Playtimes HK Magazine September 2018 Issue | Page 8

welcome T here’s a great picture I saw posted on Facebook recently. It shows three unhappy children all kitted out ready for their first day back at school , and a very happy mum relaxing in the pool on an inflatable, complete with a glass of Champagne in hand. I’m not quite that mum (we don’t have a pool, sadly) but I do confess to being somewhat relieved about my two returning to school after having them around. We’ve all enjoyed relaxing the bedtime the summer break . It’s been great schedule – going to bed at 10pm is fine if you don’t have to get up in the morning – and the lack of routine has been fun. But all good things must come to an end and it’s time to get back to it. Plus, having spent so much time together my children are starting to bicker. This September issue focuses on the return to normal life and, for the most part, returning to school. We’ve got school-inspired shopping ideas for those bits and pieces you might have forgotten, whilst bookshelf has some great recommendations for recent releases that will encourage your child to want to learn. Willow Hewitt offers advice on how to get the most from your child’s tutor , while Sheetal Tahilramani explores that difficult subject of homework, looking into how much homework primary children should be given (none if my son had his way). We take a tour of Discovery Montessori Academy , the primary school located in Discovery Bay and, for parents of older children, Kate Cunich looks at alternatives to university . September is gynaecological cancer awareness month so we ask Katharina Reider of the Karen Leung Foundation, which works to save lives in Hong Kong by raising awareness of gynaecological cancer , to discuss cervical cancer, the fourth most-common cancer in women worldwide, and the HPV vaccine . Dr Sarah Borwein also reassures us about the safety of vaccines in Hong Kong in light of the China scandal. And, in case your children are still bickering even after they return to school, check out our When Siblings Fight article. Hopefully it will help restore some harmony in your home. Hoping you have a peaceful month, 6 www.playtimes.com.hk