NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF OVERSCHEDULING CHILDREN – FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for South African parents to fall into the trap of overscheduling their children. Our little ones can quickly find their days packed from morning till night between school, sports, cultural activities, and playdates. For children aged 6 and under, finding the right balance is crucial for their development and well-being.

In South Africa, where cultural diversity and vibrant community life offer a plethora of activities, it can be tempting to enrol children in everything from soccer to dance and from isiZulu classes to music lessons. However, overscheduling can lead to stress and fatigue, even in the youngest children. Imagine the life of a child who spends most of their day moving from one activity to another without a moment to breathe. The joy of exploring their surroundings, playing freely, and simply being a child gets overshadowed by the constant rush of scheduled activities. 

As parents, we want the best for our children, aiming to provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. However, it’s important to remember that unstructured playtime is equally valuable. Free play allows children to use their imagination, develop social skills, and learn at their own pace. It’s during these moments of unstructured time that they often discover their interests and talents.

Children thrive when they have a mix of structured activities and free play. Think of it as creating a balance between learning and relaxation. Structured activities, like soccer practice or a dance class, help develop specific skills and introduce children to teamwork and discipline. On the other hand, free play fosters creativity, problem-solving abilities, and independence.

To find this balance, start by observing your child. Notice how they react to different activities and their overall mood. Are they excited and eager to participate, or do they seem tired and overwhelmed? Listening to your child’s cues can guide you in adjusting.

In South Africa, creating a weekly schedule that includes downtime is beneficial. This doesn’t mean eliminating all activities but rather spacing them out and ensuring there are periods for rest and relaxation. Having a predictable routine helps children feel secure, but it should be flexible enough to accommodate their need for free time.

Communication is key. Talk to your child about their day and how they feel about the activities they are involved in. Their feedback is valuable and can provide insights into what they truly enjoy. Sometimes, children might not verbally express their feelings but might show signs of distress through behaviour changes, such as irritability or a lack of enthusiasm.

Family time is another important aspect of achieving balance. Simple activities like reading a book together, going for a walk, or cooking a meal can be incredibly enriching. These moments not only strengthen family bonds but also give children a sense of stability and comfort.

In South Africa, where community and family are deeply valued, it’s essential to manage our expectations and resist the pressure to fill every moment with structured activities. Trust that giving children the freedom to explore and play on their own terms is just as important for their growth.

By finding a balance between scheduled activities and free play, we create an environment where our children can flourish. They will learn to enjoy both the structured opportunities to learn new skills and the invaluable time to simply be kids. In the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of South Africa, striking this balance will help our children grow up healthy, happy, and well-rounded.

Article by: Kelly Grace Eyre

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Dibber The Whisken Officially Opens: Bringing Heart-Led Learning to Midrand Preschoolers

“Our mission is to embark as many children as possible on a magical learning journey – giving them the best start in life and fostering a lifelong love of learning.”
— Hans Jacob Sundby, Founder, Dibber International Preschools

Crowthorne, Midrand – Today marked the official opening of Dibber The Whisken. This brand-new early childhood development centre is situated in the heart of the Whisken Lifestyle Estate on Whisken Avenue. The new campus is the latest addition to Dibber’s growing family of international preschools in South Africa. It offers young children in the local community a nurturing and inspiring start to their learning journey.

Located in one of Gauteng’s vibrant residential hubs, Dibber The Whisken is set to become a cornerstone for families. It offers meaningful, values-driven early learning in a safe and stimulating environment. The school is led by principal Drew Ellis and her passionate team of educators. Bharti Daya, Dibber’s Pedagogy and Operational Lead for Montessori campuses in South Africa, provides pedagogical guidance.

With a global foundation across nine countries, Dibber is known for its heart-led early education. In South Africa, the network now spans 17 schools across Gauteng and the Western Cape. A new Western Cape campus opens in March. A franchise model will soon launch to expand access even further.

Dibber’s unique philosophy centres on nurturing the whole child, with a strong emphasis on the holistic development of the child. Every Dibber school is rooted in its local community. The curriculum combines global best practices with South African cultural richness and play-based discovery. Children are encouraged to explore, question, imagine, and connect. Engaged educators see and celebrate the individual strengths of every child.

“At Dibber, we believe children are the most important people in the world. That belief shapes everything we do – from how we build our classrooms to how we greet each child in the morning. With the opening of Dibber The Whisken, we’re so proud to extend this culture of care and curiosity to even more families,” said Lizelle ‘t Lam, Growth, Integration and Marketing Lead, Dibber South Africa. 

The Whisken campus offers Montessori-inspired classrooms and interactive outdoor play areas. The daily rhythm balances structure with creativity. Parents benefit from Dibber’s emphasis on family partnerships, transparent communication, and values-based education.

Dibber invites all parents in the Midrand and greater Johannesburg area to explore what makes its schools different. Open Days and enrolment tours are available upon request.

For more information, visit www.dibber.co.za or contact Dibber The Whisken directly – 0729975013 | [email protected]

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The Hidden Emotional Load on South African Parents – and How Early Years Education Can Support It

You know that moment when you are sitting in traffic, staring at the red brake lights ahead, and your mind is racing through the list: Did I pack the lunchbox? Did I pay the electricity bill? Will I make it to the office on time? And then, like a punch in the gut, the thought hits: Am I even doing enough for my child?

This is the reality for so many South African parents. We are carrying an invisible weight that no one sees, the emotional load that comes with raising children in a country where safety concerns, economic uncertainty, and relentless work-life pressure collide every single day. It is not just about getting through the day; it is about holding it all together while the ground beneath us feels shaky.

We wake up to headlines about rising costs, load-shedding schedules, and crime alerts. Then we rush to pack lunchboxes, navigate traffic, and show up at work like everything is fine. But beneath the surface, many of us are running on fumes, trying to be present for our children while silently wondering if we are failing them. Parenting here is not about perfection. It is about survival. And yet, in the middle of this chaos, something powerful often goes unnoticed: the role of early childhood education in lightening that load.

Because here is the truth: when parents feel supported, children thrive. High-quality early childhood education does not just teach ABCs; it becomes an emotional anchor for families. It is the teacher who notices your child’s anxious face and gently reassures them. It is the predictable routine that gives your little one stability, so you can breathe a little easier. It is the educator who greets you by name, shares a small win about your child, and reminds you that you are doing an excellent job, even on the days you feel like you are barely holding on.

Schools like Dibber understand this. They do not see parents as people who simply “drop and go.” They see you as partners. They know that when you walk through the door, you are not just handing over a child, you are handing over your heart, your worries, your hopes. And they meet that with Heart Culture: a way of being that says, “We see you. We are with you.” It is the quiet reassurance that you are not alone in this. It is sending a photo of your child’s joyful moment during the day so that, stuck in traffic, you feel connected instead of guilty. It is creating spaces where children feel loved, and parents feel seen.

Imagine this: a mom who has been up all night worrying about bills walks into a centre where her child runs into the arms of someone who truly knows them. The teacher smiles, says, “He told me the funniest story today,” and suddenly, for a moment, the weight lifts. That moment matters. It is not just childcare; it is care for the whole family.

And here is the thing: you do not need a Pinterest-perfect routine to ease the emotional load. Start small. Create one predictable ritual, like a bedtime story or a morning hug. Name feelings aloud, for yourself and your child. “I’m tired today, but I’m happy to be with you.” Lean on your child’s educators, share what is hard, and celebrate what is working. Partnership starts with honesty.

Parenting in South Africa is tough, but you are not alone. When early years education is done right, it does not just shape children; it strengthens families. It reminds parents that they do not have to carry the emotional load alone. And in a world that feels uncertain, that kind of support is everything.

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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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