Advice from the experts
Parenting Hub

5 SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE TIPS TO TEACH KIDS PROPER HANDWASHING

Affinity Health explores five simple and practical tips to make handwashing a habit for your children. “Handwashing may seem mundane, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Teaching your kids proper handwashing techniques is essential for their health and the well-being of your entire family and community”. Why Proper Handwashing Is Important The practice of handwashing dates back centuries and has evolved as our understanding of hygiene and disease transmission has grown. Viruses that cause respiratory infections, like the common cold and flu, can survive on surfaces for hours. Regular handwashing reduces the likelihood of touching contaminated surfaces and transferring the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Proper hand hygiene is also essential for stopping the spread of foodborne illnesses. Handwashing prevents the transfer of bacteria and pathogens from one surface or ingredient to another during food preparation. For example, if you handle raw meat and then touch vegetables without washing your hands, you can contaminate the vegetables with the bacteria from the meat. How to Encourage Your Child to Wash Their Hands  Make it Fun with Singing Kids love to sing, and you can use this to make handwashing enjoyable. You should encourage your children to sing a song while they wash their hands. Teach them to scrub their hands with soap for the duration of the song, which is about 20 seconds. Use Visual Aids Visual aids are a fantastic way to help kids understand the importance of handwashing and the steps involved. You can find posters or videos on the internet that illustrate handwashing. Lead by Example Children often learn best by watching and imitating adults. Be a role model when it comes to handwashing. Demonstrate the proper handwashing technique, emphasising the importance of using soap, scrubbing all parts of the hands, and rinsing thoroughly. Make handwashing a family affair by doing it together. This will show your kids the right way to wash their hands and reinforce the idea that handwashing is a routine everyone should follow. Teach the 5-Step Handwashing Technique To ensure thorough handwashing, teach your children the five essential step Wet: Start by wetting their hands with clean, running water. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold. Soap: Apply soap to their hands. Encourage them to use enough soap to create a good lather. Scrub: Instruct them to rub their hands together vigorously. Ensure they scrub all parts of their hands, including the back, between the fingers, and under the nails. This step should last at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Rinse: Rinse their hands thoroughly under clean, running water. Help them ensure that all soap is washed away. Dry: Use a clean towel or an air dryer to dry their hands. Remind them not to use a towel that has been used by someone else, as this can transfer germs. Reinforce the Why Explaining the reasons behind handwashing can help children understand its significance. Discuss how germs and bacteria are invisible but can make them sick if they get on their hands and touch their face, eyes, nose, or mouth. Additional Tips for Effective Handwashing Education Frequent Reminders: Encourage your children to wash their hands at specific times, such as before eating, after using the toilet, after playing outside, and when they come home from school. Hand Sanitiser: While soap and water are the best options for handwashing, hand sanitiser can be used when they are unavailable. Teach your children to use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content and supervise their use. Practice Regularly: Make handwashing a routine activity. Positive Reinforcement: Praise your children when they wash their hands properly. Explain Handwashing After Coughing or Sneezing: Teach your children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Afterwards, they should wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.

December 6, 2023
Parenting Hub

Easy ways to stay sane and serene when flying with kids

After a busy year, the festive season is an ideal opportunity to reconnect with loved ones far away. Zoom and WhatsApp calls are no substitute for longtime friends or two or more generations of a family sharing a meal together, and air-travel is the quickest way to cross great distances. But travelling with little ones can be a source of dread and stress. Serving more than 160 destinations around the world from their Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ crew get to go lots of places, often. They share some suggestions on how to not bookmark your holiday with anxiety over your kids.  Do the paperwork in good time: Depending on your destination, the documentation you’ll need will vary widely and some of it takes a while to secure. So prepare a list of what you need: visas, birth- and vaccination-certificates, and so on. Some travellers find it reassuring to carry a file with hard copies of any documentation they might need to present.  Talk about it: Depending on their age, you may be able to explain to your youngsters what to expect at the airports and in the air. There’s also a large variety of videos online that show kids what it’s like to pass through customs and to board.  Sort out seats and eats: As a parent, you can request that you and your family board your flight before or after the other passengers, depending on what you feel is easier. Plan ahead and you can reserve bassinets which are installed against the bulkheads of long-haul aircraft, and book special meals if you need to. You can also push foldable pushchairs up to the door of the aircraft. Some airports, like Doha’s Hamad International Airport, have complimentary pushchairs for passengers’ use, but remember to reserve yours beforehand. Most airlines also allow you to book children’s meals ahead of time, and they’ll be fed before everyone else, which can help settle them.   Manage the noise: Air travel can be noisy, and for neurodivergent people of all ages, the levels of sensory stimulation can be overpowering. Noise-cancelling headphones can help, although civil aviation regulations mean they’ll need to be removed for takeoff and landing.  Lay down their arms: Many kids have a favourite toy, and many will find it upsetting if they have their Jacqui or Jack Sparrow rubber sword confiscated by airport security. Rather leave anything at home that resembles a weapon.  Don’t overpack: You want to avoid running out of nappies, wipes and other essentials while airborne, but carrying too many supplies will be a burden, so pack a sensible amount in your carry-on and check the rest in to go in the hold.  Pack chewy snacks: Changes in the pressurization of airline cabins during ascent and descent can be uncomfortable and upsetting for little ones. That’s generally remedied by munching age-appropriate snacks. Avoid overly-sugary ones as that may make some kids restless.  Screentime is okay: There are times when you want your youngsters to spend time in the real world and way from their devices, but on a long-haul flight, inflight entertainment or games on a smartphone or tablet can be your new best friend. Any good airline will have a wealth of age-appropriate movies on offer, but Qatar Airways’ is unmatched.  Ask for help: The cabin-crew is trained to make life easy for passengers of all ages, and that includes parents, children and babies. 

December 5, 2023
Lifesaving South Africa

Lifesaving SA and DHL launch an online water safety learning platform

Every year, hundreds of families across South Africa lose loved ones in preventable drowning accidents. For youth 17 and under, drowning represents the second highest cause of accidental death after road accidents. The highest percentage of deaths are in children aged 1-9 years. This problem is not unique to South Africa, but follows trends seen globally, where 90% of the world’s accidental drowning deaths occur in middle to lower income countries. (World Health Organization) Following on from the success of Lifesaving SA’s WaterSmart School programme, in partnership with the Department of Education and DHL, Lifesaving SA has launched a free online e-learning WaterSmart hub, making water safety content accessible to all South Africans.  While water safety training does take place in South Africa, its reach is limited. This is because programmes currently depend on in-person instruction conducted by volunteers, such as those working with Lifesaving South Africa (LSA).  In 2016, Lifesaving SA launched WaterSmart, a paper-based educational programme written for the Department of Education Life Skills Orientation curriculum for grades 4-6. Since its inception, each year 50 lifeguard facilitators present this programme in hundreds of underprivileged schools, thanks to the sponsorship from corporates such as DHL, who through its partnership with Lifesaving South Africa, connect people and help save lives. In 2021 the KZN Department of Education partnered with Lifesaving SA where 6700 teachers and supervisors were trained to present the programme in their classrooms. In 2022 the programme was presented to 607 770 learners in more than 6000 schools, reaching over a million learners to date. The DHL Lifesaving WaterSmart Online Hub seeks to address the problem of drowning in South Africa by teaching learners about the various dangers water poses, empowering them to better manage risks and maintain a constant awareness and vigilance whenever water is around. The hub includes animated video content and interactive quizzes and spot the risks, making it fun and easy for children to learn about water safety and prevent drowning. The characters and scenes are presented in a simple, easy to understand format, allowing a greater audience to be reached. The content draws upon materials already developed by LSA for in-person training, including the character of “Resci,” who guides learners through the content. Teachers and parents are guided with learning plans, downloadable resources such as workbooks, readers, and posters to assist with delivering the programme to their learners and after each module is completed the learner is presented with a certificate. Jed Michaletos, Managing Director of DHL Express South Africa, expressed his delight, adding, “As a business, we talk about delivering excellence in a digital world, so when we had the opportunity to work with the Lifesaving SA team to digitize their learning materials, we jumped at it. This will increase the reach of the programme dramatically through ease of access – and really help deliver the message of water safety, to all. This project is a true demonstration of our organisational purpose, of Connecting People and Improving Lives.” With summer having finally arrived after a long and wet winter, DHL and Lifesaving SA want to ensure that children are taught how to be safe around water to prevent unnecessary drownings because one life lost to drowning is one life too many. To access the hub, visit https://watersmart.dhllifesaving.com/library/home or click on the QR code to start learning. For more information about Lifesaving South Africa visit www.lifesaving.co.za and follow us on social media X – @LifesavingSA Facebook – Lifesaving South Africa Instagram – lifesavingsouthafrica

December 5, 2023
Parenting Hub

Travel Hacks for a Happy Holiday Season

No one wants to be bogged down by pain or fever during their holiday travels, and now, thanks to Panado®, you don’t have to be!  Whether you’re jetting off on a family holiday, embarking on a road trip adventure, or simply making a quick visit to family and friends, Panado® has your back with a range of solutions for adults and children.                       Tips for Travel With Kids  Comfortable Seating While car seats are a must for children, they are designed primarily for safety, not comfort. If you’re traveling long distances by car, ensure that your child’s car seat is properly installed and fitted,1a and that it is appropriate for their weight, and height.1b                        Ear Pressure Relief Children often experience earaches during plane journeys due to rapid cabin pressure changes.2a To help your child during air travel, teach them to relieve ear pressure by chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop.2b Manage Motion Sickness Motion sickness happens when our senses send conflicting signals to the brain.3a For example, when we’re in a moving car, our inner ear senses motion, but our eyes see a stationary interior, which can make the brain feel confused and lead to dizziness, nausea and vomiting, especially in children younger than age six.3b  If your child gets motion sick, keep a bag handy in the car, for just in case. Talk to a doctor about remedies, consider child-sized acupressure wristbands, and encourage them to focus on objects outside the car.3c Tips for Adults for Travel  Plan Ahead Planning ahead is the secret sauce to ensuring your travels are as pain-free as possible. Before you embark on your adventure, take some time to create a checklist of all your travel essentials. This checklist should include items like your passport, tickets, itinerary, and, of course, a basic first aid kit.  Stay Hydrated Dehydration can be a silent troublemaker when it comes to discomfort while traveling. It can cause headaches, nausea and fatigue.4 To combat this, make sure to drink plenty of water while you’re on the move. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and aim to stay refreshed throughout your trip.  Stretch Your Legs Whether you’re on a long-haul flight or a road trip across the country, taking regular breaks to stretch your legs and get your blood flowing can work wonders. Being in one position for an extended period can lead to stiffness and aches.5 Stand up, walk around, do some simple stretches – anything to keep your muscles engaged.  The Paediatric Range  We understand that traveling with babies, toddlers, and children can be an adventure all on its own.  Panado®’s paracetamol-based infant drops, paediatric syrups, and on-the-go sachets provide soothing pain and fever relief for your little ones. Parents trust6 Panado® to be gentle on little tummies but tough on pain and fever in babies and kids.7&8 Panado®’s paediatric range includes peppermint flavoured syrup in convenient 5ml sachets, Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),9 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),10 and Panado® Infant Drops 20 ml.11                   Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe. Do not exceed the recommended dose.  Dosage details can be found at https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child’s age and weight.   The Adult Range Panado® is conveniently available in tablet12, capsule13 or effervescent14 form to suit individual preference. Panado® Tablets provide relief from pain and fever. For those seeking an alternative, Panado® Capsules offer a convenient option: the capsule shells are designed to be smoother and more slippery, making them easier to swallow – especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with tablet consumption. The tasteless and odourless nature of the capsules caters to those who find tablets’ taste or aftertaste bothersome.15 In cases where swallowing tablets or capsules poses a challenge, Panado®’s effervescent formulation serves as convenient solution.16                       Panado® products are available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and Independent Pharmacies. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook.            2023092110313298 References: National Childbirth Trust. Guide to child car seats. Available from: https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/getting-out-about-your-baby/travelling-baby/guide-child-car-seats. Last accessed October 2023. KidsHealth. Flying and your child’s ears. Available from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-ears.html. Last accessed September 2023.  University Hospitals. How to prevent and treat car sickness in kids. Available from: https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/01/how-to-prevent-and-treat-car-sickness-in-kids.  Last accessed September 2023.  Medical News Today. Headaches, nausea, and fatigue: How are they related? Available from:  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/headache-nausea-fatigue. Last accessed September 2023.  Flarin. Why do my muscles feel stiff after sitting for a while? Available from: https://flarin.co.uk/why-do-my-muscles-feel-stiff-after-sitting-for-a-while/. Last accessed September 2023. Circana, MT,  July 2023 MAT. Blondell RD, Azadfard M, Wisniewski AM. Pharmacologic Therapy for Acute Pain. Am Fam Physician 2013;87(11):766-772. Prescott LF. Paracetamol: past, present, and future. Am J Ther2000;7(2):143-147.  Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Approved package insert March 2002.   Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free & Panado® Paediatric Syrup package insert. April 2010.  Panado® Infant Drops (Drops) approved professional information, August 1990.   Panado® Tablets approved professional information, June 2005.  Panado® Capsules approved package insert, August 1984.  Panado® Effervescent (Tablet) approved professional information, July 1992.  Science Direct. Capsule. Available from : https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/capsule. Last accessed October Panado website. Panado tablets effervescent 16s. Available from : https://panado.co.za/product/panado-tablets-effervescent-16s/. Last accessed October.

December 1, 2023
Good Night Baby

SUGAR, DEVIL OR FRIEND?

Over the past few years many health experts voiced their opinions loudly on social media regarding the many dangers that dietary sugar pose to our health while very few articles ever consider the merits thereof. When you consider dietary sugar intake in terms of one’s own health or the health of one’s family you need to weigh all the facts carefully before you unwittingly cut important nutrients from a diet. Always keep in mind that variety is essential as we derive the many vitamins and minerals our bodies need from all the different foods we consume. It is sensible to start off by familiarising yourself with what exactly constitutes as sources of dietary sugar. Many of us would be surprised to learn that most of the main food groups we view as essential in our diets actually are sources of dietary sugar. What exactly do I mean? Let us break down sound scientific data to digestible bites of information!

November 30, 2023
Parenting Hub

How do I make my child love reading?

As a grade six English teacher at Maragon Ruimsig, I am frequently asked this question at Parents’ Evenings. The child concerned inevitably struggles with the comprehension section of my assessments and while the diagnosis is simple, the “medication” is very difficult to administer…think squirming cat here and the thankless task of attempting to force a pill down the hapless feline’s throat! An almost impossible task.

November 29, 2023
Parenting Hub

The benefits of positive reinforcement in children

Do you find yourself raising your voice a little too much when having to speak to your child? Do you sometimes feel like an enraged volcano waiting to erupt, because your child doesn’t seem to be behaving in the manner that you would like him to? Are your punitive measures not having the desired effect on your child’s behaviour you thought it may have?

November 28, 2023
Trinity House

Teaching Children How to Share

It is not in a small child’s nature to share and they think the world revolves only around them (Quoted from Dr Ian Wallace – Child Psychologist, December 2014). They care only about themselves and not about other children’s wants and needs.

November 23, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

Teens & tweens are watching porn & we need to talk about it

Parents of today’s adolescents grew up in a world where pornography was something you had to get your hands on, which was difficult to do while you were underage.  There wasn’t much of it around to start with, and then there was a host of regulations and restrictions that limited the range and possibility for adolescents to be exposed to adults-only content. While you might have managed to find the odd magazine under your big brother’s mattress, there wasn’t much chance of becoming a regular consumer of all sorts of porn. Contrast this with a recent episode of the Sip the Tea podcast, where a teen girl recounts her story of being, in her words ‘addicted to porn’.  She tells Rachelle Best, founder of FYI play it safe, that she engaged with pornographic content from the age of 9 years and went on to compulsively consume it for years.  The girl, now 17, articulates the impact that this has had on her self-esteem and body image.  Instead of a carefree youth, she describes one wracked with guilt and shame. Curiosity about the adult world and, about the secrets that adults keep, is of course, perfectly normal, healthy child behaviour.  It tests the boundaries that parents put in place when it comes to the aspects of human life that we worry that children may find disturbing, frightening or shocking.  As adults, not just parents, we have a universally recognised duty to protect children when it comes to violence, cruelty, war – and sex.  This duty is a legal requirement in the case of human sexual behaviour because in South Africa, as in many countries in the world, it is illegal for any adult to be involved in exposing a child to pornography. The digital era has fundamentally redefined childhood, and when we put a tablet, or a gaming console, a phone or laptop into our child’s hands, something parents do when their children are at younger and younger ages, we give them the keys to a limitless, unregulated world.  The proliferation of violent and sexual content across the digital world is unfathomable.  It’s no exaggeration to say that ’porn is everywhere’.  There’s just so much accessible, pornographic content that it is now impossible to believe, that purposefully or inadvertently, your child won’t be exposed to it.  This reality is demanding new approaches to sex education, new openness in parent-child communications and new strategies for parenting digital natives.  UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, has asserted that “pornographic content can harm children”. The organisation has expressed its alarm at the “massive quantity” of pornography available and its easy accessibility to children of all ages.  It suggests that: “Exposure to pornography at a young age may lead to poor mental health, sexism and objectification, sexual violence, and other negative outcomes.  Among other risks, when children view pornography that portrays abusive and misogynistic acts, they may come to view such behaviour as normal and acceptable.” Counselling Psychologist, Elliott Kotze who works extensively with adolescents presents another view.  He says, “Currently, peer-reviewed evidence on the effects of exposure to porn in childhood is scarce.  There is also an argument that porn is not addictive which suggests that compulsive porn consumption is not about the media, but about underlying issues.  For instance, sexual shame is often inherent when it comes to compulsive porn consumption.  Another potential cause for compulsive porn consumption, with or without masturbation, is a need for self-soothing or emotional or sensory regulation. This can become problematic when it becomes the person’s only way to self-regulate.” Elliott is clear though that unintentional exposure to pornography in childhood can be traumatic.  He says, “For a child who inadvertently clicks on a link or is shown porn onscreen by a friend in the playground, there is a trauma response risk.  If they are not ready or equipped, and don’t understand what’s going on, what they see is likely to be shocking and disturbing to them, and they would need capacity from their parents or a professional to process this.” For adolescents that develop a compulsive use of pornography, Elliott says, “Typically, it is distress that drives compulsive behaviours, and to treat this there needs to be an understanding of that distress.  Adolescents face many challenges – mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, relationship challenges or sexual or arousal challenges.  All of these can lead to a compulsive use of pornographic content. Simply taking away the child’s ability to access porn without addressing the underlying issues that are driving the behaviour will inevitably lead to a range of sexual and relationship challenges further down the line.” Elliott offers the following advice to today’s parents: Provide matter-of-fact, accurate sex education that is free of shame – “It’s important to talk about bodies using the biological, shame-free terminology for all body parts.  Discuss the role of sex in reproduction and the role of sex in bonding and healthy pleasure.  Focus on the care of our bodies and our mental health.  Talk about consent and what that looks like, how to give it and how to respect it.  Give your children a vision and blueprint for healthy relationships.” Be committed to non-judgement and be solutions-oriented – Be the wise guide your kids can come to when they need to talk about their distress.  Elliott says, “Parents can help their children deal with compulsive behaviours and tackle the underlying causes.  They can help them develop healthier ways for self-soothing and self-regulating without adding to the shame and guilt the child probably already feels in relation to their behaviour.” Adequately prepare your child – “Open communication is essential to helping your child navigate adolescence,” Elliott says, “Puberty comes along, and bodies develop.  It’s a time full of body hair, smells, spontaneous arousal and breast buds.  All these changes can be disconcerting and distressing for children who have not been adequately prepared for it. The science has shown that children who are underprepared for puberty, or who have

November 23, 2023
Parenting Hub

The Pros and Cons of Imaginary Friends

In preparation for writing this article, I turned to Google and found that there are many articles discussing children’s imaginary friends available on the internet.  There is rarely a mention of cons, but plenty of pros and they all agree on some general information. Children usually create an imaginary friend around the age of 3-4.  This friend can stay with them for a number of years, but on the whole they seem to disappear when the child is in the first year or two of primary school.  There are instances where the friend remains as part of the child’s life further into primary school, but this is not the norm.  First born children are more likely to have imaginary friends and it is slightly more common for girls to have imaginary friends.  They will grow up knowing the difference between reality and fantasy, just like their peers who do not have imaginary friends. The friend may be a person, usually another child, an animal of some sort or the personification of a stuffed toy.  They may even replace a real friend who lives far away. There was a time when a child having an imaginary friend was seen as strange and in some way this reflected poor parenting skills.  There was the feeling that the child must be lonely and socially inept. Although parents may still feel a little uncomfortable or unsure of how to deal with the issue, it is generally accepted that having an imaginary friend is quite normal for a child.  They may be there to help the child through a big transition in their lives, or just as a part of the child’s imaginative play.  Children with imaginary friends are usually socially well-adjusted and interact well with real-life friends. Creative, imaginative play comes very easily to young children and listening to their conversations, it is quite common to hear something like; “…and then you told me to go to the cupboard to fetch the cups” “…and you fetched the cups and then you poured the tea” “…and then I wanted some cake too”. Children will make suggestions regarding the direction that the ‘game’ is heading in and there is usually someone who is the ‘boss of the game’.  They are fully aware that what they are doing is a game, but they are able to discuss different behaviours and can test options with their friends.  The child with an imaginary friend is engaging in the same activities, imagining how a friend might react or behave. While engaging with an imaginary friend, the child has the opportunity to take both sides of the situation into account and to express emotions and feelings that are not easy to express outside of that situation.  They can test ideas and social skills, while being in complete control of the situation.   Children will sometimes test a parent’s reactions by telling them that “Georgie” says this or that, waiting to see if that is acceptable to the parent.  They will even blame their imaginary friend if they have done something wrong or readily suggest that he was the one who made a mess in the room.  It is a good idea not to over-react, but ensure that the imaginary friend also adheres to the morals and norms of the family.  The child may need to ‘help’ their friend to tidy up the room or tell their friend that it is not acceptable to be unkind or unfriendly.  They still need to be accountable for their own actions. Children might project their own anxieties or fears on to the imaginary friend, so it is probably worthwhile for parents to listen to the conversations and pick up clues about what the child is currently thinking or feeling. As much as parents want to encourage their children to achieve academic and sporting success, they should be eager to encourage the development of their child’s language, critical thinking skills and imagination, all of which are developed with imaginative/ pretend play of all sorts.  Parents should provide lots of opportunities for children to explore books and play imaginatively with dress-up items and play along with their children. Although children know that their imaginary friend is not real, if they become withdrawn and do not interact socially with others, it might be time to seek professional help.  This would also apply if the imaginary friend is aggressive, depressed or anxious. So it seems to be the consensus that if a child has an imaginary friend, just relax, be happy that your child has a good imagination and know that it is not only normal, but good for your child’s overall creative development. Written By: Shirley Edwards (Teacher at Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Randpark Ridge)

November 17, 2023
Parenting Hub

Why Unstructured Play Is Serious Business

The usual advice includes tips on how to help your kids navigate the transition to online learning, how to keep them busy and avoid boredom, and why schedules and routines are important now more than ever. All but one of the bases is covered, and that base is unstructured play. Why Is Unstructured Play Important? Unstructured play, also known as free play, has no specific learning outcome. But don’t let that put you off. Numerous studies show that unstructured play is an important part of your kid’s physical, emotional, mental, and social development.  Unstructured play is especially crucial for the development of three skills: Creativity and imagination: The absence of fixed rules allows children to create their own guidelines Problem-solving abilities: During free play, kids work together to solve problems such as who takes the first turn in a game and establishing other rules of play Social skills: Free play encourages kids to take turns, learn to share, and make decisions together How to Encourage Unstructured Play The idea of unstructured play might be completely foreign to parents who value routine. Here are a few tips to help encourage free play among your kids: Don’t Make it Part of a Routine  Kids thrive on routine, but extremely rigid schedules and heavy parental control are not always beneficial for their development. A fundamental part of growing up is learning how to tackle new challenges and going beyond predetermined routines. Instead of adding unstructured play to your routine, look for opportunities to incorporate it into your day.  For instance, the next time you head out to your favourite burger restaurant, let your kids run wild in the play area. Selected Wimpy Playworlds around the country are open and have all the necessary hygiene protocols in place to let your little one play safely. Let Your Kid Take the Lead If your kid is used to following a set of rules all the time, they never get the chance to think outside the box and practise being in control. If your kid is using their bubble wand as a drum, that’s fine. Stepping in often takes away your kid’s autonomy to create something new. Instead of telling them that their wand is strictly for blowing bubbles, say something encouraging like, ‘I didn’t realise that was a drum. That’s really interesting!’ Bring Playfulness into Everyday Activities Incorporating playfulness into everyday tasks such as clearing the table or cooking dinner turns mundane chores into spontaneous play sessions. You can invite your kids to get creative and add food colouring to their favourite dishes, make square pancakes, or turn the family garden into a pretend farm.  In our fast-paced, digitally-enhanced lives, it’s easy to lose sight of an age-old development tool that comes naturally to our kids. You can let your kid learn and thrive by simply giving them the freedom to play – with you, their peers, or on their own.

November 10, 2023
Parenting Hub

The Screen-Free Sleep Aid Every South African Parent Needs to Know About

In an era marked by rising screen addiction among children, Morphée has introduced an offline innovation designed to mitigate digital dependence and revolutionise sleep. My Little Morphée, an internationally established screen-free sleep aid designed for children aged three to ten, has made its debut in South Africa. Developed in conjunction with a team of international experts including sophrologists, psychologists and hypnotherapists, My Little Morphée has been dubbed an ‘offline oasis,’ shaping the sleep aid landscape by offering a non-digital approach to self-soothing, daytime serenity and peaceful sleep, without the harmful effects of screen exposure. Its key feature being an extensive content library containing 192 audio journeys, spanning eight to twenty minutes, including soothing stories, guided meditations and soft music tracks. Children can choose a travel companion from an array of friendly animals in soothing settings, fostering essential life skills such as boldness, confidence, wisdom and generosity. The product also features nature sounds and white noise, teaching children how to master their emotions and self-regulate. According to Morphée’s South African Brand Manager, Daniella Degens, “We have received numerous positive reviews from our international team regarding the efficacy of My Little Morphée, especially when it comes to children who struggle to self-sooth. Parents also find the safety of its screen-free nature really reassuring, particularly for younger children.” Endorsed by a wide spectrum of international medical professionals including doctors, paediatricians, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, sophrologists, yoga practitioners and teachers, My Little Morphée is a trusted choice for parents seeking to provide their children with a healthier and more wholesome alternative to screen-based products. “Distinguishing itself from traditional story boxes, this beautifully designed product serves as a compelling solution to helping families break free from the modern-day challenge of digital devices. It goes beyond entertainment, inviting children to explore a wide range of creative and calming journeys, without the harmful effects associated with screens. Serving as an introduction to self-regulation and meditation, My Little Morphée alleviates anxiety, enhances concentration skills, boosts self-confidence and sooths children to sleep – all of which contribute positively to their overall health and well-being” says Daniella. Designed with French flair, commitment to quality and an APP-free, WiFi-free and screen-free experience, My Little Morphée has been crafted with modern travellers in mind, offering the added convenience of a three-hour battery life. Since its inception in 2008, the brand has experienced exponential growth across six continents, earning numerous international awards, including ‘Best Sleep Product of the Year’ and the ‘Healthy Sleep Awards,’ cementing My Little Morphée’s prominent position on the global stage. Poised to challenge the conventional notion of child entertainment by providing an enriching alternative that captivates children’s imaginations, My Little Morphée emerges as a much-needed screen-free solution for South African parents. Other products in the collection include My Morphée created for adults featuring a comprehensive selection of sophrology and meditation sessions, cardiac coherence and immersive journeys, along with The Morphée Zen designed to manage stress in an instant. Website: https://sa.morphee.co RRP: R2490 including VAT

November 9, 2023
Social Kids

What is your child’s online maturity?

It may feel strange that we’re talking about online maturity when we are showing children aged 7 to 11 years old the right way to play and learn online. The reality is some children have already had extensive exposure to online platforms by the time they are 8 years old.  Online maturity plays a huge role in your child’s digital future. How you behave and engage with technology at a young age will determine how you move forward as you get older.  Here are the key elements that determine your child’s online maturity:  Access to devices Access to online means they can get online to play games, stream TV, watch YouTube channels or have their own device with internet access. Does your child have the freedom to access technology when and as they please? Is there a time limit already set up with rules and boundaries already in place? Who do they access the internet with? If your child is streaming TV, they can access the profile themselves, but are they playing various games or browsing YouTube channels unmonitored? When they go online, do they do it alone, or with a watchful eye behind every click? Are they allowed to access the internet with older siblings, family, or friends? Do you have privacy settings set up on all devices or child-friendly browsers in place? Whether they have supervised access or not, have you taken the steps to protect all devices in the household? Does your family have regular open conversations about the digital world? Do you discuss the dangers of playing online together? The Codey adventure has been designed to appeal to a wide range of ages, however, a child’s individual online maturity and environment will play a large role in his or her experience of the adventure. If at times, the delivery may seem slow, this is a deliberate action, to ensure there is repetition and reinforcement of key concepts. The content is what is important. If your child does have a high online maturity, use this time together to discuss what they know. Use the opportunity to improve your communication and understanding of each other’s perspectives. By starting the conversations now, you are creating a better relationship moving forward. If there is only one change we can make with our future surfers, it must be to – Think. Before you click! Codey Crawler and the Social Kids team will sleep well at night and you as a parent or guardian can rest easy that you are talking to your children about what they do online. We will have a safer, wiser, and kinder internet in the future.  Join us – Make the time or use our supervised classes – Just don’t do nothing! 

November 8, 2023
Parenting Hub

BLIPPI MAKES A SPECIAL STOP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Global sensation Blippi to delight audiences for the first time in South Africa in all-new live show, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour from 1 – 10 December 2023 at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace Blu Blood in association with Round Room Live and Moonbug Entertainment are proud to announce that the new live theatre show, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, will for the first time in South Africa, bring the vivacious, energetic, and educational antics of global sensation Blippi to the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg on the 1st to 10th December 2023. “With new music, characters, monster trucks, and even the Blippi mobile, we’re thrilled to bring Blippi to even more kids and families around the world in a brand-new show,” said Stephen Shaw, founder and co-President of Round Room Live. “Following the success of Blippi The Musical, we’re excited for audiences to create memorable experiences with Blippi, with all the amazing music, production, and energy they expect, but in a way they’ve never seen before.” For Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, the character Blippi will be played by professional stage performers selected specifically for the stage show. “It’s very special to witness the love that our fans have for Blippi and his buddies, and the joy this beloved character brings to families around the world,” said Susan Vargo, Head of Live Events at Moonbug Entertainment. “Our live experiences bring families together to make memories that will last a lifetime. With Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour fans can expect catchy music, lots of dancing and a whole lot of fun!” Blippi is coming to Johannesburg for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour! So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party! Blippi inspires curiosity in preschoolers around the world by creating content and experiences that are relatable, accessible and make learning fun. Blippi has become a worldwide sensation with more than one billion monthly views across platforms including Netflix, HBO Max, Cartoonito, Sky, Amazon and YouTube and millions of fans around the world.  The franchise has expanded rapidly since it was acquired by Moonbug Entertainment in 2020.  Blippi is available in more than 20 languages, including ASL, and is distributed by more than 30 global broadcast and streaming partners. Blippi’s buddies Meekah and Juca have spun off into their own shows and Blippi lives off the screen as well with sold-out live events, popular music tracks, and in-demand toys available at all major retailers. Tickets for Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour are available via www.ticketpros.co.za and Spar Payzone kiosks.  For tickets and additional information, visit https://bit.ly/3E5G2NV. Fans can visit BlippiOnTour.com now for tour dates and ticket information. FOLLOW BLIPPI ON TOUR Official Website: www.BlippiOnTour.com Facebook: @BlippiOnTour Twitter: @BlippiOnTour Instagram: @BlippiOnTour FOLLOW BLIPPI Official Website: www.Blippi.com YouTube: @Blippi Facebook: @Blippi Twitter: @BlippiOfficial Instagram: @BlippiOfficial

November 1, 2023
Good Night Baby

Active children sleep better

Exercise is one of the best science-backed ways to improve your sleep and health In our home, generally around 18h00 in the evening, when we’ve had dinner and there’s still some play time ahead of bath, all my son wants to do is move! There’s running and playing tag, kicking a ball in the garden, riding his bike in the road or doing exercises with dad in his gym garage. Of course, I am all for it, as I am well aware of how important it is to include exercise into our daily lives. In many homes most children tend to spend hours every day in front of a screen (TV’s, smartphones or tablets) looking at a variety of media, whether it be games or YouTube videos or cartoons. Too much screen time and not enough physical activity add to the problem of childhood obesity. Obesity is a fast-growing disease in South Africa, with one in eight children now living with obesity. Parents should try to limit screen time for children. Screen times for children from 2 – 5 years old shouldn’t exceed 1 hour a day and if they’re younger than 18 months it shouldn’t be encouraged at all. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends zero screen time for children under the age of 2 years old. An odd video-chat with family would be suitable but not right before bedtime. (That’s of course one of the positives of technology). Children that have regular exercise, even if it means being active through play will grow, have stronger muscles and bones, develop important motor skills, have leaner bodies that result in a lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes and lower blood pressure. Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, fit children also sleep better. In a New Zealand study, researchers looked at how much time it took for inactive children to fall asleep versus active children. What they found was that it took children three more minutes to fall asleep for every hour that child was inactive or only sitting. That means that a child who plays video games or watches TV all day will take more time to fall asleep, and have poorer quality sleep than a child who actively plays during the day.  In another study they also found that active babies sleep better than less active babies. Those infants who were active during the day woke up less at night, so they tended to sleep better – although they did move about in their sleep more. This suggests that encouraging activity could have a knock-on effect on improving other behaviours like good sleep practices. It doesn’t have to be planned or scheduled, but something parents can take away from this is that your child always keeps an eye on how you spend your time, so set a good example by exercising regularly. Your child will pick up on this as something parents do and will naturally want to do it too. By Anke Scherman – Good Night Consultant

October 31, 2023
PowerPlastics Pool Covers

Common Drowning Myths

Myth: Drowning children will shout for help Drowning children are physiologically unable to call out. The respiratory system is designed for breathing – speech is the secondary function. Drowning children’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface but while their mouth is above the surface, they need to exhale and inhale before they sink again. There is not enough time to cry out.  Myth: Drowning children are unsupervised children 50% of all child drownings will occur 25 metres or less from an adult who was distracted for only a few seconds.  Myth: Drowning children wave their arms to attract attention or will thrash in the water Drowning children cannot wave for help. Physiologically, a person who is drowning cannot perform voluntary movements such as waving or moving towards a rescuer. Envisage the surface of the water as a platform. Someone who is drowning often presses down on the surface and tries to use it as leverage to get their mouth above the water’s surface to breathe. So what the onlooker sees are arm movements that can appear to be playful swimming. Children will not kick wildly either. They remain upright in the water with no evidence of a supporting kick. They are quiet, focused only on breathing and show no signs of violent struggle. The child’s struggle is quick — 20 seconds, whereas an adult struggles for 60 seconds. Myth: My child has had swimming lessons so he / she won’t drown No child is ever drown-proof, no matter how good their swimming skills. A few swimming lessons are no guarantee when it comes to drowning prevention.  Myth: Water wings and flotation aids will prevent drowning Water wings give a dangerous and false sense of security, often making children think they are stronger swimmers than they actually are. Flotation aids can also suddenly deflate. To prevent a tragedy, be vigilant about pool safety and cover your pool with the leading safety cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers – The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover which also complies with local safety regulations. This cover also saves water, power and chemical input, giving you safety as well as savings, and it brings a beautiful finish to the outdoor living area. Learn more and shop online at www.powerplastics.co.za  Make this the summer you got safe. The summer you got covered. 

October 30, 2023
Parenting Hub

GARDENING WITH YOUR CHILDREN

Every weekend one of my favourite activities begin with my children, it is something that we all look forward too each week. Our seeds that we saved from the fruits and veggies have dried out and they are now waiting for us to take them and begin a whole new journey of gardening together. We begin by weeding the flower beds, watering the garden and then planting new seeds, this is all part of our Sunday mornings. Gardening has been a special time amongst South Africans for decades. As a small child I have fond memories of watching my father attend to his gardens each day and so what better family memory to create than creating a beautiful garden with my children. After all, what child does not like being outside, digging in soil, getting dirty, creating things and watching them grow! This weekly activity has also provided a great outlet for communicating in our household and we have strengthened our relationships with each other as a result.  I simply love when my children come running, little pot in hand to show me that their seed, from the previous week, has started to grow. Gardening has mustered great responsibility with my little one’s and this is something that is not taken lightly in our house. Yes, there have been times when they have all learnt about cause and effect, like not watering the seedling resulted in a unhappy plant, but I am happy to report that we have had very few casualties along the way. When we began gardening with our children, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity for me to broaden their knowledge of good food vs bad food. Although I am lucky in that my children don’t have a problem eating their vegetables, this did not stop me from giving a lesson or two on the importance of putting the right food into our bodies. Getting out in the sunshine, digging in the dirt is also a wonderful way to discover and learn about all the creepy crawly’s that lurk beneath the surface and everyone loves to watch their little sister being chased by their latest discovery.  All in all, this is a lovely way for moms and dads to unwind with their kiddies each week and discover new things. Here are a few tips on how to create a garden with your child: Keep it simple. Give your child their own garden space to look after and nurture. It does not need to be a big area at all, a few pots is all that is needed to get them excited. Involve older children on the planning and design of the garden. Tweens love getting involved when you entice their opinion about something. Use light-weight tools and gardening equipment with your children. Grow an interesting assortment of of seeds such as sunflowers, corn, pumpkin, tomatoes. Plant flowers that attract bird life and butterflies into your garden. Incorporate flowers that are bright and sweet in smell. Most importantly, have fun!

October 25, 2023
PowerPlastics Pool Covers

Unpacking common myths around child drowning

Whether you have a pool or have small children in your family or social circle, everyone needs to learn about pool safety. Being able to identify a drowning in progress and acting fast can make a real difference to the child making a full recovery after a drowning incident.  Most people imagine that picture A is an accurate depiction of a drowning in progress. In reality, B and C are more accurate – mouth at water level, head bobbing, body upright, little to no splashing and sometimes the appearance of doing doggie paddle. Familiarise yourself with these drowning behaviours:  Head low in the water, mouth at water level  Head tilted back with mouth open Trying to roll over onto the back to float Hair falling over the forehead or eyes Body is vertical/ upright  Eyes glassy & empty, unable to focus Eyes open, with fear evident on the face Hyperventilating or gasping Trying to swim in one direction but without progress Common Drowning Myths Myth: Drowning children will shout for help Drowning children are physiologically unable to call out. The respiratory system is designed for breathing – speech is the secondary function. Drowning children’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface but while their mouth is above the surface, they need to exhale and inhale before they sink again. There is not enough time to cry out.  Myth: Drowning children are unsupervised children 50% of all child drownings will occur 25 metres or less from an adult who was distracted for only a few seconds.  Myth: Drowning children wave their arms to attract attention or will thrash in the water Drowning children cannot wave for help. Physiologically, a person who is drowning cannot perform voluntary movements such as waving or moving towards a rescuer. Envisage the surface of the water as a platform. Someone who is drowning often presses down on the surface and tries to use it as leverage to get their mouth above the water’s surface to breathe. So what the onlooker sees are arm movements that can appear to be playful swimming. Children will not kick wildly either. They remain upright in the water with no evidence of a supporting kick. They are quiet, focused only on breathing and show no signs of violent struggle. The child’s struggle is quick — 20 seconds, whereas an adult struggles for 60 seconds. Myth: My child has had swimming lessons so he / she won’t drown No child is ever drown-proof, no matter how good their swimming skills. A few swimming lessons are no guarantee when it comes to drowning prevention.  Myth: Water wings and flotation aids will prevent drowning Water wings give a dangerous and false sense of security, often making children think they are stronger swimmers than they actually are. Flotation aids can also suddenly deflate. To prevent a tragedy, be vigilant about pool safety and cover your pool with the leading safety cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers – The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover which also complies with local safety regulations. This cover also saves water, power and chemical input, giving you safety as well as savings, and it brings a beautiful finish to the outdoor living area. Learn more and shop online at www.powerplastics.co.za 

October 23, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Beating heatstroke

Bonitas Medical Fund offers some advice about heatstroke. What the symptoms are, how to avoid it and what to do if someone, child or adult, develops heatstroke.

October 20, 2023
Toptots Head Office

How can I raise a body positive child?

With media bombarding our children from a very young age with images of what they think a person’s body should be – raising a body positive child is harder than it was 20 years ago.

October 18, 2023
Parenting Hub

What does crossing the midline really mean?

There are many terms that teachers, psychologists and other professionals may use that, at times, are perhaps not explained effectively leaving parents at a loss to the significance of these difficulties. It is important to understand what the importance of these conditions are, (especially if they have been mentioned in your child’s school report) what they mean, and the possible consequences and repercussions thereof. The midline is akin to an imaginary line going down the middle of one’s body from head to toe. Midline crossing is important for many skills to develop later on. For example, midline crossing is important for a youngster to develop the ability to use one hand to write across the entire page. This will also determine whether the youngster will have the necessary skills to read the length of the sentence across the page from left to right A child who can’t cross the midline, for instance, would use his/her left hand to write or paint on the left-side of the page and his/her right hand to write or paint on the right-hand side of the page which can hamper the learning process. Crossing the midline is also an indicator of bilateral co-ordination which is the ability to use both sides of the body and brain simultaneously. This is important for gross motor skills such as climbing stairs, walking, riding a bicycle and swimming. In addition, bilateral co-ordination is also important to read, write and learn. In other words, the right and left brain have to work together, for example in reading the left brain’s task is to decode a word whilst the right brain facilitates the understanding and meaning of what was read. Midline crossing is therefore essential for a youngster to develop as it is a very necessary skill for learning in all areas of life.

October 17, 2023
Junior Colleges

Emotional and Social Milestones of a 6-year-old

Why it’s important to nurture empathy in kids? Parents should consider teaching empathy and nurturing emotional intelligence in their children for several reasons. In its most basic form, empathy is the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes and comprehend their emotions and experiences. Empathy can also be useful in teaching children about bullying and how to avoid it. Thus, teaching empathy is an important factor in preventing bullying at school. How can parents encourage emotional intelligence and empathy in their children? Make sure your child’s emotional needs are met – To be able to feel and express empathy for another person, a child’s emotional needs must first be satisfied. Before she can help someone else, she must be able to rely on her parents and caregivers for emotional support. Teach your child how to cope with negative emotions – Negative emotions like anger and jealousy are common in children and adults. A child with good emotional intelligence and empathy is more likely to be taught how to handle these feelings positively in a problem-solving manner by sympathetic parents. Ask, “How would you feel?” – When a pre-schooler smacks a sibling or a friend or takes away a toy they’re playing with, a parent should explain that such action might hurt a person. “How would you feel if someone took your toy away?” or “How would you feel if someone smacked you?” are some examples of questions to use. Name that feeling – Identify and categorize feelings and emotions as much as possible to assist your child in understanding them. If your child behaves kindly toward someone, you can say: “That was very good of you to be so worried about your friend; I’m sure it made him feel much better when you were so kind to him. If your child behaves unpleasantly, you can say: “I understand you may be angry, but it made your friend sad when you stole his toy from him.” Talk about positive and negative behaviours around you – In real life, as well as in books, television, and movies, we are always exposed to instances of good and bad behaviour. Discuss with your child any behaviour you notice, such as someone making another person upset or acting like a bully, or someone helping others and making them feel better about themselves. Set a good example – By watching you and other adults in their lives, your child learns how to interact with others. Show them what it is to be helpful or kind and loving. You can teach your child to be sympathetic by helping family members and neighbours and supporting friends and those in need or going through a difficult time.

October 17, 2023
Parenting Hub

The fine line between discipline and punishment

Discipline vs punishment What really helps vulnerable children build confidence and self-control? As a normal part of their development, all children test boundaries and break rules, but how parents respond to these moments has an undeniable effect on their child, whether positive or negative. And this is magnified for vulnerable children who live with foster parents or who have been adopted. Parents are human too, and they have to navigate their own emotions while parenting, but it’s important that they carefully consider their responses to their children when they misbehave. This includes understanding the difference between punishment and discipline. Beverley Beukes, MD of Oasis Haven, a registered Child and Youth Care Centre in Johannesburg, explains that punishment is imposed on a child by their parent, after the fact. “The child misbehaves and the parent reacts to that behaviour, which frequently results in a power struggle and vicious cycle.” Discipline, by contrast, is established before the fact and is based on a child’s needs. A parent provides guidelines for their child and gives them latitude to work within those guidelines, establishing consequences for failing to do so. “The ultimate goal of parental discipline is to wrap just enough structure around a child so that they can begin to develop self-control, the precursor of self-discipline,” says Beukes. So what does healthy discipline look like? Aim for connection over control “An important premise to begin with is that discipline needs to happen in the context of connection. It can’t be about control – without connection, parents will constantly be trying to control behaviour,” explains Simone Oketch, social worker at Oasis Haven. Vulnerable children will often set out to test their parents. They may display aggressive, inappropriate and unkind behaviours to see how far they need to go before their new parents will reject them. Parents need to see beyond those behaviours, and stay focused on the long-term goals of attaching and forming a healthy relationship.  “If you help your child calm down and connect with you, even when you are correcting their behaviour, you will create an environment where they can flourish,” says Oketch. Understand your child Parents often think of their child in terms of their chronological age, but it’s important to consider their emotional age too, which may be significantly younger in some cases. Parents need to adjust their expectations and the words they use when talking through boundaries to meet their child’s developmental stage.  Approach discipline in small increments Behaviour change takes time. “Seeing the long-term picture can help parents avoid thinking of misbehaviour as failure – as a vulnerable child’s fear lessens, they will not always have an immediate fight, flight, or freeze reaction. During this process the child can learn the cause and effect of their actions,” says Beukes. Rethink more ‘traditional’ consequences Beukes and Oketch’s experience working with vulnerable children has given them unique insights into how to help these children flourish. “Children who have had multiple broken bonds or who have experienced abuse often do not respond well to traditional methods of discipline,” says Beukes. Things such as time out and being grounded, among other approaches, might exacerbate the problem. Many parents can become quite discouraged and confused when this happens. Hidings are one of the most unhelpful approaches adoptive and foster parents can use. It is also illegal to spank children in South Africa, so it’s important that parents avoid any physical punishment. Some practical tools parents can rather use include earning or losing privileges, charting children’s behaviour so they can see their own progress and stay motivated over the long term, providing choices, talking to their child about their feelings, having weekly family meetings, and getting professional support through a therapist. If a child is provided with consistent and effective discipline, not only will their behaviour improve, but so will their relationship with their parents. “All children need to know is that their parent’s love for them is unconditional,” says Oketch. Oketch and Beukes have written a guide called Strengthening Families in a South African Context, sponsored by Ambassadors for Good, which provides an overview of foster care, adoption and family preservation, as well as guidance for statutory and adoption social workers on supporting families. For more information, visit www.oasishaven.org. About Oasis Haven Oasis Haven is a registered Child and Youth Care Centre with two family homes in Robin Hills, Johannesburg, with capacity for 10 children in each home. But we are more than that – we are a big, loving, messy family made up of children, house parents, staff, volunteers, donors and the community we live and work in. Our vision is for every vulnerable child to be in a loving, forever family. Our mission is to break the cycle of vulnerable children by loving them as our own and working to provide family through adoption or in our Family Homes. We focus on quality care, education and therapy, rooted in faith.

October 5, 2023
Parenting Hub

The best products for healthy babies and children

Babies and children require seemingly few products to stay healthy, but as they age, most parents realise that there are some essentials that do not only boost and improve their child’s health, but also makes the parents’ lives easier. While requirements vary from family to family, there are a few basics that are considered beneficial for young ones. Here are a few products we recommend: Health care products Every household needs quick and easy access to a first aid kit or health care kit. When you need it, it’s usually to attend to an immediate problem, meaning there’s no time to search around. First-time parents sometimes aren’t sure what exactly they’ll need for baby’s first aid kit, which is why it’s will be handy if you have a pre-packed kit filled with the basics. We recommend the Safety First Healthcare Kit (R289.99), an 11-piece kit containing all the basics you’ll need for baby’s basic health needs. From a nasal aspirator, to a digital thermometer, medicine dropper and soft grip toothbrush, this handy kit covers all the basics. Grooming products Babies might not need much grooming to start off with, but as soon as they’re a little bit older you’ll need to look into nail clippers, hairbrushes, and other basic grooming items. Like with a health care kit, it might be difficult for first-time parents to know exactly which items to buy. The Safety First Essential Grooming Kit (R229.95) is a handy 10-piece kit containing all the good quality basics you’ll need, such as a comb, hairbrush, nail clippers, nail files and more. Breast pump Breastfeeding moms know that there comes a time – be it when you return to work, or when you need to pop out – that a good quality breast pump becomes a lifesaver. Whether you pump because you can’t physically be with your baby to breastfeed, or whether it’s to allow dad and other family members to help out with feeding, many women find pumping easy and convenient – with the right pump, of course. Medela Harmony Essentials Pack (R999.95) combines everything moms need for breast milk pumping in one breast pump set. It comes complete with a silicone teat, four milk storage bags to store and freeze your milk, and four ultra-thin nursing pads: everything you need to express and store your breast milk and feed it to your baby. This single manual breast pump is perfect for moms who want to try out pumping, moms who express occasionally and need a lightweight travel companion, or moms who want a handy backup to their electric pump. Quality bottles On the days that you’re pumping, you’ll need some quality bottles with which to store your baby’s milk. It’s important to choose a brand that makes use of materials safe for baby, that’s convenient and durable. Medela Milk Storage Bottles 2-Pack (R339.99) are free from Bisphenol (BPA) for your baby’s health, dishwasher and microwave safe for your convenience and ideal for expressing, storing, freezing, and feeding breastmilk. A good quality multivitamin Let’s face it – most parents struggle to get their children to eat vegetables, and picky eaters often end up lacking many of the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. This is where multivitamins come in. A good quality supplement contributes to the normal function of the immune systems and the normal function of many other systems in the body contributing to general wellbeing. We recommend: NutriPure Kids Multi-Vitamin Complete (R126.95) which is specially formulated in a tasty, soft, and chewy gummy, making taking vitamins fun and easy for children aged three and older. Each NutriPure Multi-Vitamin Complete gummy contains 11 essential vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D, B6, B12, C, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid and Niacin to help metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. An effective probiotic Probiotics are an essential supplement for all ages. A balanced intestinal micro-flora is highly important in keeping the body in healthy working order and is a key element in overall well-being. Plus, it helps us to better metabolize all the healthy nutrients we consume in foods. We recommend: NutriPure Kids Pro-Biotics (R139.95), which is formulated with Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, two scientifically tested bacteria strains. Each NutriPure bear contains one billion live cultures to help your child boost his daily culture intake.

October 4, 2023
Parenting Hub

A FATHER’S IMPACT ON A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, underscores the crucial role fathers play in their child’s development and highlights the adverse effects of limited or no access to fathers during a child’s formative years. The Human Sciences Research Council reports that in South Africa, over 60% of children do not reside with their biological fathers, with only 20% seeing their biological father bi-weekly. A detailed report from Statistics South Africa (STATS SA) further reveals racial disparities: only 31.7% of black children aged 0-17 live with their biological fathers, compared to 51.3% of coloured children, 86.1% of Indian and Asian children, and 80.2% of white children. “Across multiple cultures and societies, the role of a father has conventionally been seen as secondary to that of a mother. While mothers are often considered the primary caregivers, the importance of a father’s influence cannot be understated,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “A child’s emotional, mental, and even physical development can be significantly influenced by their relationship or lack thereof with their father, especially during a child’s formative years, from birth to age eight.” The Crucial Influence of a Father The importance of a father’s role in a child’s life has been the subject of extensive research over the years. Studies consistently highlight the significant influence that a supportive and involved father has on the holistic development of a child. Emotionally Balanced Adults The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services discovered that children with involved fathers, even in the context of high levels of maternal involvement, tend to score better in cognitive tests. For example, preschoolers with engaged fathers exhibit enhanced verbal abilities, while girls who share a close and nurturing bond with their fathers demonstrate superior math competencies. Meanwhile, boys benefiting from a strong paternal presence typically achieve higher grades and outperform their peers on assessment tests relative to their age level. Sociability, Confidence, and Resilience Research from the Imperial College London noted that infants with more involved fathers develop better problem-solving skills, demonstrating increased resilience when faced with challenges. Behavioural Issues, Emotional Insecurities, and Academic Struggles The National Fatherhood Initiative reported that children living in father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor and twice as likely to drop out of school. Relationship Challenges and Teaching Trust A study from the University of British Columbia reported that children with absent fathers tend to enter relationships earlier and are more likely to have children outside of wedlock or get divorced. A Growing Concern A rising concern is the number of fathers not permitted to play an active role in their children’s lives due to various circumstances, often stemming from personal conflicts, legal battles, or societal norms and stigmas. “The issue of children growing up without fathers in South Africa has been a significant concern,” adds Hewlett. “The issue is further compounded by complexities related to the definition of ‘father absence’. Some children might not live with their biological fathers but have contact with them or receive financial support. Others might have father figures like stepfathers, uncles, or grandfathers playing a significant role in their upbringing.” Talking from Experience Jamie Lawson, now 25, was separated from her father until age 18 due to familial disputes. On finally reconnecting, she said, “Growing up, there was always this void, this piece of the puzzle that was missing. When I finally met my father, I realised that much of the confusion, anger, and emotional turmoil I felt during my teenage years was connected to not having him in my life. There’s so much I missed out on and so much he missed out on. It’s time we recognise the importance of both parents in a child’s life.” Jamie’s story is one of countless others, each echoing the importance of a father’s involvement and the long-term impact of their absence. Meyers, who also grew up without a dad, talks about her journey growing up without a dad in Daughters Without Dads: Being Emotionally or Physically Abandoned by a Father. She recounted how growing up without a father manifested itself in many ways throughout her life as she struggled with a food obsession, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and depression. A Call to Action As societies evolve, there is a pressing need for legal systems, social constructs, and individual mindsets to shift, placing equal importance on both parents. Denying a child access to their father not only strips them of shared memories, learnings, and experiences but may also deprive them of the necessary tools and emotional balance needed for adulthood. Affinity Health aims to shed light on the long-term effects of a father’s absence. “As we move forward, the focus must be on what’s best for the child’s overall well-being, ensuring they have access to the diverse, enriching experiences and lessons that both parents uniquely offer,” concludes Hewlett.

October 3, 2023
Parenting Hub

Boys and girls play differently

When observing a playground full of children, it is typical of the boys to be running and chasing each other noisily in large groups whilst the girls prefer to sit one on one, chatting and engaging in make believe games. When given the choice of toys the girls tend to gravitate towards dolls and soft toys, whereas the boys choose cars and blocks to build. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but it begs the question- are boys and girls brains ‘wired’ differently?

September 29, 2023
Crawford International

The importance of baking

Spending time in the kitchen and baking using new recipes helps children to develop a positive connection to all different types of foods. Children will also learn basic cooking skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

September 28, 2023
Parenting Hub

How to help your child build resilience

our children face many challenges and obstacles as they grow and are faced with what life has to offer. She adds, “Children who have been taught the skill of resilience, are able to bounce back from stress, challenges, tragedy, trauma and adversity in more effective ways than children who do not know how to be resilient. Resilient children are more adaptable, have greater courage and are more curious when facing the world around them.”

September 28, 2023
Parenting Hub

Encourage your children to be physically active

Let’s face it, growing up today is a completely different ball game to when you were young. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your late 20s or 30s and coming to grips with parenthood for the first time, or if you’re north of 50 and are a veteran of raising children, the fact remains. Kids today are living in a world wholly different to the one we developed in.

September 27, 2023
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