Raising kids in Singapore is atrociously expensive, so I would like to share what I do with Hunter on weekends and weekday nights to keep expenses down while limiting screen time.
We try to do a variety of activities to make things interesting.
1. Paper cutting
I got the divider papers from my company when they decided to discard the old documents. Hunter enjoyed this activity a lot after I got him the
left handed scissors. (Apparently, cutting with a normal scissors is very painful for him as he would keep complaining that his fingers are unable to control the scissors)
2. Outing at Utown (NUS)
This is probably the most underrated gem in the west. We like to go to Utown on the weekends to have a picnic and play with balls. And the best thing is that there is no crowd to contend with.
It is also very kids friendly as there are 2 foodcourts nearby with toilets and water coolers all around. For adults, there is a Starbucks for your caffeine fix.
2. Outing at Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG)
Since we stay a short bus ride from SBG, we go there once in a while when the weather permits. There is also Jacob Ballas Children's Garden which is dedicated just for kids.
3. Outing to the Children's Museum
Run by National Heritage Board, the
Children's Museum is free for Singapore Citizens & PRs.
Tip: Book early as the slots are limited.
The museum is small and is divided into a few sections. Personally, I feel that certain areas are for older children as Hunter couldn't really fully appreciate the exhibitions.
However, he did had fun with the interactive displays.
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| Pretending to have his hair cut by an old school barber |
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| Trying out the scooter |
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Decorating flowers on the wall
(perfect for toddlers) |
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| Putting all the different bird species on the tree branches |
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| Dad had to help |
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His favourite exhibition
(Decorating the birthday cake) |
4. DIY games at home
As a kiasu parent, I try to incorporate words learning in our every day routine.
For the below activity, I use
blank cards to write letter sounds (refer to the Jolly phonics letter sounds) and get Hunter to sound them out as he steps on them.
For variation 1, we shout out the letter sound and he jumps on the cards.
For variation 2, we jump on the cards while he shouts out the letter sounds.
Another game that he loves is the gun banging activity. I will just use the highlighter and some rough paper to write tricky words that he learnt in phonics class for revision.
How to play this game:
1. Draw the outline of the guns (or any shape actually) and write the tricky words in. I usually write 2 to 3 tricky words on 2 pieces of A4 paper.
2. Then I write the tricky words on the
blank cards; one tricky word on each card.
3. Asks Hunter to choose one of the blank cards.
4. With him holding the card, I will ask him to identify the word on the pieces of paper.
5. When he points to the correct word and says it out loud, I will cross out the word with a highlighter, while saying, "Bang! Bang! Bang!" Do that till all the words are done.
I always have to prepare extras because he will ask for more haha.
5. Home painting
Beware that this could get VERY messy. Hunter loves this activity and he will ALWAYS ask to do painting once he is done with dinner.
Armed with a paint kit, he would use a variety of tools, ranging from paint brush to fingers to do the painting.
For paper, I would suggest using
mahjong paper, as it is huge enough to contain the painting. I cut it into 2 or 3 parts and lay them over one another as the paint tends to seep through after he paints (I have no idea why it happens).
If you have additional ideas on how to engage toddlers without resorting to screen time, do share with me!
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