10-10-10 Rule For Kids

Stress is universal, affecting everyone regardless of location and age. Due to its prevalence in the modern world, a countless number of methods to manage stress have been created and shared. If you haven’t learned about
the 10/10/10 method
, it’s one of the easier methods to remember and implement, one that’s been tried, tested and loved by us. Considering its simplicity, why not teach children, too?

By ingraining methods for stress management, children can grow into adults that are mentally healthy which will contribute to their physical health, too. After all, an emotionally healthy child with managed stress is truly priceless – it’ll go a long way during this impressionable time.

What Is The 10/10/10 Method

As a brief refresher, the 10/10/10 method examines perspective and priority by questioning a stressful situation as follows: will it matter 10 minutes from now, 10 months from now, and 10 years from now?

That’s it. Literally. Told you it was straightforward!

How To Make The 10/10/10 Method Kid Friendly

Of course, foresight can be a difficult concept to grasp – especially when children embody by default the yogic mantra of: being present. On the other hand, being present simultaneously entails being flexible and luckily, and children are known for their emotional flexibility. So really, you just need to flip the switch!

How? Well, children can be easily distracted so utilise the 10/10/10 method by switching their perspectives from what wouldn’t matter in the future to what matters in the present. Bonus: including a reward is always helpful, even for successfully practicing the 10/10/10 method. The reward should be carefully curated, though, so the child does not rely on the 10/10/10 method as a means of getting their way. For example, the reward can be treating them to a cheat meal (that is still healthy) or whatever is most relevant to the situation that requires the 10/10/10 method.

When To Use The 10/10/10 Method Most

In a nutshell, three situations can be one of the most stress inducing in children, applicable around the world but especially in Asia:

Grades
 – with the constant influx of information, the younger generation are expected to know even more and to perform even better than the previous generation. Naturally, this creates stress. If you find your child worrying unnecessarily about their grades (PSA, the most important grades for youngsters to worry over are those during the last year of high school), you could say: If you don’t get an A in all your classes, will it matter in 10 minutes? How would it matter in 10 months? Cause your grade in Year 2 definitely wouldn’t matter in 10 years…

Comparisons
 – comparisons often arise whilst in school, such as when comparing grades, but with the rise of social media, this habit of comparing can also extend to other areas of life. So, remind your kids this: If you continue comparing yourself for the next 10 minutes, how would you feel? Do you want to continue feeling that way 10 months from now? Can you imagine still feeling like this 10 years from now?

Technology addiction
 – speaking of social media, the technology addiction is real, especially the iPhone addiction. As the parts of the brain associated with pleasure are triggered during usage, removing an electronic device from your child/ren can cause havoc. Upon successful removal, you could say: Will you still be angry in 10 minutes? But what about in 10 months? In 10 years from now, you would definitely remember exploring the outside world more than the screen of an iPhone…

Remember, trust your instincts and parent your way, using this article as a guideline for teaching your child the 10/10/10 method! Remember – kids learn the most by modelling – so practice what you preach and also apply this method to your own life!

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB

Partner Stories
Parenting
Looking for Fun Family Bonding Activities? Why Not Combine the Power of Play and Creative Problem-Solving with LEGO bricks?
Parenting
Spend Wisely When Shopping For Your Baby
Parenting
5 Fun Ways to Teach Your Children About Giving Back During the Holiday Season
Parenting
Mum Shares A Trick On How She Feeds Her Child Supplements And It Will BLOW Your Mind
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Your child's blocked nose: what you need to know

We all know that when our kids catch a cold, it’s really nothing to worry about. But the symptoms of a common cold — especially a blocked nose — can be very uncomfortable for kids, especially if they are very young.

How do you relieve your child’s blocked nose without using over-the-counter medications?

Your child’s blocked nose may cause difficulty in breathing as a result of the congestion. This results in sleepless nights for both parents and baby.

Of course, there’s also the loss of appetite combined with general grumpiness caused by your child feeling really uncomfortable because of the blocked nose.

What causes a child’s blocked nose?

A blocked nose is caused by inflamed blood vessels in the sinuses due to a cold, allergy or sinus infection. When inflammation occurs, mucous secretion increases to help fight infection, resulting in a blocked nose.

Most children are not able to blow their noses until around age 4, which is why relieving a younger child’s blocked nose is important.

These days, it’s very simple to walk into any pharmacy and grab one of the many over-the-counter remedies available for a blocked nose or cold in general.

Doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter blocked nose and cold medication for children under 6 years of age.

But medical experts are now warning against using these products on children. They say these drugs do nothing to get rid of a blocked nose or cold and may even have nasty side effects.

Parents, you actually don’t have to rely on over-the-counter drugs to relieve your child’s blocked nose.

Instead, try one of these simple home remedies that we talk about on the
next page
.

1.  Elevate his head during sleep

If your child is under 2 years of age and has a blocked nose, breathing while sleeping may pose some problems, especially if he doesn’t use a pillow and his head is not elevated.

While it’s not recommended that young children use pillows because of the risk of suffocation, you can still help yours breathe easily by raising the head side of his cot mattress from underneath using appropriate props. This will elevate your child’s head, making breathing easier.

Use a rolled up blanket or towel as a prop under the head side of your child’s mattress to elevate his head and help him breathe more easily.

My co-sleeping 2-year-old just uses me as a mattress when he has a blocked nose! He clambers on top of me and keeps his head on my chest so that it’s elevated. He gets to sleep and breathe more easily, but I don’t!

2. Steam

Warm steam can help your child’s blocked nose by loosening clogged-up nasal secretions. All you have to do is turn on the hot shower in your bathroom to generate steam. With the door closed, sit with your child in the bathroom for at least 15 minutes to let the steam work its magic!

3. Vicks

Regular or Baby Vicks (the latter for younger babies) rubbed on the soles of your child’s feet and then covered with socks will help your child breathe more easily at night. You could also dab some Vicks on his chest and back, as well as on his mattress.

4. Saline solution

Saline solution that’s especially made for kids will help thin the mucus in your child’s nose.

Any pharmacy will have saline solution for babies and children. Since toddlers or younger babies can’t blow their own noses to clear the mucus, saline solution will help thin it out. It’s perfectly safe to use as it’s just a sterile mixture of water and salt. How to use it:

Put your child in a position where his head is lower than his feet and you can easily support his head. I often ask my husband or helper to carry my 2-year-old horizontally, with his head slightly dipped down. Expect resistance!

Gently squeeze one drop of saline solution into each nostril.

Wait a minute or two to allow the solution to drain through the nasal passages. Your child may sneeze or cough out the thinned mucus so better have plenty of tissues ready!

5. Use a nasal aspirator

Since many toddlers and younger babies cannot blow their own noses, you could use a nasal aspirator to help suck the mucus out. You could do this after using saline solution to thin the mucus, as explained earlier.

A nasal aspirator has a bulb section and a long, soft and narrow section that you insert in your child’s nostrils. How to use:
Partner Stories
Child
Sick Children Can Be A Handful, But Not With These Tips!
Child
Parents, Be in the Know With RSV Knowledge To Protect Your Babies
Uncategorized
Children Are Suffering From Diarrhoea: Here’s What You Can Do To Help Protect Your Child
Health
Do Not Take the Rotavirus Disease Lightly!

Have your child sit up straight after using the saline solution if needed. For me, what works is to have someone sit down with my 2-year-old on his/her lap while holding him firmly around his waist.

Tightly squeeze the bulb part of the aspirator.

Keeping the aspirator squeezed, insert the tip into one nostril.

Gradually release the pressure on the bulb, letting it draw out the mucus.

Repeat with the other nostril.

Separate the bulb from the tip and run under water to clean the mucus. I usually immerse it in boiling water with a drop of Dettol or gentle soap to sanitise the aspirator before its next use.

Use a nasal aspirator to suck out the mucus that is causing your child’s blocked nose

6. Use a vaporiser or humidifier

A vaporiser helps moisten the air, which in turn helps your child to breathe. It could be especially useful if you use air-conditioning, which sucks out all moisture from the air and can really clog up your child’s nose.

You could even add a drop of essential eucalyptus oil or menthol, or a dab of Vicks into the water in the vaporiser, which will further ease your child’s blocked nose.

7. Keep your child hydrated

Adequate fluid intake not only ensures your child is well hydrated, but it also helps thin the mucus in the nose and clear congestion. Water, milk and juice are great, but the clear winner is chicken soup.

Chicken soup not only has anti-inflammatory effects, but it also stimulates the flow of mucus out of the nose. Add a bit of grated ginger into the soup for even better results.

Tip: Minimise the spread of germs by getting your child to wash his hands often with warm soapy water, and disposing of used tissues after he blows his nose.

Show your child to the doctor…

If your child is less than three months old and develops a fever higher than 38°C.

If cold symptoms — including the blocked nose — last for more than 10 days.

If your child complains of pain in the nasal passages after two to four days of home treatment.

If your baby or child has, or seems to have, an earache (babies with earache often rub their ears and seem irritable).

If your child develops other symptoms such as pain or swelling in the face or in the chest, a headache or a very bad sore throat.

If your child seems to be getting worse rather than better.

Share your home remedies for easing your child’s blocked nose with us by leaving a comment.

References:

www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/stuffy-nose-relief

www.webmd.com/first-aid/treating-a-childs-congestion-or-stuffy-nose

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Boy grows breasts, showing hidden dangers of junk food to our kids

When your daughter starts growing breasts, it’s a sign that they she’s growing up. But when your boy grows breasts, that’s a different matter altogether.

In China, a boy nicknamed “Xiao Fang” had the surprise of his young life. He noticed that his breasts were growing when he was 13 years old. Six years later, doctors had to perform a mastectomy to remove the boy’s A-cup size breast.

Doctors at China’s Zhejiang Wenzhou Central Hospital found Fang’s body to be in otherwise perfect condition.

Boy grows breasts in condition called gynecomastia

Photo by AsiaWire

“The right side of the patient’s body resembles a woman, while the left a man,” Chief of Medicine Pan Zhongliang told the
Qianjiang Evening Post
.

Medical science refers to the condition as gynecomastia, which is characterized as the swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men. It is linked to
an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone
, according to

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
.

Medical professionals have commonly found this condition in newborns, boys going through puberty, and older men who develop it as a result of normal changes in hormone levels.

Gynecomastia can go away on its own. However, in Feng’s case, surgery was the best (if not the only) option to reduce breast tissue.

Fang’s unnecessary breast tissue was removed in a mastectomy. He remained in the hospital for several days to recover and was discharged from the hospital five days later. According to reports, the reason that he grew breasts was linked to the  junk food he liked to eat.

Boy grows breasts, among many cases in the world

“Fang” after surgery | Photo by AsiaWire

According to Zhongliang, excess breast tissue is not likely to grow back after the surgery. The final results of gynecomastia surgery may take
three to six months
 to achieve. Though the incision lines are permanent, they will fade over time.

Fang will now be able to resume activities like swimming and playing sports with friends without his breast getting in the way.

In the United States, surgery to correct gynecomastia can cost between $3,000 to $10,000. Its high cost already makes it inaccessible.

In addition, insurance companies don’t cover it because they don’t deem it medically necessary. Yet, gynecomastia-related surgeries have risen by 36 percent since 2000, according to the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
.

Dr. Adrian Lo, a plastic surgeon specializing in gynecomastia, performs four or five of these procedures a week.

“The men I see are usually pretty fit,” he told
Men’s Health
. “But most men with gynecomastia qualify for surgery even if they’re not an ideal weight.”

Hormone imbalance reason why boy grows breasts

There are men who develop pubescent gynecomastia, which will not go away naturally, like Fang. Typically, the testicles produce both estrogen and testosterone.

But in early puberty, some boys may not have enough free testosterone to counteract the estrogen. This hormone imbalance is reflected by the growth of breast tissue.

Certain kinds of food are linked to these imbalances, which can lower testosterone and raise estrogen levels, causing male breast tissue growth. For example, a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet can lead to body inflammation, increasing estrogen levels and breast tenderness. High-carbohydrate, fatty food includes pastries, french fries, milkshakes, and fried chicken.

Take
the case
 of a 21-year-old Chinese student whose go-to snack was fried chicken. He too grew breasts, just like young Fang. And the cause was identified as the hormones in his favourite snack.

Similarly, medications can also affect the growth of breast tissue in men. A
study
 published in the journal
American Family Physician
 found up to 25 percent of gynecomastia cases are caused by meds. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, cholesterol drugs, hair loss treatments, and anabolic steroids, among many more, lead to breast tissue enlargement.

Boy grows breasts, fast food is probably cause

Fang’s doctors have linked the phenomenon
 to eating too much fast food
. His breast growth is due to a hormonal imbalance brought on by the “gender bending” chemicals in fast food, his doctors believe.

There are also
studies
 that have looked into the role of meat enhanced by hormones like zeranol in promoting breast growth and eventually, breast cancer.

But the effects of fast food on the body don’t just stop there. A new research into the link between high-fat diets and the immune system described eating fast food as akin to giving your body a bacterial infection.

Dangers of the “Western diet”

Scientists described high-fat and
high-calorie
 foods as the “Western diet” and said that when they put mice on the regimen, it “induced systemic inflammation” that persisted even after the mice were back on their normal diets, a study in the journal
Cell
 explains.

The food in the diet of the mice contained a lot of fat and sugar and not much fibre. Under the diet, the mouse’s immune system’s inflammatory response was similar to how it would behave in the presence of a bacterial infection.

“The unhealthy diet led to an unexpected increase in the number of certain immune cells in the blood of the mice,” researcher Anette Christ said in a statement from the
University of Bonn
 in Germany.

Although the inflammation dissipated once the unhealthy diet was replaced with a better one, the genetic changes linked to an aggressive immune response that the “Western
diet
“
 brought on remained.

Hijacked by immune system

This kind of lingering effect is not unheard of. The body uses a sort of “memory” of its past experiences to better protect itself in the future. In most cases, those past experiences are often for infections.
When a dangerous pathogen comes along, it unlocks the
immune system’s memories
 so the body’s defenses can mount a faster and more effective response.

The new research extends this concept to food with poor nutritional value. According to the scientists, having a more stimulated immune system could have health consequences down the road, like diabetes and heart problems.

“The foundations of a healthy diet need to become a much more prominent part of education than they are at present,” researcher Eicke Latz says.

“Only in this way can we immunize children at an early stage against the temptations of the food industry. Children have a choice of what they eat every day. We should enable them to make conscious decisions regarding their dietary habits.”

Parents, remember: fast food once in a while is okay. But too much consumption of it could have negative health consequences. Eat safe, stay safe!

Sources:
Medical Daily
 (
1
,
2
),
NCBI
,

The Doctors
,
Qianjian Evening News

Partner Stories
Produk bayi
Infant safe products for your home
Kesihatan
Jangan Meremehkan Penyakit Rotavirus!
Pregnancy
Staying Healthy For Your Developing Child: 6 Nutritional Diet Hacks for Busy Mummies
Kewangan
Ibu Ayah Pasti Dah Sediakan Semua Keperluan Anak? Jom Semak Checklist Ini, No.5 WAJIB Ada
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Educate & Entertain Your Children with these 4 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids

Too dangerous to let your children play outside due to the threat of dangerous germs, bacteria, and viruses like Covid-19? However, staying inside all day without any entertainment has caused them to become restless and tantrum-prone? For this problem, we’ve got the perfect solution for you. Try out any or all of the indoor activities for children we’ve listed below. They’ll be sure to provide not just fun and entertainment but also useful life lessons if you play your cards right.

1. Puzzles

There are various types of puzzles that can be enjoyed by children according to their age as well as interest. From word puzzles, to number puzzles, and the classic picture jigsaw puzzles, these are only just some of the puzzles available. For younger children, the best puzzle is, of course, the photo jigsaw puzzles that have been printed with eye-catching images while for older children more challenging puzzles can be given that tests not only their memory but also their general knowledge.

2. Dramatic Play

You can easily set up your own theater showing at home where you and your children are the stars of the play. If you want, you can get a storybook that has all the roles as well as lines assigned but that’s not a necessity. You can just as easily make use of the storybooks at home and assign the character and speech lines yourself. This type of indoor play will help to improve your child’s speech ability as well as stimulate their creativity.

3. Cooking Class

Usually, you’re the one that cooks while your children watch TV or do whatever it is they do while waiting for the food to be ready. If you have the time, why not teach your children some child-friendly recipes that they can easily make with your supervision of course. It can be a simple snack, appetizer, main course, or even dessert. Don’t know any easy recipes that can be made by kids? Just search for it online! Tons of them can be found with just a few taps of the keyboard and a few clicks of the mouse.

4. Board Games

If you’re a child of the 90s then you must have played a number of board games back in the day. Therefore, introduce this once favourite pastime of yours to your children. They might not warm up to it straight away but give them time and a little persuasion on your behalf (cough, treats), they’ll be sure to end up enjoying the various types of board games you can get your hands on. Our recommendations; The Game of Life, Monopoly, and Mouse Trap.

Partner Stories
Tips for Parents
Asthma and How it Affects Us Emotionally, What to Do Then?
Parenting
Looking for Fun Family Bonding Activities? Why Not Combine the Power of Play and Creative Problem-Solving with LEGO bricks?
Baby Products
What Triggers Eczema? Here Are Some Common Causes & What Parents Can Do to Help Your Child
Parenting
Spend Wisely When Shopping For Your Baby
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Mummy Diaries: A Day With Diana Nasir And Her Kids

Being a parent in these challenging times continues to be a journey of discovery, especially for moms who are working from home and are expected to be the primary caregiver for the kids.

Diana Nasir, busy mother of three (3) beautiful, energetic little girls, and social media-extraordinaire of
@diananasir86
, shared, “While we are juggling a busy schedule with back-to-back virtual meetings and deadlines during the lockdown period, the kids are learning online. Things can get distracting, especially when we have to supervise their online activities. On top of all these duties, meals need to be prepared on time and their non-school activities need to be planned out, which, given the restrictions and standard operating procedures that we are facing, requires an active mind and imagination since options are limited. You are doubly busy when you have young children under five years of age!”

The added challenge is that young, active, and growing children are always hungry.

How many times have we heard them say “Mummy, I am hungry”?

Besides the three (3) main meals of the day, there will be times when they come by while we are busy rushing a deadline or engrossed in a meeting to ask for a snack. The older ones will help themselves to whatever there is available in the fridge or cupboards.

“All parents want their children to grow up strong, healthy and happy and ensuring they get the right nutrition is key. For my young ones, preparing nutritious but tasty snacks is especially challenging due to the preparation time and availability. I also understand we want to be able to spend time with our family so preparing the snacks to need to be fuss-free and made available easily. Easier said than done when the temptation is to just give them a bag of salty chips or even a scoop or two of ice cream!” Diana added.

But perhaps there is a better way that is still fuss-free and far healthier and more nutritious, while still being tasty.

Diana advocates the same for her girls as she does herself when she is craving a snack: having a serving of yoghurt with a fruit of choice as it comes with all the nutrition and vitamins but none of the guilt!

With Lactel Kids, Diana believes that it is a yoghurt that has all the attributes that a mother would want for her growing and active children: that is rich with calcium and vitamin D to promote bone strength and growth.

The live cultures in yoghurt are important too for the health of the gut as it improves the digestive system, by maintaining the right balance of good bacteria while helping the body absorb nutrients.

It is a tasty snack that comes in three flavours – banana, strawberry and vanilla – children’s perennial favourites. It is creamy and is made with fruit puree to enhance the taste, with none of the artificial sweeteners.

There is the added bonus of yoghurt being a versatile base that can be more than just a simple snack as we can add fruits or cereals to turn it into a light meal.

Lactel Kids can also become delicious desserts or treats with just a little imagination. For those hot sweaty days, the different flavours provide a base for yoghurt lollies or quenching their thirst with smoothies.

Lactel Kids yoghurt comes in a bright, attractive packaging that depicts Malaysian wildlife. It appeals to kids and can become a conversation topic with the kids around the dinner table after a long day.

Now more than ever, it is never too early to get kids interested in nature, conservation efforts and related topics such as environmental awareness and protection of wildlife.

Diana concluded, “It is important that I start my kids on healthy snacks when young while we can still mould their habits. This is why meals and snacks are especially important as what they eat today provides a solid foundation for a stronger and healthier future. Above all, we can teach them that healthy snacks can be tasty too. Remember, you are what you eat! Stay Safe and Healthy!”

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:

 Quick Meals For Busy Mums To Promote Good Gut Health

Read more:

 Teething 101: A Complete Guide – Here’s What Parents Need to Know!

Read more:

5 Sure Ways To Get Your Teen To Talk To You

Partner Stories
Ages & Stages
Discover the Signs and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Children
Breastfeeding & Nutrition
Achieve Better Lactation Results with Philips Avent Breast Pumps
Breastfeeding & Nutrition
Breaking Norms: Should Breastfeeding Stimulation Only Be Done Naturally?
Breastfeeding & Nutrition
How to Raise Healthy & Happy Children, 5 Easy Tips All Parents Must Know
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Get Boosted with Batik this Raya

The month of Ramadan is upon us and it’s time to reflect, be grateful and improve ourselves and become the best version of ourselves.

And as Malaysia is transitioning to an endemic phase, Muslims this year can celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri a lot more lively compared to previous years. Many Malaysians can now cross borders and go back to their home and kampung (hometown) to reunite with their beloved families this year.

In celebration of this blessed month,
Batik Boutique
 introduces the spirit of gifting and giving with specially curated gifts made by
skilled Malaysian artisans
. Batik Boutique welcomes you to the
Batik Booster Collection
 this Ramadan and Raya as we continue to stay safe and create memories together.

Batik-Boosted Apparels

Renew and boost your family’s Raya wardrobe this year with Batik Boutique’s batik apparel ranging from men’s batik shirts to women’s dresses to our NEW kids’ collections. A complete matching look for the whole family, your family is going to look and feel amazing wearing
locally handcrafted apparel
.

Accessorise your look with the silky shibori scarves, batik tote bags as well as our popular batik ketupat bags in new colours and prints.

Gift-Giving Glee

Thinking of getting some sweet treats to share during iftar or for Hari Raya? Batik Boutique, in collaboration with Pichaeats and Sugar And I, curated three delectable gift sets incorporating the NEW Golden Pineapple batik print for you to share during family and friend gatherings.

Tapau Set – RM129.00

Includes Pichaeats’ almond and pistachio kunafa and chocolate dates, and a Golden Pineapple mini square neck scarf. This is a great gift for you to “tapau” (takeaway) for your friends and family anytime.

Rileks Set – RM259.00

This set is for you to chill together with your friends after so long of not seeing each other. This set includes a laser engraved wooden tumbler, Golden Pineapple coaster set, Pichaeats’ almond and pistachio kunafa and chocolate dates, and Sugar And I’s Belgian chocolate chip cookies.

Bersama Set – RM299.00

This set makes a perfect gift when reuniting with your beloved family on Hari Raya. This set includes a pair of assorted sarong and pelikat, Pichaeats’ almond and pistachio kunafa and chocolate dates, and Sugar And I’s white chocolate almond chip cookies.

Looking for bulk order or corporate gifting? We’ve got you covered. Want to send a gift to a family or friend outside your postcode? We can take care of your deliveries and even add a customised greeting card for your recipient.

NEW Golden Pineapple Homewares

What better time than now to have a house makeover for the upcoming Raya? Liven up your house with Batik Boutique’s new Golden Pineapple batik homeware set. Inspired by this tropical fruit, your house is sure to feel brighter and more fun during family gatherings or even an unexpected visit from an old friend.

In the spirit of the blessed month of Ramadan, you can usher in Hari Raya this year with gifts that keep on giving. Each thoughtful purchase goes towards
supporting
 Malaysian businesses, batik artists and seamstresses from low-income communities, as well as keeping the art of batik thriving.

Salam Ramadan and Ramadan Kareem from everyone at Batik Boutique. Wishing you joy, peace, health and safety throughout the year.

Batik Boutique artisan-made gifts and apparel can be purchased online at
www.batikboutique.com
 (FREE shipping on all orders RM 200 or more within Malaysia) or at one of our three retail outlets.

The Row, Kuala Lumpur
58 Ground Floor, Jalan Doraisamy 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia( Open Daily 9 AM-6 PM)

Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur
3, Jalan 26/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Open Daily 9 AM-6 PM)

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
, Johor Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia (Open Tue-Sun 9 AM-6 PM)

Partner Stories
Give Health A Shot
4 Perkara Ibu Ayah Wajib Tahu Tentang Pemeriksaan Anak 12 Bulan
Keibubapaan
7 Kebaikan Susu Kambing Berbanding Susu Lain, Ibu Galakkan Anak Minum Setiap Hari!
Parenting
Healthy Kids Learn Better and Faster. Follow These Tips To Keep Your Child Healthy
#PendidikanKewangan
Bolehkah Pengurusan Kewangan Menjadi Mudah? 5 Perkara Yang Anda Harus Lakukan Sebagai Ibu Bapa
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


This baby left disabled for life after father hits him on the head while crying

The father was mad that he had been woken up by his baby’s cries. So he hit the 6-month-old hard on the head with his hand. This single rash act of hitting a crying baby caused multiple skull fractures in the infant. The child is now disabled for life.

Today, he is 2 years and 8 months old, but his developmental age is only 4 months.

Hitting a crying baby fractured his skull

According to The Straits Times, the incident happened on 26 August 2016. The Singapore dad, who is a father-of-three, was frustrated that his baby wouldn’t stop crying.

He was sleeping in his Bedok North flat when he heard the child’s cries.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Grace Chua has been quoted as saying, “The accused shouted ‘shut up la, shut up la. Later I have work, you make noise, I cannot sleep’, and hit the victim once on the head with his right hand.”

After some time, the baby vomited on the floor and fell asleep. After a few hours, his mother suspected that he was semi-conscious and weak.

The baby was rushed to KK Hospital, and a CT scan revealed that the child had multiple skull fractures.

He also had excess fluid in his brain. The baby spent seven months in the hospital and was finally discharged on 2 Mar 2017.

The toddler is now permanently disabled. He cannot sit, move, turn or flip over on his own.He also needs to be fed through a tube.

DPP Chua said, “It is important to continue early intervention and close medical follow-up to prevent further complications.”

“However, the victim is likely to continue to require assistance in all activities of daily living and mobility,”

Father admits to hitting a crying baby

On 8 November 2018, the 30-year-old father pleaded guilty in court to severely injuring his son. The child and his 4-year-old brother are now living in foster care. Their sister still lives with their parents.

The victim’s foster parent said, “On one occasion, when a blanket covered his face, he was unable to react to it… He is also unable to lie flat on his back and needs to be placed in a special trolley cum bed in light of his reflux condition.”

The father is expected to be sentenced on 9 November 2018.

DPP Kumaresan Gohulabalan has been quoted as saying, “When the victim was crying that day, instead of pacifying the victim or even checking on him to make sure that the victim was well, the accused betrayed the trust reposed in him by not only neglecting the victim, but also physically assaulting the victim.”

We feel sorry for this little child who bore the brunt of his father’s anger and frustration. We sincerely hope that, with adequate care and medical attention his condition gets better.

How to Keep Calm When Baby Won’t Stop Crying

When your little baby just won’t stop crying, you might be tempted to do just about anything in an attempt to make him stop. But whatever you do, please don’t hit or shake your baby.

Shaking your baby is dangerous because babies have weak neck muscles and often struggle to support their heads.

Shaking your baby out of sheer frustration might have devastating consequences — including blindness, brain damage or mental retardation. It can be life-threatening or even fatal.

Here are some ways to calm your crying baby:

Start with the Basics

Babies normally cry when they are hungry or sleepy. The first thing that you could try with your crying infant is to either feed them or hold them up for burping. Also check if they need a diaper change.

If it is close to nap-time, you can change their position or rock them a little so that they easily fall asleep. If none of this works, maybe your baby just needs some attention and could do with a little bonding time with you.

Some common reasons why babies cry are:

Sleepiness or fatigue

Wet or dirty diaper

Hunger

Overstimulation from noise or activity

Colic, acid reflux, or food allergies

Pain or illness

Gas

Stranger anxiety or fear

If the Tears Still Won’t Stop

Many times, the baby seems to be okay but continues to cry. At such times, it is most important to keep cool and try out the following things:

Hold your baby close to you and talk to her or sing to her. Tell her that she will be okay.

Try getting out of the house. Getting outdoors for a quick walk or a short drive might help in soothing your little one.

Remind yourself that while it is okay to get frustrated by the incessant crying of your baby, anger won’t help. Sometimes, babies just need to cry it out. Babies have feelings too.

In case you are the only one handling your crying baby, take a break when you feel the need to. Ask your partner or trusted friend to take over for a while until you calm your nerves.

When you’ve tried almost everything and the baby still won’t calm down, take professional help from a health expert.

(Source:
The Straits Times
)

Partner Stories
Tips for Parents
Asthma and How it Affects Us Emotionally, What to Do Then?
Parenting
Looking for Fun Family Bonding Activities? Why Not Combine the Power of Play and Creative Problem-Solving with LEGO bricks?
Baby Products
What Triggers Eczema? Here Are Some Common Causes & What Parents Can Do to Help Your Child
Parenting
Spend Wisely When Shopping For Your Baby
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Being A Mum Is Not Easy, As Motherhood Ages Mums By 11 Years! - Study

Being a mum isn’t easy. From carrying a child for nine months to giving birth, breastfeeding, caring for your bub and more, motherhood entails a lot of sacrifices and effort. We all know that being a mum takes its toll on us in different ways. But according to a recent study, one of the effects of a stressed out mom of a toddler might even be more drastic than previously thought.

Stressed Out Mom Of Toddler: What Are The Effects?

Anna Pollack, an epidemiologist from George Mason University, and her team found that women who have given birth show signs of
accelerated genetic ageing
. They tested the genetic material of almost 2,000 women in the US and shared their findings.

They found that the
telomeres
(a type of genetic marker that shows a person’s age on a cellular level) of women who have given birth are 4.2% shorter compared to those without children.

“We were surprised to find such a striking result,” Pollack shared. “It is equivalent to around 11 years of accelerated cellular ageing.”

In an interview with
Newsweek
, Pollack said, “We found that women who had five or more children had even shorter telomeres compared to those who had none, and relatively shorter relative to those who had one, two, three or four, even.” This means that the more children a woman has, the more significant the impact is.

As a mum herself, she quipped, “Anecdotally, just chatting with my friends who have children, we all do feel that having kids has aged us.”

“But scientifically, this does fit with what we understand pretty well. We know that having kids is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. And some large studies have linked telomere length to mortality risk and risks of other major diseases.”

She added that they’re not saying that women should stop having children, or that mums will die earlier. That’s because many factors can affect a person’s telomeres, including smoking, being overweight, and stress.

How Can You Deal With Mom Burnout Effectively?

Mums deal with a lot on a day-to-day basis. Studies have shown that too much stress has a negative impact on a person’s health — and that’s really no wonder. When experiencing motherhood, the effects of a stressed out mom, can be extremely profound and could steer most mums off balance.

It’s definitely not something to brush off. Mums, it’s ok to recognise that you are facing a problem and learn how you can deal and manage your anxieties.

Over the long term, stress can even lead to problematic parenting. It manifests in not just the mind, but in the body as well.

Mums could find themselves in a state where they are unable to manage the “normal demands” that their little ones have, like how they used to. And these changes could lead to difficulties to “parent positively”.

Of course, the best way is to tackle the problem at its roots.

Here are some useful tips and tricks!

1. Know the signs

Did you feel yourself go through the roof in a particular situation? Felt that your blood pressure was rising or your heart rate took a spike, causing slight dizziness? Are you raising your voice, or even finding yourself yelling?

It could be as harmless as feeling a sense of slight irritability or being impatient. Recognising and being aware of the moment you felt those emotions is important.

From there, you can trackback what is it that triggers your stress. This could help you pre-empt yourself so that you can avoid putting yourself through a similar situation in the future and can better manage the times when you’re under a lot of stress.

2. Take breaks

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Don’t be afraid to take breaks. It’s a good way to calibrate your emotions. Being under stress can lead mums to experience “lapses in judgment” when dealing with their kids.

Mums, if you feel that you’re too tired to care for your little bub, ask your husband, a close friend, or a relative to help you out. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Sometimes, you need to trust that things will be okay, even if you aren’t around. As long as someone is keeping a close watch on your little one.

3. Figure out what you can do to de-stress

For some mums, getting a pedicure, baking or reading a book can help them de-stress — or even watch the television. Find out what works for you. It can be in the simplest things like taking a nice shower or taking a stroll around the neighbourhood.

The key is to step away and clear your mind for a while. Focus on the activities that help you relax and lower your stress levels. You could even consider aromatherapy!
Partner Stories
Uncategorized
Family Fun Guaranteed: Experience the Best with Club Med Premium All-Inclusive
Lifestyle
Awesome ZiplocⓇ Bag Hacks - Storage, Gifting, Crafts and More
Lifestyle
Building a Better Home: 7 Best Household Items You Need to Invest In
TAP Recommends
Stop Nagging Your Partner About Housework. Just Get A Robot

4. Try deep breathing or meditation exercises

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

It’s all in the mind. Having the control of your own mind is a powerful thing to have. Deep breathing and meditation exercises have been known to significantly reduce stress levels.

Try doing these exercises to help calm you down or help you deal when you’re stressed out from too many problems. You could also dedicate some time every day to meditate if you can. Slowly, but surely. Get a family member to take care of the little one for just this short while.

5. Exercise with your family

It might sound tiring, but exercise really does wonders when it comes to dealing with stress as it helps to “boost your feel-good endorphins”. Get your heart pumping and help keep your body strong and relieve tension.

Could only mean more bonding time as well, right?

6. Laugh!

We’ve all heard the phrase that laughter is the best medicine. And truth be told, it is! Apart from relieving stress, there are so many positive effects to laughing.

It can improve your immune system, personal satisfaction, activate and relieve your stress response, and many more!

Take the time to look on the bright side and just laugh. Tell jokes to your kids, or play with them and just have fun; focus on enjoying yourself and giving yourself time to relax and recuperate.

It’s a short-term relief from stress and tension, but hey, that feeling of laughing is one of the best feelings to have in this world!

7. Have a support group for stressed out mom of toddler

Lastly, having a group of mums that you can talk to when it comes to your problems is really helpful.

It’s always a good idea to connect with other mums since they know exactly what you’re going through, and they can really help you out when it comes to being a stressed out mom.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:

How Employers Make Life Difficult For Working Mums

Read more:

 Working mums are up to 40% more stressed out than other people

Read more:

 5 Tips to having successful morning routines for working mums

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Is Gratitude the Key to Happiness?

It’s not the only component, but it certainly plays a vital role in our ability to appreciate what we have and realise that the pursuit of material fulfilment doesn’t equate happiness. In a perfect world, the first thing we should feel when we wake up is happy and grateful for the life we lead. The reality is usually far from this.

Most of us lead lives where we are constantly rushing around for work or children, getting stressed and not having the time for self-care. This situation does not inspire gratitude, which in turn leads to feeling unhappy.

Credit: Shutterstock

What’s The Key To Happiness?

Within the realm of psychology, there’s a movement called positive psychology. As the name suggests this focuses on gratitude, happiness, compassion, feeling joy and being inspired. Gratitude is an integral part of this and can be as basic as thanking someone for a gift to feeling a deeper emotion of gratefulness when something wrong or sad is remedied.

Read more:
Mental Health During Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know

There have been many studies proving the correlation between the key to happiness and gratitude. We don’t need experts to tell us that appreciating what we have and striving to improve ourselves makes us feel good.

What we do need is to ensure we are aware that feeling grateful will definitely lead to better relationships (personal and professional), feeling more optimistic about life in general and improving emotional maturity.

Credit: Shutterstock

How can you cultivate gratitude?

The key to happiness should– some will come naturally, while others require more effort – but in the end, they all lead to the end goal of happiness and positivity.

1# Count your blessings

As cliché as this is, it’s mandatory. Unless you’re an incredibly happy, positive person already, chances are you think the world is unfair and everyone is against you more often than you care to admit!

Instead of doing this, think about the good (no matter how insignificant) things that are going in your life. For example, colleagues at work aren’t pulling their weight and leaving you to fix the mess; but you know you’re going home to a
supportive partner/family
 who can hardly wait to see you.

A blessing doesn’t have to be grandiose, it can be something as simple as being in good health or going for a walk with your kids.

2# Say “thank you”

Another basic key to happiness is, simple act that can make a massive difference in both your life and the person you’re thanking. If you want to make it even more meaningful, write (yes, write!) a note or letter expressing thanks to your partner, parent, child or friend for just being there.

An email is fine but not as personal, and the written word always has a stronger impact.

Credit: pickpik.com

3# Keep a gratitude diary

It’s no secret that writing down your hopes, dreams and worries can help bring closure or a solution. Reading what you wrote can give clarity and help release pent up emotions, and this works just as well when you put to paper everything you feel grateful for that day.

4# Mindful meditation

Mindfulness focuses on being acutely aware of the moment and what you’re feeling, and it’s up to the individual to decide what they want to be mindful about. Instead of focusing on your usual aspiration (e.g. empathy, peace of mind, communication), hone in on what you’re grateful for that day.

5# Stay Present

It’s impossible to not drift off and get caught up with the stressors of the day but as much as possible, it should be our goal to break free from being on autopilot.

One way to do this is to stay present and the easiest way to give it a real shot is to indulge in self care. Whether it’s going for a sound healing session, lighting some candles, palo santo-ing your space or adoring yourself with healing crystals, self care is a way to cultivate body awareness and can help you stay present as you actively love and care for yourself.

A good way to start is via our
Relax & Restore Self Care Wellness Kit
, which gives you many such tools – guided breathwork and sound healing, candles, palo santo and even crystals to help facilitate your self care journey.

6# At work

Gratitude is often forgotten at the workplace. We are expected to perform and deliver without receiving praise or thanks. This happens across industries and work levels, and it needs to start with bosses and supervisors thanking their staff.

Offices where gratitude is lacking are known to have high staff turnover and poor performance—and it’s so easy to fix. Even something as basic as having a staff appreciation lunch can improve attitudes and the work environment.

Gratitude is an emotion, some say the most important of all. Unfortunately, many of us are hindered by cynicism, narcissism and plain old envy; and we also focus too much on being grateful for material things.

This has the reverse effect on feeling grateful and happy. Feel gratitude honestly and it’s guaranteed that you will feel better emotionally, mentally, physically and have better relationships with everyone around you.
Partner Stories
Uncategorized
Family Fun Guaranteed: Experience the Best with Club Med Premium All-Inclusive
Lifestyle
Awesome ZiplocⓇ Bag Hacks - Storage, Gifting, Crafts and More
Lifestyle
Building a Better Home: 7 Best Household Items You Need to Invest In
TAP Recommends
Stop Nagging Your Partner About Housework. Just Get A Robot

References:

ggsc.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Gratitude-FINAL.pdf

This article has been republished with permission from

PurelyB

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Share the Love this Mother’s Day with Indulgent Spa and Villa Experiences at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas
, a glamorous destination favoured by those in the know, is inviting guests to give the gift of love this Mother’s Day with a special spa package designed to pamper and recharge.

Whether you are treating your partner or your parent, the indulgent gift will tell them more about your feelings than a thousand words. And with the reopening of land crossings between Malaysia and Singapore and a recent launch of a ferry service from Singapore and Desaru Coast, whisking mom away for a sunny weekend getaway has never been easier.

The
“Mother’s Love”
 spa experience starts with a 90-minute signature Anantara massage, which marries Eastern and Western massage techniques to stimulate lymphatic circulation, promote deep relaxation and restore energy flow for overall wellbeing.

The signature oil blend — a potent mixture of fennel, lavender, cypress, rosemary, mandarin, peppermint, and other healing herbs — helps to de-stress and soothe away the aches and pains. After that, a 30-minute express facial or a gentle scrub is administered for a radiant glow and baby-soft skin. And, of course, no spa journey is complete without experiencing the serene ambience of the relaxation areas.

To make the most of Desaru Coast’s sunshine, guests can opt for the new all-inclusive “
Pool Villa Dream”
 package that combines a private pool experience, exquisite dining and resort activities.

Ranging from a spacious 110-square-metre one-bedroom to the sprawling 245-square-metre three-bedroom villa, stand-alone residential structures in a traditional Malaysian style occupy a tranquil space on the water’s edge or in the garden, offering a wonderfully serene spot for swimming in complete privacy.

The variety of sizes means there is the perfect villa for everyone, from couples to multigenerational family escapes and groups of friends travelling together.

The Pool Villa Dream
 package starts at MYR3,949 onwards based on double occupancy and includes:

Partner Stories
Nasihat keibubapaan
Vaksin Rotavirus, Langkah Berkesan Untuk Halang Kanak-kanak Maut Akibat Cirit-birit
Perkembangan kanak-kanak
Mums, could you be giving your child too much without knowing it?
#PendidikanKewangan
Can Financial Management Be Easy? 5 Things You Should Be Doing As A Parent
Kehamilan
Why do pregnant and lactating women need DHA supplementation?

Minimum two nights’ accommodation in a luxury villa

Daily buffet breakfast

Daily lunch and dinner at Turmeric Restaurant

Complimentary refill of minibar, once daily

Complimentary select resort activities

In-villa tea- and coffee-making facilities

Access to fitness facilities

Access to two swimming pools

Complimentary welcome fruit platter.

In addition to enjoying a secluded switch-off with private pool dips and lavish meals, mothers will find a wealth of activities ranging from sporty to indulgent. Yoga lessons on the sumptuous stretch of silky white sand and a game of beach volleyball are available on the property, while fruit farm tours and trips to a mangrove reserve await in the great outdoors. Kids and teenagers, meanwhile, will delight in movie nights and socialising at the kids’ and teen’s clubs.

The “Mother’s Love” spa package is available from 1st – 31st May 2022 for a special price of RM550 per person (the usual price is RM750). To book the spa offer, please call +60 7 828 0888 or email
[email protected]
. For villa inquiries or to make a reservation, please contact +60 7 828 0888 or
[email protected]
.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


"After 10 years of marriage and two kids, my husband is in love with my sister"

I will not share my name, it is not important. I could be someone you already know, and if my husband or my in-laws found out I was sharing about this here, or if my parents found out, I would be in a lot of trouble.

I am a simple woman, and by that I mean I have simple needs; I am happy just being with my family, my husband and two kids.

I am educated, I got married when I was in college, and my in-laws allowed me to complete my degree because I really wanted to. My in-laws expected me to be home and look after everyone. My parents thought that was the best thing too. And so, I became a housewife.

My husband was very nice and caring. I had met him only once before we got married, and he told me that as long as I was doing my duties as a wife and a daughter-in-law, and maintaining the family’s respect, he would always be by my side. We became friends too, and would talk about a lot of things every day. He made sure I never felt lonely in the initial months after I got married and moved to my in-laws’ place.

Life was perfect

We had our first baby exactly a year after we got married. Everyone was very happy, and my husband, who was by now doing well in his job, could not wait to be home with me and our baby every evening. Life was perfect and I could not be happier.

I was struggling to lose my pregnancy weight, which is when I was diagnosed with a health condition. I was put on medication, because of which my weight problem continued. We planned our second baby around the time our first child was five years old, but due to my health issues, I was always tired.

Once I did all the housework and looked after everyone, I would always be in bed. By this time, my husband started travelling a lot for work, and we started talking less and less.

Once I did all the housework and looked after everyone, I would always be in bed. By this time, my husband started traveling a lot for work, and we started talking less and less.

Husband in love with sister: I had health issues and my sister moved in

During my second pregnancy, my husband suggested I call my sister over to help me with the housework and look after the first baby. My in-laws were old and to be honest, did not do anything in the house. Also, they don’t like to have a maid in the house, which meant all my days were spent in the kitchen or doing chores.

My sister agreed to move in with us for some time, and it was very kind of her. From the moment she came, she took over so many responsibilities. She told me it was now my time to rest, and was always making sure everyone was looked after.

She asked her brother-in-law all about his favorite dishes and every day made them for dinner. She played with our child and also looked after the school work.

With all this new energy in the house and with things being done on time, everyone was very happy, especially my husband. He started coming home on time and would sit with my sister after dinner and have a lot of hearty chats. I would sleep, hugging my child, happy that he was again looked after.

My husband and sister had always bonded, and now they became really good friends. On days when I was in bed and could hardly move, she would make sure I was comfortable. On some nights in the week, my husband would take her out for dinner.

Every weekend, he would take her and our child for shopping, so that I could easily rest at home. Soon my sister joined some course where she had to go out during the weekends, and my husband would go with her, to drop her and bring her back home at night. Along with taking care of my household, I was happy that she was taking care of her life too.

Soon, my sister joined some course where she had to go out during the weekends and my husband would go with her, to drop her and bring her back home at night. Along with taking care of my household, I was happy that she was taking care of her life, too.

She stayed back after our second baby was born, as my husband insisted it would help me. He made sure she was comfortable and convinced my parents that it was best if she moves in with us.

I was happy to have my sister by me, after all, she had done so much for me and our family. Both my children adored her, and sometimes, they wanted to spend more time with her than with me.

Husband in love with sister: He soon revealed that he wanted to leave me to marry my sister

That day, my husband told me he wanted a separation. He said he is in love with my sister, and wants to marry her. He said she too is in love with him, that they have really tried to avoid it, but now, they are both madly in love and can’t live without each other.

For all these years, the sister I thought was my biggest friend and support, and the husband I felt was the kindest husband in the world, where doing this right in my home, in front of me, and I remained a trusting fool.

In his ‘kind’ way, he has told me that I can continue to live in this house with them and my kids, as he does not want me to have any problems once we are divorced.

After 10 years of marriage, this is what I get. What help or hope do I have now? My life is over. Can you tell me if there is anything that I can do?

*Name has been withheld to protect the identity of the writer
Partner Stories
Produk bayi
Perkara yang penting untuk penjagaan kulit si manja
Raise them Resilient
Mums: We Want Resilient Children
Pregnancy
Staying Healthy For Your Developing Child: 6 Nutritional Diet Hacks for Busy Mummies
Raise them Resilient
How Travelling Makes Kids More Resilient

This article was
originally published on theIndusparent

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Best Prenatal Vitamins For Pregnant Women

In addition to a healthy diet, an appropriate vitamin intake is also highly recommended for pregnant women.
During pregnancy, healthy food intake is necessary to ensure the fetus is in good health. On top of that, doctors will often recommend prenatal vitamins to not only pregnant women but also to couples who are planning a pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins are supplements designed to provide the body with the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy, where the vitamins required at the various stages of an unborn baby’s development may differ.

Consuming the Best Prenatal Vitamins Is Vital for A Healthy Pregnancy

Prenatal vitamins are available in most pharmacies. Apart from choosing to follow the doctor’s prescription, you may also choose to consult the pharmacist on duty to recommend certain brands, since prenatal vitamins can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.

A precaution to mothers is that they should only take the appropriate dosage of vitamins and check that these prenatal supplements contain folic acid, calcium, iodine and iron.

These are the reasons why consumption of the above-mentioned ingredients would be very beneficial:

Consuming folic acid helps prevent birth defects of the nervous system that could adversely affect the baby’s brain and spinal cord

An insufficient intake of calcium could decrease a mother’s bone density

Consumption of iodine ensures a healthy thyroid function during pregnancy (while iodine deficiency could result in stunted growth, mental retardation and deafness)

Sufficient iron is required for the mother to carry oxygen in the blood to its baby.

In addition, it is also extremely helpful to search for prenatal vitamins that contain vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B, zinc and iodine.

Generally, it is best for you to avoid taking prenatal vitamins or multivitamins in excess as high doses of some vitamins may harm the unborn baby. For example, ingesting an excess amount of vitamin A during pregnancy could potentially cause harm to the baby.

5 Best Prenatal Vitamins in the Market

In addition to helping babies grow, studies show that consuming appropriate amounts of vitamins lowers the risk of the mother and the baby developing certain conditions.

Prenatal vitamins can help reduce the risk of nausea, birth defects and premature birth. These benefits are optimized when prenatal vitamins are started before fertilization.

With this in mind, let us take a look at the list of prenatal vitamins specially sourced out for you by us that are available in the market.

#1 Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold

Why it’s Good:

A capsule of Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-Feeding Gold provides a dose of 20 essential nutrients for mothers including folic acid, iodine and vitamin D3 with supportive nutrients for babies.

On top of containing omega-3 DHA to support the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system, Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold capsules also contain iron that helps expectant mothers avoid the risk of constipation and tenderness in the digestive system.

Features we like:

 Contains 500 micrograms of folic acid, which if taken daily for a month before conception and during pregnancy, can reduce the risk of having a child with spina bifida/neural tube defects

 Contains 150 micrograms of iodine for a baby's brain development and hearing

 Has iron content that does not cause constipation

 Is odourless and contains concentrated fish oil that is rich in DHA for the development of the baby's brain and nervous system

 Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold
Buy From Lazada

#2 NATURELO Prenatal Multivitamin

Why it’s Good:

Naturelo prenatal multivitamins are designed to support a good and comfortable pregnancy and healthy fetal development.

This quality product contains plant-friendly vegetable vitamins and minerals and uses MTHFR-activated and friendly B vitamins such as Methyl Folate, B12 Methylcobalamin, and Vitamin B6 P-5-P for better bioavailability.

This product also contains premium chelated minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium which are easily absorbed by the body and are also comforting for the stomach.

Features we like:

 Contains folate, iron & DHA

 No GMO, soy or gluten

 Suitable for vegetarians

 No preservatives or flavorings

 GMP

 NATURELO Prenatal Multivitamin
Buy From Lazada

#3
Puritan’s Pride Prenatal Vitamins

Why it’s Good:

Specially formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of prenatal and postpartum women, this daily multivitamin contains 800 mcg of folic acid.

Consuming folic acid is important for pregnant women because a healthy diet with adequate folate can reduce the risk of their babies growing brain or spinal deformities.

Puritan's Pride Prenatal Vitamin Formula is a good source of calcium, which is one of the most important minerals in the body and is also a good source of Vitamin D which helps calcium absorption.

Features we like:

 Contains iron, an important component of haemoglobin that plays an important role in energy metabolism

 Can be continued after delivery and during breastfeeding

 No preservatives,

 Contains no sugar, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast.

 Puritan’s Pride Prenatal Vitamins
Buy From Lazada

#4 Nature's Plus Ultra Prenatal

Why it’s Good:

Ultra Prenatal is a great choice for you as it has the right amount of vitamins needed for a healthy pregnancy and is very affordable.

It is formulated specifically to suit the unique nutritional needs of an expectant mother.
This product is also suitable for vegetarians, is gluten-free and free of artificial colouring and preservatives.

Features we like:

 Is gluten-free and yeast-free

 Made with Women's Health Formula

 Suitable for vegetarians

 Nature's Plus Ultra Prenatal
Buy From Lazada

 #5 Nature Made Prenatal Multi+DHA

Why it’s Good:

Formulated to support the development of the baby's brain, nervous system, bones and eyes, Nature Made has been clinically proven to aid the absorption of iron and folic acid in the mother’s body.

Available in soft gel form, this product combines 18 essential prenatal multivitamin nutrients with 200 mg of DHA into one easy-to-swallow dose with no added colours or artificial flavours.

Features we like:

 Contains 18 key nutrients for pregnant mothers and women who want to get pregnant

 Contains 200 mg of DHA that can support the development of the fetal brain and eyes

 A healthy diet with adequate folate can reduce the risk of women having children with neurological defects

 Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA
Buy From Lazada

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:
Milk for Pregnant Mothers is Important For A Healthy Baby, This is One You Can Try!


Kidswear Label Bohopanna Expands Into Malaysia, Frying Up Nostalgic Indomie-Inspired Clothing Collection

Bohopanna, a modern clothing line for babies for children, is frying up an Indomie-inspired clothing collection for its entry into the Malaysian market.

A collaboration in conjunction with Indomie’s 13th anniversary, the new line pays homage to the iconic mi goreng, with nostalgic illustrations and classic local catchphrases!

Available in three bright and versatile colours, the nostalgic collection includes skirts, tops, and an oversized set of T-shirts and shorts. For some family fun, Bohopanna also has matching outfit sets for parents and their little ones, which range from as young as 5 to age 10.

“Expansion has always been one of our long-term goals, and we felt there was nowhere better to mark our overseas digital store than Malaysia — especially because we share a common love for mi goreng with our Malaysian friends!” shares Devy Natalia, co-founder of Bohopanna. “With this collection and our partners at Indomie, we hope to have something for everyone in the family:

taking parents down memory lane, while also nurturing a love for fun, distinctly local icons among children.”

A sub-label under the popular family-centric mega-retailer Buiboo, Bohopanna prides itself on being a sustainable-first label that nurtures a love for nature from the young age of its tiny clientele.

Not only is the brand’s packaging biodegradable, so are their wares: each of Bohopanna’s clothing items are lovingly tailored with 100% certified OEKO-TEX cotton. The unrivalled softness of the airy fabric ensures that Bohopanna’s clothes are safe for all skin types — including sensitive and infant skin — while also keeping children cool and comfortable as they live their active, growing lives!

“Sustainability is a core value that we hold very close to our hearts here at Bohopanna, from small decisions like all-digital invoices, all the way up to bigger business practices like only using canvas bags or reusable baskets at our production sites and warehouses. We want to do our part to make

sure we’re not just clothing our children, but also paving the way for a more sustainable lifestyle and greener world that can be enjoyed by our future generations,” added Devy.

Headquartered in Indonesia, Bohopanna specialises in a wide range of children’s outfits and accessories, ranging from onesies, rompers, dresses, and pyjamas to trendy headbands and footwear. Over the past 12 months, it has enjoyed twofold sales growth and passed the 1 million mark in active consumers worldwide.

The brand has partnered with both domestic and international resellers to make their eco-friendly kidswear accessible across the globe including Singapore, Spain, Canada, New York, and Germany. Following its expansion in Malaysia, Bohopanna is set to expand its presence across several Southeast Asian markets and grow brand visibility as the go-to retailer for affordable, sustainable, and quality kidswear.

To find out more about Bohopanna, please visit www.bohopanna.com.

Partner Stories
Penyusuan & Pemakanan
Apa Yang Anda Perlu Tahu Tentang Logam Berat Dalam Makanan Bayi: Ini Fakta
Drypers
Things To Consider When Picking A Diaper For Your Baby
Give Health A Shot
4 Perkara Ibu Ayah Wajib Tahu Tentang Pemeriksaan Anak 12 Bulan
#PendidikanKewangan
Apakah Gaya Pendidikan Kewangan (Money Parenting) Anda?

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Bugaboo Launches the Bugaboo Butterfly

In 2022, the innovative stroller brand
Bugaboo
 is introducing a one-second fold city stroller: the new Bugaboo Butterfly.

With this launch, the innovative stroller brand consolidates its position in the fastest growing stroller segment—the ultra-compact stroller category—differentiating itself from the competition by offering a city stroller that has it all, from a brilliant fold, best-in-class comfort for both driver and co-pilot and a streamlined design matched with top-notch Bugaboo quality.

When parents seek out ultra-compact strollers, they want something that adapts to and enriches their lifestyle, a stroller that’s ready at a moment’s notice to navigate the city and all of life’s daily transitions. It must be lightweight, portable, easy to fold and unfold, highly manoeuvrable, certified for travel and built to last for years to come.

The Butterfly offers a solution for vibrant parents whose baby is growing into a curious and active toddler (from 6 months and up to 22 kg). Featuring a one-second fold and an ultra-compact design, the Butterfly allows for seamless transitions in day-to-day urban life. Nothing in the stroller was left to chance, and the ingenious Dutch design was inspired by decades of stroller innovation.

The following features have been carefully incorporated into the Butterfly’s design to meet these needs and to allow parents to lead the vibrant lives they aspire to:

One second fold and air unfold

One second. That’s all it takes to fold the Butterfly down to a neat, tidy package. No need to adjust the seat, close the canopy, fold away the leg rest or even take off a footmuff.

And the best part? Parents can fold it with just one hand while they hold their baby close with the other. When it’s time to unfold, the air unfolds technology means all it takes is one quick movement and then gravity does the rest.

Ultra-compact and portable

Thanks to its lightweight, ultra-compact build, the Butterfly can be tucked away almost anywhere, and its sturdy upright design means it stays standing wherever you put it down.

It fits neatly under tables, next to metro seats, in taxi trunks or even in overhead luggage compartments (IATA compatible). And you can pick it up 100% hands-free. Just sling the strap over your shoulder and you’re ready to take off on new adventures.

First-class comfort for growing babies

The Bugaboo Butterfly was designed specifically for babies and toddlers over 6 months old and weighing up to 22 kg, making it ideal for parents seeking a second stroller for their growing child.

Featuring the roomiest seat of any city stroller, extra padded cushioning, and adjustability up to 143°, the Butterfly lets the child lie back and relax as the streets buzz around them. The stroller also comes with a five-point leg rest and a convenient quick-click harness, which is perfect for curious toddlers looking to hop off the moment they spot a new adventure.

Storage galore and high-quality design

The Butterfly offers a spacious under-seat basket (8 kg) so parents can carry everything they need for a day out on the town. It also features four rugged wheels, a one-hand push, a 4-wheel suspension and an invincible chassis. All combined to give you amazing manoeuvrability regardless of the road you take or the load you carry.

In fact, the Butterfly can carry a whopping 30 kg! That’s 22 kg for the child and 8 kg for the under seat basket. The Butterfly’s streamlined, aerodynamic design is full of elegant curves and precise lines, seamless integration of form and function.
Partner Stories
Parenting
Why Choose Gerber Baby Food?
Money Parenting
Money Lessons From Our Parents – And How They Shaped Our Money Parenting Style
Pertandingan & promosi
Rebut 10 Tawaran Terhebat Di Tesco Baby Fair 2020
Aktiviti anak
Top 3 tips to make the most of your child’s screen time

The gorgeous engineering makes the complicated simple, letting you confidently stroll with your growing baby for years to come.

The Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller is available from 14 June 2022 at Baby Parenting, Bebehaus, Happikiddo and Mothercare Malaysia.  For more information, please visit
bugaboo.com
.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Mum wakes up after C-section to find both her legs amputated

After spending hour after gruelling hour giving birth to your child, the last thing a mother expects is to find that both of her legs had been amputated, but such was the scenario Ella Clarke from Devon, England found herself in.

She woke up with a new baby in her arms, but both her legs were missing.

Although it wasn’t her first time giving birth via C-section (only one of her seven children had been born vaginally), it was the first time she had been diagnosed with a condition called placenta previa—a condition that occurs when a baby’s placenta partially or totally covers the opening in the mother’s cervix.

After she was diagnosed with the condition, her doctors assured her the baby was fine, but it was time to have the C-section, said a
Daily Mail report
.

Placenta accreta

Once she was on the operating table, the doctors began to realise that her placenta had embedded itself deep into her uterine wall, resulting in a pregnancy complication called placenta accreta.

“Typically, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall after childbirth,” according to
Mayo Clinic
. “With placenta accreta, part or all of the placenta remains firmly attached. This can cause severe blood loss after delivery.”

The doctors successfully delivered her baby, but half an hour into the procedure, Ella began to lose too much blood due to the complication.

Doctors then performed an emergency hysterectomy and in the process gave her five blood transfusions. Ella was placed into an induced coma and transferred to intensive care.

For the next 24 hours, the doctors carefully monitored her for blood clots—a common side effect of her complication.

However, Ella claims that the doctors forgot to check on her for six hours, and when they finally did, clotting had already occurred in her legs and circulation had stopped, starving her lower limbs of blood supply.

It left doctors no choice but to amputate her legs.

“A shadow of her former self”

“I remember the moment I woke up. I thought I was waking up from my C-section,” she said in the Daily Mail report. “I expected my beautiful little baby girl to be passed to me. Instead I was told doctors had amputated my legs after complications with my C-section.”

Now Ella says she is a shadow of her former self; she went from being an active mother to being restricted to her wheelchair.

Photo credit: SWNS / Daily Mirror

Her five-year-old couldn’t even look at her without a blanket draped on her lap because she’s scared, and her eldest daughter started falling behind on school.

“I’m now sleeping downstairs in the living room and trying to get used to walking with prosthetic legs, but it’s challenging,” she said. “I’m having counselling to cope with the shock but my whole life has changed forever.”
Partner Stories
Menjadi ibu bapa
What to Expect After A C-Section And Speed Up Scar Healing
Menjadi ibu bapa
How to Improve the Appearance of a C-Section Scar Quickly

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Baby-safe sunscreen can be hazardous, warns mum

During these hot months, mums and dads want to make sure their babies get the right sun protection. But did you know that even baby-safe formulations have their hazards? One mum has taken to social media to warn us about aerosol sunscreen dangers not many people know about.

Mum’s Warning About Aerosol Sunscreen Dangers Is a Must-Read for Parents

“Please watch and be careful when using aerosolized sunscreen! I have done a lot of research since coming home (from the hospital) and have found a disturbing amount of cases like ours. I don’t know why it’s not removed from the shelves,” writes the mum in a Facebook post, which has been shared over 800 times.

The mum took to Facebook to share about aerosol sunscreen dangers and to update everyone that her little girl is doing fine. | Screenshot:
Rebecca Cannon Facebook page

She recounted how she used Banana Boat SPF 50 broad spectrum kids sunscreen on her 14-month-old daughter, Kyla. Despite being marketed as safe for babies aged six months and above, the sunscreen had horrible side effects. Her baby girl’s face had been severely burned.

The 14-month-old suffered serious burns. Now her mum wants to warn everyone about aerosol sunscreen dangers. | Image courtesy:
Rebecca Cannon Facebook page

Thankfully, no lasting damage resulted. And now, more and more mums and dads are becoming increasingly aware of aerosol sunscreen dangers.

Sunscreen Protection Tips for Kids

When choosing sunscreen for your kids, remember the following important guidelines.

1. Choose One with UVB and UVA Protection SPF 30 or More

During a hot summer’s day, your kid needs extra Ultra Violet B (UVB) and Ultra Violet A (UVA) protection. In general, SPF 30 sunscreen will be enough for kids, but if your child has fairer skin they need one with SPF 50. Make sure your sunscreen is broad spectrum!

2. It’s Important to Choose One that Has Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide

The names of these substances might sound quite harsh, but as far as sunscreen ingredients go, they’re actually the safest. Take caution if the sunscreen contains oxybenxone and retinyl palmitate. Ask your child’s doctor about the dangers of these chemicals.

Protect your child from aerosol sunscreen dangers by choosing the best sunscreen and by consulting their paediatrician. | Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Make Sure the Sunscreen Is Smooth in Texture

Steer clear of sticky sunscreen that might irritate your child’s skin. Choose one that has no residue and doesn’t leave skin looking rough. Note that coloured and scented sunscreens don’t necessarily cause irritation to a child’s sensitive skin.

How Should You Apply Sunscreen on Your Kids?

Make sure to apply sunscreen on them 15 to 30 minutes before they head outside.

Apply it generously, not forgetting often overlooked areas. Remember BEENS —back of knees, ears, eye area, neck, and scalp.

Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen as instructed, to
avoid extreme sunburn
. Reapply after every two hours when outdoors, or after less than that time if they’re swimming.

Remember: Even waterproof sunscreen wears off!

If you’re using spray sunscreen, cover your child’s face while applying. You can also ask him to hold his breath by asking him to copy a funny face you’re making!

Sources:
CDC
,
WebMD

Partner Stories
Tip keibubapaan
Nak Mendidik Ibu Milenium Perlu Buat 7 Perkara Ini. Barulah Anak Jadi Hebat!
Parenting
Back-to-school Shopping Season: A Parent’s Checklist for Primary & Secondary School Students
Health
Why Is Childhood Immunisation Important?
Lifestyle
5 Awesome Deals You MUST Check Out At The Tesco Baby Fair 2020
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


How to Teach Kids to Embrace Peers with Special Needs

At some point, your kid will come across a child with special needs. It’s important that kids know how to accept their peers despite their differences, as being able to get along with one another benefits everyone.

Here are ideas on how to teach kids to embrace people with disabilities.

1. Talk About How People Can Be Different

Children need to know that we all have our differences— each of us possessing unique challenges and strengths. First and foremost, we’re all still people, with various characteristics that make up who we are. A disability doesn’t define us.

Explain to your child that peers with special needs might take a longer time to do some things.

Sometimes they may need extra help or
special technology
.

Tell her that not all kinds of special needs can be easily seen, and she can’t ‘catch’ a disability from someone. Try and use simple, relatable words when you are talking to your child about the topic.

Remember to set a safe space for her to ask questions and be curious about special needs.

2. Expose Your Kid to Material That Discusses Diversity

A great way to get your child to learn about disabilities is through
educational material
 that discusses the topic—in a child-friendly, uncomplicated fashion.

Sesame Street, for example, has episodes that highlight child with special needs. They even introduced a young Muppet named Julia, who has autism.

There are also a number of children’s books that touch on diversity, such as the celebrated watercolour-illustrated book Special People, Special Ways by Arlene Maguire and Sheila Bailey.

3. Set an Example

It’s widely known that children learn a lot from observing others. As parents, children are watching us for clues on how to behave in different situations.

Be a role model to your kids by setting the right example. Show
warmth and empathy
 to people with special needs, and talk to parents who have kids with disabilities. Get to know them, their challenges and how you can help encourage inclusion.

4. Explain to Your Kid That Everyone Likes Having Friends

We may have our differences, but people are also similar in some fundamental ways. Remind your little one that every child likes feeling included and appreciated. This is why making friends is a wonderful way to celebrate and support one another.

You could suggest ways for your child to
make friends with peers
 who have special needs. Encourage your child to approach them and get to know them better. For example, if a classmate speaks with sign language, why not try and teach your child how to sign a few useful words?

Most importantly, teach your child patience.
Learning to communicate
 well with someone who has special needs can take some time, as it requires understanding the individual better and recognizing that each person may do things at their own pace.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website
.

Read more
:
This Can Make or Break Your Child’s Future

Partner Stories
Child
Sick Children Can Be A Handful, But Not With These Tips!
Child
Parents, Be in the Know With RSV Knowledge To Protect Your Babies
Baby
Premature Babies: What You Should Look Out for and What to Do?
Child
Parents, Here’s How You Can Help Your Children with Asthma!
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


How This Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer and Storage Help to Kill Viruses & 99.9% Bacteria

All parents want to protect their little ones, that’s why Tommee Tippee
Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer and Storage
are designed to kill viruses* and 99.9% of bacteria. UV light is a safe and dry method of sterilising which kills 99.9% of harmful germs without using heat, steam or harsh chemicals.

You can rest assured that it sterilises those hard-to-reach areas, getting rid of germs that may linger in bottles, teats, breast pumps and other accessories even after thorough washing.

Kills viruses* and 99% of bacteria

Viruses & bacteria don’t stand a chance against the Tommee Tippee
Ultra
UV Steriliser. UV light kills viruses & 99.9% of harmful bacteria without heat, steam or harsh chemicals

Energy efficient

Long lasting Philips® UV bulb gives you up to 6,000 hours of sterilising power.

Sterile storage

Keep baby bottles and feeding accessories sterile inside using the storage mode.

Filters dust, pollen and airborne pollutants

The Tommee Tippee
Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer and Storage c
omes with one spare filter. Other than that, it is also:

Safe and dry sterilising using UV light – no harsh chemicals, heat or steam.

Viruses & bacteria don’t stand a chance against the UV Steriliser. UV lights kills viruses* & 99.9% of harmful bacteria.

Sterilise and dry 6 bottles in 60 minutes – fuss-free and super clean.

Fits most brands of bottles – suitable for bottles, teats, soothers and breast pump accessories.

Energy efficient – long-lasting Philips UV bulb lasts up to 6,000 hours.

Quick drying and quiet – dry contents in 30 minutes.

Filters dust, pollen and airborne pollutants – comes with one spare filter.

Auto light shut off – UV light shuts off if opened while in use for safety.

The main four functions of the Tommee Tippee
Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer and Storage are
:

Sterilise – sterilise all your baby feeding accessories using UV light.

Dry – set for 30, 40 or 50 minutes to dry bottles and other feeding equipment.

Auto mode – dries cleaned bottles then switches to sterilising cycle.

Storage mode – emits UV light every 2 hours to keep contents sterile.

*Tested against Coronavirus (tested to EN 16777) and Influenza H1N1.

Why Use UV To Sterilise?

Bacteria in leftover milk can cause nasty tummy bugs, so it’s important to sterilise all your baby’s feeding kit. The Ultraviolet (UV) light in this steriliser kills 99.9% of micro-organisms including bacteria and mould. There’s no steam, no chemicals, just a safe and simple way to sterilise, dry and store your baby’s bottles and accessories.

Choose from four different functions:

Sterilise-only:
Pop in your bottles, teats, soothers and breast pump accessories and set to either 35 or 45 minutes.

Dry-only:
Choose from 30, 40 or 50 minutes drying cycle, depending on how many items you wish to dry.

Auto mode
: This 60-minute setting dries your cleaned bottles, then automatically switches to sterilising cycle.

Storage:
This mode emits 5 minutes of UV light and 5 minutes of drying power every 2 hours to keep contents sterile. The UV light also helps our glow-in-the-dark products such as the night-time breast-like soother glow for longer.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Partner Stories
Parenting
Looking for Fun Family Bonding Activities? Why Not Combine the Power of Play and Creative Problem-Solving with LEGO bricks?
Baby Products
What Triggers Eczema? Here Are Some Common Causes & What Parents Can Do to Help Your Child
Parenting
Spend Wisely When Shopping For Your Baby
Parenting
5 Fun Ways to Teach Your Children About Giving Back During the Holiday Season
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!


Malaysian man who married 11 year old child wanted her since she was 7

A lot of mums in Malaysia are seething in anger after reading the latest news on the 11-year-old Thai child bride and her
41-year-old husband
.

Che Abdul Karim Che Hamid, father of four and husband to two wives, quietly married an 11-year-old girl in June this year. Many protested the marriage. Still, he justified it.

But what has currently sent everyone over the edge was when he told local media that he had his eye on the child
since she was seven years old
.

On that note, the man is claiming that most of the villagers already knew of his desire. He says that it only shocked the outside world when news got out.

According to him, even his close friends knew about and agreed to the union. He claims to have shown them a picture of his now 11-year-old Thai child bride, Ayu, during a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Marriage to Thai child bride not driven by desire, says man

The solemnising ceremony with his Thai child bride

Speaking to local media, he said he was unsure what drove him to marry the girl. But he claimed it was not driven by desire. He only wanted to protect Ayu and provide for her wellbeing
,
he said.

“I knew Ayu since she was small because we were neighbours, and I also taught Al-Quran lessons to her… it was then I told myself, ‘One day I will take this girl as my wife,’ and I did so four years later.”

Undeterred by the comments and insults of others, he believes Ayu is his destined partner
. He also firmly believes that she is now his responsibility even if he won’t be “touching” her until she is 16.

“
After marriage I feel relieved because I can guide her closer to Allah while taking care of her without sinning
,” he was quoted saying.

His 11-year-old bride has yet to meet his other two wives. According to him, this was to “protect his wives’ emotions”. He hopes that everyone would stop insulting them, but instead pray for their happiness as he promises to steer his household well.

Why this is so morally wrong on so many levels

As a mother of two daughters with one who is
seven years old this year
, you cannot even begin to imagine the amount of rage that is going through me right now. What I cannot comprehend is this: How can any man (a father to boot) view a seven-year-old child as a potential wife?

Not a fan of sugar coating things, I’m just going to say it as it is. If he was “willing” to wait for five years before bedding her, then why not use that time to just adopt the girl?

After all, he claims it wasn’t desire that drove him to marry her. Adoption would have allowed him to guide and care for her, without marriage.

Also, along with marriage comes legally-approved sex. It is not wrong to infer that under all his preaching about not having any “desire” for her, that he actually DOES lust after his Thai child bride. And THAT makes me sick to the stomach.

Secondly, if he had wanted her since she was seven years old, then chances are he might have started
grooming
 her since then.

Why else is the poor child “in love” with him, as she reportedly said? Just think of the child for a moment in all her innocence. What would she know if all she had was him? He is everything to her and all that she knows. Can you blame her for being besotted?

What this man has done is he has found a moral, ethical and societal loophole. And he is playing it to his advantage. He is using it to legalise his actions, which, in my opinion, are still morally wrong.

You cannot want a seven-year-old girl for a wife and not be a paedophile. It still doesn’t change the fact that she is a Thai child bride. A CHILD: whether at seven, eleven or even 16, when he says he will finally “touch” her.

A Muslim father starts online petition to ban child marriage

This same outrage also stirred Umran Kadir, a father of three in the UK, to start an
online petition
 calling for the federal government to stop sanctioning the “rape of children”, by banning child marriage.

The
petition
 read:

“It has outraged people of all creeds who possess a moral compass.

“We, being concerned individuals of different religions and ethnicities, insist that you do all in your power to consider on an urgent basis the changes to the laws in Malaysia that currently permit the state-sanctioned rape of children.

“We demand that the government take the unequivocal position that no child below the age of 18 should be permitted to be married, regardless of their faith or gender.

“To permit otherwise is not to permit ‘child marriage’; instead, it is to permit the state-sanctioned rape of children. This has no place in a civilised society and should be criminalised in Malaysia.”

The thing is this isn’t just about Malaysia. It is about child marriages everywhere and it has to stop! All of us play a part.

As at 5.45pm today, the
petition
 has reached over 13,875 signatures.

I have signed. The question is, have you?
Partner Stories
Tip keibubapaan
Sayangi Diri Anda! Ini 5 Tips Penjagaan Diri Untuk Ibu-ibu Yang Sibuk Bekerja & Menguruskan Keluarga
Fesyen
Anda Boleh Tampil Bergaya Dan Selesa Dalam Masa Yang Sama, Itulah Kelebihan MS. READ!
#PendidikanKewangan
Adakah Anda Membuat Pelaburan Yang Tepat? 4 Bidang Pelaburan Yang Perlu Diketahui Sebagai Ibu Bapa
Tip keibubapaan
4 Perkara Ibu Ayah Wajib Tahu Tentang Pemeriksaan Anak 12 Bulan

Source:
The Malay Mail

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
iOS
 or
Android
 now!