Family & Parenthood 02 (Jan 10 - Aug 10)

[millionairemind]

haha Cheng. That's the reason Y we don't send our son to any mental Math course

We are cheapo la

Save money this way

[Cheng]

I like to play Wei Qi (Go). It's a game that requires patience, strategy, math skills, timing, planning ahead, taking action and keeping up with momentum. In my opinion, one of the best board games ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gECcsSeR ... feature=iv

[winston]

I like to play Wei Qi (Go).

I never learnt Wei Qi. I played alot of Chinese Chess.

[millionairemind]

W - We got to play a game of Chinese chess the next time we meet.

I used to play alot of it as a kid (no money to play anything else) with my neighbor who is 4 yrs older than I am. I find that the best way to improve on a game is to play with an older player and it was not too long when I began to beat him

[winston]

Ha Ha .. the last time I played was many years ago. .

Sometimes, when I'm in the park, I do watch the people play Chinese Chess.

[Cheng]

When I was young, always pester my dad to play Chinese Chess with me. But he seldom have the time.

[Aspellian]

2 lizards + 1c*ockcroach = 10
1 Lizard + 2 c*ockcroaches = 14
How much is one lizard and how much is one c*ockcroach?

L=lizard, C=c*ockcroach

14-10= 4, the difference gives us C-L= 4

Hence, C=L+4

L+L+(L+4)=10

Therefore, L=2, C=6

Very good game to train kid's math mental skills!

Hi MM,

may I ask - does your kid struggle in solving the lizard equation? i am truly amazed what a 7 year old kid can do. you must be a very happy father!
or are kids nowadays so much more smarter in their mental abilities?? think i only know algebra when i in secondary school...

[millionairemind]

Actually this is the 2nd stage of development.

We first taught him division and multiplication when he was 5, just by playing simple games with him using sweets and fruit.

Next we proceeded to what I call a Stage 1 qn as follows:

2 lizards + 1c*ockcroach = 10
2 Lizards + 2 c*ockcroaches = 12
How much is one lizard and how much is one c*ockcroach?

You will notice that this is an increment of only 1 roach. He will have to work thro' this 3step process to get to the final answers.

Once he gets this concept, we play with him more difficult mental games.

Now we are teaching him fractions using cut up fruit that he eats in the afternoon

For us, we don't believe in having him sit still in a classroom to learn mental math from an enrichment course. Rather, we do it thro' lots of play using real life examples.

[Aspellian]

Hi MM,

I am really impressed. you really put in great efforts to be a good parent (or "to-the-best-of-your-abilities" mentatlity). I applaud you! I can really learn from you on this aspect.

Most parents will prob leave most "academic" teachings to the schools (either normal curriculum or enrichment/tuition classes). Most parents prob are so caught up with daily life / career / own interests that they never go beyond the necessities of feeding, clothing and bringing up their children.

Parents always say that they want and will give the best for their children. But what is "the best"?
- Manners
- Discipline
- Fillial
- $$$
- Quality Time (special moments)
- Hugs and kisses
- Life Skills
- Enrichment Classes (development of interests or because the parents never have them when they were a kid?)
- Gadgets, toys and more toys
- Freedom to play and play and play (do whatever the kid likes)
- Family assurance
- Love, patience, kindness

what do you parents out there think is the best for your kids??
Or what are the roles of parents when they bring a kid into this world?

[Musicwhiz]

After reading all this, I just conclude it's darn tough to be a good parent.

I just hope I am able to do my best.....