Advice from the experts
Koa Academy

Meet Koa Academy Principal, Mark Anderson

For Mark Anderson, Co-founder and Principal of Koa Academy, the journey as an innovator in the education sector has been deeply rooted in actual teaching experience and brought to life through a visionary drive for better.   A long-time educator who has worked in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, Mark spent years reflecting on a new schooling system for today’s world. His vision, which he tagged as School 2.0, has become the framework for the co-creation of Koa Academy, a unique, highly engaging online school with a focus on the future.  Some aspects are common to learning, no matter where you live, or when you live. Others are contextual and need to be adaptive.  But transformation in the traditionally slow-moving education sector can be painstakingly slow.  In the 21st Century, with its breath-taking pace of innovation, that lack of progress in education can be deeply frustrating to educators, parents and children. Mark says, “I started years ago with a School 2.0 folder on my computer filled with policy-like documents outlining how a better and more relevant school would operate – better staffing structures, flexible timetables, meaningful assessments, and so on.  I let my imagination run beyond the politics, economics and standardisation dogma to create a ‘gold standard’ which I actively used as an educator and school leader to steer my decisions at every possible chance.  I got seriously excited about what kind of transformations became possible as the online space was changing what and how we learn.” In 2020, the global pandemic presented a disruption to education that truly was unprecedented for this traditionally conservative sector.  COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of digital platforms and tools across many aspects of our lives, and education felt that impact with force.  While some parents, teachers and students discovered that simply ‘dumping’ school online was inadequate, the pandemic education experience has opened eyes and minds to the limitless potential of online learning platforms.  Over the past year, there are families who have shifted decisively to home-school, cottage school, digital-tutor hybrids and online schools rather than return to brick and mortar institutions. “Done well, online school gives you global access to the best educational resources and methods available,” says Mark.  “Free from your geography, free from the imposition of others’ time restrictions; your child can learn in their own way, at their own pace and at your family’s convenience.  They can learn in tune with real life, becoming prepared for the actual world of future work.” As an educator, Mark is also excited about what this means for teachers.  “Teachers are no longer merely content experts drumming out facts for rote learners,” he says.  “Instead, they can be learning experts, adept at identifying the diverse needs of children and guiding them as they develop 21st Century skills on their unique learning journeys.  This means they can coach each child as they develop mastery, rather than teach into a middle ground where some get left behind and others feel unchallenged.” To find out more about Koa Academy, click here. 

October 15, 2021
Parenting Hub

SA learners celebrate World Space Week with Rocket Launch

So far, 2021 has notched up three successful civilian space journeys, ushering in a new era of space travel and igniting the imaginations of the younger generations across the globe.  With new possibilities and opportunities in space transforming our perspectives of our galactic horizons, there’s an exciting energy to World Space Week this year, which is being celebrated internationally from 4 to 10 October.   Hundreds of South African learners who participate in the I-Innovate programme implemented by Sakhikamva Foundation have been engaged in a range of World Space Week learning activities, including linking learners to experiments aboard the International Space Station through the renowned ExoLab programme.  I-Innovate CEO, Trisha Crookes says, “This is the world’s largest space event with activities taking place in more than 95 countries.  We wanted to give South African children the opportunity to join in this celebration of science and technology to learn more about how exploring space can inspire and improve the lives of our youth.” Highlights of the local event included a virtual talk and engagement with a veteran NASA astronaut and the hands-on launch of rockets at the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology. I-Innovate partnered with leading global IT service provider, Tata Consulting Services (TCS) which has sponsored the SA World Space Week activities.  “This has been a wonderful opportunity for our learners to explore science, technology and space, and be part of a worldwide pioneering movement,” says Nikhil Dabhole, HR Head of TCS South Africa.  “Exciting space-related activities engage learners in STEAM learning, igniting their interest as they see the real-world value of science, Mathematics and technology. It’s the opportunity for young people across the range of South African communities to become inspired when it comes to the subjects that are driving transformations in our world.” Pilot and founder of Sakhikamva Foundation, Fatima Jakoet says, “Today was the launch of the Sakhikamva Space Agency for the Youth (SSAY) and it was wonderful to work with learners from our space programme which started in July this year at the school the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology. The focus was on teaching them to build the rockets and giving them the opportunity to propel their own water rockets, which travelled between 20 to 25 metres high. A wonderful, hands-on way to both celebrate World Space Week and ignite a love of space and a curiosity about space travel. We are looking forward to launching a variety of rocket types with our rocket club.” The virtual talk with NASA Astronaut, Gregory H. Johnson was held at Goodwood College.  Johnson piloted two famous space flights, the first of which delivered a logistics module and equipment to the International Space Station. Crookes says, “We’re excited that the learners were learning through sharing experiences.  They not only got to hear the amazing, adventurous stories that Gregory Johnson had to share and listen to what truly resonated with them, but also had the opportunity to have their own voices highlighted by exhibiting their own inventions, innovations and ideas related to satellite theory, astrobotany and rocket theory face-to-face with an astronaut. To have conversations with a real astronaut and to be part of the team conducting their own rocket launches, has made the possibility of a career in science, technology and even space, much more tangible to them.  We want young South Africans to be a part of the next generation to explore space.”

October 14, 2021
Good Night Baby

Through the eyes of a parent

There are very few parents that embark on the sleep training journey without some level of fear, misconception, nervousness, or uncertainty. The whole concept of sleep training and possibly imagining your child in distress can often paralyse a parent from acting. I have seen it either delay or prevent sleep coaching or interfere in the process once it has already begun. One thing that is vividly apparent to me as a parent, is how hard it is for me to watch my children struggle through challenges that I know I could easily step in and fix for them. I sleep trained my firstborn son when he was a little over a year old, prior to my journey as a sleep consultant. I got up to feed him back to sleep, every hour on the hour and I did this for many months, feeling as though it was my rightful duty as a mother. I wore the badge with honour, and it took me a full year to realise that my self-sacrificial attitude was not benefiting anybody in our home. Once my second child was born, I was far more knowledgeable and determined to do things right from the start, yet this dream was crushed as she suffered with unmanageable colic. Here I was in the optimal position, having an abundance of knowledge at my disposal. Yet here I sat, feeling and thinking the thoughts I so commonly hear expressed from my clients- that they are not sure their child is ready, or that they know the process has worked for many children, but they are just doubtful it will work for their child. Sometimes as parents I think we are too close to the situation and our children, to see the situation from a neutral perspective. When it came to my daughter, I constantly delayed implementing sleep training fundamentals because I continually told myself that she could not possibly do it. She was not ready and I had the ultimate excuse: colic. I knew something needed to change. The day she turned 16 weeks I had finally built up the courage to try and she responded immediately. On night two she slept straight through the night for 13 hours. Miraculously, the following day her colic instantly disappeared. I do not think that was coincidental. For months I was bouncing her, rocking her, using either the dummy or breast to appease the crying and yet none of it worked. Looking back, I think my daughter was crying, telling me to just stop what I was doing. But the more she cried, the less I stopped. The moment I chose to pursue sleep training, was the first time I actually did stop. I stopped doing everything I had been doing up until that point and she breathed a huge baby sigh of relief. My daughter just wanted to soothe herself. I do not think that this is an uncommon scenario. As parents we are often too close to the problem and this narrows our thinking. I want to believe my child is different, that he is not ready, he is genuinely hungry at night, or that he will crumble under the notion of being put in his cot to put himself to sleep? Yet have you ever stopped, simply taken a step back and wondered whether your child might just surprise you? There is an expression “you can’t see the forest for the trees”. It suggests that when you are too close to a situation, it is difficult to see it as it is. If you have been uncertain, or have been delaying the process, I encourage you to step back and think of where you want your family to be in 2 years from now.  When you are able to build up the courage to see the bigger picture, you will be in the position to gift your child with something invaluable, the gift of independent sleep. The guidance of a sleep trainer can be a wonderful way to gain an unbiased and a new perspective on your sleep issues. This is a valuable way to gain a fresh set of eyes and a clear mind. We have worked with many children and know what they are capable of, we have worked with countless nervous moms and walked them through the process. We not only support you through the journey, but we also empower you with knowledge. Give it a shot, you will be grateful that you did. By Tammy Buitendach – Good Night Consultant References: www.cnbc.com www.linkedin.com www.mentalhealthandhappiness.com

October 14, 2021
Cosmetix

essence – What’s Your Fruit Mood

We’re almost out of winter, and just as we prepare our wardrobe and bodies for Summer 2021, it’s time to get into the summery mood with our beauty items too! Sweet watermelon, refreshing grapefruit and exotic coconut –  this trio is just as much a part of summer as the sun, sea and sand! Inspired by these three super fruits, essence is bringing the new Trend Edition “What’s your FRUIT MOOD?” with bright colours and fruity-summer fragrances to our face, body and nails this June to put us in the mood for the summer!  Whether you’re enjoying a sundowner on the balcony or a picnic in the garden – with primer, fixing spray, nail polish, lip balm and co, everyone is sure to find just what they need for their very own summer vibe! Now it’s time to find out: “What’s your FRUIT MOOD?” Refreshing Jelly essence jelly primer – 01 Be The Coolest One In A Melon! / R57,95 Wonderfully refreshing – and the perfect base for any make-up! The fruity jelly primer with a delicious sweet watermelon fragrance instantly creates a good mood. It makes your foundation last longer and ensures a smooth complexion thanks to its soft-focus effect.  The pampering gel texture also offers a cooling sensation for a boost of freshness in the summertime! Smells Fruity essence Mini Scented Nail Polish – 01 Let’s Melong Together! | 02 Be My Main Squeeze! / R30,95 Girls just wanna have fun! The two nail polishes in the Trend Edition don’t just make your eyes light up – the summer-y nuances also have a delightful scent!  Whether as refreshing as grapefruit or as sweet as watermelon, the minis turn your manicure into an absolute summer highlight for all the senses and they’re sure to find their space in any beauty bag. Sweet Lips  essence Grapefruit Lip Balm / 01 Grab The Fruit! / R47,95 This mini grapefruit is so sweet, you almost want to eat it!  And the contents are great too – with this pampering lip balm that gives the lips a subtle red tint and a delicious grapefruit fragrance to put you in the mood for summer. Kissable Lips  essence Mini Lip Set / 01 Let Your Moods Swing! / R57,95 Matte or glossy? Or both?  In this case, the mini lip set in a cute bag is just what you need as it offers two different colours, finishes and summery fragrances: the highly-pigmented matte liquid lipstick enchants you with its sweet coconut fragrance and the super shiny jelly lip gloss refreshes with invigorating grapefruit.  For gorgeous lips with a feelgood factor! Refreshing Mist essence Refreshing All Over Mist / 01 Fruit Up Your Energy! / R67.95 The ultimate body spray by essence with an invigorating grapefruit fragrance offers the perfect boost of freshness on hot days – now even the midday lull at high summer temperatures won’t stand a chance.  What’s more, it protects against UV-rays with an SPF of 25 and is PERFECR for your handbag.  Simply spray on the desired area of your body – and feel refreshed all around! Super-fine Spray essence Mini Fixing Spray / 01 Keep Calm And Coco On! / R47,95 For maximum durability – even on hot days: the super-fine Mini Fixing Spray with moisturizing coconut water is perfect for on the go and is sure to fit into any handbag.  The pleasant coconut fragrance is super relaxing – just like the knowledge that your look will last.  Because thanks to the fixing spray in the practical mini format, eyeliner, blush & co. are sure to stay in place even at the height of summer!  Stylish Brushes  essence Mini Brush Set / 01 In The Mood For Mixed Fruit / R95,95 4 in 1! A total of four stylish mini brushes with transparent handles and pink-metallic elements create the ideal set for an easy beauty look.  And the most important thing – the super-soft bristles optimally apply powder textures and effortlessly blend every foundation. Now there’s nothing standing in the way of a fantastic summer look! FAN-tastic! essence Watermelon Fan / R67,95 This fan is your soon to be cutest summer accessory! Stay cool on hot summer days – because this watermelon fan offers a breath of fresh air!  With its cute design, it’s also a true eyecatcher and gives every outfit that extra special touch. Available at Clicks, Takealot and House of Cosmetics. Ready to get your fruity on? We can’t wait to see it! Please tag us in your look – here’s to the perfect summer ahead!

October 14, 2021
Parenting Hub

Reading to children today paves the path for their development in the future

Raising your child to love reading is one of the most wonderful gifts you can give them and as Emma Cox said, “Reading is the most powerful gift we can give a child: it puts stardust in their imaginations”. While improving a child’s imagination is one of the benefits of reading to children from as early as the day they are born, there are also other significant benefits to children listening to stories that will help them throughout their school careers and beyond. While more than half of parents do not read to their children before the age of 3 according to research from Nielsen which found that 45% of 0–2-year-olds are read to daily or nearly every day increasing to 58% of 3- to 4-year olds. By the time children reach 5- to 7- years this figure drops to 44%, this is the most important time to be reading to children. According to research on children’s brain development, by 2-years-old a child’s brain is as active as an adult’s and by age 3 it is more than twice as active as an adult’s brain[1]. Further, as cognitive processes develop rapidly in the first few years of life and by age 3 approximately 85% of the brain is developed[2]. As such it is never too early to start reading to children and promote early development. Speech development and vocabulary Exposing young children to stories is the first step to helping develop their speech. By listening to adults speak and read, children are exposed to a wide variety of sounds and words that help them to develop their speech. As children listen to stories, their brains make cognitive connections to how language is used and exposes them to words that are often not used in spoken language.  This is supported by a study on early language exposure[3] which states that there is a definite relationship between language development and early exposure to adult language which positively impacts children’s language ability through primary school. The study emphasises the importance of interacting with children between the ages of 18-to 24-months which is the period of a language explosion. It states that reading aloud gives children enriched vocabulary and prompts enriched interactions.  Cognitive ability  Cognitive ability refers to the way in which we perceive our world and experiences and is the ability to think and understand. Stories expose children to different topics, issues, experiences, and information through the characters in the story. This background information gives greater context to the world around them and is used to help them make sense of what they see, hear and read. This knowledge helps children develop problem-solving and decision-making skills as stories aid children with information processing, reasoning, language development, attention span, and memory.   Listening and comprehension skills When children listen to stories they develop their comprehension and listening skills. Not only are these skills important to help children to learn to read, these are important skills that they will use when learning at school. According to Scholastic, listening is a skill that children must learn before they can learn to read themselves. Further, when children are listening to a story, they learn to sit still, develop longer attention spans and develop memory-retention skills which are all important skills that will benefit them at school in the later years. Audiobooks embellish storytelling Often a parent’s busy schedule prevents them from finding time to read to their children daily and as a result, their children miss out on the opportunity to gain the benefits of this much-loved past-time that will shape the future of their development and their school careers. However, today there are many options available for parents to engage their children in storytelling on their own. For example, audiobooks provide entertainment value to children while engaging them in stories and providing many of the benefits of reading to children.  According to Scholastic[4], many audiobooks include interesting sound effects, music, and multiple narrators, that embellish their storytelling with silly voices and dramatics which are especially motivating and fun for young children. These stories reinforce the pleasure of reading rather than the skill while helping children to understand narrative structure, language use and how to convey meaning. To provide a safe listening environment for young children the Yoto Player is a screen-free device that gives children control of their listening experience and access to a range of well-known and loved stories from various authors as Yoto has secured partnerships and content deals with trusted household names such as LEGO and Disney as well as licenses with Penguin Random House, Abbey Road Studios, Sony Music, HarperCollins, Hachette, Pan Macmillan and more to bring children stories from Julia Donaldson, Enid Blyton and more.  The Yoto Player is available from selected Toys R Us and iStore stores or online from istore.co.za and takealot.com. By Jonathan Drake, Head of Accessories at The Core Group

October 13, 2021
Parenting Hub

Modern Jobs that Didn’t Exist a Decade Ago

Our world is constantly changing and evolving, and just like we’ve embraced modern products, services, technology, and trends, we’ve grown accustomed to modern jobs that didn’t exist a mere ten years ago. A lot can happen in a decade! With more and more startups and corporations creating unique employment opportunities, what seemed like alien concepts are part of our everyday lives today. Join us as we explore a curated list of modern jobs compiled by online job aggregator Adzuna! #1 – Blockchain Analyst Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have cemented the role of blockchain as an integral technology. Just like cloud computing was slowly embraced a few years ago, more and more companies are transferring to the blockchain. To achieve this goal, businesses deploy the skills of blockchain analysts. Blockchain analysts install assets (and produce them) to help develop infrastructure that communicates with the blockchain. #2 – Podcast Producer The role of a podcast producer isn’t exactly part of the modern jobs niche, but it didn’t exist a decade ago. Today, everybody does podcasts. In fact, it’s estimated that there are more than 850,000 podcasts out there and more than 30 million episodes. It’s a vast market too. More than half of all U.S. consumers over the age of 12 listen to podcasts. Which means the potential to reach audiences is bountiful. Podcast producers have an array of responsibilities. From managing podcasts to quality control and guest research, it’s a very demanding role. As podcasts become more widely used, these professionals will be even more in demand in the future! #3 – Telemedicine Doctors Telemedicine has been around for a while, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that it really became critical. There’s been an explosion in the number of roles created within the sector too. Telemedicine doctors offer remote patient care through virtual communication channels like telephone calls, video consults, and live online chats. Although in-person healthcare is here to stay, telemedicine is becoming another layer of how medical professionals work with their clients. #4 – Drone Operator A decade ago, drones were esoteric tech that was used mainly by the military. But today, drones are used across a plethora of industries, with everyone from real estate agents to content producers harnessing its benefits. If you know how to work a drone, there are many opportunities for you to get into the role of drone operator these days. This job is also gaining popularity as more and more hobby enthusiasts transfer their passions into their careers. #5 – Chief Listening Officer Ten years ago, this title might have raised a few eyebrows and could have sounded like something the CIA used to gain intel. But these days, it’s essential to put your ear to the ground to understand consumers better. And that’s precisely what Chief Listening Officers do. CLOs are primarily responsible for monitoring internal and external communications regarding their organisation’s brand. They gather info from customers to devise better strategies for building and maintaining customer and employee relationships. In general, CLOs operate on social media platforms and with big data, technologies that were still immature a mere ten years ago. #6 – Cloud Architect Most companies utilize the power of the cloud these days and have ditched their apprehension to this amazingly successful technological development. Today, companies turn to cloud architects to develop their computing strategies, design cloud adoption plans and establish cloud management systems. Cloud architecture is one of the most popular STEM fields out there. Compared to its infancy in 2011, it’s a field that has exploded with opportunities over the last decade. #7 – Big Data Scientist Just like cloud architecture, big data science is another popular STEM field, and with good reason. Data mining, machine learning, and big data have exploded over the last decade. Today, it’s part of the operational function of just about any big corporation. Big data scientists are responsible for gathering and analysing structured and unstructured data. They also utilise an array of resources to improve the efficacy of the data they collect. As this field expands by the day, we’re expecting the demand for big data scientists to grow exponentially over the next few years. In Conclusion It’s remarkable to think about how much life has changed over the last decade and the variety of modern jobs that have become a normal part of our world. With new goods and services, new popular and high-paying jobs are born. If we’ve managed to come this far in ten years, just imagine how far we’ll go in the next decade. If you haven’t done so yet, now is the time to tailor your skills for the work of tomorrow!

October 13, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Home-based care – there is no place like home

The shift towards home-based care was accelerated by the Covid pandemic. Although not necessarily always possible for Covid patients, the benefits of home-based care vs hospitalisation have been highlighted for both patients and their families for several procedures and illnesses.  Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, says the Scheme has a renewed focus on home-based as an alternative to in-hospital care, without compromising the health of its members.  What is home-based care? It’s defined as the provision of health services, by healthcare practitioners and formal and informal caregivers, in the home. Home-based care is to promote, restore and maintain a patient’s maximum level of comfort, function and health, including care towards a dignified death. It can be classified into preventive, promotive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, long-term maintenance and palliative care categories. When is home-based care appropriate? Post-operative care – after a surgery or procedure so that you gain your independence and become as self-sufficient as possible Generalised illness – when you are ill enough to be admitted to hospital but can be treated at home by healthcare practitioners Palliative care – when you have life-limiting illnesses and the focus is on the relief of symptoms, pain and stress. Some patients may also receive therapeutic treatment.  The primary benefit of home care is that you are in a space which is familiar and usually surrounded by loved ones. This is beneficial not only for those recovering from a disease or needing palliative care but especially those who have cognitive diseases such as dementia.   The alternative to hospital strategy (ATH) Dr Mkhatshwa says, ‘Hospital-at-home enables some patients who need acute-level care to receive care in their homes, rather than in a hospital. This care delivery model has shown to reduce costs, improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience. The need for home-based care is not only because of the cost of hospital care but a shortage of beds, nursing staff and other healthcare professionals, particularly in the public sector.’   ‘Bonitas is constantly looking for ways in which to minimise contributions and add value for members.  It is common knowledge that hospitalisation costs are the main cost driver for all medical schemes. Even with 24-hour professional care at home the costs are far less. Most medical aids will pay for nursing care at home For this reason, Bonitas’ partnered with Quro Medical, an innovative South African digital health company, to provide patients with active treatment by healthcare practitioners at home. The technology-enabled hospital-at-home service brings all the essential elements of in-hospital care to the patients’ home, without moving away from evidence-based protocols and state-of-the-art vital sign monitoring. Patients are monitored wirelessly, automatically and continuously to enable early identification of significant clinical change or deterioration. In fact, research has shown that, ‘patients admitted in the home programme were less likely to return to the hospital within 30 days of their discharge’. ‘The partnership also offers earlier and safer relocation to the home,’ says Dr Mkhatshwa’ home-based care is offered to all members, subject to pre-authorisation and Managed Care protocols. ‘It’s important to note that the treating doctor remains at the centre of the patient’s care. While patients who are medically stable may qualify for home-based care, each and every one is different and their response to hospitalisation and/or surgery differs. This means each request has to be reviewed carefully to ensure we provide quality care to deliver the best possible health outcome for the patient.’ The advantages of home-based care Health care at home, in a comfortable environment, improves patient participation in treatment. Having family members and loved ones participating in the care of a loved one – such as helping with bathing, feeding – makes a significant difference in the outcome.  Personal attention Hospitals, out of necessity, have strict rules so instead of the patient adjusting to these, they can be at home, amongst family and in familiar surroundings.  Nursing sisters or carers come to the home for a few hours a day, full time or when the need arises There are no visiting hours and the patient is the primary focus of the caregiver, so needs are met faster and more time is spent with patients.   This also means a faster recovery and the chances of picking up an infection, which can happen in hospital when they are exposed to germs, is reduced. Independence and companionship Losing independence is always a huge concern for those chronically ill or the elderly.  Having home-based care means they have more control and can decide when they want to eat, drink, socialise and sleep.   Companionship A caregiver provides your loved one with a familiar face, friendly conversation and a meaningful human connection, all of which can have a big impact on overall health and well-being. Family involvement Home care enables the family to play a larger part in their loved one’s care plan, this includes a direct line of communication with the caregiver and a care manager providing frequent updates regarding care. Pets It is common knowledge that pets are beneficial to those who are vulnerable and home-based care means pets can stay with their owners. They help calm dementia patients, reducing heart disease and stress related conditions and generally make patients happier.  What about home-based care for COVID-19 For patients with mild disease, home management may be possible, provided they are not at high risk of deterioration (i.e., older than 65 years or presence of co-morbidities). Dr Mkhatshwa says, ‘It must be stressed that while hospital care is indispensable for patients in critical condition, home health care is equally right for thousands of people. This personal approach to treatment gives patients the confidence they need to lead independent, full lives. We have no doubt that this is going to play a key role in the future of healthcare.’

October 13, 2021
Parenting Hub

Rejuvenate your home this spring and improve its value

Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation and an ideal time to set up your home for summer. An added benefit is some simple upgrades could improve the value of your property. “Estate agents generally agree that there’s a ceiling on prices in most neighbourhoods, so massive renovations don’t always deliver a good return on investment. If you’re borrowing money to make some improvements, consider the smaller, cosmetic changes that will make your home more appealing,” says Shafeeqah Isaacs, head of financial education at personal loan specialists, DirectAxis. Glam up your exterior You’re going to spend more time outdoors in summer, so the garden is a good place to start. In most cases this requires an investment in elbow grease rather than cash. Rob Knowles, owner of Q-Gardens, says nothing detracts from an otherwise lovely garden than a tatty lawn. A beautiful lawn needs care throughout the year, but especially in spring and summer. In winter rainfall regions, spring is a good time to sow lawn seeds, top dress lightly and fertilise with a good organic fertilizer. Remove sticks, piles of leaves or other debris that may have accumulated during winter. Piles of garden refuse look untidy and can also become home to rodents or worse, snakes. Trim any trees or bushes that are looking scruffy, or which have grown too close to the house. Branches waving in strong winds can break windows and damage tiles and gutters. If it’s a big tree or large branch that’s causing the problem, it’s probably best to call a professional.  Clear walkways and remove any weeds that may be growing between tiles. Fix any uneven tiles, not only are they unsightly but could cause someone to trip. Avoid major earthworks. If you have any unsightly or barren areas, a few strategically placed plants can hide a multitude of sins. Use woodchips to cover sparse borders and position shrubs and flowers to enliven views from the windows.  Freshen up your stoep furniture by re-painting it, or if it’s wood, sanding and re-sealing. If the cushions are looking tired, consider reupholstering them or buying new ones. Consider whether your house needs a new coat of paint. Not only is chipped or peeling paintwork unsightly, but paint provides a protective coating that prevents wood from rotting, metal from rusting and keeps out damp.  A freshly painted exterior, neat garden and clean windows all point to a house that is cared for. Estate agents call it ‘curb appeal’ and doing the research is easy. Take a tour around the neighbourhood and consider which houses you’d visit on a show day and what makes them appealing. Show the heart of the home some love Most people consider the kitchen the heart of the home. It’s often where families spend most of their time and the first place potential buyers look. Simple upgrades such as replacing old door handles, installing modern light fittings, refacing or fitting new cupboard doors, installing new taps or adding a Perspex or stainless-steel splashback can transform a kitchen. Beautify your bathrooms Bathrooms, like kitchens, get a lot of wear and tear which can result in them looking tatty and unhygienic. To keep costs down avoid changes that involve reconfiguring the plumbing. Again, replacing taps and upgrading the lighting can make a difference. You may consider upgrading old, chipped or damaged baths and sinks, re-grouting tiles and replacing old-fashioned built-in cupboards and other fixtures, with modern free-standing units. Keep it simple A fresh coat of paint can go a long way towards improving a room and is a lot cheaper than remodelling or breaking down walls. The same ‘keep-it-simple’ philosophy applies to colour and design choices. Most surfaces look better after a coat of white paint. Neutral colours and a simple elegant style appeal to most people. The same applies to floors and other surfaces. Repaint or refresh rather than replace. Ripping up old floors or re-carpeting is expensive. Sanding and resealing or polishing wooden floors and getting carpets professionally cleaned can all make a difference at a fraction of the cost.  “When it comes to making your house more liveable and adding to its potential value, more often than not, less is more. Have a plan, do a bit at a time and think about the things which will add the most appeal at the least cost. Remember that upgrading is better than overhauling,” says Shafeeqah. For more information about home improvements visit: https://www.directaxis.co.za/make-a-plan/best-home-improvements-for-resale

October 12, 2021
Parenting Hub

Keto And Zuri Learn About COVID-19

Roche and the Kolisi Foundation today launched a children’s book, Keto and Zuri Learn about COVID-19, that will help parents and caregivers across Africa explain COVID-19 to children by sharing scientific facts in age-appropriate language. The book is available to download for free on both the Kolisi Foundation and Roche’s websites, and a limited run of free printed copies will be distributed throughout Africa in seven languages. “We recognize the confusion and concern that children may be facing as a result of the pandemic and the changed behaviors of those around them. Similarly, we know the difficulties many parents and caregivers share in explaining scientific facts and public health policies to their children,” said Bart Vanhauwere, Area Head Africa, Roche. “This book aims to present the realities of COVID-19 in an easily digestible, approachable manner to help children and adults alike understand the changes caused by the pandemic and continue taking action to stay healthy.” “We often notice that the families we meet need information in addition to more practical support. This is why the Kolisi Foundation is proud to partner on the creation of this book. It helps children understand COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of health and safety behaviours, to protect themselves and their family members and friends. The full-colour illustration is visually appealing and the book is published in multiple languages,” said Valerie Anderson, Kolisi Foundation Operations and Programmes Manager. In South Africa, Transnet, a 25-year partner of Roche, will be handing out a limited printed supply of the books through the Phelophepa trains. These two trains, of which Roche is the main external sponsor, are free, mobile healthcare clinics that are now dedicated to COVID-19 screening, testing and awareness for people living in rural communities. The One by One Target Covid Campaign is also a partner of Keto and Zuri Learn about COVID-19. The Campaign is proudly supporting the distribution of the new children’s book in Uganda, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To help spread further awareness, they announced the creation of the book to their AfricaCovidChampions, who they brought together in an effort to spread reliable information about COVID-19. AfricaCovidChampions is a new initiative that includes some of the most prominent African celebrities, media personalities, journalists, and influencers from the sports, entertainment, business, cultural and faith communities. Among many others, these prominent figures include Heritier Wanabe (Musician), Simon Mwewa Lane (TV Show Host), Joseph Kusaga (Media Owner), Jeff Koinange (Journalist/Talk Show Host) and Gift Ali (Ugandan Football player / Sports Personality). These influencers have committed to serve as powerful public health advocates and will help the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reach people with the essential information needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital copies of the children’s book can be downloaded here. It is available in multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa Setswana, Portuguese, French:https://www.roche.com/sustainability/philanthropy/covid-19-childrens-book.htm About Roche Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the twelfth consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2020 employed more than 100,000 people worldwide. In 2020, Roche invested CHF 12.2 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 58.3 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visitwww.roche.com. About the Kolisi Foundation Founded by Siya and Rachel Kolisi, the Kolisi Foundation has the vision to change the narratives of inequality in South Africa. Seeking to support people living in under-resourced communities in South Africa by providing relief resources, facilitating capacity-building and horizontal learning exchanges, and mobilizing and advocating for systemic change. Driven by their motto to ‘remember the one, one by one’, the Kolisi Foundation is invested in researching, piloting and developing projects centred around three programmatic areas: Food Security, Gender-Based Violence, and Education and Sports Development.   For more information, please visit www.kolisifoundation.org.

October 12, 2021
Solarpop

The benefits of 3D Brain training

There are many toys on the market that offers amazing educational value for children. With such a wide variety available it is often a hard decision for parents to decide into which toy lines to invest for their children. Magformers however aims to make this decision simple for parents. With fun and intuitive products, Magformers offers a lifelong learning, journey growing with your child from birth through to their teens. Magformers as a brand and play system has proven itself since its introduction to the world by winning an array of industry awards with new honours being added to the trophy case year after year.  To further add to Magformers credibility as an educational toy, the product line was also awarded STEM Approved™ by STEM.org, one of the worlds most respected authorities in STEM and STEAM toys and products.   Magformers’ ever-growing rise in the competitive world of educational toys can be attributed to its unique and innovative 3D Brain training model, which nurtures young minds and assist children to develop multifaceted thinking. 8 key areas of development are stimulated as children learn through play, organically interlinking and balancing the eight essential mental capabilities of sensory development, modelling, creativity, curiosity, mathematical thinking, imagination, scientific thinking and reasoning. Reasoning Improve reasoning faculties as children interpret two-dimensional pictures and build three-dimensional structures utilising one of several building techniques.  Sensory Development Children can practice their fine motor skills and stimulate brain development by touching and assembling the geometric Magformers pieces. They also develop sensory abilities by interacting with various colours and sounds as Magformers pieces snap together with a satisfying “click”.  Modelling Magformers enhance understanding of three-dimensional configurations allowing children to easily build complex geometric shapes.  Curiosity With its intuitive magnetic building system, Magformers stimulate curiosity by encouraging children to independently explore and build during creative play. Creativity The revolutionary magnetic geometric shapes allow children to build complex structures and vehicles. Imagination is the only limit.  Mathematical Thinking Children develops quantitative reasoning skills by exploring concepts such as space, portions and wholes, patterns, and two-dimensional shapes. All why simply playing. Imagination Children can express their limitless imagination through the versatile Magformers magnetic building system. They can follow the building instructions included in each set or let their imagination run wild and construct their own unique creations. Scientific Thinking Children will learn through play and improve their scientific reasoning as they explore the properties of magnets, the heart of the Magformers building system, to create various structures. Through Magformers’ 3D Brain Training parents can be assured that their children will stay entertained through an engaging learn-through-play experience that’s more than just fun. Magformers is the construction toy that truly brings the classroom to the playroom, allowing children to independently play and develop while having loads of never-ending fun!  

October 12, 2021
Parenting Hub

How does baby’s physical development contribute to learning?

Many babies learn how to crawl at the same time they learn to sit on their own. Crawling, however, takes longer to perfect than does sitting without assistance. At six months, expect your baby to sit for a second, but balance will come later; also, you will probably notice your baby get into a crawling position, but not know how to proceed after that. Even though ‘crawling’ usually means progress on hands and knees, many babies use other moves to get them where they’re going. Rolling, slithering, ‘bottom shuffling’ (when a baby pushes around while sitting, using one hand to make the propelling motion), and pulling along on elbows are all manoeuvre used instead of the conventional crawling, so don’t be surprised if you see those first. Still other babies learn to crawl in the ordinary way, and then figure out that they can move faster on their hands and feet than their hands and knees. If something is out of reach of a six-month-old baby, you may see that baby pull up the knees under the body, push up with hands and often manage to get the tummy off the floor. For that moment, the baby is in a crawling position, but needs encouragement to actually add forward motion to the mix. By the ninth month, early crawlers start to make some real progress – though it’s often backwards, away from the object they’re trying to reach! Upper-body control is more developed than leg-control, so a baby tends to push harder with hands and arms than with knees – propelling the baby backwards. Not to worry (and try to reassure your frustrated baby, too!), this is just a short-lived phase. The biggest advantage baby has when it comes to solving problems is with the development of large and small muscles over the course of the first year, helping various tasks become easier. The two-block stack that will seem too complicated for your little architect one month will become an easy three-block stack just a few weeks later. When baby starts to focus on lower muscles (around 10-12 months), you might want to put favourite toys on the couch, encouraging your child to stand in order to reach them. This helps build balance and strong leg muscles necessary for cruising, a forerunner to walking. Once a baby solves the problem of how to stand and balance, and how to move one foot in front of the other, watch that glowing smile of accomplishment – your baby is now beginning to walk. Who’d ever thought it would happen so fast? Once you’ve reached this stage, you know your baby really ‘did it’ – and your family will never be the same. Talk about an accomplishment you can be proud of! Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition. A perfect product to help a child develop like this would be the Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot available at retailers nation wide. The Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot is a transforming playtime buddy for baby featuring 4 ways to play and lots of fun music, lights and hands-on activities. Each bot has its own fun for little ones to discover, from spinning eyes to silly popping balls to exciting crawl-and-chase play.  Baby can play and explore each bot individually or build them up into one big interactive buddy with fresh music, sounds and phrases! And with Smart Stages® technology, you can switch up the learning content to best fit your child’s age and stage. 4 toys in 1 to keep playtime going as baby grows from infant to toddler to preschooler (ages 6 months-5 years) Each individual toy is filled with fun activities for babies to explore. Put them all together to build an interactive electronic robot buddy! 3 Smart Stages® learning levels with 120+ songs, sounds and phrases about numbers and counting, the alphabet, shapes, colors and more Press any button on the motorized bot to send it zooming forward with music & lights, encouraging baby to crawl and chase Lots of hands-on activities for sitting babies, including press-down antenna, twist & flip gears, ball-popper, and spinning & clicking arms By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education.

October 11, 2021
Parenting Hub

WEANING 101: HOW TO START SOLIDS

It’s something to celebrate when your tiny tot tastes something other than formula or breast milk for the first time. But often, the overload of information makes parents fearful of starting solids. Go with your gut and take your cues from your kiddie. If they’re old enough and face-planting into your plate to try to share your lunch, it’s usually a sign they’re ready! Here are some simple tips for a solid start to solids. Nadia Jansen van Rensburg, co-founder of Rooted Natural and a clinical dietitian with a special interest in paediatric nutrition, says, “We started Rooted Natural because we wanted children to have a healthy relationship with food right from the get-go. It’s natural for parents to be preoccupied with whether their little ones are eating well. But it can become an unhealthy obsession very easily, which means missing out on the joy of the experience.  “The best advice is to be relaxed and let your baby lead the process. Repeated exposure of as many tastes, textures, smells and colours as possible. We eat with all our senses!” Here are van Rensburg answers parents’ most pressing questions when it comes to solids: When should I start solids? It’s different for every child. From four to six months, infants are developmentally and emotionally ready to start exploring a new method of feeding – and new foods, flavours and textures. Their nutritional needs increase and the introduction of solids helps to optimise growth and brain development. Plus, more energy from food supports their increasingly active bodies as they begin to sit, play and crawl. It’s a wide window period, so take your cues from your little one. They need to be able to sit with minimum support and have good head and neck control. Children often show you when they’re ready by grabbing at food, and sucking their lips or opening their mouths when morsels are nearby.   How do I set the scene for success? It’s a great idea to get into regular feeding rhythms right from the start. Sit your little one at the table in a chair or in a chair with a clip-on tray and make sure their feet are supported. Avoid screens and any distractions. Try to get them excited about the food – its taste, textures, colours and smells! Positively talking about food is an important part of the process.  Allow them to play! Play is a pivotal part of children’s learning process so let them have fun with their food. That’s how they’ll learn to eat by themselves.  Time it well. Your baby should be rested, hungry and interested; not overly hungry, overtired, stimulated or fed. Importantly, you need to be relaxed as well. Go with a single flavour at first. Think about starting with vegetables, then progressing to fruit, grains and protein combinations.  Should I do the puree or baby-led weaning approach?  That’s up to you! The more traditional take is for first foods to be smooth, soft purees, then there’s a progression to textured purees and, eventually, whole meals. The latest trends and research are seeing parents include the baby in the meal – e.g., if they reach for a whole broccoli stem, let them try it. There’s no right or wrong! We recommend combining the two methods. This way, you ensure adequacy, but baby also gets to play, participate and explore, which fuels tactile development. Remember, the bigger the mess, the higher the success!  Van Rensburg concludes, “Our Rooted Natural brand was designed to bring fun to the feeding process, with wholesome, sugar-, salt- and preservative- free foods that let children play with new tastes and textures. Healthy kids are happy kids. I’m a dietitian and my co-founder, Kirby, is a professional chef. We combined our love of food to create a range of organic, earth-friendly baby and toddler food that takes the stress out of solids.  “We encourage you to relax and enjoy this new chapter. It’s a beautiful, exciting one. Most importantly, you’ve got this. You’re a brilliant parent. Go with your gut and learn with your little one.”  For more information on Rooted Natural, visit RootedNatural.co.za or follow on Instagram and Facebook.

October 8, 2021
Prima Baby

Chicco launches new e-commerce website

Leading baby products supplier Chicco has just launched their brand new, e-commerce website, www.shopchicco.co.za. Shop Chicco is finally ready to supply consumers with top quality baby products straight from the heart of the company. Chicco has been on the forefront of the baby world in European and American markets for almost 65 years. As a heritage brand that started off in the medical field, all Chicco’s products are quality controlled and tested in the Osservatorio in Como where Chicco is based. A laboratory within the company ensures that no item leaves the company without rigorous and methodical testing.  It is through this strict attention to detail that Chicco has continued to be the preferred supplier to parents across the world for so long. When you shop on www.shopchicco.co.za you get access to not only a wide variety of Chicco products, but you also get the opportunity to sign up to the newsletter and receive further discounts. When you check-out, receive a free baby hamper gift worth R500*. Shop Chicco South Africa offers reduced pricing on selected goods, making it more than just an online portal, but a club to belong to in order to receive the very best deals on Chicco favourites. Shop world-class strollers, car seats, high chairs, bouncers, cribs, slings, carriers, toys, nursing products, grooming products and so much more on www.shopchicco.co.za today. Free gift valid until stocks last

October 8, 2021
Parenting Hub

Preparing for final exams – emotional stress advice for learners and parents

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to daily life. Learners from Grade 1 to matric had to transition to online learning literally overnight when the hard lockdown began in March 2020, finding themselves disconnected from routines and support systems. A year and a half later, learners are still coping with these challenges as they prepare for their final exams. “Under normal circumstances, learners who may have prepared well for their exams can become overwhelmed by stress,’’ says Ms Nomalungelo Ntlokwana, the acting Director of Emthonjeni Student Wellness at Nelson Mandela University. “We can expect learners to show increased levels of stress and anxiety during these times, due to the challenges associated with lockdown,” says Ntlokwana. According to Ntlokwana, below are a few tips for learners to manage exam stress:   Be prepared – start early and don’t cram everything in the night before  Go with the study method that suits you best  Work through past exam papers or example questions  Take breaks – spend your time in between sessions doing physical activities Rest often – get enough sleep, especially before exams  Know times, venues, procedures and what you can take into the exam venue Arrive well before the exam start time  It can be equally distressing for parents to see their children go through exam-related stress. Many parents fail to comprehend the levels of anxiety and depression facing the learners of today, and can help by providing support at home. Here are five ways parents can support their child during exams: 1. Prioritise mental well-being Identify triggers of stress and feelings that cause fear and anxiety with your child. Help them deal with negativity by finding ways of coping with these feelings, so that they can regain focus and confidence. Ensuring that your home is a calm, productive, and supportive space in which your child can learn can make a big difference. 2. Proactively manage stress Be aware of the early warning signs, which can include lack of sleep, loss of appetite, and being easily distracted. Emphasise the importance of having a healthy mind and help your child to proactively relieve stress by taking regular breaks and even interacting with friends. 3. Promote a healthy lifestyle Studying for exams requires time and effort, but it should not be to the detriment of your child’s health. Ensure they get enough quality sleep and physical exercise, even if it’s walking the dogs around the block. Cook healthy meals, keep nutritional snacks in your pantry, and reduce screen time as much as possible. 4. Set realistic expectations As a parent, you want your child to do well, but it is important that your expectations – as well as your child’s own expectations – are realistic. Discuss what their goals are for the exams and help map out their study plan, so that they can get a sense of the desired expectations. 5. Be an example Keep cool and stay calm – this is the best way that you can manage your child’s stress. Be sure to take care of your own mental health too, as this will enable you to show feelings of care and understanding, and support them to effectively deal with their challenges. In these difficult times, it is vital to tackle challenges together with your child. By ensuring your behaviour and responses offer support, as opposed to creating conflict, getting through exam time can be so much easier to navigate.

October 7, 2021
Sanlam Savings Jar

IN TOUGH TIMES, IT’S MORE IMPORTANT TO TALK MONEY THAN EVER

Most people’s expenses exceed their income. That is according to a recent poll by popular parenting platform ‘Momsays’.  Just 25.8% are managing to save consistently. More than 40% don’t save at all. Many families are feeling stretched and stressed right now, which makes it more important than ever to play open cards, pull together, and start having those important money chats. Having regular family ‘money dates’ is one of the best ways to set shared goals and get on the same page.  It’s super important to pull little people into the family financial planning. But try to do so in a way that makes it real – and less boring! Money talk can be so dry and small people’s eyes tend to glaze over easily. Try to make it as relevant and practical as possible. Mariska Oosthuizen, Head of Brand at Sanlam, says, “When you’re buying groceries, turn finding the lowest price for the same product into a game. Or, have a competition at home to see who can earn the most money from doing extra chores. Or sit together as a family and go round the circle and name a dream you each want to save for.” The Momsays Survey showed that South African families talk about money more than many may think. Oosthuizen adds, “Encouragingly, 91.3% of respondents said they speak about money as a family, with 32.8% doing so on a monthly basis, 20.6% weekly and 15.8% have daily discussions. “That’s really amazing. However, of those with kids, 51.8% of participants’ children were not saving.  There’s a real opportunity when kids are young to set them up on a solid savings journey for life. Our free Sanlam Savings Jar app can help kick-start this. It encourages ‘young dragon masters’ to embark on an epic savings quest. The more virtual treasure kids save, the bigger their ‘pet dragon’ grows! This is all part of inspiring little ones to live with financial confidence – now and in adulthood.” Goal setting is a pivotal part of learning to manage money. The survey showed that of the people who were managing to save, 51.8% were saving for their kids, 37% were contributing to an emergency fund, and 15.6% were saving for a house. Oosthuizen adds, “It can be a really special exercise to share these goals together. Happily, 67.2% of respondents said they do set shared financial goals as a family. Let your little ones know what you’re saving for and ask them what they’d like to save for as well.” Another big part of introducing children to finances is teaching them the value of money. Over half (54.8%) of the respondents said their last ‘big spend’ was on food, 11.4% said health-related items, and 8% their vehicle. Most wished they spent less money on bills (48.1%), 22.9% said ‘eating out’ and 6% said beauty buys. It’s important to be honest about these things and involve kids in the budgeting discussions so that they gain an understanding of what things cost. 45.6% of respondents said they never involved children in these chats.  Oosthuizen adds, “It’s so important to teach kids the difference between needs and wants. Take them through the budget and your expenses each month. It’s vital to let them see you enjoy your money and indulge in spoils occasionally. But it’s equally important to show the ‘opportunity cost’ of that. ‘If I put money towards this now, I’ll have less money for the other goal we’re saving for’. “The bottom-line is that it’s wonderful to make ‘money talk’ a natural, frequent conversation in your home. It takes any ‘scariness’ out of finances and it can encourage a real closeness. It’s special to celebrate big and small victories together. It’s also important to show kids how learning vital savings lessons in the tough times means manifesting good money habits in the ‘good times’ as well. That’s what a mind-set of abundance is all about.”  

October 7, 2021
George Newton

Limiting Screen Time: Teaching Your Kids Healthy Habits

In a technology filled world, it’s easy to get carried away, and spend endless hours online. For youth, and especially young children, too much screen time negatively impacts them. Both development and life skills can be tampered with if kids have too much exposure to technology. Your relationship with your kids can also be at stake as well. To prevent these negative impacts from occurring, limiting overall screen time is a healthy habit you can teach your kids early on. Establishing Screen Time Duration: The first thing step when limiting your child’s screen time is setting a duration of time that they are allowed online. Talk with them, and ask what time of the day they would prefer for their screen time. As long as you both decide on a convenient and reasonable time, everything should work smoothly. To ensure your child doesn’t abuse their use of technology, install a screen time app. Screen time apps put a time limit on your child’s device so they can’t use it when they aren’t supposed to. When your child is older, you can extend their screen time when neccesary. Teaching your kid(s) young to watch how much time they spend online is a valuable lesson. “They will understand the importance of spending more time away from technology, which is a healthy habit to build. Unfortunately, even if you limit your child’s screen time, the online world is full of many threats,” says Christi T. McDavid, an educator at 1 Day 2 Write and Write My X. This is why you must monitor your child’s device until a certain age in order to protect them. Protecting Your Child No matter if you chose the apps and sites your child can visit online, scary things exist all over the internet. For example, predators often play child friendly games in hopes of finding a target. That’s why you should check all your kid’s apps each time after they use their device. Make sure there are no creepy messages or interactions on any of the apps installed. It doesn’t stop at apps though. Go to your child’s search history to see what they are searching. If there is anything non child friendly in their search history, talk with them about it. Inform them of what they are not allowed to look up. You can also put the safe search setting on your child’s web browser as well for maximum safety. If you find anything harmful on your kids device, then use it as an opportunity to teach them about safe internet use. After covering screen time and the potential dangers of the internet, pushing your child to find a hobby away from their device is important. Promoting Hobbies Don’t let your kid become sucked into the online world like many children are today. Introduce them to new activities on a regular basis to help them find a hobby. Enroll them into sports, clubs, and take them to new places. When your child finds their interest, then support them no matter what their hobby is. Your kid may love art, enjoy soccer, or want to be part of their school’s play. Continue to be by their side while they embrace what they love. Hobbies allow people to focus on something other than the internet. So put the effort in in order for your child to find an established hobby. A huge issue found in the current generation of kids today is neglect. “Many parents leave their children alone on their devices instead of spending more quality family time with them. Don’t neglect your kids, because family time is highly important, and helps prevent extra time online,” explains Stella C. Monk, a writer at Britstudent and Originwritings. Family Time Want to prevent your kid(s) from turning into an online zombie? Then don’t forget to spend some quality time with them! Building a healthy relationship with your kids is crucial. Take them to the park, treat them with their favourite candy every once in a while, or come watch their sports game. Show your kids the value of building strong relationships with their loved ones. This will decrease their online time, and help improve your child’s people skills. It’s recommended to spend around an hour of time with your kids a day. Don’t spend too much or too little time with your kids, and make up for missed time when you are available. Family time will not only strengthen your family bond, but it will also support your child’s healthy relationships with screen time. Your Child’s Habits Hoping that you passed on these methods to your child, they will likely know how to manage their own screen time when they are older. These management skills will be useful for your child later in their life. As long as you are responsible with your child, you should be able to help them have a healthy relationship with screen time. 

October 7, 2021
Sinta Ebersohn

12 Reasons Not to Change Your Last Name After Divorce

Traditionally, women used to take their husbands’ last names when they got married and children born from these unions, got the father’s last name. In certain parts of the world it has been customary for generations to use both parents’ last names in hyphenated form for children. Another growing trend is for women to keep their birth names, especially when they are established professionals or business people. Lately, there have been instances where men even took their wives’ last names for various sensible reasons. In any event, name-changing for the sake of marriage seems to be a rather common occurrence and because our chances of divorce are so high these days, multiple name-changes are in the cards for many. Here are 12 valid reasons to re-consider your desire for a change of name: 1. Too much With divorce comes many traumatic changes apart from the loss of the marriage and family dynamics, such as moving house, scaling down to a lower standard of living, re-entering the work force etc. You might not be ready to lose your identity on top of all that, just yet. However, you might want to get it all over and done with as quickly as possible, so that you can move on and build a new life. 2. Privacy Changing your name will turn a private event which you could choose to share at your own discretion, into public knowledge as colleagues, clients and acquaintances will notice and conclude that you are divorced. Although you might feel the need to control who knows what and how much, people talk and everybody is bound to find out at some stage anyway, so perhaps you might as well go ahead and change your name. 3. Children It makes perfect sense for you to keep your married name if you want continuity and avoid confusing your children, although basic concepts like these are fairly easy to explain on an age appropriate level to most children. If you find yourself wishing that your ex would change back to her birth name, consider for a moment, how you would feel if your children’s names were also changed and they no longer had the same last name as you? Read Don’t Burn Your Wedding Photographs 4. Professionalism Women form a substantial part of the workforce and many build their careers and reputations on their names. It would be detrimental for you to suddenly change your last name and literally disappear from your industry because you have become a stranger. On the other hand, some women might be returning to work after years of absence because of raising a family. In that case, it would be wise to have the same last name that you had when you were still working.  5. Identity The longer you were married, the more accustomed you would have become to being called by a certain name and the stronger you would have developed your identity around that. It would be very unpleasant to lose that suddenly. You can actually call yourself whatever you wish. Decide whether the name means anything to you? Whether you keep it, rid yourself of it or reclaim a previous name, is entirely up to you. 6. Motives What are your reasons for wanting to change names? If your need for a different name from your ex is fueled by anger and resentment, rather take some time to come to terms with those emotions. You might find that your last name holds a lot less significance when your wounds have healed. If you think changing your last name and pretending to be someone else would be a brilliant way to avoid paying debt or bankruptcy, think again because you’ll be guilty of fraudulent intent. 7. Effort Spending hours filling in paperwork and queuing to get your new identification documents, might not be worth the effort, just to get rid of your last name. Especially if the numerous phone calls, e-mails and online updating of your personal details prove to be time-consuming and frustrating. However, getting a new photograph taken and the chance to update your profile everywhere, might be an exciting ritual for new beginnings. The lengthy list of important updates to be done include your identity document, passport, driver’s licence, voter registration, ownership of all movable and immovable property, banks, health services, schools, employers, insurance, tv licensing, utility accounts, loyalty cards, memberships, subscriptions, tax authorities, all internet login details, friends, family and colleagues – everyone you know. 8. Grammar If you grew up with a last name that evoked ridicule or a spelling challenge which took you years to overcome and a pronunciation that still requires pulling funny faces to demonstrate to every new person you meet, you might not be keen to revert back to it after divorce. Some difficulties might also arise with hyphenated or double-barrel names, when it comes to online registrations which do not allow special characters or symbols and filing systems which cannot accommodate two last names. Bonus points to the weird and wonderful among us who persevere and just love standing out from the crowd, though. 9. Travelling Having made travel arrangements prior to your separation, might pose several problems, as names cannot always be changed on flight bookings and refunds are not necessarily paid out for cancellations. Ensure that the name on the flight booking corresponds with the name on your passport. Come to think of it, making reservations for accommodation in one or the other could either cause havoc or priceless amusement… 10. Financial Changing your last name on bonds, hire-purchases and leases, might very well impact your credit ratings and interest rates, because a divorced person is apparently regarded as a higher actuarial risk than a married person. The benefit of such changes would still be new-found independence and privacy.  11. Social Networks Not all social networks allow you to change your last name without having to re-create your profile and re-invite all your connections, but it could be an easy

October 6, 2021
ChildSafe

Child Passenger Safety

Road traffic injuries are the 4th leading cause of injury in children and account for 12% of all injuries. In 2020, 677 children were treated for traffic related injuries at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Trauma Unit, down from 769 in 2019. Passenger injuries were 22% of traffic injuries. Of the child passengers treated, only 13% were in car seats. Most children in South Africa travel without being properly buckled up either in child safety seats or seat belts. If a child is not properly buckled up while in a car, they have a great chance of dying in the event of a collision or crash. Child safety seats and safety belts, when installed and used correctly, can prevent injuries and save lives. In the event of a car crash and there is a child standing in the car, that child can be thrown out of the car, like a missile and there is a 75% chance that the child will die! Parents and caregivers must always buckle up all children at every opportunity. ChildSafe reminds parents and caregivers of the following:

October 6, 2021
Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

The Power of Play for children with special needs

“It’s a happy talent to know how to play” – Ralf Waldo Emerson Why play?  As therapists we are often asked by parents, “What can we do at home to support our child’s learning?” Without a doubt, play is one of the most effective learning and therapy tools available to children and their families, and it is the “homework” we are the happiest to prescribe. Play is of benefit to not only the children in a family, but to the adults too, with the result that it is a win-win situation all round and it leads to happier children and families. When one considers the following quote from Dr Karyn Purvis it is difficult to think of any valid reasons not to be playing with our children: Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain. Unless it is done with play, in which case it takes 10-20 repetitions. Physical and mental health benefits In our current state of uncertainty and world-wide stresses, physical and mental health are our primary concerns. Healthy brain development and maintenance relies on stimulating the brain to make efficient and effective connections between nerve cells. These connections apply to ‘visible’ skills (such as motor skills) and more abstract skills for language, cognition, social and emotional development. Play is a ‘safe’ way to experience the world and test our skills. Games that require movement are excellent for stimulating physical health and motor skill development. This may be through the use of large movement e.g. jungle gyms, trees and open spaces like parks, or through the use of small movements with hands and fingers e.g. moving pieces on a board or building Lego.  Cognitive benefits  While all play facilitates brain development, some activities are more directed towards cognitive skills like reasoning and planning. These activities are not limited to board games. The child who enjoys re-enacting Star Wars or My Little Pony uses imagination, memory, reasoning and planning but perhaps to a different degree than the child playing Checkers or Monopoly.  Social and communication benefits Games like 30 Seconds, Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary require cognitive skills but focus the ability to communicate clearly using memory, recall, understanding and explaining. Again, imitation and re-enactment activities develop similar communication skills but also have a greater element of socialisation opportunities, including a different type of trial-and-error problem solving, negotiating and understanding social cues.  All play requires an element of impulse control which is developed through experience but social play also requires a higher degree of emotional regulation and empathy, leading to a safe place to practice life lessons. Playmates teach each other skills needed for game play and learn to use direction and explanations. A vital role of social play is the development of interpersonal relationships. Friendships and positive experiences relieve stress and provide pleasure. What to play? Many things influence the play chosen by children and adults – some practical and others adapted from traditional rules and experiences. The number of players and their ages are important for appropriate game selection, as is the need for teams or individual play. Will the play be structured (rule-bound and directive) or unstructured and creative? What interests the players and is the necessary equipment available? Remember that games needn’t be bought and creating a game can be fun in itself. Play is only fun if it is appropriate for the players, so it is sometimes necessary to adapt games for physical, cognitive, linguistic and social differences. Developing skills mentioned before, occur during the pleasure of play, so forcing a child with extremely diverse needs to play in the same ways as others in order to ‘teach’ them, is neither productive nor pleasurable. How can I adapt games? If mobility is a challenge e.g. cerebral palsy affecting movement or the use of a wheelchair or crutches: Size up by using bigger balls for ball games e.g. a plastic soccer ball to play tennis. Lighten up by using lighter balls for ball games e.g. volleyball with a balloon. Adjust rules e.g. if a child in a wheelchair is playing basketball that child can carry the ball in his/her lap instead of dribbling. Adjust pace e.g. balloon volleyball. Use accessible areas e.g. flat, open spaces. Buddy up – find a friend to push the wheelchair or assist with mobility – it’s ok to ask for help. If fine motor control is a challenge e.g. hand grips: Use a universal cuff – usually for holding eating utensils, but can be used for play as well.   Use a card holder for card games. Non-slip mats under game boards (from most hardware stores). Prestik under game tokens/pieces. Size up e.g. use larger playing pieces or garden size games; build up tools and playing pieces with foam. If vision is a challenge: Texture components using velcro, glitter glue or craft foam from stationery stores. Use games with sounds/sound activated. Include as many senses as possible. Use garden size games. Prestik under game pieces. If language, speech or literacy is a challenge: One-on-one play initially. Subjects of interest with predictable language. Use clear, short sentences/explanations. Emphasise important words e.g. nouns, verbs, prepositions. Slow down and use repetition Model correct responses for your child at just above your child’s current language             level. Allow the child to lead too. Use signs, gestures or pictures if they are effective. Shorten the duration of the game. Help if necessary. Remove some steps of the game if it is too complex. Types of play Understanding play may be limited to our own experiences, but the diversity of play activities is massive, from something like a stick imagined as a wand, sword or conductor’s baton, to a complex and strategic game of Risk or Chess played for days. Different types of play develop different skill sets and variety provides more holistic development and more opportunities to develop interests and sources of pleasure. Play can be unstructured and creative or rule

October 6, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

Your child needs a Cyber Safety Helmet

Whether our children are into cycling, motorcycling, BMX, Skateboarding, Motocross or roller-skating, it is only a matter of time before accidents happen. One of my adrenaline-junkie friends always says there are two types of riders: those who have had their first accident; and those who are going to have their first accident. This analogy can be applied to  our children’s online and offline  activities.  When you buy your child his or her first bicycle, or pair of roller-skates it typically goes hand-in-hand with a helmet to keep them safe in case they fall. Through trying out and playing different types of sports, we equip them with the right gear to ensure they play it safe.  Navigating their digital journeys, online interactions or the way they search for information on their mobile devices are not dissimilar. With smartphones being such an integral part of our future and the careers they will eventually choose, we don’t want to deprive them from participating in the digital world, but we want to ensure they play it safe.  …but definitely not my child As parents, we sometimes get stuck thinking about our children as the innocent toddlers and kids they were. We picture them unwrapping their first bicycle with the safety wheels still on, wanting to put their helmets on the right way. Still knowing that they need protection and not giving any attention to whether this look is cool enough, which becomes the  main concern in their teenage years.  The harder reality that we are faced with, is that even when we think they are ‘innocence impersonated’, they are subjected to an amount of peer-pressure and participating in an online world that we cannot fully comprehend. They are exposed to an environment where they are constantly inundated with new apps, new online friends (who they have or have not met), new information and a new way of balancing their digital activity and reality.  Keeping them safer in this world means reinventing the way we educate them about cyber safety and, even then, monitoring what they are exposed to, but in a way that also protects their privacy. It’s about giving them the phone, but adding the cyber safety helmet. Protecting their young minds Most tweens and teenagers go through a phase of getting stuck in their minds rather than talk about everything. When they encounter events that bother them, whether in person or online, their first port of call may not be their parents. They fear that when they speak up about difficult situations and their parents try to intervene (or interfere), that the situation will get worse.  This could happen when they are being bullied or cyberbullied or when they have seen content that their minds can’t really deal with at that age. They may also encounter content such as pornography or sexting that cause them to feel guilt and shame, but remaining curious to engage even more. When these events happen, they need our help more than ever. They need advice from parents or caregivers to guide them on this journey. But for parents, not knowing when or how this happens means that we can’t protect their minds or their thoughts and unless they talk to us about it, we seldom have any way of knowing. Some parents keep a close eye on all the devices in the home, but with all our time constraints, it is so easy to miss something small that could lead to a bigger issue. However, wearing their cyber safety helmet when they participate in the digital world, the state of the art algorithms of FYI play it safe empower parents with this information. Whether their thoughts are about the bullying situation, or when they consider searching for information about self-harm or suicide, their cyber safety helmet will protect them and alert you to intervene and guide them to safety.  Playing it safe with FYI play it safe Smart parenting is about watching them skateboard through the streets and knowing that they have the equipment to safely lean into the next corner. It’s watching them mountain biking on a single-track downhill at a ridiculous speed, but with the certainty that they are protected and are less likely to get hurt if they fall. It is about building better relationships with our children, where we have the information to discuss actual difficult situations they encounter, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Where our guidance actively influences the content they search for, post and like on social media. Where we have the opportunity to guide them on who they accept as friends or which messages on chats they react to and more importantly, how they respond. Safety, whether physical, emotional, psychological or in cyberspace isn’t expensive. It’s priceless.

October 6, 2021
Wingu Academy

Don’t worry, be happy – avoiding anxiety!

We all experience moments of feeling stressed and overwhelmed.  Teenagers, especially, feel under pressure which could be caused by deadlines, exams or conflict with fellow students and parents. That’s normal. Anxiety though, is a whole different matter all-together.  Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between the two, as the lines can easily be blurred. So, what is the difference between stress and anxiety? Stress is when situations can be managed. It can also have an upside when it motivates you to meet expectations, perform better and provide an energy to be more productive. It can improve focus, concentration and build your capacity to cope with stress. Anxiety is when you experience a bodily response and shift in energy. It’s often referred to as the fight, flight and freeze response. Symptoms include: Feeling helpless. Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness. Mood swings. Restlessness and agitation. Change in eating and sleeping habits. Having a rapid heart rate and fast breathing. Many parents are also worried that their child may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, but in actual fact most of the time it’s rather episodes of anxiety.  This is good news, because if managed correctly it will pass. If you are worried as a parent, the obvious questions are, what are the signs to look out for and when should you be concerned? According to medical journals anxiety disorder include prolonged periods of excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioural disturbances like worrying about events that will likely not happen. It could also consist of constant panic attacks and feelings of hopelessness. Should these symptoms persist for a period of 6 months or longer, it would be best to seek professional help from a psychiatrist and phycologist. The first step would be to identify the type of anxiety and intensity the child is experiencing.  The two main forms of anxiety experienced by teens are social or general anxiety. This could be treated with practicing mindfulness, cognitive restrictive management and dialectical therapy. In some instances, medication can be prescribed to help your child cope. How can you support a child with anxiety? According to Dr Serahni Symington, counsellor and play therapist specialist, she would advise parents to do the following: Assist your child to verbalise and accept the situation which is causing anxiety. Determine what your child needs in that immediate moment.  Is it comfort or solutions? Practice deep breathing exercises to help your child relax. Identify and try to avoid triggers that will agitate anxiety. Assist your child to transition from having an emotional to a logical mind response which will then result in a “wise mind” response. “Something that can’t be stressed enough is to practice selfcare.  Taking time off to relax and take care of yourself gives you the capacity to face what lies ahead and look at things with a new perspective” says Dr Symington. Managing Director, Ian Strydom also adds: “At Wingu Academy we have a Wellness Hub of trained professionals that can guide parents and students in attaining routine, structure and planning which in most cases will avoid anxiety.”

October 5, 2021
TJ Training Solutions

Emotional Intelligence: The most important gift you can give your child in this post-pandemic world

EQ.  Two simple letters that wield such a determining influence in our children’s lives.  Emotional Intelligence (or EQ as it’s more commonly known) is not a novel concept. For years the importance of developing children’s EQ and IQ in tandem, has been discussed and promoted in scholarly articles and mainstream media alike. The question being asked now (and louder than it’s ever been asked before) is – were we paying attention? The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the calling upon of resilience, empathy, confidence, adaptability to unpredictability, embracing of change and countless other skills that the emotionally intelligent child possesses. And in doing so, it has shone a spotlight on the vast difference in the coping capacity of the high-EQ child versus the not-so-high.  But does this matter? Yes. Yes it does.  It matters because the pandemic has demonstrated that being emotionally intelligent is an outlook, an approach to life and a determinant of success that will be more important than ever in the aftermath of multiple levels of lockdown and the severe restrictions that were and still are being placed on our children’s complex socialisation needs.  The socio-emotional consequences of 2020’s school closures and mandatory isolation are manifesting fast and furiously. Increased cases of childhood anxiety, depression, peer-related issues and behavioural challenges are presenting at schools and in homes…And it’s only through increased efforts in EQ Education that we can hope to offset these consequences for our children in the long-run.  But where do we even begin? At the very beginning, ofcourse. Much like learning the basics of reading and writing requires first learning the alphabet – children should be taught emotional awareness and expression (the basic principles of EQ) by first being taught to identify their feelings accurately. Too few children are able to differentiate their feelings and the feelings of others beyond “happy”, “sad”, “scared” or “angry”. But “sad” is not the same as “guilty” and “angry” is not the same as “rejected”.  Storybooks like those in the “Game Ranger Grace & The Big 5 Feelings” series have been specifically created to expand the emotional vocabulary of young children. To expand a child’s emotional vocabulary is to help them take their first step on the road to emotional intelligence, because the ability to accurately identify an emotion directly impacts the ability to effectively regulate and express it.  And the good news is that the younger the child when EQ Education efforts start, the greater the long-term benefits will be. So start at the very beginning…it’s a very good place to start!  Visit www.tjtrainingsolutions.co.za to order copies of the first book in the “Game Ranger Grace & The Big 5 Feelings” series or email [email protected] to query available EQ resources and workshops. 

October 5, 2021
Sudocrem South Africa

Different Uses of Sudocrem Skin and Baby Care Cream

Sudocrem – Soothing Families’ Skin since 1931 As global environmental concerns grow, it is becoming more evident to us that we need to be taking better care of ourselves as well as the environment.  Our skin is our first line of defense and our protective barrier against physical injury and hazardous substances.  Our skin ensures that we retain moisture in our bodies and protects us against harmful UV rays from the sun. Sudocrem’s skin and baby care cream has been soothing families’ skin for over 85 years.  Not only is Sudocrem mom’s first choice in the prevention of nappy rash, but this amazingly versatile product has many other uses too. The Sudocrem skin and baby care cream has become mom’s ally: In the early years to soothe, heal and protect against nappy rash To deal with bumps, scrapes and everything in-between as a toddler begins to explore the world To help treat eczema and acne in teenagers To moisturize, soothe and protect mom’s skin In the golden years to relieve pressure sores and chilblains Nappy rash is one of the most common skin conditions of your baby’s early life, it is extremely uncomfortable and can be caused by many things.  It is generally linked to wet or infrequently changed nappies, diarrhea, new foods, and antibiotics.  Sudocrem skin and baby care cream is gentle on the skin and forms a defensive layer to assist in the protection of the baby’s delicate skin. A toddlers’ life is so busy!  They climb everywhere, fall frequently, and spend the greater part of this exciting time in their life, with little bumps, abrasions, and bruises all over.  Sudocrem aids in preventing infections and also soothes any irritation on your toddlers’ skin, leaving them to romp around and enjoy life as they should.  Everyone knows that a teenagers’ biggest nightmare is acne.!  Sudocrem is a great way to treat acne.  At a time when it starts to become important to look their best, Sudocrem will help to keep your teenagers’ blemishes under control.  Allergies are on the rise and many people battle the discomfort of eczema – a rash that typically appears on the arms and behind the knees but can also appear anywhere on the body. Usually, treatment includes avoiding soap and other irritants.  Sudocrem is the answer here too, because of its unique formula, Sudocrem has been known to provide relief for eczema. Cuts, burns, grazes and abrasions happen when we least expect them and generally happen when we’re at home.  It’s a known fact that more accidents happen in the home than anywhere else and especially to little ones running around the house and playing outside in the garden.  We strongly advise that for all major injuries, medical assistance is sought out.  However, where the injury is minor, the use of Sudocrem can provide the protection and relief needed to assist in the healing process.  Always be sure to wash any affected areas before applying Sudocrem to ensure that an infection is avoided.  And of course, if symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.

October 5, 2021
My Breastpump

Make sanitising your Breast pump parts easy peasy

Convenience, when taking your pump to work or on holiday is so important because, don’t we all just want a little bit of extra help? The conventional steam sanitizing systems are super bulky and not at all practical for travel. Let the Clean Ease be your secret little helper. It is so easy to use, hygienic (only you are using it) as well as time and space saving.  A big question is how often I need to sanitize my breast pump parts and when can I stop doing so. This has often split mothers with their differing opinions. The recommendation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may surprise you. The CDC recommends at least once daily. By sanitizing the parts after each time the parts are washed results in extra germ removal. This process is recommended for the following babies (after each use): If your baby was born prematurely  If you baby is under 3 months If you baby has a weakened immune system or is undergoing medical treatment If you feel that your parts need to be sterilized more often  If you want to continue to sanitize daily for longer this will continue to remove germs and will still be beneficial. If you are using your pump at work and you are not in control of the cleanliness of the space, then it may be recommended that you continue to clean and sanitize your pump parts.   Why do we like the Ameda CleanEase Microwave sanitizing bags so much? well that is easy: Quick sanitization of breast milk pump kit parts and accessories. Leakproof Zipper with slider for easy hold. BPA free. Expandable bottom. It stands on its own. 20 uses for bag (with tick off reminder). Basically, all you need to do is pop your cleaned pump parts into the Clean Ease bag add 60ml of water. Seal the bag with the easy-to-use zipper. Use your microwave as per the correct setting and time. These settings are as follows 5 minutes in 600-750W, 3 minutes 800-1100W and 1.5minutes for >1100W.  The CleanEase bag has some nice features to prevent you from scalding yourself on the steam or hot water. The bag and its contents will now be super-hot with steam and water. Once your microwave has beeped, open it up and take the Clean Ease bag out using the protective grip. There is an easy pour slit on the side opposite to the protective grip. This means that the steam can escape and that you will be able to pour out the hot water and steam from the opposite side to your hands without needing to open the bag. Pour out the water and then you are ready to use the parts. The CleanEase can also be used as a carry bag for your pump parts while you are traveling. Remember to tick off each use on the front of the bag, this help you to keep track of how many times the bags has been used and when it is time to replace it.  A great feature is that you are the only person who uses the bag and that you are in control of how clean it is and how often the water is changed. This is really nice for mothers with a baby in NICU as you can take your own sanitizing bag to the NICU and use it there.  Some tips for keeping your pumping parts clean and sanitized: Only wash and sterilize the parts that need to be. With the Ameda closed system you only need to sterilize the bottle valve, diaphragm and flange. Please do not sterilize the tubing or adaptor cap.  Wash your hands with soap and water before starting Rise your pump parts with cold water as soon as possible after you have used them. Wash each part separately using a brush and soapy water expect for the valve, as a brush may damage the valve.  Make sure you have cleaned the parts correctly and that there is no milk residue on the parts. If milk residue is left it will cook on to the part and can be a spot where bacteria can grow.  Rinse again in clean water to remove all soap residue. Sanitize the parts and then allow to completely dry before use.  Avoid using dish towels to dry your pump parts. Rather set them aside on a clean paper towel to dry.  Once your pump parts are dry, assemble your pump so that it is ready for use.  Avoid touching the inside section of your pump parts that will be touching your breast milk.  Heating for longer than recommended can cause damage to the bag and the contents. Only sanitize your breast pump parts or similar accessories. Do not use this bag to sanitize metal parts as it will damage the bag and microwave. On a regular basis, check your pump parts or accessories for any cracks, chips or tears  Cleaning and sanitising your pump parts is an important step in making sure that you are giving your baby a healthy start. By using the Ameda CleanEase microwave sterilizing bags this step is made easier and safer for you. 

October 4, 2021
Solarpop

The Basic Principles of Magformers

 Magformers is a three-dimensional magnetic toy that develops children’s creativity and aids in their brain development.    The Magformers Magnets The neodymium magnets inside Magformers pieces allow every piece to attach to each other regardless of their north or south pole. Not only do Magformers pieces stack like normal building blocks, but they can also connect three-dimensionally and in any direction.  Magformers for Creativity and Brain Development Magformers is the foremost three-dimensional magnetic educational toy for nurturing child creativity and brain development. Children can create their own original structures by connecting and assembling various geometric figures. Children can observe how two-dimensional shapes become three-dimensional structures, and by doing so, understand the principles of magnets and expand their limitless imagination and creativity. The Six Ways to Use Magformers Six very simple methods can be used to create any shape or figure Magformers is a world-leading manufacturer of magnetic children’s toys. Recognized with multiple awards and educational accolades, our tile sets stimulate critical abilities across age groups with years of safe, quality play time. Your only limitation will be your imagination and with so many different colours you’ll have a hard time picking your favourite.  Unlike some other construction toys, which limit children to building only specified models, Magformers pieces can be used freely and with imagination, allowing children to build any shapes they like – as well as following the building guides contained within each set. Magformers magnetic construction sets encourage 3D Brain Training through fun and education. The free-spinning magnets are safely encapsulated within all the edge surfaces of each toughened ABS plastic Magformers piece. And because they can rotate in any direction, they always connect and never repel when two Magformers are brought together.  Internationally, Magformers has received more than 50 global educational and toy awards. Children can use basic Magformers geometric shapes to create 2D ‘flat’ plans (known as nets), but also 3D figures. It’s very easy to lay Magformers flat, forming a mathematical net, and pull them up to form 3D towers, cubes, and other shapes. SCIENCE Improves scientific thinking while creating a variety of models using the principles of magnetism. Science gives children an in-depth understanding of the world around us. It helps them to become better at research and critical thinking. – need to flesh science out TECHNOLOGY Develop designs from 2D planar figures to 3D models.Fosters the infinite imagination of children while they make geometric shapes as well as unique models ENGINEERING Developing modelling skills through building blocks by hand. Enhances intelligence for 3D configurations while making 3D shapes. ART Encourage the combination of technology skills with artistic activities, like creating an animated story MATH Develops mathematical thinking while combining and connecting blocks to understand and utilize concepts of space and principles. Spatial concepts, parts and wholes, patterns, principles of shapes etc Children as young as 18 months can start playing with products from the Magformers My First Line. The combination of shapes, colours and, in some sets, more technical accessories, will give your child the tools to create unlimited designs!  Imagine how happy and excited your child will be when they show you their latest creative design! Imagine how proud you will feel when your child has mastered the art of 3D modelling, all the while being conscious that your child is learning and developing their brain while having fun! Imagine having the colourful pieces in your hands right now! What would you and your child build together? A vehicle (Plane? Helicopter? Car? Bus? Truck? Bike? Boat?) An animal? A building? One of the seven wonders? A castle? A bridge or other structure? Furniture? A robot? A dinosaur? A tree, flower or plant? Fruit? A unique geometric design? The possibilities are endless!

October 4, 2021
Boomerang

Boomerang lives it up in New York with Tom and Jerry!

Brand-new show launching this October… Winning the hearts of millions is no easy feat, but after more than 80 years and countless accolades, the iconic duo, Tom and Jerry,  are back, better than ever, leaving the suburbs behind for new escapades in New York City. To say Tom and Jerry have been around the block would be the understatement of the century! This pair, who love to hate each other, have been around the globe, gone through time travel, into outer space, down every nook and cranny imaginable, and are now running wild in Manhattan. From Monday, 04th of October, Boomerang Africa will premiere Tom and Jerry in New York, the show parents have been waiting for to introduce their kids to. Follow our favourite cat and mouse as they settle into their new digs at the Royal Gate Hotel and unleash mayhem across The Big Apple, inciting hilarious chaos uptown, downtown, and everywhere their manic escapades take them. So, best believe, Central Park, giant museums, department stores, and even subway cars will be turned upside down, inside out or just be totally annihilated in this brand-new Tom and Jerry series! All these chases and games have not been in vain; in fact, with their lengthy history on the small and big screen, Tom and Jerrycontinue to bring on the childhood nostalgia and fresh memories with equal measure. The two have also been over-achievers in their own unique way, having garnered 13 Oscar nominations for best short subject cartoon and winning seven of them in the franchise’s history. Plus, they did all that without even saying much; legend has it that the first time Tom and Jerry spoke at length was in their 1992 feature film. It does not get any more iconic than that! Get excited for the hilarious return of everyone’s favourite frenemies, as Tom and Jerry in New York premieres on Monday, 4 October at 07:25 CAT on Boomerang Africa! Watch. Play. Laugh.

October 4, 2021
Parenting Hub

The Dry Shampoo Phenomenon

Once just a standby for hair emergencies, dry shampoos have fast become a staple in more or less everyone’s beauty routine and even more so since lockdown hit last year. With many of us still working and studying remotely and practicing social distancing, dry shampoo has become particularly handy on days when we feel like skipping a wash day or two but still want our tresses to look fresh when we need to jump on that last minute Zoom call. Lockdown has taught us many things with one of them being to never underestimate the confidence boosting power of a dry shampoo! No longer do we turn to dry shampoo just to banish greasy roots; we also use it as a quick fix to breathe life into second-day styles and let us not forget to mention all the time and water you save washing your hair less frequently. After all, we all know that washing your hair daily strips away the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and well moisturised. As with most things in life, less is often more and when it comes to looking after your locks, less shampoo equals healthier hair! A phenomenon when it comes to dry shampoos, COLAB, the multi award-winning dry shampoo, created by a team of beauty industry experts is a favourite amongst many. Loved by all hair types, colours and textures, not only does COLAB offer powerful oil absorption but it’s completely invisible and smells amazing too. What’s more, COLAB is totally cruelty-free, against animal testing and vegan-friendly! Developed using a very fine starch, COLAB’s innovative formula uses tiny particles to effectively absorb excess oil and grease from the scalp, whilst instantly refreshing roots. Because less product is sprayed onto the hair, COLAB dry shampoo goes to work invisibly, leaving absolutely no white residue! Not even on dark hair.  Hair feels instantaneously clean, soft and beautifully fragranced without the hair’s natural body and bounce being compromised. The perfect choice for reviving your tresses quickly and on the go, simply spray directly on to your hair, massage and style!  Packaged in a confident, colourful and cool vibe and available in a range of incredible fashion-forward fragrances, COLAB has something for every occasion and every mood!  Below we’ve rounded up some of our favourite scents, including the two most recent additions to the COLAB family – Boho Rose and Black Violet. COLAB Dreamer Dry Shampoo COLAB Dreamer dry shampoo gives hair an instant heavenly fix, while softly scenting tresses with delicate notes of cotton and musk. Dare to live the life you’ve dreamed! If you prefer a lighter, barely there fragrance, this award winning scent is a must-have.  COLAB Boho Rose Dry Shampoo COLAB Boho Rose is a sweet blushing floral with a vintage soul, inspired by whimsical flower crowns and fine spun with fragrant notes of peony and delicate rose. All whilst instantly and invisibly absorbing oil – with no white residue to ruin your flower crown. COLAB Black Violet Dry Shampoo COLAB Black Violet is a rich, dark floral fragrance inspired by hedonistic evenings under the moonlight, surrounded by sultry wild orchid and sensual violet. Dance the night away with this absolute hair essential! COLAB products retail for RSP R88.95 and are available at Clicks stores.

October 1, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Hospital pre-authorisation vs quotes – what you need to know

Due to the different waves of Covid-19 and the emerging variants, a number of elective surgeries were postponed to help minimise the take up of hospital beds and to avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus.  However, surgeries are now getting back on track, – even if it’s only a window during which the backlog of elective surgeries can be tackled. It is the perfect time to talk about the issue of pre-authorisation and quotes and why you should know the difference.  Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Aid, says pre-authorisation, ahead of any medical procedure or hospital admission, is always required. He also stresses the importance of asking for a quote to submit to your medical aid. This will ensure you know exactly what is covered and whether you should plan for any out-of-pocket expenses. Does pre-authorisation mean payment, in full, is guaranteed? Not necessarily.  Let’s take you through the process and T&Cs.  What is pre-authorisation? All procedures that take place in a hospital must be pre-authorised.  Essentially, it’s an agreement between the medical aid and the hospital, indicating a willingness to pay for costs associated with the visit. But even if you do have pre-authorisation your medical aid is not promising to cover 100% of the costs.   All pre-authorisation requests are evaluated against the different schemes’ rules and clinical funding policies however, you remain responsible for any shortfall, including any co-payments. If you are unsure how to go about the process speak to your broker or your medical aid.  When do I need to pre-authorise? You must apply for a Pre-Authorisation Reference number (PAR) as soon as a visit or admission to a hospital is planned. This applies for a CT scan, MRI scan or radio-isotope study. Do this as early as possible in case you are required to submit additional documentation or a motivation from your healthcare provider.  You also need pre-authorisation for: Renal clinic admissions for dialysis Procedures in doctor’s rooms or day clinics, instead of hospital Physical rehabilitation care in rehabilitation facilities Drug and alcohol rehabilitation care in specific facilities Hospice admissions Oxygen therapy at home All specialised radiology What information is needed? Name and surname of the person having the procedure Membership number and dependent code The date of admission or procedure The diagnosis All proposed surgical procedures, diagnostic procedures or specialised radiology codes available (ICD-10, CPT, NRPL codes) The name of the facility where the procedure will take place The names and practice numbers of the healthcare professionals (doctor, surgeon, specialist etc)  Once your pre-authorisation has been approved you will receive a confirmation letter. Read this carefully and check that the information is correct. If you are any queries speak to your doctor or your medical scheme.  What about emergency admissions? In the event of emergency treatment or admission to hospital, you – or a family member or the hospital – must contact your medial aid on the first working day after the incident to obtain authorisation.  Did you know? Your doctor or the facility you are being admitted to, can do the authorisation on your behalf. Despite this, it remains your responsibility to ensure that the authorisation is completed and correct.  What happens if you don’t pre-authorise?   You will either be liable for a co-payment, or your procedure will not be covered. Does pre-authorising ensure payment of the procedure? No, unfortunately not.  Most medical aid plans have varying hospital benefits according to the level of cover you have chosen and they also have a ‘rate’ and which they reimburse healthcare providers. This means that even if the payment is 100% of the rate, this is not necessarily what the healthcare provider will charge, they may charge 200% of your medical aid rate. This means you are responsible for any shortfall in the form of a co-payment.  Co-payments differ from one medical scheme to another and are often higher than anticipated, mostly due to medical practitioners and hospitals charging higher than the medical aid rate. ‘We mitigate this as much as possible,’ says Callakoppen, ‘by negotiating with hospitals and service providers who are on our network, to place a ceiling on the costs of the procedures.’ For this reason, it is best to find a healthcare provider on your scheme’s network Quotes vs pre-authorisation for procedures Callakoppen advises private medical aid members to not only obtain pre-authorisation but to also ask for a detailed quote from the hospital and medical practitioner prior to being admitted to hospital.  ‘This gives you an opportunity to negotiate and eliminates any additional ‘surprise’ payments required after the procedure. ‘The most important thing’, says Callakoppen, ‘is to find out, prior to being admitted, what your medical aid will pay and what payment you might be responsible for. The last thing you want to deal with is a surprise large co-payment and the stress related to that when you are recovering from a procedure.’ 

September 30, 2021
Koa Academy

Why GenZ and GenAlpha need to do school differently

School is rooted in tradition, and all too often we, as parents, look to nurture our connection with our growing and increasingly independent children through them having a similar educational experience to us.  This might have worked for past generations.  However, the seismic changes in our world accelerated by relentless tech innovation over the recent decades have fundamentally disrupted this particular flow of tradition.   It’s forced us back to basics where we acknowledge that the purpose of education is to prepare our children for their working and civic future, not to provide us with more sought-after parental touchpoints.  The world of work has fundamentally changed.  So much so that we are educating our children today for jobs that don’t yet exist, and they need to be educated in different ways.   Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy, a uniquely high-touch digital school, says, “Content memorisation, with the teacher as the sole content expert, is an outdated notion for our current young generations who live in a world where all content is just a click away.  Top marks should not just be given for memorising the facts.  Instead, being able to evaluate and think critically about an abundance of facts, and the sources of those facts, is one of the vital 21st Century skills.  It’s no longer relevant to remember a one right answer enshrined in one textbook; the next generations need to be able to access a world of information and apply it to real world problems, effectively communicating their ideas to others. ”   For our GenZ and GenAlpha children, understanding how they learn has become more significant than what content they can retain in their memories.  The teacher has transformed from a content provider in front of the class to a learning expert able to coach the students at their side along their unique learning pathways.  The so-called ‘soft skills’ that nobody paid much attention to in a mechanistic, industrial past have now become the top information-age capabilities.  Those who know how to think critically, how to communicate, how to collaborate and how to innovate lead the way.  Literacy has expanded to include media, information, civic and technological literacies.  Qualities such as resilience, emotional intelligence and flexibility help our children win the day.  What this means is that as parents, we should be worried if our child’s educational environment today looks and seems a lot like the one that we experienced. Your kids are – but are you ready for School 2.0? Mark believes it is time for parents to find out more about School 2.0.  He says, “It’s really exciting that parents have more options than ever before when it comes to education. But we also know that it is harder than ever for parents to really understand the different options.  At Koa Academy, our advice is for parents to start by thinking through what you really want for your child. And, I don’t mean which schooling system. I mean, what do you value when it comes to your child’s education? Then, as you investigate the growing number of options, keep an eye out for the schools which are prioritising those same values.” The Koa Academy education model prioritises individualised learning with children grouped in small 8-person pods working every day with a dedicated, specialist teacher who has not only mastered online pedagogy but understands the needs of each child in their Pod.  The platform is registered as a South African IEB curriculum provider leveraging educational resources from all around the world.  With the flexibility that only an online platform can provide, academic progress is mastery based enabling children to speed up or slow down as needed and for families to schedule timetables and terms in ways that suit them best.   Mark says, “Our aim is to prepare children for the real world.  Learning is rooted in real-world issues; tasks give children options, and age-appropriate feedback is ongoing so that children can adapt and grow in dynamic ways as they learn.  In this way assessment is embedded in the learning process, and not a disconnected result that they can’t actually learn from.  Our passionate teachers are curating and facilitating content at the child’s pace. Each child progresses when they have mastered the learning which is the only real way to ensure that no one is left behind.” Like everything else in life, traditional education has been disrupted over the past pandemic months.  Through months of stay-at-home restrictions, parents have had new and different insights into their child’s learning and their schooling system. As we look to a post-pandemic future, there’s more open thinking about what really works for our families, and what doesn’t.  Our GenZ and GenAlpha children face a future that is differently shaped from anything we have known.  If there’s a silver lining to the COVID clouds, it’s the idea that we can create a better reality for our families, community and country.  School 2.0 has become a serious option in how we choose to educate our children for a fast-evolving future that will make different demands on them.

September 30, 2021
Toptots Head Office

Giving birth – the facts and the myths

With so many truths and myths flying around when it comes to pregnancy and giving birth, it’s no wonder you get confused. Not only does every existing mother and aunt know the ‘right’ answer to everything, but doctors also have varying opinions. Have you ever walked out of the doctor’s office realising that out of the ten important questions you want to ask, 8 slipped out of your mind during the consultation? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. We have listed some popular beliefs and delved into whether they are true or false. Breaking of the waters makes the contractions stronger, thus can speed up labour.  True. While there are other medical reasons why breaking the waters may be necessary, once a woman is around 7cm dilated, this process helps speed things up for the painful last three. However, this will only be used if you absolutely need to have things go a bit quicker. So don’t count on it to help you out if you’ve been in labour for 30 minutes without any complications. Braxton Hicks contractions are regular and strong, and will wake the mother up if she is asleep False. Real contractions will start at the top of the uterus and the intense pressure, like a tight belt around her waist, will wake her up.  True contractions feel like menstruation cramps. While Braxton Hicks may not be a walk in the park, you will know the difference because they won’t come in regular intervals and increase in intensity. If you lift your arms above your head during pregnancy, the umbilical cord will slip around the baby’s neck. False. The baby is submerged in water and thus gravity will have no influence.  Furthermore, the baby may become entangled by the umbilical cord because of the length of it. But the baby can swim through a loop in the cord as well.  Dilation of the cervix can occur at any given time of the pregnancy.  True. Some women have an “incompetent cervix” which means that the cervix does not tighten properly and a woman who had a child previously, has a slightly dilated cervix. In labour, dilation of the cervix is capable of happening earlier in the pregnancy. This is not necessarily a problem, but your doctor will talk you through it, depending on each case. An epidural might not be possible if the mother previously had an extensive back injury.  True. Although this statement is true in certain circumstances, the skills of the anaesthetist will determine the likelihood of the mother having an epidural. If you feel that this may be a problem, make an appointment with the anaesthetist prior to the birth to talk about your options. An emergency epidural can be done if the baby is under stress  False. This is not true as an epidural takes up to 20 minutes to have an effect.  If the baby is under stress, 20 minutes to wait will be too long. The most successful method of managing pain during labour is the one the mother choose  True. To manage the pain of labour, the mother needs to have the right attitude and support. Sometimes a combination of non-pharmacological methods (hypnosis, reflexology, massage and water therapy) is more effective than any given pain medication.  While the term ‘mind over matter’ sounds like hocus-pocus when it comes to the pain of birth, it really has proven to help. So if you believe that having a water birth will help you, then you’ve already done some of the work. Bleeding in pregnancy at any given time necessitates a trip to the emergency room.  True. Bleeding is always regarded as suspicious and should be investigated. So ignore those who scoff at your apparent paranoia and get yourself checked out ASAP. If the mother wakes up in the morning in the last trimester with a swollen face and extremities, she should contact her primary caregiver immediately  True. This may indicate a rise in blood pressure and must be investigated immediately. You should take a urine sample for testing as well. The mother should insist that an advanced lactation specialist help her with breastfeeding.  False. All midwives are trained to help and assist the mother with breastfeeding difficulties. However, it is true that a lactation specialist have a particular interest in and passion for breastfeeding. Some hospitals do not have lactation specialists available, then the ward midwife can assist effectively. With the right attitude and the right support, breastfeeding can be a success. The delivery of the placenta occurs within 15 minutes after the birth of the baby with a contraction True. But don’t worry, this contraction is not as strong as during the birth and the tissue is soft and moulds into the area, so the expulsion will be far easier than delivering the baby.

September 29, 2021
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