Raise a Happy Child Part 1

Being a parent is challenging task. To raise a well-behaved, well-mannered, happy child can be more challenging.  According to Michael Grose, there are six elements in raising a Happy Child and we will be posting 1 element each week. 

(the girl is wearing a Qi Pao or Girls Chinese Dress from Elitedresses.com)

So here's the first element that we have to practice:

1. BUILD SELF-BELIEF IN YOUR CHILD

“Children's self-esteem influences their social behaviour and learning,” says Grose. “Children with low self-esteem are less likely to step out of their comfort zone to extend themselves, take risks or try new experiences. Quite simply if kids have a healthy level of esteem and feel good about themselves they’re more likely to make friends
and succeed at pre-school and at school.”

“The way we interact with our kids on a daily basis influences the positive picture that they construct of themselves,” he says. “It’s important we let them know through our language and behaviour that they’re capable and worthwhile, then they’ll start to believe it themselves. The messages we send influence the way kids see themselves as well as our relationship with them. Encourage your kids to do things for themselves and focus more on what they’re doing, rather than result, to help them grow, develop and become more self-confident.”

how to promote self-esteem in your kids:

* Build on your child's strengths and point out to them their areas of expertise.

* Give kids realistic responsibility. Develop self-help skills from an early age.

* Develop the courage to be imperfect. Let them know that mistakes are part of learning.

* Help them to develop the attitude that anything is possible.

* Establish an achievement board or star chart.

* Look for small victories or achievements and celebrate them.

* Help children set goals and stick to them.

* Write letters or notes of appreciation and leave them under their pillow 

and in lunch-boxes.

* Give objective feedback but begin with a strength or positive.

* Compare them only to themselves.

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American Idol

Add me to the list of AI fans! I can't wait for the show to start airing. I think Ellen De Generes will be a good add to the lot. She's fair headed and I personally trust her opinion. I've watch The Ellen Show and she's welcome talents from all over the world and give them chance to perform on her show---for me that tells a lot.

It's been my wishful thinking that a Chinese American will finally be able to join AI (that can actually sing well!). I dream of watching someone sing on that stage wearing a gorgeous Qi Pao.
Hey, I'm not biased just because I'm Taiwanese :) I just think that it'll be refreshing to watch one.

On a different note, I am sad that Simon Cowell is leaving AI. For me he balances the way they judge the hopefuls. He's ruthless, frank but in every way right.

So, who are my fellow AI fanatics here? Any thoughts?

Qi Pao Checklist

There’s nothing like seeing your princess in a Chinese girl dress at a kid’s party, right? But just how do you choose the right one for her? Well, here are a couple of things to consider:

Design

Though Qi Paos vary in designs, they all carry the basic features—the high neck line, closed collar, long slit, frog knots and the Asian patterns (dragon, flower, etc.)
If your little angel is slim, choose big patterns. If she’s a little fat, choose small patterns.

Material

There’s nothing like the look and feel of silk. But then there’s satin too. Well, don’t sweat the small stuff. They’re both glossy and nice. Just remember that you need to be a little careful with them because they are sensitive fabrics.

Price

Well, the good news is you don’t need to go far to find that pretty Qi Pao.
We have high-quality yet super affordable Qi Paos right here at EliteDresses.

Enjoy Shopping!

Disneyland in Shanghai: 2014

And so Mickey Mouse and friends successfully penetrated Shanghai and the contract has been approved and finalized last November 04, 2009. Many local Chinese take this as a good sign since it'll mean more employment opportunities for them and of course tourism is expected to spike.
This particular Disneyland is said to be a lot bigger than Hong Kong Disneyland (which is the smallest park by the way).

The theme park is expected to open to the public in 2014. As quoted from Chinadaily,

The two existing theme parks in Shanghai, Jin Jiang Action Park and Happy Valley, were philosophical about the arrival of Disney.

"We take the Shanghai Disneyland not as a competitor, but as a foreign counterpart that will inspire us to provide better services," said Cui Zhineng, general manager of Jin Jiang Action Park.

"As a home-grown theme park, we have more products based on the Chinese culture and cater to Chinese visitors and we cost less," said Ren Kelei, chairman of OCT Enterprise Co, which runs Happy Valley.

That's a great attitude, isn't it? This makes me want to save more so the whole family can have a vacation in Shanghai and my daughter will be able to wear her cute Qi Pao :)