Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Find love in your language this Valentine’s Day with Cadbury P.S.

#FindLoveInYourLanguage Each Valentine’s period the pressure of expressing your love to those around you increases, especially when trying to find the right words or gift that will convey your thoughts and feelings. Luckily, Cadbury P.S. has launched a limited-edition range of chocolate bars that will help you say “I LOVE YOU” in the different languages of South Africa, including sign language. These limited-edition message bars can be shared across the country this Valentine’s season, offering South Africans the chance to find love in their own language, or to learn how to say I LOVE YOU in another. On top of that, Cadbury P.S. will be expressing even more love on social media through the MZANSI LOVE SONGS campaign. Help Cadbury P.S. write the lyrics to the most heartfelt love songs this Valentine’s Day, that you could share with your loved ones and the rest of South Africa. All you have to do is write and submit your lyrics on https://www.cadbury.co.za/psbar/ps/mzansi-love-songs.This song can be for your sister, bestie, bae or mom. Cadbury P.S. is looking for song lyrics that are truly unique and personal! If you are struggling to write those lyrics, don’t worry, Cadbury P.S. has you covered, as you can select and share a song in your language that has already been created, just go to https://www.cadbury.co.za/psbar/ps/mzansi-love-songs. Submit your lyrics before the 8th February 2019, songs are limited, so don’t miss out! T’s&C’s apply. “Cadbury P.S. loves helping people connect and express their feelings in personal, yet simple ways” says Grant van Niekerk, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Chocolate. “And the fact that they can now say ‘I LOVE YOU’ in their own language is something the brand is very proud to share and we hope this helps each and every one of our fans express a little bit more love this Valentines.” So, whether romantic or platonic, simply gift a Cadbury P.S. bar this Valentine’s to say “I love you” in your language. For more information visit PS Website, or @CadburyPS on Facebook page or follow us on Twitter on @CadburyPSBar or on Instagram @cadburyps_bar #FindLoveInYourLangauage

February 9, 2019

Why we should be testing our food for nitrates and GreenTest’s top tips for summertime healthy eating

Summer is here, and the holiday season is approaching with the promise of lots of outdoor fun and relaxation time. As we start to anticipate fun in the sun, lazy afternoon cricket games on the lawn with the kids and sharing cold slices of juicy watermelon around the pool; these happy musings are imbued with the expectancy of our glowing health. However, as we all know the good health of ourselves and our loved ones can never be taken for granted. There’s ever-increasing awareness that taking responsibility for our health is multi-faceted, and latest scientific research is continually alerting us to nutritional and environmental issues that we need to get to grips with to safeguard our families. We can thank latest technology solutions that this is becoming far easier to do for ourselves. Recently launched food safety device, GreenTest shows us that taking our health into our own hands does not have to be difficult and demanding at all. The range of lightweight, easy to use, award-winning nitrate detectors empower us to make better food choices in the moment. As Lila Bruk, a registered dietitian points out, South African consumers are becoming far more conscious not just of the nutritional value of the foods we eat, but of food safety issues as well. “With lifestyle diseases on the rise, it is becoming increasingly important for consumers to be able to test their own food so that we can not only choose nourishing foods but manage our future health and well-being. The ability to test nitrate and nitrite levels in our own food is significant and empowering for South African consumers.” Why we should be testing our food for nitrates Nitrates and nitrites are naturally-occurring compounds containing nitrogen. Nitrates are essential for plant growth and occur in differing amounts in most of our plant-based foods. Nitrites are typically used as a preservative in smoked and processed meats. At low levels, nitrates which are converted into nitrites once ingested, are generally harmless in the human body. However, at high levels, nitrates and nitrites are toxic to humans and animals. Higher concentrations of nitrates in food, especially in meat cooked at high temperatures, also pose the risk of the formation of nitrosamines which have been associated with various health risks, including some cancers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists ingested nitrate or nitrite ‘under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation’ as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 2A). Concerns about nitrate levels present in our food have been growing over the past decades because of ever-increasing use of nitrate-based fertilisers in the conventional farming sector. Nitrates and nitrates are water-soluble and also leach into the ground. It stands to reason that we are likely to be consuming way more nitrates than previous generations, and this has raised concerns that we are at risk for nitrate toxicity and the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. The World Health Organisation (WHO) specifies that the acceptable daily intake of nitrate is 3.65 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, but up until now there’s been no way for the consumer to monitor this. GreenTesting your summer fruits GreenTest devices, launched in South African by food safety company, Alvarita provide an accurate reading of the nitrate levels in 64 different kinds of commonly eaten fruits and vegetables in a matter of seconds. Some models also test the nitrate levels of meat, fish and water. “The unique rapid analysis feature provides a green, orange or red result that informs you whether you can go back for more; should moderate your intake or rather just avoid a food for the sake of your health,” says Alvarita CEO, Damian Michael. “With GreenTest the power to make truly healthy food choices is conveniently in your hands.” GreenTest’s top tips for summertime healthy eating: As the days get hotter, it’s the ideal time for cooler eating. Focus on crisp salads full of fresh ingredients; swap dollops of heavy, starchy veg for light and tasty crunchy greens, and prioritise fresh fruit and veg as the premium snack options Upscale and diversify the ubiquitous red meat braai by creating equally delicious vegetarian, chicken or fish braai options. Actively reduce your nitrate intake by substituting more yummy, quick and easy plant-based foods for hot dogs, as well as cold and smoked processed meats Tip the scales in favour of fruit and veg at every meal – or at least make sure that half your plate is covered with salads and non-starchy veg. Shifting to more and more plant-based food options is a real investment in your future health. GreenTest your fruit and veg to keep track of your daily nitrate intake Yes, it’s the holidays, but still keep the treats in perspective. It’s okay to enjoy occasional treat food without feeling guilty, after all it’s the holidays and treats abound. Who wants to feel deprived when everyone else is indulging? It’s okay to occasionally enjoy rich or sugary foods; just keep them in balance. Serve yourself smaller portions of your favourite treats and take the time to savour each bite. Mindful eating increases pleasure and satisfaction while keeping you finely attuned to your body’s real needs and comfort zone Walking on sunshine – Daily physical activity goes hand in hand with healthy food choices. The summer holiday provides plenty of opportunity to get up and moving for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Long, sunshiny days are ideal for family bike rides, hikes and other fun physical activities

February 9, 2019

Listen Up! What’s the big deal with childhood hearing loss?

Hearing is one of the most important senses. Through hearing we learn how to communicate with others, we experience the joy of music, the excitement of laughter, the symphony of nature and the bustling sounds of the city. Hearing also protects us, it alerts us to approaching danger and keeps us connected to the outside world. According to the World Health Organization, about 466 million people have disabling hearing loss, 34 million of these are children. Hearing loss is the most prevalent birth defect and every day 17 babies are born in South Africa with some degree of hearing impairment – half of which have no known risk factors for hearing impairment. In the past, majority of children who were born with congenital hearing loss were only identified at about age 2 when they were not reaching their speech and language milestones. Research has demonstrated that children who are diagnosed with hearing loss and have the appropriate intervention by 6 months of age, will have speech and language milestones comparable to that of a normal hearing child by age three years. What are the causes of hearing loss in children? Congenital Hearing Loss This means that the hearing loss is present at birth. Congenital hearing loss is either caused by genetic or non-genetic factors. Some non-genetic factors include: Birth complications, including the presence of herpes, rubella cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis or another serious infection, lack of oxygen or the requirement of a blood transfusion for some reason. Premature birth. Babies that have a birth weight of less than 1.3 kilograms or that require certain life-sustaining drugs for respiration due to prematurity are at risk for hearing loss. Complications with the Rh factor in the blood A nervous system or brain disorder. The use of ototoxic medication by the mother during pregnancy. Ototoxic medications are not usually illicit substances – medications like various antiobiotics Maternal diabetes. Drug or alcohol abuse by the mother or smoking during pregnancy. Genetic hearing loss means that either the gene for hearing loss was inherited from the parents or that the child presents with a genetic illness commonly associated with hearing loss. Acquired hearing loss A child with acquired hearing loss is not born with a hearing loss but rather acquires the hearing loss due to one of many factors. Factors include: A perforated eardrum Infections like meningitis, measles, mumps or whooping cough Taking ototoxic medications A serious head injury Exposure to loud noise, causing noise-induced hearing loss Untreated or frequent otitis media (ear infections) What signs and symptoms should I look out for in my child? When a child does not turn his/her head towards a sound, especially a loud sound When a child frequently touches or pulls one or both ears When a child reacts to some but not all sounds When a child turns their head upon seeing you, but not when their name is called from outside their field of vision Does my child have difficulty following instructions Does my child ask for instructions to be repeated When a child has delayed speech and language development. If the answer to any of the following is “no”, then your child may have delayed speech and language development: Is my child using single words such as “dada” and “mama” by the age of 1? Is my child using 2-word sentences by the age of 2? Is my child using 3-word sentences by the age of 3? Is my child using understandable 4-5 word sentences by the age of 4? When should I test my child’s hearing? Most private hospitals and some government hospitals have audiologists who assess the babies hearing soon after they are born. Generally, this is an optional service so it is a great idea to opt in for the screening. The audiologists use an OAE (Oto-acoustic emissions) or an AABR (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response) machine. The test generally takes a few minutes and requires no response from your child. The Audiologist will be able to tell you if your child’s hearing is normal or if further testing is required. Even if you don’t feel like your child has a hearing loss it is important to have your child’s hearing tested once a year much like testing their eyesight! What happens if my child has a hearing loss? If your child is diagnosed with a hearing loss the Audiologist will guide you through the process. Depending on the cause, degree and configuration of the hearing impairment, the audiologist will either refer your child for further medical treatment or recommend hearing aids and perhaps a further evaluation for a cochlear implant. Your child will also require intensive speech and language therapy in order to catch up to his/her developmental milestones. The later a child is fitted with amplification the poorer the prognosis is for the child. Early intervention is of the utmost importance, we live in a an incredible time where even children with a profound hearing loss can have access to sound again and become integrated into society with ease. Be sure to contact a qualified Audiologist, if you would like to have your child’s hearing screened.

February 8, 2019

CREATIVE PLAY HELPS CHILDREN GROW

Have you ever watched children at play? Have you seen and heard the wonderful things they say and do to make whatever they are doing fun for them? It is a joy to behold – and can make for some great humour. Children are natural innovators with powerful imaginations. Creativity offers a wide range of intellectual, emotional and even health benefits. Why is creativity important? Creativity should not be underestimated. Creativity helps teach cognitive skills such as mathematics and scientific thinking. Creative thinking involves imagination, basic use of the scientific method, communication, physical dexterity and exertion, problem posing, problem solving, making interpretations, and using symbols that help with future literacy skills. According to article on Loveplayandlearn.com, they explain through the following points why creativity is important to foster in a child. 1. Creativity promotes emotional development Creative expression provides many opportunities for expressing emotions and working through those emotions to gain relief and understanding of them. To help your child do this you could encourage a child who is angry to draw or paint a picture of how they are feeling. You could play varied types of music that invoke different emotions and then ask your child how the music makes them feel. 2. Creativity promotes social development In young childhood, creativity is often a social act. Singing, dancing, puppetry, and theatre all teach the child to pay attention to others as well as develop an understanding of social rules like give and take, and cooperation. Have a dance party with other children or have them put on a play or puppet show with their friends. 3. Creativity supports physical development Working with art materials such as crayons, scissors, paintbrushes, play dough and paint promote fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. To promote gross motor skills try dancing, mural painting, theatre, or large construction projects like building with boxes. 4. Creativity supports language and literacy development By engaging in creative play or projects, children can learn new vocabulary as well as learn to associate pictures with words. As mentioned above try playing different kinds of music and creating a conversation with the child about how it makes them feel, this will boost language expression and understanding. Expose your child to plenty of instruments and talk to them about their favourite one and what sound each instrument makes. Ask them open-ended questions about their art work such as “how did you feel when you drew this” or “how does this painting make you feel?” 5. Creativity promotes cognitive development Creative activities help children to develop attention skills and cognitive learning. Their imagination is in full use and encourages them to come up with new ideas and to think outside of the box since creativity involves exploration and problem solving. Through creative activities such as playing with play dough, children can learn pre-math skills such as the concept of less and more. When children match shapes or colours in their creations, they are learning the math skill one to one correspondence. Creative activities can help them learn about grouping and classification, physical properties of objects, and cause and effect. Painting and play dough are all great ways to explore these concepts. Creativity is the freest form of self-expression. There is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling for children that to be able to express themselves openly and without judgment. The ability to be creative, to create something from personal feelings and experiences, can reflect and nurture a child’s wellbeing. Pay attention to creative play, plan for it and encourage it! By Julia Martin – Grade 00 Teacher Trinityhouse Pre-primary Randpark Ridge

February 8, 2019

Values in the Classroom

As technological advancements have swept through classrooms in the last decade, the way in which children are taught has changed, shifting towards a modernized approach. At Capriccio! Arts Powered Schools, we acknowledge the numerous benefits of technology in the classroom and create a pro-tech learning environment. We are however of the opinion that value-based learning should form an integral part of the foundation upon which children are educated. Our uniquely designed curriculum fosters the cognitive, emotional, physical, social and artistic development of little ones and young children. As such, our specialized enrichment programmes focus on preparing children for life by instilling within them important values, which form one of the cornerstones of our learners’ educational journey. Combining elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilio and Waldorf, we have developed a number of unique enrichment programmes aimed at: Instilling values like honesty, integrity and sincerity by means of story-telling, games, puppeteering and role play. Introducing grace, courtesy, etiquette and social skills, reinforcing learning through role play, stories, puppet theatre and other media. Preparing our children for life via practical lessons learnt from the Bible. Our Christian ethos provides a consistent foundation upon which is built to instil family values – Practical lessons from the Bible form part of equipping our learners for a meaningful life. For more information on our integrated, innovative and creative approach to providing wholesome and well-rounded pre-primary and primary education, visit: www.artspreschool.co.za.

February 7, 2019

Everything you Need To Know About The 2pc Twistshake Feeding Spoons Set

The 2pc Twistshake feeding spoons set is something every mom needs in her cupboard! This great little product has been designed specifically to benefit both the parent and the child. But everything you need to know about this product (and the brand behind it) lies just below. Read on now to see why you should consider introducing the Twistshake line into your child’s eating routine now. A Bit About The 2pc Twistshake Feeding Spoons Set The 2pc Twistshake feeding spoons set is a truly unique feeding accessory for all babies. The innovative two piece set comes with two different utensils, each serving their own purpose along the feeding journey of your baby’s life. These are great for children aged four months and up and make for the perfect starter utensil set. The grips of each ladle are straight and have been designed to incorporate grooves and textures to aid the grasp of each spoon. Furthermore, the spoons are made from child friendly materials, including; PP and TPE plastic. The spoons contain no BPA, BPS and BPF, making them free from toxins and safe for your child to use. Above all, these spoons are dishwasher safe, making them easy to use and simple to clean. Why Twistshake Is The Product For You Twistshake is the brilliant company behind a line of great child feeding products. They design all of their products with one main customer in mind; your baby! No harmful materials are used in the construction of any of their products, ensuring your little one will not come into contact with any toxins. Above that, all of their designs were created to fit little hands, meaning your baby will easily be able to use these products themselves. Give your baby a sense of independence by allowing them to start feeding themselves with these incredible spoons!

February 7, 2019

Baby’s Skin Care – What You Need to Know

It is our instinct to nourish and protect our babies. As caring mothers, we would never knowingly expose our precious babies to harmful chemicals and artificial nasties. Yet sadly these ingredients are all too common in many conventional baby toiletries. A baby’s skin is approximately three times thinner than our own skin, which means that any chemicals or irritants your baby is exposed to will absorb into their system faster and increase the risk of adverse reactions and toxicity. The most common chemical nasties Mineral oil Mineral oil is the primary ingredient in conventional baby oil products – Conventional baby oil is essentially made of mineral oil mixed with artificial fragrance, which is a nasty combination. Mineral oil is a cheap by-product of petroleum processing and acts as a “plastic wrap” on the skin, inhibiting the skin’s ability to release toxins. It is also a non-renewable and environmentally unfriendly resource. The best way to go is to treat your baby’s delicate skin with natural plant-based oils, such as our Cherish Baby Massage Oils. All our oils are made with 100% natural ingredients, organic wherever possible, and stored in amber glass bottles (kinder to the environment and will not leach chemicals into the product). Our Baby Massage Oils are made with: *Coconut oil – a superb skin moisturiser and helps to replenish and protect dry, damaged, chapped, cracked and irritated skin Sweet Almond oil – naturally rich in Vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, proteins, potassium and zinc and is excellent for keeping skin soft and supple *Jojoba oil – Improves elasticity and suppleness, helping the skin remain hydrated, moisturised, soft and smooth Vitamin E oil – an excellent antioxidant that protects and repairs skin and guards against free radical damage *indicates organic ingredient We have three variants to choose from – *Lavender, *Mandarin or fragrance-free. Our products are fragranced with 100% natural essential oils, using organic oils wherever possible. Lavender and Mandarin essential oils both offer calming and relaxing properties and are great to use on little ones before bed time. For particularly sensitive babies we offer a fragrance-free version, which contains no essential oils, but still has all the goodness of the other oils. Fragrance Fragrance is added to countless products, either to create a particular smell or to mask the odour of the nasty chemicals used in production. The problem with fragrance is that it’s a catch-all term for whatever secret ingredients companies wish to add (companies are not obligated to reveal what’s included under the term “fragrance” or “parfum”). These ingredients are often coal- and petroleum-derived synthetic chemicals. The effects of fragrance are long lasting, lingering on the skin for hours, and can cause respiratory, neurological, skin, and eye damage. There is evidence that exposure to artificial fragrance chemicals as a child may lead to asthma. Unless the product you’re buying expressly states that the fragrance is derived from natural sources / essential oils, it’s probably not natural, and can have severe harmful side-effects, especially to babies. All Cherish Baby Products are scented using 100% natural essential oils, and we use organic oils wherever available. Parabens Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, isoparapben, etc.) are a class of synthetic preservatives often used in cosmetics and skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Parabens are hormone disruptors and can wreak havoc on oestrogen levels. Parabens are extremely common chemicals and can be found in soaps, body washes, shampoos, and moisturizers, including those marketed toward babies. Parabens are neurotoxins and are linked to skin irritation. It is best to opt for products that do not contain preservatives, such as our Cherish Baby Balm Range Our range of balms are 100% natural and free from petroleum, mineral oil, zinc oxide, phthalates and parabens. Cherish Balms will soothe and hydrate delicate skin and help treat diaper rash, cradle cap and other minor skin irritations. Formulated with specially selected moisturising oils and calming herbs to nurture and protect sensitive skin. Our balms include: *Cocoa butter – forms a protective layer on the skin and locks in moisture Coconut oil – a superb skin moisturiser and helps to replenish and protect dry, damaged, chapped, cracked and irritated skin Sweet Almond oil – naturally rich in Vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, proteins, potassium and zinc and is excellent for keeping skin soft and supple Calendula oil – has antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. It helps to speed healing and soothe irritated skin *Jojoba oil – improves elasticity and suppleness, helping the skin remain hydrated, moisturised, soft and smooth Vitamin E oil – an excellent antioxidant that protects and repairs skin and guards against free radical damage *indicates organic ingredient Our Baby Balms come in the same three variants as the Baby Massage Oils and Natural Baby Body Wash, so you can create your own nurturing set! Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate Also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, laurilsulfate, SDS or SLS, this ingredient is an economical surfactant that removes oil and is a foaming agent. It is commonly found in shampoo, soap, cleansers, bubble bath, toothpaste, mouthwash, body wash, and most products that foam. It is also found in industrial strength detergents and engine degreasers. It may contain 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen, and ethylene oxide, a chemical known to harm your nervous system. SLS has a comedogenic rating of 5, which means it has a high probability of clogging pores – it strips the skin of oils, which can cause the skin to over compensate and produce excessive sebum – not ideal in a skincare product! Our Natural Baby Body Wash range is free from SLS and other harsh chemicals, and has been especially formulated using naturally derived ingredients to be as gentle as possible on baby’s delicate skin. Our Natural Baby Body Washes come in the same three variants – Lavender, Mandarin and fragrance-free. The long-term effects of chemical additives in baby skincare products are not always known. But researchers believe our little ones are at higher risk of

February 7, 2019

Review: Toptots Wooden Shape Puzzle

Sorting and matching shapes helps to develop maths skills as well as developing language as your child learns the names of the different colours and shapes. Matching is important in the development of visual discrimination which is needed later for differentiating between numbers and letters. Our wooden shape puzzles have four shapes with four primary colours with a small wooden knob attached for easier manipulation of the puzzle pieces.

February 6, 2019

TODDLER APPROPRIATE CHORES – IT BULIDS CONFIDENCE

When we are born, each of us is entirely reliant on others and therefore we can say that childhood is then an apprenticeship that gradually prepares us for adulthood. From infancy, children understandably reach out to the world; beginning with their mother and father. As that bond is cemented, children seek more triumphs and competence. As a parent and educator, I know that living in the 21st Century, boast a demanding and dynamic lifestyle; at home and in the classroom, therefore it is important to instil a sense of ownership and pride within our children from a young age. By assigning responsibilities (chores), we are teaching them to build their self-esteem, teaching self-help skills and encouraging their independence so that they too will one day be able to cope with the demands of society. By asking our toddler to help with tasks not only ”lifts the load” as a parent or a teacher, but the child will learn empathy by sharing responsibilities and become more self-confident when they accomplish their assigned task, particularly with little or no guidance. Chores are great tools to establish routine, which may reduce opportunities for confusion or disagreements amongst siblings or other toddlers if in a classroom environment. Remember, each child develops at his own pace, so some children may be ready for chores that have been assigned, while others will only be able to perform tasks with support. Start with one or two chores; it is important to only start with a few tasks at a time. You definitely don’t want to overwhelm your toddler or make them feel pressured. The main aim in giving your toddler chores is for them to feel capable, not overwhelmed. As children approach chores, it’s guaranteed they’ll do things differently, messier than you! But as children gain finesse through trial and error, they’ll achieve mastery and build pride. Don’t expect perfection or correct the work that the child has done. There is plenty of time for that later when the child is more competent at the task and has more confidence. What you want to focus on now is rewarding the child’s effort and your patience and gentle guidance will mean a lot. Addition to simple chores, toddlers should also include attending to their own cleanliness, grooming, clothing and toys. The below mentioned chores are sure to assist you in fostering an independent and confident toddler. Pick up toys and books and put them in their suitable place (you must first assign clear places for your child’s belongings) Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket – this can be done after bath, in the morning, and before bed-time. Wipe the table after meals- not only is this an easy task, but they will love doing it! Dusting and wiping- make it fun! Purchase a bath hand puppet to use when dusting or wiping to “collect all the dust bunnies.” Unload the groceries- after a grocery trip let your toddler hand you items out of the grocery bags while you pack it away. Help set the table- just be sure to only give your toddler safe, unbreakable objects. Let them help you make the bed- do this chore together and squeeze in a little bonding while you work. Clean up spills and messes with paper towel, sponge or a child-sized broom. Water plants- for this chore, provide measuring cups and a bucket of water and then let your toddler delight in pouring it into the pot and feeding the plant. Sweeping- Use a toddler size broom and dust pan. While this is one chore that generally creates more work for you, they love helping and sweeping the dirt back and forth. Pushing buttons- If there are buttons that need pushing let your toddler do it – elevators, dishwasher, microwave, washer, dryer, even the coffee maker. Toddlers LOVE buttons! This chore that isn’t quite a chore is still teaching little ones to follow directions. It also teaches them that they are capable, they can do it, and when possible, you will let them. Help in the kitchen- there are so many ways toddlers can help in the kitchen from stirring to pouring to washing fruit. Chores given to toddlers will enable your toddler to contribute to the family, care for themselves and their personal belongings. It is a standard plan in an apprenticeship for adulthood! Written By: Elizabeth Steenkamp (Principal of Junior Colleges Castillian)

February 6, 2019

Overwhelmed by all the “teachers” out there

We live in a time where there is an information overload through social media and the internet. Everyone has access to the newest and latest trends through video clips and pictures. A lot of people believe that they are teachers, engineers, medical practitioners, or electricians just because they watched a video on YouTube or read up about a subject online. These “professionals” will then tell you about the newest trend or teaching method and urge you to apply it when teaching your children at home. We are flooded with learning material, worksheets, ideas and methods for teaching our children and some homeschool parents feel so overwhelmed that they start to believe that the more they do, the better the results will be. In this overload of ideas, they try to please everyone by adding every single idea out there and by the end of the year, their children have files full of evidence to show how hard they worked throughout the year. But have you ever stood still and thought of the way that children learn? A little bell must ring in the back of your head, reminding you that children learn through play, exploring, using their imagination and explaining how things work to someone else. This took me back to the year when I was in Grade 1. How did things work back then? I mean, I turned out fine. Luckily my mom kept my books in a box in a cupboard and, after I blew off the dust, I discovered one file with all the work that I had done in Grade 1. I thought that there should be more but after further investigation I realised that that was the only work I had done in Grade 1. Suddenly, I realised that the children in my classroom do four times more worksheets in a year’s time. I decided to remove a lot of worksheets and rather do practical activities with the learners. I used chalk and let them write outside on the pavement, I made clay and they built letters and words with it rather than writing it down on a worksheet. This empowered them to discover the answers for themselves. After a year of teaching with fewer worksheets, the average of the class was higher than the year before even though they had fewer worksheets to show for it. As a homeschool parent, you know how your children learn. Just give it a try, you have nothing to lose. Sometimes less is more. And, if you feel overwhelmed, just know that you don’t have to go it alone. Visit Impaq’s website to find out more about their products and services or click here to find a qualified tutor in your area to supplement your child’s education. Hilda Erasmus: Foundation Phase Specialist

February 6, 2019

Ways to model social involvement for the next generation

Social involvement also known as social participation refers to one’s degree of participation in a certain community or society. To model social involvement, means to directly teach children, learners or students to act responsible within their social environment. Social responsibility is of the utmost importance. We as adults need to actively show the next generation, how to be social responsible and act with responsibility towards their community, their society as well as their environment. By engaging learners and students in social projects, where they can experience something of the world out there, we show them that every little bit is useful. Talking about social involvement doesn’t mean to do 67 minutes once a year and then it is done and over with. It means to be socially aware and be actively part of the society within which we life and serve. Furthermore, it contains the projects and schemes where we can be involved, as well as the identification of shortfalls where we can still contribute. Social involvement for the next generation, will involve way more than helping the poor and providing blankets and food for the cold and hungry. Means to act out social involvement become scarce with every day passing, which implicates that the new generation, should not only learn to be involved but also to be innovative in their involvement. Social participation is critical even in communities led by civic, philanthropic and other senior leaderships in communities… What is very important is that the community take ownership of their own society and environment. By involving the next generation in certain projects, they can learn the necessary skills as well as try their hand at projects under the watchful eye of experienced people. That will also ensure that they are tutored to not only participate but to participate with responsibility. Without true community ownership, collective impact efforts will not be sustainable and lasting. Beneficiaries give the work its context and their involvement accelerate the desired change. Mary Meehan, cultural scientist (The next generation, what matters to Gen We. www.forbes.com. 11 August 2016) describes the new generation as kids moving through those teen years right now; it’s the generation after the Millennials. She also identifies them with the following characteristics: Socially Just, Not Just Social – Although they do not socialise a lot, they have another set of values, protecting themselves and their friends against unfairness of others. Wired and Worldly – We all know that teens are glued to their tiny, personal screens (much like many of us). Sure, it can be annoying and sometimes dangerous, but this is the way it is. Moreover, the implications of being wired to the world go beyond their constant contact with friends. Technological innovation has given the new generation a form of independence older generations never knew. It allows them to be out in the world exploring, learning, meeting, and forming communities all on their own, with no physical boundaries. Wary, Worry – Many teens report feeling stressed by the demands of school. The pressure is on to do well and get into a good college. Social pressures are exacerbated by social media, the increased divorce rate and the general change in people’s sense of safety and security. These situations increase their worries and often lead to depression. Gigging the Days Away – Many reports show that the new generation leans towards career and financial stability but the path to get there is something different from what other generations knew. They look at a career differently and the way to get to success also uses another formula. If we look at these characteristics, it is important to realise that we need modern and innovative way in which to involve the new generation in social participation. Let them use the ends to their needs, like social media and technology to embrace participation in future social projects. Let them develop their social skills amongst their peers and in the meantime, they get more people involved. Give them the steering wheel, and while keeping a watchful eye on them, teach them how to drive into the future. _____________________________________________ By Bridget Grobler, Accounting and Business Studies teacher at Abbotts College Centurion

February 6, 2019

How to prepare yourself emotionally for when your child starts eating solids

Eating solids is a huge milestone in the life of your child! It is also a milestone for all moms who have breastfed their little ones up until that point. Letting go of the intimacy of feeding times can be an incredibly difficult journey for a woman. Therefore, know how to cope with this by reading on below now. We have a few suggestions to help you emotionally face the transition from liquids to solids in your little one’s life. Don’t Say Goodbye Just Yet Even though your child should be able to start eating solids from around the four month mark, this doesn’t mean you need to say goodbye to breastfeeding just yet. Luckily, you will be able to still breastfeed for as long as you see fit. Breastfeeding experts suggest you should aim to breastfeed your child for two years. From between four to six months, you will be able to introduce them to a more solid diet but continued breastfeeds are strongly supported. How To Cope When Eating Solids Are Enough For Your Little One Ending a breastfeeding journey can be a mixed bag of emotions. Many women have been known to go through a myriad of emotions in the space of a day! Some of the most common emotions you will experience are as follows: Relief: some moms may experience a sense of relief at the thought of ending their breastfeeding journey. This doesn’t suggest that they loathed the time spent with their child, but rather, that they look forward to enjoying a carefree diet once more! for whatever reason, some women feel a profound sense of relief at the thought, and this should not be belittled. Guilt: in the same right, guilt will rear its ugly head in the emotional trio. Moms will feel guilty for being relieved at the thought of ending this journey. In the same right, some women will feel guilty in that they don’t know if it is the right time for their child. Whichever way you experience it, note that guilt will probably surface during this time. Sadness: naturally, sadness will come into play. Breastfeeding is a hugely emotional and sentimental journey between mother and child. It also plays a huge role in the formative years of a child’s life. Naturally, saying goodbye to this practice will pull on the old heart strings. Putting Your Emotions Into Perspective The best thing to do for yourself is allow yourself to go through the motions of any feeling which pops up during this time. Another wonderful way to ensure you don’t lose any connection to your child is to set time aside daily for skin to skin hugs. Perhaps begin to schedule these in the times you would’ve usually spent breastfeeding. This will ensure you never miss out on the intimacy you shared with your child before.

February 5, 2019

Why adoption is a problem in South Africa

As 2018 drew to a close, the war of attrition over South African adoption took an ugly turn. In an unambiguous act of aggression, the government added a last-minute amendment to the Children’s Act making any payment for national or intercountry adoptions illegal. This includes professional fees for social workers, psychologists and attorneys, donations and even the recouping of expenses. The amendment’s stated goal is to make adoptions more accessible. But will it, or will it make adoption the sole domain of overburdened, inexperienced Department of Social Development social workers, and result in an end to adoptions in South Africa? Traditionally, making and amending laws is a painstakingly slow and careful process, so it isn’t a good sign when lawmakers add a last-minute amendment to an act, especially not after five months of intensive consultation with interested parties. It smacks of an ambush, more so when it involves something as critical as the fees that can be charged for adoptions, and who can participate in the process. The three amendments were added without consultation just prior to the publishing of the amendments in the Government Gazette in late October, and the adoption community was not told about the additions until the National Child Protection Forum meeting in late November 2018, just a week before the end of the public consultation process. Although they seem innocuous on paper, if passed, the amendments would make it illegal for anyone to “give or receive, or agree to give or receive, any consideration, in cash or in kind, for the adoption of a child”. This includes social workers, psychologists, attorneys, therapists, organs of the state and the child protection organisations involved with national or intercountry adoptions. The only exception would be biological mothers, who would still be able to receive compensation for necessary expenses. It would also “prohibit the rendering of professional services in connection with the adoption of a child by a lawyer, psychologist or a member of any other profession”. The stated motivation for these amendments is to make adoptions “more accessible”. It is a very sympathetic argument which is compelling for many people. But the question is, will making the payment for adoptions illegal make adoptions more accessible? And even more pertinent, is increased accessibility even necessary? The answer is complex. While it is true that adoptions aren’t currently accessible to all, it is not for the reasons stated by the Department of Social Development. The department has long contended that adoptions are elite and exorbitantly expensive. But extensive studies have shown no evidence to support these claims. Adoptions fees are carefully regulated by social development itself, and while the average cost of adoption, between R12,000 and R15,000, is too high for the poor, social workers adjust their fees to the means of the individual. In particular, child protection organisations that receive subsidies for the Department of Social Development are known to provide very inexpensive adoptions, with some parents noting that their adoption cost as little as a few thousand rand. Others were free. The assertion that cost is the main issue preventing accessibility is therefore inaccurate. Instead, adoptions are currently inaccessible to the poor for two main reasons. The first relates to the social workers currently practising adoption. Adoptions are complex, technical and highly regulated. This is essential to protect children but has limited the number of practitioners in the industry. At present, there are 59 adoption social workers in private practice and 93 designated and accredited child protection organisations (DCPOs) mandated to provide professional adoption services nationally. But the number is seen as insufficient to provide adoption services across the country. In addition, while many of the organisations involved with adoption have posts that are subsidised by the government, it has been well documented that the department is notoriously bad at paying subsidies sufficiently and on time. Surviving in the adoption industry is already challenging. Moreover, accessibility has been compromised by an omission in the Children’s Act of 2005. For an inexplicable reason, the original act prohibited Department of Social Development social workers from performing adoptions. This is the chief reason for limited accessibility. Crucially, however, this concern has already been addressed. Once passed, another proposed amendment to the Children’s Act, this one a thoroughly negotiated change, will allow appropriately skilled Department of Social Development social workers to perform adoptions. The industry has welcomed this move and has been mentoring and training department social workers in preparation for the amendment being ratified. According to the National Adoption Coalition, if properly managed, the inclusion of department social workers in the practice of adoption could make adoptions more accessible. But if fees become illegal, it will have the opposite effect. Given the inadequacy and irregularity of subsidies, child protection organisations are reliant on fees to survive, as are private social workers for whom it is a sole source of income. If fees become illegal, most, if not all current social workers will have to stop practicing. In their absence, only the department social workers will be able to complete adoptions (using taxpayer’s money). Department social workers are, however, understandably inexperienced at adoptions. Plus, it is common knowledge that the department is under-resourced and over-worked. It cannot cope with its current load. The likely outcome will be fewer opportunities for adoption, not greater accessibility. And it isn’t just social workers that will be affected. Adoption screening will become impossible for many, because psychologists and medical professionals will no longer be able to charge for providing psychological and medical assessments during screening. In addition, medical professionals and therapists would not be able to assess children prior to declaring them adoptable. Many of these services are already provided free to adoptable children. But the organisations providing these services exist on donations which, if associated with adoption, would also be illegal. Disturbingly, another implication of the amendments is that intercountry adoptions would probably cease. There are no government subsidies for intercountry adoptions and services are currently provided by 10 designated and accredited child protection

February 5, 2019

First Dreams Mobiles

Chicco present First Dreams, the ultimate multi-tech range of soothing toys especially designed with the perfect night’s sleep in mind. Within the product range comes the magical mobile – a cot mobile that can be easily attached to both wooden and travel cots. Playing soothing classical music and white noise to ease baby into sleep, the mobile also has a removable head with a small nightlight attached, projecting soft, diffused light into the nursery without disturbing baby’s sleeping patterns. The mobiles also have 4 adorable toy characters attached to engage your child. The First Dreams mobile is available in pastel pink and blue and is for sale at all leading retailers and online vendors.

February 4, 2019

Your BREAST PUMPING GUIDE

Do you need to pump? Breastfeeding directly is the most convenient way to breastfeed a baby. When you direct feed you are able to save time and manage your supply easily. However there are a few mothers that for a number of different reasons may need to use a breast pump to express their milk. By using a breast pump a mother can effectively express her milk and help to maintain her milk supply. Some reasons why you might want to express your milk: To have a supply of milk for when you are away from your baby. The baby is not able to latch or feed directly from the breast. The mother wants to give her baby breast milk but does not want to breast feed directly. To donate breast milk to a Milk Bank for premature babies. To increase your milk supply. When weaning and you need to alleviate pressure, or you are suffering from mastitis and need to drain your breasts to help healing. What you need to know before you start pumping: Firstly you need to know why you want to start pumping. If you have a healthy full term baby you can wait a few weeks before you start pumping and storing your breast milk. Allow some time for you and your baby to learn how to breast feed directly. If your baby was born prematurely or ill and is not able to breastfeed directly yet or if you have chosen to exclusively pump you should try to start expressing within one to six hours after your baby was delivered. In order to get the most out of your breast pump you need to understand how it works and to be comfortable with your pump. Make sure that you do research about the different pumps that are available, check to see if the pump has different flange sizes so that the flange will your breasts well. Does the pump allow easy control of the settings to help you manage your let-downs. Also, consider how hygienic the pump is. A closed system pump prevents bacteria, mould and viruses from entering the pump and tubing which can grow and contaminate your breast milk at a later stage. Tips if you are primarily direct feeding: A great time to pump is in the morning. You are more likely to express more milk in the morning Try to pump between breastfeeding. Wait for about 30-60 minutes after a feed, and avoid pumping one hour before a feed. If you your baby shows signs of needing to feed just after you have expressed, let your baby drink. Tips if you are exclusively/predominately breast pumping: Plan to pump 8-10 times in a 24 hour period. You would have reached full milk production once you are able to pump 750 to 1035ml in a 24hour period. It is best to maintain a schedule of expression once you have reached your full milk production. Learn how your body works, plan your expressing schedule to work best around you and your baby. Tips on how to pump Learning to pump can be a daunting process. Here are some tips to get you ready to express. Before you start, read the instructions of your breast pump. Find a space that you are comfortable in. This is very important if you need to pump at work. Have a snack and a beverage handy. Hygiene is important, wash your hands with soap and water. Assemble the pump kit. Make sure all the parts are in the correct position. Place your flanges over your nipples so that they are in the centre. Make sure you’re flange size is the correct size for you. If the flange is too small it can damage your nipples. If the flange is too big the pump will not be able to seal correctly and you will express less milk. Hold your flanges so that they sit tightly onto your breast, so that they seal well. Turn your pump on. Try to imitate how your baby drinks from your breast. Most baby’s start with a high speed and low suction. This will help you to have a let-down where you can see your milk flowing. Once you have a let-down, adjust speed to medium and increase suction based on comfort level. Never place the pump on a setting that is painful. Rather decrease the suction to where you are comfortable this will increase the amount of milk you are able to express. Once milk flow decreases, increase speed to high until the next let-down, then decrease to medium speed. The more that you use a breast pump the more comfortable you will be. How Much Will You Pump: Not all pumping sessions will result in the same about of milk expressed. It is all dependant on a few factors: your baby’s age, time since last feeding or pumping, time of day, pump type, how much practice you’ve had with your pump, and whether you’re relaxed or stressed. What volumes to expect when pumping: You produce more milk in the early mornings so you can expect higher volumes. As the day progresses you will produce less milk. This is normal Your breast may produce different amounts of milk at the same time. It’s normal to have a “lazy breast”. Aim for full milk production and then maintain your feeding or expressing schedule to maintain your milk supply. How to Reach and Maintain Full Milk Production If you need to reach your full milk production because you have a premature baby, your baby is not able to latch or if you have chosen to exclusively breast feed see the tips below: Golden tip: Pump often to drain the breast completely as this activates your hormones and helps your body to produce more milk. This is where supply and demand is so critical, the more often you drain your breasts the more milk they will make. Initially: Birth to Day 4 Start as

February 4, 2019

2019 World Read Out- loud Day

There is huge potential in South Africa to turn our literacy crisis around so that reading becomes a powerful tool, to tackle inequality and poverty. As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’ While education may be the most powerful weapon, reading aloud and storytelling are integral building blocks in learning. ‘The fire of literacy is created by the emotional sparks between a child, a book and the person reading.’ This is why NGO, Nal’ibali, focusses on reading-for enjoyment. Nal’ibali is built on the simple logic that a well-established culture of reading can be the tipping point for education in South Africa. Part of this ongoing drive to encourage South Africans to read is Nal’ibali’s World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) initiative. Call to action As the biggest literacy drive in the country, WRAD seeks to draw attention to the importance of reading aloud to children in their mother tongue. Every year, thousands of South Africans join in the celebration. They are doing it for their children, their language and their futures. This year Nal’ibali is asking those who are already readers to not only read the story commissioned for WRAD 2019 with their children on the day, but to reach out to their networks and encourage others do the same and be part of the South Africa’s literacy solution. World Read Aloud Day is being celebrated on Friday, 1 February 2019. A new story is born Jade Jacobsohn, Nali’bali’s Managing Director, says, ‘Every year we commission a brand-new story and translate it into all 11 official SA languages. Then we encourage adults and caregivers across the country, to join us in reading it aloud to children on WRAD. This year’s story, ‘Where Are You?’ is written by Ann Walton, a well known South African author and illustrator of children’s books. ‘The story can be downloaded from our website from Monday, 21 January. We’d like to encourage South Africans to register that they will be reading aloud and to share pictures of their reading sessions online.’ Why read aloud? Most of the teaching that happens in a child’s early years is oral. Being able to recognise and understand a wide pool of words, better equips them to learn and succeed in the classroom. ‘The reading of a story out loud not only shows children the value of books but starts discussions, builds bonds between the reader and the audience and motivates children to learn to read and enjoy books beyond their current reading ability,’ says Jacobson. Remember to tell us you’re reading ‘Last year, with the help of our network partners and the public, we managed to read to over a million children,’ says Jacobsohn. ‘In 2019, our aim is to beat that record and reach 1.5 million!’ In order to monitor the success of WRAD, Nal’ibali asks that all participants log their reading activities on its website: https://nalibali.org/WRAD-2019 So what’s happening on WRAD? Apart from promoting the ‘Where Are You?’ story on digital and social media platforms, Nal’ibali’s network of partners, schools project – Story Powered Schools, Literacy Mentors and FUNda Leader volunteers will be reading the story aloud at reading clubs and community centres across the country. With the support of the Department of Basic of Education, thousands of school children and educators will be joining the celebration too. A special event will be held on the morning of the 1st February 2019, at the inspirational Sandton Library, with 200 children from Soweto and Alexandra. The event will be attended by this year’s campaign ambassador, children’s author and social activist, Lebohang Masango and is supported by the Department of Education and its Read to Lead campaign. Masango will give a special multilingual reading of ‘Where Are You?’ and engage the attending children and adults about the importance of reading aloud. She says, ‘Reading to your children is important because the benefits will follow them for their entire life. Not only is it great for bonding but you are also expanding their vocabulary, their knowledge, their imaginations, their ability to focus and confidently articulate their ideas out loud. Reading is truly the gift that keeps on giving!’ Copies of her own book, ‘Mpumi’s Magic Beads’, will be given to each child to further encourage them to keep reading. Community walk During the week of 21 January, a Nal’ibali mascot and volunteers with take to the streets within various communities to promote WRAD while handing out story cards. If you would like to join the Nal’ibali’s World Read Aloud Day: 1. Visit www.nalibali.org or www.nalibali.mobi to download the official story in any of the languages. 2. Pledge the number of children you will be reading to. 3. Share pictures of read-aloud sessions on the Nal’ibali’s Facebook and Twitter platforms: @NalibaliSA, or use the hashtag #WRADChallenge2019 on the day.

February 1, 2019

Will my child be left or right dominant?

Many years ago, people believed that it was important for all children to be right handed. They used to go as far as tying the left hand behind the child’s back so that she was forced to use only the right hand. As can be imagined this caused enormous problems in the development of naturally left-handed individuals. Dominance (being left or right handed) is something that you are born with – it is genetically pre-determined. So trying to change something that we are born with and that we are meant to be can only cause problems. Everyone has a dominant eye, ear, hand and foot, and the dominance is not necessarily on the same side. Although it takes a child several months to years to show dominance, a clear dominance is usually evident by the age of 2 years and definitely by the age of 5 years. Midline crossing is the ability to work across an imaginary line that separates the right and left halves of the body. This is important as it shows mature communication between the right and left halves of the brain. If a child is unable to cross his midline, he may have difficulty with developing a dominant hand. This is because they tend to use their right hand when things are placed on the right side of their body and their left hand when things are placed on the left side of their body. Delayed development of a dominant hand can result in immature fine motor skills and the delayed development of handwriting. As a baby, we want to encourage the use of both hands for bilateral activities, this is the ability to coordinate the left and right sides of the body, and to cross the midline as it indicates that both sides of the brain are working well together and sharing information efficiently and the development of dominance. A baby of 6 – 8 months should show bilateral use of both hands, such as holding her bottle and bringing a toy to her mouth. Once your baby can use both hands together, she will start to cross her midline. Your baby should be able to cross over to the left with her right hand to grab a toy and vice versa, she should also be able to touch her toes. These are very basic examples but are nonetheless important to the development of your child. Insofar as being left or right handed, it does not matter, being one or the other does not make a greater or better person. Allow your child to develop naturally and provide as many opportunities for bilateral hand function and midline crossing as possible.

February 1, 2019

Chicco Baby Moments Bath Range

As Chicco say, “wherever there’s a baby, there’s the best scent in the world!” – and nothing can be more true after having a bath with the new Chicco Baby Moments bath line. Hypo-allergenic, clinically tested, paraben free and loved around the world, the Baby Moments bath ranges include a variety of products that are all created with a no-tears formula to make the bath time experience even more enjoyable for babies. Including Bath Shampoo, Gentle Body Wash & Shampoo combination, the Baby Moments soap and a foam bath, all products are ideal for daily care of baby’s delicate skin and fine hair. Full lines are available at various baby products retailers as well as www.takealot.com and www.loot.co.za.

January 30, 2019

Time-Efficient Tips for Self-Care for New Parents

There’s a reason you need to put your oxygen mask on first on a plane: In the event of a crash, you have to keep your strength to keep taking care of your little ones. That same concept applies to your life as a parent as well. You have to take care of yourself to avoid a serious crash. However, fitting in self-care while caring for a new baby can be challenging. If you’re a new parent struggling for the time for self-care, here are some hacks you need to know. Get Rid of Gyms and Exercise at Home Instead If you are caring for an infant, getting to the gym can be impossible. Not to mention, many gyms may not be accessible if you need a wheelchair. But maintaining a regular exercise routine is essential for keeping your energy levels up and can even help you manage stress. That can be a real lifesaver for new parents, so instead of going out to the gym, bring your workouts home. Setting up a home gym is fairly simple as long as you have some key pieces of equipment. A yoga mat, some weights, and a few resistance bands will help you stay in shape between diaper changes and naps. If you want to add equipment tailored to your needs and abilities, you can also look into accessible gym equipment to use in your at-home workouts. An arm or FES bike can be major upgrades to any home gym and give you the edge you need. Do Some Healthy Meal Prep One Day a Week Sticking to a healthy, balanced diet is enough of a challenge when you’re only caring for yourself. Add a new baby to the mix and you’re lucky to have time to eat at all. All the stress and time constraints of being a new parent can cause you to reach for convenient processed foods and snacks. While those starchy foods may fill your tummy, they will do nothing to replenish your energy. Fast food, breakfast cereals, and energy drinks are known to drain your energy levels, leaving you feeling more tired. To avoid crashing during the week, try to set aside some time on the weekend to meal prep healthier options. If you don’t have the time to cook, you could also look into meal delivery services to keep nutritious food in your belly and loads of energy you need in your body. Most services provide fresh ingredients, and you should be able to find one that offers healthier (or quicker) foods to prepare during the week. Spend Some Time Outdoors with Your Little One We tend to shy away from spending time in the sun, but being outside can be so good for your overall mood and health. For both adults and children, getting outside during the day lowers feelings of stress and enhances overall mental health. If you start feeling a bit down, try stepping outside for a few minutes. Take your coffee outdoors or take a walk with your baby. If you’re worried about taking your infant outside with you, you really shouldn’t! Experts agree that spending time outside is also beneficial for your baby, so long as you take steps to keep your little one safe. Pick up a hat and some essential sun gear to protect that delicate skin, but be mindful of not dressing your baby too warm when it’s sunny outside. You could pick up a stroller with a shade so you can go on outdoor walks and take your baby along for the ride. So much of parenting is about putting your baby’s needs first. The truth is, however, you cannot keep taking care of your little one if you are not taking the time to care for yourself. Self-care is essential for new parents. So, make sure you put your self-care oxygen mask on first so you can put the rest of your energy into caring for your new baby’s needs.

January 30, 2019

Why is it important to be a good role model?

As parents, we have been handed a truly remarkable creation with no instruction manual! As each day passes, we try to discover which will be the best way to deal with a situation. Since time rushes by so quickly and before you know it, your toddler will be going to school; we know that we have to make the most out of every situation. If we look ahead, all parents really yearn for, for their child, is that she becomes a well-rounded, happy adult one day. But how can we influence who she will become? Treat your child, as you would like her to treat you and others. Many adults believe in the old age saying, “Respect your elders” whilst this is indeed true, should we not rather teach our children to respect all others? When your child wants to talk to you, give her the full attention she deserves, after all, you expect her to listen to you. Nobody likes to be interrupted. Should you be involved in a conversation and your child calls you, don’t ignore her, it may be urgent. Instead, teach her to tap you on the leg and briefly tell her that you acknowledge that she needs you and that you will speak to her as soon as possible. As soon as possible, break your conversation to see to your child’s needs. Treat other people with respect. In a group situation, listen to when someone is speaking and do not have your own conversation. By doing this you will teach your child that she does not need to listen to others. Never speak badly to another adult in front of your child. Your child will believe it is okay to treat others in this way. Use please and thank you when speaking to your child. Lead by example. Your child is sure to be a little YOU one day. Watch your child at play; the words and mannerisms will imitate who you actually are. Keep adult conversations out of earshot. Little children pick up bad language quicker than you think and use it when you will be most embarrassed! Remain calm and collected in a situation. Getting hysterical will only teach your child that this is the way to deal with a crisis. Be cooperative and not bossy. We want to create good leadership qualities in our children and not militant leaders.

January 29, 2019

WHAT IS POST BIRTH BELLY BINDING

Post-birth abdominal binding has been practiced by women for centuries. The main theory behind binding is to return a woman’s abdominal and pelvic region to its pre-pregnancy state as soon as possible after birth. Primarily through compression, binding aids in returning the internal abdominal and pelvic organs, muscle and skin to the pre-partum state. As well as reducing the abdominal bulge, binding aids in improved back and pelvic support, reduced back and pelvic pain, posture and balance correction, reduced C-section pain, increased circulation, abdominal muscle activation, reduced incontinence and gastrointestinal complications, as well as emotional and psychological support. After delivery it is a common misconception that the post-birth abdomen or stomach will be flat and look as it was before conception. During pregnancy the uterus stretches to a large size, as does the abdomen, surrounding musculature and skin, to accommodate the growth of the foetus and placenta, as well as increasing blood and fluid volumes. Once the baby and placenta have been delivered most often a large, protruding stomach still exists. During the first few days and weeks after birth the stomach will start to reduce in size as the organs revert to their correct orientation, the uterus contracts and the excess fluid is absorbed. Abdominal binding enhances this process through the compression of the abdomen, reducing the size of the bulge, as well as providing support for what feels like a very empty, loose, soft and enlarged stomach. The incidence of back and pelvic pain is high during pregnancy and may continue after birth. This is caused by the increasing weight of the abdomen, postural and balance changes, as well as the hormones produced that prepare the body for birth. The pregnant body secretes hormones which adapt the body to allow for the growing foetus and the impending delivery. Relaxin is a hormone secreted that softens the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles and joints in the body which allows for the stretching of the pelvic joints and hips during delivery. Relaxin also relaxes the smooth muscle in the uterus to accommodate growth and expansion. In turn it influences the entire body causing cartilage and ligaments to soften, muscles to relax and joints therefore become more prone to injury and pain. Joints in the spine and pelvis become increasingly vulnerable to injury and pain as their stability is further compromised due to this effect of relaxin. Abdominal binding shortly after birth provides extra support to the back, pelvis and abdomen, alleviating these symptoms and preventing recurrence of back and pelvic pain after birth. Breastfeeding posture after birth may also contribute to backache as this is often not a posture that women are used to performing. It can lead to upper back, neck and shoulder pain and spasm throughout the spine musculature. Abdominal binding supports the back and leads to a more efficient, supported posture while breastfeeding. This reduces the pain felt during long periods of sustaining the feeding posture and the uncomfortable effects felt afterwards. Oxytocin, another hormone produced during pregnancy and birth, also encourages shrinking of the womb. During breastfeeding oxytocin is further released to contract the uterus and enables it to return to its normal size. These contractions can be strong and painful and binding helps reduce this pain due to the compressive, supportive force it offers. During pregnancy the body’s centre of gravity changes due to the changing weight distribution. The centre of gravity is basically the centre point where your body’s weight needs to be concentrated to achieve balance during every day movement. The pregnant body’s increasing weight as well as the ‘pulling forward’ of the heavy abdomen, causes postural changes. The back and pelvic region, as well as the lower limbs, need to accommodate to maintain effective posture and balance. This can lead to back, sacral and pelvic pain which are common complaints of pregnancy. Abdominal binding after birth corrects posture, reduces back pain and alleviates pressure on the pelvis and pelvic region. Through correct spinal alignment, effective balance is achieved much faster and the added abdominal support reduces the gravitational pull of the enlarged abdomen on the spine. This allows for optimal posture and balance and the return to normal function and exercise is hastened. Caesarean Section (C-section) is an increasingly common delivery method. C-section is invasive abdominal surgery and brings with it many more challenges than a natural delivery. The incision site is often largely painful and is in an area where constant movement takes place, as the abdominal muscles are active for almost every movement we make. C-section patients are encouraged to support the incision site with a pillow or their own arms when coughing, sneezing, laughing or doing any movement that will cause engagement of the abdominal muscles. The abdominal binder supports the incision by providing compression over the cut. When the abdominal muscles are activated the incision is supported by the binder, so the movements cause much less pain at the site of the cut. Normal activities and movements are made much easier and are less painful due to this compressive support. The sooner the binder is fitted to the C-section patient the faster pain relief is acquired and normal movement can return. The compressive effect of abdominal binding increases blood flow to the abdominal and pelvic areas. This improved circulation accelerates healing and repair to the internal organs and structures affected by pregnancy. Swelling and inflammation in the abdominal and pelvic areas are reduced due to the pressure of the binder. This increased circulation also has a positive influence on breast feeding, as more oxygen and nutrients can reach the breast tissue, enhancing lactation. Compression resulting in improved blood flow may reduce the incidence of blood clots forming in the abdominal and pelvic regions. During pregnancy the expanding uterus, abdominal and pelvic areas cause weakening of the abdominal muscles as they need to stretch to accommodate this growth. The hormone relaxin will also have a relaxing, lengthening effect on the muscles, adding to their weakness. The core abdominal muscles,

January 29, 2019

Review: Chicco Baby Moments Range

When choosing products for your little one’s delicate skin which is still in the process of development, parents tend to be picky as to their product choice. The Chicco Baby Moments range is formulated for baby’s. The ingredients used in the their range of products are gentle ensuring that there is less change of baby’s skin being irritated by the products. Their hypoallergenic formula causes less irritation to your baby’s tender skin and eyes. Besides, the presence of iso-lachrymal neutral pH makes sure the eyes of your baby do not tingle as a result of coming in contact with this product. Chicco is a manufacturer of a wide range of baby-products. The products of this company comply with high standards of safety and are suitable for children. So if you are looking for products for your baby that are free from dyes, alcohol, SLS, SLES and parabens then the Chicco Baby Moments range is the line of products for you! Their range comprises of Chicco Baby Moments Sweet Perfumed Water Body Lotion & Massage Oil Bath Range Oral Care Collection Available to purchase at various baby products retailers as well as www.takealot.com and www.loot.co.za.

January 28, 2019

CHICCO RELEASES THE AWARD-WINNING BABY HUG 4-IN-1

Chicco, leaders in baby products for over 60 years, announce the all new worldwide first – the Baby Hug 4-in-1. Distributed by Prima Baby in South Africa, Chicco are fore-runners in innovation and function when it comes to baby furniture, juvenile hard lines such as travel systems, prams and car seats as well as all other nursery essentials. For this reason, the world has gone crazy for the latest in evolutionary baby care – the Baby Hug 4-in-1. A crib, recliner, table chair and highchair in one, the Baby Hug is the only piece of furniture on the market that can adapt to become each of these items with a simple gesture. With brakes, wheels for moving from room to room and a musical, movable mobile to keep baby entertained, there is no part of your baby’s day that doesn’t need a Baby Hug. In fact it can even be adapted to the height of your bed to make a cosy co-sleeper for nursing moms. Having won several innovation awards in Europe throughout 2018, the Baby Hug has been received incredibly well by the international market, making it one of 2018’s most purchased items of baby furniture. We are proud to announce that Chicco is the only company in the world that sells the Baby Hug 4-in-1 and that it is finally available in stores across South Africa, including Baby City, Babies R Us and online vendors such as www.takealot.com and www.loot.co.za. Make life easy for parents and babies with the Baby Hug 4-in-1. Suitable from birth to 36 months.

January 28, 2019

The Importance Of Creating a Love for Math

We may take for granted that our children will inevitably learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, but early math lessons establish the base for the rest of their thinking lives. “Mathematics that kids are doing in Grade R, first, second and third grades lays the foundation for the work they are going to do beyond that. “They are learning beyond just counting and numbers.” That’s why it’s so important to help children love math while they are still young. Parents can build on those first preschool lessons by counting with their children, asking them to look for patterns and recognise shapes, then moving on to recognition on number symbols. The goal should be to make math “real” and meaningful by pointing it out in the world around you. That could include checking and comparing prices at the grocery store, driving down the street counting mailboxes, reading recipes, calculating coupons, or even measuring food or drink at the dinner table. Just as you encourage your early reader to look for familiar letters, ask your child to watch for math, regarding math as highly as you do reading. Every parent knows that it’s a good idea to read to your child every night, but they should also realise the importance of talking about mathematical situations with children every day. With so many facts and figures to memorise and apply to math problems, children learn early that math is something that requires work. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun; keep the pleasure in math by playing games with your children. Many games, even the ones adults play, rely on math. With countless websites, computer games and phone apps, parents have endless options, but don’t forget about the nondigital games you loved as a child. The classics that require manipulating cards and game pieces, calculating along the way, may have the same appeal for your kids as they did for you. One game worth considering is Snakes and Ladders , it develops the basic math skills needed to build a strong foundation for number sense and the best part is the kids don’t realise they developing math skills. As you play with your kids, try to tap into your own love for math. When you play Trivial Pursuit, you are using math to determine how many spaces you need to get to the next wedge or predict which category you can answer best. The game doesn’t have to be about math, but should involve it. Make math fun and meaningful and create a love for mathematics at an early age and you will see the rewards later. The Gymathstics Approved Games Tab on the Gymathstics website has amazing logical thinking games that promote math development in young children. Log onto www.gymathstics.co.za for more information

January 25, 2019

Review: Toptots Tom-e Hand Puppet

Puppet play helps develop language and communication skills. Children learn through imaginative play which enhances and develops social and emotional development within the child. Our Tom-e hand puppet is fully washable and will engage your child in hours of fun imaginative play.

January 24, 2019

Finding the best learning environment for the Gen-Z student

With matric complete, a new cohort of Generation Z (Gen-Z) is now in search of optimum learning environments that will support their pursuit of knowledge and help them prepare themselves for the world of work. Often referred to as ‘digital natives’, Gen-Z’s stand out for growing up with a complete immersion in technology which has shaped the ways they find, process, learn and engage with content. As they enter our universities and colleges they also bring with them their generational worldview and traits. Across the world, traditional higher education is challenged to adapt to provide learning environments that will set Gen-Z on pathways to success. Gen-Z’s have been raised in an inter-connected world with unprecedented amounts of information immediately accessible to them through their devices. The world’s problems are more apparent and visceral to them, and they tend to be innovative problem-solvers who are often driven by the need for social change. There may well be many among them who are specifically looking for study programmes that will support their aspirations to make an impactful contribution to an ever-changing and uncertain world. Notable for their adaptability, Gen-Z’s want to be equipped with skills that do not confine them to a single field of work. Rather, they prefer to develop universal skills that will help them to solve challenges in different work environments. Another impact on Gen-Z has been growing up in a world that has been more protective of childhood and children, with parents more aware of parenting and aiming to turn out young adults with healthy self-esteem. As a consequence, Gen-Z’s have expectations of being engaged with as worthwhile individuals, whether that’s online, at home or in their study environment. They value close personalised attention, recognition of their uniqueness and tailor-made plans to help them get to where they want to be in the most optimal ways. They do better with regular, constructive feedback from those in charge, and are more open than any other generation to mentoring, coaching and counselling. For many of Generation Z, the traditional Western university model, with its sprawling, anonymous campus, vast lecture halls and cloistered academics, is not the optimal route for their further education. Their preferences are shaping higher education across the globe, but it’s not that easy for long-standing institutions to transform in radical ways. Lauren Martin, Clinical Psychologist and Head of Teaching and Learning at SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology) believes this is one of the reasons there has been a steady rise in private higher education institutions across the world. “Private institutions have had the benefit of offering personalised, tailored educational experiences which allows them to remain agile in meeting the changing needs of students who enrol,” she says. “Private institutions like SACAP are specifically geared to provide 21st Century learning environments that best suit the current generation.” Lauren points out that the optimal higher education learning environment for Gen-Z, must include: Providing social learning environments where Gen-Z can engage seamlessly with diverse content, educators, mentors and peers. Their learning environment needs to provide opportunities for sharing, engaging and debating. Smaller classes that allow for robust discussions on relevant world issues are important for Gen-Z’s. “They need to be hands-on when it comes to their learning,” Lauren says. “Their learning environment needs to enable them to be directly and deeply involved in their learning process.” Providing on demand services so that Gen-Z can at any time and with great ease access a variety of services that help them optimise their study experiences. Gen-Z’s are adaptable and can easily access information to assist with their own learning. Their needs rapidly change as they are exposed to new information and contexts, and they require a personalised set of support services to meet their needs. Their learning environment needs to be agile in developing and offering new and diverse support services, delivered flexibly and efficiently. Providing career guidance, planning and focused learning opportunities because Gen-Z’s want to be involved in making a meaningful difference in the world. Providing opportunities for students to gain experience in various work environments or volunteer options during their studies exposes them to the needs in the community and allows them to practically think about meaningful career trajectories. Also, they value developing universal skills that allow them to create careers that perhaps have not even been thought of yet. Their learning environment needs to foster flexibility, autonomy and innovation. Deeply integrating digital learning tools and engagement channels so that Gen-Z can learn the way they learn best – through technology and multimedia devices. “Gen-Z’s are accustomed to communication and learning through various technology platforms such as social media, smart phones and apps, Lauren concludes. “Their learning environments need to incorporate creative technology platforms, applications and in-class integration to keep Gen-Z’s thriving as they study.”

January 24, 2019

Bad Posture may lead to headaches

There are many different medications, surgeries and interventions to treat headaches, but a new study reveals an effective way to treat primary headaches might be at your fingertips – neck stretching. By performing simple neck stretching exercises that stubborn and painful headache might just disappear. The study, published in Workplace Health and Safety, examined the effects of a neck stretching exercise intervention on nurses’ primary headaches. It used a pretest and posttest two-group design with a total of 60 female staff nurses employed by a medical center in Taiwan. Participants in the experimental group (a total of 30 patients) practiced neck stretching exercises while experiencing headaches. The participants in the control group (the other 30 patients) managed their headaches as they would usually do. According to Dr. Elliot Shevel, Medical Director of The Headache Clinic, and South Africa’s internationally recognized Migraine expert and pioneer in the field of Migraine Surgery, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on headache intensity at baseline, and at 30 minutes and 1 hour after intervention. “Decrease in headache intensity of the experimental group was significantly larger than that of the control group,” says Shevel. “The conclusion was that neck stretching exercises is an effective method for treating primary headaches.” What exercises can you do? By simply doing some physiotherapy exercises at the office or in the comfort of your own home, you can treat your own headaches, says Shevel. The Headache Clinic’s in-house Physiotherapist Urvashi Chiba has put together a short demonstration video with practical advice and exercise demonstration. Please click here. Things to remember when doing neck stretching: Do the neck stretches two to three times per day. Stretches are more effective and comfortable when the muscle is warm. Ideally it can be done in the shower, after a bath or after heating the muscles with a heat pack. Do not pull too hard; a gentle pulling sensation should be felt. The stretch should be gentle and should not cause you pain Take regular breaks from the computer or seated position. Maintain correct seated position in front of your computer or desk. Correct computer posture Maintain correct seated position whilst driving. Correct driving posture Avoid awkward positions, especially for extended periods of time. Common awkward positions Slouching in a chair Sticking your bottom out Standing with a flat back Leaning on one leg Hunched back and ‘text neck’ (from hunching over while texting) Poking your chin by sitting too low in front of your screen Rounded shoulders Cradling your phone between head and shoulder

January 24, 2019

Group Games

Group activities are a great way of stimulating appropriate social skills. They provide opportunities for turn-taking, sharing, communicating and following rules. The activities listed here also focus on development and physical well-being. Activities to stimulate eye-hand coordination and ball skills: Beach/Park mini-golf: Use beach spades or plastic golf clubs to hit the golf ball. Set up your course with features made from the paper cups and shoe box. You can cut the ends out of the shoe box and make a tunnel to hit your golf ball through, and the cups can be used as a hazard too. Play tenpin bowling using a ball and some old cold drink bottles that can be knocked down. Balloon volleyball: create a net by tying a piece of string to 2 different points. Try to hit the balloon over the net and not let it touch the ground. Blanket throw and catch: Each child holds a corner of a blanket. Place a plastic ball or a soft toy in the centre and then lift the blanket to toss the object into the air. As the object falls down, try to catch it using the blanket. You can move around to catch the object if needed. Activities to stimulate balance and gross motor skills: Hopscotch. Jumping rope games. Obstacle courses: Set up different courses in the house or garden using chairs to climb over, tables to crawl under, cushions to crawl over and rope to jump over. Sled races: Have one child pull another child on a blanket around the floor (just make sure that there aren’t any dangerous objects in the proximity). Activities to encourage fine motor skills and tactile stimulation: Draw a very large picture on a big sheet of paper. Give each child a section to colour in. Baking groups: make simple things like Marie biscuit faces, fruit skewers or cookie pizza’s (coat a large biscuit with Nutella and then add sweets like Smarties and Jelly tots). Have races using tweezers and small beads or small squashed up pieces of paper. See who can pick up the most in one minute. Activities to encourage creativity and imaginary play: Build forts with boxes, pillows and blankets. Play games with themes e.g. firemen, doctors, teachers etc. Go on adventures e.g. to space or in the jungle. Activities to encourage perceptual and cognitive skills: Bingo: using numbers, letters or simple animal pictures. Play the memory game where each person has the chance to turn over two cards in an attempt to find the matching pairs.

January 22, 2019

Explore the microscopic world – Fun ideas for bored kids

Parents and caregivers need plenty of ideas to keep kids entertained throughout the holiday. If you have access to a basic microscope such as a Foldscope, these fun exploration activities will not only keep the kids occupied, but they will be learning at the same time! To start, you will need a light microscope, microscope slides (glass or make your own from cardboard/paper), coverslips (or sticky tape) to secure the specimen to the slide, a clean container for sample collection, and purified water. Small forceps also come in handy to collect and manipulate specimens. Water bear (tardigrade) hunt Water bears are fascinating creatures that occur all over the world. These micro-animals are able to survive extreme conditions such as freezing cold or high heat, low and high pressures, dehydration, and starvation. They’ve even been shown to survive in outer space! Finding a water bear in your own garden is a special experience, and is sure to pique the interest of children of all ages. Without water, tardigrades enter a state called “cryptobiosis” where their metabolism slows down and they become completely inactive. They are revived from this state when water becomes available again, allowing them to inhabit mosses and lichens that undergo periodic wetting and drying. Collect pieces of moss and/or lichen from bricks, walls, trees, etc. Using a clean implement such as a scraper or blunt knife, remove the moss or lichen and place into a clean container. Try to remove as much dirt from the sample as possible (water bears are more likely to be within the spaces between the moss than in the soil, and the dirt will make it harder to find your water bear). Place your sample of moss or lichen into a small container and add about 20 ml of purified water. Make sure your moss is completely submerged, but do not use too much water as it will be mean more water to search through. Leave the moss to soak for at least 4 hours to give the water bears time to rehydrate and become active. Using a pipette or a straw, collect some of the water and place a drop onto the microscope slide. Cover with a coverslip or sticky tape and place into your microscope or Foldscope. Now you are ready to look for water bears. You may have to make several slides or even find different moss samples if your initial search is unsuccessful. Don’t give up though! Water bears are incredibly abundant and it’s only a matter of time before your patience pays off. Only about 1000 species of these micro-animals have been described by scientists, so there is a good chance you will discover a new species in your own backyard! Pollen Each species of flower’s pollen has unique characteristics. It may be possible to see some of these characteristics using a basic microscope and children will enjoy trying to find the differences. You can collect pollen without picking the flowers by holding a piece of clear sticky tape to the pollen-covered anther. Place the sticky tape onto the microscope slide and observe! Pond-/seawater Pond- and seawater are teeming with microscopic organisms like amoeba, rotifers, nematodes and diatoms. Simply collect some water in a container, place a drop onto a microscope slide and observe. Try to identify as many organisms as you can. Since these creatures are alive and will be swimming around your slide, it is a good idea to take a video if you want to observe them more carefully. Coupling a Foldscope to your smartphone is a quick and easy way to get great videos of your specimens. Foraminifera – armoured amoeba These single-celled microscopic organisms have existed on earth for 570 million years. They are found in all marine environments, but also occur occasionally in freshwater or even on land. Each organism builds a shell around themselves, and these shells have built up for millions of years within the seabed and regions where the sea once flooded the land. Foraminifera fossils are studied for clues about the earth’s climate millions of years ago. Not only are they useful, foraminifera also come in an endless variety of beautiful shapes and colours. If you are able to get some sea sand, you have a good chance of finding some of these armoured amoebae. Tiny insects Even the tiniest insect looks like a scary monster under a microscope! Ants, mosquitoes, fruit flies, aphids, and moths look impressive when magnified 100 times. Since light microscopes function on the premise of light passing through the specimen, it is important to select only small insects for this activity. Some parts of the insect will be too thick for light to pass through, but it is possible to observe the legs, feet, mouthparts, and wings. If you have a lightbox (or a Foldscope with an LED light module), thicker specimens can easily be observed. We do not recommend killing insects for this activity. Instead, find dead insects in spider webs, on window sills or in the garden. Place your insect on a microscope slide, cover with a coverslip or sticky tape, and be prepared to be amazed! Don’t have a microscope? Don’t worry! You can get an ultra-affordable origami-inspired Foldscope online from www.scibuddy.co.za. Foldscopes are durable, easy-to-use, and portable, with 140x magnification. They are available as individual kits or classroom kits containing 20 or 100 units. Deluxe Individual Kits contain an extensive set of accessories to collect specimens and prepare slides. These kits are packaged in a beautiful metal case making it easy for little explorers to keep their Foldscope close at hand. SciBuddy is the exclusive distributor of Foldscopes in South Africa. The owner, Arista Burke, has a background in microbiology and education. She believes that Foldscopes will be a gamechanger for South African children. To find out more about SciBuddy and Foldscope, visit www.scibuddy.co.za or their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SciBuddySA.

January 22, 2019

Financial planning tips for parents

School holidays are long gone and the reality of live is slowly but surely setting in. Janu-worry is long month and we are all feeling it in our pockets! Well, this is the best time to start planning for your healthy financial year that is 2019. So use the opportunity to see if you could be doing better on the financial front, and look at ways to improve. This month, family financial experts Hero Life answer the questions their clients often ask them about financial planning, plus how to get started, and make the best of it. I really want to get started sorting things out in this new year. But is it a good idea to start now? The beginning of the year is a great reminder to take a few small steps to help improve your financial health and make better money management decisions going forward. With the holiday season, and all it’s associated expenses, being something of the past, there’s no better time than now to get your finances in order for the year ahead. How do I get started with my financial planning? You can start with six easy steps: Step 1: Take a financial inventory (your “original” so to speak). That is see how much you earn, what you spend, on what do you spend your money, your debt situation, your life cover situation as well as savings and retirements. Basically just listing everything you have currently in place. Step 2: Think a bit about what you want to achieve financially for 2019 and what those family goals are (your destination). These could be things like buying a house in five years, or going on an overseas holiday. Or maybe you just want to be financially independent without any debt in 10 years from now. Step 3: Create a budget that will make you reach your goals (basically the map showing you how to go from your origin to your end destination). And commit to reduce your spending and increase your income. Step 4: Categorise your goals and fund these goals with any surplus you have left after you essential living costs every month. This could be e.g. paying off debt sooner, putting more money away for retirement or even just something as simple as starting an emergency fund. Step 5: Look at ways of increasing your income or decreasing your expense to allow for extra surplus every month to fund the goals you have set for yourself. Step 6: Take a moment and celebrate your progress! Beginner financial planning really comes down to just a few basic steps – earn more, spend less and save in a way that aligns with your financial goals. And remember, if at any time you feel you need a bit of push, there are always professionals available to give you a hand. Why is a budget so important when it comes to financial planning? It’s boring and admin-heavy, but by figuring out your fixed and variable expenses, and looking at your bank statements, you’ll see exactly where your money is going which will help you make smart decisions on what you could cut out of your life. You’ll likely find that you’re spending money on things you don’t really need, or you’ll see opportunities where you could be paying less for something. You could also try the 50-20-30 budget method: 50% of your net income should go towards your needs, 30% towards your wants, and 20% to your savings and debt repayments. I have kids, so I feel it might be more important to budget and save. Is this so, even though I have more responsibilities? Absolutely – it’s very important, no matter your expenses or number of dependents. We know that the concept of saving sounds easy, but in practice it’s tough out there, especially when there are always living expenses and new ones coming up, especially when you have children. You need to find ways to save that make sense – whether it’s setting up a debit order on your bank account for a savings plan, only eating takeout once a month, only buying clothes on sale, scouring supermarkets for grocery specials, or packing lunch to take to work. The key to changing spending behaviour is to create a goal, and start small. Begin by switching off lights when you don’t need them to save electricity, or waiting a while before buying those shoes, or limiting yourself to one impulse buy a month. You could save hundreds of rands a month, which equates to thousands by the end of the year. This money can be saved for emergencies, help with expenses for unforeseen expenses, or put towards education policies or increased life cover. What else should be part of my financial plan? Your financial plan should ideally cover every aspect of your finances: savings and investment, insurance (life, short term and medical), managing debt, estate planning, tax planning and retirement planning. For a parent, having a will, life insurance, and savings for their kids’ education is a critical part of a financial plan. You might think that you’ll be able to afford your child’s university expenses from your monthly cash flow, or that you don’t need a will because you don’t have a lot of assets. You might also think that because you’re fairly young, you don’t need life insurance, or that your kids will be provided for by their dad, or your parents when you’re no longer there. This isn’t the case and there are many things to consider – your kids’ education, first cars, weddings and general wellbeing. You’ll be doing them and your partner a big disservice if you don’t plan properly to secure any dreams you have for them. Once I have things in place, what next? Do I always need to change and re-evaluate things? As they say, the only constant in life is change. Your life and circumstances are definitely going to change over the next 12 months.

January 21, 2019

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