How I Start my Homeschooling - Part I

Recently I received request from some moms wanting to know how I homeschool. What I can do is to share what I did with my eldest daughter from 3-5 years old, and along the way, tell the things I do with my son now, who is turning 4 years old. Below suggestion are all based on my experience for your reference only - remember, every child is different.

I believe before a parent wants to homeschool his or her child, he or she must first understand each child’s personality. Therefore, parent should start by preparing themselves first before the child. There are books I read before doing homeschooling, and I strongly recommend parent to do the same:

‘Personality Plus’ by Florence Littauer. This book is a must to help you understand your child, along the way it helps to understand your spouse, even your boss!

‘Dare to Discipline’ by James Dobson. This book gives you some foundation you should have when training up your child.

‘Bringing Up Boys’ by James Dobson. This book is for parents who have boy or boys. A must- read especially if you think your boy is very naughty or out of control. This book makes me understand that boy is boy. They are designed to challenge, to survive. They are surely more hard to manage. Understand that they are different from girls, so we don't force them to behave or response like girls do. Don't take away the differences!

‘How to Raise a Positive Child in the Negative World’ by Zig Ziglar. This is an additional reading if you have time. It let you understand the world your child is having now is different from yours 20, 30 years ago.

to be continue...

Plastic (Resin) Water Bottle

When I look at the water bottle at home, there are Code 1-PET (mineral water bottle) that I throw away after first used, there are Code 5-PP (polypropylene), and Code 7-PC (polycarbonate) that I bought for refill of water. Even my baby's feeding bottle is using Code 7-PC.

Recently after the Melamine issue, I finally decided to search information to find out the safety of using plastic water bottle. Many years ago, I heard that it is not safe to reuse, but how true is it?

After some research, the symbols at the bottom of the plastic bottle (consists of a triangle recycle symbol, a code number inside, and an acronym below the symbol) is to differentiate different type of polymer of the plastic. Manufacturer printed it not for consumers, but for easy sorting for their recycling purposes.

Until today, people disputed for years over the safety of using it:

(1) the chemical concern
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical concern for water bottles, especially those intended for reuse and made of PC (code 7). High temperatures and bleaching (some even said frequent cleaning) are believed to increase leeching of BPA. The health impact for humans is disputed.

(2) the bacteria concern
Users are warned regarding risk of bacteria that may develop in the bottle between uses. It is recommended to clean the interior with warm soapy water and let 100% dry before re-filling.

(3) the environmental concern
Plastics are durable, and they degrade very slowly. In some cases, burning plastic can release toxic fumes. Besides, manufacturing of plastics often creates large quantities of chemical pollutants.

Many health-conscious and environmentalist are going back to glass containers. At the end of the day, final decision is still in my own hands... to use or not to use? to reuse or not to reuse? to throw or not to throw? to clean or not to clean?
























'And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Kepp on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.' ~ Luke 11:9-10