Parenting Hub

BISSELL Announces Strategic Partnership Launch in South Africa with Legend Housewares

BISSELL, a global leader in floorcare appliances with a legacy spanning 149 years, is proud to announce its official entry into the South African market through a strategic partnership with Legend Housewares. The launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to innovation, accountability, and integrity since its founding in 1876. Unlike generalist competitors, BISSELL specialises exclusively in vacuum cleaning technologies, ensuring its focus remains on delivering innovative, effective products. Today, BISSELL’s footprint extends across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Turkey, India, and Australia, underscoring its reputation as a global expert in cleaning technology. “At BISSELL, we uphold a promise to our consumers,” said Faten Al Baltaji, General Manager, BISSELL META, at the Johannesburg launch event. “We are vacuum specialists—we only do vacuum cleaners. Partnering with Legend Housewares, a company that shares our values and professionalism, enables us to build a long-term presence in South Africa. From our beginnings as a small crockery shop in Michigan, USA, to becoming the number one brand in floor care in the USA and Saudi Arabia, and a leader in the wet cleaning category across multiple global markets—not to mention the fast-growing stick vacuum segment—BISSELL continues to set itself apart through innovation and deep expertise. Even in highly competitive markets, we deliver true differentiation with every launch.” Collaboration with Legend Housewares The partnership with Legend Housewares was established following extensive research into consumer needs and retail dynamics. Known for its professionalism and strong family-business ethos, Legend Housewares was identified as the ideal partner to represent BISSELL in South Africa. “My hope for South Africa is simple: that one day, instead of saying ‘I need to vacuum’, consumers will say ‘I need to BISSELL my floor and couch.’ That’s the kind of everyday connection and brand love we aspire to create.” Al-Baltaji added. “Together, BISSELL and Legend Housewares will bring innovative, high-quality cleaning solutions to South African households.” Shaun MacPhail, Managing Director of Legend Housewares, added: “We are proud to collaborate with BISSELL to bring its world-class cleaning technology to South Africa. Our experience in the local market positions us to translate BISSELL’s global excellence into regional success. South Africans are discerning, tech-savvy consumers who value innovation and quality—and together, we can meet and exceed those expectations.” A Heritage of Innovation BISSELL’s story began in 1876, when Melville and Anna Bissell developed the world’s first carpet sweeper. Following Melville’s death, Anna made history as the first female CEO in the United States, demonstrating leadership that helped cement BISSELL’s reputation for resilience and innovation. Under the current leadership of Mark Bissell, the fourth generation of family management, the company continues to build on this heritage. Today, BISSELL remains committed to developing solutions for real-world challenges, including: BISSELL products are “pet proven,” rigorously tested to meet the unique cleaning needs of households with pets. Looking Ahead The partnership with Legend Housewares is set to play a pivotal role in expanding consumer awareness, educating households, and building long-term trust in South Africa’s growing market for advanced cleaning solutions. “This is about more than products—it’s about offering South Africans greater choice and healthier, happier homes,” concludes MacPhail.

October 24, 2025
Parenting Hub

Helping Kids Handle Disappointment in Healthy Ways

Disappointment is a normal part of life, but for children, it can feel overwhelming. Learning to manage setbacks in a healthy way is an important skill that builds resilience, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities. Parents play a key role in guiding children through these experiences with empathy and support. 1. Acknowledge Their Feelings When a child faces disappointment, start by validating their emotions. Phrases like “I know you’re upset about this” or “It’s okay to feel sad” help children feel heard and understood, which is the first step in coping effectively. 2. Model Healthy Responses Children observe how adults handle setbacks. Show them how to respond to disappointment calmly, whether it’s dealing with traffic, a work challenge, or a small personal setback. Modeling patience, problem-solving, and positivity teaches valuable coping skills. 3. Teach Coping Strategies Guide children in calming themselves when they feel upset. Simple strategies like taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or going for a short walk can help them regain composure and approach problems with a clearer mind. 4. Encourage Problem-Solving After emotions have settled, help your child brainstorm solutions or alternatives. Ask questions like, “What could you do differently next time?” or “Is there another way to reach your goal?” This empowers children to see setbacks as opportunities for learning. 5. Highlight the Positive Encourage children to focus on what they can control and the lessons they can learn from the situation. Emphasizing effort, growth, and perseverance helps them build a resilient mindset. 6. Practice Gratitude Encouraging children to notice what is going well in their lives can balance feelings of disappointment. A simple discussion at the end of the day about what went well can build perspective and emotional resilience. 7. Avoid Overprotecting While it’s natural to want to shield children from disappointment, experiencing manageable setbacks is crucial for growth. Allow them to face challenges safely and guide them in coping rather than eliminating obstacles entirely. 8. Praise Effort and Resilience Recognize when your child handles disappointment well, whether by staying calm, finding a solution, or simply trying again. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and teaches that setbacks are a natural part of life. Helping children manage disappointment equips them with emotional tools they will use throughout life. By acknowledging feelings, modeling healthy coping, and encouraging problem-solving, parents can support children in developing resilience and confidence. SourcesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics – Teaching Kids to Handle DisappointmentChild Mind Institute – Helping Kids Build ResiliencePsychology Today – How to Teach Children to Cope with Setbacks

October 24, 2025
Parenting Hub

Encouraging Independence in Young Kids

Fostering independence in young children helps them develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of responsibility. While it can be tempting to do things for them, allowing children to try tasks on their own builds resilience and prepares them for future challenges. Encouraging independence doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a gradual process supported by patience, guidance, and consistent practice. 1. Offer Age-Appropriate Choices Providing choices empowers children and gives them a sense of control. Simple options, like choosing between two outfits or deciding which fruit to have for a snack, help children practice decision-making in a safe environment. 2. Encourage Self-Help Skills Tasks such as dressing themselves, brushing teeth, tidying toys, or pouring their own water teach practical life skills. Allow children to try on their own before stepping in, providing gentle guidance when needed. 3. Create a Safe and Accessible Environment Arrange your home so children can reach toys, clothes, and supplies independently. Low shelves, labeled bins, and step stools make it easier for children to complete tasks without constant assistance. 4. Break Tasks into Small Steps Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Break them into manageable steps and guide children through each part. Celebrate progress at each stage, reinforcing effort and perseverance. 5. Encourage Problem-Solving When children encounter challenges, ask guiding questions instead of providing answers. Phrases like “What do you think we could try?” or “How might you solve this?” help them develop critical thinking and self-reliance. 6. Praise Effort, Not Just Success Recognize attempts and effort, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages children to keep trying and learning from mistakes. 7. Allow for Natural Consequences Let children experience the outcomes of their choices, as long as they’re safe. This teaches responsibility and helps them understand cause and effect without excessive intervention. 8. Model Independence Yourself Children learn by observing adults. Demonstrate independence in daily tasks and problem-solving. Show them that making decisions, learning from mistakes, and taking initiative are part of everyday life. Encouraging independence in young children strengthens their confidence, resilience, and sense of responsibility. By providing guidance, opportunities, and support, parents can help children develop the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future. SourcesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics – Encouraging Independence in ChildrenChild Mind Institute – Building Confidence and Independence in KidsParenting Science – Promoting Self-Reliance in Young Children

October 24, 2025
Parenting Hub

The Importance of Sleep Routines for Kids of All Ages

Sleep is essential for children’s growth, learning, and overall well-being. Consistent sleep routines help regulate emotions, improve focus, and support physical development. Establishing a predictable bedtime routine benefits kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, and can reduce stress for the entire family. 1. Set a Consistent Bedtime Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—even on weekends—helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Consistency improves sleep quality and helps children feel rested and alert during the day. 2. Create a Calming Pre-Bedtime Routine A predictable routine signals to children that it’s time to wind down. Activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to soft music help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep. 3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed Exposure to screens before bedtime can interfere with sleep. Aim to turn off TVs, tablets, and phones at least an hour before bed to help children’s brains prepare for rest. Consider quiet activities like reading or drawing instead. 4. Make the Sleep Environment Comfortable A dark, quiet, and cool bedroom promotes better sleep. Ensure beds are comfortable, noise is minimized, and lighting is soft. Removing distractions can help children fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly. 5. Encourage Physical Activity During the Day Regular physical activity helps children expend energy and promotes deeper sleep at night. Outdoor play, sports, or even active household chores contribute to a healthy sleep cycle. 6. Avoid Large Meals or Sugar Close to Bedtime Heavy meals, caffeine, or sugary snacks before bed can disrupt sleep. Aim for a light snack if needed and avoid stimulating foods or drinks in the evening. 7. Be Patient With Adjustments Changes to sleep routines may take time, especially with older children or those with irregular schedules. Consistency, patience, and gentle encouragement are key to establishing lasting habits. 8. Model Healthy Sleep Habits Children notice adult behavior. Demonstrating your own healthy sleep routine and prioritizing rest reinforces the importance of sleep as part of a balanced lifestyle. Consistent sleep routines provide children with the rest they need to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. By creating predictable routines, managing the sleep environment, and encouraging healthy habits, parents can support their child’s growth and well-being. SourcesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics – Healthy Sleep Habits for ChildrenNational Sleep Foundation – Children and SleepMayo Clinic – Sleep Tips for Kids

October 24, 2025
Wingu Academy

Wingu Academy’s Remote Learning Strategy: Delivering World-Class Education Across Continents

At Wingu Academy Online School, we believe that quality education should be accessible, engaging, and adaptable to every learner’s needs. Our remote learning strategy is designed to bring world-class, affordable education to students across Africa, South Africa, the UK, and Europe. Our Offerings Include: Oxford-Approved Primary Curriculum Laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning. International GCSEs and A-Levels via Pearson Edexcel Preparing students for globally recognised qualifications. Flexible Homeschooling Options (Since 2024) Tailored programmes that adapt to each learner’s schedule and lifestyle. A Comprehensive Learning Experience Wingu learners benefit from live online classes with expert teachers, carefully curated specialised content, interactive lessons, and access to on-demand tutors. Our model combines the freedom of self-paced learning with the structure of a formal academic programme, ensuring students stay motivated, supported, and challenged. Why Choose Wingu Academy? Our remote learning approach goes beyond convenience—it’s designed to cultivate independent thinking, critical skills, and global readiness. Students enjoy personalised attention, meaningful engagement, and the flexibility to learn anywhere, all while achieving real academic outcomes. With Wingu Academy, your child gains a future-focused education that prepares them for success in a rapidly evolving world.

October 23, 2025
Parenting Hub

Ways to Boost Your Child’s Confidence Every Day

Confidence is a vital skill that helps children face challenges, take risks, and build strong relationships. While some children are naturally self-assured, all kids benefit from consistent support and encouragement. Small, everyday actions can make a big difference in helping children develop a healthy sense of self-worth. 1. Praise Effort, Not Just Results Recognize the effort your child puts into a task, regardless of the outcome. Statements like “I love how hard you worked on that project” encourage perseverance and reinforce the value of trying, not just succeeding. 2. Encourage Independence Allow children to make age-appropriate decisions and take responsibility for their choices. Simple tasks, like choosing their clothes or packing their school bag, help them feel capable and trusted. 3. Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small Acknowledge accomplishments, whether it’s learning a new skill, completing homework, or trying something new. Celebrating small wins builds confidence and motivation to keep growing. 4. Provide Opportunities for Success Create situations where your child can succeed and feel competent. This might include helping with a cooking task, finishing a craft, or participating in a sport or hobby. Success fosters self-esteem and reinforces their abilities. 5. Model Confidence Yourself Children learn from observing adults. Demonstrate self-assurance, problem-solving, and healthy risk-taking. Showing how you handle mistakes with calm and optimism teaches them that confidence is about resilience as well as skill. 6. Encourage Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Guide children in thinking through challenges rather than immediately providing answers. Asking “What could you do next?” or “How would you solve this?” nurtures independent thinking and self-belief. 7. Listen and Validate Feelings Active listening helps children feel understood and valued. Acknowledge their emotions and show empathy, which reassures them that their feelings matter and boosts emotional confidence. 8. Promote Positive Self-Talk Teach children to replace negative thoughts with positive, realistic statements. Encouraging phrases like “I can try my best” or “I’ll learn from this” help build resilience and a confident mindset. By consistently practicing these strategies, parents can help children develop a strong sense of self-worth and the confidence to face life’s challenges. Confidence built early provides a foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and success. SourcesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics – Building Self-Esteem in ChildrenChild Mind Institute – Helping Kids Build ConfidencePsychology Today – Encouraging Confidence in Children

October 23, 2025
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