Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Smoking and pregnancy – should I quit

If you’re an avid smoker you’re probably wondering if being pregnant means you should wave your smoking habits goodbye. Unfortunately, even if your health isn’t enough for you to stop, your baby’s health should be. What can happen to my baby if I keep smoking? Smoking during your pregnancy is harmful to your unborn baby. The chemicals in cigarettes are both damaging to you and your baby; nicotine and other harmful poisons increase the risk of health problems for unborn babies. Second hand smoke, vaping and e-cigarettes are all still damaging to your baby’s health and should also be avoided (or quitted). You may need to designate your house a non-smoking area, and ask any friends and colleges not to smoke around you. So what exactly does smoking do to your unborn baby? Smoking lowers the amount of oxygen available to your growing baby and nicotine damages the baby’s brain and lungs. Smoking can make it harder to conceive, and if you do fall pregnant, can lead to miscarriages or stillbirth. Babies can be born premature, have a low birth weight, or be born with birth defects.  Smoking during pregnancy can also affect your baby’s health after they are born, leading to cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma and other respiratory problems and infections. Help – I am really struggling to quit! Even if you have decided that quitting is in both of your best interests, this may be easier said than done. If you are pregnant already it is best to quit without using any medication, as this is healthier for you and your baby. You also won’t be able to transition to vaping or e-cigarettes, as these too, are harmful and usually contain nicotine, which is damaging to health. In order to quit for good, try avoid the triggers that make you want to smoke, and try find something else that you can do when the craving kicks in. Get the support of your family and friends, or join a stop-smoking group or self help plan. Whatever your plan is to stop, you can be sure that both you and your child’s health will benefit from it.

July 1, 2025
Parenting Hub

How to Build Your Child’s Confidence Without Creating Pressure

As parents, we all want our children to feel confident, capable, and proud of themselves. But in a world that often rewards achievement over effort, it’s easy to unintentionally place pressure on our kids—sometimes even in the name of encouragement. So how do we help build authentic confidence in our children without overwhelming them? Here are a few research-backed, emotionally healthy ways to do it: 1. Praise Effort, Not Outcome Instead of saying “You’re so smart,” say “You worked really hard on that.” Praising effort fosters a growth mindset, where children believe their abilities can improve with time and practice. This encourages resilience rather than perfectionism. 🧠 “When we praise children for being smart, we teach them to value performance over learning,” says Dr. Carol Dweck, Stanford psychologist and author of Mindset. 2. Let Them Make Choices Allowing your child to make age-appropriate decisions—like choosing their clothes or what to eat for a snack—helps them trust their instincts and feel in control. This autonomy fosters confidence and reduces anxiety. 3. Celebrate Mistakes as Learning Opportunities Normalise failure as a natural part of learning. If your child feels safe making mistakes, they’ll be more willing to try new things without the fear of judgment or disappointment. You could say: “What do you think you learned from this?” or “I love how you didn’t give up!” 4. Be Their Safe Space Your child should feel unconditionally accepted by you, regardless of how they perform in school, sports, or other areas. Avoid tying praise or attention only to achievements. A consistent, warm relationship gives them the security to explore the world confidently. 5. Model Confidence (and Humility) Children learn more from what we do than what we say. Let them see you try new things, speak kindly to yourself, and admit when you don’t know something. Modelling this balanced confidence shows them that it’s okay to be a work in progress. 6. Encourage Their Interests (Not Yours) Every child has their own passions and strengths. Support what they love—even if it’s different from what you enjoy or excelled in. This gives them the freedom to develop a true sense of identity and confidence in who they are. Final Thought: Confidence isn’t about being the best—it’s about believing you can try, should try, and that you are worthy no matter the result. By providing support without pressure, we allow our children to grow into capable, emotionally healthy individuals who thrive in their own skin. 📚 Sources:

July 1, 2025
Educ8 SA

The Joys of Online Schooling in South Africa with Educ8 SA

Introduction The world of education is rapidly evolving, and online schooling has become a popular choice for many students in South Africa. With the rise of technology and internet accessibility, online learning has become a convenient and flexible option for students who want to achieve their academic goals without the constraints of traditional classroom learning. At Educ8 SA, we’re proud to offer online schooling options that cater to the diverse needs of students across South Africa. Flexibility and Convenience One of the most significant benefits of online schooling with Educ8 SA is the flexibility and convenience it offers. Students can learn from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have a stable internet connection. This means that students can balance their academic responsibilities with other aspects of their lives, such as extracurricular activities, sports, or part-time jobs. Personalised Learning At Educ8 SA, we believe that every student is unique and learns in different ways. That’s why we offer personalized learning experiences tailored to each student’s needs and learning style. We are experienced and qualified, and they work closely with students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and develop learning plans that cater to their individual needs. Access to Quality Education Online schooling with Educ8 SA provides students with access to quality education, regardless of their geographical location. We believe that every student deserves access to high-quality education, and our online platform makes it possible for students from all over South Africa to access our resources and expertise. Furthermore, we have many international students. Interactive Learning Experiences Our online platform is designed to provide interactive learning experiences that engage students and promote academic achievement. We use a range of digital tools and resources. Benefits of Online Schooling with Educ8 SA There are many benefits to online schooling with Educ8 SA, including: Why Choose Educ8 SA? At Educ8 SA, we’re passionate about providing high-quality online education that meets the diverse needs of students across South Africa and aboard. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose Educ8 SA for your online schooling needs: Conclusion Online schooling with Educ8 SA offers a range of benefits, from flexibility and convenience to personalised learning and access to quality education. We are experienced and qualified, and they’re committed to helping students achieve their academic goals. If you’re looking for a flexible and convenient way to achieve your academic goals, consider online schooling with Educ8 SA. Get in Touch To learn more about online schooling with Educ8 SA, get in touch with us today! We’re here to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on your academic journey. Contact us today! 084 685 2138 [email protected] www.educ8sa.com

June 30, 2025
Parenting Hub

Parenting Wins That Deserve More Celebration (Like Surviving the Supermarket)

Parenting is a marathon filled with countless small victories — some so big they change your life, and others so everyday they can easily be overlooked. From getting your toddler to eat a vegetable to making it through a supermarket trip without a meltdown, these wins deserve a little more spotlight. 🎉 Why Celebrate Small Wins? Parenting can often feel like a series of challenges. Celebrating even the smallest successes boosts parental confidence, reduces stress, and encourages positive habits. Psychologists note that recognising progress helps build resilience and motivation, especially in high-pressure moments. 🛒 Supermarket Survival: A Case Study Anyone who’s braved a grocery store with young kids knows it’s a test of patience and strategy. When you exit with everyone intact, a full cart, and (mostly) calm kids, that’s a win worth cheering. Techniques that help include: 🏆 Other Parenting Wins Worth Celebrating 🌟 Tips to Celebrate Your Wins More Often Sources:

June 30, 2025
Parenting Hub

How Parenting Has Changed Since the 90s (and What’s Stayed the Same)

Parenting in the 1990s looks quite different from the experience of today’s moms and dads, yet some core values remain timeless. From the rise of technology to evolving social norms, the journey of raising children reflects both dramatic changes and enduring constants. 📺 What’s Changed Since the 90s? ⏳ What’s Stayed the Same? 🛠️ Tips for Modern Parents Sources:

June 30, 2025
Cartoonito

🎬 Movie Star Holidays: A Magical Lineup for the Whole Family!

Snuggle up and press play — the Cartoonito Movie Star Holidays are here! From Monday, 30 June to Sunday, 13 July, it’s non-stop fun for the whole family. Whether your kids are chasing mysteries with Scooby-Doo, climbing beanstalks with Tom and Jerry, or zooming to Mars with the Rabbids, this holiday season is packed with giggles, adventure and screen time that brings everyone together. Here’s what’s in store: 📅 Monday, 30 June – King Tweety Winter kicks off with a royal twist! When the Queen of a tropical island disappears, Tweety suddenly finds himself wearing the crown. But royal life isn’t all birdseed and sunshine — especially with Granny and Sylvester tagging along. Expect laughs, feathers, and a lot of fun! 🕘 Airs at 9:40 CAT 📅 Tuesday, 2 July – Rabbids Invasion: Mission to Mars Hibernation Rabbid joins a wild crew on a mission to Mars! With a disco diva, a daring pilot, and a pocket-sized powerhouse, this unlikely team proves that courage, heart (and chaos) can take you anywhere — even to outer space. 📅 Wednesday, 3 July – Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold Two legendary forces unite! When an old mystery haunts Batman, he calls on the Mystery Inc. gang to help. With clues, capes, and comedy galore, this epic crossover will have kids (and grown-ups) glued to the screen. 📅 Thursday, 4 July – Looney Tunes Rabbits Run Lola Bunny invents an invisibility spray, and suddenly she and Bugs are on the run! With spies and villains chasing them across the city, this Looney Tunes ride is packed with mischief, mayhem, and magic. 📅 Friday, 5 July – Scooby-Doo and the Legend of the Vampire The gang heads to Australia for a rock concert — but when a legendary vampire crashes the party, Scooby and friends must disguise themselves as a band to crack the case. 📅 Saturday, 6 July – Scooby-Doo and the Loch Ness Monster Next stop: Scotland! Daphne’s cousin is being haunted by the infamous Loch Ness Monster, and only Mystery Inc. can uncover the truth in this misty, mysterious tale. 📅 Sunday, 7 July – Tom and Jerry’s Giant Adventure Tom, Jerry, and Jack climb a magical beanstalk to save their fairytale theme park. It’s giants, golden eggs, and classic cartoon chaos all the way up! 📅 Monday, 8 July (Double Feature!) 📅 Tuesday, 9 July – Tom and Jerry: Cowboy Up! It’s a Wild West showdown! Tom, Jerry, and friends band together to save a ranch from a sneaky land-grabber. Yeehaw! 📅 Wednesday, 10 July – Tweety’s High-Flying Adventure Can Tweety fly around the world in 80 days? With Sylvester on his tail and a globe full of Looney surprises, this epic journey is full of fun and feathers! 📅 Thursday, 11 July – Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring When a magical ring gets stuck on Jerry’s head, chaos follows! It’s up to Tom to catch him before things get too out of hand. 📅 Friday, 12 July – Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase Zapped into a video game, Scooby and the gang must beat 10 wild levels to escape. Virtual villains and retro fun await! 📅 Saturday, 13 July – Tom and Jerry: Shiver Me Whiskers It’s anchors aweigh as Tom and Jerry go on a treasure hunt with pirates. Expect sword fights, sea shanties, and slapstick fun! 📅 Sunday, 14 July – Tom and Jerry: Snowman’s Land The holiday fun wraps up with snowy laughs! Jerry and Tuffy’s snow mouse comes to life, and the winter wonder unfolds in this charming, music-filled tale. Make Movie Time Family Time! Whether it’s Scooby sniffing out clues or Tweety dodging danger, Cartoonito has your school holiday entertainment covered. Perfect for bonding, giggling, and making popcorn memories — one movie at a time. 📺 Don’t miss a single moment – only on Cartoonito!#MovieStarHolidays #CartoonitoAfrica #FamilyTime #SchoolHolidayFun Don’t miss a moment — make screen time family time! 📺 Premiere: Monday 30 June 2025 ⏰ Tune-in: Everyday @ 9:40 CAT

June 27, 2025
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