Abel Cheng's Archives

Have you seen Nurin Jazlin?

I don’t usually post negative news here (rape, murder, assault… you know what I mean). I think we have had enough everywhere else. I just want to send out positive vibes here.

But I CAN’T give this a skip. As a parent, I know how heart wrenching it is to have lost your beloved child. By posting a story about Nurin, I hope I could help in the search of this 8-year old Malaysian girl.

Nurin, a Year Two pupil at SK Desa Setapak, failed to return home after going to the night market in Section 1, Wangsa Maju, at 8.30pm on Aug 20.

There has been no inkling of where eight-year-old Nurin is despite a massive nationwide search.

If you have seen this girl, call +6 (03) – 2031 9999 (Malaysian Police).

Let’s pray for the safe return of Nurin.

—

Follow on update:

September 21: Bad news. The police have confirmed that the body found in a sports bag is Nurin. But the parents denied that it’s their daughter yesterday. However, with overwhelming scientific proof produced, the parents have to accept the sad news. According to this blog, the body will be claimed this morning and funeral (burial) would probably be held after Friday prayers today.

Our deepest condolences to Nurin’s family. RIP, Nurin Jazlin.

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"No man is an island."

Does teaching children social skills really matter? You bet.

Helping your child develop social skills at an early age is something parents must do if you want your child to thrive later in life.

Why teach children social skills?

1) They become more people friendly and people oriented.
2) They learn to get along with people.
3) They learn how to share, not being self centered.
4) They learn to care for other's feelings.
5) They learn there are things beyond family members.
6) They become more confident.
7) They learn to cope with differences.

I saw a vast improvement in my preschool daughter last weekend. During our visit to my friend’s house, for the first time, J played with my friend's daughter without our company.

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I would like to share some interesting (and useful) posts with you. You may want to add them to your reading list.

• Cool Chalkboards Your Kids Will Love – Here’s an excellent tip if you don’t want your kid mess things up during art time. While you’re there, check out other posts by Dr. MOZ, mainly on gadgets.

• Stop bleeding the Cuban way – Tried and tested natural way just by using sugar. Handy for family accidents.

• Build a Reading Family: How to Share Reading with Your Kids – I can’t emphasize more on the importance of cultivating reading habits in children. Some awesome tips on making reading fun with your children.

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Truth be told, I never compare notes with other parents how my two children fare in terms of growth and development. Because every child has his own pace and unless your child has a big delay in development (that’s another story), I see no point in checking what your child can or cannot do in comparison with his peers.

You shouldn’t either.

Until recently, I couldn’t help but notice my 19 months old son, K, has grown tremendously. Not in size but his skills. It seems like he has a long list of things he can do now. I’d better write them down before I forget. You know how fast kids grow.

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It may be good for frugal families, as the title suggests. But after reading the article by Maine Mama, wealthy families can put these ideas to use if they don’t want to have spoiled children who do nothing but ask for money.

Maine Mama shares her three strategies:

• First, involving kids in our financial goals.
• Second, letting the kids make a lot of financial decisions themselves.
• Third, try to say “yes” as much as we can.

I may not agree with #3 fully. Saying “yes” too many times may bring more harm than good. But asking why and how to get it are crucial questions. For example, if your kid wants a new bike, ask him why he wants it. If you agree to the new bike, discuss with him how to get it.

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