Six months ago, if someone had told me that my summer this year would not include a road trip in New Zealand, a visit to the pandas in Chengdu, or a few weeks in sunny Thailand, I would have laughed in disbelief.
In our family, summer vacations are an annual, well-manicured project consisting of ambitious weeks of travel to at least two must-see places in the world. Summer is always that time of year where we as parents consciously attempt to take a break from our normal routines. A typical holiday for us would include exploring new places, experimenting with new food, discovering new places and embarking on new experiences.
Changed circumstances
However, this year will be very different. The summer of 2020 will be devoid of almost all these things – the things that in hindsight we took for granted. For most of us around the world, this “break” will not include having grandparents visit, and it won’t feature physical playdates in each other’s houses. We won’t be over-extending our kids and enrolling them in after-school classes to build their physical fitness and other skills, preparing them for the year ahead. And yes, there will be no travel, not even to a staycation in a neighbourhood hotel.
As a working mother in the Circuit Breaker period, I just about managed to find the rhythm and routine of balancing distance learning with remote working, along with my other household responsibilities. Knowing that my 14- and 9-year-olds would be at home for eight weeks without the “usual” summer offerings made me extremely anxious. Like most mothers from this decade, I instantly reached out to all my trusted resources for help. This included classroom WhatsApp groups, girlfriend chat groups and, last but not the least, our almighty digital universe. My single-minded objective? To make sure my kids had a solid plan for their summer holidays.
Denne historien er fra August 2020-utgaven av EL Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra August 2020-utgaven av EL Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Injury-free Skiing!
You've compared the various resorts' vital statistics, après ski options and historical snowfall data, and you're ready to hit the slopes this holidays! In this first of two articles, orthopaedic surgeon and ski-tragic DR DERRICK OH gives advice on how you can prevent skiing injuries.
Braces Vs Invisalign First!
Teeth straightening for kids can achieve more health benefits than just a great smile. Here, dentist DR ALEXIA KWAN talks about the pros and cons of the two main options: traditional braces and Invisalign First.
CAN OBESITY LEAD TO HEART ATTACKS?
Maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a matter of appearance - it's a vital aspect of heart health. DR MICHAEL ROSS MACDONALD, a senior consultant cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre, discusses how weight affects our heart and ways to manage it.
Achieving with Development Assessments
Every parent prioritises the wellbeing and optimal development of their child. Paediatric physiotherapist WAN YING TEH specialises in babies and children and tells us why a physiotherapy development assessment can help you achieve just this.
POWER WORKOUTS REDEFINED
It's easy to let fitness slide during the festivities, but keeping up your routine doesn't have to be a chore. These quick, high-burn workouts make it simple to stay active, boost your energy, and keep that waistline in check - no matter how packed your calendar gets!
TROPICAL TOWer
If you love a staycation option with strong eco credentials, try this lofty - and leafy - hotel in the heritage district of Tanjong Pagar.
A Boutique Resort in Malaysia
Inside a serene tropical sanctuary that combines contemporary design with nature.
A Guide to Lombok
As I floated on a surfboard, my instructor called out “go, chilli man!” to his friend carving along a breaking wave. He turned to me and said, “Have you tried the chillies here? They’re just like our island and our surfers: small but spicy.”
Thailand: City & Mountains
My two daughters are well into their teens, and in the blink of an eye they'll be heading off on holidays with groups of raucous friends rather than with their annoying parents.
Recipe CORNER
This holiday favourite combines the warmth of traditional spices with the rich textures of dried fruits. Enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine!
