Fostering, because Not every child enjoys the warmth and protection of a family

SengkangBabies is a parenting blog and we are very proud of our family. Through our blog and photos, it is not difficult to tell that we have a tight-knitted family.

However, we always highlight to our kids that not every child is fortunate enough to enjoy family warmth. Some kids might have abusive parents, or their guardians might be sick, or lack the financial capability to care for them.

MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development) has a Fostering Scheme to help these unfortunate kids. More information is available at this link.

MSF’s video showcase a few foster families’ experiences. We can witness how these fantastic families treat their foster kids like their own children, and provides them with unconditional Family Love.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
In summary, the criteria to be foster parents are :

– must be residents of Singapore;
– preferably married;
– at least 25 years old; and
– must be medically fit to care for children

* Training and a monthly allowance will be available to help potential foster families.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

In case you are interested to find out more, there is a Fostering roadshow from 19-21Apr.

We can definitely do more to help the less fortunate. Do help MSF to share their fostering programme with more big-hearted friends and families :

Contact : 6354-8799
Website : http://www.msf.gov.sg/fostering

**updated 2013Mar – Singapore is pushing for adoption instead of abortion, in a bid to raise fertility rate.

What if the man becomes a Stay-At-Home-Dad?

This week, Mummy (CEO and COO of SengkangBabies) is enjoying her Tom Yam in Bangkok with Boon Yi. Daddy has been delegated to keep the house in order until Mummy comes back.

A timetable tells us how Mummy runs our family with clockwork precision and efficiency.

Daddy can handle the kids relatively well, and he thought he understands how challenging it is to be a home-maker, that is until he steps into Mummy’s heels.

Making milk, showering, diapers, fetching the kids from school. Tasks are straightforward but it is a logistics-project to ensure everyone meet the timelines.

Between, we are not talking about house keeping, laundry and cooking yet.
HENG1 ah (lucky), 奶奶 is chipping in to help 🙂

… just imagine, how does nursing mums survive and thrive with lack of sleep? Dads can reduce some of Mummies’ stress, please read our Breastfeeding post.

If any parent ever wish to test their patience, try homework with kids haha. 陪读爸爸 is a tough job for Daddy. Mummy told Daddy to spot-check the student handbooks, in case kids decide to KENG1 (malingering). Yes, our kids are experts at bargaining and twisting their way out of homework and chores.

On the other hand, Mummy’s workload doubles whenever Daddy goes on business trips or even holiday reservist. Mindef can definitely help by allowing Dads to book in later (8 or 9am will be pro-family gesture) so that we can help to bring the kids to school. When Daddy last check, Singapore still need to make more babies.

Did you hear about the recent announcement that Daddies’ competence will be measured? What is BFI (Better Fathering Index) HUH? Daddy Andy need not be Singapore’s best Daddy, he just need to be the kids’ dependable Dad. Hopefully, the feeling is mutual :p

Daddy recommends…
All Mummies out there, book a 4D3N vacation with your girlfriends, and dump the husband behind. This is one sure way for the man to improve his parenting skills, and appreciate his 老婆 (wife) more :p

Here comes the dilemma, Daddy miss the kids when he is working, but to soak in all the family chores, and face the kids for three full days, is another story 🙂
Given a choice, Daddy would prefer to retain his Ministry-of-Fun portfolio, rather then to stay home and mind the kids.

Verdict : Will Daddy support Mummy for another 4D3N trip again? YES YES YES.

Daddy is amazed how Mummy bloggers still find time and brain-juice to blog at the end of the day! Daddy would like to take this opportunity to salute all the Stay-at-home-Mummies, your sacrifices are helping to build a stronger family! KUDOs !

For the guys out there, grab your Mrs, hug her, give her a peck, say some “sweet nothings”. If you need more parenting tips and gossips’ from Daddies’ perspectives, drop by Ai Sakura’s Celebrate Fatherhood series.
BlogFather Winston has a summary of everyone who has spoken out about the BFI.

… meanwhile, Daddy is counting down to reinforcement Mummy’s return.