Becoming parents is a joyful time for couples. You bond over baby, you delight in each milestone. But once the children start arriving, it’s an ongoing struggle to make time for yourself, for each other, and most of all, as a couple.
In the most successful marriages, couples make it a point to spend time together. So, designate a regular slot to share some couple time. Don’t waste it discussing your children or the household budget. Use it to keep each other updated on what’s happening in your life, and for having fun!
If you need help minding the kids, these places keep your kids entertained while you’re out.
The Fun House
The service If you need a night out together, park your kids at JWT Kids Gym. It organises a “Kids Night Out” session every last Friday of the month for kids 4 to 10 years old. Between 6pm and 10pm, the youngsters get to work out, do art and craft activities, eat pizza and watch a movie. Parents only need to provide blankets and pyjamas. Members pay $55, and non-members, $78. Your second child gets a 10 per cent discount while the third gets in free! A great choice if you’re planning FamilyFdinner and a movie. By the time you pick up your kids, they may already be asleep!
Child’s Play
The service Kids between 2 and 4 years can attend Kidz Station’s walk-in playgroup sessions, which are held from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The school boasts a good adult-child ration and offers age-appropriate programmes in a warm and stimulating environment. The cost is $45 per session Good if you need to do some shopping, run an errand or do brunch.
How No reservations required but places are limited. Call 6735-6340 for more information, or visit #02-37 Forum the Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road
Handy Crafts
The service Parents with kids aged 3 years and above can check out what Junior De Artist at Novena Square has to offer. The shop, which runs children’s art and craft classes, has a walk-in service from noon to 8pm. Here, your kids will be guided on various craft projects, such as greeting cards, photo frames and masks. The rates, inclusive of materials, are $15 for the first hour and $5 for each subsequent half hour. That gives you time to catch a movie or have dinner à deux.
How Call to check if spaces are available. Tel: 6255-7860, or e-mail [email protected] for more information. Junior De Artist is at #03-22 Novena Square, 238 Thomson Road.
Dine with a Difference
The service If you just can’t bear to part with your kids but still want to share a meal with your husband, try Globetrotters Restaurant at United Square. This family-friendly restaurant boasts a special glassed-in play area so that you can keep an eye on your rugrats while you eat. Assistants facilitate play, storytelling and games for kids between 2 and 6 years. It also has a range of activities for older kids, such as puzzles for loan, colouring books and even DIY pizza. Open daily, 8am (9am on weekends) to 10pm. Keep your kids happily entertained while you enjoy an uninterrupted meal for once!
At Your Service
The service If you are a member of The Hollandse Club, you’re in luck. This family club has excellent child minding services that features play facilities, education toys and even qualified caregivers to take care of your kids. It takes kids from newborn to 6 years. Members pay $4 per half hour, $6 per hour, while guests of members pay $6 per half hour, $8 per hour. The facility operates from 8.30am to noon, Monday to Friday. Here’s a plan – drop your kids off and then kick back and enjoy the club’s facilities. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, work out in the gym and return re-energised.
How Call 6464-5225 for more details. Hollandse Club is at 22 Camden Park (off Adam Road).
Parents’ Day Out
The service If you have an emergency or simply need a breather, you can leave babies as young as 2 months old with Learning Kidz where they will be cared for by trained personnel. They have qualified babysitters who will tend to your infants, toddlers and preschoolers. They daily charge is $35 for kids 18 months and above and $50 for babies aged 2 months to 17 months (available only at the Serangoon Central branch). No membership is required for this service. The centres operate on weekdays, from 7.30am to 7pm. Ideal if you need to take a complete break from your kids for the day – it gives couples more than enough time to indulge in a leisurely spa treatment or even steal away to Johor Bahru together.