Back to school Safety

As many normal activities have continued to require careful consideration as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, parents are now challenged with “Back To School” and what that means for their children and their families. 

“We know there is a lot to manage during this time, and it can feel like there is very little in your control. But whether your child will be attending school at home, in-person or a combination of the two, we want to help make sure they stay injury-free. Remember it is important to make injury prevention part of your Back To School plan. That is something you can control”, says Thilda Nel (Executive Director, ChildSafe).

With a new school term about to start, now is the perfect time to take a few minutes to remind your children how they can stay safe when going to school, whether they walk, bike, take the bus/train or ride in a carpool or use scholar transport. No matter how your children get to school, make sure they are safe and prepared to make the trip. 

ChildSafe reminds all parents and caregivers to ALWAYS teach their children to:

  • Look left, right and left again before crossing the road. 
  • Walk on sideways or paths and crossroads using traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, where possible.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road.
  • Avoid using cell phones and headphones when walking near and around cars and to be aware of their surroundings.
  • Wear a properly fitted helmet when biking to school. 
  • Wait for the bus/train to come to a complete stop before entering or disembarking.

Drivers should ALWAYS:

  • Ensure that children under the age of 12 are properly buckled-up in the back seat. 
  • Adhere to speed limits and drive slowly in residential areas and school zones.
  • Look out for pedestrians while driving.

For more information on injury prevention, call ChildSafe at 021 685 5208 or please visit www.childsafe.org.za

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Why Free Play, Gentle Guidance, and Community Matter More Than Ever 

In a world of packed schedules, rising anxieties, and digital distractions, the way we parent has never been more complex, or more important. Children don’t need perfect childhoods, they need real ones. Ones filled with play, protection and participation to grow.

“Today’s parenting styles often come from a place of deep love,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director for Dibber International Preschools in South Africa. “But when we hover too closely or clear every obstacle before our children reach it, we can unintentionally rob them of the small struggles that help them thrive.”

Modern terms like ‘helicopter parenting’ and ‘lawnmower parenting’ describe well-intentioned behaviours. ‘hovering’ to protect and help or smoothing every path to prevent discomfort. While these approaches are rooted in care, they often overlook what child development experts call the ‘just-right challenge’. Dibber’s approach, built on Nordic pedagogical principles, embraces this balanced philosophy which gives children the support they need while encouraging and maintaining independence.

“Children build confidence by trying, failing, and trying again. That’s where resilience begins”, explains Assis. “When we pair warmth with boundaries, and love with opportunity, we see incredible growth -not just academically, but socially and emotionally.”

Free play remains one of the most powerful developmental tools in early childhood. Whether it’s climbing, balancing, or imaginative playing, these experiences help children build executive function, manage emotions, and understand social dynamics. With adult support close by – but not overbearing – these activities become safe and enriching opportunities to learn.

In South Africa, Dibber believes parents have a unique advantage: community. Grandparents, neighbours, and extended families as they often play a vital role in raising children. “That village of support is our strength,” Assis adds. “We encourage families to use it -plan outdoor playdates, invite cousins to join, share learning spaces. There’s no app that can replace the value of human connection.”

At Dibber’s campuses across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, the focus is on nurturing not just cognitive skills, but the whole child. Teachers act as gentle guides, helping children navigate early life’s hurdles with empathy, patience, and clear structure. The result? Children who feel seen, heard, and confident enough to explore the world.

“Resilience doesn’t come from a perfectly smooth path. It comes from knowing that when life gets bumpy, someone is there to support you while you take the wheel,” says Assis. “At Dibber, we’re not raising perfectionists—we’re helping raise capable, compassionate human beings.”

For parents wondering whether they’re doing it ‘right’, Dibber offers this reassurance: there is no single perfect parenting style. What matters most is balance. Guide, protect, listen, and most importantly let children play, explore, and grow into who they want to be.

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Helping Your Child Make Friends: Supporting Social Development and Conflict Resolution

Learning how to make friends is one of the most meaningful parts of early childhood. Strong social skills help children feel connected, confident, and secure both inside and outside the classroom. While some children naturally navigate friendships with ease, others need more guidance, reassurance, and time. As parents and caregivers, we play a powerful role in modelling healthy relationships, teaching emotional vocabulary, and supporting children when conflicts arise.

This blog explores practical, Montessori inspired and developmentally appropriate ways to help your child make friends, resolve disagreements, and build lifelong social confidence.

1. Understanding Social Development in Early Childhood

Social development begins long before a child speaks their first words. From infancy, children observe facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language which all form the foundation for future friendships.

Key Milestones Ages 2 to 6

  • Ages 2 to 3: Parallel play, basic sharing with support, emerging emotional language
  • Ages 3 to 4: Cooperative play, simple turn taking, developing empathy
  • Ages 4 to 6: Forming deeper friendships, beginning conflict resolution, more complex group play

If your child seems shy or slow to warm up, remember that temperament is natural. The goal is support, not pressure.

2. How to Help Your Child Make Friends

a) Model Social Behaviours

Children learn by watching you. Demonstrate:

  • Kind greetings
  • Waiting your turn in conversation
  • Saying please, thank you, and excuse me
  • Respectful disagreements

When they see positive social behaviour daily, they naturally mirror it.

b) Create Opportunities for Interaction

Gently support social exposure by:

  • Organising short, low pressure playdates
  • Visiting parks or parent child classes
  • Joining library story time or music groups

Small and consistent experiences help children build confidence.

c) Teach Emotional Language

Children interact better when they can express feelings.

Try daily emotional check ins:

 How are you feeling today

 You look frustrated. Would you like help

Books like The Color Monster can also support emotional awareness.

d) Role Play Common Situations

Practise friendly behaviours at home:

  • Can I play with you
  • Can I have a turn when you are done
  • Let us play together

Role play gives children simple scripts that reduce social anxiety.

e) Avoid Forcing Friendships

Children develop friendships at different paces. Your gentle support builds confidence without pressure.

3. Supporting Healthy Conflict Resolution

Conflict is normal and an important part of friendship.

a) Stay Neutral and Calm

Help each child express their perspective:

  • Tell me what happened
  • How did that make you feel

b) Teach Problem Solving Steps

Use child friendly steps:

  1. Stop
  2. Deep breath
  3. Use your words
  4. Find a solution together

c) Validate Emotions

Validation reduces stress and builds trust.

d) Explain the Value of Empathy

Encourage them to consider others feelings:

  • How do you think she felt
  • What can we do to make it better

4. When Your Child Struggles to Make Friends

Some children need more time and support. Encourage:

  • One on one playdates
  • Activities aligned with interests
  • Practising social scripts
  • Communication with teachers

Professional support may be helpful if concerns persist.

5. Recommended Resources

Helpful websites

Conclusion

Helping your child make friends is a gentle journey filled with small steps, emotional growth, and wonderful moments of connection. With patience, modelling, and loving guidance, you give your child the confidence they need to form strong friendships and navigate conflict with resilience.

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Music all year round: Why School of Rock Parktown North Is the Gift That Keeps Giving

At School of Rock Parktown North, we don’t just teach kids how to play instruments, we help them build confidence, creativity, community, and lifelong skills. As the year winds down and festive energy sets in, many of you are probably looking for enriching activities that give you and the kids more than just a hobby. Here’s why the School of Rock experience is a perfect fit for the season!

Beyond Notes: The Many Benefits of Music Education

Music isn’t just fun; it’s transformative. Learning an instrument or singing can improve language development, memory, concentration, and even academic performance.

  • Improves cognitive and academic skills: Understanding rhythm, structure and patterns in music helps develop spatial and mathematical thinking; which can translate into better performance in school subjects like maths.
  • Develops discipline, patience and focus: Learning music requires regular practice, persistence, and the ability to work through challenges, which are all skills that carry over into homework, school projects, and everyday life.
  • Boosts self‑esteem, emotional expression and confidence: Performing music, whether in a band or on stage, gives children the chance to express themselves, overcome nerves, and feel proud of their progress.
  • Strengthens social skills and teamwork: Playing in a band or group helps children learn to listen, collaborate, and support each other while building friendships and a sense of belonging.
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_

Why School of Rock Parktown North Does It Differently

At School of Rock Parktown North, we believe that learning music should be fun, social, and purposeful. Our model combines individual lessons with band rehearsals and live-performance opportunities, giving kids a real chance to experience what it’s like to be in a rock band.

  • Performance-based learning: Students stay motivated, focused, and excited to practice because they’re working toward real shows.
  • Real-world experience: Our instructors are working musicians who teach both the mechanics of music and what it means to perform, collaborate, and connect.
  • Songs kids love: Rather than starting with strict theory, students learn using the music they enjoy, making the experience personal and meaningful.
  • Inclusive and supportive community: Beginners and experienced players alike are welcomed. We value progress, effort, and self-expression over perfection.
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_

Holiday Workshops for Kids: December & January

This festive season, our Holiday Workshops give children a fun, structured way to explore music while school is out. Open to both new and current students during December and January, these workshops offer:

  • Hands-on experience with instruments, vocals, and group jams
  • Confidence-boosting exercises and creative challenges
  • Social connection and teamwork with new friends
  • Mini performances to end the holidays on a high note

Whether a child is picking up an instrument for the first time or expanding existing skills, our workshops provide inspiration, fun, and confidence through music. Please pop us an email at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on 074 322 2000 for more info and to book a slot! 

Photo Credit: mediaproductions_


Corporate Year-End Workshops & Team- building events

School of Rock Parktown North also offers corporate and adult-focused workshops that are perfect for companies looking for a creative way to celebrate the end of the year. These sessions are designed to be fun, team-oriented, and stress-relieving:

  • Try instruments, vocals, and rhythm exercises in a relaxed, fun setting
  • Strengthen teamwork, communication, and collaboration
  • Take a creative break from work and enjoy a stress-free musical experience

These workshops offer a unique, memorable way to close out the year; combining music, collaboration, and a little bit of festive cheer. Reach out at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on 074 322 2000 for more details. 

A Great Time to Start (or Re-Start)

With the new year around the corner, there’s no better time to explore what music can offer. Whether you or your child has never touched an instrument, are looking to deepen skills, or want a creative team-building experience, School of Rock Parktown North is ready to welcome you all with open arms.

Let music be more than a gift this holiday!

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