June 2015

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LIFE&FAMILY
June15
DIGITAL LANGUAGE LEARNING
Little Mandarins has launched online lessons to reinforce
classroom tuition, part of a stimulating curriculum that was
created to engage kids in learning. Research has repeatedly
shown that repetition, practice and a reduction in the interval
between lessons all have important learning benefits. Expat
Living readers can take advantage of a special offer, the
first 10 callers receiving one free trial group lesson at the
Loewen school, plus one free online lesson within that same
week. Little Mandarins, #01-03 Block 71, Loewen Road.
6473 8377 |
JUST DANCE
Did you know that Tanglin Arts Studio now
has three locations? There’s the main studio
at Horsecity for regular classes, Sentosa Cove
for classes on Mondays, and Dance On Us at
Claymore Hill on Thursdays. Dancing is well
known for developing creativity and music
appreciation and improving fitness and co-
ordination, and it can widen your circle of friends!
Tanglin Arts Studio offers a range of dance
classes for everyone from kids aged two-and-
a-half to adults. 100 Turf Club Road, #01-02
Horsecity Block M. 6479 0304, 8123 6770 |
Oh, Behave!
One of the guests I invited to a recent party
at my home asked to bring along a friend of
hers who was in town at the time. Although
I already had a full guest list, I said it would
be fine, assuming that her friend would fit in
with my friends. Unfortunately, they made no
effort to mingle, choosing instead to sit on the
balcony outdoors and smoke – without even
asking permission! This has left me irritated, and
inclined to strike my guest off the list for future
parties. Two questions arise: (a) how to handle
requests to bring along additional guests; and (b)
what to do when people light up in a smoke-free
home, albeit on the balcony.
This is a great question, as so often in Singapore
guests are in town for long stays that can affect
our social plans.
If you have the space, invite the additional guest
to the party. Otherwise, your friend may not be
able to attend since she won’t want to abandon
her own guest. Any time you have guests that
aren’t mixing and mingling with the crowd, try to
engage them by asking questions. Here, you could
ask how the two guests met or what plans they’ve
made during the out-of-town guest’s stay. Any
questions of common ground should help to keep
the group more connected and involved. If you are
the one bringing an extra guest, do your best to
introduce them to friends at the party. Also, don’t
forget a hostess gift.
With regard to the smoking, this is up to you
and your own house rules. Guests should never
presume it’s acceptable to smoke in another’s
home, even on the balcony. Some folks have a
real sensitivity to smoke or have health issues. If
smoking doesn’t bother you, set out an ashtray
and let the smokers know where you put it. If you
don’t want people to smoke on your balcony, let
them know. “I’m sorry, my daughter has asthma,
so we can’t have smoking anywhere near our
house. You can go to the garden off the main
lobby though.” If you are a smoker, speak with the
hostess before lighting up.
Manners in Mind provides modern-day advice, and
classes for children and adults on cultural, social and
corporate etiquette. 8157 3365 |
Minding your Ps and Qs, even when others
don’t. Kristen Graff, founder of Manners in
Mind, answers your sticky social questions.