Janice Siew's Blog

Animal series have always captured the hearts of viewers. They tell tales of adventure, survival, friendship, and the fascinating lives...

Stories about animals have captivated audiences of all ages for centuries. They can be whimsical, adventurous, and sometimes even...

In recent years, the animal world has been buzzing with remarkable stories. From amazing discoveries in wildlife conservation to...

Are you a mom who's passionate about raising eco-conscious kids? Do you want to instill in them the importance of caring for the environment from a young age? Look no further! In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 10 eco-friendly products that both you and your kids will absolutely adore.

1. Organic Cotton T-Shirts

Give your kids the gift of comfort and sustainability with these super-soft organic cotton t-shirts. They are gentle on your little one's skin and help reduce the environmental impact of traditional cotton farming.

2. Reusable Stainless Steel Straws

Say goodbye to single-use plastic straws and hello to these reusable stainless steel alternatives. They're durable, easy to clean, and perfect for sipping on juice boxes or smoothies.

3. Zero-Waste Lunchboxes

Pack your kid's lunches in style with these eco-friendly lunch boxes. Made from sustainable materials, they promote waste reduction and are perfect for on-the-go meals.

4. Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes

Upgrade your dental hygiene routine with these biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes. They're a sustainable alternative to plastic toothbrushes and are gentle on both teeth and the environment.

5. Eco-Friendly Kids Pencil Cases

Keep your little artist organized with these stylish and eco-friendly pencil cases. They're made from recycled materials and come in fun designs that your kids will love.

6. Reusable Cloth Diapers

Ditch disposable diapers and opt for these adorable reusable cloth diapers. They're better for the planet and softer on your baby's delicate skin.

7. Natural Wooden Toys

Inspire creativity and reduce plastic waste with these charming natural wooden toys. They're safe and durable, and provide hours of screen-free entertainment for your little ones.

8. Plant-Based Kids Mealware

Make mealtime more exciting with plant-based kids' mealware. These colorful and eco-friendly plates and utensils are perfect for encouraging your kids to eat their fruits and veggies.

9. Solar-Powered Night Lights

Brighten up your child's room with these whimsical solar-powered night lights. They harness the sun's power to emit a soft, comforting glow that will help your little one drift off to sleep.

10. Eco-Friendly Kids Backpacks

Get your kids ready for school or a day out with these eco-friendly backpacks. They're made from recycled materials, have ample storage space, and are durable enough to withstand all of your child's adventures.

By incorporating these eco-friendly products into your daily routines, you're not only setting a positive example for your kids but also contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. Let's raise the next generation of environmental stewards, one eco-friendly product at a time!

Join the movement towards a cleaner, greener planet with these fantastic eco-friendly products that both moms and kids will love. It's never too early to start making a difference!

So, which of these eco-friendly products are you most excited to try out with your little ones? Let us know in the comments below!

Encouraging kids to read is a crucial aspect of their development that can have a lasting impact on their academic success and overall well-being.

Here are 10 innovative methods to encourage a passion for reading in children.

1. **Create a Cozy Reading Nook:**

Design a special corner in your home with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a variety of books to entice children to read.

2. **Lead by Example:** Let children see you reading regularly. When they observe adults enjoying books, they are more likely to develop a love for reading themselves.

3. **Visit the Library:** Take regular trips to the library to expose children to a wide range of books and allow them to choose titles that spark their interest.

4. **Host a Book Club:** Encourage children to read a book together with their friends or family members, followed by discussions and activities related to the story.

5. **Set Reading Goals:** Help children set achievable reading goals, such as finishing a certain number of books in a month, to keep them motivated and engaged.

6. **Make Reading Interactive:** Use props, sound effects, or different voices while reading aloud to make the experience more engaging and fun for children.

7. **Incorporate Technology:** Utilize e-books, audiobooks, or reading apps to cater to different learning styles and make reading more accessible and enjoyable.

8. **Create a Reading Challenge:** Develop a reading challenge with rewards for completing tasks like reading books from different genres, authors, or time periods.

9. **Encourage Creativity:** Inspire children to write their own stories, draw illustrations for books they read, or act out scenes from their favorite stories to foster a deeper connection with reading.

10. **Celebrate Reading Achievements:** Acknowledge and celebrate children's reading milestones, whether it's finishing a challenging book or reaching a certain number of pages read, to boost their confidence and love for reading.

One effective way to promote a love for reading in children is by creating a conducive environment that fosters a positive attitude towards books. This can be achieved by setting aside dedicated time each day for reading, whether it's before bedtime or as a family activity. Additionally, providing children with a variety of reading materials that cater to their interests and reading levels can help keep them engaged and motivated.

Another strategy to encourage kids to read is by being a reading role model yourself. Children often emulate the behaviors of the adults around them, so demonstrating a love for reading through your own actions can inspire them to follow suit. You can also make reading a fun and interactive experience by organizing book clubs, reading challenges, or trips to the library or bookstore.

Furthermore, praising and rewarding children for their reading efforts can boost their confidence and reinforce positive reading habits. Celebrating their progress, whether it's finishing a book or improving their reading skills, can instill a sense of accomplishment and encourage them to continue exploring the world of books.

In conclusion, by creating a supportive reading environment, being a reading role model, making reading enjoyable, and acknowledging children's reading achievements, parents and educators can effectively encourage kids to develop a lifelong love for reading.

My alphabet E book is in progress!

My illustrator is working on it, but unfortunately, he was hospitalised due to COVID-19 a few weeks ago.

We still have a little time until the end of September, when I should publish the book.

I do not want to rush him because there are quite a bit of drawings to do for this book.

A sneak preview: This is a class trip!

Aww! I can't wait for the illustrations to be done! Exciting parts are about to be revealed once I have his sketches!

I decided to go with Shobaru, the illustrator for 'Considerate Caleb'. He charges me regardless of the number of book characters and is a great illustrator too!

I gave up trying to do drawings myself. I have no talent for drawing. =(

Anyway, for all 26 books to be out, it will take about 5 years!

It is a challenge but I am willing to accept it!

Should I start a kickstart campaign for this book collection? Still wondering

For now, I am still doing my print-on-demand online shop on Etsy and Wix.

I have expanded my product line to not only include book merch, but also products for the young!

Please do visit my shop!

[image error]

I came across a Singapore mompreneur (@ariababies_sg) on instagram and found that she is selling sustainable baby products.

I wanted to purchase one of her items: a baby handwashing tablet. But I just bought 2 bottles of baby handwash, so I remind myself to buy hers after I finish mine.

I like her baby products. I do not buy baby products anymore, so I cannot support her other than the handwash.

Anyway, she did give me an idea to come up with eco-friendly products of my own. I thought about starting my brand with a different perspective. Of course, I still can use Printify to do my print-on-demand products. I found that Printify has suppliers that sell eco-friendly or organic products. I will sell these eco-friendly products on Wix and Etsy.

Meanwhile, I am sourcing if there are other means to find such products by print-on-demand.

I found this on Shopify, and I quote:

"...like baby products and beauty, consumers are demanding them. " Although I do not sell baby products, I can apply them to kids' products too.

Price-wise, eco-friendly products are a tad expensive, but I am sure there is a lot of demand for them.

Support in my new business perspective!

.They mimic behaviors, adopt mannerisms, and absorb values from the world around them. This process of observation and imitation is crucial in shaping their understanding of social norms, ethics, and life skills. As such, adults hold a tremendous responsibility in modeling positive behavior and fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, kindness, and resilience.

When adults demonstrate empathy, patience, and integrity, children are more likely to develop these traits themselves. Engaging in meaningful conversations, showing respect to others, and handling challenges with grace all serve as powerful lessons for young minds.

Encouraging children to ask questions and explore their interests can also nurture their innate sense of wonder and drive for learning.

In essence, the actions and attitudes of adults have a profound impact on the developmental journey of children. By setting a positive example, adults can help cultivate a future generation that is compassionate, respectful, and equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Examples of how children observe and learn.

Activities include visiting museums, where they can explore interactive exhibits and learn about history, science, and art in an engaging environment.

Another great example is participating in nature walks, where children can observe wildlife, plants, and ecosystems firsthand, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

Additionally, cooking together can be a fantastic learning experience, teaching kids about measurements, following instructions, and the science behind food preparation.

Educational videos and documentaries tailored for young audiences can also be valuable, providing visual and auditory stimulation while covering a wide range of topics.

Storytime sessions, whether at home or in libraries, can ignite imagination and improve literacy skills.

Hands-on science experiments, such as creating volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar or growing crystals, allow children to see scientific principles in action.

Lastly, art and craft projects help nurture creativity and fine motor skills, while learning about different cultures and traditions through music and dance can broaden their understanding of the world. These activities not only entertain but also provide valuable learning opportunities that help kids grow and develop in a well-rounded manner.

Some activities to promote children's development

We can create a variety of activities to foster children's development that are both fun and educational. Here are some ideas:

Art and Craft Projects: Encourage creativity and fine motor skills through drawing, painting, sculpting with clay, or making collages. This not only allows children to express themselves but also helps in developing hand-eye coordination.

Storytelling and Reading: Reading books together, telling stories, or even creating their own stories can enhance language skills, imagination, and cognitive development.

Outdoor Play: Activities like treasure hunts, gardening, or simple games like tag and hide-and-seek promote physical health, social skills, and an appreciation for nature.

Science Experiments: Simple, safe experiments can spark curiosity and teach basic scientific principles. For example, making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or growing crystals.

Music and Dance: Singing songs, playing simple instruments, or dancing to music can improve auditory skills, rhythm, and coordination, while also being a joyful way to express emotions.

Puzzles and Building Blocks: These can enhance problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills. Building blocks, in particular, can also stimulate creativity and engineering thinking.

Role-Playing Games: Playing 'house,' 'doctor,' or other imaginative games can help children understand different roles in society, develop empathy, and improve social and communication skills.

Cooking and Baking: Involving children in the kitchen can teach them about measurements, following instructions, and the basics of nutrition, while also being a fun sensory experience.

Sports and Team Games: Activities like soccer, basketball, or relay races can teach teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of physical fitness.

Mindfulness and Yoga: Simple yoga poses and mindfulness exercises can help children learn to manage stress, improve concentration, and foster a sense of inner peace.

By incorporating a mix of these activities into their routine, we can support all areas of children's development, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.

What Are Character Traits? 

Character traits define a character through qualities like thoughts, emotions, personality, and decisions, shaping their identity.

They form the core of a character's identity and help differentiate one character from another.

Why Is It Important to Teach Character Traits?

Understanding character traits involves more than reading; 

it's akin to being a detective searching for clues to comprehend characters deeply. 

It's about nurturing kindness and empathy in children as they explore characters, helping them see the world from different perspectives.

Children develop character traits and storytelling skills to create personalized characters throughout the quest.

Who are you?

I author a series of picture books 'An Alphabet Series of Animals'  that feature animals from A to Z, each showcasing distinct character traits.

Follow and subscribe to www.janicesiewbooks.com to read more picture books!

I was researching for some book ideas, and I came across Judyarnall.com I wanted to highlight this for those who don’t understand.

This is what I posted yesterday. Then I realised something.

I have been writing books for the inappropriate age group!

Well, I mean I have kids who are 4 and 5 years old, so I am writing based on what I have experienced through them.

Ailing Abby - I wrote this because they keep rubbing their eyes when they are itchy.

Boastful Brain - I just wrote this out of nowhere.

Considerate Caleb - Same as Brian.

Dilly-Dallying Daffie - I wrote this because I was thinking of how to write D book, and then caught Jaime dilly-dallying when it was time for school.

My picture book series is supposed to be for 3-7-year-old kids, but I didn't know that their behaviour would change by the time they reach 6 years old!

And of course, when I wrote A-D, Jasper and Jaime are still within 3-7 years old.

Now I need to specifically research solely on the behavioural traits of 3-5-year-olds.

By the letter G book, Jasper will be 6 years old. So I cannot watch and write based on their growth.

I will need another 4-5 years to finish writing the whole alphabet series. By then, they would be 10! Oh no!

I shall start on E book next week.

Haha, stop procrastinating, Janice.