BANGKOK MOTHERS & BABIES INTERNATIONAL, A PROJECT OF CHILDBIRTH AND BREASTFEEDING FOUNDATION THAILAND April 2020

CraftsCrafts andand ActivitiesActivities forfor KidsKids

MealMeal Planning:Planning: GoodGood forfor YourYour

www.bambiweb.org PocketPocket andand thethe PlanetPlanet

MommyMommy Locks:Locks: ManagingManaging PostpartumPostpartum HairHair LossLoss April 2020

contents 5 Chairwoman’s letter 6 Editor’s Corner

Welcome to BAMBI On The Cover Bangkok Mothers & Babies International 12 Mommy Locks: Managing Postpartum Hair Loss 16 Environmentally Friendly Crafts and Activities for Kids 34-35 Meal planning - good for your pocket and the planet! “Support and friendship through the common bond of Special Features parenthood” 12 Mommy Locks: Managing Postpartum Hair Loss 14 Raising Eco-Conscious Kids Mel Habanananda 16 Environmentally Friendly Crafts and Activities for Kids 20 Visiting Siem Reap with a Baby 22-23 Asthma in Children: What Concerned Parents Should Know 24-25 Family Runs: Healthier and happier for the long run 26-27 Introducing Sex Education To Your Child By Age 30 The True Meaning of Songkran 34-35 Meal planning - good for your pocket and the planet! We are a group offering support and 36-37 Nurturing Natural Connections companionship to each other through the early years of parenting. 38-40 PART 2: Bottles, Bottles, Bottles - A handy guide for bottle-fed babies 44-45 How I Made My Home More Eco-Friendly We offer prenatal and postnatal support, regular playgroups, fundraising for charities and more. If you wish to join, come to our New Members’ Coffee Morning or any Playgroups & Events other regular BAMBI activity. To volunteer to serve on the committee, contact any 6 Thonglor Playgroup of the committee members listed in this 28 magazine. ママ＆プレママ・モーニング 28 Saturday Nana Playgroup 35 Sukhumvit 31 Playgroup BAMBI is a project of the Childbirth & Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand (CBFT). Mission Statement In Every Issue The CBFT is a non-profit networking and resource center dedicated to ensuring the best possible start in life for our 8 Kid’s Corner babies. We believe that this can best be achieved through: 10 BAMBI Needs You! 18 Reader’s Corner n Encouraging the appropriate use of technology and medication for all births. 42 How to Become a BAMBI Member n Promoting breastfeeding for every mother and baby in the community. 46 April Birthdays n Providing information and training to health 46 New Members professionals involved in maternity care. n Supporting parents through the pregnancy, birth and 46 Language Coordinators postnatal period. 48-51 Member Discounts For more information on CBFT, contact: 52-53 Support Groups English speaking, Tel 05-310-4573; [email protected] Thai speaking, Mobile: 081-776-9391; [email protected] or 54-56 Playgroups and Activities [email protected]. Or 57 BAMBI Team visit: www.cbfthai.org and www.facebook.com/pages/ Hello! ChildbirthBreastfeeding-Foundation-of-Thailand 58 Member Profile Can you find me in the magazine?

Follow BAMBI on Facebook: Cover photographer: Yoko Kawaguchi facebook.com/BAMBIBangkok Cover models: Kei and Rei Kawaguchi

chairwoman's letter

Dearest BAMBI members,

Welcome to April! Probably many of us it with my kids and to debate possible are helping our kids with homeschooling solutions with my kids. More importantly, right now. I had my first self-quarantine it made me research and think so much experience a month ago and it was an about sustainability. Since then, we Weye-opening experience for me. have made changes to our lifestyle a little. The food we eat, the products we I was excited to see what my kids are buy, actions we take…we try to think if learning at school but I wasn’t expect- they are sustainable and helping every- ing them to challenge me with the Sus- one on earth. All each of us can do is tainable Developmental Goals (SDGs)! very small, but we all should make a first When I was 10 years old, I was learn- step toward the global goals because Akiko Cayne ing how to use an abacus and memo- we love the earth and want to sustain rizing Chinese characters by writing the earth. them 100 times each day without really knowing the reason why. I memorized My sons might not be able to make fast BAMBI, I should do the same. Thank you words, multiplication tables, and history calculations but they know which oil is so much for your help over the years, I because the teacher told us to. But the more environment-friendly at the super- had a blast! 10-year-old at my house is asking me if market! This seems right to me. My wish the consumption of meat affects climate is that my kids turn out to be friendly to Love and hugs to you all. change. He knows all the UN Global people as well as the environment. Goals by heart because they become a rap song. Well, this is the last letter from me as the Acting Chairwoman of BAMBI. I have Akiko Cayne To be honest, I didn’t know the details enjoyed my life as a Chairwoman but Acting Chairwoman of all these 17 SDGs. I am very thankful it is time for me to move forward. As that I got an opportunity to learn about my kids have already graduated from

www.bambiweb.org • 5 EDITOR’S CORNER

Welcome to April!

I hope you and your family are doing was being set up. I realized that to live well. At the time of going to print there is sustainably and set a good example for some uncertainty about when things will my kids, I need to be more conscious of Ireturn to normal, so some dates or events my daily decisions. It's daunting, but I was mentioned in the articles may change. comforted when I read this quote by Anne- During this time of social distancing and Marie Bonneau, “The world doesn’t need the restrictions on daily life I am finding one person doing zero-waste perfectly; comfort in small connections with nature. we need everyone doing it imperfectly.” Seeing mangoes grow bigger on my Rina Wongpanich neighbor's tree, listening to bird songs If you also want to live more sustainably and watching the later sunsets are all and teach your kids to look after the the settings in your BAMBI profile on our reminders that nature is continuing on its planet, you’ve picked up the right website. course. As summer is here, we can only magazine. We’ve asked parents to share dream of the ocean breeze and splashing their experiences and tips so that we can I can’t finish without thanking all the writers around in the water but let's look forward all try to make a difference bit by bit. No and the editorial team for helping with this to those days returning. more guilt - just action, even if it’s a small issue. You all make a huge difference, and step! I thank you for your continued support. Speaking of water, I’m reminded of the early days when I was settling into BAMBI is also making changes to be Take care! Bangkok. I got eco-anxiety from having more sustainable as an organization. Did to purchase bottled drinking water as you know that you can choose to read well as all the plastic waste we produced this magazine online instead of receiving Rina Wongpanich from ordering meals while our house a print copy? You just need to change Editor, BAMBI News

Do you have a story to tell? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

BAMBI THONGLOR PLAYGROUP

Photos by Mao Sano

Enjoy circle time and singing with an Early Years teacher. There is an outdoor play area, indoor play areas and a Esnack for the children. Wednesdays, 9:30am-11:30am. No registration required. Bangkok Preparatory & Secondary School, 23 Sukhumvit 53, Thonglor. B| 100 for members and B| 300 for non-members. Please check the calendar at www.bambiweb.org for dates.

6 • April 2020 Yuika, Year 4, Regents International School Pattaya G R E A T

T H I

Where great thinkers N are made We want your child to imagine a world of infinite K possibilities. Yuika builds on her 21st century skills in the STEAM Machine at Regents International School Pattaya - skills that will help her invent the future. E

This term, Yuika and her Year 4 classmates are working on a STEAM project to design and build R a scale model of a traditional hill tribe house of northern Thailand. See how your child can be inspired at S regents-pattaya.co.th Welcome to Kids' Corner where we feature BAMBI kids' words, drawings, and photos. This month it's all about "Enjoying the environment.”

Thank you for sending in your lovely pictures!

Send in your pics! Send us your kid's pics!

We’d love to publish your child's words, drawings, poems and photos. Please email them to photoed@ bambiweb.org for and be sure to Amari, 1 year include your child's name and age in your email.

Due 12 Apr: My family

Adriana, 1 and Amanda, 7

Happy, 2

Jayden, 17 months

Marnie, 10 months Tara, 2 years

8 • April 2020

BAMBI NEEDS YOU!

BAMBI is run by a group of lovely volunteers. Want to have fun, work together with other great parents, brush up on your pro- fessional skills, and do something for the BAMBI community? This is your chance. As many of our current Committee members are moving on from Bangkok BAMBI has a number of critical roles to fill to ensure ongoing service to members. BAMBI is great fun and a lovely welcoming community of like-minded parents trying to support and improve the parenting experience for all Bfamilies in Bangkok. If you have some time and passion to spare, come and join us.

To apply or if you have any questions about these volunteer opportunities, please email [email protected] detailing which position(s) you are interested in

We have a number of exciting opportunities currently available:

TREASURER CHAIRWOMAN TREASURER ASSISTANT Takes care of all financial aspects Be our CEO and coordinate the work of Helps the Treasurer take care of all fi- of BAMBI. This includes: supporting the Committee. Our Chairwoman acts nancial aspects of BAMBI, including BAMBI volunteers on financial aspects, as BAMBI’s official representative in the but not limited to: supporting BAMBI processing payments and receipts, re- wider community and liaises with other volunteers on financial aspects, pro- porting to the committee and helping voluntary groups in Bangkok. Chairs the cessing payments and receipts, pre- to prepare the annual reports, and en- monthly Committee meetings and writes paring reports to the committee and suring compliance with accounting/ a monthly column for the magazine. En- annual report, ensuring compliance bookkeeping. As a voting member of deavors to be present at BAMBI meet- with accounting/bookkeeping. Finan- the BAMBI Committee the candidate ings and activities. Prepares the annual cial background is not mandatory but will be required to attend monthly com- report for the AGM and the CBFT. To- preferred. mittee meetings. gether with the Treasurer, sets the budget for each member position, e.g. BAMBI events, BAMBI charities. Responsible for WEBSITE COORDINATOR recruiting new volunteers and is the first ACTIVITIES LEADERS Responsible for content, layout and contact for new people interested in vol- Works together with Activities Coor- updating the BAMBI website. Coor- unteering. dinator to organize activities for older dinates all website technical function- kids (3-6 years). Attends and manages ing with the assigned agency. Pro- the activity: collects entrance dona- vides email support to BAMBI volun- tions, and welcomes new and current NEW MEMBERS teers and coordinates with committee members. Helps the Coordinator devel- COORDINATOR members regarding website structure, op new activities and coordinate with Arranges monthly New Members’ content, policy, financing, etc. Works activity leaders and venues. Requires a Coffee Mornings (one weekday morn- diligently with the Website Assistants minimum commitment of one afternoon ing per month) and Pop-up playgroups to ensure that all classifieds, events, per month. (usually one weekend morning per vacancies, etc. are up-to-date and month). Communicates with venues site-appropriate. Attends monthly com- via email and site visits (usually once mittee meetings as a voting committee EDITOR, BAMBI NEWS per venue), prepares communications member. No IT experience needed. This is a remote position, with atten- for Facebook, website and BAMBI dance required at the monthly com- magazine. Welcomes families and mittee meeting and occasional team introduces BAMBI membership at PLAYGROUP LEADER meetings. The Editor plans content for the Coffee Mornings. For Pop-up / CO-LEADER the monthly magazine and gathers ar- playgroups, you will be required for Attends and manages the playgroup: ticles from an extensive database of 2-3 hours one Saturday morning per collects entrance donations, welcomes writers. Works with the Deputy Editor month. You don’t need to be a native new and current members to the play- to assign articles to assistants for edit- English speaker and you will be sup- group, and takes photos of the play- ing, proofreading, and uploading on ported by the team assistants. As a vot- group for BAMBI News magazine. the website. Decides on the layout of ing member of the BAMBI Committee, BAMBI playgroups are predominantly the magazine and coordinates produc- the coordinator will be required to at- ‘free-play’; however, Playgroup Lead- tion with the help of the team and a tend monthly committee meetings. ers and Co-leaders can voluntarily graphic designer. Must possess an eye introduce circle time or short activities for detail, a high level of English, and to their playgroup at their discretion. the ability to work to deadlines. Train- We have positions for Playgroup Lead- ing provided. ers/Co-leaders at various locations throughout Bangkok, Sukhumvit, Sath- orn, and Silom.

10 • April 2020 “ENROLLING NOW” 2-14 years old

• Enhanced British Curriculum. • 100% Native English-Speaking Teachers. • World Class Facilities. • Friendly and Welcoming Community. • Enormous Land of 60 Rai.

“NURTURING GLOBAL LEADERS” FEATURE Mommy Locks: Managing Postpartum Hair Loss

A hairstylist offers her perspective on postpartum hair loss and what you can do to feel better about yourself and your hair.

By Shaz Lalji

Dealing with postpartum hair loss can be Massaging castor or almond oil into traumatic, confusing, and leave us feeling the scalp stimulates hair growth while not quite ourselves. Keep in mind that this leaving hair conditioned and feeling soft Dis normal and temporary. Having a child and silky. is the best gift we can give ourselves, and yet we are rewarded with many Maintain a healthy and balanced trials and tribulations when coping with diet. Protein is especially essential for our body image, including our hair. As hair growth as hair is mostly made up of a hairstylist, I am not a medical doctor, protein. Continuing to take your prenatal nor do I have any medical experience. supplements is equally important as they I am simply a mom and hairdresser who contain biotin which also stimulates hair wants to support other moms. growth

The basic science behind postpartum Mothers are warriors! We selflessly hair loss. Be extra gentle on your hair give our bodies to our babies, we Generally, hair growth will return to during the shedding period. Avoid make a home for them, feed them, normal 6-12 months after giving birth. shampooing your hair excessively and nurture and comfort them! We do it This is all related to the growth cycle of only do so when necessary. Always use all, the remembering, the worrying, the your hair. 90% of your hair is in the conditioner and steer clear of detangling planning! We not only take care of growth phase at any given point. With your hair with a brush, try a wide-tooth our children, but we also take care of the hormonal changes after the birth of comb instead. Try to use scrunchies or other people! We should take care of your baby, more than 10% of your hair is barrettes to pull hair up, staying clear of ourselves too! in the resting phase. This is followed by rubber bands. Lastly, avoid pulling hair your hair shedding, which explains why too tight; this will cause more breakage. Remember, postpartum hair loss is new moms experience more than normal common and transitory. The feelings hair loss once the resting phase ends. Invest in a good shampoo and you experience are typical, and many For 60 percent of women, the shedding conditioner. Don’t go out and buy the mothers are experiencing the same - will be noticeably common and this can most expensive ones though. Invest in you are not alone! Reach out for help be distressing. good quality and quantity, no need as there is support available. Most to break the bank! A few brands importantly, take care of yourself! Allow Now that we understand why it I recommend that are available in yourself the time to destress, eat well and happens, what can we do about it? Bangkok and range in price are: of course, get your hair cut...when you With so much focus on the new baby, • Organix Thick & Full Biotin & look good, you feel good! very little attention is given to new moms, Collagen Shampoo especially their feelings towards body • Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Photo by Jenna Norman on Unsplash. image. The appearance of our hair is Therapy Thickening Shampoo a direct link to how we look and how • L’oreal Fall Repair 3x Anti-Hair Fall we feel about ourselves. So what can Shampoo About the Author we do for ourselves during this time of postpartum hair loss? Go au naturel! Give your hair a break. Try to avoid high alcohol-based hair Shaz Lalji Get a good haircut! Healthy hair products, like gel or hairspray. Using Shaz has been a stylist grows! I’ve often compared hair to a heat to a minimum is also helpful. As a for 15 years and has plant. When there are dead leaves on stylist, saying that isn’t easy; however, her own studio in Bangkok, Love Your a plant we remove them so that a new with a good cut, there is no need to Hair. https://www.facebook.com/ leaf can grow. Your hair is similar. New use heat every day to have gorgeous loveyourhairbkk. hair cannot grow if your ends are dead. hair! It’s not easy to keep hair looking Being a new mom, keep the cut simple beautiful in this climate without products She also has a degree in child and and easy to maintain. You and your and heat, but it can be done. Here are youth development and is very stylist should be able to communicate a few suggestions for natural products, passionate about combining her love what will look great and make you feel including peppermint oil. It is said to for both hair and children. even better! moisturize the hair and improve shine. 12 • April 2020

FEATURE Raising Eco-Conscious Kids

The idea of raising children while being eco-friendly seems like an oxymoron. But as one mom shares, you don’t have to know all the answers to teach your kids to be more aware of the environment. Talking about it and working together to make small changes are a great start towards making an impact on the planet.

By Maureen Codispodi

My eldest daughter just turned six what they think and what they can and for her birthday she decided that do about the environment and she would like to plant trees in lieu of environmental issues Mpresents. So we researched and found an organization that would accept Small ideas for a bigger impact donations; https://onetreeplanted.org. 1. Buy less She also decided that she would give 2. Eat less meat and animal products her friends plants for party favors. 3. Choose waste-free options and carry reusable straws, water I was sure that at her party she would bottles, bags and utensils. realize that her friends had not come 4. Use public transport, walk or cycle with gifts in hand and that she would 5. Chose local over imported be upset, but that is not what occurred 6. Choose outdoor holidays and at all. She enjoyed her gift-free party weekend activities which provide with her friends and when it was over, opportunities to be outside and in stated that she did not need any gifts for nature Christmas either. She seemed proud and 7. Use less electricity happy with herself. 8. Grow plants or a garden 9. Use chemical-free and simply made One parent friend who came to our Do you want to raise children who care products place asked, “How did you get her about planet earth? Me too! 10. Compost your food scraps to do that?”, I jokingly responded, “Brainwashing since birth." You don't have to be the perfect eco- My daughters believe they can have warrior to raise a child who can go a positive impact and I try to lead by All jokes aside, I realize that I have beyond and exceed your efforts. It's all example and share with them that, the helped to shape a person who truly cares about planting the seed. idea is not to be perfect but to make the for the people and world around her. best choices that we can. Truth be told, our household is currently Lead by example. Don't they say that the least ‘green’ household I have had in children do what you do, not what you I will leave you with the words of Greta all my adult years, but yet, my children say? Share your eco-journey thoughts, Thunberg, “no one is too small to make still know that we need to be kind to the decisions and actions with your children a difference”. planet and the people on it. so they can join your journey and learn alongside you. Photos by Elodie Valmary

Tips to raising eco-conscious About the Author children Maureen Codispodi 1. Make small changes and do what you can when you can and start Maureen is an impas- where you are sioned mom, entre- 2. Share the belief that small changes/ preneur, personal and professional choices matter coach, teacher and champion for 3. Discuss your reasons for making the environment. She is a Canadian certain choices with your children who has lived and worked around 4. share what you see happening in the globe as an international teacher your home and community and coach. She runs a local Facebook 5. Ask your children what they know, group, Rethink Life Bangkok.

14 • March 2020

Crafty Kids

Environmentally Friendly Crafts and Activities for Kids

We all want to take care of the planet and teach our kids the importance of being responsible and resourceful. Here are some fun art and crafts activities that you can enjoy at home.

By Lynn D. Querubin

1. Bird Feeders

What you need: Mix together some gelatin and the birdseed to Place the mixture in a refrigerator for around Birdseed bind the mixture together. Either use a spoon 30 minutes (or until hardened). Remove the or get your hands in there to mix it up. Either cookie cutter and the twig. Then, let your child Gelatin way is great for developing motor skills! feed the string or ribbon through the hole. Mixing bowl Spoon Push the mixture into cookie cutters to create Hang your bird feeder outside in the garden Cookie cutters some fun shapes. Use your straw-sized twigs on a tree branch and watch while the birds to create holes where a string will go through enjoy your creation. Ribbon or string once the shapes have hardened. Straw-sized twigs Bonus tip: You can also make some homemade binoculars from toilet roll tubes for extra fun.

16 • April 2020 2. Rock and Leaf Painting

Painting on stones and fallen tree leaves is so much more fun than painting on plain paper. During the activity, ask your child to tell you what sounds they hear and textures they feel.

Head out into the garden or while you are having a morning of play in the park and collect different sizes and shapes of leaves and small round stones or pebbles. Nice smooth stones can be found at the beach too, or you can also do this activity with shells.

Let your child paint the leaf or turn the leaf into an animal.

There are many ways to use the stones. You can use them for decorations, paperweights, brightening up the garden 3. Oobleck! or flower pots. You can paint or draw different eyes, noses, mouths and ears and have your child create funny faces. The name oobleck comes from the Dr. Seuss book, “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” In the story, oobleck is a Bonus tip: Paint numbers and letters on the stones for developing gooey green substance that fell from the sky and wreaked letter recognition and pre-math skills. havoc in the kingdom. You could start off with storytime and then make your own Oobleck!

This activity is an especially fun one. Do not be afraid to get messy. With the pollution in Bangkok affecting our outdoor play, here is a fun indoor activity that needs only two ingredients!

What you need: Cornstarch (or Corn flour) Water Food colouring (optional)

That’s it!

Find a large bucket or tray. Pour in the cornstarch and add the water slowly until you get a gooey consistency.

Once you have it right, you can add some food colouring.

Mix with your hands again.

Ways to play with Oobleck: Grab handfuls and squeeze it. Let it ooze through your fingers.

Roll some oobleck into a ball. It becomes solid, but when you stop moving it, watch and feel it melt through your fingers.

These are just a few examples of environmentally friendly crafts and activities that you can enjoy at home with your children, but the hours of fun are endless. Use your imagination and see what you can find to create!

About the Author

Lynn D. Querubin Lynn is passionate about early childhood education, and has been leading the Playgroup at KIS International School for the past 10 years. Originally from a wee town in Scotland, she settled down in Thailand in 1998 with her Filipino husband. Lynn is a mother of 2 children, and she also teaches as a dance instructor and choreographer for shows, dance studios, and at KIS. For more information about KIS International School, please visit www.kis.ac.th.

www.bambiweb.org • 17 READER’S CORNER Books for Children

Baby Medical School: Bacteria and なんだろうなんだろう Antibiotics (Baby University) 著者 ヨシタケシンスケ Author: Cara Florance and Jon Florance 出版社 光村図書出版 ISBN: 9781492693987 販売価格 600バーツ 出版年月 2019年12月

The popular Baby University series has now expanded 道徳の教科書に掲載されたコラムを再編し、書き下ろ into Baby Medical School! しも加えて一冊の本になりました！ Bacteria are very small living things. T 友だちってなんだろう？しあわせって？立場って？ Some bacteria are good and some bacteria are bad. 日常のふとした瞬間にうかぶ12の「なんだろう」を徹 Luckily, we have a family of medicine called Antibiotics 底追究し、「たとえばこんな考え方、どうでしょう？」 that can get rid of bad bacteria. を提示してくれる本。 Let's find out how it all works! 難しいテーマもしなやかに、具体的に、ユーモアたっ Turn getting sick from something scary into an engaging ぷりに描くヨシタケシンスケ氏ならではの発想と言葉 learning experience! In this installment of the new Baby が光ります。お子さんには理解が難しい箇所があるか Medical School series, Cara and Jon Florance break もしれませんが、だからこそ、長く付き合うことがで down how and why we get sick with the help of merry きる一冊です。 microbes and big-eyed bacteria. Kids will love follow- ing the adventures of bacteria and antibiotics in their すぐには答えの出ない世界に生きる子ども達。この本 bodies! と一緒に、じっくり考える練習をしてみませんか。 Empower your kid with knowledge so they can under- stand their bodies with courage and curiosity!

Books for Parents

Weaning Made Simple ものは言いよう Author : Annabel Karmel 著者 ヨシタケシンスケ ISBN : 9781509892648 出版社 白泉社 販売価格 480バーツ 出版年月 2019年12月

Leading baby and toddler expert Annabel Karmel is here 数々の絵本賞を受賞している大人気絵本作家の創 to guide you through all the unknowns and make weaning 作の秘密がすべて詰まった、インタビュー&イラス easy, achievable and fun. Packed with all the up-to-date ト集。 guidance you need and a hundred delicious, nutrient-rich Lrecipes, Weaning Made Simple takes all the complicated 「ヨシタケシンスケのしくみ」「ヨシタケシンス information and breaks it down into bite-sized, digestible ケができるまで」「ヨシタケシンスケの1日」など chunks. ユニークなイラスト解説のほか、アトリエ、お気 に入りの本、絵本のネタ帳など写真も満載。ファ Annabel has worked with a leading children's dietitian to ン必読の、初めての「絵本作家ヨシタケシンスケ make sure all the information is completely up to date and 完全読本」です。 reliable, covering everything from supplements and allergies to catering for vegetarian or vegan diets. With a bright, ヨシタケ氏の独特な切り口や表現が生まれる舞台 bold design that's packed with infographics, charts, illustra- 裏を紹介した本書は、読み物として面白いだけで tions and photography, the book is easy to dip in and out なく、著者の絵本への理解をさらに深めてくれま of whenever you need it. す。

Bangkok Store Emquartier Store Siam Paragon Store 6Th Floor, Isetan Department Store, Centralwolrd, 3Rd Floor, Unit 3B01, Emquartier Shopping Complex, 3Rd Level, Siam Paragon Shopping Center, 4/1-4/2 Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 689 Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana 991 Rama I Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, 10330, Thailand Bangkok 10110, Thailand Thailand Tel : +66 2003 6507 Fax : +66 20036515 Tel : +66 2610 9500 Fax : +66 2610 9510 Tel : +66 2255 9834 Fax : +66 2255 9837 Opening Hours: Daily - 10Am To 10Pm Opening Hours: Daily - 10Am To 10Pm Opening Hours: Daily - 10.30Am To 10Pm

https://thailand.kinokuniya.com/

18 • April 2020

travel Visiting Siem Reap with a Baby

First-time mom Gosia Kurowska shares her itinerary for an enjoyable visit to Cambodia where you can explore Siem Reap, visit the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, and fit in naptime for the little one too.

By Gosia Kurowska

Siem Reap, home to the world-famous temples of Angkor Wat. This is a place you must see, and it’s just a short distance away Sfrom Thailand! But is it doable with a baby, you might wonder? I had the same question on my mind before I booked our trip to Siem Reap - my daughter, Cleo, was 6 months old at that time.

Looking back at it now, I’d go back anytime. We had a great time and I’d absolutely recommend it as a baby-friendly trip if you’re looking for a break from Bangkok.

Here are my seven tips to enjoy Siem Reap to the fullest with a family.

How long to go for?

I’ve learned that when traveling with a baby, you want to take it easy. Either you go for a shorter time and pick only one or two sightseeing activities, or you go for a longer period with enough time to rest in-between.

We spent one whole week in Siem Reap. This gave us plenty of time to explore Angkor Wat (which is huge), see a bit of the city, and most of all: relax! Any stay between three days and a week in Siem Reap is ideal.

Where to stay?

Since having a baby, I attach way more importance to the accommodation. You’re unavoidably more tied to your hotel when your baby naps - so the right pick is everything. Try to pick a room with garden or pool access so you can enjoy the sun during naptime. Siem Reap is a lovely little One great benefit of traveling in Cambodia is that town, especially coming from a accommodation is relatively cheap, so you can treat yourself to some luxury without breaking the bank. Two resorts I can metropole like Bangkok. Take highly recommend in Siem Reap are “Navutu Dreams Resort” a remorque downtown - it’s an and “Templation”. activity in itself when you have a What to pack and what to forget? baby! It’s breezy and it goes slow As you live in Bangkok, you’re accustomed to what you and baby need in this kind of climate. Apart from your usual baby enough to look around. essentials, I’d advise to pack/forget these specific items:

20 • April 2020 FEATURES

“Made in Cambodia” market is great for fashion and crafts. You have the chance to meet and support local artisans and artists.

- A carrier. Exploring Angkor Wat and hopping in and out of remorques (the Cambodian tuk-tuks) is much easier with baby on you. No need to pack your stroller!

- No need for a travel cot either, as it’s easy to book a hotel that provides one (the two places mentioned above do so).

- Your usual sun & mosquito protection items.

- I always pack several muslin blankets as they’re multifunctional: you can use them as a blanket in air- conditioned spaces, nursing cover, or playmat.

There’s no need to overdo it though. Bring what you think is slow enough to look around. Once we got off the remorque, essential or hard to find. Siem Reap has convenience stores we enjoyed just strolling around. One of our favorite areas was and pharmacies if needed. Kandal Village, which has lots of cute shops and coffee bars. We loved The Little Red Fox Espresso, Crane and Shop 767. Can we visit Angkor Wat with a baby? If you’d like to do some shopping, the “Made in Cambodia” While in Siem Reap, it would be a shame not to visit the market is great for fashion and crafts. You have the chance to stunning temples of Angkor Wat. meet and support local artisans and artists.

Sure, it’s trickier with a baby, but it’s possible. Keep in mind Enjoy the smiles that Angkor Wat is big: the archeological park stretches over 400 square kilometers and has more than 1000 temples. If I don’t think anyone loves babies more than Southeast Asians. you have a baby on board, don’t be overly ambitious and And if it’s a little farang, he or she will get even more attention. pick just a few temples to visit. We used the time in between Your baby is surrounded by lots of smiles in Bangkok, and it naps to go temple hopping, two days in a row. This way will be no different in Cambodia. In restaurants the staff will we got to do enough sightseeing, without dragging along a often offer to look after your little one - if you’re comfortable cranky baby. with that, you can enjoy a free babysitting service.

Another recommendation is to hire a private driver to maximize If you’re looking for a little break and appreciate some historical your comfort and flexibility. Skip the tuk-tuk or tour bus if you sightseeing, Siem Reap is your place to go. have a baby. Cleo wasn’t too fond of long hot walks, so Photos courtesy of the author we were happy we had a place to cool down in between two temples. The car is also a comfortable place to feed About the Author your baby or put him/her down for a little nap. We enjoyed driving through the impressive site and asked our driver to stop whenever we spotted a temple in the shade. Don’t forget a Gosia Kurowska carrier and an umbrella, and be sure to cover up (just as in Gosia has always had a passion for Thailand, legs and shoulders need to be covered at temples). fashion. She worked in media and as a speechwriter in Brussels, but moving abroad inspired her What to see apart from Angkor Wat? to launch a fashion blog. On Treasurista.com she discovers local designers and hidden shopping gems in Bangkok. Siem Reap is a lovely little town, especially coming from a Connect with Gosia on Instagram @treasurista_ if you want metropole like Bangkok. Take a remorque downtown - it’s an to stay tuned! activity in itself when you have a baby! It’s breezy and it goes

www.bambiweb.org • 21 FEATURE

Asthma in Children: What Concerned Parents Should Know

By Dr. Karl Kalavantavanicha

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and, in Thailand, exacerbated by air pollution. Dr. Karl explains what asthma is and its triggers, some symptoms to look out for, and how children are diagnosed.

Asthma is the most common chronic Asthma affects people of all ages but disease in children and a growing occurs more frequently in children than problem for kids all over the world. in adults; even infants and toddlers AHere in Thailand, air pollution is one of Both environmental can develop asthma. When a person the leading reasons we are seeing more has asthma, the inside of the airways children diagnosed with a wide range and hereditary (bronchial tubes) that carry oxygen into of allergic diseases — eczema, allergic (genetic) factors can and out of the lungs is swollen and rhinitis (hay fever), hives, and food irritated. allergies, in addition to asthma. Current predispose a child to research shows that more than 10% of Asthma causes the airways to be highly children in Thailand have asthma (GAN the disease sensitive to specific triggers. An asthma Survey 2018). attack or flare-up results from exposure to a trigger, which causes the muscles For parents who suspect their child around the inflamed airways to tighten might have asthma, it is normal to be to asthma, and help provide your and narrow, making breathing more concerned about your child’s current child’s doctor with useful information for difficult. and future health. The following five diagnosis. facts about children’s asthma should Pollution and dust mites are major give a better understanding of the Asthma is an allergic disease of triggers. symptoms and triggers that may point the respiratory tract. Unlike areas of the northern hemisphere, 22 • April 2020 While symptoms can vary from one child to another, the most common symptom is a cough. The cough is distinctive; it tends to be a dry cough that comes and goes at certain times of the day, especially at night.

including the US, Western Europe, another, the most common symptom is a With some prompting from the doctor, and Japan, Thailand’s proximity to the cough. The cough is distinctive; it tends parents often can recall events or equator means it does not have much to be a dry cough that comes and goes situations that triggered a physical seasonal variation — there is no spring at certain times of the day, especially reaction in their child. or fall, and no hay fever or pollen at night. The cough can become more season. The most important asthma severe when a viral infection or other Your doctor may also recommend triggers in Thailand are dust (dust mites) illness is also present. certain tests to help diagnose your and pollution. Other triggers include Other symptoms may also include: child’s condition. Lung function testing, certain viruses and bacterial infections, • wheezing, rapid breathing or or spirometry, is used to measure the cold air, exercise, cigarette smoke, and shortness of breath, often tied to volume of air your child can exhale, and animal dander, which is fairly common exercise how quickly. With children, this and in homes with cats or dogs. • Tightness in the chest other tests are typically considered only • Frequent fatigue beginning around the age of six, when Risk factors include environmental • in infants, difficulty feeding or making they are mature enough to understand and genetic components. grunting sounds while feeding and follow directions required for What causes asthma is still not fully • Social withdrawal, reduced accurate testing. understood, but we do know that both participation in sports and social environmental (exposure) and hereditary activities As with most chronic conditions, the (genetic) factors can predispose a • Sleep interruptions resulting from earlier a child’s asthma is diagnosed child to the disease. Having a parent coughing or breathing difficulty and properly treated, the better the with asthma or allergies puts a child at treatment outcome is likely to be. If greater risk for asthma. Diagnosing a child’s asthma can you suspect that your child might have Environmental and exposure risk factors be complicated. asthma, talk to your pediatrician. include: There is no specific test to diagnose • Exposure during pregnancy to asthma, and children may not have Photos courtesy of the author. environmental tobacco smoke symptoms during their doctor’s visit. • Postnatal exposure to environmental Diagnosis typically begins with a tobacco smoke physical examination, a review of the • Being born prematurely child’s medical and family history, • Having eczema or allergic rhinitis and a discussion with the parents About the Author (hay fever) about the symptoms and triggers they • Frequent exposure to air pollution may have observed. Questions could Dr. Karl • Heavy exposure to dust mites, include: Kalavantavanicha typically at home Does your child have food allergies? Dr. Karl is a US-board- The most prevalent symptom is certified pediatrician specializing in coughing. Are there any pets at home? pediatric allergies, immunology, and Most children with asthma will show pulmonology medicine at Bumrungrad symptoms before the age of five. While What similarities have you noticed International Hospital. symptoms can vary from one child to when a flare-up begins? www.bambiweb.org • 23 FEATURE Family Runs: Healthier and happier for the long run

Vana and her family love running and combine this with participating in charity runs to support different causes in the community. She tells us that we don’t need to be super athletic to start running as a family but following the advice below will make it more pleasant for everyone.

By Vanasobhin Kasemsri

Recently I came across a parent writing to a popular Facebook page for Expat Families asking for information on whether there are any “running clubs” Win Bangkok for kids as her son enjoys running and does not want to be in a soccer club. I was curious and google searched to help her find an answer. Unfortunately, I found no specific running clubs for kids, but there are many running clubs for adult runners. I called to inquire, and many clubs do welcome kids if they come along with their parents, but they must be able to keep up with the pace of a “grown-up!”

I also found some interesting facts written in a blog by Samitivej Hospital about running for kids. The hospital water bottle, as they need to drink Rod Fai) near Chatuchak, Lumpini Park experts recommended that kids should frequently. We tend to forget that kids and Benchasiri Park in Sukhumvit. The be five years old and above to start get hotter and colder faster than adults. varieties of flowers, animals, statues and running actively. They recommend that The younger they are, the harder it is for play areas also provide interesting pit runs should not exceed 10 kilometers them to adjust to significant humidity and stops along the way. in length. Most importantly, the kids heat. should wear comfy light clothes that Parents should also lead the appropriate can withstand the heat, good ground- As part of children’s development, once pace for their kids to avoid burnout. gripping running shoes and bring a they start standing, they naturally want to Introduce pacing with a purpose such walk. Once they can walk, their curiosity as “how many steps can we do within takes them further and they learn how to one round of the park,” to get kids to run. Parents should encourage kids to focus on a slower speed. You could enjoy this part of their development as introduce some running on grass along the experts noted that kid’s abilities in with balancing and controlling a soccer running can aid their ability to participate ball to help progress with mobility and and transition into other sports, for the muscle needed for longer distance example, hockey, soccer, cross country, running. tennis and many more. Both of my kids, an eight-year-old and a It’s important to find the right beginner’s ten-year-old, love the outdoors and love path for your whole family to start running to run. However, they are not yet keen together, as many young kids can get to train seriously for any long-distance excited and rush off without proper speed run. We enjoy running together as a control. Slipping off a path, tripping, or family, as it can be a fun and rewarding falling could put lots of strain on those weekend experience. I can still little ankles! You can find kid-friendly remember our first go at running with the paths in Bangkok at parks with smooth kids. We used to run around the house running surfaces to suit young beginners when they were little, but once the space such as Wachirabenchatat Park (Suan started to feel smaller, we moved to the

24 • April 2020 parks to bike or run. We found that they enjoyed seeing the odd turtles popping out of water and squirrels hopping from tree to tree. After runs, they often look forward to cold drinks and their favorite popsicles.

If your family is keen on running and enjoys outdoor activities, you may look for running events to do together. A couple of years ago, we were invited by a group of friends to join a charity run called Run for Nurses, with proceeds from the event going towards scholarships for nursing students, mostly from underprivileged families. We wanted to help the cause and woke up extra early at 5am to join the 6am start at Lumpini Park. Despite the event being in May, the weather was 25 degrees for the kids to recognize include: Runs Celsius. We had a gentle cool breeze for Wildlife by Sueb Foundation, Run for and met other families with kids running Nurses (a charity run in October) and alongside us. It felt like we belonged Run with Dogs, another worthwhile event to a family running club. After the run, organized at Sanam Pao in November. the kids enjoyed chocolate drinks, hot The Royal Guards do horse riding and pizzas, ice creams and fruits. What a training. Kids will enjoy seeing runners memorable event it was, and it helped to with their dogs. ignite our drive to do more charity runs. You can plan ahead by checking out

the following sites: Over the past two years we have joined http://wingnaidee.com dozens of charity runs. There were so http://berving.com many memorable and enjoyable ones, http://runthailand.com some even outside of Bangkok - one at Toscana Valley in Khao Yai and the other I am certain that participating in a at the Naval Base in Sattahip, where we memorable charity run will make your had the chance to see beautiful mountain time in Thailand more enjoyable and valleys and run alongside naval officers. meaningful. Feel free to contact me if you This year we are not off to such a good are keen to join a family-friendly running start as many April-May running events Covid19 virus. However, running event and need some suggestions. have been postponed due to the strict around in parks and doing outdoor precautions against the spread of the activities where you are not in a crowded Images courtesy of the author. or restricted area will help to keep your family healthy. Health professionals About the Author recommend that regular exercise and being in the sun build immunity that may Vana Kasemsri help to protect us against illnesses. Vana a Thai national We hope to join some runs later this year born in the US, has once the Covid19 situation improves. lived overseas for a significant part of her life. She has been a BAMBI vol- If you are keen to start, look for convenient unteer and member since 2014, and locations first, then the types of runs on now works for B Grimm Company, offer, and lastly, look for ones with good overseeing their charity and conser- causes that are close to your heart. vation projects, including “Saving the Tigers.” Vana enjoys spending her Many of the events will be listed in Thai, free time exploring Bangkok and its so feel free to line or email them to ask surrounding provinces with her fam- for more details. Some good annual ily. She hopes to share her views on runs to join and perhaps great causes nature conservation and her travel ex- periences with newcomers to Thailand and BAMBI members. You can email References her at [email protected]. Can children train to be runners? https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/en/kids_running/

www.bambiweb.org • 25 FEATURE 性教育はなぜ必要？幸せな大人へと導く ためのステップ By アンデルセンのりこ

性教育、「大事だとはわかっているけど、何となく苦手」と感じていませんか？な ぜ性教育が必要なのか、一緒に考えてみましょう。

性教育ナビゲーターの私のもとに 中学生以降〜 は、性教育で悩むママ達からの相談 予期せぬ妊娠や性感染症から身を守る が絶えず届きます。 方法を伝える。思春期以降は、親から のメッセージだけではなく、学校や社 「赤ちゃんはどうやって生まれてく 会からの性教育も重要となる。 るの？と聞かれたのですが…」 「子供が性器いじりをしています。 高校生以降〜 どうしたらいい？」 性的合意について教える。性の健康を 「子供がネットでポルノを見てい 自分で守れるように情報を与える。 た！」 「そろそろ中学生なので、性教育し BAMBIの読者の皆さんは、きっとま た方がいいですか？」 だお子さんの年齢が小さいと思いま す。乳幼児時期から小学校低学年ま こういった質問に回答することは簡 では、とにかくあなたのことが大事 単です。でも、対処法的な答えを教 だよという気持ちを伝えながら、お えるだけでは、ママ達の本当の悩み 子さんの自己肯定感を育んであげて が解決することはありません。悩み ―自分の身体に対する快・不快がわ くださいね。その上で、あなたが大 の根本原因は、性教育への苦手意識 かる 切だから、あなたも自分で自分の身 なのです。 ―性の健康を守る意識を持っている 体を守れるようになろうね、と伝え てあげられるとよいのではないでし ほとんどのママ達は、子供への性教 これらのことを理解している人が「 ょうか。 育が大事だと思っています。でも、 性的に自立」した大人だと私は考え なぜそれが大事なのか？どうして必 ます。そして自分の「性」も大切に 性教育は、子供が一人の大人として 要なのか？まで、深く考えたことが できる「性的に自立した大人」に育 幸せに自立してい くために必要なこ ある人は少ないのではないでしょう てるには、私達大人が恐れずに、子 とです。そう考えると、苦手意識に か。 供達に性を伝えていくこと、すなわ かられて避けるものでなく、親とし ち性教育が必要となるのです。 ての責任を果たすもの、というよう なぜ、性教育は必要なのでしょう に感じられませんか。これから、皆 か？ ここでは、成長のステージ別に押さ さんが是非お子さんと一緒に楽しみ 質問を変えますね。皆さんの育児の えておきたいポイントをお伝えしま ながら、いのちと性の話ができるよ 目的・ゴールは何ですか？ す。 うになると嬉しいです。

私が考える育児の究極の目的とは、 赤ちゃん時代〜 「その子が一人の大人として自立し 「生まれてきてくれてありがとう！ About the Author て幸せに生きていけるよう導くこ 」と、その子の誕生を喜び愛してい と」だと考えます。 ることを伝える。 アンデルセンの りこ 一人の大人として自立するには、経 幼児期・学童期〜 済的な自立、精神的な自立が必要で 男女の身体の違い、プライベートゾ 性教育ナビゲータ す。そのために親は子供に教育の機 ーンの概念について徐々に伝える。 ー／バースコーディネーター。 会を与え、色々な経験を積ませま スキンシップをたっぷりとりなが す。それと同様に、「性的に自立し ら、よいタッチと悪いタッチの区別 「明るく、楽しく、オープンに」 た大人」になることも必要です。で ができるようにする。動物の交尾か 性を語ろう！をモットーに、家庭 は、性的な自立とは？ ら人間の性行為についても話してあ で伝える性教育講座を開催。大人 げる。 の意識が変われば子どもが変わ ―身体の仕組みをきちんと学び理解 り、子どもが変われば未来が変わ できる 10歳前後〜 る！そのはじめの一歩として、家 ―自分の身体を守る意識を持ってい 二次性徴の身体の変化について伝え 庭でできるいのちと性のお話を伝 る る。他の人が嫌がることはしない、 えている ―相手の身体や意思を尊重できる というメッセージを伝える。 26 • April 2020 FEATURE Introducing Sex Education to Your Child by Age

By Noriko Andersen / Translated by Fumi Yasui

Sex education: we know it’s important but are not always comfortable with it. Let's think about why sex education is necessary.

As a “sex-education navigator,” I meet Junior-high schoolers many parents who are worried about • How to prevent unexpected sex education for their children. pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections A“My kid asked me how babies are • Sex education at school and society made…” also becomes important

“My kid is touching their genitals. What High schoolers should I do?” • What is sexual consent • Information children need to protect “My kid is watching porn on the inter- their own sexual health net!” The children of most BAMBI News read- “My kid is a junior-high student — should ers are probably still young. For toddlers we start sex education?” to younger school children, focus on conveying how much you love them and Telling parents how to answer such ques- how important they are to you, to help tions is simple, but it’s not a real solution. • Being conscious about protecting build your children’s self-esteem. Make The fundamental problem is that parents your sexual health them appreciate and respect their own feel they are not good at sex education. bodies, let them know that they are pre- Most parents I meet agree that sex edu- I consider a person who understands cious to you. cation is important but they don’t fully these points as a “sexually independent understand why it is important and nec- adult.” And in order to raise our children Sex education is necessary for kids to essary. to become sexually independent adults, become independent and happy adults. we as parents need to be brave and Don't avoid talking about it with your Why is sex education necessary? educate our children about sex. children just because you feel uncomfort- So why is sex education necessary? I able; think of it as another one of your think the answer goes back to the ques- Messages by child development stage responsibilities as parents. tion, “what is your goal in child-raising?” There are some messages to convey to Most parents would probably say that your children, by age and stage of de- I hope you will be able to talk about hu- their fundamental goal as a parent is velopment. man life and sexual issues with your chil- to help their child become independent dren in a fun and positive way. and happy adults. Babies “We're so happy you're here!” — show Photos by Unsplash. Becoming an independent adult means your babies that you love them having financial and mental indepen- dence, so parents give their children Preschoolers to school-age children About the Author educational opportunities and other ex- • How boys and girls have different periences. body parts Noriko Anderson • What is a good/bad touch An independent adult also needs to • Talk about animal mating to introduce Noriko is a “navigator be “sexually independent.” What do I human reproduction of sex education” and mean by that? It means: birth coordinator. In her “sex educa- • Understanding how the human body Children around 10 years old tion at home” workshops, Noriko works Changes in the body’s secondary sexual teaches about life and sexual issues • Being conscious about protecting characteristics (i.e., pubic hair, enlarged parents can talk about at home with your body breasts and widened hips for females, their children. If the adults change their • Respecting other people's bodies and facial hair and Adam’s apples for consciousness, children will change; and opinions males) if children change, the future will • Recognizing what is comfortable/ “No means no. If someone asks you to change! uncomfortable to your body stop, you stop.” www.bambiweb.org • 27 ママ＆プレママ・モーニング

Photos by Emi

新年初のママ&プレママ コーヒーモーニング は、1月7日(火)にBAMBiNi ViLLAで行われま した。

今回はバンコクにいらして間もないママさん もたくさん来てくださり嬉しい限りでした！

和気あいあいとした雰囲気の中、ゲストとし てお招きしたKyokoさんにキッズマッサージ について教えていただきました。

免疫力を高めて、風邪をひかない体づくりの ためのキッズマッサージ、お家でもぜひ実践 してくださいね。 お子様とのスキンシップにもピッタリです ね。新年早々、お越しいただきありがとうご ざいました。

Saturday Nana Playgroup

Photos by Mao Sano

Join us on the last Saturday of every month for some fun organized activities and free play.

There’s an indoor soft play area for babies and Joutdoor play areas for all ages.

Storytime Preschool, 85 Soi Samaharn, Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana). B| 100 for BAMBI members, B| 300 for non-members. No registration required. Refer to the calendar on www.bambiweb.org for dates.

28 • April 2020 www.bambiweb.org • 29 FEATURE The True Meaning of Songkran

April is the season for Songkran, and even if you’ve experienced the festivities, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s just about the water fights. There is much more to Songkran and we asked some moms to tell us what Songkran means to them and how they celebrate this significant Thai festival.

By Dharak Dhamongrat

For younger generations, Songkran appears to be just a water festival and when they get together with the elders Fof the family. Historically, it marks the changing of the season and the end of the rice farming season, so people celebrate Songkran Day as a New Year celebration also on 13 April.

Traditionally, the Songkran festival derived from Hinduism, which spread around Asia and Buddhism cultures. For Thais, it is a tradition that gives importance to the relationship between fellow human beings in society and reflects the characteristics of being Thai, such as gratitude and generosity, for humans and the environment. Using water as a medium for connection between them is a Thai tradition that has been practiced since ancient times.

What Songkran means to me

Pundharee McDonald Chayuda Pieterse Dharak Dhamongrat “Songkran is a special time “When I was a teenager, water fights were “As Buddhists, we visit the temple to pay that brings family and friends a bigger experience than when I was a kid. respect to the monks, and the elders in together with people going My cousins, brothers, and I would jump in a our neighborhood sit in a line while we back home to see their loved pickup truck filled with water and water guns, line up to pour water on their hands. ones. I think it helps us to and my uncle would drive us around the city Splashing water is the practice of blessing appreciate the love we have in to have some cool water fights. It was great people, so we pour water on our elders’ our lives.” fun at that time but now I rather stay home and hands and feet as a way of showing our avoid the crowds. I’ll have to wait until my gratitude, then they pat their wet hands on son grows up to join the water fights again!” our heads as a gesture of their blessing.

30 • April 2020 www.bambiweb.org • 31

FEATURE Meal Planning: Good for Your Pocket and the Planet! Who doesn’t love a home-cooked meal? But at the end of a busy day, the thought of preparing a meal can send us straight to the food ordering app (and then feeling guilty about the packaging left at the end). Order no more as Frey has a great approach for meal planning that will help you rediscover the joy in hearing “What’s for dinner?”.

By Frederiek Ilona Schrijver-Bollen

Want to eat more healthily and spend It is creating a dinner plan in one go I only buy products that I need. I do less time in the kitchen? What about for the entire week. It is shopping for occasionally throw away food, but it's saving money and doing better for the your food at one time. It is preparing all a lot less than what I have done in the Wplanet? Meal prepping is the answer. ingredients before cooking at once. And past. Less food waste is better for the Why haven’t we thought about this it does help you to eat more healthily. planet, and again better for my wallet earlier? For one reason or another meal too! prepping has a bad reputation. And It is not the holy grail to an easy life. My to be perfectly honest, it can be a bit kids still don’t eat everything I put on the Creativity in the kitchen. overwhelming at first. table. You still have to put time and effort This is one of the biggest changes. By into creating your meals. It’s also not a meal prepping I now sit down and go For me, however, it’s the best thing one size fits all kind of thing - you need through my cookbooks and see what that ever happened. For one, I love to to experiment to see what works for you. to prepare. Before, I’d fall back on my plan! My to-do lists basically have to-do But when you have found your way, it tried and tested dishes. Now I make it lists. Then there is the matter of grocery means that you can make your weekdays my mission to add a new recipe every shopping, which I am not a fan of. so much easier. week. Reducing my supermarket trips to only once a week is just a dream come true. What could meal prepping do for Preserve your sanity. Obviously, there is more to it, so before I you? This one I didn’t see coming, but it’s one continue let’s start at the beginning. of the great benefits of meal planning. I Save money. no longer need to stress about what to What is meal planning all about? I no longer wander around the eat every single night. I sit down once a supermarket casually chucking items in week and have that over and done with. Before I go into the pros and cons of my trolley, hoping I will do something meal planning and share some tips to with it. Nope, I have my list of groceries Eat more consciously. get started, I want to highlight what meal that I need to buy, and that is what I buy. For the longest time I have been wanting planning is, and isn’t! Prevent food waste. to cut down on our meat consumption, but I didn’t know any quick and easy vegetarian recipes. So I’d always go back to what was familiar. By taking the time to plan my meals, I have been able to find great new vegetarian recipes!

Get started with these meal prep tips Meal planning can seem very overwhelming. So my very first recommendation would be to start small. Check out these other tips: • Choose a day in the week when you think about the meals you’d like to prepare. Start off with recipes you know, and once you get the hang of meal prepping start adding new recipes. Choose the recipes, make your shopping list and get everything at home. 34 • April 2020 FEATURE different from my meal plan. Here’s where those extra portions come in handy!

A week of meal prepping done? You can do it! Just carry on doing it again and again. Learn from your mistakes, adjust, and see how it can make life easier. Plus you will find yourself spending less on unnecessary products and save food from being thrown out!

Images by Pexels.

About the Author

Frederiek Ilona Schrijver-Bollen • Prepare double portions, so you because that stacks well and will have an extra meal for each meal help you make optimal use of the Frey has been living in you make. Freeze it and use the next space. Southeast Asia for the past decade, week. Saving time and money! • Also plan something easy! There’s working in the hospitality and wellness • decide if you’d like to prepare all at least one day in the week when industry. Since moving to Bangkok, the dishes for the week at once. If you don’t feel like cooking. I usually she has joined her friend Joëlle at you find that too time-consuming (like plan a takeaway dinner when my My Healthy Bangkok. As a mom of me!) plan to do this twice a week. husband works late, or if I have a two, she focuses on healthy and easy • invest in square containers that can super busy day. There are also times dishes for the entire family. be used in the freezer. Square, when I just feel like eating something

SUKHUMVIT 31 PLAYGROUP

Photos by Mao Sano

A playgroup offering sand play, a cool gym playroom, fun garden, some snacks and circle time with other kids and mothers. Held on Wednesdays, 10am-12pm. For children aged 0-5. No registration required. The First Steps International Pre-school, 58/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Yaek 4. Close to BTS Phrom Phong.B| 100 for members and B| 300 for non-members. Please check the calendar at www.bambiweb.org for dates. www.bambiweb.org • 35 FEATURE

Nurturing Natural Connections

A father and Early Years Leader explains the importance of having meaningful connections with nature and how it leads to a healthy urban life for our children.

By Nicholas Garvin

In this age of hyper-connectivity and a conscious effort to get back to nature. need not be explained but executive instant access to information, we’re That said, meaningful connections with function benefits have been defined. more connected than ever before but the natural world don't have to begin According to Harvard Health Blog, Ias we continue to embrace the digital in the rainforest or arctic but in our own when children have opportunities to age of high-speed technology, one backyards, sois, and communities. They develop executive function and self- connection that runs the risk of being lost begin by being modeled by parents and regulation skills, lifelong benefits ensue. on this generation’s childhood is their caregivers. Finding connections to nature Executive functions help children develop connection to nature. in cities is key to a healthy urban life. skills related to teamwork, leadership, This is especially true for young children. decision-making, goal setting, critical In a startling fact, the average American thinking, adaptability, and being aware child is said to spend more or less seven According to the Harvard Health Blog of one’s own emotions as well as those minutes a day in unstructured play (HHB) from Harvard Medical School, of others. These skills are crucial for outdoors and over 7 hours a day in playing outdoors can improve your learning and development. front of a screen(1). This shift is largely child’s chance of future health and due to technology(2) and our modern success in six critical areas(3). They are: In any concrete jungle or megacity, it world. It's not just children; adults are • Sunshine can be very easy to go through life and spending less time outdoors as well. For • Exercise have very little connection with nature. many families, the lack of safe outdoor • Executive function A disconnection from nature has very places to play also is a factor. Here in • Taking risks real consequences for our mental and the concrete jungles of Bangkok, it can • Socialization physical wellbeing. Separated from be easy to get lost in the hustle and • Appreciation for nature nature, we are more stressed, heal more bustle while forgetting to stop and smell slowly and feel much more emotionally the roses. It often requires a reminder or The benefits of sunshine and exercise imbalanced. So if a connection to nature 36 • April 2020 FEATURE

is so critical for our wellbeing, what can As parents, the sooner we re-establish urbanites do since we are so isolated our connection with the outdoors, the from most major natural ecosystems. For better—not only will it show children a start, finding connections to nature in Here in the concrete how important spending time in nature cities is key to a healthy urban life. jungles of Bangkok, it is but you might enjoy it just as much as they do. Children need comfort both at school as can be easy to get lost they do at home. Give them a soft, quiet, Photos by Andy Kuzma from Pexels and cozy area to play in by themselves in the hustle and bustle or with friends. Creating places where children can be immersed in nature while forgetting to stop About the Author for days or weeks provides learning and smell the roses. opportunities that can’t be replicated Nicholas Garvin in urban megacities. Schools serve an important purpose in children’s lives and Nicholas is the Early can have an essential influence on their Years Cohort Leader health and wellbeing both in the short outdoors and prioritize playtime. In at VERSO International School, open- and long-term. 2019, over three million children(4) in ing in August 2020. He has worked over a hundred countries took part in in three different continents and is a One global eco-initiative campaign Outdoor Classroom Day. workshop facilitator & conference or- launched to celebrate and inspire ganizer for the 21st Century Learning outdoor learning and play is The Curious to learn more? It’s easy to get Conference. This is an annual event in Outdoor Classroom Day which is held involved. The next Outdoor Classroom Hong Kong where teachers, staff and multiple times throughout the year by Day this year falls on 21 May and 5 school leaders come together to learn, thousands of schools around the world. November so let’s celebrate and inspire share and discuss current and emerg- On this day teachers take their lessons outdoor learning and play. ing topics in education with thought leaders, technology and learning ex- perts and their peers. He is looking References forward to partnering with parents, 1. https://childmind.org/article/media-guidelines-for-kids-of-all-ages/ teachers and students to build VER- 2. https://childmind.org/article/big-disconnect-how-tech-changes-families-2/ SO’s founding community. Nick lives 3.https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-reasons-children-need-to-play- in Bangkok with his wife and two-year- outside-2018052213880 old daughter. 4. https://outdoorclassroomday.com/2019-map/ www.bambiweb.org • 37 fBumpseature & Babies

Bumps & Babies is a support group for women of all nationalities who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The BAMBI website calendar and Facebook pages hold current information regarding what’s on. Meetings are coordinated by a medical professional who is also there to offer support. If you are a new parent to Bangkok and are looking for support regarding information on doulas, breastfeeding, child birthing classes, babywearing or postpartum depression, please feel free to ask our coordinator or visit www.bambiweb.org and look under ‘Services’ to find our ‘Bumps & Babies’ page.

PART 2: Bottles, Bottles, Bottles - A handy guide for bottle-fed babies

By Lia Segall Pasternak

In this two-part series, Lactation Counsellor and BAMBI Bumps team member Lia Segall Pasternak explains all things about bottles. Last month Lia discussed introducing a bottle to an exclusively breastfed baby. This month Lia will give you information for exclu- sively bottle-fed babies and explain the safe preparation of formula.

If you have chosen to feed your baby by bottle, either with expressing milk as close to birth or separation from the baby breastmilk, formula or both, you must manage the preparation as possible. If you still have colostrum, it’s preferable to do this and feeding of the baby in a way that will ensure your baby by hand expression; if your milk has transitioned you can use Iis safe and thriving. A bottle is a great tool to feed babies. a breast pump. You will want to express/pump whenever your It is important to know about the proper methods of feeding baby would be eating, for a newborn that would be every 2-3 a baby and teach everyone involved the way that you want hours during the day and every 3-4 hours during the night, things done. no less than 8 times in 24 hours and not letting more than 4 hours go between pumping sessions. You need to make Timing sure to empty your breasts at every pumping session. When a If you have chosen to bottle feed before your baby is born, mother is exclusively bottle feeding with expressed milk after then you will need to feed your baby with a bottle from the a few weeks the supply should be more than enough to feed start. You will need to have bottles with slow flow teats and the baby. When it comes to that stage, the number of times might want to have faster flow teats to use in the future. Don’t that she pumps per day can be reduced. Please consult with start with those as it might cause your baby to overfeed or a lactation professional to plan and avoid mastitis or clogged have trouble handling the strong flow. If you decided to feed ducts when dropping pumping sessions. your baby with expressed breastmilk, you will need to hand express the first couple of days while you have colostrum, and Guidelines for Thawing and Storing Breastmilk after the milk transitions, you can pump. Colostrum is hard to feed by bottle so you can use a syringe or spoon at this stage. Room Cooler with Fridge Freezer Temp Frozen Ice Packs Amounts 66-78° F 59° F 39° F 4° F To calculate the amount of formula per bottle, you can follow (19-26° C) (15° C) (4° C) (-18° C) the instructions on the can. For either formula or breastmilk you can also multiply the weight (in kg) of your baby by 150, to Freshly pumped 4-6 hours 24 hours 8 days 12 months breast milk give you the amount of milk per day that he or she should be having, then divide it by the number of times your baby is feed- Thawed breast 1-2 hours Don't store 24 hours Never ing per day. You can follow your baby’s cues and give smaller milk re-freeze amounts than what’s written on the can per feed as long as you increase the number of feeds per day. Just make sure your MORE TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS baby is eating the total amount recommended per 24 hours. Do gently mix before feeding don't shake Do thaw frozen milk in the fridge don't re-freeze Pumping Do refrigerate after thawing don't microwave Do heat under warm water don't store in the freezer door If you are going to feed breast milk by a bottle (either by choice or because the situation demands it), then you will need to start SOURCE: fairhavenhealth.com

38 • April 2020 BAMBI is a project of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand and welcomes speakers from all areas, presenting a wide range of information. All attempts are made to present topics of interest to BAMBI members, but those who present do so independently of BAMBI and as an organization, we remain impartial to any points of view expressed. Coordinators: Yaz ([email protected]) and Emma ([email protected]) Suggested family donation: 100 BAMBI-members with membership card & 300 for non-members. Membership can be processed and renewed during the session. BAMBI Library: Bumps & Babies has a significant collection of books about pregnancy, childbirth, baby care and parenting. Books can be borrowed by anyone in return for a 500 fully refundable deposit. Queries to be directed to: [email protected]

Feeding equipment hour to use it; otherwise, you’ll need to discard and prepare Make sure to sterilize bottles, teats, and pump parts (except the a new bottle. tubes) before the first use. Some people will sterilize after each use, and that’s okay. If you don’t sterilize, just wash everything Start with a slow flow bottle, then as the baby grows you can thoroughly with hot water and soap after each use and air dry. stay with slow flow nipples if he/she is happy; otherwise if the Try to keep all the baby feeding equipment (until six months of baby gets frustrated you can switch to the next flow level, but age) away from the sink and use a sponge and/or brush that’s try to keep it as slow as possible. The slower a baby eats, the exclusively for this purpose. Always wash your hands before healthier he/she is. Please never mix formula with breastmilk, handling a breast pump and preparing a bottle. it should always be mixed with water following the instructions of the manufacturer, and please do not pre-make a batch of Preparation of the bottle formula bottles in the fridge, formula should be made fresh Make sure you use clean water to prepare the formula. In Thai- EACH TIME. land, it is recommended not to use tap water for this purpose, even if it has been filtered or boiled. Follow the instructions *For instructions on preparation of bottles with breastmilk on the container to add the appropriate amount of water. The please refer to the first part of this series in the March 2020 powder itself isn’t sterile which is why you need to heat the issue. water to 75°C to mix it. Then add the number of scoops ac- cording to the instructions. Mix well and let it cool down to Brands and types of formula a temperature that’s not too hot. You can check by splashing Formula is one of the most controlled foods in the world. All a few drops on your wrist and then you can feed the baby. brands offer different kinds, so you can get formula that is Never heat water or formula in the microwave; this can cause aimed at your baby’s stage. It is recommended to start with a hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth. You have one cow’s milk-based formula that is simple, and I always suggest

www.bambiweb.org • 39 that mothers buy a different brand each time, this way the should remember to make it bonding time, which is so good baby doesn’t get used to one flavor and if you travel it’ll be for the baby’s development and growth. So try doing skin-to- easy to get any formula instead of carrying one brand. It also skin sessions with your baby, even while bottle feeding, this helps when introducing solids as the baby will be more open will make it more special and fun for the baby and the person to different flavors. If you feel like the formula you used isn’t giving it. Enjoy the cuddles! working you can try a different one. If your baby has vomiting, diarrhea, is in pain, isn’t drinking or gaining weight, please More information and contact consult with your doctor before you switch to another brand to Lia Segall - Lactation Counseling Bangkok: make sure something serious isn’t causing this discomfort. The www.facebook.com/BreastfeedingBangkok most common things that bother babies are colic or reflux but Infant Formula Preparation and Storage: there is always a chance of allergies and intolerances that only https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/ a doctor can find. Never switch to a soy-based or goat milk- formula-feeding/infant-formula-preparation-and-storage.html based formula without consulting with your doctor. Breastmilk calculator: https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/milk- How to Give a Bottle ? calc/ When exclusively bottle feeding, we want to imitate what ba- Paced Bottle Feeding: bies experience at the breast because research shows that this https://www.health.state.mn.us/docs/people/wic/locala- way to feed is healthy. Breast-fed babies regulate their own gency/wedupdate/moyr/2017/topic/1115feeding.pdf intake at the breast, as they must work to extract milk from the breast. They can pause during their feed and unlatch when Photos by Lucy Wolski and Ana Tablas on Unsplash. they are done. When a bottle is tipped at an angle of less than 180°, it will provide a constant drip/flow and is held in the About the Author mouth which disrupts the physiological process. Paced Bottle Feeding is a method of bottle feeding that allows the infant Lia Segall Pasternak to be more in control of the feeding pace, slowing down the flow of milk into the nipple and the mouth, allowing babies to Lia was born and raised in Mexico, she regulate their intake. Always use a slow flow nipple, which is moved to Israel in 2010, got married and closest to breastfeeding. A lactation professional can help you had a son in 2014 who made her fall in love with breast- to introduce pace feeding and there are also useful videos and feeding. instructions online. Lia quit her job and went to study to become a lactation counselor. After moving to Thailand in February 2017, Lia Remember started volunteering with BAMBI Bumps and Babies and Giving a bottle is a moment for bonding and connection and Bangkok Breastfeeding Cafe. She had Maya, her daughter, whoever is giving it should hold the baby and keep eye con- and continues to give all mothers a human approach and tact. When a baby is breastfeeding they get about 40 minutes support on their breastfeeding journey. of contact eight times a day. So when a baby is bottle-fed, we

40 • April 2020

HOW TO BECOME A BAMBI MEMBER 入会方法

Go to any BAMBI Playgroup or event, including New Members Coffee 【BAMBI主催の各プレイグループやイベント会場で】 Morning, and pay the fee. 会費のお支払いは、BAMBI主催の各プレイグループやイベント会場で行えま You will get a membership card and receipt on the spot. す。BAMBI会員証とレシートはその場でお渡しします。 BAMBIにて登録情報を確認後、会員登録が完了したことをお知らせするメール BAMBI will activate your online account within a few days and you will が 届きます。これには数日を要します。 receive an automated activation email. メールを受信した後、www.bambiweb.orgにログインし、登録情報が正しい When you receive the activation email, please go to www.bambiweb.org か確認してください。最新のメンバー特典やイベント情報満載の会報誌「BAM- and check your profi le details as soon as possible, so we can send you BI News」をご自宅にお届けするには、正しい現住所の登録が必要です。 your monthly BAMBI magazine. BAMBIはいかなる第三者にもメンバーの個人情報を提供することはありません。 Note BAMBI does not share your information with any third parties. また、メール受信後、無料でクラシファイド掲示板に投稿することが可能となり You can also now start placing Classifi ed Advertisments for free on the ます。 BAMBI website.

AT ANY BAMBI PLAYGROUP OR EVENT 【BAMBIウェブサイトと銀行振り込みで】 Make an ATM or online payment to the BAMBI/ BANK DETAILS CBFT account. 振込先詳細 Bank: Thanachart Bank BAMBIウェブサイトで会員登録し、ATMまたはオンライン Once the transfer has been made, go to Branch: 489 Ekamai バンキングで会費をお振込みすることもできます。 www.bambiweb.org, complete the membership SWIFT CODE: THBKTHBK 銀行振込をお済ませの後、BAMBIウェブサイト application form, and upload a scan or photo of your Account No.: 489-2-40200-6 （www.bambiweb.org）の会員登録フォームに必要事項 a を入力したうえで、振込伝票、またはATM振込でのお客様 transfer slip as proof of payment. Account Name: CHILDBIRTH AND (as shown on ATM/online banking 控 え の 画 像 をアップ ロ ードしてください 。 Because of the Thai banking system, we are unable screen. ATM タイの銀行システムでは、この控えがなければ振込主を確 to see who made the transfer without this slip, and will またはオンラインバン キング のスクリーンに表 示されま 認 することができず、したがって会 員 登 録 を完了させること not be able to activate your membership. ができません。 す。) BAMBI will activate your account within a few days 会員登録フォームの情報を受信してから数日で、登録完了 Annual membership fees after receiving your submitted form. 年間会費 をお知らせするメールが届きます。 * New members（ 新規） ฿1,100 また、メール受信後、無料でクラシファイド掲示板に投稿す When you receive the activation email, you can start * Renewing members（更新） ฿1,000 placing Classifi ed Advertisements for free on the ることが 可 能となります。 BAMBI website. 会員証は2週間以内に、登録された住所へ郵送いたします。 Your BAMBI member card should be posted to you within 2 weeks.

VIA WEBSITE AND BANK TRANSFER Your membership is valid for12 months from the date Your username and password of registration.

The expiry date is written on the back of the card you have been issued. Unless you have reset it, the username is the email address you provided Please renew when the year is up. and the password is your membership number. b 会員登録の有効期限は入会日から12ヶ月となります。有効期限は会員証の裏面 初期設定のユーザーネームは会員登録時のメールアドレス、パスワードは4桁の に記載されていますので、ご確認下さい。また、自動更新はされませんので、更新 会員番号（例:4546)となります。 の際はお手続きが必要です。

Always check BAMBI’s website and Facebook page Have membership issues? for regular updates.

Make sure to check www.bambiweb.org and the BAMBI Facebook page If you have any membership issues please email [email protected]. (@BAMBIBangkok), and sign up for the e-newsletter for regular updates. その他BAMBI会員について何かお困りの際には、データベース担当者 BAMBIウェブサイト（www.bambiweb.org）やFacebookページ （[email protected]）へお問い合わせください。日本語でのお問い合わ （@BAMBIBangkok）でも随時情報更新を行っておりますので、どうぞご覧下 せは [email protected]へどうぞ。 さい。メールマガジンへのご登録もお忘れなく！ OTHER TIPS 42 • April 2020

FEATURE How I Made My Home More Eco-Friendly

Syeda reflects on how people used to live more sustainably in the past and explains how she reintroduced some of these practices to have a greener home.

By Syeda Shabber

Going green, eco-friendly, zero waste, minimalist living, plastic-free, cleaner liv- ing — these are all terms going around in everyday conversations. But, if we Gthink of it, before Marie Kondo, many of our parents and grandparents had been following these styles of basic, simple liv- ing. It is with the influence of moderniza- tion, marketing, and advertising that we have changed our lifestyles in the name of ‘convenience.’ Hence the surge of plastic bags, plastic spoons, and forks for ‘to go’ meals in plastic boxes sealed with plastic along with some plastic straws to slurp a sugary drink. This has now become the sad truth of our genera- tion.

The history of the lowly plastic bag Our previous generations used brown paper bags, cloth bags, jute bags, and bags made from t-shirts and everyday packaging materials. Then came the concept of long-lasting, ‘holds more, won't tear’ and plastic bags were intro- duced.

Now again, jute bags, cloth bags, and cement packaging bags are being re- introduced to us but with fancy names: upcycled material bags, reusable bags, etc.

There are mall workshops teaching people to upcycle bags from old t-shirts: bring your old t-shirt, pay money, and take home a bag made from your old t-shirt (which you had paid good money to buy in the first place anyway and feel good about doing something for the en- vironment).

This is not necessarily a bad thing. All I'm saying is that past generations have lived in this sustainable and eco-friendly way. But modern generations have drift- ed a bit.

Refill stores have made a comeback Nowadays, refill stores are a 'thing' al- though goods are pricier there. If you 44 • April 2020 ask older generations, I'm sure they'll tell Here are some of the changes I incorpo- • Make a kitchen counter cleaning you that refill stores were always there. rated. There might be some quick wins spray from a simple solution of I grew up in a South Asian country and you can achieve in your home too: vinegar, apple cider, water, and a have memories of going to the local • Refuse plastic bags and drinking drop of my favorite essential oil. fresh market with my mom carrying the straws at grocery stores. This is now • use a drop or two of essential oil jute and cloth bags for buying fresh veg- easier to do since most supermarkets in the laundry cycle to make laundry etables and the pet food/cement up- and stores have stopped giving smell great. White vinegar also acts cycled grocery bag for fish and meats. plastic bags anyway…finally! as a fabric softener. We brought bottles to refill for cooking • Reduce food waste by using the • use baking soda as the go-to oils. We would take whole grains and fruit and vegetable peels as fertilizer cleaning agent. whole spices to grinding mills to make for plants. I also use the water from • Avoid disposable diapers as much into flour and powdered spices. washing rice and lentils to water my as possible and use cloth diapers plants. instead. Raising awareness • i even made cloth wipes which have But things seem to be looking up with survived toilet training for both kids! awareness campaigns from the media, • kids grow out of clothes quickly, animal welfare groups, and environmen- so buy pre-loved in good condition tal groups. Thankfully we are becoming rather than go and buy new every more conscious of our consumerist pat- time. terns. But, again, it tends to become a • Reuse things whenever you can. pressure from advertisers and marketing companies as most of us are made to In the beginning, it may seem a bit te- feel that we have to spend more to be dious or time-consuming, but eventually, eco-friendly or make massive changes in you'll realize it is not such a daunting our behavior and lifestyle when it is not task. Start small, try one change, see if that difficult to get started. it works for you, then do more. One small change at a time is all it takes to Starting at home go green and start your eco-friendly jour- Going green at home can start small • Collect rainwater and use it to wash ney! without spending more. It is also easy the rugs, pet towels, and blankets. and achievable. • Collect and crush eggshells and Image by cottonbro on Pexels. place them on plant pots to deter I have incorporated daily routines in snails and slugs. They also make my home that I would like to share with great plant nutrients. you. With two kids and no helper at • Make a simple compost bin by About the Author home, I didn't intentionally set out to drilling some holes in a bucket. go green or become eco-friendly. I That's where our dried leaves, fruit Syeda Shabber just started paying more attention to and vegetable peels, toilet paper Syeda is a stay at the way I use the resources available rolls and even paper towel rolls go! home parent, living in to me — which was not that difficult. • use old shredded newspaper for pet Thailand for the last 15 years along A small change today builds up and litter. with her cats. She loves kitchen and makes a more significant impact on • Minimize buying plastic, bottled or garden-related activities and enjoys the environment. And once one starts canned stuff. And if we can't avoid DIY projects. She runs gardening and making some changes or doing some it, I take the empty plastics and cans food-related Facebook pages and re- things differently, it gradually becomes to the nearest recycling station (you cently started her blog at facebook. a habit and into a way of life for the may need to google if there is one in com/musingsofwondrousmind/ family. your area). www.bambiweb.org • 45 April Birthdays BAMBI Welcomes New Members

Happy Birthday from BAMBI! Felicity Harris Fidelia Hapsarani 1st Birthday Maddison Malloch Jira Kitiruangsang Masato Mukai Jiranan Seow Kanuengchai Sarapanich 2nd Birthday Aïla Linard Nida Boonjue Akin Antakon Nisara Chaitantipong Akira Harima Nupavee Ruaidee Anya Antakon Felix Green Nutthavee Pombunditkul Harper Minteer Scott Dali Jorge Stuyck Salva- Shuji Otsuka dor Makayla Bairan Minlana Chot. Ryoma Yao Miyago BAMBI’S LANGUAGE COORDINATORS 3rd Birthday BAMBI has members from many different countries, and we’re Chanisa Charlise White happy to offer help in some of the languages with the most members. Chutapat Dhanasin Elis Chayuda, Thai Coordinator Emma สวัสดีค่ะเพื่อนสมาชิกแบมบี้ ดานะคะ เป็นสมาชิกและอาสาสมัคร Olie Nishikawa ของแบมบี้มา 2 ปีแล้วค่ะ ยินดีตอบค�ำถามและให้ค�ำปรึกษาเป็น ภาษาไทยกับสมาชิกและผู้ที่สนใจเข้าร่วมกิจกรรมของแบมบี้ทุก 4th Birthday ท่านนะคะ ติดต่อมาได้เลยค่ะ Dana Li Email: [email protected] Jamie Williams Sara, Chinese Coordinator 6th Birthday 各位華人媽媽好! 我叫 Sara, 是一位香港泰國混血兒媽媽, Arnon Prasitvej 我先生是台灣人, 有一個兒子 Jasper, 我在曼谷已經住了27 Harold Martin McDonald V 年了。 Haru Umehara 我將為各位華人BAMBI會員提供中文協助以及回答中文問題。 Keira Thornhill Email: [email protected]

7th Birthday Romeo Reaud Yoshiko, Japanese Coordinator Japanese Coordinatorのスウィニー淑子です。BAMBI日本人 14th Birthday メンバーの方、何かご不明なことや知りたいことがありま したら、お気軽にいつでもお問い合わせください。一緒に Ken Owaki BAMBIを楽しみましょう！

※日本語コーディネーターとしてお手伝いいただける方を 16th Birthday 募集しています☆詳しくは本誌の「BAMBI Needs You」をご Issla Delaney 覧下さい。 Email: [email protected]

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www.bambiweb.org • 47 Member Discounts Flash your BAMBI Card and enjoy special discounts, now in Pattaya area too!

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BANGKOK AREA CONTACT: Nita 081-904-2231, Minny Email: [email protected] 081-209-8982, [email protected], FB/IG: littlepeabkk [email protected] Web: www.littlepeabkk.com BEAUTY ANGLO SINGAPOREAN SING DANCE ACT & DESIGN with APEX Medical Center: Specializing INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Musical Theatre for KIDS at in total beauty solution and wellness DISCOUNT: for BAMBI members is only The Hop in Silom: DISCOUNT: Ploenchit and Thonglor 250 THB from 400 for Anglo playgroup Improve your child’s confidence, branches only. Buy 1 get 1 free for Cool CONTACT: Tel: 02 331 1874/5, Email: spontaneity and creativity through Scrupting; YAG Laser Hair Removal [email protected], song, dance and art, in a warm and Armpit or Bikini Line for ฿990; Invisalign website https://anglosingapore.ac.th/64/ supportive environment. For information with 3D scanner and Virtual Photo for ฿ admissions/lion-cubs/ on their workshops, please visit www. 170,000; and Zoom Whiting at ฿7,890. musicaltheatreforkids.com. CONTACT: Thonglor branch, Tel: 080- CURTAIN UP DRAMA: Drama, singing Suitable for children aged 6 to 10 years 500-0123; Ploenchit branch, Tel: 085- and magic classes for children (preschool old. 000-0855. Line: @apexbeautyglobal, FB: to 12 years old) at Curtain Up Studio, DISCOUNT: 10% off all class packages. @apexbeautyglobal. Sukhumvit Soi 33/1. CONTACT: Kristen Rossi, DISCOUNT: 15% off all regular studio [email protected] JOHNY LIVE: Hairdresser stylist classes (excluding special camps DISCOUNT: Cutting and colouring conducted during school breaks). BABIES GENIUS SUKHUMVIT 47 services in the comfort of your own CONTACT: Tel: 085-552-5806, Unit P1, (@Rain Hill Community Mall): home with exclusive 25% discount for all Play Yard (2nd Floor) The Common, Babies Genius is a playgroup program BAMBI members. Thonglor Soi 17, Wattana, Bangkok from the U.K. teaching through CONTACT: Tel: 087-105-1614, 10110, [email protected] edutainment for children aged 6 months [email protected], www.facebook. to 6 years. This structured program com/Johny_Live_Hair. GROW: Activities mixing learning, fun aim to provide children with a fun and and practice. 1 hour session on Thursday educational introduction to alphabets, K NAIL LOUNGE: Manicure/pedicure afternoon for the kids age range 3-5 yrs phonics, words, shapes, colours, DISCOUNT: 10% off for any nail service or 6-8 yrs from 3 to 4pm or 4 to 5pm. numbers and movements through ฿250-999, and 20% off when it is above DISCOUNT: 300THB for Bambi members nursery rhymes, sing-along-action ฿1,000. CONTACT: [email protected], songs, classical music, story telling, CONTACT: www.facebook.com/ FB. Grow learning garden, Morgan. 089 soundtracks, role plays, story telling knaillounge. Asoke branch - Soi 25, 159 0325 using puppets, physical plays, arts & Sukhumvit Road (BTS Asoke or MRT crafts, games, etc. Sukhumvit, exit by Citibank), Tel: 02-661- JUMPING CLAY: Specially-designed Suitable for children aged 6 months to 6 7289. educational programs under the concept years old. of "Learn through Play." DISCOUNT: Buy 2 classes get 1 class NICHE HAIR SALON AND NAIL SPA: DISCOUNT: 10% off for BAMBI members free (Non-Member 450/class; BAMBI High-class hairdressing services, hair CONTACT: Jas Urban Srinakarin 300/class).Monthly access *specially care and treatment along with nail spa (3rd Floor), Srinakarin Road; Tel: $4000 (unlimited play)** 5 classes/week. and waxing services with qualified 089-784-8332; Email: pohkla. CONTACT: 0819851996; 022617388 stylists. English-speaking stylists and VIP [email protected]; Facebook: @ For more information go to https://www. private room available. JumpingClayJasUrbanSrinakarin facebook.com/babiesgenius.sukhumvit47 DISCOUNT: 10% off for all advanced- booking services above ฿1,000 (Code: KID ABLE THE MALL MODERN MONTESSORI bambiweb). Booking via phone or NGAMWONGWAN LANGUAGE INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL: Facebook. SCHOOL: MONTESSORI teaching Montessori Playgroup every Tuesday CONTACT: 3rd Floor, All Seasons in English & Chinese for Preschool, from 12:30 - 13:45 (Morning sessions Place, CRC Tower, Wireless Road. Tel: Playgroup and kids aged 1 to 12 years old coming up soon). Every Playgroup 084-596-9546 or 02-654-3993. www. DISCOUNT: 10% off for all classes, First is based on a Theme, planned and facebook.com/nichesalon.th class free, Registration fee free structured. Montessori Playgroup is LOCATION: 9th Floor Education zone, taught by qualified and experienced SATIRA: Spa products The Mall Ngamwongwan Montessori teachers in an international DISCOUNT: BAMBI members receive CONTACT: Tel: 081-848-6300 / 062-387- learning environment using Montessori 20% discount on all items at Satira Shop 3883, FB: @KidableNWW, materials. CONTACT: 4th floor Siam Paragon Line: @kidablenww Suitable for children aged 18 months to 3 Department Store (opposite of Exotique years old. Thai department entrance), www. LITTLE PEA: A space for families in the DISCOUNT: Our fee is 6500 THB for 10 satirathai.com community to connect through multi- sessions or 1 session can be purchased sensory play, fun activities and enriching for 800 THB. We offer 50% discount for EDUCATIONAL food. BAMBI members. DISCOUNT: 10% off at the Little Pea CONTACT: Valda Skubina, Head AMAZE ENGLISH: Creative and fun Cafe (with minimum ฿300 purchase of of Admin, Tel: 027120958, e-mail: lesson plans with the objective of making food and beverage). [email protected] our students ‘Learn English’ and not CONTACT: Unit P1, Play Yard (2nd ‘memorize English’! Floor) The Common, Thonglor Soi 17, DISCOUNT: 50% off for first time Wattana, Bangkok 10110. Tel: 02-712- registration fee. 5245 48 • April 2020 FITNESS SPIN & SLICE: Tennis school and - Le SPA with L’Occitane: 35% discount academy for kids and adults. on spa treatments DISCOUNT: One can of Perrier mineral CONTACT: 189 Sukhumvit Road Soi 13- BANGKOK DOLPHINS: water free for the first session and 10% 15, Klongtoey Nua Wattana, Bangkok, DISCOUNT: 10% off all swimsuits and off for a package of 10 sessions. Tel: 02-126-9999 in-store merchandise. CONTACT: Spin & Slice at the Fifty CONTACT: Soi Klang Racquet Club, Tennis Club, Sukhumvit 50, Prakanong, STEPS WITH THEERA: A health- Sukhumvit 49/9. Tel: 02-712-9297. Klongtoey; www.spinandslice.com focused coffee shop and cafe that also www.bangkokdolphins.com provides vocational training for adults SWIMMING BANGKOK: with special educational needs. The KIDDY-KICKS: Children aged 1 to 6 Private swimming lessons at your own menu is diverse with options for those years are welcome to develop their swimming pool. with and without dietary requirements soccer skills in various venues around DISCOUNT: 20% and free shipping for all and a kids food and drink menu. The cafe Bangkok. Free for toddlers under the age accessories and swimsuits. strives to create a community space that of two; ฿380-420 for children aged 3 to 6 Use the promo code BAMBI20 to enjoy is accessible for everyone. years old. the discount. DISCOUNT: 10% off at the Ekkamai 10 DISCOUNT: 15% discount on CONTACT: www.swimmingbangkok.com and Sukhumvit 42 branches only. membership fees. or email [email protected] CONTACT: 02-381-6590, CONTACT: Tel: 085-806-6770, stepswiththeera.com [email protected] or THE LEADBETTER INDOOR GOLF www.kiddy-kicks.com ACADEMY BANGKOK: Leadbetter Kids, HEALTH Junior Golf School. Junior golf lesson, INNER COACH FOR LIFE: Kids and weekend class and camp, provided to adults health and fitness. For group all levels, ages 3.5-18. Get physical BUMRUNGRAD HOSPITAL: sessions, there is FitFunFamily, where with Asia's leading indoor golf academy DISCOUNT: 10% discount for cash the parents engage with their kids on located in Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Soi payment and 5% discount for credit card different levels of activities. 24, taught by qualified PGA pros. payment on room rate, medicine, lab, DISCOUNT: 10% discount for BAMBI DISCOUNT: 10% off to all normal rates. medical supplies, and x-rays except for members. Prices range from ฿1,000- Free 1 month family membership if doctor’s fee, package or other discount 3,000 per session. register on the same day of free lesson. program, chemotherapy, other special CONTACT: Coach Ricardo, CONTACT: Tel: 02-260-8818, medicine and supplies verified by Tel: 097-921-2550, [email protected] or info@ Bumrungrad Hospital. CONTACT: [email protected] lgabangkok.com Tel: 02-066-8888, www.bumrungrad.com

LITTLE GYM: WHITE BALL ACADEMY: Take golf J-CLINIC: DISCOUNT: 10% off membership fees, if lessons from experienced instructors, or DISCOUNT: 10% off treatment fee register on the day of the free visit for all practice your game at this indoor, state- (manual therapy, electronic treatment, branches. of-the-art golf academy at Thonglor 18. acupuncture and Chinese herbal CONTACT: DISCOUNT: Free 60 minute group medicine), except initial visit fee, doctor - Emporium Tower: Tel: 02-664-8994-5 introduction to golf basics led by an consultation fee, taping, supporter and - Central City Bangna: Tel: 02-3994415 instructor, a 10% discount on all private medicine; 10% off physiotherapy and and 023994445 lessons, 1 month FREE practice acupuncture coupons; 5% off student - Central Chaengwattana: Tel: 02-101- membership (available on weekdays, athlete coupon. 0200 8am-4pm). CONTACT: - Central Rama 3: Tel: 02-673-5957 CONTACT: Tel: 02-714-9777, info@ Prompong 02-262-0831 - The Walk Kaset Navamin: Tel: 099-451- whiteballacademy.com Thonglor 02-185-3433 6292 Ekkamai 02-115-8433 www.facebook.com/jclinic.th/ or jclinicth.com LULLABY YOGA: Offers various styles Food of yoga classes taught by qualified Yoga MEDCONSULT CLINIC: Dr. Donna Alliance Certified Teachers. CHARLEY BROWN’S MEXICAN Robinson, a UK physician holding DISCOUNT: ฿2,500 for one month RESTAURANT: a Thai medical license, heads this unlimited (44% off) and 10% discount on DISCOUNT: 10% off when dining with family medicine/general practice clinic. all yoga packages (excluding drop-ins), kids Doctor and clinic fees are not levied on first class is free. CONTACT: Tel: 02-651-2215 vaccinations. CONTACT: Mark, DISCOUNT: 10% off all charges www.lullaby-yoga.com. KLONG PHAI FARM: Free Range (includes consultation/doctor fee, Chickens, ducks, and eggs vaccination costs, laboratory tests/health rumPUREE: World dance studio DISCOUNT: Free delivery for the first checkups). DISCOUNT: 10% off all open dance order with over ฿1,000 of purchase CONTACT: 3rd Floor, Racquet Club, classes and packages at both Asok and CONTACT: [email protected], Sukhumvit Soi 49/9. Tel: 02-762-7855, Amarin studios. order at www.khlongphaifarm.com and www.medconsultasia.com CONTACT: www.rumpuree.com; FB/IG/ mention BAMBI. Tel: 02-016-3907 YouTube: rumpuree; Line: @rumpuree PAINAWAY CLINIC: Pain relief through - Chidlom: 496-502 5th floor, Amarin SOFITEL SUKHUMVIT BKK: Japanese adjustment therapy. Plaza, Ploenchit Road, Pathum Wan DISCOUNT: DISCOUNT: Free 3D scan for foot or (BTS Chidlom, Exit 6), Tel: 092-204-9655 - Voila Restaurant: Buffet lunch ฿700 posture report (normal price: ฿500) - Asok: 2nd Fl, Jasmine City Bldg., net; Thai seafood dinner buffet, Sunday CONTACT: B1 Floor, Interchange 21 Sukhumvit 23 Alley, Khlong Toei (BTS to Thursday evenings ฿699 net; Tower, Sukhumvit 21, Asoke. Tel: 02- Asok, Exit 6; MRT Sukhumvit), international seafood night market, Friday 258-1361, [email protected], Tel: 092-204-9677 and Saturday evenings, come 3 pay 2; www.painawayclinic.com, Sunday brunch 30% discount FB: @painawayclinic

www.bambiweb.org • 49 Would you like to offer special promotions to our members? Please email us at [email protected].

REVIVAL CLINIC BANGKOK: ALESSANDRA MARAZZI RODEL, PCI CONTACT: Dr. Chontitoth CERTIFIED PARENT COACH: Take part - 2nd Floor Marketplace Nanglinchee DISCOUNT: ฿5000 on facial lifting in an energizing process that leverages - 2nd Floor The Commons Thonglor Soi 17 treatments. 10% off Botox, PRP, vampire the parent/family's strengths and - 2nd Floor Mega Kids Zone, Mega facial, placenta, and vitamin drips. resources to find solutions to everyday Bangna (near Clayworks) CONTACT: 099-232-3566, parenting challenges. Alessandra also [email protected], offers parent education workshops NICK & NISHKA (KIDS CONCEPT www.revivalbangkok.com integrating relevant research, coaching STORE): approach and group interactions. DISCOUNT: 15% off all merchandise on SAMITIVEJ SUKHUMVIT AND Coaching may take place in person or via minimum purchase of ฿1,000 (excluding SAMITIVEJ SRINAKARIN HOSPITAL: Skype. promotional items). DISCOUNT: 10% off as follows: DISCOUNT: 10% discount to BAMBI Shop online at www.nickandnishka. - Outpatient: medicine, laboratory work members on standard coaching and com and use the code BAMBIONLY at and X-ray for self-pay workshop fees. checkout. - Inpatient: room charges, medicine, CONTACT: Alessandra, 081-424-4220 or CONTACT: For appointments to view laboratory work and X-ray for self pay [email protected] collection, orders or queries, email (excludes vaccination, CT, MRI, [email protected] or send a ultrasound, dental, special devices AYASAN SERVICE: message via: IG: www.instagram.com/ and special medication. No discount is DISCOUNT: 20% off agency fee to all nickandnishka, FB: www.facebook.com/ available on insurance and doctor’s fees.) BAMBI members. nickandnishka, LINE: @nickandnishka; CONTACT: Tel: 02-711-8181 CONTACT: www.ayasan-service.com Tel: 097-106-0226 (maid/nanny/elderly care), www.ayasan- IASNAIA MAXIMO: Pregnancy, Birth and driver.com (driver), www.ayasan-app. SUPERYARD THAILAND: Safe, non- Postpartum Doula. com (on-demand), www.gomaid-agency. toxic, portable indoor-outdoor play-yard HypnoBirthing practitioner, Childbirth com (Indonesia), www.jobnurse.co made in the USA. It’s foldable, and a Classes, Lactation and Breastfeeding (medical job platform) versatile design, being size- and shape- Support, Newborn care, Infant Massage adjustable. Suitable for children aged instructor. KIDS HOME & FAMILY SERVICES: 6 months-2 years+. Authorized North DISCOUNT: 10% off Doula support. Nanny, maid and babysitting services. States Superyard dealer in Thailand. 20% off Breastfeeding Support. DISCOUNT: 10% BAMBI discount for DISCOUNT: Extra 20% off on top of CONTACT: [email protected] or hourly rate and daily babysitting services. clearance sale price for all North States www.maedoula.com ฿1,000 discount for the first month of safety gates and extra 10% off for monthly babysitting services. Superyard play yards. Shop online at MISCELLANEOUS CONTACT: Khun Jin, Tel: 02-656- www.cheap.co.th or drop by the office in 7024/5, www.thaikidshome.com the Silom area. CONTACT: Tel: 081-668-0303, sales@ BANGKOK SELF STORAGE: cheap.co.th, FB: @SuperyardThailand DISCOUNT: 10% off storage units. KIIDU: CONTACT: Tel: 02-261-1516 or Darrel: DISCOUNT: 10% discount for 086-888-5121, info@bangkokselfstorage. membership fee for full-time nannies/ travel com maids, and 5% discount for on-demand nannies/maid. DESIGN2U: A full-service web design BEACHFRONT: Child-friendly, CONTACT: 63 Bangkok Ekkamai, company which focuses on customer 3-bedroom holiday rental in Rayong. 1323/2, Sukhumvit Rd. Watthana, satisfaction. Professional and fluent in Fully-equipped condo (170sqm) for short- Bangkok 10110. Tel: 097-234-8490/ 097- both web design and English. term rental, 1km from the Novotel Rim 246-8423. www.kiidu.com DISCOUNT: 10% off web design. Pae on a tranquil, palm-lined stretch of CONTACT: Tel: 089-748-1073 or 081- coast in Rayong Province. PARENT-IT-FORWARD: Creatively 488-9698, [email protected] DISCOUNT: 10% reduction or ฿350 support and enhance your personal discount on the nightly rate of ฿3,500 parenting journey with a PCI-Certified YENG ACELAR PHOTOGRAPHY: CONTACT: Margo, Tel:+084-525-4105, Parent Coach; re-connect with your Portrait photographer specializing [email protected] or parenting voice and achieve greater joy, in newborn, maternity, fresh 48, and www.beachrayong.com families. peace and fulfillment in your parenting. DISCOUNT: 15% discount when working DISCOUNT: ฿1,000 off from any of her SAMET VIEW BEACH HOUSE: Family- together with a coach photography packages. friendly holiday house (330sqm). Easily CONTACT: megha@parent-it-forward. CONTACT: Tel: 095-790-8130, accommodating 2 small families, this com, www.parent-it-forward.com [email protected], house is surrounded by lush tropical FB: @yengacelarphotography gardens and is situated on the stunning PARTY SUPPLIES & ENTERTAINMENT Rim Pae Beach. PARENT SUPPORT DISCOUNT: 10% off daily rate (discount BOUNCY CASTLE: Inflatable bouncy is exclusive to family bookings only) castle for rent. Suitable for children’s CONTACT: Tel: 089-129-6494, ADI NEVO: Life coach, specializing in party. Cleaned and sanitized regularly. [email protected] relocation perspectives and personal Rate is ฿3,500 and upwards, inclusive of growth. Helping to connect you to the transportation and setup. TRAVEL EASY ASIA: Not your average best version of yourself . DISCOUNT: ฿500 (or about 14% for the city guide. Our sets are small and DISCOUNT: Two free coaching sessions least expensive castle) compact, concise, durable and bilingual. plus 20% off regular session prices CONTACT: Cheng, Tel: 081-869-0566 Just show and go. afterwards. SHOPPING DISCOUNT: ฿200 off 3 or more TEA City 30% off for buying a package of six or ENGINOU (Play & Learn): Cards; 10% discount (฿45) on individual eight sessions in advance. DISCOUNT: 15% off all merchandise TEA City Cards - Bangkok CONTACT: 08-24592078 or purchased at the physical stores, CONTACT: Tel: 080-909-5131, www.adinevo.me Wireless and Thong Lo, or online, with www.traveleasyasia.com or the code bambionly, with minimum [email protected] purchase of ฿1,000.

50 • April 2020 For businesses in the Pattaya area, please contact [email protected].

PATTAYA AREA be provided at your residence or chosen superfoods, probiotic beverages and location. healthy snacks BEAUTY CONTACT: 206/118 Soi Town in Town, PATTAYA FITCLUB: Tone up, burn Central Road, Pattaya Klang, next to fat & sweat to keep fit & healthy. Learn Harbor Mall, or order online. Manee, Tel: ESTHER BEAUTY & WELLNESS about good nutrition and good eating 099-391-5664, www.healthut.com, info@ CENTRE: Facial massage & spa habits, or start with a nutrition program healthut.com. Servicing all over Thailand, treatment, hair cut, care, style and with a certified wellness coach. Morning, check website for product range. treatment, along with nail spa, manicure evening & weekend classes; zumba, & pedicure with qualified, English- yoga (adult & baby-n-mum group), speaking stylists. Servicing ladies & kickboxing, TABATA HIIT and gym MISCELLANEOUS gents. Also has beauty & whitening workout with a personal trainer available. products. Your little ones can play in a child- THAI BUSINESS HELP: Visa DISCOUNT: 10% off for all services friendly, carpeted play area inside the applications & renewals, visa run, 90 day LOCATION: 124/139 South Pattaya studio. Book a free body fat scan and report, extensions, company setup, work (behind Tamar Bakery at Pattaya 3rd evaluation. permit application & renewal, annual Road – use this for GPS) DISCOUNT: First class free for zumba or audit, social security & tax, accounting, CONTACT: Ruth, Tel: 090-983-2947, TABATA HIIT, 10% for all other classes bookkeeping. LINE: ruth155 CONTACT: JOYMAX & FUN Gym at DISCOUNT: 10% discount. Soi Siam area, other locations available. CONTACT: Tel: 089-543-4424, save@ Education Shinta, Tel/LINE: 098-402-1693, FB: thaibusinesshelp.com and www. PattayaFitclub. Check our updates for thaibusinesshelp.com SECONDHAND ENGLISH BOOKS schedules of classes & location. FOR KIDS: Children's books, imported SHOPPING from the UK, new and secondhand. HEALTH Over 3,000 books to choose from, for THE PARTY SHOP: Carries an extensive 1 year of age up to teenagers. A mix of range of party and novelty items from BANGKOK PATTAYA HOSPITAL: A balloons, party poppers, party hats, everything, educational, story books, premier tertiary healthcare provider, touch and feel, characters such as Peppa banners, fancy dress costumes, party dedicated to international quality and plates, piñatas and toys. The Party Shop Pig and Disney. Also can post anywhere customer focused care. We are the first in Thailand. can also arrange magicians, clowns, face hospital in the Eastern Region with all the painting, jumping castles and rides for DISCOUNT: 5% off any books purchased technologies equivalent to those used in LOCATION: 34/16 SP5 Village, your party – call or come in for a chat to the major hospitals in Bangkok. discuss your next event. Moo.2, Prompranimit Road, Nongprue, DISCOUNT: Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150. DISCOUNT: 10% off everything in store Outpatient: 10% off on pharmaceutical CONTACT: Welcome Town off Pattaya CONTACT: Tel: 086-363-1458 items, general dentistry; 5% for or 094-442-3646 (Thai), Email: Klang. Khun Saa, Tel: 091-206-1316, FB: prosthodontics treatment. ThePartyShopThailand. [email protected], FB: @ In-patient: 10% off for in-patient room secondhandenglishbooksforkids rate (exclude ICU, CCU and NICU), TOM K JUST BE ABSOLUT pharmaceutical items. JEWELLERY: A European jewelry Food Remarks: For cash payment only. designer. Handmade exclusive fine Excludes all types of vaccination/special jewelry, unique pieces or customer medicines and medical investigation SUNNY’S RESTAURANT & BAR: Three designs made in traditional goldsmith equipment (laboratory work, x-ray, CT, distinct restaurants within one venue: workmanship. Private showroom; can ultrasound) or doctor fee. For self-pay an Isaan-style outdoor BBQ for the offer private jewels events at customer only and cannot be used with personal most authentic somtam south of Isaan; side. health insurance or other promotional a sports bar with great selection of pub DISCOUNT: 10% discount on non-sales campaign, special discount, etc. food and selection of draught beer; and or promotion items. Showroom, jewels CONTACT: Tel: 038-259-999 the steakhouse. Kids can run free and events: Host gets 15 % on non-sales play in the safe enclosed outdoor and or promotion items, advance booking HEALTH & NUTRITION: Have your indoor play area, or swim at the kid’s required. Fairs, bazaars: please send breakfast as a shake, a healthy meal in pool. email or find updates in Facebook. a glass with a balanced Herbalife cellular DISCOUNT: 10 % off your bill for your CONTACT: clientservices@ nutrition. Great for busy mum & toddler whole family absolutstylish.com, IG: tomk_just_be, fussy eaters. Will help with healthy weight CONTACT: Soi Map Yai lia 24 between FB: TOMKJustbe. management, lose weight, tone up, or Soi Neunplabwan and Soi Khao Noi. just to be healthy. Servicing all over Thailand by post, or have your wellness Fitness check at the shop. DISCOUNT: 25% off VIP Package. SELF DEFENSE PATTAYA: Learn Receive a half pack of low-calorie protein to defend yourself. Overcome your bars for every order. Free body fat scan & fears. Get in shape. Be more confident evaluation (please book appointment). in yourself. Learn punch techniques, LOCATION: 124/139 South Pattaya release from various grabs and (behind Tamar Bakery at Pattaya 3rd strangulation, psychological preparation Road – use this for GPS). & physical endurance. CONTACT: Shinta, Herbalife Ind. DISCOUNT: First class free, 20% off all Distributor, Tel/LINE: 098-402-1693 classes (class fee ฿300 per person) CONTACT: Oleg, Tel/LINE: 095-404- HEALTHUT: Providing all your organic & 0060. Studio at Jomtien: Jomtien École vegan food nutrition services under one Française School Chayapruek 1, Soi roof. Super food powder, probiotic, kefir 4; or Joymax Studio Playground (Soi drinks & homemade cottage cheese. Siam Road). Private lessons also can DISCOUNT: 10%, up to 15% off on

www.bambiweb.org • 51 Support Groups

PLEASE NOTE: The groups listed here are run independently of BAMBI, except where otherwise noted. This listing is provided for informational purposes only, and inclusion does not constitute endorsement by BAMBI. Please contact the respective groups for more information.

Pre- and Post-Natal Support questions about birth in Bangkok, need 020-1077。所在地：22nd Flr., CTI Tower, recommendations for doctors, hospitals 191/41 New Rachadapisek Rd（BTS Asok/MRT and other care providers, or if you are Sukhumvit駅より徒歩10分） BAMBI Bumps and Babies Bangkok considering hiring a doula, come and • バンコクこころのでんわ：匿名で電話相談が可。 For pregnant women, new mothers meet some of Bangkok’s doulas at 日・月・火、10時～16時。Tel: 02-392-2680 and their babies, Bumps and Babies "Choices in Childbirth," a free informal • Cotree（コトリー）：日本発のオンラインカウン holds regular talks on topics pertaining gathering on the fourth Saturday of each セリングサービス。https://cotree.jp/ to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding month, 10am-1pm at Kuppa, Sukhumvit and the postpartum period. Bumps 16. For more information, visit www. Parenting and Babies is also home to the BAMBI facebook.com/bangkokdoulas. library with many titles available to rent. Adoption Support For Families In A TENS machine hire is also available. New Mothers Get Together Thailand The group meets every Wednesday @ The Best Beginning There are many people in Bangkok who except the second Wednesday of the The Best Beginning offers a new are adopting or have adopted a child. month, 9:30am-11:30 at Antique Café mothers’ get together on Monday For more information please contact (Soi Sawatdi 1, off Sukhumvit 31); and afternoons. The meetings host a Amanda Degler via the group’s Facebook one Saturday per month (check Calendar variety of guest speakers, including a page, ‘Adoption Support For Families In for dates). Suggested donation is ฿100 pediatrician, life coach, physiotherapist, Thailand’. for BAMBI members and ฿300 for non- and nutritionist, and offer an opportunity members. For more info and to be added to meet and connect with other new Bangkok Area Homeschool Network to the Bumps mailing list for details of mums. Price ฿500 per session with Group forthcoming sessions, please contact 10% discount for BAMBI members. Pre- If you are interested in homeschooling [email protected]. booking is essential on facebook.com/ your child(ren) you can find many thebestbeginning. network groups on Facebook. For more BAMBI Postnatal Support Group New information please contact Adeline Mills Moon Breastfeeding Café Bangkok at [email protected]. For all mothers and babies. The New BCB is a breastfeeding support group Moon Team are there to support the – a place where women can meet, Bangkok Babywearing Club transition into parenthood by providing encourage, and support each other with This group aims to help parents and a supportive and non-judgemental breastfeeding issues. BFC meets every children learn and celebrate the joys of environment to share birth experiences Thursday, 10am-12pm, in Antique Cafe, babywearing. You are welcome to try and feelings about motherhood. Meetings Soi Sawatdee Sukhumvit Soi 31. The on slings from our sling library or get include a mixture of structured sessions cafe is now integrated into the Small one-on-one help. For more information with topics related to evidence-based World Playspace supported by BAMBI. please contact Cari Chou: bangkok. postnatal and baby care, and some There will be a lacto doula present who [email protected]. Visit informal sessions. Tuesdays, 9:30am- can offer advice and individual support the Facebook page for updates on 11:30. Antique Café, Soi Sawatdi 1, off if required. For more information please gatherings: Bangkok Babywearing Club. Sukhumvit 31. Suggested donation is email [email protected]. Facebook ฿100 for BAMBI members and ฿300 page: Bangkok Breastfeeding Café. Compassionate Friends for non-members. For more info please A support group for parents and other [email protected]. Breastfeeding Support Group family members who have lost a child @ The Best Beginning or children either post- or prenatally. Fertility Support Group The Best Beginning holds a free This group is run by a couple who This is a monthly group for those who breastfeeding support group every have lost children and aim to provide a wish to discuss fertility matters. The Monday, 11am-1pm at their center space where affected family members aim of the group is to create a meeting in Interchange Tower (B2 Level) can share and discuss the grief they place to chat and share experiences, Asok. The sessions are staffed by are experiencing. For more information and to offer support in a non-medical lactation professionals who are there to please contact Nicole Lasas on 085-240- framework. The group meets at 10am on provide lactation advice, support, and 3803 or [email protected], or Gregor the first Tuesday of every month at D’ark reassurance to new mums. Drinks and Former on [email protected]. restaurant and cafe in Sukhumvit 49. snacks are provided. Come along, have For more information email namaste@ an afternoon out, meet new friends and International Parenting Network (IPN) namastenicolai.com. There’s also a take some expert advice home with you! This is a parenting networking secret group on Facebook: IVF Bangkok. organization based in Bangkok, offering a To join, please email namaste@ Japanese Support 産後鬱などの日本語サポート wide range of parenting support services namastenicolai.com with your Facebook • 大手病院（日本語可）：バンムンラートやサミテ to parents and childcare professionals link, or send a Facebook message to ィベート病院の心療内科、バンコク病院のバンコ through events, seminars and workshops. Namaste Nicolai. クメンタルヘルスセンター IPN provides parents with family-based

• K&N Support Office：産後うつも含む、カウン resources, learning opportunities, and Doulas in Bangkok セリングを提供。月～土、10時～18時。事前予 effective techniques and strategies If you are pregnant and have 約要：[email protected], Tel: 093- 52 • April 2020 There are a range of support groups in Thailand, which are run independently of BAMBI. Most are open to everyone, some ask a small donation and/or some ask for a reservation. Please contact the respective groups for more information. designed to support the raising of well- Special Needs Support to Women balanced children. For more information visit www.ipnthailand.com, call 081-826- LEAP (Learning and Educational 2399 or 093-112-9814, or email ipn@ Beyond Boobs Advocacy Program) ipnthailand.com. Founded by two breast cancer survivors, This group serves as a point of contact Beyond Boobs offers information and for parents in need of support, referrals Nutrition Café support to breast cancer fighters and and information concerning their Nutrition Café is for parents with babies survivors in Bangkok. The group hosts children’s special needs, including and children of all age groups, that are monthly support group meetings. For learning disabilities, developmental seeking help in coping with their child’s more information, please see www. delays, sensory integration and nutrition, eating behavior or disorder, facebook.com/beyondboobsbangkok or autism. For further information email to exchange experiences and get free email [email protected]. [email protected]. advice in a relaxed atmosphere. Nutrition Café takes place every 1st Saturday Bangkok Breast Cancer Support Group Rainbow Room - A Special Needs of the month between 10am-12pm at (BBCS) Awareness Center Steps with Theera in Ekamai and is held This group aims to provide personal This is a group of parents, family and by nutrition specialist Karin Biran. For attention as well as mental and emotional friends of individuals with developmental more information, visit Nutrition Cafe support to women who have been and behavioral special needs, who come on Facebook or contact: Karin Biran diagnosed with breast cancer. BBCS together to raise positive awareness (Nutritionist B.Sc MA.N, Eating Disorder holds a weekly clinic at BNH Hospital by offering information, education, Specialist), [email protected]. to support women diagnosed with empowerment and encouragement breast cancer, and conducts outreach through a “parent-to-parent” model. Pattaya BAMBI Group programs. Monthly meetings are held Meetings for parents of children with If you live in the Pattaya/Rayong area every third Thursday of the month at Down's Syndrome held every 4th and are keen to meet other BAMBI 10am at their office at the Queen Sirikit Wednesday of the month; meeting for members, please contact the team at Center, Basement Level, Chulalongkorn parents of children with autism, every [email protected]. Hospital, 1873 Rama IV Road. For more 2nd Thursday of the month. An inclusive Single Parents Support Group info, email bangkokbreastcancer@gmail. playgroup is held every 2nd and 4th Are you a single parent who would like to com and [email protected], Saturday of the month, at 11/13 Thonglor meet other single parents in Bangkok? call 02-256-4991~2, ext. 1026 or 085- 25 Sukhumvit 55 Wattana, Bangkok Please join our weekly coffee morning. 908-8002, and bangkokbreastcancer. 10110 Thailand. For further information Depending on the ages of the children, com. and to RSVP, please contact The playdates can be organised as well. We Rainbow Room on 02-023-2396 or meet on Tuesday or Thursday mornings www.facebook.com/specialrainbow. at the Starbucks in Sukhumvit Soi 23. For more information please contact Sakshi Support Group for Parents with To send in any updates or at [email protected]. Fathers and Dyslexic Children corrections to the listing details, mothers are all welcome! This is a support group for parents with please contact chairwoman@ children who are struggling with reading, bambiweb.org. TWINS and Multiples Group writing and spelling or those who are This group provides support and contacts dyslexic. Dyslexia in Thailand provides for parents who have, or are expecting, information, support and solutions to the twins or multiples. There’s also a weekly families of children who are struggling playgroup and a monthly dinner. The with dyslexia. For further information group is not just for English-speaking please contact info@dyslexiainthailand. parents, they can provide support in com or visit dyslexiainthailand.com. Any French, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, etc. queries will be forwarded to qualified For more information please contact specialised ‘Orton Gillingham’ teachers Jessica Pelham on 089-685-9615 or (there are only three in Thailand) who will [email protected], or look for be able to assist the parents or arrange a the Facebook page: Bangkok Twins meeting. Group.

TENS Machines for Hire The BAMBI Bumps and Babies team are now offering a TENS Machine Rental Service.

TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation offers a drug-free alternative to conventional pain relief in labour. Rental is available from 37th week of pregnancy for a maximum 35-day period. Cost: ฿400, plus a ฿1,500 refundable security deposit for members or ฿700, plus a ฿1,500 refundable security deposit for non-members. Hire is subject to terms and conditions. For more information, please contact [email protected].

www.bambiweb.org • 53

Playgroups and Activities

BAMBI holds regular playgroups and activities around town, open to both BAMBI members and non-members. Please always check BAMBI’s online calendar before setting out, as our playgroups are run by volunteers and are occasionally subject to last-minute cancellations. Before going to a non- BAMBI playgroup, please contact the school/venue to confirm that it is open and the playgroup is running. We would love some help with our playgroups and activities, so please volunteer if you have some time to spare at your favorite group. It’s easier and more rewarding than you think to get involved. Contact either [email protected] or [email protected], or if you are in Pattaya, [email protected]. Thank you!

from 9:15am. There is NO PARKING avail- singing and storytelling by Bangkok Prep’s BAMBI PLAYGROUPS able. Storytime Preschool, 85 Soi Samaharn, school teacher. Snack for children and water Sukhumvit Soi 4. Nearest BTS: Nana. For is provided. Please bring photo ID to exchange BAMBI playgroups are characterized by free more info please contact: playgroups@bam- at gate for entrance. Bangkok Preparatory & play, and the use of school toys and play- biweb.org. Secondary School, 23 Sukhumvit 53. Nearest grounds. The donation per family for all BAMBI Sukhumvit - Central: Asoke (Soi 21) to Ekka- BTS: Thong Lo. For more info, please contact: playgroups is ฿100 for members and ฿300 for mai (Soi 63) [email protected]. non-members, except where otherwise noted. New Members’ Coffee Mornings are free. You Let’SPlay PLAYGROUP: Monday, 9:30- BAMBI EKAMAI PLAYGROUP: Thursday, can join or renew your membership at our 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Large cov- 9:30–11:30am. For children aged 0-5. A weekly playgroups and there is no need to reserve a ered outdoor play area, indoor play area, circle welcome song will be followed by a free-play spot—please just come along! time with singing and storytelling. Snack for playgroup with snack. The last 15 minutes of children and water are provided. School will the session is dedicated to singing/story time. NEW MEMBERS’ COFFEE MORNING: Last open the grounds at 9:25am. Please enter Bright Skies International School has a huge Wednesday of the month, 9:30-11am. This is a via gate on Soi 17 only. Bring photo ID to ex- and nice indoor space for kids of different ages free session for new members to come along, change at the gate for entrance. Seeh Phinong and a leafy garden setting outside. Bright Skies make new friends and find out more about International Kindergarten, Thong Lo Soi 17. International School: House 11, Ekkamai Soi BAMBI and living in Bangkok. Please check For more info, please contact: playgroupas- 6, Sukhumvit Soi 63. Car park available at Big for details on the BAMBI Facebook page. For [email protected]. C, near the school in Soi 6. No need to regis- more info, please contact: newmembers@ ter, just walk-in. For more info, please contact bambiweb.org. 最近入会された方・入会を検討さ BAMBI NOVOTOTS PLAYGROUP: Monday, [email protected]. れてる方のために、毎月最後の水曜日午前９時半か 10am-12pm. For children aged 0-5. BAMBI’S ら１１時に開催。お子さんもご一緒にどうぞ。入場 first playgroup at a hotel in Bangkok! Witha BAMBI BANGKOK PREP PLAYGROUP: Tues- 料無料、当日の入会も受け付けています。日本語で 55cm-deep toddler pool and regular pool, day and Thursday, 9-11am (During Term time のお問い合わせもOKです。 there is plenty of space for parents and kids – please contact Bangkok Prep to confirm). For to play together. Novotel provides towels for children aged from 6 months to 3 years. An ex- Silom/Bang Rak use during the playgroup; shower and change cellent opportunity to strengthen parent-infant facilities available. The activities room is air- bonding with sensory activities and dance & BAMBI BRITISH CLUB PLAYGROUP: Thurs- conditioned and suitable for non-walkers and music exposure, with fun learning for children day, 9:30-11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Our older toddlers. There will be circle time, snacks and activities to enhance children’s creativity. very popular playgroup at the British Club has for children, water and coffee. If you would like Led by our highly experienced British Play- reopened! Newly renovated large outdoor play to stay and have lunch, a heavy discount is group Leader in an international setting. Pre- areas and indoor areas. There’s a large chil- available to playgroup attendees for the lunch registration is strongly encouraged. Please dren's pool and children’s changing room facil- buffet. Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, 19/9 email [email protected]. Bangkok Prep ities. Snacks, coffee, tea and water provided. Soi Sukhumvit 20. Free parking at hotel and International School, 23 Sukhumvit 53 (next to 189 Surawongse Road (entrance is via Silom free hotel shuttle to entrance of Soi 18. For Thonglor BTS). Limited parking, using public Road, Soi 18; please show ID). For more info more info, please contact novototsplaygroup@ transport is preferred. please contact [email protected]. bambiweb.org. DADDY’S PLAYGROUP: Some Saturdays, BAMBI RIVERSIDE PLAYGROUP: Wednesday, BAMBI SAWATDI PLAYGROUP: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am. Please check BAMBI's online 10am -12pm. Located in a beautiful historic 9:30-11:30am. For children aged 0-5. This is calendar for dates. Daddy's playgroup for Thai house with a large playground and green a friendly and relaxed stay-and-play with a soft dads and their 0- to 5-year-olds! The school garden area. There will be storytelling and ac- and outdoor play area, circle time with songs, has huge and nice indoor space for kids of dif- tivity by library staff. You can read with the chil- and snacks. IPC International Kindergarten, ferent ages and a leafy garden setting outside. dren in one of the many reading corners and Sukhumvit Soi 31. For more info, please con- No need to register, just walk-in. Bright Skies have the opportunity to borrow books. Lim- tact [email protected]. International School, House 11, Ekkamai Soi ited parking available onsite, ample parking at 6, Sukhumvit Soi 63. Car park available at Big TCDC in next the next soi. It's also a 2 minutes BAMBI TINY PANDAS PLAYGROUP: Tuesday, C, 100m from the school. For more info, please walk from Wat Muang Kae Pier with express 9:30-11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Man- contact [email protected]. boats to Sathon Pier/Saphan Taksin and boat darin playgroup, aims to expose your child to across river to IconSiam. Snacks and water for the language through activities such as music Pattaya children. Darunbannalai Children’s library No. and melodies, dramatic storytelling, socializa- 1, Soi. Charoenkrung 34, (Wat Muangkae), tion. Circle time, activities and storytelling by BAMBI PATTAYA PLAYGROUP & COFFEE Charoenkrung Rd., Bangrak District. (์Near the center's teacher. Snacks for children and MORNING: If you live in the Pattaya/Rayong General Post Office and TCD).For more info water are provided. Nancy Language School, area and are keen to meet other pregnant please contact: riversideplaygroup@bambi- K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26. For more info, women or mothers with babies and toddlers, web.org. please contact: [email protected]. please join us. Follow us on Facebook (Bam- bi Pattaya) to find out more about our coffee Sukhumvit - Top (Expressway BAMBI SUKHUMVIT 31 PLAYGROUP: mornings, playgroups and other social activi- to Asoke) Wednesday, 10am-12pm. For children aged ties. For more info, please contact bambipat- 0-5. Please come along for sand play, a cool [email protected]. SATURDAY NANA PLAYGROUP: Last Satur- gym playroom, fun garden, some snacks day of the month, 9:30-11:30am. Please see and circle time with other kids and mothers. BAMBI’s online calendar. For children aged The First Steps International Pre-school, 58/2 BAMBI ACTIVITIES FOR 0-5. Every month there’s a new activity such Sukhumvit Soi 31, Yaek 4. Close to BTS Phrom OLDER CHILDREN as dancing, singing, crafting etc to keep chil- Phong; Tuk tuk shuttle service is provided. For dren interested and entertained, indoor soft more info, please contact suk31playgroup@ Activities require advance registration. We al- play area for babies, and outdoor play area. bambiweb.org. ways welcome new ideas and volunteers. Feel Snacks for children, water, tea, and coffee are free to contact us at [email protected] provided. Donation per family: ฿100 for BAMBI BAMBI THONG LO PLAYGROUP: Wednesday, members, ฿300 for non-members. Free tuk 9:30-11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Outdoor tuk rides between BTS Nana Exit 2 and school play area, indoor play areas, circle time with

54 • April 2020

BAMBI FOOTBALL AT SP This activity is de- tured where the school/center organizes some fore. Young Place Plaza, A-231 Second Floor, signed by football coaches to be fun and ac- activities for the participants. Flash your BAM- Sukhumvit Soi 23. Contact: 02-662-3039 or tive. With a coach for the younger kids and an- BI card and receive a discount at the following 081-734-5872, [email protected], or other for the older ones, children 3-8 years old playgroups. Please check with schools directly www.facebook.com/kidsroboticslearningcen- will enjoy practicing new soccer skills at SP In- for any changes or queries before attending. ter. ternational Kindergarten’s covered play area. Some of these playgroups require reservation. Age: 3-8 Day and Time: 1st Monday of the There are more non-BAMBI playgroups listed KIDS’ ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: month, 16:00-17:00 Registration: https://forms. on the BAMBI website and BAMBI’s Facebook Monday-Saturday, 9:30-11:30am. Structured gle/ir5376EzEDuSGHYz8 Location: Seeh Phi- page. Don’t forget to check them out! Schools playgroup for children aged 1 to 4 years. Each nong International Kindergarten, Thong Lo Soi who would like to add their playgroup to this session is different. Participate in circle time 17. Nearest BTS: Thong Lor Donation: ฿200 listing and our website, or update their details: songs, listen to stories, make arts and crafts, per child for BAMBI members, ฿400 per child please contact [email protected]. and get fit with yoga and dance. Outside are for non-members a racing track with cars and bikes, slides and Sathorn / Yen Akart / Silom swings. Snacks provided for children and car- FOOTBALL AT SOLTILO PARK This activity is ers. A parent or carer must stay with the child designed by Bangkok French Academy pro- GARDEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Monday, throughout the session and is solely respon- fessional football coaches to be fun and active. 2:30-3:30pm. Ages 8 months to 2 years. Activi- sible for the child's care. Cost: ฿550; ฿400 for With a coach for the younger kids and another ties include arts and crafts, circle time, singing BAMBI members. Kids' Academy International for the older ones, children 3-8 years old will and movement and having fun! Cost: Free. School, Discovery Campus Ekamai Soi 2 and enjoy practicing new soccer skills at Soltilo Fa- Garden International School, 34/3-4 Yen Akart Imagination Campus, Srinakarin Soi 57. To milia Soccer School Thailand’s football pitch. Road, Sathorn. For more info please contact: reserve a place please call Ms Ivy, 084-071- Age:3-8 Day and Time: 4th Monday of the Khun Pang on 02-249-1880 or info@garden- 1115 or contact [email protected]; month, 16:00-17:00 Registration https://forms. bangkok.com; www.gardenbangkok.com. www.kidsacademy.ac.th. gle/zj1jcnBRzfzJJ2Yh6 Location: 20 Soi At- thakawee 1, Rama 4 Road Klongtoey. Behind SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: LITTLE EXPLORERS’ DEVELOPMENTAL K, Village on Sukhumvit Soi 26. Nearest BTS: Wednesday, during term time, 1:15-3:15 pm. PLAYGROUPS: Monday and Wednesday, see Phrom Phong. Parking Available Donation: For children aged 1-3 years. Please call school www.littleexplorersthailand.com/playgroups ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, ฿400 per to check schedule. Children can make full use for schedule. This toddler playgroup focuses child for non-members of the school’s superb Early Years indoor and on the 5 developmental domains: communica- outdoor environment and enjoy arts and crafts tion and language, social and emotional devel- CREATIVE MOVEMENT Come bust a move activities, sand pit and messy play, books, mu- opment, cognition and learning readiness, fine with the talented instructors from rumPUREE sic, construction, and water play in the Splash and gross motor skills, and daily living skills. dance studio! Your children will learn to move Pool. Join in storytime and sing-along ses- Facilitated by a teacher or a developmental their bodies to the rhythm in fun, age-appro- sions led by Early Years staff. Refreshments specialist, in English. Each child must be ac- priate ways. and snacks provided for children and parents. companied by at least one adult throughout Age: 3-6 Day and Time: 2nd Monday of the Cost: ฿300 per child, ฿100 per child for BAMBI playgroup time. Limited to 6 adult-child pairs month, 16:00-17:00 Registration https://forms. members. Shrewsbury International School, per session. Reservations required. Cost: gle/Nhu2EwmsxTtBapyD6 Location: rum- 1922 Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phrayakrai. ฿500; 50% off for BAMBI members. Little Ex- PUREE- world dance studio (Asok), 2nd FL, Free shuttle boat service from Sathorn Pier plorers, 109/1 Soi Thonglor 5, Sukhumvit 55. Jasmine City., Sukhumvit Soi 23 Nearest BTS: (BTS Saphan Thaksin). Reservations open For more information or to RSVP, please con- Asok, MRT: Sukhumvit. Parking free 3 hrs. on every Monday of playgroup week from tact [email protected]. Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, 10.00am onwards. For more info please call ฿400 per child for non-members the school on 02-675-1888, ext. 1404. SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BANGKOK, TOTS PLAYGROUP: Monday, KIDS ZUMBA Come along for an hour of danc- Sukhumvit - Top Wednesday & Friday, 9-11am. An activity- ing fun, keeping fit and learning some new (Expressway to Asoke) based toddler program for children aged 12 Zumba skills. Age: 3-6 Day and Time: 3rd months to 3 years old, offering engaging activi- ties that toddlers love! Music and movement, Wednesday of the month,16:00-17:00 Regis- STORYTIME PRESCHOOL: Tuesday and storytelling, arts and crafts, water-sand sen- tration: https://forms.gle/j377c1NSTXA8oXej7 Wednesday, 9:30-11:30am; and Thursday, sory play, outdoor play, literacy and numeracy Location: rumPUREE- world dance studio 3-4:30pm. Bring along your little ones from 8 games. Snack included. Cost: ฿450/session (Asok), 2nd FL, Jasmine City., Sukhumvit months to 3 years old for some fun and well- (฿4,500 for 11 sessions); for BAMBI mem- Soi 23 Nearest BTS: Asok, MRT: Sukhumvit. planned semi-structured 'Mum & Me' time. bers, ฿350/session (฿3,500 for 11 sessions); Parking free 3 hrs. (Nannies/daddies are welcome.) Along their buy 10 get 1 free. All sessions in English, but Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, motto of 'When We Play, We Learn', fun & includes a Chinese period. Singapore Interna- ฿400 per child for non-members practical activities held following different tional School, at Pracha Uthit, Ekkamai and themes each week. The huge shaded garden Suvarnabhumi campuses. Tel: 02-714-4099, KIDS YOGA Fun, interactive yoga activity for with chilled purified water pipelines installed Email: [email protected], Facebook: @ kids Age: 3-6 Day and Time: Last Friday of the to keep your child cool. Cost: ฿200 for BAMBI sisbekkamai. month,16:00-17:00 Registration: https://forms. members, ฿300 for non-members. Free shut- gle/hBYbAUd2obZGrzsZ6 Location: Bambini tle to Nana BTS after the session. Storytime OISCA INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN Villa., Sukhumvit Soi 26. Parking free 3 hrs. Preschool, 85 Soi Samaharn, Sukhumvit Soi PLAYGROUP: Wednesday, 9:30–11:30am. For Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, 4 (BTS Nana). For more info, check www. children aged 1-4. Variety of activities such as ฿400 per child for non-members storytime-preschool.org or call 081-646-4535. storytime, arts and crafts, playdough center, Email [email protected] to get on singing and dancing. Outside play area has PLAY-BASED NATURE ACTIVITIES Along the mailing list and receive updates on weekly slides, monkey bars, sand pit, climbing and bal- with Grow Learning Gardens, fun nature activities and themes. and gardening activities will be offered. ancing. Snacks provided for children. A parent Age: 3-6 Day and Time: 1st Tuesday of the Sukhumvit - Central: Asoke or carer must stay with their child throughout month,16:00-17:00 Registration: https://forms. the session and is responsible for their child’s gle/M3okT9D6VJEkQWVH7 Location: Bam- (Soi 21) to Phra Khanong (Soi 71) care. Cost: ฿400; ฿200 for BAMBI members. bini Villa Sukhumvit Soi 26, parking free 3 hrs. 876 Soi Pridi Banomyong 36, Sukhumvit Soi LEGO PLAYGROUP: Monday to Thursday, Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, 71, Khlongton Nua. Contact: oiscainquiries@ 10am-12pm. For children aged 2-5 years. ฿400 per child for non-members gmail.com, Tel: 02-381-9852. Structured activities, where kids can have fun building Lego with games, activities and NON - BAMBI PLAYGROUPS storytelling. A fun, hands-on way for children BANGKOK PREP SCHOOL: Tuesday and to develop basic skills in early literacy, letter Thursday, 9-11am. For 6 months up to 3 years and sound recognition, fine motor skills, and old. An excellent opportunity to strengthen Non-BAMBI playgroups are run by the school, language skills. Snacks provided. Cost: ฿200. parent-infant bonding with sensory activities not BAMBI volunteers, and are mostly struc- Reservations required at least one day be- www.bambiweb.org • 55 and dance & music exposure, with fun learning Huay Kwang / Rama 9 / messenger (https://www.facebook.com/TheLit- for children and activities to enhance children’s tleLondonersBKK/). creativity. Led by our highly experienced British Bangkapi Playgroup Leader in an international setting. Minburi Cost ฿450/lesson; 50% off for BAMBI mem- KIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Monday-Fri- bers. Bangkok Prep International School, 23 day, 10am-12pm. For children aged 6 months-4 GERMAN PLAYGROUP “SPIELZWERGE” at Sukhumvit 53 (next to Thonglor BTS). Contact years and their parents. Structured playgroup RIS Swiss Section – Deutschsprachige Schule and Registration: [email protected] with singing, dancing, arts and crafts, story- Bangkok: Monday and Wednesdays, 2:30- time, free play and snack. Nannies welcome 4pm. German-speaking playgroup for children PRECIOUS LEARNERS WORLD NURSERY AND on Mondays and Wednesdays. Free pick-up/ aged 2-3 years. Play, read books, sing, and KINDERGARTEN: Wednesday & Friday, 10am- drop-off service from Ekkamai BTS station on create with your child in a caring and friendly at- 12noon. For children aged 1-6 years. Funtastic Tues, Thurs and Fri (please contact school for mosphere, with a small group of 7 to 10 children thematic playgroup run by a teacher and as- details). Cost: ฿400; 50% discount for BAMBI under the supervision of an experienced Ger- sistants. Theme-based activities include story members. KIS International School, Kesinee man-speaking group leader. Accompanying time, role play, arts & crafts, water play, sand Ville Estate, 999/124 Pracha-Utit Road Huay parents do not need to speak German. Price play, sensory, trampoline, bicycle/car track, Kwang (located one block north of Rama 9 for the whole semester (approx. 35 sessions): puppet show, music, dance and more. Includes Road and east of Asoke-Rachadapisek, MRT ฿11,900; 20% discount for BAMBI members snacks and drinks. Children get to take their Thailand Cultural Center). For more info please (or pro rata, if entered after the semester has artwork home. Cost: ฿500 per session, special contact: 02-274-3444, [email protected] or www. started). RIS Swiss Section-Deutschsprachige package ฿4,500 for 10 sessions; 50% discount kis.ac.th. Schule Bangkok, 6/1 Ramkamhaeng 184 for BAMBI members. Reservation required at Road, Bangkok. For more info, please contact: least 1 day before. Precious Learners, 32 Soi THE REGENT’S SCHOOL, BANGKOK, BABY [email protected] www.ris-swiss- Sukhumvit 62, Yaek 1, Bang Chak, Phra Kha- AND TODDLER GROUP: Monday-Friday, 9.30- section.org; 02-518-0340, ext. 120, or 095-506- nong (BTS: Bang Chak, Exit 4). Contact: 02- 11.00 am. Come and join us, other mums, nan- 3670. 052-6849/097-094-0439, www.preciouslearn- nies and children for a session of fun toddler ersworld.com, Facebook: @preciouslearner- interaction, whilst also giving you a break in Thonburi / Taling Chan sworld, Instagram: preciouslearnersworld. your busy lives! We’ll provide them with stories, arts and crafts and, on Fridays, your child can escape the heat with a swim in the pool with our KENSINGTON INTERNATIONAL KINDERGAR- FIRST STEPS INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL: TEN: Tuesday, 1:45-3pm. For children aged Thursdays, 10-11:15 am. For children aged fully qualified teacher. Cost: ฿400; ฿200 for BAMBI members. The 1-2 years. Activities include painting, sand, wa- 8-30 months. Structured English playgroup run ter and playdough in our creche classroom and by teaching staff. Main activities change each Regent’s School, Bangkok, 601/99 Pracha- Uthit Road, Wangtonglang. For more info/res- sand pit. Snacks and refreshments provided. week, including arts and crafts, splash day, sto- Cost: ฿300; 50% discount for BAMBI mem- rytime, puppet show, music, dance and cook- ervation please contact: 02-957-5777, Ext 202 or [email protected]. bers. Kensington International Kindergarten, ing. Use of the school grounds after playgroup 88 Bangprom, Ratchapruek Rd, Talingchan. has finished. Includes snacks and drinks. Free Please reserve your spot by calling 02-864- tuk tuk pick-up and drop-off service from Soi KIDS FIRST INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN: Wednesday, 2-4pm. For children aged 4 9977. For more info please contact: info@kens- 31 RSU building (please call for details). Cost: ington.ac.th or www.kensington.ac.th. ฿450; 50% discount for BAMBI members. First months-3 years. Children will enjoy a variety of brain-stimulating activities, tactile arts, yoga for Steps International Preschool, 58/2 Sukhumvit Rayong 31 (Soi Sawasdee) Yak 4 (BTS Phrom Phong kids, music & rhythm, sensory & logic classes, messy and water play in a bright, beautiful and or Asoke). For more info please contact: 02- ST. ANDREWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - 260-3152, [email protected] or www. spacious indoor space as well as outdoor gar- GREEN VALLEY, RAYONG CAMPUS: Monday thefirststeps.ac.th. den. Cost: ฿250 for BAMBI members; ฿350 for non-members. 57/1 Soi 7, Rama 9 Road, Huai and Thursday, 1:30-3:00pm. For children aged 0-5. Structured playgroup with singing and THE APPLE TREE INTERNATIONAL KIN- Khwang. Free shuttle van service for pick up dancing at the beginning. Shaded outdoor play DERGARTEN: Tuesday and Thursday,9:30 from Rama 9 MRT station at 1:45pm. Contact area with a trampoline, a sand pit and a bike – 11:00AM. Aged 9 months to 2 years old. and reservation: 086-378-9188, 086-378-9186 track, as well as an air-conditioned indoor area Activities include sensory activities, singing & or 02-090-2147. with a dress-up corner, drawing, painting and dancing, outdoor play, promoting social skills, playdough, dolls corner and mini kitchen. Run enhancing creativity, and learning through SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: by a highly-qualified and well-known teacher play. No snack time. Cost: ฿100 for BAMBI Wednesday, 1:30-3:00pm, aged 0-3 years old. with over 20 years’ experience, Ms Retno members, ฿200 for non- members. ID is re- Explore the soft play gardens, splash pool and Cheah. Cost: ฿150 for non-members; 50% dis- quired to enter. 54 Soi Athakrawi 1,Sukhumvit a wide range of toys and resources. Spend time count for BAMBI members. St. Andrews Inter- soi 26,Sukhumvit road. Limited parking avail- with your children in our beautiful and purpose- national School, Rayong, 1 Moo 7, Banchang able. For more info or to RSVP, please contact ful early learning environment. Storytime and - Makhamkoo Rd, Tambol Samnakthorn, Ban- Tel: 085-333-5558, 02-258-4599 or email wel- sing-along sessions led by our teachers. Cost: chang, Rayong. For more info please contact: [email protected] ฿300;฿100 for BAMBI members. Shrewsbury International School,982 Rim Klong Samsen 03-803-0701, www.standrews-schools.com or [email protected]. BABIES GENIUS: Mon/Wed/Fri.= 2:20-3:20 PM Road (Rama 9). Reservations open on every "Smart Babies" for 6 months – 1.1yrs. old Mon/ Monday of playgroup week from 10.00am on- Wed = 3:30 -4:30 PM “Smart Toddies” for 1.2 wards. For more information, please call 02- Dusit yrs.old – 1.11 yrs.old Fri.= 3:30 – 5:00 PM “Kid- 203-1222. die Bright” for 6 yrs. old ST.ANDREWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL THE LITTLE LONDONERS- EARLY YEARS “Smart Babies” Class with parental participa- DUSIT: Tuesday, 9:30am- 11am, 6 months -3 PLAYGROUP: tion, helping them overcoming stranger anxiety Saturday, 10am - 12pm. For chil- years old. Opportunity for your child to develop and develop physically through play.“Smart dren aged 2- 5 years. This English language and increase their social, sharing, coopera- Toddies”Class with parental participation, help- playgroup aims to help improve your child’s tion skills and master everyday tasks through ing them to learn walking with confidence, de- English language in a fun and interactive en- multi-sensory activities, learning through play, velop their listening skills, vocab., arts & crafts vironment. We are two female teachers from song or dance, with weekly story time and wa- skills and develop physically through play. “Kid- the UK, who have a passion to develop young ter play, in our safe, creative and spacious in- die Bright” After school class with the fun of children’s skills & learning. A variety of methods door and outdoor areas. Cost ฿150; ฿100 for Phonics, English conversation and mathemat- to stimulate learning in a fun way; such as arts BAMBI members. St. Andrews International ics. Cost:Buy 2 classes get 1 class free (Non- & crafts, games, singing, role play and much School Dusit, 253/1 Sawankhaloke Road, Dusit Member 450/class; BAMBI 300/class). Monthly more! Water provided. Cost: ฿400 per child/ Bangkok 10300. More information, call +66 (0)2 access *specially $4000 (unlimited play)** 5 hour, ฿300 per child/ hour for BAMBI members. 6686231 or email Dusit@standrews-schools. classes/week. Babies Genius Sukhumvit 47 (@ The Londoner, 1178 Pattankarn Road, Suan com. Rain Hill Community Mall)For more info please Luang, Bangkok, 10250. Secure parking avail- contact:0819851996; 022617388 or facebook. able. Booking preferred. For more info littlelon- com/babiesgenius.sukhumvit47 [email protected] or via the facebook page 56 • April 2020 BAMBI Team BAMBI is managed by an elected committee of volunteers and all BAMBI members are encouraged to volunteer. Vacancies can be found on the BAMBI Needs You page in this magazine and are posted online; you are welcome to contact [email protected] with inquiries.

Patron Non-Voting Positions Playgroup Leaders Mel Habanananda: [email protected] Activities Assistant BAMBI Playgroups are made possible by Honorary Members Yuka: [email protected] members who volunteer as Leaders. You Paula Young can get in touch with them with any questions Anna Ingham (Bumps & Babies Founder) Advisor about the playgroup, or to help out! Simmi: [email protected] Kathy Leslie Ravit El-Bachar Daniel BAMBI News - Assistant Editors British Club Ema: [email protected] Da / Sher / Eric Voting Positions Sadia: [email protected] [email protected] Sadef: [email protected] Chairwoman Ashima: [email protected] Ekkamai Akiko: [email protected] Hanae / Mayumi / Sassy BAMBI News - Deputy Editor [email protected] Vice-Chairwoman Francine: [email protected] VACANT: [email protected] BAMBI News - Japanese Editors Let’S Play Hanae: [email protected] Yukiko / Tomoko / Sara / Sassy Secretary Fumi: [email protected] [email protected] Azusa: [email protected] BAMBI News - Photo Editor Novotots Treasurer Mao: [email protected] Akiko / Haruka Katharina: [email protected] [email protected] BAMBI News - Photo Assistants Yoko / Sher / Azusa Activities Coordinator Riverside Ruby: [email protected] BAMBI Pattaya Coordinators Hetal / Pou Pae / Sabrina Chie: [email protected] [email protected] Editor, BAMBI News Rina: [email protected] Bumps and Babies Co-Coordinator Saturday Nana Emma: [email protected] Jane Charities Coordinator [email protected] Yoshiko: [email protected] CBFT Advisor Cherry: [email protected] Sawatdi Database Coordinator Charities Assistant Arti / Yoko / Takako Liz: [email protected] VACANT: [email protected] [email protected]

Events Co-Coordinators: Chinese Coordinator Sukhumvit 31 Party Events Sara: [email protected] Miki / Ryoko / Haruka VACANT: [email protected] [email protected] E-Newsletter VACANT: [email protected] Yard Sales Tiny Pandas Dharak: [email protected] Events Assistants Helen / Ruby Mayumi: [email protected] [email protected] New Members Coordinator Lindawati: [email protected] Shoko: [email protected] Thong Lo Japanese Coordinator Michelle / Emiko / Mako Playgroups Coordinator Yoshiko: [email protected] [email protected] Mao: [email protected] Me-Time Coordinator Emi: [email protected] Pattaya PR/Media Coordinator Chie Bao: [email protected] Member Benefits Coordinator [email protected] Mint: [email protected] Website Coordinator Gloria: [email protected] Bumps & Babies Assistant New Members Assistants VACANT VACANT: [email protected] Emily: [email protected] Voting/Exofficio/By-Invitation Playgroups Assistants Advertising enquiries to: Bumps and Babies Co-Coordinator Sara: [email protected] Advertising in BAMBI News Yaz: [email protected] Mie: [email protected] Finn Balslev Tel: 02-943-7166-8 ext. 116, Promotions Designer MB: 081-866-2577 Lily: [email protected] Fax: 02-943-6618 BAMBI News is the non-profit monthly Email: [email protected] newsletter of Bangkok Mothers and Babies Secretary Assistant International. It is distributed free of charge Artwork Giovanna: [email protected] to members. Editorial contributions from Enquiries to Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: 02-943-7166 Ext: 106 Dao members are welcome. Where possible, Thai Coordinator please submit articles and photographs by Fax: 02-943-6618 Chayuda: [email protected] Email: [email protected] email directly to our BAMBI News editors. Please send editorial enquiries to editor@ Treasurer Assistants bambiweb.org. Fidel: [email protected] Aki: [email protected] Yoko: [email protected] The views expressed in the articles in Website Assistant this magazine are not necessarily those Hetal: [email protected] of BAMBI committee members and we assume no responsibility for them or their effects. Here I am! www.bambiweb.org • 57 Member Profile Meet Chayuda Pieterse

Chayuda goes by the nickname Da and has had the chance to see up close the wildlife in South Africa.

Where are you from and what’s your nationality? Can you tell us about your background? Hi! I’m Thai. I was born and raised here in Thailand. I had a Wyear of study abroad when I studied for my Master’s degree in Manchester, UK but I also love traveling to different countries. It’s so nice to experience new cultures, taste different cuisines, and see new places.

Can you tell us something about your career and work? And what about your spouse? I used to work in Corporate Communication in a logistics firm but I’m a full-time mom at the moment with a little bit of extra work here and there like having a small online shop, doing translation jobs, and being a BAMBI volunteer. My husband is a science teacher.

Please tell us a little bit about your family. My husband is an Afrikaner from South Africa and we have one lovely 3-year-old boy together. Since my parents and brothers are in Thailand too, it’s so nice to have them around and help us entertain our boy sometimes.

Please tell us about your experiences abroad. Any particular Which place in Thailand would you recommend BAMBI mem- country you've visited and loved, or would love to visit? Or bers to visit? anything that surprised you abroad? There are many places to check out in Thailand. Personally I've I had a full year and a bit in the UK and I loved it! It’s not that had good times every time I have visited Koh Kood (or Koh long but still, it changed my perception of life and see how Kut), an island in the east of Thailand near Cambodia. Most Thailand can be improved to meet international standards. The people hear more about islands in the south but I think Koh country that impressed me most and which I want to go back Kood is equally nice or even nicer! There is white sand, clear to again and again is South Africa, my husband’s home coun- water, and a nice waterfall. It’s quiet and peaceful. I can’t wait try. There are stunning sceneries, delicious and cheap food, to take our family there again. and wine, and you can see lots of wonderful wildlife. My husband’s home is next to a game park and I still remember my How did you find out about BAMBI? excitement when I saw a giraffe walking freely and nibbling I was getting bored of staying at home alone with my child some leaves next to our driveway up close for the first time. while my husband went to work. I needed to socialize and Sometimes we even heard a lion’s roar at night which was I wanted my son to meet other kids too, so I searched online truly amazing. and found BAMBI. I’ve been into it ever since.

Can you tell us a bit about your routine here in Bangkok? Are there any specific suggestions you can give to BAMBI’s I wake up early to make a lunchbox for my husband and new members here in Bangkok? breakfast for me and my son. Then we tend to go out in the Go out and see new friends, especially other moms. It’s good morning to playgroup, kids cafe, or park for my son to burn to talk to people who also have kids. We experience pretty some energy. Then after lunch, he naps and I have about two much the same thing. Also, as a Thai, I want to tell you that hours to do house chores, do some work and relax a bit. One most Thais love to talk to foreigners but sometimes we are good thing about my husband being a teacher is that he fin- too shy or worried that we will say something (grammatically) ishes work early so he looks after and plays with our son in the wrong. Give us some time to answer and maybe repeat your evening while I make dinner or exercise. That’s basically my question slowly then I think you might get yourself a nice, new routine most days. local friend.

58 • April 2020