Shopping for Groceries at FairPrice Xtra will be an Xtra Wild Fun Affair for Kids!

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Bringing the kids to the supermarket for that weekly grocery shopping trip may be a tedious and challenging affair, especially since supermarkets usually have nothing to entice them and they get bored really quick.

Well, not if you bring them to a FairPrice Xtra hypermarket... because it is going to be Xtra Wild!

From now until 22 August 2018, wildlife has taken over 7 FairPrice Xtra hyeprmarkets with an Xtra Wild celebration where kids can explore, experience and enjoy a wildlife learning adventure like no other!

Do you remember the old Panini stickers that we used to collect as a child? It was really fun back then, trying to complete the entire sticker album by exchanging extra stickers for ones that I did not have with friends.

The FairPrice Xtra Wild experience is something like that - with a collection album BUT with a twist: instead of stickers, kids can collect animal cards with an educational element.

The  “Experience Wildlife Animals Card Collection” from FairPrice Xtra essentially consists of three aspects - a collection album, cards and an app.

Each album costs $2.80 while each packet of cards costs $1 at any FairPrice Xtra. But if you spend $10 in one receipt, you can purchase up to three packets of cards at $0.20 each... which means, if you spend $50 in one receipt, you get to purchase up to 15 packets of cards for a total of $3.

Each packet contains 5 cards and for kids, nothing beats the excitement of ripping open that packet of cards and hoping for cards that they do not already have. Just ask the monkies!

The album is divided into six habitats, with each habitat consisting six different animal families. Each family is made up of 3 cards; Daddy, Mummy and Baby.

Besides being to slot the animal cards into the pouches, the album also comes with interesting facts about animals and their habitats from all over the world.

I have to admit, I learnt something new about some of the animals too!

To up the educational value, the album also has puzzles and quizzes that kids can complete. Something that the boys were only too eager to help their little sister with. Heh.

Beyond the physical copies of the album and cards, the FairPrice Xtra Wild experience is complemented by the FairPrice Xtra Animals app which makes learning about the animals even more interactive!

There are three kinds of interactive cards. You can see the card type in the top right corner of the card.

As a rule of thumb, all of the Daddy and Baby animal cards are Image Recognition Cards. These are cards you can scan with your electronic device to hear and see the animals, and unlock extra information about each of them.

Then there are the special X-Ray Cards.

With these X-RAY cards, kids can try spotting hidden animals either through thermal vision, a flashlight or a magnifying glass.

I had initially thought that this would appeal only to younger kids, but see who got in the action as well. LOL.

The third kind of interactive card belongs to the Mummy cards.

All of the Mummy cards are Digital Transfer Cards. Place one such card on the screen and tap the numbers on the card in the correct order, and kids will be able to transfer the image of the animal into its habitat!

Great for role-playing and story-telling with the kiddos!

But wait, it is not all digital fun. Kids can group their repeated animal cards together and play a 'Trumps' game with friends. See the animal stats at the bottom of each card?

For example, the 'Size' stat could be used as the competing value for the game so the one with the largest size value for that round wins all the cards. A simple game, but the monkies were at it for a good 15 minutes at least!

As with all card collections, there are always the rare, ultra rare and even legendary cards. Besides having over 100 different animals cards to collect, there are also Silver and Gold cards to make that card collecting journey a little more interesting.

There is even an ULTRA RARE White Tiger card - there are only 50 of them! - which will win you $200 worth of FairPrice vouchers if you are lucky enough to find it in one of the packs!

And I was not kidding when I said earlier that bringing the kids to a FairPrice Xtra hypermarket will be an interesting affair.

Each of the 7 FairPrice Xtra stores have been dressed to the wildlife theme and this includes various fun facts about wildlife that have been put up throughout the stores.

Let's just say the kids will have a wild time trying to spot them.

And while they are at it, ask them to spot the various Wildlife stickers that are scattered throughout the stores too... because the search for wildlife animals extends beyond the album and app, and INTO the stores as well.

Other than collecting cards in a physical copy album, kids can go on an 'Animal Search' expedition in the stores and scan the Wildlife stickers using the app. There are 10 different animals to search each week, with a maximum of 100 animals to be found over 10 weeks. Find all 10 animals every week and exchange for a special gift worth $5 in-store. Each store only has 100 prizes to give out each week so you know what to do.

In addition, there are promotions and events lined up at all of the 7 FairPrice Xtra stores in the coming weeks, including Trumps Game & Cards Exchange sessions where kids will be able to play Trumps games and even exchange for cards that they are lacking with one another.

And there will also be plenty of in-store fun activities and animal-themed crafts to keep the kiddos busy while parents shop for their groceries.

We were down at FariPrice Xtra Jurong Point last weeekend and the monkies got the chance to participate in some quizzes!

And you know what that means, don't you? They managed to win MORE animal packets to build up their collection AND hopefully find THAT elusive Ultra Rare White Tiger card!!! (UPDATE: Nope, no White Tiger card for us yet.)

But whatever the outcome, as long as the child is happy, the parent will be happy. Simple as that.

Remember though, the “Experience Wildlife Animals Card Collection” is only happening at FairPrice Xtra hypermarkets, not the usual FairPrice stores. 

Shopping for groceries AND letting the kids have fun by learning more about wildlife animals at the same time? Now this is what I call an Xtra win-win!

FairPrice Xtra Stores:

• FairPrice Xtra AMK Hub
53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
#B2-26
Singapore 569933
7am - 11pm

• FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point (JP2)
63 Jurong West Central 3
#03-01
Singapore 648331
24 Hours

• FairPrice Xtra Jem
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-21/22
Singapore 608549
7am - 11pm

• FairPrice Xtra Kallang Wave (Sports Hub)
1 Stadium Place
#01-29
Singapore 397628
8am - 10.30pm

• FairPrice Xtra Hougang 1
No. 1 Hougang St 91
#02-01
Singapore 486018
7am - 11pm

• FairPrice Xtra Nex
23 Serangoon Central
#03-42
Singapore 556083
24 Hours

• FairPrice Xtra Changi Business Park
8 Changi Business Park Ave 1
#01-51 & #02-51
Singapore 486018
8am - 10.30pm

For more information, visit www.fairprice.com.sg/wps/portal/fp/xtra-events/ExperienceWildlife

10 Reasons to Bring the Kids down to The Kidz Academy 2018

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The June School Holidays may be over but kids get an extra long weekend of FREE fun - thanks to the Youth Day holiday on 2 July - with a slew of innovative and educational activities at The Kidz Academy!

Back from 29 June to 1 July 2018, The Kidz Academy is a sister event of SmartKids Asia and will be held at Singapore Expo Hall 6. This year, the three-day event is going innovative, with many exciting and interactive additions showcasing latest trends and happenings.

Targeting primary school-going students, the free-to-attend event boasts so many activities that it can get a tad mind-boggling. But no need to fret, I have done the homework and sussed out the best activities that all kids will love!

COMPETITIONS GALORE!

One of the main focus of the Kidz Academy this year is to allow kids aged 7 to 12 years old different platforms to showcase their talent and see how they fare when competing alongside one another. So for the first time ever, it will be conducting three exciting competitions for kids to participate in:

Asia Pacific Youth Robotics Competition (APYRC)
An annual event organised by IN3LABS PTE LTD, APYRC is a robotics competition for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) that brings young people together to develop problem solving skills and creativity. This is a well-rounded event for students to design and build a robot to compete in the various robotics challenges.

Elite Sport Stacking Championships 2018
WSSA-SG-TKA Asians’ Elite Sport Stacking Championships 2018 is a unique Sport Stacking competition with about 100 participants from 5 Asian countries participating in Individual, Doubles, Parent-child and Relay events. Sport Stacking athletes will face-off with their skill in Sport Stacking. Sport Stacking is also known as the Ultimate Track Meet for the hands where well-trained athletes Stack-Up and Down-stack cups at warp speed.

Speak Up! Kids
Back for the third time, Speak Up! Kids is Singapore’s first national public speaking competition for primary level students. Created by Sphere Exhibits and Speech Academy Asia, this competition serves as a public speaking platform for the young. The competition is aimed at inculcating the ‘Three C’s mindset’ – Communication, Confidence and Creativity.

But more than just competitions, The Kidz Academy offers a wide range of interactive science and activities for kids too!

GO BIG ON SCIENCE!

For the first time this year, Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom located at Booth D01 will be showcasing their inflatable filled with more than 200 butterfly species that will definitely be a crowd puller! They will have hands-on bookmark making workshop and stage performances not to be missed! Visitors get to learn about the life cycle of the butterfly and understand more about other insects in the Insect Kingdom. Click here to register now: https://tkaxbutterflyaviary.eventbrite.sg

New this year as well, Science Centre Singapore located at Booth B01 will be highlighting their latest musical called “One Kind of Science” by KidsSTOP which is in conjunction with Singapore Kindness Movement. In addtion, Science Centre will be conducting science related activities and workshops at The Kidz Academy for families.

GO ON A LEARNING JOURNEY!

PUB located at Booth E01 will be promoting Singapore’s Third National Tap, NEWater through a series of raingarden workshops which includes learning journey stopovers to NEWater Visitor Centre during the 3 days! Shuttle bus services will be provided. Click here to register now: https://bit.ly/2LPHIho

A BUFFET OF HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES!

For an entrance fee of $13 per child, kids can enter the Activity Area for fun-filled activities such as Lego Robotics, Fun Science, Artz Booth: Perler Beads, Clay Modelling and Candle Making. Click here to register now: https://tkaxactivityareawhizzkidz.eventbrite.sg

GET ACTIVE!

The Kidz Academy will also be having an array of exciting activities like Gorilla Climbing and other exciting Sports inflatables like Inflatable Dart and Archery for children to play and have fun throughout the day!

DITCH THE ELECTRONICS AND EXPLORE NATURE!

The Kidz Academy will be partnering with SG Rocks to reach out to the community through an online campaign. In line with SG Rock’s mission to get children off electronics and explore nature kids can roam green spaces for painted rocks - instead of hunting for virtual monsters! In addition, visitors can paint different butterfly species on rocks and drop it off at various parks in Singapore. Hashtag #TKAXSGRocks and the Top 3 Winners will win attractive prizes!

CAPTIVATE THE KIDS WITH ENGAGING STORIES!

The Kidz Academy Storyland, a segment featuring live theatrical acts, will showcase performances based on Singapore’s urban legends – The Brave Princess, The Heroic Tortoise and The Loving Sisters. Click here to sign up now: https://thekidzacademy2018xstoryland.eventbrite.sg

COMPLETE THE KIDZ ACADEMY PLAY PASS TO WIN A PRIZE!

The Kidz Academy Play Pass is an interactive activity for children of all ages. Participants are to complete activities from different pit stops held at various booths at the event. Completion of the Fun Passport entitles one to a spin & win with exclusive prizes up for grabs.

LEARN SAFE CYCLING HABITS!

There will be a dedicated zone that imparts basic skills training and road circuit simulation to educate kids on safe cycling. Children will be certified as a young safe cyclist at the end of the programme. Entry to Safe Cycle Zone is chargeable. Click here to sign up: https://safecycle2018.peatix.com/

RECEIVE A FREE GOODIE BAG WORTH $50!

With a total of 1,500 goodie bags to be given away, registrants can redeem the Goodie Bags at the event from 10.30am onwards. Participants can reserve a goodie bag through online registration or be the first 200 to queue at the door.

PLUS! There are Daily Lucky Draws with prizes worth more than $14,000 to be won. Visitors will be entitled to one chance in the lucky draw with minimum of $50 spent in 3 receipts. Happening daily at 7.30pm, a total of more than $14,000 worth of prizes to be given away!

AND YES, ADMISSION IS FREE FOR EVERYONE!

Do note that while admission is FREE, some activities require you to register before the actual day. This will enable the organisers to cater for everyone to have a good time and enjoy the activities in an orderly manner, so do check out The Kidz Academy's FaceBook page for registration details.

Oh, The Kidz Academy will be happening concurrently with the Baby Baby and Health Fiesta so it is actually a mega 3-in-1 exhibition for the entire family- all under one roof!

SEE YOU THERE!



For more information on the latest updates and event highlights, visit www.thekidzacademy.com.sg or www.facebook.com/thekidzacademy.

Being a Dad or a Father: What's the Difference?

With Father's Day around the corner, it got me thinking:

What is the difference between being a Father and a Dad?

Both titles may mean the same thing on surface - Both Father and Dad go to work to provide for their families. Both of them play, talk and discipline their kids. Both of them bring their families out to the malls, parks and try their best to bring them on holiday trips.

But yet, there is a difference... because if Dad and Father were the same, why then bother with separate words?

Personally, the word "Father" sounds more formal and serious. When you fill out a form, it is always "Father’s Name' or if a kid gets in trouble, it is always "Wait till your father gets home”. In fact, the term describes more of a biological role than a relationship. Fathers need only contribute the biological components necessary to produce the child.

A father doesn’t need to be present to have a child.

A father doesn’t need to be present to be a father.

Dad (or Papa), on the other hand, conjures up the element of fun. Being a dad means being in a relationship that spans time. Being a dad is a position of responsibility, one who is the role model and contributes to the life, growth and feelings of his child. Being a dad means being there for them, in good and bad times, physically and spiritually and even beyond in memories.

Because anyone can be a father.

But being a Dad?

One can only truly become a dad with years and years of hard work, commitment, sacrifice, love and action.

For me, even before I assumed the title of ‘Dad’, I had resolved to be there for my children wherever and whenever I could. From diaper-changing, bathing to playing and putting them to sleep, I was there. And I can tell you it was well worth it for sure.

I still recall the time when I had asked a then 5-year-old Ale to practice writing her numbers and while she did complete her task, she gave me an added bonus.

Obviously, she did not have to practice anymore after that. Heh.

Of course, life does change after children but I have found that the delight that comes with being a Dad to three monkies far outweigh the sacrifices. The first time they grab my finger, smile at me, take the first step, say the first word and then “I love you,” write their name, go to school, sing the alphabet, use the potty and many, many others. If someone were to tell me before the birth of my children that I would willingly change clothes for Barbie, serve tea to Hello Kitty, Dora and my daughter, I would have LOL-ed.

Today, I do all of that willingly because I am a Dad.

Because being a Dad enriches me, and makes me learn something new every day…even those from my own monkies.

When I hear music I love, I self-consciously sit still to listen as I will probably be too embarrassed should I go out of tune, or rhythm should I sing and dance. My monkies love to sing and boogie to the music, and even if they don't know the lyrics, they make up their own words.

When I see a puddle, I go around it. I see wet shoes and dirty carpets in my car. My monkies jump into it. They create splashes, get their shoes wet and squeal with laughter. Because it is harmless fun.

When I find empty cardboard boxes lying around in the storeroom, I see piles of junk and envision cockroaches having a field day scurrying through them. My monkies see tons of fantastic art and craft materials and celebrate these little things in life as the best days in their lives. Ever.

When I feel wind on my face, I feel it messing up my hair and making my eyes squint when I walk. My monkies close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it.

When I see a pile of twigs lying in the park, I see ants, dirty hands and accidental poking of one's eyes. My monkies see swords, guns and other creative stuff one can only imagine.

When I hold my monkies' hands, usually it is because we are crossing the road or in a crowded place. My monkies simply long for the sense of comfort felt through the touch of someone's hand.

Truth is, I am often humbled by the lessons that my monkies dish out. They stop me in my tracks, make me appreciate the moments in life and remind me to embrace the relationships and all other blessings that come along with it.

So what does being a Dad mean to you?
To me, it is all of the following:

A Dad smiles in the face of adversity. Even though he hasn't put on his running shoes in years, let alone run 800m. Even though he will pant and run after you like a bumbling elephant past herds of children. Because you ask him to.

A Dad does not always know the best or the right way to do things. In fact, his way is downright embarrassing sometimes. But he is always there to figure it out together with you. Because you expect him to.

A Dad makes the difficult look so easy. He may be in pain or just plain wilting in the heat, but he will put on a facial expression that makes him look like the coolest and meanest cowboy on this planet. Because you inspire him to.

A Dad gives you a little push, picks you up when you are down and carries you up on his shoulders - despite his aching back. He is always there for you. Because you need him to.

A Dad wants other people to ask his child, “What on earth does your dad do for a living? How is it that he can be at school to watch you perform every time? How can he drop you off at school every day? How can he bring you out to places every weekend? Doesn’t he have to work?”

For the record, I do have to work.

But being a Dad is work too. It is hard work, but it is rewarding work.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there who get the job done, grit their teeth and wait till the kids are asleep to apply the Deep Heat cream.

You guys are awesome!


This post was written in partnership with Hey Baby SG.