Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Registering with the Department of Education – what are my rights and responsibilities?

This is a hot topic of conversation among homeschoolers and a complex issue to which MindScape Education recommends parents give considerable thought. There are three relevant pieces of legislation in SA regarding this question. One is the SA Schools Act, 1996. The other is the Children’s Act, 2005 and the third is the SA constitution. Yes, there is a law that stipulates that we must register our homeschooled children with the department of education. There is also legislation that says not doing so is punishable by a fine, or imprisonment, or both. But, as a parent, you have a constitutional right to choose the kind of education your children receive, the nature of the content they learn about, and you also have a legal responsibility to always act in your children’s best interests. We are aware of stories about intimidating Department officials arriving unannounced, yet we have also heard the complete opposite – positively glowing accounts about how helpful and constructive Department staff and officials have been. At MindScape Education, the choice is yours. Should you choose not to register your child with the department, we completely respect your decision. However, MindScape can efficiently assist you with the registration process, should you wish to register your child with the relevant education authorities. In conclusion, do your research. Nobody can tell you what is best for your family and nobody can make a decision as important as this one on your behalf. Require assistance registering your child for homeschooling? e-mail [email protected] or call (+27) 11-704-0687. Hadeda Promotion: Enrol your child with MindScape Education by 30 November 2020 and pay 2020 fees. Visit the Mindscape Education website to find out more about our curriculum options.

September 3, 2020

Does your pantry have a nutrition gap?

‘Flu epidemics have us thinking hard about what foods to buy to support our family’s immunity and supply the best nutritional value for money. When shopping for the pantry, remember that our bodies not only need proteins, carbohydrates and fats, but also vitamins and minerals. Refined carbs and saturated fats are generally affordable and typically part of Western style meals, but protein is often perceived to be more expensive. Correct levels of all vitamins and minerals, although needed in smaller amounts, are difficult to ensure even in a so-called balanced diet, so people tend to buy a variety of nutritional supplements. Lifegain® ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutritional Supplement is therefore a good choice, particularly when seasonal changes might leave your body requiring extra nutritional support. Lifegain® (click through to www.lifegain.co.za) costs just over R12.42 a serving a day*. It is high in protein with 15 g per serving from the triple protein blend of soy protein, milk protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, and high in energy. 24 vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and Glutamine further support immune and digestive health. There is no equivalent all-in-one supplement that provides the whole body with the high levels of nutrients that Lifegain® does. We usually can’t do anything about stressful events, but we can control good nutrition to help us through it. For nearly 20 years Lifegain has been supporting the healthy and those whose nutritional needs are higher due to age, injury, hospitalisation or illness. Just add two level scoops of powder to 200 ml of milk, water, juice or smoothies Available from selected pharmacies and retail outlets nationwide and online from Takealot, Clicks and Dis-Chem. * Lifegain® 33-serving tins in vanilla, strawberry or chocolate flavours, at around R409.95 = R12.42 a serving. Lifegain® 10-serving tins in vanilla, cappuccino, strawberry and chocolate, and Lifegain® Junior, both around R169.95 = R17 a serving.

September 3, 2020

Helpful tips for managing your child’s academic anxiety

While most children experience some anxiety when it comes to their studies, particularly when it comes to assessments, some children are more prone to severe or chronic anxiety than others. Often this anxiety can be quite debilitating, for both the child and the parent. It seems obvious, but a child who is overwhelmed by anxiety is not going to be able to concentrate or absorb any information. Therefore, a child’s anxiety must be managed appropriately for them to be productive and, more importantly, feel safe and secure. Below are some tips on how to manage your child’s academic anxiety. Learn about anxiety It is essential for both the parent and the child to understand anxiety – if you do not understand it, you cannot manage it. For the parent, it will be useful to look into anxiety from a clinical perspective, particularly to understand the physiology of anxiety. For a student, learning about anxiety should be focused on learning about their particular anxiety. A helpful way to do this is to identify your child’s triggers. There are a few ways for you to do this: For older children, you can identify your child’s triggers by starting a conversation about your child’s thoughts and feelings. Help them understand that what they are feeling is valid, that anxiety is an emotion everyone experiences, and that it is important for them to be able to identify their feelings so the two of you can work through it. For younger children, who are not yet able to verbalise their thoughts and feelings very well, you can ask them to illustrate what they are feeling. Often, children find it easier to express themselves visually through drawing, rather than articulating their emotions through spoken language. Once a child can recognise when they are feeling anxious and are able to communicate this, managing the anxiety can begin. Also read: How to help a child struggling with coronavirus anxiety Calm down Once the anxiety has been identified, the first step in managing it is to calm down. We are not particularly well-adapted to react to stressors appropriately if we are in a state of panic. Regardless of how pressured you, as a parent, feel to get through your child’s learning material, it is essential to stop teaching at once if your child verbalises their anxiety or you see symptoms of it. There are a few strategies you can use to help your child calm down: Try a simple breathing exercise – inhale through the nose, hold for five counts, and exhale through the mouth. Repeat this ten times. By slowing down our breathing, we slow down our heart rate and mitigate physical manifestations of anxiety, calming both our bodies and our minds. ‘Grounding exercises’ are also useful – these are techniques that make use of our senses to help us calm down. The ‘54321’ exercise works particularly well as it forces the mind to focus on the external environment, rather than getting caught up in our thoughts. Have your child name five things they can see in the room, four things they can physically feel or touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. Focus on strengths Often, anxiety occurs when a child is struggling with a task. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses – talk to your child to find out what their academic strengths are. Some children are stronger in mathematics, others in languages, and so on. Tip: Take a break from the subject or task with which your child is struggling and switch over to one in which they feel more confident. By switching to a task your child is good at, will help your child build up a sense of confidence that they can then carry through to other subjects or tasks with which they struggle. Remind them that they are strong, smart, and capable – remind them that they are not failures if they struggle and that everyone struggles with something! Helping them understand this will prevent a tendency to avoid a difficult task or subject. Let it go Sometimes a child is struggling too much and simply cannot calm down or redirect their focus elsewhere. In these cases, it is sometimes best to leave the task or subject entirely. The beauty of homeschooling is that you have the flexibility to choose what and when to study. Yes, schedules and learning milestones are important, but your child’s mental health is arguably more important. If you can tell your child just needs a break, or if they say as much, give them that break. It might be frustrating to have to shift your goals by a day or two, but no learning is going to take place if your child is stressed. Reschedule what you had planned for the day – you will get around to it eventually. Do something with your child that they enjoy, whether that be baking or watching a movie, and try again tomorrow. Also read: Fun educational activities to do with your children during lockdown If you find that your child struggles with anxiety, it might be prudent to seek out professional help from a psychiatrist or psychologist. Disclaimer: The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health providers. By Jacqui Smit

September 2, 2020

How does my diet affect my pregnancy?

A healthy diet is always important, but during pregnancy you are eating for both you and your baby so it’s critical that you remain healthy. Eating poorly during pregnancy can have a long term impact on your baby’s health growing up. So that being said, what foods should you be eating during pregnancy? If you eat healthily already you won’t need to go onto a special diet during pregnancy, but it’s important to get the right nutrients for you and your baby through a balanced diet. Don’t be alarmed if you find yourself hungrier than usual, but even if you are expecting twins you won’t need to eat for two. It is also important to note that weight gain during pregnancy is normal, so don’t be alarmed by this. Eating schedules differ between moms, however, it is generally recommended that you eat smaller amounts more frequently when pregnant, especially if you are struggling with morning sickness. What to eat when you’re expecting Fruit and veggies are your friend during pregnancy. Providing much needed vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Protein is another important nutrient, and you should try to include it in your diet everyday as it helps your baby grow strong. Sources of protein include nuts, beans, pulses, eggs, lean meat and fish. However, raw, cured and uncooked meat are all risky to consume during pregnancy as they can cause toxoplasmosis. Another important source of energy is carbohydrates, specifically whole grains. They contain vitamin B, fibre and iron, which are all important for the baby’s growth and staying healthy. These include oatmeal, wholewheat pasta and bread, potatoes and maize. If you are suffering from morning sickness, these blander foods fill you and can be eaten little and often. Foods that are rich in calcium should also be eaten regularly. Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt are all options containing calcium as well as protein and vitamin D. That being said, some cheeses (such as soft cheese like brie) should be avoided as they can contain harmful (although rare) listeria bacteria. What foods should be avoided during pregnancy There are certain foods that you should take care to avoid during pregnancy. As mentioned, rare meats and certain cheeses should be avoided. Liver and raw fish (i.e sushi) are also on the to-avoid list. Consuming too much caffeine can also affect the baby negatively. Coffee is the obvious drink to avoid, but be aware that soft drinks, green tea, certain energy drinks and chocolate all contain caffeine.

September 1, 2020

How to use a good crisis: COVID 19 and the turning point for education

In my previous blog, I concluded by quoting Winston Churchill saying, “never let a good crisis go to waste”. This pandemic has devastated the lives of millions and dealt a blow to the world economy. It has also had a profound impact on schools and the education journey of our children. In his book Stratosphere, Michael Fullan tells us that the time has arrived for schools to take the next step and move to a ‘future-relevant’ school model. We know as parents and teachers that the current way that we are doing school is not preparing our children for the kind of world they are living in and are going to have to find work in. Fullan says that there is now a perfect combination of technology, learning theory and change management. This combination will allow us to move forward if we are willing to change the way we teach. An important point that he makes about technology is that it must be “ubiquitous”, that is it must be everywhere and invisible. Think about the devices in your homes, especially phones and tablets. You probably do not even think about how advanced they are and how often you look at the screen or use it in your daily life. What Fullan is saying it should be expected for our children to do the same in their learning each day. One of the most common experiences of teachers trying to use technology in their classes is that technology often gets in the way of learning. You take your class into the lab, and everyone is excited because you are going to use the computers to learn about volcanoes using a simulation. Within seconds you see a forest of hands. “Mam my computer won’t switch on”, “I’ve forgotten my password”, “My mouse/keyboard does not work”. If we tell the kids to bring their own devices then you get; “My WiFi is not connecting”, “Mam the simulation won’t work on my device”, “I cannot access the app store?” The lesson process is disrupted. By the time all the problems have been solved, the lesson is nearly over. These kinds of experiences have led to teachers avoiding the use of technology or only using it in shallow gimmicky ways. Technology should rather than as a tool to make students sit up and become entranced and excited about their learning. iPads overcame many of these problems, they switch on immediately and are not likely to have software or hardware failures. This still left the issue of teachers lacking confidence and experience in using technology in their classes made worse by their early experience of frustration. You also need a proper system for managing devices at school to avoid many of the problems of using them The pandemic has changed this. The technology implementation that took me six years to achieve as a leader in my previous school was achieved in two weeks in my current one. Teachers and parents have had enough positive experiences that the resistance to using technology has reduced. Parents have also experienced their children benefiting from asynchronous learning (where students do the work in their own time rather than at a set time with their peers). Parents are more willing to consider online schooling as a real option for their kids. So, where does this leave us? Evolve Online School plans to take advantage of all benefits of technology to redesign the way children learn. We do not have to inherit any weaknesses from the existing system. Still, we can start from the ground up and build a new system that includes the latest advances in technology. We can embrace all the research that has been done into how children learn and build their confidence and skills. We can move away from one size fits all solutions. Most importantly, we have no buildings so we can make the costs much more affordable so that more parents can provide a quality education for their kids. There is now a perfect opportunity for Evolve Online to make sure that the crisis we are experiencing can lead to improvements in learning. We can increase the number of children who can be properly prepared for their futures. Learning without limits can be a real experience and not just a slogan.

September 1, 2020

Sugar, comorbidities and my family

We all know how important it is to eat healthily. But have you ever given thought to how much sugar you and your family consumes daily? These are trying times we are in, the current global pandemic has raised more awareness of health issues than ever before. People are now, for the first time, learning about comorbidities and how it affects their health especially when there is a serious virus doing the rounds. We asked Owen Dunderdale, registered South African Dietitian and online coach to define comorbidities as more people become aware of the term however lack the understanding of it. “Conditions which exist simultaneously that may be related to a common medical illness. An example of this would be someone with Metabolic Syndrome. The person may be obese, have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and have cardiovascular disease, concurrently. These are all preventable through maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating according to healthy nutritional guidelines. If the person changed their lifestyle, their overall health will drastically improve.” explains Dunderdale. “People who have comorbidities will most likely suffer a more severe case of COVID-19 than someone who is healthy. The higher the severity of the illness, the higher the incidence of mortality.”, he says. Changing one’s lifestyle and eating habits is no easy task, it takes determination, lots of understanding the reasons why you started the lifestyle change in the first place and then sticking to that new change. Health should always be the forefront for many changes. Luckily, Delite Foods locally produces products that can counteract these lifestyle issues and make it easier for one to adapt without even realizing it. Dunderdale mentions, “In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to use products that are calorie controlled and/or are sugar-free. The World Health Organization recommends that we don’t consume more than 5-10 teaspoons of sugar/day (25-50g sugar). Why would someone consume products that are high in sugar when there are healthy, sugar-free alternatives that taste the same? I highly recommend using sugar free products. According to statistics published in 2016, the obesity rates in South Africa are increasing rapidly, with almost 70% of women and 40% of men either overweight or obese. Using sugar-free products decreases your daily calorie intake, which has a role to play in maintaining a healthy weight. Therefore, switching to sugar-free products will inevitably lower the rate of obesity. Whether you’re healthy, overweight or obese, you should be controlling your daily sugar intake and using sugar-free alternatives.”. Smart sips for the family With such knowledge and insight, where does one even start? We suggest starting with healthier drinks options. Let’s start with your daily intake of water and milk. We all know that we should be drinking about 8 glasses of water a day, yet for some of us – just the thought of a colourless and tasteless drink is quite unappealing to say the least. Kudos to those who have managed to enjoy drinking the recommended amount each day! Here are 6 smart tips to encourage the intake of healthier drink options for yourself and your kids to enjoy as recommended by Dunderdale: 1. Flavoured water (Add a 5g sachet of Delite Foods Tantalize Powdered Soft Drink to a litre of water/sparkling water). Flavoured water is almost certainly going to increase a child’s fluid consumption. 2. Add Tantalize Flavoured Syrup to milk to create a delicious flavoured milk drink. 3. Make ice flavoured ice lollies using Delite Foods products. (more useful during the summer months). 4. Keep them happy by using the Tantalize Milky Mix to make a glass of chocolate milk or warm cup of hot chocolate. 5. Keep everyone hydrated with flavoured ice tea by simply brewing some rooibos tea bags and a sachet of Tantalize Powdered Soft Drink together for the ultimate thirst-quencher. 6. Kids enjoy flavoured drinks, so keep a jug of water and a colourful cup on the dining room table at all times. Stay connected and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

August 31, 2020

The 5 C’s of allergy management amidst the Corona pandemic

Allergies, the common cold and other viral flu-like illnesses share many features that are also common to COVID-19. For example, coughing or shortness of breath is associated with many viral illnesses as well as asthma. A runny nose occurs in both allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and the common cold. However, high temperatures, muscle pains and fatigue, which are common to COVID-19 and influenza, do not form part of the presentation asthma or hayfever. Another important clue to remember is that seasonal allergies tend to wax and wane, whereas in a viral illness, such as flu or COVID-19, symptoms steadily worsen. Most common presenting symptoms Asthma Hayfever Common cold Influenza COVID-19 Shortness of breath Runny nose and sneezing Runny nose and sneezing High temperature High temperature Cough Itchy and watery eyes Sore throat Cough Cough Wheezing Post-nasal drip Fatigue Fatigue Coughing Headaches Shortness of breath Congestion Muscle pains Muscle pains Diarrhoea Sore throat Headache Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Control any underlying allergic conditions and continue chronic prescribed medication Asthma too, needs to be well under control during this period. Although research has shown that mild to moderate asthma does not put one into a higher COVID risk category, poorly controlled asthma may lead to certain COVID-related complications. For this reason, good asthma control to prevent asthma exacerbations is key. According to numerous international allergy societies, regular asthma medications required for asthma control such as inhaled glucocorticoids, and montelukasts should not be discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because allergic rhinitis (hayfever) presents with sneezing, a runny nose, post-nasal drip and associated itchy eyes, it may be easy to mistake these symptoms for COVID. For this reason, it is important to control allergies, perhaps even to take anti-histamine and nasal steroid medication ahead of allergy season to prevent mistaking COVID-19 for allergies. Further incentive to good allergy control during the COVID epidemic is that nasal and eye itchiness will present a challenge to mask-wearing and not touching ones’ face. In summary, as stated by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: “There is no data that continuing these allergy and asthma medications will have any effect on increasing your risk of getting the COVID-19 infection or if you get the infection, lead to a worse outcome. It is important to control your allergy and asthma symptoms’’. Caution needs to be exercised when using a nebuliser The use of nebulisers is not recommended during the COVID pandemic as they have been found to increase the risk of aerosol spread of the virus particles. Alternative options to nebulisers are asthma pumps, in young children with a spacer attached, to deliver bronchodilator medication. Consult your doctor if you have concerns If you or your child experiences any symptoms of chest tightness, difficulty breathing or wheezing, please consult your GP. Doctors are still seeing the ‘usual’ winter respiratory illnesses, and so any worrying symptoms should please be discussed with your healthcare provider. Should you develop symptoms suggestive of COVID, or have a positive COVID result, it is imperative that you make your doctor is aware so that the appropriate management steps can be taken. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask, observe social distancing and wash your hands At this stage, these simple measures are our most effective defence against COVID-19! Take care and stay safe!

August 31, 2020

Expert top tips for new mums on how to comfortably express milk for baby

The ability to express breast milk is invaluable in supporting and prolonging breastfeeding with today’s busy lifestyles. Of course breastfeeding is all your baby needs, but many moms need or choose to express their milk at times to give them more flexibility. In the very early days expressing can help new moms get over any early hurdles they may face as they establish breastfeeding, and then later on, mom’s breast milk can be given by bottle if she cannot be there for a feed. Many moms find expressing comes easily, whereas some need more practice to get started. Here are my tips for successful expressing: Practice makes perfect – or certainly improves how easily you can express! Try at the same time every day for a few days. After baby’s first feed of the day is a good time Stimulate the let-down reflex before you start to pump if the milk does not flow very easily. Do this by having a warm bath or shower or placing warm flannels over the breast and then gently massage the breast with the flat of the hand. Expressing from one side whilst feeding from the other is effective as the baby is doing the job of stimulating let-down for you! Having sterilized and assembled the pump, place the pump centrally on the breast. The design of the Philips AVENT Comfort manual breast pump (RSP R1000,55) means that you don’t have to lean forward and can sit in a more comfortable position. Begin to pump gently and increase the amount of suction as far as is comfortable If using a manual pump, depress the lever as far as is comfortable; hold for a second or two, release then repeat. Find a rhythm which feels natural – you are trying to mimic your baby suckling at the breast in order for your milk to begin to flow. The comfort petals on the Philips AVENT Comfort manual breast pump gently massage the breast during expressing to help milk flow. When your milk begins to flow, slow down the pumping rhythm a little to suit you Continue pumping until the milk flow ceases then swap to the other side. When flow on the second side ceases, return to the first It may be helpful to continue to gently massage the breast towards the nipple throughout, as this could help with let-down The reason why you are expressing will determine how long you carry on for and/or how much milk is expressed Successful expressing depends on various factors – being relaxed, comfortable and unhurried are very important. However do be aware that many moms express less from their breast than the baby would take at that time. Most babies feed more quickly and take more volume of milk than the same time spent pumping. Don’t be disheartened if you express less than you’d hoped. With practice you’ll find what works for you. Available at Baby City, Toys R Us, Baby Boom, Dis-Chem and Clicks as well as online at www.takelot.com, www.babiesrus.co.za, www.loot.co.za and www.babiesafrica.com.

August 31, 2020

Covid-19 is hurting children’s mental health – here’s how to help

If you’re worried about how your children will weather the Covid-19 storm, you’re not alone! e The pandemic and lockdown have changed children’s lives in many ways. Especially now with schools closing again – disrupted routines, uncertainty, and parental anxiety scan have an impact on children’s mental health. We spoke to counselling psychologist Reabetsoe Buys about the mental health effects she is seeing in kids, and tips for how you can protect their mental health now and in the future. The effects of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdown on children Children may not be able to handle, or be interested in too much detail. They may n develop a sense of fear around the virus – fear of getting sick, and in particular worry about how it might affect their parents and grandparents. The lockdown had left children more socially isolated and spending much more time at home with the family. “Almost overnight children had to stop going to school and visiting friends and relatives over the weekends. Not only is this very confusing for them, but it has given rise to feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability,” says Reabetsoe. These fears and uncertainties can affect children in different ways. Reabetsoe says you may have noticed: Increased anxiety, clinginess, and fear Emotional outbursts, anger, and irritability Changes in sleeping and eating habits Bodily complaints like stomach aches or headaches which seem to have no medical basis Regression, such as being afraid to be sleep in their own room Feelings of sadness and loneliness, as they miss school and friends Helping your kids cope “Fortunately, children are much more resilient than we think, so as a parent/guardian try not to panic when your child shows any changes in how they function during this time,” says Reabetsoe. Here are ways you can help your child cope: COVID-19 concerns and worry Find out what they already know. Then you’ll be able to fill in the gaps. But if they don’t seem interested or their questions are few, that’s also OK. Talk about COVID-19 openly and truthfully – make sure you provide factual information in a calm manner. Provide context. Inform them that children don’t get as sick as adults, who get symptoms similar to those of a cold or flu. Also explain that most people who get the virus do recover and do this reassuringly. Focus on the positives. Talk about the measures being taken to keep people safe and healthy, and that by washing their hands often, wearing masks, taking their vitamins, and getting enough sleep, they’ll stay healthy and strong – be a good role model and let them see you doing these protective activities often Regarding the lockdown Give them space to share their fears: allow your child to tell you what they’re thinking and feeling. Check in with them regularly and let them know they can always come to you for answers or talk about what scares them. Empathise and normalise their feelings. Reassure them that they are safe and taken care of – extra hugs and love can go a long way! Share age-appropriate information with them so that they understand the limitations (e.g. we cannot go out because we need to make sure we keep safe in our home). Routine, structure, and consistency create a sense of stability and security. Give them specific things to do to feel in control – get them involved in planning fun activities which the family can do together. Make time for fresh air and exercise. Do not stress over schoolwork if it becomes unmanageable at the moment, especially when children are young – it is already a stressful time! Set up video playdates so your child can be in touch with friends, cousins and other family members. Selfcare is of the essence Parents are experiencing their own stresses around health, safety, finances, family and the uncertain future. Children are sensitive to their parents’ feelings of stress and anxiety. Try to take care of yourself and manage your own stress and anxiety as best you can. Make time to connect with other adults and nurture those relationships and get help when you need it. Ask for a helping hand for your kids While we are still trying to navigate these trying times, it is just as important to keep an eye on changes which might indicate a significant impact on mental health and well-being. If symptoms persist or worsen, reach out for assistance or support. Many therapists are conducting virtual sessions for adults and children. Help is always near South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), (011) 234 4837 Lifeline SA: 086 132 2322. Anton Keet, Head of Risk Services at 1Life

August 28, 2020

University of Pretoria alumni innovate during times of crisis to bring a new online schooling platform to South Africa

The University of Pretoria (UP) has seen yet another EdTech start-up emerge into the South African market from its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Wingu Academy is a cloud-based platform offering educational support to homeschoolers, schools and tutor centres with an emphasis on quality, affordable education for the African continent. Wingu Academy boasts live classes and tutorials, 4IR aligned interactive online content and assistance with remote assessment. Wingu Academy has its head office on the University of Pretoria campus nestled in the TuksNovation accelerator program (UP’s high-tech business incubator and accelerator). Since the launch in May this year, Wingu Academy has seen rapid growth, with a vibrant community of schools, parents, tutor centres, students and tutors collaborating to bring a 4IR and social approach to learning. The growth has largely been organic, with word of mouth through digital channels delivering unprecedented interest. Interest has extended beyond South African borders to attract attention from neighbouring African countries including Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe, but has reached as far as Uganda, Rwanda, Angola, Malawi, Zambia and Kenya and even Asian and middle eastern markets with interest from Vietnam and Kuwait. Most families have sought an authentic, affordable and quality home-schooling solution. “We joined the Wingu family in June 2020. Being an academic and lecturer myself, I have high expectations of educational content, systems and facilitators or teachers.” Says Isabel, a lecturer at the University of Pretoria. “Our 11-year-old daughter has been homeschooled using the Cambridge curriculum for the past few years due to a health condition. We are truly impressed with the welcoming and supportive online community at Wingu. The exceptional online planform presents our children with the opportunity to engage with high tech education innovation with the personal touch of face to face teaching. The Wingu teaching methodology is in line with 21st-century teaching principles which will prepare our children with critical and independent thinking as well as tech skills for the 4th industrial revolution. The online platform is intuitive and interactive. It encourages children to take responsibility by preparing for lessons in a fun way using simulations and secret missions to solve problems. During face-to-face lessons, our children get the opportunity to engage with the content, a highly qualified facilitator and peers. Consolidation of new content is then done through homework activities and online quizzes. My daughter enjoys every moment at Wingu. Thank you for putting your passions into action and shaping our children’s future!” Says Isabel. The platform has been developed by UP alumni and post-graduate students from various backgrounds, teachers and in collaboration with researchers at the Wits School of Education. The focus of the platform is to deliver an international curriculum that is relevant globally. A truly blended approach is followed, with a focus on student-led learning, gamification, instant constructive feedback and alignment to the major international curriculums. The educational approach is at the forefront of the current state of the art. “Wingu Academy created a quality, safe and efficient learning environment online while maintaining social contact. We have been homeschooling for one and a half years now. Wingu’s system provides face to face contact between educator and child and classmates. In each subject, the student interacts with the educator to clarify content, discuss problems and direct learning. I am a first-time mom of a teenager. But the past month I saw her mood improving and saw her enjoying her schoolwork.” Says Dr. Philips, from the Nelson Mandela University in Port-Elizabeth. Learners enrol to experience a platform catering to their needs, with a wide variety of choices to support individual learning at home, or to supplement a program followed at a tutoring centre or school. Ages 5 – 19 are catered for on the platform, and adult learners have shown significant interest. The platform is well suited for full-time learners, global citizens that travel frequently, star athletes that need to focus on training but still want an internationally recognised education, and students that would like to obtain entrance to university degrees either locally or abroad. The qualifications catered for allow entrance into all major universities globally including Ivy-league and Oxbridge universities. The international external exams are written at examination centres closest to the candidate’s home and are examined by the major UK based examination bodies. Enrolments for the international programs are still open, with an academic program that allows students to catch-up any lost work. Candidates transition from other examinations bodies are welcome to apply. Enrolments for specially designed programs in response to the COVID-19 disruptions for the current year is still open. Enrolments to start in January 2021 has also opened. There is limited space, so reach out soon. For further information about Wingu Academy, visit their website at www.wingu-academy.com

August 28, 2020

Baby Moments Bath Products and Cuddle & Bubble Bath

Bath-time is always fun for babies, but ensuring their delicate skin is looked after is usually a parents concern. Chicco imports the finest selection of baby grooming products from Italy – all of which have been vigorously tested in the Chicco Observatory Lab in Como, Italy, by top doctors, paediatricians, dentists, psychologists and even parents. The Baby Moments bath range of products consists of 8 amazing products that are one of the top-selling baby bath products lines in Europe. Consisting of a wide variety of products from No-tears shampoo, Full body and hair wash, Body wash, Body lotion, Rich cream, Massage oil, Nappy cream and even an alcohol-free Perfumed Water, this luxurious line of products uses only the finest ingredients, ensuring that it remains completely hypoallergenic. Fully dermalogically-tested, the range uses natural products such as rich bran and almond oil for deep nourishment. Baby Moments is also one of very few commercially available bath lines that is not tested on animals. The Cuddle & Bubble free standing bath set is one of Chicco’s best-selling furniture units. A complete spa for your baby, the unit consists of 2 sized baths, with a changing tray, shelving for storage and a water pitcher. Adjustable to your height as the standing parent, the bath also easily folds away to blend well with apartment living. Cuddle & Bubble is available at Baby City stores, www.Takealot.com , www.Loot.co.za , www.babanino.com and www.thekidzone.co.za

August 27, 2020

Why exercise is important for good academic results

Previously, we have written about why a healthy, balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep is important for studying and concentration. We all know exercise is important for our general health, but what many of us may not know is that exercise has many benefits specifically in relation to our brain’s ability to perform optimally. Let’s have a look at some of these benefits: Exercise improves blood circulation and sleep When we exercise, our hearts work harder to pump more blood around our bodies because our muscles are working harder than when we rest, and they need more blood to support their hard work. Our blood carries oxygen, which all our cells and organs need to function and thrive, and the brain is no exception. Our brains need plenty of oxygen so we can think, plan, and concentrate properly. By increasing our blood flow, we also increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, which helps improve our ability to focus, study, and remember, which in turn improves academic performance. Exercise also improves our ability to fall and stay asleep, which is vital for optimal brain functioning. Because exercise physically tires us, we spend more time sleeping, and a better night’s rest means an improved ability to focus (and study!) the next day. Exercise alleviates stress Stress – when at the right levels – can improve our performance at work or school, but often too much stress has the opposite effect. If we are too stressed, the increased levels of cortisol (the “stress hormone”) in our blood actually interferes with our brain’s cognitive functioning. This results in poor concentration and memory, among other things. Exercise helps to combat this by lowering the levels of cortisol in our bodies. Exercising also releases endorphins, which are known as the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, and these also aid post-exercise relaxation. When our endorphin levels are high and our cortisol levels low, we are better able to focus and remember, which results in improved academic performance. Exercise increases neurotrophins Neurotrophins are a kind of protein that helps protect our neurons (nerve cells). There are over 85 billion neurons in our brain, so it’s important to support their development, health, and survival. Neurotrophins also assist will cell differentiation, which is the process of young nerve cells becoming specialised cells – the majority of cell differentiation happens early on in childhood. With increased exercise, we find an increase in the number of neurotrophins in children’s brains, and this means increased cell differentiation, development, and protection, which all lead to better cell functioning and ultimately, better cognitive functioning. Properly differentiated, developed, and protected brain cells mean improved concentration, mental processing, and memory, all of which are vital for academic success. How much exercise do children need? So, how much physical exercise do children need, and what kind? The World Health Organisation recommends that children between the ages of 5 and 17 should get a total of 60 minutes (1 hour) of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, which means short bouts of exercise performed over the day can be added up. Moderate activity means exercise like walking or riding a bike, where children can still talk while sweating more and breathing with a little more difficulty. Vigorous activities are those that cause us to sweat more and speak only a few words between breaths, like running or swimming for prolonged periods of time. It is recommended that children between the ages of 5 and 17 participate in vigorous activity specifically 3 times a week, as well as muscle and bone-strengthening exercise 3 times a week. Muscle and bone-strengthening exercises include running, jumping rope, and sports like tennis and hockey. Also read: Can homeschoolers take part in extracurricular activities? Encouraging children to participate in physical activity can be tough if your children aren’t athletically inclined, so be sure to give them the freedom to explore different kinds of exercise so that they can find one they enjoy! Once your child has found a sport or activity they like, encourage them to stick to it, and watch those grades improve! by Jacqui Smit

August 27, 2020

Blended Learning and why parents need to pay attention

What is blended learning? There is no single definition, but there is a general consensus that blended learning involves a combination of face-to-face (either onsite or online) with online experiences to produce effective, efficient and flexible learning. Blended learning does not mean online learning. Simply teaching online in a “virtual school” with a teacher presenting work does not mean you are effectively using a blended approach. Blended learning means using different techniques to assist in the learning process, combining classical teaching approaches with online experiences (such as visual aids including videos, infographics, interactive software, gamification etc.). The result is faster learning, a greater understanding of difficult and abstract concepts, and a more engaging, fun learning experience. Consider why blended learning is important before making your choice of a virtual school. Why blend? Improved lesson design Increased engagement Increased guidance and triggers Individualised learning support Social learning and critical thinking skills Increased focus 1: How does a blended approach improve lesson design? When designing a new blended course from a traditional one, it is important not to simply look at the course you want to teach and to arbitrarily decide which activities will from now on be online. Simply replicating onsite activities online (as many virtual schools do) will not yield good results. The resultant course will not measure up to the academic rigour, engagement and outcomes of a traditional onsite course. Here are the common pitfalls many virtual schools make: “Creating a class and a half”. Adding online activities to an existing traditional course online gives the students even more work to do, and will result in burn out. A blended approach needs to replace some aspects of the traditional course. Unfocused technology. Adding technology just for the sake of adding technology is not useful, and will create barriers to learning. The lessons must focus on the learning outcomes every step of the way. Misfit modes. Some onsite (in-person) activities will not be effective when forced online. Forcing it will result in missed opportunities. A blended course needs a redesign of the entire instructional approach. How do you avoid common pitfalls? First and foremost, a blended course must be learning-centred. Students and teachers must share the goals of the learning outcomes. They must work as a team to achieve the learning outcomes. A traditional approach of a teacher acting as custodian of information will not work. Teachers must be guided by a clear vision of a successful student as well as the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and abilities that the teacher must track and monitor. Teachers must focus on experiences that build knowledge, develop skills and form behaviour and attitudes. Adding activities and tasks without meaning should be avoided. Make sure the virtual school you are considering has a clear strategy for a blended approach, and are not simply replicating a traditional school experience online. 2: Increased engagement Engagement in a blended course is achieved in a meaningful way by including student-teacher, student-student and student-content engagement. Interactions increase rapidly online with students feeling more comfortable to approach the teacher, tutor or other students in group work using online meetings, emails or instant messaging. Content engagement is beyond simply reading a textbook or text-based materials and can be enriched by digital content (videos, animations, interactive simulations). Support in terms of one-on-one support or peer- support becomes quick and easy without the need for physical infrastructure. Ensure that the virtual school you are choosing does not rely on traditional textbook focussed teaching. Simply reading from a textbook online will instantly remind you of the days you sat in a classroom with your least favourite teacher. 3: Increased guidance and triggers There are a larger variety, increased frequency and a more focused manner of assessments. Teachers no longer need to do a few classes before being able to assess progress. Polls, quizzes, and interactive activities provide the opportunity for quick assessment with effective feedback. These assessments can be used as guidance and triggers to assist students in self-assessing what they need to focus on. Assessments can also focus on real-world and authentic problems in a much more accessible way online than onsite. Quickly showing something in a laboratory setting, an industrial plant or office park becomes easy with online video content for example. The best use of blended assessments involves those that provide instant and effective feedback. This enriches the students learning process and makes identifying misconceptions easy. Make sure that your virtual school has a handle of the students. Some schools have over 100 students in a class, some even up to 500 students. Make sure that you have a teacher-student ratio of 1 – 20 in the classroom. The ratio can be improved by the use of tutors, and avoid schools that make empty promises. You need a teaching team to handle classes with many students effectively. 4: Individualised learning support Since teachers often have access to detailed analytics on the class or the individual students, it becomes easy to identify who needs assistance and with which sections of the work. Learning activities that can assist in individual needs can then be incorporated and additional support from teachers and tutors becomes targeted. The virtual school must be able to tell you your student’s progress at a click of a button. Avoid schools that can’t – they are not focussing on individual needs. 5: Social learning and critical thinking skills Social learning or community-driven learning often focuses on higher-level cognitive skills – in short, “critical thinking”. They emphasise social aspects of being human, expose students to different perspectives, allow deep reflection and increase participation. A blended environment provides a flexible way for students to participate (less time and place constraints) while having to carefully consider and search for evidence to substantiate claims, thoughts or ideas.Social interaction is needed. Make sure that students don’t feel isolated in your choice of school. 6: Increased focus Students are not limited by place and time, and time gets freed up by not moving so frequently to

August 26, 2020

Should you test your child’s DNA?

To test or not to test… In countries like Norway and Finland, it is standard practice to test every new born baby for various genetic disorders. Conditions like Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anaemia, Duchenne Muscular dystrophy, Tay-Sachs Disease, Phenylketonuria, and Thalassemia which are caused by a single gene mutation and respond well to early treatment which can prevent potentially serious complications or permanent disability. In other countries, for example Kuwait, compulsory DNA testing was over-ruled after being challenged in court, in favour of protecting the right to personal liberty and privacy. However, few diseases are the result of a single genetic mutation. Instead, multiple genes interact with each other and with environmental factors to influence the child’s risk of illness and the severity of any given disease or condition. This means that it is possible to make changes to the child’s diet and conditions to influence whether or not these conditions will manifest. Every parent at some stage worries about whether they have passed on a hereditary disease to their child, and the truth is that their susceptibility to those conditions is indicated in many of today’s DNA tests. Nonetheless, this information is not necessarily doom and gloom. The focus of precision medicine, which includes DNA testing is to use this information to avoid these conditions setting in. Prevention is more effective once one knows the risks. “Genetic tests can help parents to make informed lifestyle choices for infants and young children. For example, these tests can help identify the likely cause of digestive issues, to avoid further symptoms and promote healthy digestion” says Dr Christa North, nutrigenomics specialist at Genway. What lifestyle DNA testing will enable you to know about your child The risk of nutritional deficiencies can be identified in DNA test results. This way you can work out exactly which nutritional supplements should be given to the child. The Geneway Genediet test explains which food types are best suited to his / her system and which should be avoided DNA tests explain a child’s circadian rhythm and give insights regarding their optimal sleep times and needs. The Geneway Genesport test explains whether one’s body is better positioned for anaerobic (power/ strength) or aerobic (endurance) sports, as well as how well their body will respond to exercise. This explains their sport potential and will help guide you on how to manage this aspect of their development. New DNA tests identify the strengths and weaknesses of each person’s immune system and give indications of how these can be addressed for optimal health The onset of Diabetes in children has increased tremendously in the past decade. Testing the child’s DNA helps explain his / her predisposition for this condition so that parents can structure their diet accordingly, and know the signs to look out for. The details are in the DNA Here are a few of the genes that are tested by South African DNA testing company Geneway and what they indicate: MTHFR – Switching genes on / of. Sometimes your child’s focus is great, other days s/he has major anxiety, complains about headaches or is simply just grumpy. Even autism is a possibility….. COMT – “laid-back or tense?” The gene that determines whether your child is cheerful and focused or quickly irritated, impatient, has a high pain sensitivity and sleep is a challenge DAO – “sensitivity to certain foods” You know your child is allergic to ‘something’ or sometimes you feel like he / she is allergic to ‘everything’, but cannot figure out what? GSTs – “Detox issues” Chemicals and smells make your child feel sick and they probably will develop grey hair early. In addition, they are more vulnerable to DNA damage. MAO-A – mood swings & carb cravings This gene helps govern the levels of dopamine and serotonin, brain chemicals that affect mood, aggression, productivity, vulnerability to addictions, self-confidence, sleep and carb cravings! NOS3 – heart issues Are heart problems on the way? Cold hands and feet can indicate that blood flow and blood vessel formation are affected. PEMT – liver and brain issues No! Your child is not made to be a vegetarian! In addition, gallbladder problems and muscle pain are common. APOE – want to play rugby? The ApoE gene promotes repair and growth in brain cells after traumatic injuries such as concussions. Contact sports are not a good idea HFE – “iron man” Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, however, the opposite, an iron overload, can have far more devastating consequences. Too much iron in the body causes liver disease, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain and has an effect on normal puberty development. F2 & F5 – blood clotting issues Blood clotting disorders, heart disease and strokes. Diseases that start young but are often only diagnosed when too late To test or not to test The information obtained in DNA tests can be used to dramatically improve a child’s quality of life if this is accompanied by proper medical interpretation and thorough recommendations. You as a parent will be in a position to make more informed choices regarding their health, wellness, sport and diet if you are equipped with detailed information. What is important is to ensure that a qualified healthcare provider interprets and presents the results to you. DNA reports are highly detailed, and while some international companies do offer a test and report (without consultation) a professional consultation is highly recommended to ensure that both you the parents and your child gets the full benefit of the test. More information is available at https://www.geneway.co.za/ or call (012) 346 2469

August 25, 2020

Grade 9’s: let the 3 P’s guide you when choosing your subjects

Choosing the subjects they will sit for during the National Senior Certificate exam three years from now is an important and challenging task facing Grade Nines at the moment, because this combination of subjects will influence their choices down the line, and impact on performance and motivation over the next three years and beyond. Therefore Grade Nines should, with the help of their parents, guardians, teachers and outside experts, give careful consideration to the factors at play before settling on their final subject combination, an education expert says. “Trying to cover all your bases taking into account all eventualities can become quite confusing, particularly if you don’t yet know what you want to do after school, so we advise Grade Nines to consider the holistic 3-P approach when weighing the pros and cons of various subject combinations,” says Dr Gillian Mooney, Dean: Academic Development and Support at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. She says Grade Nines are required to select at least seven subjects on which they will be tested in Matric, four of which are compulsory: Home Language, Second Language, Maths or Maths Literacy, and Life Orientation. The balance then, are elective subjects, and should be chosen after careful consideration. “When considering your options for this balance of subjects, you should take into account your Passion, your Performance, as well as the Potential options available to you in future,” she says. PASSION Dr Mooney says one of the benefits of the current situation, where much work is done independently at home by learners and therefore without peers or teachers influencing perceptions, is that learners will be able to get a better idea of which subjects they are passionate about. “If you find yourself drawn to a particular subject, or that you have a natural feel for it, that’s a definite sign that you should consider it as part of your subject choice bundle. Of course it may be that you are good at something but have no idea how that can translate into a possible career down the line. “In that case, it would be a great idea to approach career centres and student counsellors – online for now of course – at higher education institutions, and discuss with them potential fields in which this subject may play a role. That will have the double benefit of revealing careers you may not have been aware of, as well as providing a boost of motivation to commit to doing even better because now you know where your passion might take you in future.” POTENTIAL Even if you already have an idea of what you want to study after school, you should still leave as many doors as possible open to allow for a change of heart later, and that is where so-called ‘gateway’ subjects enter the picture. “Certain subjects such as Maths and Science allow you to keep your options open, as many areas of further study require them. If you are one of the many who struggle with precisely these subjects, it may be worth keeping only one of them so that you can focus your efforts,” says Mooney. “The aim is to ensure that your choice positions you well to pursue as wide a range of qualifications as possible, that will allow you to demonstrate a well-rounded foundation when you leave school.” Mooney adds that learners struggling with a particular subject now because of the changed circumstances of lockdown should not just give up and walk away from it. “Things may be harder now, but it is worth persevering and getting additional help if necessary,” she says. PERFORMANCE It is important to also include subjects that will boost your Matric aggregate, Dr Mooney says. “Because of the greater academic demands at higher education level, and the limited space at public universities and private higher education institutions, admission to higher education is performance-based – meaning simply that those with better marks stand a better chance of landing a space. “So it makes sense to choose one or two subjects which will boost your aggregate and improve your chances of being accepted into the higher education institution and qualification of your choice,” she says. Mooney says although our current environment is challenging due to Covid-19 and the resultant lockdowns, Grade Nines should still look to the future and focus on what they can do now to broaden their options in future. “We don’t know what the future will look like, not in the short term nor the long term. Yes, we are facing unprecedented challenges, but with that, we will also be facing new opportunities and different ways of doing in future. Where in the past the road after school was pretty standard for many, who opted to pursue historically prestigious degrees without giving it much thought, the world of work has been changing and will change dramatically. “So be sure you are aware of emerging careers, and that you position yourself in such a way that you’ll be prepared for the workplace of the future, not the workplace of the past.

August 25, 2020

Child’s play!

After five months of lockdown it’s time for your kids to play and it’s perfect timing for Playstation by Rush to open its 600m2 interactive, indoor playpark for children aged 2 to 13. It’s a safe space where ‘kids can be kids’ and parents can take some much needed time out! Playstation is designed to provide multisensory experiences as your children play and have fun. It is proudly tech-free and encourages active play which is critical for developmental skills, including visual and tactile stimulation, agility, balance, hand-eye coordination, upper and lower body strength and cognitive thinking through problem solving. Play is so important for young children, it not only teaches them social skills but also promotes physical activity – a key factor in getting them moving and away from computer screens, tablets and sitting at desks. Research indicates that one of the benefits of indoor play is it encourages creativity and critical thinking and of course is not weather dependant. ‘The aim of our playpark is to let kids just have a fun time, especially after the long lockdown and limited activity,’ explains Damon Walmsley, general manager and father of two toddlers. ‘We want the venue to be old school cool. To mimic the fun and adventure of when we were young, when we spent hours climbing and exploring – adapted to a safe indoor environment. ‘As an added bonus, we have highly trained staff who will look after the kids while they are playing. This means parents can take a breather, catch up on work or sit in the restaurant and have a meal with a bird’s eye view of their children.’ Some of the activities on offer at Playstation include an adventure maze with swing bridges and hidden areas to explore, a 4 metre rock climbing wall that will test their strength and coordination as they reach for the high line course above, 6 metre high slides, a 40 metre bike pump track and the little kid’s city where they play at being what they want to be. There are two private rooms that can be hired for birthday parties for between 10 and 20 children. There is an option for fully catered or bring your own. The halaal-friendly, 50-seater restaurant offers a set menu plus daily specials. This area has wide screen TVs and free wifi. ‘Due to the current Government Covid-19 Level 2 rules, we do need to limit access and the number of children playing, so booking is essential,’ says Walmsley. He also explains that strict protocols are in place to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff. This includes the taking of temperatures, sanitising and a daily deep clean of the playpark. Pricing varies for peak and off peak visits and are charged per hour of play. Monthly and annual memberships are available and there are discounts offered if a family has a meal in the restaurant. You’ll find Playstation by Rush at 10 Honeywell Road, Kirstenhof – turn at the Spotty Dog landmark. The playpark is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 9pm Thursday to Saturday and from 9am to 6pm on Sundays. Playstation by Rush is brought to you by the team who successfully manage the Rush Indoor Trampoline Parks. For more information go to: www.playstation.rushsa.co.za

August 24, 2020

Ensure your little one’s hair health during winter with Childs Farm

Childs Farm has no apostrophe; it’s named after the founder’s farm. All Childs Farm products are subject to clinical safety testing and independent user testing; full details available upon request. Who is Childs Farm? Launched in 2011 by Mum of two Joanna Jensen, Childs Farm is the second largest baby & child toiletries brand in the UK. Childs Farm products uses naturally derived ingredients and essential oils to produce a range of mild, kind and delicious smelling toiletries that cares for the hair and skin of newborns and upwards. None of the products contains parabens, SLSs, mineral oils or artificial colours. Childs Farm is a member of the Vegan Society, and all Childs Farm products are suitable for vegans, with the exception of the hair conditioner and detangler, which both contain honey. Childs Farm has been awarded the Leaping Bunny certification which confirms that none of the ingredients or finished products are tested on animals. Dermatologist and paediatrician approved, all Childs Farm products are put through extensive clinical tests and user trials to make sure everyone can use them – even those with sensitive skin and is also safe for people who may be prone to eczema.

August 21, 2020

Regular household maintenance helps prevent expensive repairs

The ban on social get-togethers, family events, cancelled holiday plans and being stuck at home have contributed to the lockdown blues. For homeowners, constantly noticing things that need fixing or repairing hasn’t helped. Winter’s arrival has probably made things worse as draughty windows and doors let in icy wind, downpours find gaps in leaky roofs or blocked gutters collapse. Add load shedding and there are blown bulbs, transformers on downlighters and damaged appliances to deal with. For DIY enthusiasts with some time on their hands it’s been the perfect opportunity to get stuck in. For those who aren’t as adept, it’s a chance to get a handyman in while they’re at home to supervise. The irony is that while lockdown could be a brilliant time to get some much-needed home maintenance done, financial uncertainty may prevent people tackling their to-do lists. Widespread retrenchments, salary sacrifices, bonuses or commissions not being paid, and businesses closed or just ticking over have understandably made people wary about spending money. Shawn Hogan, a carpenter and project manager with nearly 30 years’ experience says although money may be tight, ignoring small but essential home maintenance tasks can lead to much bigger expenses later. “It’s important to distinguish between maintenance and improvements,” he says. “By regularly maintaining woodwork, roofs, gutters and paintwork you can avoid bigger, more expensive problems later, such as rotten wooden doors and windows needing replaced or ceilings collapsing because of a leaking roof. Improvements, such as adding an office or renovating a kitchen or bathroom can wait until you’re able to afford these.” Shafeeqah Isaacs, head of consumer education at financial services provider, DirectAxis, says that it’s wise to try and keep up basic home maintenance. “Spending a bit to deal with small issues before they become big problems is sensible.” DirectAxis’ five expert tips for staying on top of home maintenance without breaking the budget are: Differentiate between necessary and nice to have. If money is tight, limit your to-do list to things that will cost you more if not attended to. “Sometimes simple, relatively affordable tasks can save you a lot in the long run. For example, getting a dead tree felled before a storm blows it over onto your house,” says Hogan. Other jobs such as re-carpeting a bedroom can wait until you’ve got the money. Prioritise, then do a bit at a time. Some tasks are more urgent than others. While sanding down and repainting woodwork will prevent it rotting and save you from having to pay more later to repair or replace it, it’s not potentially as urgent as finding the source of a drip or reason for a damp spot on the ceiling. Leaks, whether from a hole in the roof or a plumbing problem, don’t go away and can get worse fast. Besides having to pay for water spurting from a pipe, leaks can cause a lot of damage to paint, carpets, woodwork and even the structure of your house. Prioritise your tasks, beginning with the most urgent and ending with those that can wait until you have more time and money to deal with them. Find out if you’re covered before committing. You may have insurance cover for some household repairs, but not have realised it. If you have a mortgage bond the banks require that you have insurance to cover potential damage to the house. That’s why, before paying to get a leaking hot-water geyser repaired, it’s worth checking whether this is covered. Do your homework and build a budget. If you dabble in DIY but aren’t an expert, do some research before you get started. There are plenty of how-to videos online. If you have friends or acquaintances who are better at DIY ask them how to go about things and which products to use. Speak to the experts in hardware shops and get their advice. It’s effort worth making before you buy a whole load of expensive supplies that you later find you don’t need or aren’t appropriate for the job. Once you have a list of what you need, shop around. A simple internet search should enable you to work out how much the hardware and equipment you’ll need will cost. You can then draw up a budget to make sure you can afford to start and finish the job. If you’re less skilled and would prefer to get a handyman in, follow the same approach. Ask friends or family who they’d recommend, check online or on social media to see if there are any references or complaints about the people they recommend. Once you’ve made a shortlist get a few quotes. Bear in mind that cheapest is not always best. The way the handymen on your shortlist go about assessing the job and compiling a detailed quote will provide an indication of who is most professional. Stick to your skillset. Nobody can be good at everything and even competent DIYers should be cautious about venturing outside of their areas of expertise. This is doubly true for people who don’t have much experience. We’ve all seen YouTube videos of people who thought cutting down the dead tree in the backyard would be the easiest thing in the world, only to have it fall on the house. If you’re not sure that you have the ability, know-how, confidence or the right tools to do the job properly and safely, rather call an expert. It could save you lots of frustration, money and more importantly risk of injury or worse. For more information about home maintenance visit: https://www.directaxis.co.za/make-a-plan/prioritise-home-maintenance

August 21, 2020

How to help your child concentrate while studying

The coronavirus and the national lockdown have certainly created new circumstances for all of us and, as parents, one of the most common cries we yell out when confronted with assisting our child with not only homework, but also schoolwork, is “help!”. Our children are suddenly in a new situation where their home is now their school and their teacher is often their parent or another caregiver. One of the important things that helps children manage schoolwork is the very structure of school itself. It is not their home and, by definition, it is a place of learning with structures in place and direct, instructional teaching. Home is home, which means it’s where our kids often get to relax and unwind and play, even if it is after doing homework. Suddenly, they are confronted with a double challenge – home and school are the same thing, and this is difficult to navigate. So, how can we, as parents, help our children concentrate on their studies? The study space Firstly, we need to make sure that they have a study area that is quiet, that the door to the study area can be closed, and that the actual desk/table that they are working on is clutter-free with only the necessary stationery and books in place. It is beneficial if the room is light and well-ventilated with lots of fresh air circulating, as this helps the child to concentrate and stay focused for longer periods. If your child has a phone, they need to put it away as cellphones are a huge source of distraction and many of our children are working using technology already. Ensure that any technology that needs to be used to assist with studies, like laptops and tablets, have only the necessary material downloaded and that no games or internet browsers are open. Also read: parents here’s how screen time can work in your favour Let your child choose their study area and let them set it up in a way that works best for them. Naturally, this depends on the age of the child – only older children should be given more freedom as they know what is conducive to their own concentration, and what is not. However, if they get to choose, they are more likely to be cooperative. For more tips on how to create a good study space, read: tips for studying from home during lockdown. Study time structure Some children are able to study independently but if your child struggles to concentrate, then either the parent, a tutor or another caregiver can assist by structuring study sessions for the child. Let the child choose which subject they would like to begin with so that they feel more motivated. Having the “teacher” offer different types of input is very helpful for the learner. Sometimes input is just about being there because the learner feels more supported when there is another presence, sometimes it’s about giving words of encouragement or an explanation, and other times it’s about more concentrated input. This last point is seen more often in children with learning or concentration problems. If your child does have difficulties with concentrating and studying, try these ideas: Break the work down into chunks so that it becomes more manageable. We can “chunk work” according to time periods or goals, e.g., ”Let’s do this maths for 10 more minutes and then we can take a short break” or ”Complete 5 maths sums and then we can take a break”. A break is a wonderful reward for the child and improves their motivation because they know there is something to look forward to, which enhances concentration. Letting them take a break to stand up from their work, doing some deep breathing, stretching, or doing a little bit of exercise are all great ways to enhance concentration. This is because all of these activities increase our oxygen intake, and the more oxygen we have in our blood, the better our organs can function – including the brain! It’s a good idea to vary study techniques so that studying is not always about sitting at a desk. Working outside in fresh air for a change, letting the child move around while doing work that doesn’t require writing (such as spelling words, mental maths, etc.) as well as changing the method of learning are all great ways to enhance studying and concentration. For instance, letting your child teach you the work by using a white board can be fun, having your child use a computer to Google a concept that they don’t understand to make it more visual and real for them, writing sums on the driveway using chalk, or writing on the windows using window markers are all wonderful, creative ways of enhancing studying and concentration. For more tips on how to structure study time and make studying fun, read: studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips (part 2) Learning styles Watch your child and see how they absorb information. We all have different learning styles and when we learn in those ways, information is far better understood and absorbed. There are four main learning styles – visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and reading/writing (there is often overlap between them especially the visual and auditory ones and many learners thrive by making us of all four learning styles). Visual learners like to see the information they are learning. They often like to highlight words in different colours so important facts can stand out, and they like to use charts, diagrams, videos or mind maps to understand the work in more depth. Auditory learners learn best through hearing the work, so reading the work aloud in an expressive voice, making up songs or rhymes based on the material, and even recording the work and listening to the recording later are all helpful ways of learning in an auditory fashion. Kinaesthetic learners like to engage with the work physically – these are the children who want to conduct the

August 21, 2020

Make Breastfeeding Easier with Philips AVENT’s Breast Care Accessories

With Breastfeeding Week taking place during 1-7 August, Philips AVENT is sharing their top breastfeeding accessories designed to support you through every step of your breastfeeding journey. Whether you want to develop your milk supply, take care of your breasts, or simply fit more into your day, Philips AVENT breast care accessories make breastfeeding easier. Give your breasts excellent care You might experience a few bumps in the road in the early days. Having the right tools to soothe and protect your breasts makes it easier to stay comfortable and continue breastfeeding. Philips AVENT Nipple Shields – helping you to breastfeed for longer Philips AVENT nipple shields (RSP R183, 60) made of ultra-fine, soft, odourless, taste-free silicone protects sore or cracked nipples during breastfeeding. It provides an easy latch on for your baby and is shaped to allow skin contact with baby. Philips AVENT Niplette – a simple, effective solution for inverted nipples Inverted or non-protractile nipples affect up to 10% of women, causing psychological distress and making breast feeding difficult for mother and baby. The suckling action of the baby should draw out the nipple. If not, the Niplette (RSP R1678, 38) is a simple, comfortable solution that can help. The device makes it possible for women with flat or inverted nipples to comfortably breastfeed without the need for invasive surgery. It consists of a transparent nipple mould with a sealing flange, attached to a valve and a syringe port. Philips AVENT Washable Breast Pads – Cotton Lace- comfort with confidence Developed with breastfeeding expert, Vicky Scott, Philips AVENT Washable Breast Pads (RSP R298, 59) have a brushed cotton lining which is soft and gentle and features an absorbent layer which draws moisture away from the skin behind a leak-proof liner. The breast pads have a contoured shape that allows you to discretely wear them under your clothing with adhesive tape to keep the breasts in place. The pads are individually wrapped for extra hygiene. Philips AVENT Comfort Breast Shell Set – Comfort and protection The ultra-soft Philips AVENT breast shells (RSP R384, 71) are worn inside your bra to protect your nipples from chafing and to collect excess breast milk when feeding or using a breast pump. Ventilated shells- protect sore or cracked nipples and help them heal more quickly. Their gentle pressure helps relieve engorgement and the holes allow air to circulate. They come with ultrasoft silicone backing cushions. Find more flexibility Whether you’re going back to work, or just want to fit a little extra into your day, there are easy ways to keep giving your baby the benefits of breast milk when you can’t be there. Philips AVENT Breast milk storage cups – store breast milk securely Express, transport, store and feed your breast milk efficiently, with Philips AVENT storage cups (RSP R445, 88). Sterilise and reuse the storage cups with the Philips AVENT pump or teats—one system, many options! Stackable cups and lids make for an organised fridge and freezer. Write-on cups and lids to track easy dates & contents. The breast milk storage cups are BPA free and easy to clean. Philips AVENT Breastmilk Storage Bags – Ultimate protection for your breastmilk Philips AVENT breastmilk storage bags (RSP R213, 44) made out of BPA free material provide safe and secure storage for your precious breastmilk. They can be stored in the fridge or freezer and are pre-sterilized for immediate use. The wide opening allows for easy filling and pouring whilst the sturdy design of the bag enables it to be self-standing. Bags can be laid flat for easy storage too. Available at Baby City, Toys R Us, Baby Boom, Dis-Chem and Clicks as well as online at www.takelot.com, www.babiesrus.co.za and www.babiesafrica.com.

August 21, 2020

Skill up during lockdown: Life skills to teach your kids

What are the things you wish you knew when you were at university or when you moved into your first apartment? There are certain life skills that every person needs to become well-functioning, independent human beings. Luckily, these can easily be woven into your day-to-day routine, meaning that now is the perfect time to help your kids develop these skills. Budgeting Budgeting may not be the most exciting topic, but it is never too early for kids to learn to be financially responsible and, considering the current economic climate, there has never been a better time to talk to them about the importance of budgeting and money management. Tip: If you only teach your kids one financial rule, it should be the power of compound interest. They will thank you for it later. Cooking Having the ability to cook from scratch is essential. Also, bonding over food is an activity the whole family can enjoy together. Cooking has several benefits – it allows kids to put effort into a tangible goal and see it through. It shows them how to follow a set of instructions in the right order, and it teaches them things like patience as they must finish each stage before moving on to the next. Tip: If your kids are older, teach them about meal planning. Encourage them to help you plan family meals by checking the fridge and cupboards to see what’s there and what you need. Then let them make a shopping list that fits your budget. Also read: Do’s and Don’ts for Making Healthy Food Choices During the Lockdown Dishes Even relatively young children can help with loading the dishwasher or washing up by hand. Depending on your child’s age, supervision is essential to ensure sharp or breakable objects are handled carefully and correctly. Tip: You can start by teaching younger kids through play, e.g. they could wash and dry a plastic tea set. DIY If you are tackling your DIY to-do list while ‘stuck’ at home, why not involve your kids. Knowing how to do basic repairs around the house will not only foster independence but may save them money later on. Start by teaching them how to handle and safely use various tools. Fire How to make a decent fire for a braai is an excellent skill to have, especially in a country where braaing is considered a national pastime. First aid Teaching your kids basic first aid is a great way of empowering them and may even enable them to help others in an emergency. While you are at it, add some general lessons on the importance of good health and hygiene. Tip: Let your child help you stock your first aid kit. As you add items, ask if they know what each one is for and if they know how to use it. Gardening Whether you have a large backyard or a few pots on a balcony, gardening is an engaging and satisfying activity for kids. Younger kids can plant seeds and be responsible for watering them regularly, while older kids can get involved in weeding and mowing. Laundry Another vital skill! Show your kids how to use the washing machine, how to select the correct programme and how to measure the right amount of detergent. They can also help by hanging laundry out to dry, folding their own clothes and putting it away, and even learning how to iron. Pets For many children, owning a pet is their first experience of caring for something. Use this time to teach your kids to take responsibility for pets by feeding them, taking the dog for a walk, cleaning small animal cages, etc. Sewing Sewing is quickly becoming a lost art. But luckily, most kids love the hands-on nature of needlework. You don’t need an expensive sewing machine to teach this skill; you can start by teaching your kids the basics such as sewing a button and mending small tears. Vehicle maintenance After a few demonstrations of how to change a tyre, allow your kids to try it themselves. Even if they are too young to properly secure the tyre at this stage, merely knowing how to change a tyre is essential. Also, show them how to check the water and oil and, while you are at it, tell them what the warning lights inside the car mean. Wrapping a gift You don’t have to wait for someone’s birthday, simply provide paper and tape and encourage your kids to wrap household objects of different shapes and sizes. Tip: This is also a great creative activity. Let your kids design their own wrapping paper using coloured pens and stickers or cut up old cards to make gift tags. Bonus life lesson – reuse and recycle. Teaching your kids these life skills – which, as adults, we take for granted – is essential. These life skills not only equip kids with the tools to become independent and responsible human beings, but they also boost kids’ confidence and knowledge. PS: If you find that you do not have any of these skills, you too can use this time to learn. YouTube is a fantastic resource. By Danielle Barfoot

August 20, 2020

9 top tips to increase your breast milk supply

If you need to increase your milk supply due your baby being hospitalised, try these 9 tips below. Having a baby during this pandemic is very stressful and even more complicated when your baby is hospitalised in Neonatal ICU (NICU). Some mothers of premature babies are reporting that they have less time (in some cases only 1 hour per day) to spend with their little one. This affects their ability to bond and their breast milk supply. Many hospitals are not allowing Kangaroo Care, which is know to help with bonding and increasing milk supply. The wearing of masks, gloves and aprons can create an additional barrier to bonding. My Breastpump has compiled a list of tips that can assist you in increasing your milk supply as well as bonding better with your baby. Here are some tips to help you bond better with your baby and help you to increase your milk supply while expressing; Rent a hospital grade breast pumpand express at least 8 times in 24 hours. Your body needs to know that there is a baby who needs breastmilk. Therefore, you need to pump as often as you would be feeding your baby directly. If you are not able to rent a hospital grade breast pump, try to get a double electric breast pump. The double electric breast pumps help you to save time by expressing both breast at the same time. They have also been found to increase your milk supply because both breasts are stimulated at the same time. Use heat and massage to help to “wake up” your breast. The warmth and massage help with your letdown and start your milk to flow. A great way to do this is to use a small baby’s bottle with warm water. Pour water into the bottle so that the temperature is hot but comfortable, make sure that the lid is closed tightly. Roll the bottle from the base of your breast to the nipple, use some pressure but make sure that this is a comfortable movement. Massage all the way around your breast. You can also use your hand, fist or finger to gently massage your breasts. After a few minutes you can start using your pump. If you are very new to pumping you might want to repeat the heat and massage during your expressing. Have a picture or video of your baby. Being able to see and think about your baby really helps to boost your milk product. If your baby is hospitalised and you are not able to hold or sit next to your baby, looking at a video or hearing your baby is another way that you can focus your attention on your child and making breast milk. By watching your baby you are able to remove all other thoughts and worries. Practice hands on pumping. Hands on pumping is done while or just after you have used your electric breast pump. You also massage the breast and squeeze it gently to help move the milk out of the breast. This helps to remove more milk and also the milk with the higher fat content which is great for your babies weight gain. Practice kangaroo care as soon as possible. You may need to wait until you are home or just before you leave the hospital before you can do kangaroo care, but as soon as you are able do as much as possible. Kangaroo are is when you have your baby in nothing but a nappy and they are lying directly on your chest. There they are comfortable, can hear your heartbeat and breathing and are kept the perfect temperature. This is so important for bonding and your baby and knows you from when he was in the womb and you are able to smell see and hear your baby. Not only is kangaroo care good for bonding it is also very good at increasing you milk supply. Get a bonding heart or two. Bonding hearts are made from fabric. They help your baby to smell you when you leave the hospital. How it works is that you wash and iron the heart and place in a clean ziplock bag. Once you are inside the NICU you place it on your chest. The heart will absorbed your smell. Just before you leave, you place the bonding heart inside your baby’s cot. Your baby will then smell you instead of the hospital disinfectants. It is a lovely way of leaving some of your love with your baby. Ask the hospital for breastmilk storage containers. Most hospital will have disposable breast milk storage bottle that you can take home and sterilise to bring back to the hospital. Make sure that you label your milk with your baby’s name and date. Find a support group. You will need extra support during this time and it is best to be able to talk to other mothers are also NICU moms be it current or past. They will be able to listen to you and help you understanding what the doctors are saying. Manage your expectations. As the saying goes “Rome was not built in a day” and the same is with breast feeding. For the first few days your baby only needs a few mls of breast milk and this slowly increases. You should find that your milk supply will be ahead of your baby’s needs. If using a hospital grade breast pump, following the tips above and express 8 or more times a day. You should expect your milk to reach about 500ml between day 5 and 7. This will help to get your milk supply to its full potential within the next few weeks. Expressing full time is a lot of work and it does take time, but it can also be so rewarding. Once your baby is strong enough to latch directly you will have a strong milk supply which can make your breast-feeding journey so much easier. Please let us know

August 20, 2020

Online high school brings international education to SA

Global EdTech company Crimson Education has launched their private online high school, the Crimson Global Academy (CGA), in South Africa. By providing internationally recognised, academically rigorous qualifications, including the International IGCSE and A-Levels, the school aims to give ambitious local students the opportunity to achieve their full potential. “Whether a student is looking to improve their chances of being accepted at an international university or seeking a more flexible curriculum that allows them to simultaneously pursue other passions – CGA is open to students across the board. Students can enrol full-time and complete their entire high school qualification online, or they can enrol part-time, to supplement their education with internationally recognised A-levels, while attending another school,” says Rebecca Pretorius, Country Manager for Crimson Education South Africa. CGA, which launched in Australasia earlier this year, is now enrolling South African students for the new academic term starting in September 2020. They will join a network of learners from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Europe and Russia. Students are enrolled in classes based on their academic ability, regardless of age, location, or commitments, allowing them to learn at a time and pace that suits them. “There is a common misconception that studying online can make students feel isolated. With CGA, the opposite is true. Students become part of a globally connected school community that facilitates the sharing of knowledge in a way that isn’t possible through traditional schooling,” says Pretorius. “At the same time, the rigorous curriculum and university-style approach to learning sets students up for success when it comes to university applications in South Africa and abroad.” Leveraging technology to provide a blend of self-driven and guided learning, CGA students are supported by teachers with an average of over 20 years’ experience, who deliver live online classes in real-time. “This is supplemented by chat rooms and multiple apps, which help learners to stay in touch with their teachers and fellow students. Feedback can be given instantly so progress is immediate. It’s a highly interactive way of learning,” says Pretorius. CGA also offers passion-specific extracurricular opportunities, mentorship programmes with graduates from world leading universities and school social events that will involve traditional leadership positions, house camaraderie and school celebrations. “With Covid-19 causing so much uncertainty, shifting to online learning gives students and parents the security of knowing that learning can continue uninterrupted, from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Beyond Covid-19, it also enables highly academic and motivated students to take on more challenging subjects that may not be offered at their brick and mortar schools,” says Pretorius. Tuition fees start at R26 000 per subject. South African students can study English Literature, Mathematics, Further Pure Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and History, English Language, Business Studies, Economics, French, Spanish, Psychology (A-level), Information Technology (A-level) and Computer Science (IGCSE). Offering regular information evenings and workshops around the country, Crimson is hosting a free webinar on 29 July for those interested in learning more about CGA. For more information, visit www.crimsonglobalacademy.school or email [email protected].

August 19, 2020

Chicco Oral Hygiene Collection

Baby grooming is not only essential for their looks, but also their health. Chicco imports the finest selection of baby grooming products from Italy – all of which have been vigorously tested in the Chicco Observatory Lab in Como, Italy, by top doctors, paediatricians, dentists, psychologists and even parents. Oral and dental hygiene is vital for babies. Understanding the importance of brushing teeth from as young as when milk teeth start appearing is a guaranteed way to ensure that later on in like they will always prioritise this basic hygiene need. Chicco has three great products for babies to get enthusiastic about brushing from very young. Chicco Toothpaste is one of the best-loved toothpaste brands for babies. With xylitol instead of sugar, the two great flavours of strawberry and Apple/Banana make it a delicious part of grooming, while the non-abrasive formula will prevent any damage to tiny teeth and gums. Chicco also import two types of toothbrushes – one manual, and one electric. The manual toothbrush offers soft-bristles and a non-slip grip that parents can initially assist baby with brushing, only to have them take over as they get older. And new to Chicco’s grooming range in 2020 is the Electric Toothbrush. With fantastic plaque removal efficacy, the soft-bristled brush does all the work for them, whilst ensuring a deep clean. The Electric Toothbrush comes with batteries and a spare head. All products are available at Baby City stores, www.Takealot.com , www.Loot.co.za , www.babanino.com and www.thekidzone.co.za

August 19, 2020

SAKHIKAMVA TO HOST THRILLING KIDS’ SCIENCE FESTIVAL

We can all do with some excitement to lift our spirits and invigorate our minds – especially, our children, who deserve a break from all the pandemic stress and anxiety. STEM education specialist, Sakhikamva Foundation has announced the launch of an action-packed, virtual science event that is free to attend and running from 21 August through to 4 September which will connect South African children, teachers and parents to the global science community. Joined by U.S-based Ronnie Thomas from Fun Weird Science, SA’s Steve Sherman from Living Maths and Australian Dr Graham Walker, the Sakhikamva Science Festival programme aims to engage kids in science, technology, engineering and maths through fun ways of learning. On 21 August, the festival welcomes children of all ages, and their families, with an opening event by veteran NASA astronaut, Nicole Stott who will be livestreamed from Florida U.S.A. Attendance for this once-in-a-lifetime close encounter with a space traveller can be booked by visiting the Sakhikamva Foundation website. Thanks to a sponsorship from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), participating in the Sakhikamva Foundation Science Festival is free for all, and there are various strategies in place to help schools, parents and teachers with data issues to still access the virtual festival programme. TCS, a global IT services provider, is a long-standing supporter of STEM education and the Sakhikamva Foundation. They were instrumental in the launch of Sakhikamva Foundation’s STREAM Laboratories in both Cape Town and Lanseria International Airport. “TCS has been in South Africa for 23 years,” says Country Head, Adil Noshir Tantra, “It is our firm belief that the community is the very purpose of our existence.” TCS staff, family and leaders will be participating in the Science Festival by offering mentorship and advice on real-world STEM careers. There’s no doubt that education in SA needs a boost of positivity, and the Sakhikamva Foundation 2020 Science Festival highlights the joy of discovery, of following your curiosity and unlocking the mysteries of our world through Science and Maths. Grade 7 to 12 learners are invited to attend the entertaining Mathemagical Shows with Steve Sherman, the Chief Imagination Officer of Living Maths. Grade 5 to 8 learners will be unforgettably wowed by America’s Science Guy, Ronnie Thomas of Fun Weird Science, a showcase of the Georgia Science and Robotics Academy. Fun STEM events such as the MathArt Workshop and the Tower Challenge are ideal for parents to get involved with their kids; or for teachers to use as inspiring lessons. Collaborating on global STEM projects The Sakhikamva Foundation Science Festival opens up unique opportunities for SA kids to participate in exciting global STEM projects: On 24 August, 500 South African learners from Grades 7 to 12 will be able to join a Magnitude.io team in San Francisco for the launch of a high altitude balloon over San Francisco Bay. Learners will be part of a global team tracking the balloon and connecting on a WhatsApp platform as it finds its way across the globe. On 28 August, 500 Grade 7 to 10 learners will connect to the ExoLab experiment which connects children from around the world with scientists working on International Space Station (ISS). During this festival workshop, learners with meet with international scientists who have conducted plant experiments on the ISS. Brilliant workshops to inspire SA’s young innovators From building apps to designing drones; from aviation to robotics, the Sakhikamva Foundation Science Festival offers 20 inspiring shows and STEM workshops for learners of different age groups. It’s an ideal opportunity for parents and teachers to sign up their children or their classes for an extraordinary STEM experience. Workshops will be fun and interactive with lots of prizes to be won. Families can also join the Science Show-Off livestream with Dr Graham Walker of the Australian National University who, live from his home lab (aka his spare room!), performs experiments you can try at home – from vacuum-cleaner marshmallow cannons to gravity defying water – and lots you definitely should not. There will be liquid nitrogen, explosions and much more! The Sakhikamva Foundation was established by forensic scientist and airline pilot, Fatima Jakoet to promote awareness of the aerospace industry through STEM learning projects. Through a variety of programmes at schools and the world’s first STREAM Laboratory facility, Sakhikamva Foundation connects children to STEM subjects through fun, hands-on, immersive learning. “We’re delighted to launch the Science Festival and open up opportunities for SA kids,” says Jakoet. “We have such exciting partners on board and an incredibly stimulating programme over the two weeks. It’s time for parents and teachers to help lift spirits and get their children signed up for the 2020 Science Festival.”

August 18, 2020

What is being lost in the arena of online classroom teaching?

The need for co-curricular activities in a digital world As our national lockdown ticks by it is reasonable to assume that schools are well into their 70th day of actual remote teaching. Taking breaktimes into account, a 6-hour school day multiplied over 70 school days and it is reasonable to assume that pupils in South Africa have just been exposed to their 420th hour of facing a screen instead of a teacher. Quite possibly that is also 420 hours of sitting down in an isolation bubble at home with 70 less breaks, assemblies and opportunities for corridor conversations, all while being away from friends with no discernible end yet in sight for the intrinsically social teenager. A number of healthy things have been removed and a fair number of unhealthy things inserted into the life of today’s young person, and it is fair to say that we do not yet know what long-term effect this will have on them. One is painfully aware that this is also the unique problem of a minority of South African school pupils who have the privilege of being taught online. In a typical school day, children have time together in the morning before school. During the day they repeatedly get up, push their chairs in, leave classes and walk to the next class. They engage with others during this in-between time, bounce off each other during breaks and experience a physicality and a social landscape during the offered co-curricular program which has now been lost and is not due back anytime soon. What happens between lessons and what happens outside of the classroom is often where the real learning happens. This is the place where behaviours and EQ is acquired. Mark Twain said, “I never let my schooling interfere with my education.” The difference between school and education is the difference between formal lessons and all the things that happen outside of those classrooms. The informal part of the school day, the part that has now been abandoned, is where social norms are acquired. These outside classroom times are where we learn to turn-take in conversation, where we learn to stand-up for ourselves and where we learn to stand-down. While academic programmes are vital to the educational development of today’s young girl or boy and tomorrow’s high-functioning adult, what is learned outside the classroom is often just as, if not more, important. So how can this gap be plugged? What can schools do to mitigate and ameliorate this lack? Part of the answer lies in the maintaining of a synchronous and live co-curricular programme. While the arena of competitive sports cannot be replicated, many of the components of the traditional co-curricular offerings can be. Certainly, an environment where social engagement can happen while being complemented by the physicality of skills-training is achievable online. Schools need to bookmark this. Allowing co-curriculars to fall away is non-negotiable in a school that has the capacity and resources to offer this. Not only as an extension to the school day, but for the sanity and reprieve that physical learning and healthy competition offers to young people. Ofentse Moeng, Head of Sports’ Development at HeronBridge College says that co-curricular needs to form part of the school timetable – just as it would on a normal school day. “It is completely possible to run sports’ and cultural practices as they would normally have run and have these sessions focus on physical skills acquisition while generating a place where this can be done online together.” And so, if hockey practice would normally be on the astro on Mondays and debating on Thursdays, it can still be on Mondays and Thursdays at home, with the coach and full team. The emotional, physical and mental well-being of young people is intrinsically bound to the participation in a co-curricular programme, especially today. The hardest part of lockdown is the isolation, for a generation for whom isolation is an anathema. Mr Moeng continues by drilling into the focus of these online practices. “Our sessions have been dedicated enrichment sessions scheduled once a week. This was also a prime opportunity to have external specialists such as nutritionists, professional coaches and players drawn-in for virtual engagements with our pupils and coaches.” Schools are places where learning happens, both inside and outside the classroom. It is about all components working in harmony to produce an environment fit for learning and which is worthy of the young minds that experience it. Allowing co-curriculars to be the collateral damage of the coronavirus is unacceptable in our educational framework. Young people are losing more than we realise. By Simon Crane, Deputy Head of HeronBridge College High School

August 18, 2020

Keeping the connection: The nature of time

Let’s be honest – in today’s times the pace of life is fast and furious. Too often we don’t know whether we are coming or going? The work / home balance can be a real tight-rope walk for many of us… So how does one ensure that one stays connected to the ones we love, especially our children, when they especially need this connection so desperately? It comes down to that “unspeakable word” – TIME. We sometimes get so caught up in our guilt as working parents that we think buying things for them will show them we care and keep us connected. In actual fact, it does the opposite. If you were to sit and really calculate how much time you allocated to certain activities in your day e.g. work, meetings, driving, gym etc, how much would there be under “Children”? We think our children need a lot of our time, when really, they just need uninterrupted time. So how then does one give them that time; how do we “fit it” into our schedules? We don’t have to change our whole day to fit this time in, but if we really want something we find a way, don’t we? Let’s start with 5 easy ways to do this: 1. Hug and kiss your child often. 2. Driving in the car: This is a wonderful space and time to connect with your kids. However, the only real way to get the best out of this is to TURN THE RADIO OFF. Then just simply talk to each other. By having no other “noise” on, they feel that they have your undivided attention and even though you perhaps can’t always see them at the back of the car, you are listening. 3. Bedtime: Make a commitment to read to your child in bed at least twice a week, either in the morning or night, again by being in that small space they feel they have your attention. Read the story and then give them 5min where you just lie next to them and talk, about anything they would like to talk about… 4. Get them to teach you to play a game on their iPad or a game they know. 5. Get physically active with them. The biggest thing though is putting away your phone and not looking at it at all when you are engaging with your child. That way they feel connected not disconnected. I really believe these 5 simple tips will go a long way to keep you connected with your most precious possessions – your children. Written By: Susan Gregor- Harlen (Grade R teacher and parental coach at Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Randpark Ridge)

August 17, 2020

Woman break their silence at fertility show africa

3Sixty BioMedicine in partnership with well-known radio personality and medical practitioner, Dr Sindi van Zyl, launched a national campaign to give women struggling with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility a voice. During the Fertility Show Africa at the Gallagher Convention Centre on 6th and 7th March, the #BreakTheSilence campaign was launched in conjunction with the launch of 3Sixty BioMedicine’s new Salome Fertility product to encourage women to share their stories on social media. The #BreakTheSilence campaign started with Dr Sindi sharing her emotional story about infertility and PCOS but the overarching idea behind the campaign was based on the unfortunate reality that despite approximately one in six couples in Africa being affected by infertility, which equates to about 8 million people in Southern Africa alone; and that PCOS also affects 8 – 13% of women – it is still rarely spoken about. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility and this complex hormonal disorder that involves reproductive and metabolic problems, is at best inconvenient to women and at worst can cause infertility and even serious illness. Symptoms include irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles, elevated levels of the male hormone androgen which results in excess body hair and acne, and polycystic ovaries where the ovaries are not able to function properly. While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, possible complications are many. PCOS can lead to, among other things, infertility, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, and endometrial cancer. Treatment is varied and for many women simple lifestyle changes like improving their diet or exercising is all they need to correct the imbalance. For others, medical interventions are necessary especially under the threat of infertility or illnesses. 3Sixty BioMedicine CEO, Walter Mbatha says, “The most common medical intervention is correcting the hormonal imbalance by prescribing a contraceptive pill. These days though, many women are steering clear of taking additional hormones and tend to favour more natural options. We understood the need and gap in the market to develop a natural product range for the treatment of a number of female health issues including PCOS. Salome Fertility has been developed specifically to assist in the management and regulation of ovarian function in patients with PCOS and we hope this product will provide new hope to those suffering in silence as a result of this common condition,” explained Mbatha. Salome Fertility contains higher doses of D-chiro-inositol which is extracted from the carob bean tree and has been shown to improve the functional deficiencies observed in PCOS. The benefits of the newly launched Salome Fertility product includes the reduction in hyperandrogenism, ovulation regulation and reduction of oxidative stress in follicular liquid. To throw extra support behind the need to drive awareness and educate people about treatment options related to PCOS and infertility, 3Sixty Biomedicine also sponsored two seminars at the Fertility Show Africa by PCOS and fertility experts. Dr Sindi van Zyl made an appearance at the Salome Fertility stand to share her journey with PCOS and infertility to members of the public who attended the first ever fertility show in Africa. “I was diagnosed with PCOS when trying to have my first child and that’s why I struggled to conceive. It took me four years to fall pregnant with my daughter and another three years to fall pregnant with my son. I have been trying to have a third child but had a miscarriage in 2014 and have been trying unsuccessfully to fall pregnant again since then. The good news is that there are many fertility treatments available for women who are struggling. I am particularly excited about 3Sixty BioMedicine’s natural product that has just been launched called Salome Fertility. I encourage other women to start connecting and talking about their struggles with PCOS and infertility – it’s time we #BreakTheSilence”, stated van Zyl when queried about her decision to participate in the ground-breaking campaign. Mbatha added that women suffering from PCOS will be amazed at the improvement in their symptoms after taking Salome Fertility, and the fact that this treatment is non-invasive with natural extracts makes it the perfect choice for many women suffering from this condition. Officially launched at the first ever Fertility Show Africa on 6th March 2020 and aptly within international ‘Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month’, Salome Fertility will be available in capsule packs at pharmacies countrywide as well as online at 3SixtyBiomedicine.co.za. Salome Fertility is the first of the Salome range being introduced into the market by 3Sixty Biomedicine in early 2020, of which all these herbal medicinal products aim to provide assistance in the treatment of common problems that affect women’s health, such as: • Fertility – helping to manage the ovarian function in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* (PCOS) • Heavy Menstrual Bleeding • Menstrual Pain or Discomfort • PMS, Menopausal Symptoms For more information about the Salome Fertility product and Salome range, go to www.3SixtyBioMedicine.co.za or connect on social media: Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: @SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

August 17, 2020

Stimulating your baby’s senses

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Believe it or not your baby will learn a lot in their first year of life. One way you can help them learn is to provide stimulation for them in different forms. This can be done in a variety of ways such as stimulating their vision and hearing or through touch and movement. Remember to spend some time every day working to help your baby explore the world around them. Stimulating your baby’s visionThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Make eye contact with your baby during times when their eyes are open. Look them right in the eye. They recognize faces very early in life, especially yours! This helps them develop their memory. Use a mirror to let your baby stare at his or herself. They will enjoy looking at “another” baby and watching the movements it makes. Stick out your tongue for your baby or make funny faces. Starting at 2 days old newborns can begin to mimic simple facial movements as they begin to develop problem solving skills. Hold up two pictures for your baby to look at. They should be similar, but with some sort of difference between the two – maybe one has a house and the other doesn’t. Even young babies will look back and forth between the two to try and figure out the difference between them. This can help them develop letter recognition and reading skills later on. Stimulating your baby with laughing and singingThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Find ways to get your baby laughing. This can be through methods like gentle tickling, blowing on their arms and tummy, or making funny faces. As they get older you can joke around more too. Laughter is great for babies! Sing songs to your baby. Learn as many as you can or make up your own words to songs you already know. Play music to your baby. This can be Bach or Mozart or even the Beatles. Learning music rhythms may help them learn math skills later on. Talk away. In other words, have a silly, fun conversation with your baby. Chat away and pause at places where your baby would speak in the conversation. As your baby grows, they will learn to start chatting to fill in the spaces you leave. Be sure to make eye contact and smile a lot! Play peek-a-boo, it’s great for getting babies to giggle and laugh – it also teaches them that objects can disappear and then come back. Physical activities for your babyThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Turn yourself into a playground by lying on the floor and letting your baby crawl all over you. This will help boost their problem-solving skills and coordination. Teach them to move to music. You can teach them to do the twist, twist and shout or even twirl like a ballerina. This helps them develop skills like balance and coordination as well as a sense of rhythm. Create an obstacle course by laying toys, boxes or sofa cushions on the floor and then show your baby how to crawl over and around or under the items. This helps with problem-solving, strength and coordination. Play pick-up by allowing them to drop toys or pieces of wadded up paper off their highchair into a bucket or other safe container. This helps them learn and explore the laws of gravity. Newborn hearingThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Newborns can hear immediately upon birth and are able to distinguish their mother’s voice above all else. If your baby does not seem to react to your voice or does not startle with a loud noise, be sure to tell your paediatrician.

August 17, 2020

A homeschool mom shares the 10 best things about homeschooling

There was a time, not so long ago, when I was that parent saying, “I will never be able to homeschool, I don’t have the patience” and “Kids need to socialise, they need school”. It never once occurred to me that I might find myself homeschooling three of our four children because I wanted to. Our homeschooling journey started at the beginning of 2019, so homeschooling is still new to us. There are many reasons why we decided to homeschool, but the short version is that my kids were just not getting what they needed from the schools they were at. I had tried talking to teachers, we had moved schools, and, in the end, I just felt that it would be best for them if we took them out of a traditional school. Also read: A day in the life of a homeschooling family I spent months researching various options and different teaching styles. I spoke to parents who were unschooling (i.e. parents who were not following a specific curriculum), parents who were following a “strict” boxed curriculum, and those who were just kind of figuring it out along the way. There is so much information out there that it can be overwhelming, but it is important to understand what your options are. We are now 18 months into our journey, and we are still trying to find the best way for my youngest – who is 6 – to learn. She is super smart (yeah yeah, I know everyone says that, but she is!) and very much likes to do things her own way. But, for the most part, we have settled into a nice routine and we are part of some great co-ops that are busy with activities daily. Also read: Can homeschoolers take part in extracurricular activities? When we started our journey, I was still not sure that I would have the patience (and some days I don’t) or the knowledge needed to take on this role, but I can honestly say it was one of best decisions we have ever made. These are just some of the best things about homeschooling: No early mornings. When I made a list of reasons why I wanted to homeschool, the morning and afternoon madness was one of them. Our mornings were busy and chaotic, and often when I got home from dropping everyone off, I was exhausted. Our mornings are now calm, gentle, and we follow our own rhythms. Jack is up early so often that we start early, while Emma gets up later so her day starts later. I love that every morning we can eat breakfast in a calm environment and start our day when we feel ready to do so. We work with each child’s needs. If Emma had been in school, she would have been so bored. She hates the mundane work like writing out words she already knows or doing basic maths. Now, she can move onto harder work whenever she wants to, or we can stay on a topic a little longer if we need to do that. We learn about things that interest us. I found this to be the best way to reach our reluctant learner. He doesn’t like to read but if we get books on topics he loves, he will read. This means we are learning not only how to read, but also about topics that are of interest to both of us. No one has to sit still. This may be unique to us, but both Jack and Emma need to move. They do not like to sit still and if I try to force them (like I did in the early days), it ends in tears (theirs and mine). When I stopped forcing them and worked around their need for movement, it got much easier. Emma will rollerblade around the house while I ask her to do maths sums. Jack will do a bit of work, walk outside, fetch a bug, and sit down again. It is flexible. We are no longer bound by the confines of school hours or school holidays. We can do what we want, when we want. If we want to skip today and maybe do some maths on Sunday, we can do that. As a work-from-home mom this works so well for me because I can juggle and shuffle schedules as I need to. It is cheaper. At its most basic, all you really need to homeschool is access to a library, an internet connection, and stationery. There are tons of free resources online that you can draw from and Google is in and of itself one big free library. Even if you want to invest in boxed curriculums like Impaq, they are often cheaper than private school fees. Socialising is actually socialising. It took me a while to reach out to a few co-ops in our area but once we did, it opened up a whole new world for us. Co-ops are made up of kids of all ages, which means that my kids can now make friends with kids they identify and connect with, even if they are not the same age. This has been particularly important for Emma who has always gravitated towards older kids. Learning with my kids. I have learned so much with my kids over the past 18 months. Their interests are different to mine so I am learning more than I maybe wanted to know about spiders and frogs, but it has been and will continue to be, a journey we are on together. Watching them “get it”. When Emma started reading all on her own one day, it was amazing. When Jack announces “OOOHH I GET IT NOW” or says, “I love History”, it really is an affirmation that we are doing it right. Watching them learn has been one of the greatest gifts we’ve given them, which I love being a part of. It has made us closer. I love being

August 14, 2020

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