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Besides just playing around you could consider some more ´formative´ activities. Many children love being busy, creative and around other kids doing so and it is good for them (this is not a child psychiatrist speaking but a common parent). So what can you do:

Music

There is a large number of music schools and teachers in Singapore teaching according to ´local´ or ´international´ methods. You can start as soon as a year with some general ´music appreciation classes´ where they learn different sounds and rhythms, sometimes combined with dance/movement.

From about 4, depending a bit on the school, they can start on the piano, violin or percussion. It is fun, though practising at home may prove difficult. Note that a parent (or maid) has to attend the classes for the smaller ones or you may end-up with 45 minutes or an hour waiting on your hand, great time to pick-up the latest Grisham.

Dance / Ballet

We don´t want to discriminate here but this still is a girls thing, after most classes all you see is a flood of pink tutu´s, but if your boy would want why not? it is great for physical development and motor skills. ´Real´ ballet classes start from around 3 with some general movements and it goes all the way up to teens. Besides the ballet there is also tap, jazz etc. There are again quite a number of schools and institutions, check the yellow pages.

Arts and Crafts

Whohoo, playing with clay, with paint, great! but off course there are also beads, woods and whatnot. There is a huge range of this available ranging from 1 hour 'workshops' in shopping centres where your child can have fun while you shop to regular courses. It is really impossible to list them here. If you are interested in it the best thing to do is check with some of the other parents in your place or at a school (great way for you to meet people too).

Sports / Swimming

Good for their physical development and, in case of swimming, some added safety! Ranging from holiday camps to regular lessons. Check out the YMCA, school or, if you want to blend in a bit, the local community centre.

Do you need more info? Leave a message on our expat message board!