As a result, I turn to the Net to get ideas and am usually just awed by the number of great tips and things that can be done.

One of the better sites for arts and crafts is Kids Craft Magazine (http://www.kidcraftsmagazine.com/). They have wonderful ideas which even creative numbed mothers like me can do. I especially like the fact that most of the crafts need everyday things which we already have in the house.

The other thing is that the crafts can be done in a relatively short time – good for managing an active pre-schooler as well as the time we are spending on it.

To top it off, their crafts usually is done to suit the time of year. E.g. Easter will have its bunnies, Halloween will have its share of pumpkin crafts etc. Never a dull moment.

Enjoy then!

One of the better ones I have come across is the one located at The Curve. It is a cozy place which is located on 1st floor, just beside Mothercare. I like the fact that it is done up with the mother’s expectations in mind.

Across the room is where the security guard is, who is always on the look-out for people who should not be entering the room.

In the room, there is a changing table which is from the Ikea range of furniture. However, the changing mat needs to be changed – think it is a little worn out now.

There is a bin inside with a lid to ward off any smell from the diapers. The wash basin in clean and there is also ample space for you to park your strollers.

In the room there are 2 cubicles with curtains drawn for the privacy of breastfeeding mothers with their precious bundle. The seat inside these cubicles are quite decent. However, the management may want to think about putting another seat inside for the older child who follows the mother in. Otherwise, the mother will be distracted with a tired and restless kid.

The cubicle also has a table for mothers to put their relevant things, but also good for mothers who pump their milk. I sometimes do that and I appreciate the table very much. However, only one of the cubicle has a plug point. And so, you have to choose the cubicle to cater to your electronic pump.

Of all, the best thing is that the set-up of the room gives the mother a sense of isolation from all the hustle and bustle of the shoppers. Perfect for that special bonding moment with the baby.

I am writing this as a result of a conversation with a new parent today who was wondering if all the anti-colic medication in the pharmacies actually work. This is because her baby has been experiencing many stomach problems since she was born.

For those of you who have children, you will know that babies are at their cutest when they look like the above – calm and contented.

However, when they experience babies stomach problems, most commonly known as colic, it will be horrible for the mummies and daddies. This is because the babies can cry and cry and we will not be able to figure out what is it that they want to say!

Apart from colic, babies with reflux can also be difficult to handle as we cannot figure out how much of what is consumed is actually spit out!

So, dear readers, can you share your experience in using some of these anti-colic medication? In your opinion, are these medication safe?

I started giving my son paint and brushes when he was about 3 years old, just for variety. And over the months, I have also given him potatoes to stamp and different sizes of brushes for variety.

Today, I received a mail from Kid Crafts Magazine and it was filled with ideas on how to get kids different types of tools to paint.

Some ideas to substitute paint brushes are:

You can also use these as stamps/ stencils:

Isn’t this great? I am going to start collecting different types of twigs now for my son to start painting now!

Do you have any other ideas to share?

With Ryan, I tend to play Legos and puzzles with him. Alternatively, I also play with Pop-Onz with him. He likes to make and invent things.

With my little baby, I tend to play peek-a-boo and sing to her. Now, you can see why Ryan will be bored with my play with Megan while Megan will be so fascinated with Ryan’s inventions that it will be grabbed and dismantled in no time.

Sigh, this is a stage where I wish where there are dress up games which can help me transform in a flash for the both of them. That way, I can entertain them even when I am changing my costume!

I also play cooking games with Ryan when I am busy cooking in the kitchen. Actually, it is more like imaginary play where he is helping me with the cooking and washing. In reality, he is playing with water in the basin!

Thankfully Ryan is not hooked to any video games just yet. I must be careful so that he is not addicted to it and in turn put his health in jeopardy. With Megan, I am all the more determined not to let her be in it as well.

Can you tell me about any other games which I can play with my 8 month old and 4+ year old together?