1. See old attractions through new eyes
“The wonderful thing about having kids is that we become tourists in our own country again. We go back to places we’ve visited once or twice – the zoo or the Science Centre Singapore – and each time, it’s a different experience for all of us,” says Janice. She and her husband also enjoy taking sons, Max, 10, and Lucas, eight, for treks at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve every two months. “We even go to Haw Par Villa – one of the most untouched attractions in Singapore, and a must-visit before it’s gone.”
2. Make new discoveries
The 40-year-old sports enthusiast (she is a qualified Ashtanga yoga instructor), has plans for a family staycation at Sentosa, where she is greatly looking forward to leisurely swims in the lagoon. “When I was young, my parents took me swimming at East Coast Park and Changi Beach. I have fond memories of that. Some friends and I signed our kids up for the Milo Youth Triathlon 2014 and the Tri-Factor Series race, which both include open-water swims. We discovered the lagoon at Palawan Beach, where Max and the others can practice. At 7.30am, the place is empty and it’s amazing to swim in.”
3. Have a hands-on history lesson
The newer Adventure Cove and Universal Studios Singapore aside, Janice also wants her boys to visit the older part of Sentosa. “They went to places like Fort Siloso when they were younger. Now that they have a better concept of Singapore history, it’s a good time to revisit. It also helps that boys generally like the idea of dungeons and exploring war tunnels,” she laughs.
4. Go on educational walking tours
Among the places Janice is keen for her children to learn about is Bukit Brown Cemetery. “We visit it only to observe Qing Ming rituals. It would be interesting, even for me, to understand it from a heritage point of view and to hear stories of Singapore’s pioneers who were buried there.”
5. Bond with your family
As an artress and Nominated Member of Parliament (her term ends in August), Janice admits that her week nights and Saturday evenings are burnt. “In the last two years since I took up the NMP position, I’ve been home a lot less and the boys have noticed. So I always explain my work to them – for example, telling them why I’m holed up in my study writing a speech. They read the newspapers so they understand that I’m not just working in the arts but also representing them.” Which is why Saturday mornings and Sundays are strictly reserved for the family. “We have regular gatherings with my in-laws and extended family. These are big homely affairs where everyone whips something up. I don’t always have time to cook, so I’ve taught my domestic helper. Now, she does a better Nonya chap chye (stewed mixed vegetables) than me.”
6. Make room for the Arts
With a mum who’s so involved in the arts community, Max and Lucas are regulars at holiday art festivals geared at children. “When I get invitations to orchestras, wind symphonies or jazz performances at the Esplanade Concert Hall, Max and Lucas may come along as my dates. They enjoy it, but sometimes they do fall asleep,” she laughs.
This article was originally published in Simply Her June 2014.