Long-haul Jet Plane with Kids

Travelling solo or with a partner or even a group of friends is easy compared to travelling with kids. It can be great fun adventures but can also seems be difficult and stressful. In last end of May, I had a solo flight for the first time with my girls and little boy to Sweden.

Why we flew off to Sweden? Actually, Shahar had received an offer to further his study in Uppsala Universitet and he has gone over there a year ago. Now, we're followed him. It was a great opportunity for us in order to add valuable life experience by stepping out of our comfort zone, exploring different cultures, learning new language, Swedish and expanding circle of friends.

Although my kids was quite big enough to do thing by themselves, prepared everything needed earlier would makes travel experiences easier. So before hand, I did some research on tips preparing for the flight and what should be in kids carry-on bags. 

Our last family photo for this year. 

There's few persons missing in those pictures. Nevermind, hope we will have another great family photo when we back. 

We got very special assistance on that day, this MH steward escorted us from home all the way to cabin. Siap tolong angkut luggage dari rumah ke airport dan repacked luggage sebab luggage terlebih muatan berat. 

Checked baggage cannot exceed 32 kg in weight, okay!

Thank you, Mr. Daniel @ Uncle Danny

Goodbye Malaysia! 

Please be nice while we're away. We will be back soon. 

 From KLIA, it tooks about 13 hours flight to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, mid way till our final destination, Stockholm.

View in MH16 Business Class cabin
*this picture taken from Google*

The most important thing when travelling with kids, make sure you secure the seats in advance, ask to be seated together and choose one aisle seat, so you don't disturb others. If travelling with a baby, make sure the bassinet is reserved. Check your seat assignments again before the trip and then again at the check-in counter. 

We had very miserable seating allocation at first although I already asked to be seated together once the flight booking was confirmed. Each of us has been allocated seated separately. Pfffttt! Of course my kids refused to sit next to a stranger for 13 hours. Thanks to the crews on that flight for doing job so well with full of courtesy in asking other passengers to switch their seating with us. Pheww! At the end, we got two rows of a pair of window and aisle seats. Adel seated with me, while Auni and Alya together at my back. It was closed to toilet too. The business class cabin consists of a total five rows and in a 2-3-2 configuration.

Pre-departure apple juice and mixed nuts were offered before we had an appetizer, satay with peanut sauce. 

They served us salads before our main course, Grilled Chicken served with potato, carrots and beans. I need to help my boy with his food, so I didn't managed to snap the main course picture.

He was very well-behaved along the journey.

After dinner, we put the seat into sleeping position. The seat controls were pretty intuitive even kids can do it by themselves. My kids slept fine for 6-7 hours, but I just can't seem have a good one even though my body was too tired. Huh! 

Seat controls

Since I'm not sleeping, I keep entertained myself watched movies. At that point, the steward came over and offered something to drink and I requested for hot tea. He also offered some chocolates and cookies. After a while, he came back and told me if I need anything just let him know. Wah! *patut minta Maggi Curry sebab makan tak puas makan masa dinner tadi*

Our early morning breakfast before landed.

Breakfast like a Malaysian on board.., nasi lemak with spicy prawn sambal. *thumbs up*
Lepas ni, nak makan nasi lemak kena masak sendiri.

As we descended, the in-flight supervisor came through the cabin to thank each passenger for flying with Malaysia Airlines, and wished us a nice time in Amsterdam. 

Oh well! We had very pleasant flight with Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam with this boy. =)

On board KLM flight from Amsterdam to Stockholm Årlanda Airport. It took about two hours and right after the flight take-off, all my kids fell asleep until we reached Sweden. 
Nampak sangat penat travel ye anak-anak. 

And finally....

Hej! Välkommen till Sverige!

*jet-lagged*

I would be lying if I said a flight alone with three young kids isn't tricky. The logistics of getting the bag packed and on the plane, getting all four of us through check in, security, loaded off the plane, transit, taking them to toilet, loaded off to another plane, getting bags, etc..... The truth, I am nervous and scared to travel with this young kids without Shahar at the beginning. But Alhamdulillah, we're survived and everything went smoothly. 

I am 'Super Mommy'! 

Stay Calm and Read Book

I am a “real book” reader because I just love the feel of a book in my hand. When I read, I just prefer holding an actual book and turning the pages. Old-fashioned? Probably, but I like it that way.

"I like to read. And once I read something, I understand it, 

and once I understand it, I never forget it." 

- Suits (Season 1, "Pilot").

You can tell a lot by a person by the books they read. In my house, you would guess I’m into religion, decor, parenting/babies, fashion, cooking and of course, novels. Shahar’s books are all about business, leadership, and motivation.

Our mini library at living room. 
I have another bookshelf in my bedroom where I put all my novels, 
and school reference books.

All three of my kids love to read, and I didn't have to trick them into it. 

I think that my kids have become the little bookworms because Shahar and I, both loved to read. We did a lot of reading with our kids from a very young age and they always loved books. For me, reading is a lifelong hobby and it can help build the imagination, vocabulary and education to you and your children. Studies show what common sense tells us: the more kids read, the better they read and the more pleasure they get out of reading.

It a must for us to enter the bookstores every time we go to the shopping mall and it is something all of my kids look forward to. Sometimes when we go for outings or vacations, my kids will bring their own favorite book together. Or should I say, I've remind them to do so.

There are some helpful ways to make reading fun for your children which I have been practicing to my three little munchkins.

Child will do as you do, not as you say.

Parents are powerful role models and greatest influence for children.

Modelling your own love of reading is more powerful than making your child sit through a rigid story time. If they see you reading, they will want to read. =)

Avoid pressuring your child.
Slow and steady wins the race!
All children learn to read at a different pace. Set aside a chunk of time during which they should read, instead of asking your little ones to finish a certain number of pages.
If it's a race to the finish, nobody wins.x
When your child is not interested in a certain book, just put it away.

Try to read to them what they are most interested in but also introduce new books all the time.

Make books accessible.

Surround your kids with reading material that interests them. 
 Keep them where your kids can reach them on their own.  

Read to and with your child.
No matter how busy you are, reading with your kids is a necessary activity.
At night, before your children go to sleep, pick out a book to read. 
Stay in the habit, even if you only have 10 minutes.

As little as 10 minutes of free reading a day can help improve your child's skills and habits. 

Spend time in the library or bookstores together as regular outing. 

Let your child choose favorite books to read and borrow / buy,

and encourage your child to explore the library and enjoy all the activities it offers.

Take steps to minimize TV, computer and mobile screen time.

Limit your children's TV and other gadgets viewing in an effort to make time for other activities, 
such as reading. Those technologies can discourage child' imagination because it creates ready-made imaginary worlds to them.
Never use TV or gadgets as a reward for reading, or a punishment for not reading. 

Read! Anytime, anywhere and anyhow.

Not all reading takes place between the covers of a book. 
What about menus, road signs, food labels, and pamphlets? 
Take advantage of countless spur-of-the-moment opportunities for reading 
during the course of your family's busy day.
Make reading for fun and pleasure a part of your everyday life.

"What helps a child get through those certain roadblocks ... is having someone 

who's constantly on their side letting them know they can do it," 

Syoknya Puasa

Ramadan datang lagi...

Today is a first day of Ramadan 1434H. Alhamdulillah, Auni managed to fast for the whole day and Alya did broke her fast at around 2 p.m. Actually, this is Alya's first day of fasting. Buka puasa pun sebab tak tahan godaan si kecik Adel yang dok makan/minum depan dia sejak dia balik sekolah. Siap dok promote lagi.. hahaha..

Well done little girls!

Btw, I would like to share with you this video.. "Tips Berpuasa untuk Anak-anak" bersama Wardina. Good information indeed. Let's watch!

May Allah s.w.t. help and guide our kids to be a good Muslims. Ameen Ya Rabb Al Ameen.

Curious kids need to be tough inside

All young children are naturally curious and love to use their senses to learn more about the fascinating world around them. They like to touch, feel and exploring new things. They also learn about things by putting them in their mouths. It's a normal!

Germs are everywhere and being exposed to child is a natural part of life. I am realizing that a strong immune system is the key to a healthy child. If child has a weaken immune system they are susceptible to colds, flu and other problems. As a parent I am constantly looking for various ways that I can boost my children's immune system. There are several things that I found that work to keep my kids strong and healthy. Why not give some of the tips below a try.

BREASTFEEDING

- Breast milk contains more than 100 ingredients that the formula industry simply can't duplicate. Breast milk is full of antibodies that protect babies from illness and help them develop their own immune systems. I started breastfeeding my kids since they're born. And currently I'm still breastfeeding my lil' baby and I plan to exclusively do so for at least up to six months.

MAKE HEALTHY MEALS THAT YOUR CHILD WILL LIKE

- It is very hard to get my kids to eat healthy food and if you have a picky eater like my girl, Auni it can be more challenging. I've teach my kids about what they should eat and why. Besides that, I make them a part of the shopping process and let them help out preparing the lunch/dinner. This way I can ask for my kids input and let them choose the healthy food that they might enjoy.

TRY GIVING YOUR KIDS PLENTY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

- Do give your kids nature's best - at least five juicy, crunchy, crispy, tasty fruits and vegetables everyday. Serving your child fruits and veggies is an important part of helping them grow up strong and healthy. Be creative to fix and prepare it in various ways.

STRICTLY ENFORCED THEIR BEDTIME

- Children need more sleep than adults. Lack of sleep will break down child's immune system. Make sure your child gets an adequate amount of sleep at least ten hours per day. Try to put them to bed earlier if your child won't take naps during the day. My kids easily get cranky if they don't have enough sleep.

MORE WATER, LESS JUICE

- It would weaken child's immune system when there's not enough water in their diet. The human body is 70% water and it needs a continuous fresh supply to work properly. This is a good way to fight off germs. Avoid giving sugary drinks to your kids bcoz it can actually dehydrate and increase our child's need for water. 

THEY MUST PLAY!

- I will make sure my kids get plenty of physical exercise. This will help to boost their immune system. Let's send them outside to play and having fun. :) 

TRACKING VACCINATION SCHEDULE

- I've always keep my child up to date on all their vaccines. The vaccinations, that they are given help strengthening the immune system and protect them from illnesses.

GIVE YOUR KIDS VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS

- There are currently plenty of supplements on the market that contain vitamins which can boost an immune system. I have giving my kids vitamins 'CHAMPS' with orange flavor. It is chewable, and my kids really enjoy taking two tablets everyday.

PROPER HYGIENE

- Kids usually like to touch everything and then put their hands in their mouths. Keep clean and wash your child's hands, before meal, after using the toilet or play with other children. Show them how you do over and over. Don't get frustrated!

LOVE AND LAUGHTER

- Our children are our greatest pleasure and greatest responsibility in this world. The thing that our children need most from us as parents is our love. It helps strengthen child's immune system. I always try to spend as much the quality time with my kids doing activities. To show how much I love my kids, I do give them lots of hugs and kisses. They are so precious in my life. 

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Talk about 'Curious kids need to be tough inside', Dutch Lady's has introduced the Friso Gold which is specially formulated for boosting your child's gut and immune system. Friso Gold is enriched with many beneficial nutrients. Children will simply love this creamy and tasty formula milk, and happily proven the nutritious. :)

Hey guys, The Nuffnang Friso Gold Family Day Out is back again! 80 invitation on this coming 2nd January 2010 at Kizsports & Gym, One Utama (Old Wing) are to be given for the lucky Nuffnaggers. Wanna try your luck?

Just log on to www.nuffnang.com.my/frisogold. Upload a picture and use your creativity to show how your kids fight off the bacterias and germs! Then write about on how you help increase your child's immune system with blog entitled "Curious kids need to be tough inside" and please submit it before 29 December 2009. It's so simple guys!

And don't forget about the great prizes. *winks*

The best creative blog post would be walking away with 3D2N holiday package for a family of 4 to Disneyland Hong Kong. Plus, RM100 Toy 'R' Us Vouchers to be given away to the 10 blog entries with the most effort. Interesting huh!

P/S: Can I be among the lucky ones? *wink..wink*

My Big Helper

My little girl maybe little. However Alya has become my big helper, especially since Adel came along. She helped me do things even though I did not ask her. 

I am proud of my little precious. She is so adorable in my eyes and so are things she does that amuse me.