GONG XI FA CAI

GONG XI GONG XI...

I WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL MALAYSIANS A VERY AUSPICIOUS & PROSPEROUS YEAR OF THE OX.

Spring Cleaning

It has certainly been a much enjoyed break. I, for one take my holiday seriously. When you are on holiday, there are so many options and choices...whether you want to cook or eat out, to go to Langkawi or Pangkor, the decision is absolutely yours to make. Now that the school holiday is over and so is New Year, it's time to get back to work realistically.

Yes, I am looking forward to another break.....Chinese New Year holiday but not after I had my house spring cleaned and that's a deal!

So, let's get down to work......

USHERING IN 2009 !!!!!!

HI FOLKS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009

Parents/Children Communication

It is very important for parents to be able to communicate openly and effectively with their children. Relationships between parents and their children are greatly improved when there is effective communication taking place. In general, if communication between parents and their children is good, then their relationships are good as well.

On the other hand, communication between parents and children that is ineffective or negative can lead children to believe that they are unimportant, unheard, or misunderstood. Such children may also come to see their parents as unhelpful and untrustworthy.

Parents who communicate effectively with their children are more likely to have children who are willing to do what they are told. Such children know what to expect from their parents, and once children know what is expected of them, they are more likely to live up to these expectations. They are also more likely to feel secure in their position in the family, and are thus more likely to be cooperative.

Ways To Communicate Positively With Children

• Start communicating effectively while children are young.
• Learn how to really listen.
• Regularly schedule family meetings or times to talk.
• Avoid Negative Communication
• Be Forgiving (Communicating During Conflicts).
• Negative Communication That Parents Should Avoid (Nagging, Lecturing, Critizing, Interrupting, Dwelling on the Past, Trying to Control Children through use of Guilt, Using Sarcasm, Using Threats & Lying).

Communication Builders. Here are some examples of things parents can say to their children to help open the lines of communication:

"I'd like to hear about it."

"Tell me more about that."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"That's interesting."

Effective, open communication takes a lot of hard work and practice. Parents should remember that they will not be perfect. Parents make mistakes. What is important is that parents make the effort to effectively communicate with their children starting when their children are very young. The result will be a much closer, positive relationship between parents and their children.

School Holidays

As usual, I look forward to every school holidays, in particular, the one towards year end. It not only gives me a break from chauffeuring my children to school but also relinquish my role in the kitchen. No hurrying to the market place and rushing back in time to prepare a meal. No cracking of brains on what to cook. Most of all, there's no guilt feeling if I don't cook a decent meal for my children as I can always have the pleasure of eating out with them during the wonderful school break. Huh, so relax and carefree.

What Is Your Choice?

Given a choice of RM10,000 to go for a holiday or purchase a luxurious watch, which one would you choose?

Grateful

Just the other day, my family and I dropped by Rain Forest bakery to pick up some snacks. We liked the food at this small cozy place becos the food stuff are hand made and free from preservatives.

An elderly man came by and started the conversation. From there, we knew he was the shop owner and that one of his twin sons who acquire the bread making skills from England runs the bakery store. They also hired Nepalese as helpers.

He said we were indeed very fortunate as compared to his Nepalese workers. We were told about the livelihood of Nepalese. They come from a relatively small country surrounded by mountain regions. As we all know, Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with many living below the poverty line.They lived in semi-deserted places near the mountain and valley areas where houses are made up of a tight bamboo framework.

Transportation in Nepal can be a hindrance as roads are narrow, steep, winding and frequently crowded. Many destinations can only be reached by foot (or helicopter).

In summarising his story, this friendly gentleman at Rain Forest bakery taught us something. To be grateful in life and should be thankful for what we have. There are many others out there who don't even have enough to eat.