shares time-tested tools that motivate children to want to be well behaved, responsible and happy!

Appreciate your child

Books and magazines about raising children - especially about babies, toddlers and teens - have never been more popular. Yet there's a whole hidden area of childhood in-between that almost no one seems to write about.

Building for the years to comePerhaps these years are so problem-free that parents don't often seek advice. Certainly children from about six to 12 often seem eager to please their parents, are keen to copy the behaviour of those they admire and most love to spend time with their families.

You should be working at building self-esteem, while nurturing the relationship you have with him before the more tricky days of adolescence come along. Throughout these years you need to make sure he has love, isn't under too much pressure to 'measure up' in particular ways and is appreciated for being himself.

It's also during these years that you have the greatest opportunity to teach your values and beliefs before your child turns outwards from your family towards peers during adolescence.

Use these years to spend time together - answer questions, especially those of a moral nature, and give facts about alcohol, drugs and sex before it becomes too difficult to talk.

These are the years when your child still wants to be close to you - make the most of them!

Tips for good relationships
*Keep up positive communication talking and listening, or it may become impossible in the teen years.

*Allow as much independence as possible - even if it involves some risks.

*Children need to discover things through their own mistakes.

*Give lots of praise. Children already get too much criticism at school, from friends, in competitive games etc. You can help build their self-esteem and self-worth.

*Help develop your child's conscience. Explain the rules of behaviour and why they are important. Don't expect too much - parents sometimes fall into the trap of measuring their children with an adult yardstick which means they'll always fall short. Avoid doing this with your children.

*Be positive, not negative. Avoid using cross words, scolding your child or finding fault too often: "You haven't washed your face properly", "Your clothes don't look right" or "I knew you were going to spill that".

*Let your children be children. They have an absolute right to be immature and to grow up gradually. Parents often expect too much too soon and this can lead to children feeling pressurised. Parents usually do this because they love their children and want them to be the best they can be - but too much pressure gives the message that your child isn't "measuring up" and can dent his self-worth.

*Teach by example. Your children are bound to imitate what they see you do. The best way to get your children to do what you want is to demonstrate it, not order them to do it!

By Eileen Hayes, BBC Parenting

Happy 42nd Birthday Singapore!

Young, confident and exuberant...

Happy 42nd Birthday Singapore

Confidence Building

By the time they reach school age, children develop an established sense of self-esteem. A child with high self-esteem has the confidence to try new things and make friends. A child with low self-esteem has a tougher time in all these areas, and needs extra help from you.

Maintaining your child's confidence
It's still vitally important for you to keep working at building your child's confidence throughout these years, especially as school life and friends may give it a sideways knock.

Suggestions

*Believe in your child and show it - let her know she's a worthwhile, lovable individual.

*Give praise and positive feedback - your child measures her worth and achievements by what you think of her. "Well done, that was hard, and you managed it" is music to young ears. Reassure your child that it's OK to make mistakes and that it's all part of growing up.

*Practise active, reflective listening - listen carefully, repeat what you've heard to make sure you understand and give positive prompts to encourage your child to continue.

*Acknowledge your child's feelings - and help her express them verbally.
Criticise behaviour, not your child - it's very easy to fall into this trap, but too much criticism tells your child she's a bad person and is causing things to happen because of her own stupidity. This is very damaging if it goes on for a long time. Be clear that it's an action you're angry about or behaviour you don't like.

*Respect your child's interests, even if they seem boring to you - take a genuine interest in your child's friends, and what's happening at school, and comment to show you're listening.

*Accept any fears or insecurities your child expresses as genuine - even if they seem trivial to you, don't just brush them aside. If your child says "I'm useless at maths" say "You're obviously finding maths a struggle, how can I help you?".

*Encourage independence - encourage your child to take chances and try new things. Succeeding gives a huge boost to confidence, and sometimes your child will need to learn by her mistakes.

*Laugh with your child - never at her.
*Focus on your child's successes - swimming, music, whatever she can succeed at.

Are you helping or hindering?
*"I told you so"

You've warned your child she shouldn't walk across the carpet carrying a cup full of milk and her dinner. She does it anyway, but trips and spills it. It's tempting to say: "Now look what you've done. I told you that you couldn't do it." Comments such as this make your child feel even worse than she does already for failing at something. Instead, try to give support by saying something like: "Oh no, you tried, but it didn't work. Never mind. Next time you could carry them one at a time."

*Talking about your child

It's not only the critical things said directly to your children that can undermine confidence. If your child overhears you tell someone that "she's got two left feet" or "she's so clumsy" they might think you really believe this and feel it can't be changed.

*Putting yourself down

Things you say about yourself can damage your child's self-esteem. Children learn a great deal from copying adults close to them. If you overreact to situations or pressure, your child may worry that you really can't handle life's challenges. This won't set your child an example of a positive, optimistic attitude to life and how to handle problems.

*Thoughtless remarks

Think before you speak and choose your words with care - it's very easy to say something without thinking, then wish you hadn't. "You're so clumsy" or "Don't be stupid" can be said in an irritated moment when the cereal is spilled or an innocent question is asked. Too many negative remarks like this can result in children believing they're useless or stupid.

All the following can damage a child's confidence:*saying you don't love them
*saying you wish they'd never been born
*insults or unkind remarks
*deliberately ridiculing things your child does or feels
*cruel teasing and sarcasm
*endless nagging
*aggressive shouting and swearing

Say "sorry" if you get it wrongNone of us are saints and we all sometimes say something and immediately regret it. If this happens, it's best to admit this to your child. Say: "I should never have said that. It was an unkind thing to say and I don't mean it. I'm just tired." Then have a cuddle and make up.

Adapted from : BBC Parenting

Thank you, EPPS.PSG & all Parents

Hi Partners

On behalf of my colleagues and all pupils of Elias Park Primary, I would like to thank the EPPS.PSG and all parents who have in one way or another made our Racial Harmony Community Carnival and Elias Park Primary Open House such a resounding success. Thank you for your unfailing support for all that we do in the school. It is truly remarkable and inspiring that our parents are ever willing to lend us a helping hand in all that we strive to do.

To Yvonne, Helen, Susan, Maple, Zubaidah, Juriana, Rahimah, Rohani, Jenny, Vathana, Michelle and Raymond, our humble thanks to you. My colleagues and I are deeply touched by your passion and commitment, so evident on 30 June 2007 and throughout the year. Thanks for always being there for us =)

Siew Shan

Talent and Beauty

We are proud to showcase the works of our beautiful and talented mums of EPPS.

Karen works magic with any kind of medium.. pastels, crayons or oil on canvass. Helen turn plain paper into works of art. Anything she touches turns into life with her 3D art pieces. Faizah bakes delicious cupcakes and decorate them so pretty.. you won't feel like eating it because they are so beautiful!

Check out more of Karen's and Faizah's work at their websites. They are truly an inspiration.

Karen's website:

http://warrex849.blogspot.com/

Faizah's website:

http://ladydeyria.multiply.com/

Sunshine Notebook counter at the EPPS Canteen 25th July to 27th July 2007

Due to popular demand for the personalised picture with the purchase of the Sunshine notebook, we are now offering it to all purchase of notebook up to 27th July 2007.

You can conveniently make your purchase from the PSG counter at the school canteen on the following dates and have your picture taken on the spot!

You not only get a FREE picture taken, we are also offering a $10 Pink Dollar by Pink Parlour* for every purchase as well!

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PSG counter will be opened :
Wed 25th Jul :
PM session only : 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Thu 26th Jul & Fri 27th Jul:
AM session : 9.30 am to 10.30 am
PM session : 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm

# Sales Counter in front of Thrift Shop # Photo will be taken at CCA Room
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Attention P6 students!You can use the Sunshine book as an autograph and/or journal book for you to keep cherished pictures, words of encouragement & friendship from schoolmates, friends and teachers.

We have sample pages of how creative you can get with the Sunshine notebook. You may take group pictures with your best buddies for the front cover too! Check it out!

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Pink Parlour is located at 63, Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239364
Tel : 68369796

http://www.pinkparlour.com.sg/

*Offer valid for face, body and nail bar services for your mummies. Conditions apply

Cervical Cancer Workshop & Aromatheraphy Talk, 21st July 2007

It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning. We learn more about cervical cancer, the Papillomavirus and about the vaccine that can help prevent infection if young females are immunised as early as 9 and up to 26 years of age.

On the lighter side, there were lots of other activities to keep both mothers and daughters to indulge and experience. It was certainly a lovely bonding time for both mothers and daughters.

Top 10 Best Family Experiences in Uniquely Singapore!

It’s never easy trying to please everybody, especially when they belong to the same family. So we thought we’d help you out. Here’s the inside scoop on the Top 10 Best Family Experiences selected by a panel of judges at the Tourism Awards 2006. Now, it won’t matter if your entourage includes five-year-olds or 55-year-olds, because you’ll know exactly where to take them.

URL : http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_do/familyexperience.html

1. Discover Singapore's History

2. Get Amphibious with Duck Tours

3. Get up close with Pink Dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon

4. Have the world under your feet in a Cable Car

5. Feeding the Lories at Jurong BirdPark

6. Jungle Breakfast at the Singapore Zoo

7. Get wet at the Waterworks at the Singapore Science Centre

8. Catch creatures of the night at the Singapore Safari

9. A date with Merlion at the Singapore River Cruise

10. Midnight supper at Lau Pa Sat Festival Market