Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Review: MOM Diary

For the last three years, I have been so fortunate to be receiving a momdiary. This is probably one of the most beautiful and helpful gifts I’ve ever received! The colours and design for 2019 are just magical! With a beautiful sun motif embossed on the cover of these brightly chosen colours, MOM Diary certainly has created a great diary for a ‘year to shine.’ As always, there’s an inspirational message from the MOM Diary team as well as emergency telephone numbers, place for emergency contact details and personal details. MOM Diaryalso gives you public holidays, special days and school term dates. Whilst planning a whole year in advance could seem quite daunting, momdiary has created a year planner that is both simple to follow, and of course is great to have available particularly towards the end of the year, when events for the following year start creeping into your life. There’s handy information right at your fingertips especially when you need those all important details for completing forms, or even if in the unfortunate event of your handbag or purse being stolen. Within this space, you’re able to record all those details such as medical aid numbers and the like, and have them available any time you need them. MOM Diary also encourages you to set goals and has a monthly to do list as well as a month at a glance planner. Then to help you along this journey, there’s weekly words of wisdom that I find very inspirational. Each day is broken up into various sections. There’s a section for important numbers, dates and reminders, as well as a family social section. My goals and personal wellbeing section and today I am grateful for…which helps you to find something positive in your life every day and keep you focused on the beauty that surrounds you. I personally think that MOM Diary has thought of everything including simple easy to make recipes using ingredients that you already have at home. No need to still go out and purchase expensive ingredients! There’s an extra-mural planning section that is really helpful for all moms who know what it’s like to chauffeur children around every day. Included as well, is some basic first aid tips and a monthly cashflow planner helping you to stick to your monthly budget. The beauty of MOM Diary is that you are able to use just one diary to plan and keep track of your entire year. I’m excited about the new feature for 2019 which is a fun to use bullet journal that includes many different ideas to track and list. Some of these are my bucket list, my personal wish list and gift ideas. Users of MOM Diary are even invited to share these ideas within the MOM Diary community – what a great way to collaborate! Thank you momdiary for thinking of everything that we need in just one handy and really beautiful diary. Get your MOM Diary today when you visit http://www.thepapery.co.za

October 6, 2018

Review: Toptots Actions Songs CD

Music is the key to development. If a young child is exposed to music it helps them to perceive sound, make sense of the sounds that they are hearing and from there are able to make their own sounds. They also learn about rhythm. Music is also a way for a child to express himself. There are so many physical, emotional and external changes taking place in a toddler’s life. Music helps children to understand this environment and to express their feelings , especially when words are not available to do so. Our Action CD is designed to entertain and get your toddler moving with 10 action packed songs. To purchase or for more information visit- https://www.toptots.co.za/product/toptots-action-songs-cd/

October 5, 2018

The things our kids really need don’t need to cost a lot

As young parents, we often worry about our kids’ early development. We want to give them the best opportunities possible to assist with development, but we can end up spending a lot of money on unnecessary things trying to achieve this. According to a study done by UNICEF SA in 2007: “A family provides a young child with the most important environment in which to grow and flourish. The interactions that infants and young children have with the people around them allow them to absorb the culture and values of their society and to make sense of the world.” Hero Life asked Mare Smit, a qualified occupational therapist, what is really important for early childhood development and to give us some tips on saving money while we are at it. She says that there are 3 things that are really important to our kids at a young age and these are: that parents take care of their physical needs, that our kids play enough, and that they receive as much love as possible. It is really that simple. And none of these 3 things should cost an arm and a leg. “Our biggest challenge is to not fall into the trap of spending money on things that matter more to us, as parents, than to the child themselves. “ Let’s quickly cover some of Mare’s money savings tips on each of these 3 important areas for our kids’ early childhood development. How to save on a child’s PHYSICAL needs Our children’s physical needs are quite basic as they need healthy food, fresh air, clean water and a safe environment. Have you heard about the “sharing economy”? It basically means that we don’t need to buy as much as we do and that it is more economical to share things between like-minded parties. This is absolutely true for saving money when our kids are young as you are guaranteed to come into contact with other parents having the same requirements. Therefore, some basic tips for young parents are: Download a free app for monitoring your baby while asleep; Connect with a group of like-minded friends and fellow parents and share clothes the first 2 years of your babies’ life; But don’t stop there, also share everything from recipes to camper cots, strollers, toys, etc., with a group of friends with similar hygienic practices. How to save on a child’s PLAY needs Children need to play most of their day! This is how they grow and learn intellectually, physically and emotionally. It’s the most important part of a child’s day and it needs to be free of obstructions, but also interesting, explorative and FUN. And the more you can join your child, the better! There are numerous websites on internet where you can google the age appropriate tasks a child should learn on a gross and fine motor level. BabyCenter and Jumpleapfly are some of Mare’s favourite websites and books for stimulation activities as they suggest easy accessible toys or objects that are usually in or around any home. Why spend money on things that can easily be replaced by objects already in your house but that you didn’t think would help with development? Some more tips and examples to help stretch your money: Use things that you have at home – they do not need a toy store at home; Let them play in the garden and outside as much as possible; Join your local library instead of buying books; Join a local park for a cheaper yearly fair and visit as often as you can, each time focusing on something different; Only take out toys your child is interested in, store the others and rotate toys every month so that they feel like new toys every time; Join or organize your own toy library with other like-minded families – this ensures a nice rotation of toys between families so that your kids don’t get bored; Go for regular walks or runs around the neighborhood block. LOVE is the ultimate Free Gift Children need as much love as possible. They need unconditional love, forgiving love, sharing love, caring love, physical love and patience love! Many studies have shown that children in overcrowded areas become slow to thrive – not due to a lack of nourishment, but rather due to a lack of physical touch. Physical touch that is caring and kind can make a world of a difference for any child. Give hugs and hold them as often as you like! It’s free and doesn’t cost you a thing!! Some critical “Love actions” that your child desperately needs and that won’t even touch your budget: Listen attentively to your toddler; Read books together from an early age (start before they are 1 year old); Listen and sing songs together; Laugh together; Play rough and tumble; Hug your child as much a possible. Hopefully this helps all the Hero parents out there with a few money saving tips that still ensure effective early childhood development. Just remember, in most cases it’s the experience rather than the object that makes a difference. Want to know more about saving? Just ask Hero Life to point you in the right direction – their advice is free. Hero Life is a company that offers a free online Will, helps you to start saving for your kids’ education, and offers life insurance, designed specifically for young parents. Hero Life is an MMI Group initiative, and underwritten by Guardrisk Life Limited (Reg no 1999/013922/06), an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP license number 76). Visit herolife.co.za for more info. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herolifeZA/

October 5, 2018

It’s time to get serious about our heritage

South Africa currently has ten World Heritage Sites, of which the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains and the Khomani Cultural Landscape are the newest additions to the list, as appointed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). With nearly one World Heritage Site per province, South Africa is truly unique! While our country boasts with these beautiful World Heritage Sites, it is also home to many other natural and cultural attractions that appeal to domestic and international tourists alike. Examples include Boulders Beach in the Western Cape, with its famous colony of African penguins, and the Afrikaanse Taalmonument (Afrikaans Language Monument) in Paarl, to name but a few. The question is, should we protect these World Heritage Sites and attractions as our heritage? The answer is yes! Not simply for our children’s children, but also to showcase our incredible heritage to our countrymen and the rest of the world. These sites and attractions have so much to offer, especially in terms of promoting tourism. When we take our heritage seriously by preserving and protecting our World Heritage Sites and other attractions, we practise sustainable and responsible tourism. This rests on three pillars: the environment, the economy and the social pillar. When looking at the environmental pillar, the first thing that comes to mind is our wildlife. If, as citizens of our country, we don’t set a good example, we cannot expect tourists to respect our natural environment. Rhino poachers and other evildoers who want to destroy our wildlife must be stopped, and we must always report suspicious behaviour. In addition, while garbage cans are available at all sites to combat littering, it is our responsibility to use these bins effectively and purposefully. The next pillar is the economy. Once we fully understand and realise the value of our heritage, South Africa’s World Heritage Sites and other attractions will become and remain economically important. As domestic and international tourists visit these sites and attractions, it will ensure that the tourism sector makes a positive contribution to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of our country; this, in turn, will cause a multiplier effect that will benefit all the people of South Africa. The more people visit our World Heritage Sites and other attractions, the more far-reaching the benefits will be. The social pillar promotes national pride. If we stand together as a nation, we can work together to not only preserve and protect our World Heritage Sites and other attractions, but also to attract tourists to the rainbow nation and to foster greater cultural understanding. Conservation and community projects linked to World Heritage Sites and other attractions can also be used to support and fund local communities and, in this way, make a positive contribution. We need to start taking our heritage seriously by creating awareness of sustainable and responsible tourism. This, however, is a continuous process; one that will ensure the sustained existence of our World Heritage Sites and other attractions. May we keep this – our natural and cultural legacy – in mind when we visit any of our country’s beautiful World Heritage Sites or attractions. Written by Surina Jordaan – Education Specialist: Services Subjects and Social Sciences at Impaq

October 5, 2018

Gearing university education for employability

More young people have university degrees than ever before. Between 1995 to 2016, the percentage of people with tertiary qualifications grew by 20%, this is according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. As a result, competition for skilled positions is steeper, particularly when entering a workplace that is increasingly pressured, globalised, diverse and fast-paced. Checking the boxes for a qualification no longer guarantees a job, and employers scan their applicant pools for individuals that stand out. “Employers are looking for graduates with well-rounded knowledge, fresh perspectives, the ability to upskill and take on diverse roles. The specialised knowledge offered by traditional curricula is becoming less relevant to a workforce that requires adaptability and critical thinking skills,” says Rebecca Pretorius, Country Manager for Crimson Education, an education and mentoring company that works with high-schoolers to gain entry to top universities in the States and the United Kingdom. According to Pretorius, the South African tertiary curriculum is still geared towards specialised faculty-based education, with little overlap across different fields of study. Meeting the needs of the modern workplace requires a shift towards interdisciplinary studies, with the United States’ Liberal Arts curriculums offering a good example; “A liberal arts degree develops both soft and hard skills. At graduation, students have a broad knowledge base and skill-set to bring to the working world.” In the United States, the tertiary education system is geared towards fostering well-rounded knowledge, actively seeking to meet what employers are looking for. A survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that 80% of employers think that students should acquire broad knowledge at university that stretches across the sciences and arts. In line with this, universities tailor their admission procedures towards finding candidates with diverse skills and interests. “While South African and UK application processes rely largely on academic results, US universities want to know a student’s passions, experience, extra-curricular projects and leadership abilities,” says Pretorius. A key determinant of securing a place is demonstrating a drive to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the campus in question – from cultural clubs to top internships and research groups. Developed by graduates of some of the world’s top universities, Crimson Education’s mentorship combines academic tutoring with extra-curricular guidance and support, even encouraging students to launch a small business or develop a project. “Encouraging diversity from a young age equips a student with the tools they need to take on a changing working world,” says Pretorius.

October 4, 2018

The Baby Show & #MeetUp gave a quality experience to expectant parents

South African parents experienced the full spectrum of parenting fun and products at The Baby Show & #MeetUp with Meg Faure, sponsored by Pampers which took place September 28 to 30, at Kyalami International Convention Centre. Over 140 exhibitors presented everything from handcrafted toys to the latest Porsche Cayenne on the market, backed by baby and parenting’s biggest brands. Pampers, Dis-Chem, Pick ‘n Pay Baby Club, Tommee Tippee, Colief, Floradix, Bepanthen, Medela and Vicks were in attendance. “Modern parenting is bursting with options,” said Clarion’s Marketing Manager, Kelly Fenning “From birth to 18 years old, parents are estimated to spend over R1,5 million per child. Our goal was to bring the best advice and the latest innovations, in to a quality setting and venue, to enable parents and parents-to-be, to prepare and navigate this life-changing journey.” At the centre of the show was the highly anticipated #MeetUp sessions hosted by co-author of the Baby Sense series, Meg Faure which was attended by international human milk researcher Danielle Prime, who were among 15 other local and international speakers. Over 200 moms learnt more about topics ranging from how much tech-time toddlers should have, to the latest research in weaning methods. The weekend’s festivities enjoyed visits from local celebrities. Letshego Zulu, Rozanne McKenzie and Olwethu Leshabane were event MC’s, and Leanne Dlamini and Jennifer and Loyisa Bala made an appearance. “We are very encouraged by the quality of visitor who attended,” commented Fenning. “Initial visitor feedback highlights the value parents found in the expert advice on offer at the event; for them this heightening the show experience over and above any purchases they made. It’s a formula from abroad that has been well received in South Africa, and it gives us a solid grounding upon which to build” Fenning concludes. Pampers, the official show sponsor, said: “For the last 50 years, we have been dedicated to every baby’s happy and healthy development, and we are proud to have been part of such an amazing event of superior quality, just like our Pampers nappies,” said Michael Simpson, Pampers Brand Manager. “Visitors walked away with a mind full of valuable information, a car full of products and a heart full of love and joy. We are happy with the turnout of the event and we look forward to welcoming The Baby Show & #MeetUp back again,” Simpson added Already a household name in the UK, The Baby Show was lured to Johannesburg thanks to South Africa’s healthy baby market – estimated to be R9,5 billion in modern trade and R11 billion in total baby trade. The UK event has been running for 15 years and is considered as the number 1 parenting event in the country. The Baby Show & #MeetUp is set to return in 2019. More info babyshow.co.za

October 4, 2018

Sensory Diet

As a parent you are very aware of giving your toddler a balanced diet. Five fresh fruit and vegetables a day are what we are aiming at. How many of us even consider that we need to give them a varied sensory diet as well? Creating a sensory rich environment for your toddler will help them strengthen their bodies and their brains. Mature thinking and learning are based on neural pathways that develop as a child masters physical coordination, balance and skilled movement. Yet many parents view “child play” as an outdated activity. We live in a digital age- let them master computers, electronic games so they may conquer the universe! How wrong they are! We need to get our children back to the games we played, back to exploring a three dimensional world where they get full of mud and run and jump in puddles. Let’s look at Emily, a four year old. She is a bossy little girl who tells her parents what to do. She is a fussy eater that would eat yoghurt all day if she could, refuses to dress herself and does not play well with other children. If they brush against her, she pushes and shoves. If she shows affection she hugs too tightly. Dad thinks she needs stronger boundaries from Mom. Mom feels she is just expressing a strong will. At school Emily never likes to play with blocks or draw. When she does use the crayon it is with hard strokes which often break the crayon frustrating her even more. When Emily runs, it is with a clumsy gait and she often falls. At the end of the day she is tired and irritable. Is Emily just being naughty or is there more to this behaviour? Research done with children showing similar patterns indicate that this may be a sensory processing disorder. This is a common but very misunderstood problem that affects behaviour, influences the way children learn, move and relate to others and feel about themselves. Emily needs to learn how to modulate her senses in order to cope with day to day life. She exhibits this bad behaviour when she can’t cope with what’s happening around her, when she feels overwhelmed. So how do we help Emily and all the little ones like her? What we need to do as parents is to focus on developing and maintaining a balanced sensory diet for our children. As they develop and grow we need to relax and think about incorporating sensory experiences in to their day to day life. Let’s begin by looking at tactile stimulation. A child can be hyper or hypo sensitive to touch. In both cases it will affect learning and the way we interact with people. Emily might be hypo sensitive, hence she pushes or hugs too hard. Not everyone realises that we have internal senses as well, called the near senses. These play a vital role in our development especially in the early years. Movement is the only way to stimulate this internal sense. Emily needs more movement to help with her balance. Smell and taste are interlinked. Expose them to different smells and let them explore different tastes, even ones they don’t like. Emily is sensitive to the textures of her food and that could be the reason that she is a fussy eater. The eyes and ears are the senses that can give us the most problems later. If we don’t process what we see and hear we have auditory or visual processing problems which lead to learning difficulties at school. Emily finds the noise of the classroom too much and prefers to be on her own. For this week don’t just think five fresh fruit and vegetables think five sensory activities to enrich their learning experience.

October 4, 2018

Review: Nattou Car Mirror; Adele the Elephant and Panda

Nattou is one of the world’s cuddliest, softest and most gorgeous plush manufacturers and the new range of products is without a doubt, one of our favourites to come from the label. Mirror toys are always fun for very young babies, particularly as they start discovering their faces and learning self-identity. Of course, they are also a great source of entertainment, keeping children engaged. The Nattou car mirror in Adele The Elephnat or the Snow Panda ranges are easy to attach to the headrest of any car, making commuting with baby in the back easier. The mirror belly also reflects your baby in your rear-view mirror so that baby sees you while you are behind the wheel. Great fun for baby travel times. Available at Hamleys stores, www.loot.co.za, selected Kids Emporium stores., www.takealot.com & www.thebabyzone.co.za

October 3, 2018

How to help your child overcome peer pressure

Merriam-Webster defines peer pressure as: “A feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one’s age and social group in order to be liked or respected by them.” Children of all ages experience peer pressure. Most people think peer pressure is a bad thing (stealing, smoking, taking drugs, drinking alcohol); however, some peer pressure can be good. Your child wants to be liked and to do the right thing. As a parent, you can help your child deal with peer pressure and make good choices at every age and stage. Welcome positive peer pressure. If another child is pushing your child toward something better, that is a good thing. It might help your child socially or academically. For example, it might encourage your child to participate in the school talent show or rugby trials. Understand negative peer pressure. Your child wants to fit in, doesn’t want to feel rejected or teased, and isn’t sure how to get out of a bad situation. Start early by preparing your young child for peer pressure. When they are in preschool, tell them not to copy silly or bad behaviour. For example, if a friend or classmate pressures them to take something that doesn’t belong to them, teach them how to say “no” and walk away. As your child goes through preparatory school, talk with them about smoking, drugs, and alcohol. Peers pressure kids to sneak out of the house, bunk school, drive without a license (or ride with an underage driver), steal, vandalise property, and cheat, too. Give your child ideas of what to say when pressured. Practice this “role playing” often. This helps your child get out of a bad situation. Tell your child they can blame you if they need to get out of a bad situation. Give your child a special code word to say or text you if they can’t get out of a situation on their own. This will signal that they need help. Share your family values. It’s important to let your child know how you feel about stealing, cheating, bullying, and more. When a child knows something is wrong, they will think twice before agreeing to do it. Encourage your child to feel good about him or herself. Celebrate their achievements and praise them when they make good choices. Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to resist negative peer pressure. The same is true with friendships. Children who have friends whose families share your values are more likely to resist negative peer pressure. Monitor your child’s friendships (in-person and online). There may be a day when your child makes a bad choice because peer pressure. When this happens, remain calm. It’s a good opportunity to teach your child about choices and having the courage to say no. Negative peer pressure can have a downward spiral effect. This means that pressure to commit small wrongs can lead to more serious bad behaviour. For example, if your child is easily pressured to take things that don’t belong to him, he or she might one day agree to experiment with shoplifting. Don’t forget that the media and internet are forms of peer pressure. What your children hear and see on TV and online can influence your child’s choices. Monitor these influences by: Limiting your child’s exposure to TV and the internet. Consider your child’s age and other responsibilities (homework, job, family time) to decide on how much time he or she should be allowed to watch TV or explore the internet. Monitoring what your child watches or views on the internet. You can see your child’s internet search history on a computer. You also can check your child’s phone to see what apps he or she has downloaded. Require your child to provide his or her passwords in return for the privilege of accessing TV and digital media. Learning more about the music your child listens to. Some song lyrics can send powerful, negative messages. Watching TV or searching the internet together. This gives you an opportunity reinforce your family values. It also gives you an opportunity to sort out fact from fiction on certain things (drugs, alcohol, pregnancy, etc.). Securing your home’s TV and online devices. Most cable, internet, and cell phone providers have parent control settings that restrict inappropriate material from children. Monitoring your child’s electronic use at their friend’s homes or when friends bring electronic devices to your home (laptops, tablets, phones). Tell your child what is and what is not allowed. written by Ria van Niekerk – Deputy Principal Trinityhouse Preparatory Randpark Ridge

October 3, 2018

Making sense of the world

A toddler’s day to day job is to play and not to be learning the ABC’s and doing math. Many parents today lose sight of the goal of being a child. That goal is to explore the world around them and make sense of it. Creating a sensory rich environment for your toddler will help them strengthen their bodies and their brains. Mature thinking and learning are based on neural pathways that develop as a child masters physical coordination, balance and skilled movement. Yet many parents view “child play” as an outdated activity. We live in a digital age – let them master computers, electronic games so they may conquer the universe! How wrong they are! We learn by taking in information via our senses, process through that information and then act on the information that we have received in. The most important aspect of the learning process is the ability to store the information that we have learned and retrieve it when necessary. This is referred to as memory. As a child learns new things through his sensory system, a connection is made in the brain. When these sensory experiences are repeated over and over again, the connections in the brain become stronger until they are imprinted in the child’s memory. Experience is learning in a child. The more he is exposed to and allowed to discover, the more “brain power” he is developing. Therefore it is imperative to enrich a child’s brain with as much experience as possible during the developmental stages. We need to feed our children’s brains. Talking, singing and interacting with our children is important in building connections in the brain that a child needs to develop their communication skills. Hugging and showing love and affection helps to develop emotions. Touch floods the brain with feel good hormones which enable the child to develop feelings of love and empathy towards others. Continual movement and interactive play time helps make their little bodies strong, so that muscle strength, coordination and balance develops and strengthens. Movement is important in developing the senses which the brain relies upon to increase its power. The more a child moves, the more neural connections are made within the brain and the cleverer the child becomes. Every child needs exposure to different stimuli in order to grow and develop physically and mentally in a healthy way. What we need to do as parents is to focus on developing and maintaining a balanced sensory diet for our children. As they develop and grow we need to think about incorporating sensory experiences in to their day to day life. We need to get our children back to the games we played, back to exploring a three dimensional world where they get full of mud and run and jump in puddles. Have you taken the time to see the scientist come alive in your toddler? Watch the botanist, the entomologist and the geologist in your child as he explores the garden on a sunny day. At the beach he becomes an oceanographer watching and learning. This natural instinct to discover and go on adventures often doesn’t last past the toddler years. Once formal education begins the hands on approach is often replaced by hands off. So how do we keep the scientist in your toddler motivated to keep on discovering new and wonderful things? Start at home with simple things. Teach them to classify. How are things the same? How are they different? Look at everyday items with new eyes. Look at the fruit bowl. Which fruit can I eat just like this and which ones do I have to peel? Collect leaves and look at them closely. Some are big and some are small. Some have many veins and some only a few. If you have earthworms in the garden dig some up and have a closer look at them. Plant a small vegetable patch or herb garden. You only need a very small patch for your toddler to keep control of. If using herbs involve him in cutting them when you need them for cooking. Collect some balls and have your child sort them from smallest to largest. Once he has the hang of this let him sort other items around the home from largest to smallest. Look at heavy and light. Let him experience heavy by filling a soft drink bottle with water. Have one that’s empty so he can experience the feeling of lightness. Fill and empty containers, collect things that sink and float. Make ice together and watch it melt on a sunny day. Get into the habit of looking through the window every morning and comment on the weather. Become weather savvy – it will help your toddler become more sensible when dressing and it’s something that’s done every day at preschool. Remember that free unstructured play is important for your child’s development. Don’t always gravitate to electronic media, we have a world out there waiting to be discovered.

October 2, 2018

Cuddly Plush

Nattou cuddly toys are famous for being one of the world’s best plush manufacturers. The characters are unique and exceptionally soft in material. A great plush makes a wonderfully supporting friend for your baby. These Nattou cuddlies are with your baby as it explores the world, when it drifts off to sleep and all the other moments of its first few months. Nattou cuddly toys give your little one the trust, security and comfort they need in the crucial early stages of their growth and development. Cuddly Valentine Mouse and Adele Elephant are two incredibly cute, unconventional characters to introduce to your child via toys. Available at Hamleys stores, www.loot.co.za, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com & www.thebabyzone.co.za

October 1, 2018

Public university or private: Choose the right institution for you

There have been many developments in the higher education sector in past decades, notably a rise in the number of institutions from which prospective students can choose when considering their further education. Along with the increase in public universities, there has also been substantial growth in the private higher education sector. Faced with this increase in choice, it is natural for young people to be anxious about their decision – should I go to a public university, or should I opt for a private higher education institution? A massive part of this concern, is whether the qualification you receive after 3 or 4 years of study, will be respected in the world of work, whether it will position you well to land your first job, and whether it will help you build the career of your dreams. “It is so important that future students don’t base their decision on their gut feel or vague perceptions,” says Dr Felicity Coughlan, Director of The Independent Institute of Education and Group Academic Director at ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. She says there is a concrete checklist that prospective students should measure their chosen institution against and, if all the boxes are checked, they can rest assured that their choice of institution can help them achieve their dreams. “Ultimately, you have to make an informed choice based on your personal vision and circumstances, and you should not blindly follow a direction just because everyone else is going that route, or because you think that’s the way to go,” Coughlan says. She advises prospective students, and their parents or guardians, to look at the following when considering or reviewing higher education institutions: ACCREDITATION Most importantly, your institution must be registered and accredited. South Africa has a single quality assurance system and one National Qualifications Framework, which means that any institution offering a registered and accredited qualification – whether public university or private – is offering a qualification of equal standing. So if your institution is listed on the Department of Higher Education and Training’s list* of registered higher education institutions and colleges, you don’t need to be concerned about whether the institution is called a university, a college, or a private higher education institution. This is because the only difference between public (University) institutions and private higher education institutions – which purely as a result of regulations may not refer to themselves as private universities – is that the public institutions get some subsidy from the government while the private institutions don’t. EMPLOYER RECOGNITION The world of work has changed dramatically over the past decade, and the economic climate is tough. That means prospective students should make sure that their qualification and their choice of institution is well respected by employers and in the market. Generic 3-year degrees with no practical experience do not provide a strong competitive advantage after graduation. This means that young people should interrogate their institution about the following: curriculum, industry relationships, lecturer activity in the industry, and practical experience that form part of the studies. The strongest qualifications today are the ones that are closely linked to specific careers and fields, and whose curricula are based on the competencies required to be work-ready from day one. One way of determining industry recognition of your institution, is to ask about its career fairs, when the country’s top companies visit campuses to meet students. If employers are lining up to meet the leaders of tomorrow at your institution, you can be assured that you are signing up for a quality education that is respected in the workplace. INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION Many students want to know that their qualifications will be internationally recognised. If this is important for you, you should ask your institution about international links and accreditation. Does your institution have links with international exchange programmes, or is it accredited by an independent international accreditation council? All good institutions should be able to provide satisfactory answers to your questions about your potential international opportunities. CLASS SIZES & STUDENT SUPPORT Class sizes and student support are crucial for ensuring student success and successful transition into the world of work. Individual attention, and being more than a number, can dramatically influence student outcomes. But an institution’s involvement should go further than quality lectures and success at exam time. Good institutions will have career centres which assist students and alumni beyond academics. “The higher education landscape looks entirely different today from the way things were even a decade ago. These days, prospective students have a lot more choice in terms of institution and qualification,” says Coughlan. “To really make the right choice in terms of the best grounding for your career dreams, you have to look beyond historical perceptions and gut feelings about which way is ‘the best’ way, and make sure your choice is based on the facts about what makes one institution and qualification stand out from the next one,” she says. *www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx

October 1, 2018

Conversations to have with your young adult before University life

By Tracey Terespolsky (English Teacher and Parent at Crawford College Sandton) As I sit before you on the eve of your departure, I am swamped by a plethora of emotions. You are embarking on such a life changing adventure – one that will shape your life and have a far greater impact on you than anything else that you have experienced to date. To this end, there are some thoughts that I want to share with you that I believe will ease the transition. There is such a huge gap between the school system and University life. You have been blessed to attend a school where the emphasis has been on forging the students into independent, feisty, free thinking individuals. However, as you enter the portals of the University, the element of personal interaction is diminished to a point where it barely exists. The challenges of “adulting” that you have been chomping at the bit to embrace, are about to become a harsh reality. So, from day one my advice to you is go to your lectures. It may be cool to chill on Campus with friends who are studying different degrees, but once you fall behind, the volume and level of difficulty is such that you can just never catch up. It may be tempting that your lectures are online. Let’s be honest, though, the likelihood of you actually watching those lectures that you have missed, are close to zero!! Campus life is vibrant. Embrace it fully – join societies that interest you and make an effort to meet other people. It is fantastic that so many of your school mates are going to be there, but part of the University experience is learning to expand your horizons. Sport is such an awesome way to integrate into a new environment so use your sporting prowess to full advantage. Possibly the best advice that I can give you is to strike a balance in your life. At school, that was pretty easy to achieve. Now, however, with the sheer volume of work, adjusting to living away from home – both from an emotional and a practical point of view – the challenge is both real and daunting. In order to achieve a balance, your organisational skills are going to be tested and need to be on point!! Remember though, that these skills are a work in progress. I am still trying many years later to hone them. The bottom line is this – you are about to enter a phenomenal phase of your life. You get to test your mettle with regards to living as an adult but the consequences are not nearly as onerous as they become once you enter the world of the working person. Make the most of the incredible opportunities that are about to come your way and, in and amongst all the heightened responsibilities that I have painstakingly pointed out to you, have FUN. This is still a very carefree time of your life. Work hard, play hard…….

September 28, 2018

Why choose lifestyle documentary photography?

Why would you want to capture the normal everyday moments of your life? Life is fast paced and before you know it the years have passed, your children have grown and you look back in a daze on days gone by. You remember parts of it, and you have some photos you took with your phone from time to time. As a photographer the documentary images I take of our family life bring a lot of healing and perspective. It makes me see how fortunate and blessed we are and how beautiful this adventure of life is. It makes life slow down. Beauty lies in the every day moments we take for granted. Capturing these moments will ensure you always have something to treasure. Images are powerful at telling a story and lifestyle documentary photography does this in a comfortable and unique way. The things you remember from years gone by are the ordinary moments you shared with the people you love. Reading a bedtime story to your kids, going for a stroll around the block, making dinner together, sleeping in and snuggling on a weekend morning, laying flat on your tummy to play blocks with your toddler, watching a movie with the family, sharing a cup of tea with your partner… How wonderful would it be to have photos of these moments? Real moments are the moments that make life beautiful. When you become a parent you want to make life slow down. You want to remember all the little details. Not only of your baby or children, but also of the things you do together as a family. Having photos make it bearable to witness time passing by… A lifestyle documentary session is enjoyable for everyone. In a typical lifestyle session you do the things you love doing as a family. If you like cooking together, then I capture the moments you’re sharing while doing that. If you read stories as a family, I capture you enjoying a book together. I capture moments shared while you’re playing with you kids, cradling your newborn baby, going for a stroll around the block… Because you’re busy doing something you normally do, the kids don’t really mind someone taking photos and even the dads relax and enjoy these shoots. There’s no posing and the moment, as it unfolds, is captured. You are captured in a setting that you’re comfortable with and it makes for really great and timeless photos. The sessions are fun, playful, relaxed and filled with laughter. Why would you rather choose lifestyle documentary photography? Your life right now is beautiful, it has real moments. You prefer real expressions and laughter. Because you want to capture the love and interaction between each other in the family just the way it is. If this speaks to your heart, let us capture your beautiful story together. Everyone has a story. I’m in love with the real moments of life. Even the ordinary moments Let me tell your story. I have package options with printed photos and photo books so you can display beautiful real life images in your home. For more information please do visit ilzelouw.co.za

September 28, 2018

Review: Toptots Peg Boards

Pegboards are versatile toys that develop and strengthen visual perceptual skills, fine motor skills and eye hand coordination. They also help to strengthen a child’s pincer grasp which usually develops at 9 – 12 months of age. When a child uses his index finger and thumb to pick up objects, he is able to pick up and place the objects in a controlled manner. By placing the pegs into holes the child is strengthening his grasp and release skills and hand manipulation skills. Pegboards are beneficial in promoting fine motor skills, maths concepts and controlled placement. Our pegboards are available in standard sized pegs and various sized pegs. Locally produced and hand crafted out of wood. For more information, click on the links below https://www.toptots.co.za/product/toptots-wooden-peg-board/ https://www.toptots.co.za/product/toptots-wooden-peg-board-same-size-pegs/

September 27, 2018

Hands-on Learning

Hands-on learning: is a practical learning experience students are actively involved allows for free exploration of the environment requires personal involvement by the student The importance of hands-on learning: it allows for investigation and self-discovery it stimulates curiosity allows for problem solving students are engaged and active allows learning through exploration develops thinking skills it builds self-confidence provides motivation for continued learning allows for collaboration develops communication and social skills The role of the adult: to provide a safe environment ask questions act as a guide and facilitator have respect for the students provide encouragement ask questions participate in discussions ask open-ended questions What to avoid doing: control the learning experience dictate what must be done take-over overload the students with instructions overwhelm the students A few ideas to explore: Creative art explorations: provide a variety of materials and allow the students to explore and experiment with creating their own masterpieces. This helps to build creative expression, fine motor skills, and a sense of self-worth Block play: set out a variety of blocks of different sizes and shapes. See what the students create on their own. Provide a challenge, “Build a tower that can support the weight of this doll/ action figure/ book.” Block play is good at helping to develop basic geometry skills and an understanding of physics. Sensory play: create a sensory area with different materials and textures. Watch how the students explore this area. Ask questions, “What does the bark feel like? What can you do with it? Can you change it in any way?” Ask students to explain what they are doing. This helps to develop language skills and provide an introduction to scientific concepts, such as how materials can be changed into something new. Nature area: Collect a variety of leaves, seeds, stones and sea shells. Allow students time to handle these objects. “What are you holding in your hand? What does it feel like? Where did it come from? What does it do?” Students can further their general knowledge of the natural world through their explorations and by asking meaningful questions. Sand and water play: set out different sized containers, cups, colanders, funnels, spoons etc. Watch how the students play. Do they fill the containers? Do they pour the sand/ water into bigger containers? Mathematical concepts such as measurement, volume and capacity, number skills and fine motor skills are developed, as well as introducing them to physics. by Karen Vidiluch, Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

September 27, 2018

MySchool sponsors children’s diabetes camp

Life is never the same again for children and teens diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in South Africa. Type 1 diabetes which occurs mainly in children and young people, is an autoimmune disease, where the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the bodies own immune system. It s chronic, life-threatening and exceptionally demanding in its daily treatment regime. With a major organ, the insulin-producing pancreas, in fail-mode, the patient has to manually replace its functions 24/7. To function normally; to avoid complications and death, a child with Type 1 diabetes is subjected every single day to a minimum of 3 to 5 insulin injections, 6 finger-pricking blood glucose tests and a rigidly-controlled diet. It is a disease management programme that severely taxes the self-discipline and emotional resilience of most adults. There is little wonder that it is often overwhelming for a child who is still developing on all fronts, and often very taxing on the entire family. Worldwide, one of the most effective strategies for helping children and teens diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is camps that bring them together for education, care and solidarity. This is why the MySchool fundraising programme decided to sponsor the latest Children’s Diabetes Camp organised by non-profit organisation, Diabetes SA in association with the Diabetic Clinics of the Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Red Cross Children’s hospitals. Thanks to MySchool supporters, 50 children and 20 nurses and leaders enjoyed an action-packed three days that combined vital education with fun and comradeship. “Children with diabetes have very challenging lives,” says Margot Mc Cumisky, the National Manager of Diabetes SA. “They most often develop a negative attitude towards living with this chronic disease which they experience as isolating them from their peers and being burdensome on their families. That’s why it is really important for camps to bring them together. They realise that they are not alone in their suffering and feel supported; they learn how to self-manage the treatment and gain confidence; they start to feel that they are empowered to manage their self-care, deal with the socio-emotional challenges and lead a healthy life despite the enormity of their diagnosis.” While Children’s Diabetes Camps are open to those from all walks of life, many of the young sufferers in the Western Cape come from under-privileged communities and could not afford to attend even though camp fees are kept as low as possible. In the absence of government funding, Diabetes SA is reliant on donors to hold Children’s Diabetes Camps on an ongoing basis. Research has shown that the camps do help limit the burden of disease on the country. Hospital admissions are reduced after camps; and parents and children’s doctor’s report that they find that their children are more motivated to play their part in managing the disease. “For a child diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the world they have always known can suddenly become hostile,” says Helene Brand , MySchool’s Social Responsibility Manager. “They cannot eat what every other child is eating. They have to know so much more than any other child does about the role of the pancreas, the hormone insulin and nutrition. At school, they have to remove themselves from situations to test and to inject. They could find themselves judged and alone. At home, they are commonly the focus of parental anxiety and stress; and family drama that is centred on their condition. These camps give them a much-needed break, as well as the skills and insights they need to manage their disease optimally. I am really proud of MySchool shoppers because they made this important sponsorship possible.” You can sign up for your free MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card online or simply by downloading the free mobile app and make Diabetes South Africa one of your beneficiaries. Every time you swipe at the till point of a participating retailer, they make a contribution on your behalf, at no cost to you at all. Go to www.myschool.co.za or your app store to sign up for your free MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card.

September 27, 2018

Stack sort & store tree

The Stack Sort & Store Tree is a toy that will keep your little one entertained for hours. Stack, sort and store with the cute cat! Stack the 10 different coloured pieces, create building blocks or nest them inside each other. Place the cat on each piece to learn colours, numbers and animals and to also help develop gross motor skills. The stackable pieces also encourage hand-eye coordination, helping your little one to gain more identification skills. Press the big light-up button on the cat to hear fun sounds and music. Also features 4 happy sing- along songs, age-appropriate vocabulary with encouraging fun phrases and jolly melodies! The clear English speaking voice helps develop recognition and accelerates learning. Available instore now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

September 27, 2018

Lansinoh Unveils ‘Breastfeeding around the World’ Photography Campaign

Global Leader in the Breastfeeding Market Debuts Campaign for Breastfeeding Awareness Month Alexandria, VA (August 1, 2018) – Lansinoh, a global leader in the breastfeeding market, announces the launch of its ‘Breastfeeding around the World’ photography campaign in honor and celebration of August’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This campaign further supports the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers across the globe. For this unique campaign, Lansinoh partnered with New York City-based photographer, Tina Boyadjieva, who traveled to 19 countries, including South Africa, Uganda, China, Turkey, and Sri Lanka; photographing mothers from all demographics, social statuses, races and occupations, under the common denominator of motherhood and breastfeeding. Ms. Boyadjieva grew up in Bulgaria surrounded by strong and inspiring women, spent time in Italy where she cultivated her artistic education and aesthetics, and attended the International Center of Photography. During each day of August, Lansinoh will be sharing the beautiful stories of different mothers from a different country, as depicted through Ms. Boyadjieva’s stunning photos, across all of its social media channels. By showcasing mothers from various cultures, countries, and circumstances, Lansinoh highlights the universal nature of breastfeeding and celebrates the connection of motherhood regardless of geographic boundaries. “For the past 30 years, Lansinoh has been dedicated to providing all mothers with access to the support and resources they need to help them reach their breastfeeding goals, which is why our products are currently available to moms in nearly 60 countries, said Kevin Vyse-Peacock, CEO at Lansinoh. “This year we decided to build upon this mission by sharing the stories of mothers from various backgrounds and geographical locations to highlight how, even though every mother has a different journey, they are all united in the undisputed love and dedication they have in caring for their baby.” “Ms. Boyadjieva is a strong believer in international and interracial inclusiveness, respect, equality and women power, and aims to demonstrate all of the above in this campaign through her captivating images, and we could not be more grateful for her be a part of this campaign as she helps to bring the stories of every mother interviewed to life through compelling visual narratives,” Mr. Vyse-Peacock added. For more information about Lansinoh, its dedication to breastfeeding moms everywhere and its portfolio of products, please visit www.Lansinoh.com. ABOUT LANSINOH Founded by a breastfeeding mom, Lansinoh has helped millions of mothers successfully breastfeed during its 30 year history. Famous for its award-winning Lanolin Nipple Cream, Lansinoh® offers a comprehensive range of nursing and pumping solutions in more than 60 countries. For more information, please visit Lansinoh.com, or connect with @LansinohUSA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

September 26, 2018

‘Gap it’ to success!

Matriculant, not sure what you want to do with your life? Or perhaps you do know, BUT you simply don’t have enough money to pursue the career of your dreams next year? Don’t despair, Tiffiny Thomas, Owner and Founder of Blue Bird Aupairs has a solution! “A Gap Year,” says Tiffiny “is the perfect opportunity for young adults to not only find their feet in the world, but to also earn money at the same time!” Whilst traditional trips abroad may not be an affordable Gap-Year option for most young South Africans, Tiffiny says that it doesn’t mean that they can’t ‘Gap it’ in their own backyard. “Taking a year off to discover yourself doesn’t have to cost and arm and a leg. In fact, if you do it right, you can actually make money to travel AND save towards your studies!” Plus, the opportunity to get real-life experience is something that you simply can’t pass up “You will be updating your CV with valuable experience that will give you an edge over other young adults once you hit the job market and officially start your career,” Tiffiny explains. From being an in-store promoter or waitressing at a restaurant to tutoring younger children after school, these are the kinds of jobs that are available to students who are reliable and willing to work hard, says Tiffiny. She adds that there has been a rise in the demand for young au pairs who are passionate and responsible. “More and more, working parents are turning to young role models to take care of their children in the afternoon instead of leaving them at the school aftercare,” Tiffiny explains. The best part? Studies have shown that Students who take a gap year have improved academics compared to students who didn’t take a gap year!

September 25, 2018

Review: L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Series

L.O.L Surprise bring cuteness to life and they have done it again with the Eye Spy Surprise Series. L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Series UnderWraps dolls have 15 new surprises for you to unwrap! Unbox the spy glass to find codes and unlock surprises! Each doll is dressed in a mystery disguise, unbox each layer to discover who’s inside! The disguise becomes multiple fashion accessories! Mix and match outfits for tons of new looks! Collect them all! Styles may vary. 15 Surprises to unwrap Find surprise clues with the LOL Surprise Eye Spy Series spy glass Feed or bathe your LOL Surprise doll to discover water surprises! Capsule becomes a purse carrying case and doll stand Collect them all! Contents: A spy glass, a secret message sticker, a surprise codes, a bottle, 7 mystery Disguise’s, a pair of shoes, a fashion accessory, an outfit, and a LOL Surprise Eye Spy UnderWraps Doll For more information visit www.primatoys.co.za/lol-surprise

September 25, 2018

Should toddlers be exposed to technology?

By Anne-Marie Reed Watching your two-year-old princess swiping effortlessly through the apps on your iPad does not necessarily imply that she’s ready to be exposed to technology. That said, it is natural for toddlers in their explorative phase to prefer playing with tech toys over traditional toys and games. Traditional toys and games all have one feature in common – the child needs to engage with them in order to give them any entertainment value. Engagement implies that the child has to make them work, they don’t just provide entertainment by pressing a button. In addition, traditional games require a fair amount of creativity and personalisation, whereas most digital games are pre-set; creativity lies in the hands of the programmers. A comparison between a lifeless box of wooden puzzle pieces and Candy Crush on your phone should explain this point sufficiently. The “good” stuff always requires more effort. We know this from all sectors of our lives: health, fitness, relationships, etc. But does this mean that we should keep those tiny, inquisitive hands off our digital devices? Research reveals that parents mainly use technology, including television, as a babysitter when the going gets tough. As a parent myself, with vivid memories of those incredibly rewarding (and exhausting) times with two toddlers, I understand this completely. The question, however, remains: is it damaging for children between the ages of one and six years old to be exposed to technology? Dr Michelle Ponti, a paediatrician and chair of the Digital Health task force at the CPS, reported that, based on recent research in Canada, children under two years old should not be getting any screen time at all, while children between the ages of two and five should be limited to a maximum of two hours a day – and that includes television time. Once you start searching for research reports on this topic, you realise that the question is not necessarily whether young children should be exposed to technology, but rather, why you would want to share your tech gadgets with your toddler. So, before exposing your toddler to technology, consider the following: Children should have a screen time limit, based on age. A maximum of two hours screen time per day is a good general guideline for toddlers. Technology steals the time your child should be using to explore, create, craft, or for imaginary play. You cannot replace this time at a later stage – if your child missed out on these activities as a toddler, it cannot be caught up when he or she is older. Screen time can be divided between education and entertainment. However, to do this successfully, you must ask yourself why you want your child to sit in front of the television instead of playing with his toys. Is it to learn something? Or is it to keep him entertained without breaking anything or hurting himself? Incorporating educational digital content, such as interactive digital storybooks, where the child can hear the correct pronunciation of certain words, can be very advantageous. Another good example of a locally developed digital program for kids from the age of four, is the CAMI Perceptual Skills Builder. This program addresses basic perceptual skills such as colour, shape, spatial orientation, retention and quantity in both English and Afrikaans. Technology can be a useful tool to actively spend family time together as it serves as a platform for parents to play age appropriate games with their children while actually having fun themselves. We know that the best time spent with children is when you enter their arena, not when you invite them into yours. Exposing toddlers to technology before the age of two is not recommended. As they get older, however, the true value of technology for toddlers lies in shared experiences with parents, whether that is to read an interactive book or build a shelter in Minecraft together! When in doubt about allowing technology in your toddler’s life, keep in mind that the playful learning and cognitive development that happens when a little girl dresses her doll before they visit the queen for a tea party, cannot be regained at a later stage.

September 25, 2018

How to open a bank account for your child

Your children might already be familiar with piggy banks as a savings tool but, as they grow older and their money starts accumulating, you might want to consider opening a bank account for them. Cash they receive from relatives, by doing the neighbours’ chores, as a reward for a good report card, for their birthdays, and as a weekly allowance can quickly add up, but can also quickly evaporate as children are often tempted to spend it on toys and sweets or whatever they see in a targeted ad on TV. South Africa’s major banks each have a solution tailored for juvenile savings plans. The application process is pretty straightforward and much the same as opening a regular account. You only need your ID document, and your child’s birth certificate and proof of residence, and must sign on behalf of your child. Most juvenile accounts are set up with a parent as the custodian, however, the parent doesn’t need to bank at the same financial institution. As with most other accounts, your child’s savings at the bank will be subjected to certain charges as outlined in this Banking Fees Guide for 2018. There are a range of free transactions; most fees come from using the services of another bank. In collaboration with Hippo.co.za, we provide a brief overview of the bank accounts specifically designed for youngsters. Standard Bank (sum)1 account No monthly fees; no income required Unlimited free swipes at all till points Eight free electronic debit transactions a month Two free withdrawals and deposits a month at their ATMs Free balance enquiries on your phone Kidz Banking app A full breakdown of their fees can be found here. Absa MegaU account No monthly fee Free cash withdrawals at Absa ATMs First R500 cash deposited at an Absa ATM or Cash Acceptor is free Free debit card purchases Free prepaid top-ups through Absa channels Free Absa ATM balance enquiries Free internal debit orders and stop orders Free account activity notification via SMS or email A full breakdown of their fees can be found here. FNBy account No minimum balance required Unlimited card swipes Unlimited electronic payments and transfers Access to monthly product discounts from FNB partners Access to a library of educational videos on their app A full breakdown of their fees can be found here. Nedbank 4me account No monthly fees, but you need to maintain a minimum balance of R20 Free swipes and withdrawals at till points Free balance enquiries online and at ATMS Higher interest rates than normal accounts A full breakdown of their fees can be found here. Not only will opening a bank account for your child keep their money safe and teach them from a young age how banks work; it will also prepare them for a financially fit future, as they’ll gain some understanding of the importance of responsible spending habits and managing their financial obligations (which could include paying a Personal Loan and credit card on time in the future).

September 24, 2018

Review: Snookums Manual & Electric Breast Pumps

At some point during your pregnancy a soon to be mother decides if she will be breastfeeding her child. The next question that normally comes to mind is; “How do I feed my child once I return to work?” This then brings on the next question of which pump to purchase, manual or electric and of course budget! Our new mom had the opportunity to try both an electric and a manual pump by Snookums which was Kindly sent to us by BrightKids.co.za. Jennifer was faced with the decision regarding how she would still be able to ensure that her baby had access to her milk when she returned to work and here is what she had to say. “When I was at home on the weekends, I certainly had far more time to try out the manual pump by Snookums however during the week, my time is limited and so the electric pump by Snookums was certainly more handy then. The electric pump by Snookums had a silicone massage cushion that was so much better on my tender breasts. I was able to adjust the massage and strength so that I was comfortable throughout expressing. The manual pump by Snookums also provided comfort and it was easy to use as the handle allowed me to swivel the pump to the perfect position. It was nice that it also had a nice base that allowed me to simply place it down wherever without worry that it was going to fall over and all my precious milk would be spilt. Although the electric pump by Snookums was my favourite out of the two, there certainly was nothing wrong with the manual pump. I think when we are so busy that the convenience of being able to express quickly suited my lifestyle better. The nice thing about being able to try both was that during load-shedding, I was still able to express using the manual pump! A big plus in Johannesburg!! Both units were easy to use as well as easy to clean! My advice, take a close look at your lifestyle, your finances and what your pumping needs will be. No matter which pump you choose, the most important thing to do while breastfeeding is never give up, even if it gets difficult and the Snookums pumps available from BrightKids.co.za allow me to do just that! Visit the BrightKids.co.za online store today!

September 24, 2018

The juggle is real : 4 powerful tips to help you get the work/life balance you deserve

Working moms have a lot of balls in the air. We juggle work and home at such a frenzied pace that we feel we’re not able to do either very well. Balance is a dream that seems far out of reach. “We crave three minutes to ourselves. But we feel too guilty to take them” comments Janice Windt, a time management coach who specialises in taking working mothers from stress, anxiety, and guilt to feeling present and in control. “I want moms to be able to thrive both at work and at home” she continues. Windt is a speaker at the inaugural The Baby Show and #Meetup sponsored by Pampers, taking place at Kyalami International Convention Centre in September. Nicole Muller, mom of two and Show Director for The Baby Show said “We’ve invited Letshego Zulu to get involved with the show. She’s an outstanding example of how to expertly juggle pursuing business whilst caring for a child as a single parent. We’re proud to welcome her as the host to our main stage”. Here, Windt alongside Zulu, share their tips and insight in to how to successfully juggle being a working Mom Identify your 20% and create a mind-map for it In the late 1800s, Vilfredo Pareto observed that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. While gardening, he also observed that 20% of the pods he had planted yielded 80% of the peas. Thus the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, was born. As interesting as Pareto’s gardening findings are, what value do they add to the life of an incredibly busy working mother? “It’s simple” comments Windt. “If you can focus on your priority tasks, you will find that 20% of what you need to do will yield 80% of the benefits you seek. You need to ask yourself what is your 20%?” she asks. “I then suggest you ditch your to-do-list for a mind map” comments Windt. “I find to-do lists are long and often don’t get completed”. Windt points out that a mind maps is set out in exactly the same way as your brain thinks: a central topic with main topics added around it. “New information is then added under the appropriate topic. Eventually you have a complete picture of the key information about the main subject: the demands on your time” commets Windt. Figure out when you’re most productive, and create a daily ritual to get the hard stuff done with pleasure When is your most creative time of the day? What changes do you need to make in order to manage your energy better and make the most of that effective time? “I’m a night owl” sayd Windt. “I’m programmed to peak in my focus and creativity once the rest of the house is in bed” she comments. “I can focus when our home is quiet and I know I will have a lovely long stretch of uninterrupted time to focus on my high priority tasks, so I schedule this time in” she advises. “I then suggest you identify a daily ritual to do during this time, as this will help you get your priorities get done almost effortlessly”. Windt once interviewed the Regional Head of Business and International Communications for the African region of an international bank. She worked full time with international travel and had two sons aged two and four at the time. In order to get her focused work time in, she would wake up at 4am and light candles around her computer (particularly in winter) in order to feel that the time she had was closer to self-care, than self-preservation. Master the 5 second rule It’s easy to get up once, go to the gym, come home aching, and hit the snooze button for the next three mornings thereafter. That’s easy. That’s normal. But it doesn’t help you get the work-life balance you so desperately crave. “There is a solution” advises Windt. “The Mel Robbins ‘five second rule’. You simply count backwards from five every time you choose to do something you don’t instinctively want to do, but you know you should” she continues. “Before you hit one, you need to be physically up and engaging in your priority activity. This way you will override your croc (primitive) brain before it stops you.” Try it. It works. Visit melrobbins.com for more info Make time to play “There are many ways to set aside time for play. You may choose to have a family pyjama day every other week. Play board games, braai, roast marshmallows and build lego” advises Windt. “Leave the house exactly as it is and warn visitors to stay away!” she continues. “It’s beautiful just to have that unstructured time together” To hear Janice live, visit babyshow.co.za to book you tickets to the #MeetUp on Saturday 29 September. For more information on Janice, visit janicewindt.com

September 24, 2018

The six things new dads should do as their baby arrives

Becoming a father is often quoted as the single most emotional moment in a man’s life. It’s a combination of relief, of safely welcoming a newborn into the world and, the overwhelming realisation that you’re responsible for this little life. Su-Marie Annandale from baby brand Krayons says that often the outpouring of emotion and joy means a lot of dads have no idea what to do next. “The experience is so all-consuming, that dads just don’t know what their role is.” Annandale has the following suggestions for new dads, to keep them involved and helpful: Love and affirmation – your primary role is to make sure your partner feels loved and secure in the fact that she’s doing an incredible job. Whether its surgery or natural child-birth, the experience can be traumatic, draining and extremely emotional. Take the time to love your partner, kiss her whenever possible and remind her how awesome she is. Capture the moment – it’s your job to find someone in the child-birth suite to take the pictures. You need to be in the moment with your wife, so you can’t be messing about with a camera. Ask a nurse or the paediatrician to take a few snaps for you. Security detail – once that baby pops out – it’s your role to protect him or her. Make sure you’re with the little bundle for every second – when she’s weighed, measured and checked out. Don’t leave her side for a second – you’re in charge of making sure she’s kept happy and safe. Once the baby is born and seen to, your partner will likely be transferred back to the ward. Help to make sure she’s set-up in the ward. She’ll be uncomfortable and unable to move. Make sure she has water close-by, her mobile phone, if she needs it as well as the buzzer to alert nursing staff. If the baby is in good health, she’ll be brought to the room for skin-on-skin time with her parents. Make sure your partner has everything she needs to adequately care for your newborn – set up a little changing station in the ward, or at the very least – ensure that the nappies and bath products are placed on the bottom shelf of the bassinet. Products like the Krayons Petroleum Jelly and Aqueous Cream as well as newborn nappies should be on the ready. Every change requires a new coating of Petroleum Jelly and a fresh nappy. Once the initial excitement and emotion has died down, take the time to let your friends and family know that your bundle has arrived. You have lots of people waiting with baited breath to hear about the safe arrival of your little one, and the healthy state of your partner. Be sure to include weight, gender and the child’s name – if you have one.

September 21, 2018

4 reasons Dads are going to love The Pampers Baby Show & #MeetUp this year

The UK’s Best Baby Show has been running for the last 15 years, and finally hits SA shores this September. Moms and moms-to-be will be exposed to everything they need for a bump and baby – but don’t forget dads!. Daddies-to-be and new dads do not want to miss out on this event especially tailored to include both parents and provide a comprehensive, balanced approach to parenthood. Make informed choices “It’s vital for dad’s to be involved from the very beginning of the parenthood process as it allows them to make informed and considered choices for the health and happiness of their babies,” says Michael Simpson, Brand Manager, Pampers. “We encourage all dads (and moms) to pop-in at the Pampers stand as we will be providing parents insights into the superior quality and benefits of our nappies as the No. 1 Choice of Paediatricians in South Africa.” adds Simpson. Because boys will be boys Dads can also look forward to Porsche South Africa’s #SportsCarTogether Zone that will celebrate everything that is Porsche and family. Dads can check out Porsches latest baby, the all new Cayenne, whilst little ones take Porsche push cars for a test drive. For the little kid in you, Dad can experience a virtual drive around Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and learn more about the models in the range through an interactive augmented reality timeline wall. Porsche Driver’s Selection clothing and accessories will be available for purchase during the show and you can stand a chance to win a Porsche Driver’s Selection hamper for the whole family. Trail before transaction The Four-wheeled adventures continue at the Pushchair Testing Track with the latest pushchairs on offer to tackle a dedicated obstacle course; the best way to discover the perfect pushchair fit for your growing family. Most stands at the Baby Show will provide trail opportunities to understand the benefits and experience first-hand how products and services can help you take care of your bump, baby and you. BIG advice from experts on little people On the Saturday of the event, the #MeetUp workshops with Meg Faure, provides a platform for visitors to have face-to-face interaction and enjoy entertaining talks from top experts in pregnancy and childcare. Besides talks about human milk and baby bumps, some topics will speak directly to dad: Sleep expert Dr Alison Bentley will be giving sleep saving tips for Dad to deal with the Night Shift; For the fathers and male role models out there, best-selling author and ‘dad coach’ Craig Wilkinson will get into those sometimes difficult to talk about topics, such as why don’t many SA men step up to fatherhood; Also talking about his recent surrogacy experience and being a single dad, will be former referee, Jonathan Kaplin, in the Parent Sense workshop, aptly titled “Winging it”; Priya Naicker (Advice Manager for Old Mutual Personal Finance) will answer all questions on how to finance for your new family; to name a few. The Pampers Baby Show & #MeetUp takes place at the Kyalami International Convention Centre from 28-30 September. For just R140, new mums and dads can secure 1x baby show ticket, 1x Pampers newborn nappy pack and 1x Pampers baby wipe pack. Use the promo code PAMPERS to secure your package today at www.babyshow.co.za About Pampers® Pampers® is the world’s top selling brand of baby nappies. For more than 50 years, Pampers® has been helping to improve life for babies, toddlers, and the parents who care for them through a complete line of nappies, training pants, and wipes designed for every stage of baby’s development. About Procter & Gamble P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, AmbiPur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

September 20, 2018

Why We Should Replace Time-Outs With Time-Ins

I realize that parents are frustrated with a lack of options with regards to disciplining their children. First we’re told no spanking, then no naughty corners, what next? What I’m hoping to do here is to help you to see that us parent-educators are not trying to limit your options but rather to give you alternatives that will actually work. My plan is to explain to you why time-outs don’t work, and what exactly you can do instead. This is not a short-term solution. Yes, spanking and time-outs can work in the short term to quiet a screaming child or stop some misbehaviour in its tracks. But they don’t work in the long run and end up causing you way more problems further down the line when your children are not small enough to pick up and remove from the scene if necessary! Time-outs don’t work because they don’t take into account the real reasons behind cooperation. Children cooperate because they care. They have amazing adults in their lives and they want to be like them and get their approval and most of all make sure that they retain their love. Time-outs don’t just reject the behavior; they also reject the child. This serves to break down the very relationships that would have fostered cooperation in the long run. When a child is in a time-out, I absolutely guarantee you that they are not thinking about the wrongness of their behavior, what they can do to make amends, or how they can improve in the future. What they are thinking about is either how much they hate you and how they can get revenge, or how much they hate themselves and what a terrible, unworthy human being they are. I don’t think any of us want children who hate themselves or us. This is not the route to long-term cooperation. Misbehaviour is always a form of communication. And most often this communication is around themes such as not feeling loved, heard or understood. Even our most hardened criminals are people who have or do feel blamed, shamed, abused, neglected, unloved and lacking in confidence. People who behave well are those who feel confident, secure, loved, at ease, and who know how to meet heir needs in positive ways. That is what we’re trying to nurture in our kids. What we need to start doing instead of time-outs, are time-ins. Time-ins are a special time of connecting with our children that happen when they are upset and acting out, but also happen in the in between times. We can have a special chair or space in our homes where we go to cuddle, connect, chat, and breathe together. The idea is to connect deeply and nurture your child. It is to make sure that your child feels safe and heard and knows that they are loved regardless of their behaviour in the moment. In time-ins, you will sit with your child, holding them close (if they’re open to that) and just being calm and at ease yourself. If your child is having a tantrum, you need to be the calm in the storm… not part of the storm. So breathe. You don’t need to force your child to focus on their breathing – just do it yourself. Make sure you are calm and centred and ok. And then allow whatever emotion your child is having to come and then to pass. Be patient. You are not trying to calm the child down. You are simply allowing the storm of emotion to have its time and then go. This quiet presence communicates to your child that you are not afraid of them or their emotions, that you are calm and present even when things get rough, that all emotions are acceptable, that your child is loved no matter what. Then, eventually, when your child has calmed down again, you can chat about what happened and how he/she felt and you can brainstorm what you can do in future if behaviour needs to be limited. You can also make your child aware of anything he/she can do to make amends if someone was hurt or something was broken. Children who understand what to do to fix a situation don’t need to carry around the guilt of wrongdoing. During this time-in, you can also reflect on what might have brought your child to this point and if there is anything you can do to prevent this in future. Can you pre-empt problems like hunger, boredom, stress or tiredness that may have contributed to the meltdown? Can you be more present with them so that you can contain any physical acting out before it begins? The focus, always, is on how to build your relationship. Children’s behaviour is never a personal attack on you, or an attempt to make your life more difficult. They are just communicating in the best way that they know how with their limited knowledge of the world, language, societal expectations, and an undeveloped pre-frontal cortex. What “bad” behavior needs is more love not less. What tantrums need is more calm, not less. What aggression needs is more closeness, not less. What cheekiness needs is more adult modeling of great communication, not less. When we respond to our children with love, empathy, patience, care and understanding, we are teaching them how to behave in the world. We are teaching them their own worth and how to value worth in other human beings (no matter their size or status). When we have time-ins instead of time-outs we show children that even though we all have strong emotions and behaviours there is enough love and forgiveness in the world to make things right again.

September 20, 2018

Foldscope – When paper art and science meet.

A paper microscope that will change the way children learn about science. As a rule, microscopes are expensive, delicate instruments. Certainly not a suitable toy for an eight-year-old and probably the last thing parents would think of giving to a child. But what about a microscope made from paper that costs around R40? A microscope that is water-resistant, tough, and small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, or slotted into a book? Enter the Foldscope, an innovative piece of equipment that is set to change the way science is taught at school and at home. Most schools in South Africa are not lucky enough to have a single microscope, let alone one for each child. And most children never have the opportunity to use a microscope or to freely explore what the inventor of Foldscope calls the “microcosmos”. It is an accepted fact that children learn best through experiences rather than instruction, and hands-on activities form a critical part of experiential learning. Experiential learning also stimulates the imagination, inspires curiosity, and nurtures a love for learning in general. How can we expect our children to be excited about science when it is inaccessible, and its education is usually one-dimensional? One of the reasons that South African schools perform consistently poorly in maths and science is a lack of access to appropriate equipment and materials. Now imagine what could happen if every child had access to a microscope, or even better, their OWN microscope. Before the invention of the Foldscope, this was a near impossibility for the majority of South African schools. What about a microscope at home? Picture yourself exploring the garden with your child, collecting flowers or insects, and studying them using the Foldscope. Even something as simple as examining the difference between salt or sugar crystals could be a fun and educational activity. For homeschoolers, a tool like the Foldscope is invaluable to enhance their studies. By motivating our children to spend time in and interacting with nature, the Foldscope could also provide a way to reduce the time spent in front of a screen. A Foldscope starts out as a flat sheet of plastic-coated paper, precut into shapes that are folded and slotted together to form a fully functioning microscope. Its magnification is similar to the microscopes found in classrooms and research laboratories, meaning it can easily magnify plant and animal cells, insect parts like wings or eyes, pollen, hair and follicles, a variety of microorganisms, algae, red blood cells, and larvae; the list is endless. As long as a sample can fit on a standard microscope slide, it can be viewed with a Foldscope. One of its most attractive features is the ability to couple with the camera on a cell phone or tablet. This gives children the opportunity to take photos and videos and to share their findings with friends, parents, and teachers. By attaching the Foldscope to a cell phone’s flash, the image can also be projected onto a screen. Teachers all over the world are starting to see the fantastic possibilities for getting children excited about science, biology, and engineering. In the United States and India, Foldscopes are now regularly used in the science classroom. South African schools, especially resource-poor schools, could also certainly benefit from having these devices in the classroom. In fact, if we hope to ever compete with the rest of the world in terms of science and maths, tools like the Foldscope are essential. Foldscopes come in kits of 20 or 100 basic units, perfect for classroom use. To keep the costs down, these kits also come with a limited number of accessories that are to be shared among learners. Sales of Deluxe individual kits, including an extensive set of accessories for home use, partially subsidize the classroom kits. SciBuddy, a new player in the field of scientific educational materials, is the exclusive distributor of Foldscopes in South Africa. The owner, Arista Burke, has a background in microbiology and education and believes that Foldscopes will be a gamechanger for South African schools. “For the first time, giving every child in SA access to a microscope is a real possibility. The schools that realize the potential of this tool are going to have a definite edge going forward”, says Arista. SciBuddy wants every school to have at least one set of Foldscopes. To make this possible, they are donating one kit to an underprivileged school for every 20 kits sold. To find out more about SciBuddy and Foldscope, visit www.scibuddy.co.za or their Facebook page, SciBuddySA.

September 20, 2018

Seaside spinning top

VTech baby brings the best in technology-based learning to your child as they grow their little curious minds during play. Another gorgeous toy in the 0-18 month category is the Seaside Spinning Top – the perfect plaything to discover ocean animals, colours and numbers. The chunky blue press-down plunger spins the ocean animals around whilst the sea bed lights up, helping your little one discover cause and effect relationships. The press buttons introduce the crab, 2 angel fish and 3 starfish to baby, calling out their colours and encourage counting teaching numbers one, two and three. The music button plays 3 happy sing-along songs and 10 jolly melodies. Fun phrases and sounds encourage discovery and exploration. English speaking voice promotes recognition and accelerates learning. Grab one now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

September 19, 2018

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