Even if she's probably at the age where they become more assertive, a small price to pay for their independance, I still feel the need to carve out our own YOU&ME time.
Its insightful how this article connects quality time with disciplining a child. I vouch for the fact that when spending our quality time together, Arissa is always polite, always obliging... a far cry from the obstinate nature she can and will freely display when I'm trying to entertain, feed or bathe the little one.
So I've planned Saturday mornings as our play-date to coincide with Sofia's nap time. And because we only have 2-3 hours by ourselves, my Masterplan will have to evolve around activities in the North. I find this link on Timeout extremely useful and have incorporated our own suggestions:
Sembawang Shopping Centre
Hop off at Sembawang MRT Station and onto the free shuttle. Head straight for Emiko Arts at Level 3 for some creative channeling of energy and a souvenir worth framing.
Cost: $5.50 for 20mins
By 11am, she's ready for the free-to-use Splash Park & covered Playground.
And by noon, we're at Hei Sushi or across the road at Daddy's Fish & Chicks for a Saturday brunch.
Golden Village @ Yishun 10
If there's a good flick to catch, this is where we head down to.
Cost: $10 per movie entry for adults & kids above 90cm.
Little O-Zone at Orchid Country Club
A tad smaller than I'd like but enough romping around to kill an hour easily. Link here.
Cost: $7 for NTUC member / $8 for general public
Bottletree Park @ Khatib
There's longkang fishing and playground (with real sand!) and caged animals and so much more! Impossible to get here without a vehicle though!
Cost: $10 for longkang fishing.
Woodlands Regional Library @ Civic Centre
The library organises storytelling sessions suitable for 3-6 year olds every Saturday (3-3.30pm) and every 2nd and 4th Sunday (230-3pm).
Cost: $0
Woodlands Swimming Complex
Public pools just got a facelift from SSC! Slides and waterfalls just upped the fun factor at an otherwise drab facility. I take Sofia along as she enjoys her waterplay too and usually naps longer after a dip!
Cost: $1.30 per adult per entry / $0.70 per child per entry
Its been a month since I started the Program- sometimes with Hafidz, sometimes without. And the results have been positive so far, just the other day Hafidz commented that she is much better behaved and seems so loving with Baby Sis. What can I say... sometimes you get more done with sugar than vinegar! :)
