asialife HCMC 1 - AsiaLIFE Magazine

ask auntie emilyPolicing ParentsBy Emily HucksonDear Auntie Em: My threeyear-oldand I are friends withour neighbour whose child isthe same age as mine. Theycame over for a visit the otherday and things were goingvery well until we witnessedour little guest grab a toy frommy daughter and run off withit. I was hoping her motherwould step in but—surprise!—she did nothing. In such situationsdo I to let it go or swoopin to restore the toy?- UnsureDear Unsure: As temptingas it may be to discipline theother child, there could beconsequences such as yourneighbour asking you to mindyour own business. At worst,the kids could witness twogrown adults defending theiryoung, and the result mightbe ugly.Is there ever a time or placeto discipline other people’skids? And does it matter whothose people are—strangers,friends or relatives?The basic rule of thumb is:Don’t do it. Especially whenit comes to friends and relatives,the fallout can poisonrelationships for a long time.But like all rules, this one hasexceptions. Most parentsagree it’s OK if the situationcalls for immediate action—inthe case of a physical fightor dangerous situation, forexample. It may also be OK ifyou’ve been given permissionfrom the child’s parent or caregiverto step in. But be awarethat each situation is uniqueand may call for a differentapproach.While you say both of youwere watching, that doesn’tnecessarily mean you wereboth actively observing. Thereis a chance your friend didn’treally see what her daughterhad done. In that case, bringit to her attention and say outloud, so the children can hear,“Oh Dear! Your daughter justgrabbed a toy from my daughterand ran away with it…whatcan we do to make it right?”I am a big promoter of ‘overspeak’. This means speakingin proximity of the children toan adult (and not speakingto the children—making it asif the children ‘accidentally’overheard the conversation).I have found, with this age,I get better results when using'over speak' with other adults,rather than directly speaking tothem. Two to three year oldsare very curious, usually ‘don’tmiss a beat’ and are reallytuned in to what adults sayamongst themselves.Email your questions aboutchildhood development toauntie-em@asialifehcmc.comSecondary Campus246 Nguyen Van Huong, D2Tel: 3744 2335www.bisvietnam.comWith campuses all over the city andexpansion underway, BIS offers a mixtureof both English and International curriculabasededucation alongside excellentfacilities and extra-curricular activities.Senior students follow the IGCSE and IBprogrammes.German International School257 Hoang Van Thu , Tan BinhTel: 7300 7257info@giss.vn / www.giss.vnA bilingual school with native German andEnglish teachers. The language programis followed in both German and English,alongside the German curriculum. Extracurricular activities are available for allprimary school students.International School HCMC28 Vo Truong Toan, D2Tel: 3898 9100www.ishcmc.comOne of 136 schools around the worldto be accredited as an IB World School.Offers all three of the IB programmes fromprimary through to grade 12. The schoolis fully accredited by CIS and NEASCand has a strong focus on communityspirit and fosters an awareness of otherlanguages and cultures.International School Saigon Pearl92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh ThanhDistrict Tel: 2220 1788/89www.issp.edu.vnOpening in August, 2011, the singlepurpose-built campus will cater for nurserythrough grade five. In the second year,sixth grade will be added. ISSP’s longtermstrategic plan includes completemiddle and high schools. In the spring of2011 ISSP will host the Western Associationof Schools and Colleges (the largestAmerican accreditation agency in Asia).Accreditation will allow children to easilytransfer to schools abroad.The Little Genius International Kindergarten102 My Kim, Phu My Hung, D7Tel: 5421 1052Kindergarten with U.S.-accredited curriculum,modern facilities andattractive school grounds.Montessori International SchoolInternational Program42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, D2Tel: 3744 2639Bilingual Program28 Street 19, KP 5, An Phu, D2Tel: 6281 7675www.montessori.edu.vnMontessori utilizes an internationallyrecognized educational method whichfocuses on fostering the child’s naturaldesire to learn. The aim is to create anencouraging environment conducive tolearning by developing a sense of self andindividuality. A wide array of curriculum/extra-curricular activities are on offerincluding Bilingual programs.Renaissance International School74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7Tel: 3773 3171www.rissaigon.edu.vnIB World school, one of Vietnam’s internationalschools operating within the frameworkof the British system. RISS provide ahigh quality English medium education ina stimulating, challenging and supportiveenvironment. The purpose built, moderncampus has excellent facilities.RMIT702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7Tel: 3776 1369Australian university located in District 7,offers a highly regarded MBA and undergraduatecourses in various fields.Saigon South International SchoolNguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7Tel: 5413 0901www.ssis.edu.vnAn International school environment offeringan American/international program in alarge, spacious campus, to children fromage 3 to grade 12. Great facilities, extracurricularactivities and internationallytrained teachers giving unique opportunitiesto learn.Saigon Star International SchoolResidential Area No. 5, Thanh My LoiWard, D2Tel: 3742 STAR Fax: 3742 3222enroll@saigonstarschool.edu.vnwww.saigonstarschool.edu.vnOffers a British primary curriculum approvedby Cambridge University and integratedMontessori programme for nurseryand kindergarten. Qualified, experiencedteachers and small class sizes cater toindividual needs and abilities.Singapore International School (SIS)No.29, Road No.3, Trung Son ResidentialArea, Hamlet 4, Binh Hung Ward,Binh Chanh DistrictTel: 5431 747744 Truong Dinh, D3Tel: 3932 2807Ground floor, Somerset ChancellorCourt, 21 - 23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,D1. Tel: 3827 2464The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, BinhThanh. Tel: 3514 3036www.kinderworld.netStudents play and learn in an environmentwhere the best of Western and Easterncultures amalgamate to prepare Kinder-World’s students for today’s challengingworld drawn from both the Singapore andAustralian curriculum. The school offersInternational Certifications such as theiPSLE, IGCSE and GAC.SmartKids1172 Thao Dien Compound, D2Tel: 3744 607626 Street 10, D2Tel: 3898 9816www.smartkidsinfo.comAn international childcare centre thatprovides kindergarten and pre-schooleducation for children aged between 18months and 6 years. A fun and friendlyenvironment, the school focuses on learningthrough play.Stamford Grammar214 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3Tel: 3930 73434Bis Phung Khac Khoan, D1Tel: 3822 3339www.stamfordgrammar.comenquiry@stamfordgrammar.comInternational kindergarten following aSingapore curriculum for children from18 months to 6 years of age. Taught byVietnamese and native English-speakingteachers. Outdoor play areas, swimmingpool, music and art & craft rooms wherestudents can play and learn in a safeenvironment.The American School172 - 180 Nguyen Van Huong, D2Tel: 3519 2223info@tasvietnam.edu.vnAn independent and private collagepreparatory school with a highly individualizedand personalized program,The American School of Vietnam offers astrong, US based curriculum for Kindergartenthrough Grade 12.ENTERTAINMENTDiamond Plaza34 Le Duan, D1The top floor arcade and bowling alley isbound to keep your little ones entertainedfor hours with an impressive array of videogames. Some child-friendly dining optionstoo, with Pizza Hut on hand, a KFCand a New Zealand Natural ice creamconcession.Gymboree Play & MusicSomerset Chancellor Court21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1Tel: 3827 7008www.gymboreeclasses.com.vnThe Gymboree Play & Music offerschildren from newborn to 5 years old theopportunity to explore, learn and play inan innovative parent-child programmes.Parkson Plaza39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1Arcade game after arcade game line thetop floor here with a bowling alley and adecent food court thrown in on the floorbelow. A good place to take the kids aftertrawling through Parkson’s numerousconcession stands.Vincom Center72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3936 9999A six-storey shopping centre that housesthe world’s most famous luxury brandsplus more than 250 fashion retailers andvarious restaurants. Each level has a coffeecorner to help weary shoppers recoupwhile looking over the city. Open dailyfrom 9 am to 10 pm.Vinpearl GamesVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Features fun and games for a wide rangeof ages. Air hockey, sports games andtraditional arcade video games and asmall children’s play place.PARTIESA2196 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3Well-known toy shop that also does asubstantial line in fancy dress costumesand partywear. Also has a concession atAn Phu Supermarket.Beatrice’s Party Shop235 Le Thanh Ton, D1A lovely little shop selling everything youneed to throw your little ones a goodparty. A catalogue of entertainers showcasesa number of party favourites suchas magicians, circuses and more.Nguyen Ngoc Diem Phuong131C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1A curious shop stocking a range of handmadefancy dress costumes such asmasks, superman outfits and much more.The stock changes seasonally, so this isa good place to stock up on Halloween,Christmas and other holiday-specific partycostumes.The Balloon ManTel: 3990 3560Does exactly as his name suggests – balloons.Great service has earned this chapa reputation around town for turning upalmost instantly with a superb selection ofballoons. Also provides helium balloons.listingslivingBUSINESS GROUPSAmChamNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1Business Centre, Room 323Tel: 3824 3562www.amchamvietnam.comAusChamTV Building, Suite 1A, 31A NguyenDinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3911 0272 / 73/ 74www.auschamvn.orgBritish Business Group of Vietnam25 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3829 8430execmgr@bbgv.orgwww.bbgv.orgCanChamNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1Business Centre, Room 305Tel: 3824 3754www.canchamvietnam.orgCitibankSun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue Boulevard,D1, HCMCTel: 3824 2118International Center, 17 Ngo Quyen,Hoan Kiem District, HanoiTel: 3825 1950Citibank Vietnam offers a wide rangeof banking services to both consumerand corporate clients. Services includecorporate and investment banking,global transaction services, and consumerbanking. In Vietnam for 15 years,Citibank has a presence in both HCMCand Hanoi.Eurocham257 Hoang Van Thu, Tan BinhTel: 3845 5528www.eurochamvn.orgGerman Business Group21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1www.gba-vietnam.orgSingapore Business GroupUnit 1B2, 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,D1 Tel: 3823 3046www.sbghcmc.orgSwiss Business Association42 Giang Van Minh, Anh Phu, D2Tel: 3744 6996Fax: 3744 6990Email: sba@hcm.vnn.vnwww.swissvietnam.comHong Kong Business AssociationNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1Business Centre, Room 322Tel: 3824 3757 / 3822 8888www.hkbav.comNordChamBitexco Building, 19-25 Nguyen Hue, D1Tel: 3821 5423www.nordcham.comCAMERASHung Hai75 Huynh Thuc Khang, D1A good place to purchase hard-to-findgear and some rare equipment, mainlyauto focus lenses.Le Duc5B Huynh Tinh Cua, D3A shop for all your professional accessoryneeds. From lighting equipment to tripodsand reflectors, the shop offers the bestequipment and service in HCM City.Pham The11 Le Cong Kieu, D1An authorized service centre for Nikoncamera that also specializes in repairingall camera makes. Measurement equipmentand spare parts also available.Shop 4646 Nguyen Hue, D1Small shop run by photographer andcollector. The owner’s more collectiblepieces are pricey, but entry-level manualfocus SLRs from the 70s and 80s areaffordable.COMPUTERSComputer StreetLuong Huu Khanh, D1 between NguyenThi Minh Khai and Nguyen TraiThis stretch of District 1 is literally wall towall with small shops selling computers,printers, monitors and everything computerrelated, more so toward the NTMKend of the drag.iCenter142A Vo Thi Sau, D3Tel: 3820 3918Professional, polished Apple retailer andrepair centre with an attractive showroomfeaturing some of the latest in accessoriesand audio. English-speakers on staff.Honours Apple service plans.84 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 85