what I did with my children's hari raya "collection" money

It has been a customary tradition in Singapore to provide children (or young adults who are still schooling) with money during eidul fitri or better known locally as Hari Raya.

My children have been receiving their share of "hari raya collection money".

This brought back nostalgic memories which ia still firmly sealed in my mind.

What my parents used to do when I was a child, was that they would allow me to choose a toy that I like, purchase it with that money and kept the rest in my junior maybank account.

I am doing the same thing.

We brought the kids to Mustafa earlier today (no one was home for us to visit!).

I promised them that they could choose any toy that did not exceed $20.

Reena chose a doctor bag set with a Minnie Mouse play-doh set that she has been eyeing for sometime. It exceeded slightly by 80 cents. Both costs $20.80.

Irman enjoyed dragging things across the house. We 'assisted' in getting him a toy car with a ramp, which was suitable for his age. It looked somewhat likethe picture below :

Irman's toy costs $19.90 exactly.

We explained to them that the rest of their money will be locked in their bank accounts. (Not sure if Irman understood, he just nodded throughout).

Reena enjoyed her toys. Especially the play-doh. She rolled it and told me "Nana roll play-doh. Nana make snake."

She will then proceed in rolling it to a ball before using the other products to manipulate the dough.

She didn't want to stop playing even after we got home from my in-laws' place. And it was close to 10pm. Already past her bedtime.

I had to bring a very reluctant girl to the toilet to wash her "bum-bum", brushed her teeth, changed her nappies and got her ready for bed.

I promised her if she woke up early tomorrow morning, she can work with her play-doh before we head off for school.