Advice from the experts
Tommee Tippee

Guide To Swaddling Safely, How To Swaddle

What is swaddling? Swaddling is simply wrapping up your baby gently, so they can’t move their arms. To your baby being swaddled can replicate the feeling they had of being in the womb.  Swaddling gives babies a sense of comfort and security and has been proven to improve the quality of sleep in young babies. It helps to reduce the startle or Moro reflex that can disturb your baby’s sleep.   When swaddling you should only wrap baby’s body and not their neck or head. Is swaddling safe? Yes, if you follow safe sleeping and safe and hip friendly swaddling guidance for babies. Safe baby sleeping advice is to always lay your little one down to sleep on their back and avoid front or side positions for sleep, especially if your baby is swaddled. You should stop swaddling your baby when they show the first signs of rolling over. How to swaddle your baby safely The safest way to swaddle is to do it from birth rather than suddenly introduce swaddling at the vulnerable age of 3 months when the SIDS risk is highest. Use a light cotton material such as a newborn swaddle or swaddle blanket and make sure that the swaddling finishes at shoulder height. Your baby’s head must be uncovered. Never place your baby on their tummy – especially when they are swaddled. Use hip-healthy swaddling techniques to that allow your baby’s hips and knees to move freely to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Your baby’s legs should be able to fall into a natural position (like frog legs). Check your baby’s temperature regularly to make sure they don’t get too hot or overheat. Check they’re wearing suitable clothes for the weather too. Our swaddle sleepwear is specially designed for safe swaddling and is acknowledged as ‘hip healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) when used as directed. The design helps to ensure that baby’s legs are in a natural froggy-legged position when sleeping. Should I swaddle or not swaddle my baby? Not all babies are swaddled of course, but there are a few circumstances which make it helpful as a settling tool; When swaddling can be helpful: If baby is startling themselves awake You might have noticed as your baby is falling asleep, they suddenly twitch or jerk and wake up. These “sleep starts” or myclonic jerks are perfectly normal but in some babies, they can delay the onset of sleep and make the whole process of drifting off a real struggle. Being swaddled prevents the flailing of your baby’s limbs which tends to wake them up. Babies who have eczema or other itches By containing a baby’s hands, swaddling prevents them from scratching or rubbing as they go to sleep and during sleep itself. Lots of babies scratch or rub as they fall asleep, and due to the “itch – scratch – itch” cycle, we know that preventing the scratching will also prevent the itching and will lead to better quality sleep. Babies who are fretful and unsettled There are many reasons why some babies are more unsettled than others – discomfort and hunger are the most obvious, but sometimes, they just want a cuddle. It would be lovely if they could be held all day and night, but there are times when you have to put them down and swaddling will help to give them a feeling of security. The Tommee Tippee easy swaddle is designed to ensure that baby’s legs are in a natural frog-legged position that is important for correct hip development. There are no for poppers, Velcro or ties. Just enough fabric to keep your baby snug, but not so much that they get too hot. When is it time to stop swaddling? Every baby is different and there is no set time when you should stop swaddling. Many babies enjoy being swaddled for several months whilst others will become frustrated by their restricted movement from as early as 2-3 months.   The most important factor to consider is safety and your baby’s movement. Swaddled babies should not sleep on their front, so when your baby is able to roll onto their front, you should think about stopping swaddling. You should be especially cautious when they are not yet able to roll back onto their back. The best way to transition baby out of a swaddle Your baby might struggle to go to sleep when you get first rid of the swaddle. It will feel strange to them if they are used to falling asleep easily with it on. Indeed, you may have even noticed them becoming sleepy as soon see their swaddling cloth. The main key to helping your baby sleep without a swaddle is not to allow swaddling to become your baby’s only sleep trigger. From an early age, you should introduce some other sleep signifiers at bed time which will still let them know that sleepy time is coming and will help them to settle even though the swaddle has gone. These sleep triggers should include: A similar bed time routine using familiar phrases /songs etc A nightly bath Milk feed – with a dim light on to prevent your baby from falling asleep over the feed Goodnight song or story – same one each night Into the cot awake but sleepy, to settle for the night   For a few days before planning to remove the swaddle completely, you should stop swaddling your baby’s arms and just wrap their legs and body up to chest height. At the same time, you should gradually loosen the tension of the swaddling. Our Grobag Snuggle features special poppers on the arms so you can wrap baby arms in for a safe and snug swaddle or arms out as they transition to a baby sleep bag. If you feel that your baby misses the feeling of pressure from the swaddle, you place your arm gently across their upper body. As they start to settle, you can then take your arm away. And although it is possible that you might have a night or two of less settled sleep, your baby will soon get used the change. Resource  : Emma O’Callaghan is a qualified midwife, nurse and infant and child sleep

Bill Corbett

PARENTING AS A TEAM

When a parent comes to me for help with their kids and tells me about their challenges, my first step is to ask questions about this family’s situation. The information they share with me usually sheds some light on circumstances that may be contributing toward, or causing at least some of the challenges this parent is currently experiencing. Some of those circumstances include the current condition of the relationship of the parents of the children; fighting, arguing, separation, divorce, etc. These situations factor in because children are affected directly by the adult emotional chaos that may be happening in the home or around the kids. Here are some suggestions for parenting more as a team, regardless of any issues that have come between the adults. Agree together on how various situations will be handled with the children, and implement them with conviction. You won’t have answers to all situations but you can begin discussing with each other how you will both handle common ones to start. When new situations arise unexpectedly, discuss them in private away from the kids and then announce them jointly. If you’re just getting ready to start a family, it’s never too early to discuss parenting issues. Make time to discuss your values and beliefs in parenting and children rearing with your significant other, and share your experiences on how you were parented as a child. Take a parenting class to learn together and seek recommendations on good parenting books from family and friends. Always speak respectfully of other caregivers who share with you, the responsibility for caring for your children. This includes your spouse, the other parent, grandparents and other relatives. Doing so models integrity for the kids to learn from. Even though the other caregiver may have done something to hurt you or others, as long as they are sharing in the caregiving, your child(ren) may still see them as a hero and an adult to look up to. It’s not always possible to hide arguments from the kids and some experts suggest that you don’t. It’s definitely OK for your kids to know that you both don’t always agree, but refrain from mistreating the other adult verbally or physically. It’s important to know that your children will learn how to develop their own relationships with others, based on the model you present. If the argument begins to escalate, take it to another room for privacy. It’s also important that your children see the “makeup” after the argument subsides. And what if you’re a single parent? Create a support network made up of adults you trust with your children who can help give you the breaks you need to “recharge your batteries.” For single moms, engage trustworthy male relatives to spend time with your son(s) and for single dads, engage female relatives you trust to spend time with your daughters. And it’s great when your boyfriend and/or girlfriend bonds with your children, but they should not administer discipline. That’s reserved for you, the parent.

Good Night Baby

Parental Preference

It is quite typical that many children appear to have a parental preference for one parent/caregiver even when it comes to sleep. This essentially prevents the other parent’s efforts to attend to their baby. This dynamic, whatever the cause, often results in one parent feeling exhausted and overwhelmed and the other parent feeling disempowered, unloved, frustrated and resentful. Is this normal? It is very typical, in fact, it is developmentally appropriate for a baby to assign their needs to be met solely by one specific parent. However, we can also encourage children to begin focusing on more than one relationship at a time by encouraging a higher level of acceptance of the less preferred parent.  Firstly, the baby needs to learn that the parents trust each other. If a mom is always jumping in to rescue the baby when they are crying in Daddy’s arms, the mom is giving the baby the impression that she doesn’t trust dad to care for the baby. You want to avoid undermining the relationship and give them a chance to figure out their own dynamic.  Just because they do it differently does not mean they are doing it wrong. We need the baby to understand that parents do things differently and those differences are ok. The way daddy dresses me might be clumsier than the way mommy does it. Mommy might rush me through the bath, where daddy likes to take his time and let me play and splash a bit more.     What does this mean for sleep? When we embark on sleep coaching, it can entail us taking into consideration what the baby associates with falling asleep: is this sustainable, a long-term solution? Does it require assistance from anyone other than the baby?  Often we find baby’s that need to be held in a very specific way, swayed to a very specific rhythm, fed the breast or sung to. That makes it very difficult for any other person to replicate. Encouraging inter-changeability around bedtime is desirable as it prevents one parent from becoming an unsustainable sleep association and allows the baby to learn that sleep is associated with themselves and NOT someone else or someone specific.    The benefit is that both parents can do bedtime and take turns to do bedtime.  The added benefit is that it makes babysitting your baby easier! What can we do? Whenever possible, give both parents opportunities to put the baby to bed.  It is a great opportunity for family bonding time!  Once a baby no longer has bedtime struggles and they can put themselves to sleep independently without hours of assistance from a parent, that exact bedtime becomes some of the most precious moments with the baby. Both parents deserve a chance to cherish these moments and bedtime is a great opportunity to fill their love cup, give them extra snuggles and kisses and reconnect with them after a busy day. But the bedtime routine should not need to take two parents to complete.  Parents can take turns to do it!  When the other parent is in charge, use that opportunity to give yourself some downtime.   If a grandparent is visiting, let them get involved. Usually, they love participating in bath and bedtime. This becomes exceptionally valuable once a new sibling arrives. I find that having a toddler accustomed to both parents helps the toddler feel more settled when the new baby arrives. It is very difficult for a toddler who was accustomed to only one parent, now suddenly have that parent unavailable because they are occupied with a newborn. It is obvious to see how this would create doubt and emotional uncertainty in the older toddler. A toddler who is not reliant on a specific parent, won’t feel as put out and the primary parent can make up for that lost time with the toddler in the day. Sometimes, it is good to take a step back and realize that you’re both good at what you do and being tag-team-parents have a host of wonderful benefits. You’ll be surprised at just how much your children will enjoy one-on-one time with each of you. Likewise, just how much rejuvenated you will feel by having a mini break from your baby every other night. By Tammy Buitendach – Good Night Consultant References: www.sleepmatters.ie.org www.sleephealthjournal.org www.mentalhealthandhappiness.com www.verywellfamily.com

Koa Academy

AI in Education IS happening – how do we leverage it?

Although machine learning and AI models have been built into many of the apps and platforms we have been using for years, we’re having a different kind of AI moment in 2023.  Natural language processing and computer vision models such as OpenAI’s ChatGTP and DALL_E have put AI tools directly into the people’s hands, and many are fascinated and fearful. With generative AI tools used frequently by growing millions, some are calling loudly for restraint and regulation.  AI is already impacting education.  From schools to universities, parents, teachers and administrators are scrambling for remedies, rules and policies to prevent students from handing in homework written by ChatGPT.  However, the longer-term impacts of AI on education are going to be much deeper and wider. As Principal of Koa Academy, a high engagement online school, Mark Anderson takes a pragmatic and proactive view of AI’s opportunities and challenges to the education system.  He says, “I must say, I feel excited.  However, my eyes are wide open.  This is a complex and nuanced conversation. We have an education system that is held back by outdated worldviews and structures.  Too many institutions are failing to adequately prepare learners for today’s world of work, so systems and tools that disrupt the status quo and improve 21st Century learning are certainly needed.  That said, there are real concerns that must be addressed if we are to effectively leverage the benefits in this game-changing shift.  When used well, AI tools can sharpen critical thinking skills and encourage creativity.  When used poorly, they can become a burden and even block learning.  This is the same pattern we see with just about any technological advance in education.  The key lies in our pedagogy – how we go about deploying the tools in our schools.” Will natural language processing models undermine core skills, like writing? As many users have discovered, AI tools like ChatGPT are adept at generating written text in a range of styles and on any topic, all in a matter of seconds.  Mark says, “It’s an obvious pitfall that students can plagiarise any writing task, but does this mean that learners will fail to develop the ability to effectively generate their own thoughts in writing? This depends on how the AI tools are used in the language class.  Instead of being used as the source of a written text based on one prompt, the AI model can be used as a personal ‘writing coach’ by engaging the learner conversationally, debating or analysing text.  Used strategically, a tool like this has the potential to do what many language teachers would love to have the capacity for – individualised and personalised support of every single learner.” This role of a chatbot as tutor goes beyond language.  There are worldwide Maths education specialists, such as Khan Academy currently testing AI Maths tutors in US schools with the view that one day, every child in the classroom might benefit from the undivided attention of their own Maths specialist. Mark says, “This idea of AI becoming a sort of ‘personal tutor’ is a potential game changer. Educators know well that the way to holistically increase the performance of all learners in an educational system is through one-on-one tutoring support for everyone. This has always seemed logistically impossible. With the introduction of AI, much of the support typically provided by a person can instead be provided by the AI model. Not thinking for the learner but providing the support for them to really think for themselves.” As Peter Parker’s uncle said: “With great power comes great responsibility” Like particle accelerators, genetic sequencers and supercomputers, AI is undoubtably one of the most complex tools humans have ever created.  It is set apart though, by its capacity to learn and improve over time. Mark concludes, “At Koa Academy we are encouraging our learners, parents and educators to explore and become clear about the pros and cons of present-day AI.  As with any tool, we have to teach our learners how to approach the technology. We have human choices to make about how we realise its potential and guardrail against its pitfalls.  What’s important is to avoid taking a polarised stance and rather finding the balance between recognising the potential pitfalls and potential advantages of AI in education. AI gives us a chance to drive change in a very outdated education system and potentially solve a lot of problems. Yes, it’s going to be challenging to find healthy balances and good guardrails, and yes, there are going to be teething issues along the way. But there are such good opportunities for us to leverage AI in education. Not doing so means that our kids leave school even less prepared for real life. While there is still much to discover and navigate in this technology, we can be sure that by approaching it with all the faculties that make us truly human – critical thinking, common sense, empathy – then we stand to gain much from it in education.” Parents can join Mark Anderson at the Koa Academy Webinar, AI – the Good, the Bad and the Educational on 8 August 2023, at 13h00.  The presentation tackles this exciting and complex topic and includes a Q&A session, so that parents can ask their burning questions.  Registration is free. Koa Academy Webinar: AI – the Good, the Bad and the Educational Tuesday, 8 August 2023 13h00 Register here Discover Koa Academy, visit www.koacademy.com

Parenting Hub

TOAD & FRIENDS – Riverbank Razzle

Based on Kenneth Grahame’s literary classic, The Wind in The Willows, Toad & Friends sees Mole, Ratty and Toad joined by Hedge, a young hedgehog with a zest for life, as they explore the world. Hedge learns to play chess but soon finds herself short of partners because she doesn’t take losing well. Mole regrets giving Toad his old teddy bear Mr Tiddles, and Ratty, Mole and Hedge find themselves in a pickle after Toad ignores Ratty’s instructions to tie the sail down on a stormy day. PREMIERE: Monday, 24 July @ 15:15 CAT TUNE IN: Mondays – Fridays @ 15:15 CAT Available on DStv Catch Up

Parenting Hub

Hot Wheels Skate Launches Exciting New Range in South Africa

The recent global launch of Hot Wheels Skate has created enormous excitement as new and old skating fans race to learn how to pull off all the best tricks on a Hot Wheels Skate fingerboard. Launching at the Ballito Bowl in Durban, in partnership with the Ballito Pro 2023 Skate Jam, a stunting and skating competition which forms part of the season’s hottest winter festival on the shores of the world-famous Willard Beach, Hot Wheels will further its mission to inspire fingerboard enthusiasts of all levels to ignite their challenger spirit and skate the impossible with no limits or rules. In 2022, Hot Wheels Skate began its partnership with Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder, entrepreneur and founder of The Skatepark Project, a non-profit organisation that helps underserved communities create safe and inclusive public skateparks for youth, by launching a wide range of fingerboards with unique designs. Created by the Hot Wheels design team in collaboration with Tony Hawk, Hot Wheels Skate also includes replications of some of Tony’s most famous board designs. “It’s incredible to have a brand like Hot Wheels Skate involved in the 2023 edition of the Ballito Pro Skate Jam. Partnering with an iconic brand, can only push Skate to new levels,“ said event organiser Markus Museler from Old School Productions. “Hot Wheels Skate aims to inspire the next generation of skaters in South Africa through kid-friendly events, engaging content, and innovative products. Kids can show off their amazing skills and perform gnarly stunts on the latest Hot Wheels Skate playsets,” says Bryan Nicolau, Brand Manager, Hot Wheels South Africa. The Hot Wheels Skate product line, which will be on-site at fingerboarding play tables during Ballito Pro 2023 Skate Jam, is another demonstration of the brand’s growth and expansion as Hot Wheels fuels the next generation of passionate action sports athletes with products, competitions and content. The line features a wide range of fingerboards with unique designs and attachable shoes, along with out-of-this-world skatepark playsets. The latest Hot Wheels Skate set includes the awesome Octopark Skate Set where kids can drop in off a giant octopus head and launch into an epic fingerboard ride that features grind rails, vert quarter-pipes and a chomping shark surprise. Hot Wheels Skate is available in all leading retailers nationwide. 

Parenting Hub

Helping new mums get a handle on baby’s routine

Parent Sense App launches Responsive Routine feature As incredible as the first year of your baby’s life can be, it is also undeniably fraught. When baby feeds and when baby sleeps dominate the day and the night.  For radically sleep-deprived mothers coping with hormonal changes and ‘mommy brain’, keeping clear track of their infant’s routine is a near impossible task. Meg Faure, baby expert, best-selling parenting author and founder of Parent Sense, a popular, science-backed baby development app used by thousands of new mothers, says, “Routines are important for babies for several reasons. For one, routines provide structure and predictability, which can help infants feel more secure. Routines also help infants learn cause and effect. When a little one is being fed, changed, and put down for a nap at the same times every day, they may begin to anticipate and understand that these activities will happen in a particular order. In addition, a routine can help babies develop good sleep habits – something that all new, sleep-deprived parents want.” “But there’s a catch – all babies are different and both infants and parents have different needs when it comes to routine,” continues Meg. In Baby Sense, her best-selling book first published in 2002, Meg was the first to highlight the importance of ‘flexible routines’ for babies versus the rigid routines that were widely and often, controversially promoted in the 1990’s. “There’s significant research that shows a flexible routine is best for the health of an infant, and it also serves as a much-needed guide for first-time mothers or those who may be struggling with a sensitive little one who doesn’t necessarily feed or settle easily. Flexible routines also reflect the reality that babies are all unique, and there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer,” says Meg. “Mothers too are different, and each one has to find parenting practices that help them to be the best mum they can be.  Even moms who embrace a baby-led ethos will often blend this approach with some forms of flexible routine to have a well-fed and well-rested little one.” However establishing a healthy routine can be an overwhelming task. There’s copious amounts of information available about routines, but so often, this information is contradictory and confusing.  “What a new mum needs is a trusted source of practical, real-time support to help her follow a simple, adaptable routine that she doesn’t have to think about. That’s why we have launched the Responsive Routine,” says Meg. The award-winning Parent Sense app’s one-of-a-kind Responsive Routine makes it quick and easy for a new mum to track her baby’s feeds and sleeps. Using this unique data, the app dynamically adjusts the flexible 24-hour routine to provide customized feeding and sleeping times so that mum doesn’t have to work out the timings, and she always knows what’s coming up next for her baby. Meg says, “The Responsive Routine takes care of the two big questions that create so much anxiety for new mothers – Is my baby feeding enough? And, is my baby getting enough sleep?  Tracking this data and following the suggested routine also helps mom to build her confidence as she tunes into her baby’s unique rhythms and patterns.” The new feature helps parents to be calmer and more adaptable when it comes to schedules and makes it easier to plan for the day. Many more parents are hybrid working and there’s been a significant drop in childcare typically provided by domestic workers in the early months of an infant’s life1. Using Parent Sense’s Responsive Routine is ideal for busy, modern parents who value being organised and are probably juggling childcare with work from home. Hybrid and remote working are also changing traditional parental leave. Where maternity leave was once a time to be at home with full focus on their new-born, many new moms are now blending maternity leave with remote work. One advantage is increased work flexibility beyond their leave period, but the downside is the steep challenges of meeting the demands of both baby and work. “As a woman in technology, my goal has always been to develop innovative solutions that empower and support users. The Responsive Routine feature in the Parent Sense app represents a culmination of our efforts to create a tool that simplifies the lives of new mothers. By leveraging technology, we aim to alleviate the stress and uncertainty surrounding baby routines, allowing mothers to focus on both their parenting journey and their careers. I am thrilled to see the impact of the Responsive Routine in helping mothers find fulfillment in both aspects of their lives,” concludes Meg. The Responsive Routine feature is live within the Parent Sense app. Download the app here and start using the Responsive Routine to take the guesswork out of your baby’s schedule.

Tommee Tippee

Creating The Ideal Sleep Environment For Your Baby

Setting up your nursery for your soon-to-be newborn is one of the most exciting things to do whilst prepping for your new arrival. Paint colours, baby furniture, mobiles and ‘themes’ are all big considerations. But whilst there’s lots of fun to be had creating the ‘dream’ nursery, from the perspective of how to encourage the best sleep for your newborn there’s some more essentials to think of. Setting up the ideal sleep environment from the very beginning is the foundation that great sleep habits are built on. Babies ideally need certain factors available to them in their sleep environment to help them achieve restorative sleep. So, let me talk you through the top things I am looking for and encourage every parent to consider when setting up the perfect room for their new little one… Keep it Clean and De-Clutter: A nice calm and serene space is a lot more conducive to sleep than having the nursery overrun with toys, mobiles and accessories that clutter the environment. Most importantly, it is imperative that safe sleep guidelines are followed.   Becoming very familiar with safe sleep guidelines is a real must to help create the safest possible sleeping space for your newborn, free from toys – keep it simple. Make it Dark: This is probably my favourite tip of all. Make the room dark. SO dark that you would struggle to read a book in there…. yes, super dark! A really important biological process happens when we nap our babies in the dark. When our babies are up and awake time, natural light going into their eyes produces the hormone Serotonin in the brain. Now, here is the interesting part. When we then take our babies into a dark space for their naps and night-time sleep, that serotonin hormone is converted into the sleepy hormone melatonin. So, the darker the space the higher the levels of  melatonin in our babies’ brains. This melatonin makes them feel physiologically tired and supports their sleep. It’s also an important factor in helping newborns link their sleep cycles. When they rouse following one sleep cycle in their dark room and there is nothing to grab their attention, they remain much calmer and can easily drift off into the next sleep cycle. Think about how you could make your baby’s room as dark as possible. Get a black out blind and maybe you may also need a curtain over the top of it to stop any light coming through the sides and the top. Tommee Tippee GroBlinds create a dark sleep environment at home or on-the-go. They are adaptable and can be put in place in minutes, attaching directly to window glass using long lasting suction cups to ensure a close fit that will block out the light. Ideal to take on holidays and create that dark ‘sleepy’ environment wherever you go, it’s well worth the effort. Set up White Noise: White noise is a wonderful ‘tool’ to use in the sleep environment. Babies literally grew in white noise! White noise mimics the sound that babies experienced inside the womb, and the womb was really noisy… as noisy as a vacuum cleaner! Setting up some good white noise in the nursery to play all through their naps and overnight sleep is so beneficial. It creates a cocoon of sound that can really help babies calm faster, cry less and settle. Using white noise has the added benefit of shutting out all the stimulation that stresses babies out and is excellent at blocking out general household noise. Our Grofriends feature white noise to help your little ones settle – plus it’s nice to have a normal conversation without whispering right? Create the Perfect Room Temperature The ideal temperature for a baby’s sleep environment is between 18 to 21 degrees. You’re aiming for a constant, even temperature. It’s the drop in temperature during the night that can really wake babies up.  They just don’t have the body mass to generate heat like adults do. So, ensuring that the nursery is a nice constant temp will stop those 4.00 am wake up calls. Using a Groegg is an easy way of quickly showing the temperature of your baby’s nursery. Once you know the temperature, appropriate sleepwear such as swaddles or snuggles can be chosen, ensuring your baby is snug and at the perfect temperature all night. With some simple planning these foundations can be set up in your baby’s nursery easily. Have fun incorporating these sleep factors in! So not only is the nursery looking fantastic, but also has all the tools and best advice in place to encourage wonderful restorative sleep for your baby. Remember, it’s all for the love of sleep! Resource  : Emma O’Callaghan is a qualified midwife, nurse and infant and child sleep consultant. With over 20 years’ experience in both hospital and community settings, Emma knows about sleep. She has helped thousands of families reclaim sleep and is particularly passionate about supporting new and first-time parents. She is the Founder of Baby Sleep Expert, and with a common sense, compassionate approach is often referred to as the ultimate “baby whisperer”. Emma lives in Melbourne with her three daughters and fur baby.

Educ8 SA

Educ8 SA – Improving Lives Through Learning

Let us more about Educ8 SA! We are so proud of what we are doing within the Education sector.  We are an award-winning online school from preschool to high school. Making it the ideal learning program for your homeschool curriculum. Our Online Learning Program is the ideal choice for anyone looking for top-quality, proven, flexible online schooling.  Offering teaching excellence and a broad curriculum at affordable pricing to students. If you are looking for the convenience and flexibility of online homeschooling from the comfort of your home, you have found it! What does a day in the life look like for students with a home-schooling parent? You have the freedom to start when you want, hopefully early enough. We like to start at 8 am and aim to finish at 1 pm or 2 pm. My kids usually take about 2 breaks currently. So, they start:  3 Subjects break 4 Subjects Lunch Subjects Done The curriculum is very well laid out, it’s an online program that’s lessons are from 10 to 30mins long. Then the American High School Diploma is laid out a bit differently but the amazing thing about the high school curriculum, it gives your kids an advantage over the rest. It’s an international curriculum and it offers Varsity subjects, so when your kids go to university, they can start some subjects in 2nd year already because they have completed some first-year subjects already. Educ8 SA also offer the GED curriculum which is equivalent to a Grade 12 Matric. Students work at their own pace and schedule exams once the pre-readiness testing has found students to be exam ready. Exams are written at any Boston College nearest to your location. So just Educ8 SA to further discuss the options you are looking at going with. Can you register anytime? Yes, you can register any time of the year and even start any time of the year.  Ways to make contact: Contact the Office on 084 685 2138  Email on info@educ8sa.net Go to website to our sign-up section and complete all information, this will also give you access to the amazing 14-day trial period What are the highlights you can expect using Educ8 SA? Its Affordable Flexible Tried and tested Grade levels from preschool to grade 12 Our reviews speak for themselves, a great program and great service In a nutshell: Educ8 SA is an Affordable, Quality Curriculum and what more can you ask for? Contact us today! 084 685 2138 info@educ8sa.net www.educ8sa.com

Bramley Cosmetics & Toiletries

Bramley Cosmetics busts five common winter skincare myths

We live in an age of information, and despite having a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. This is especially true for skincare. There are so many myths that are commonly believed to be true, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find reliable sources of information. As we head deeper into winter, our skin will need a little more care to stay soft, healthy and hydrated. Plus, it’s time to ditch the myths once and for all and embrace a daily skincare routine that is based on facts – not misconceptions. Bramley Cosmetics, one of SA’s leading skincare manufacturers, busts some of the most common winter skincare myths: #1 Myth: A hot shower or bath moisturises skin Fact: It might feel great to take a hot shower or soak in a hot bath when temperatures drop, but hot water can be damaging to your skin. When your skin is exposed to water that is warmer than your body temperature, your pores open and moisture evaporates. This can lead to dryness and dehydration – the opposite of what you want. We recommend taking a lukewarm to warm shower or bath and to use a creamy or hydrating body wash that won’t strip skin of its natural moisture. Bramley Magnolia & Vanilla Body Wash gently cleanses skin without stripping its natural oils and is lightly fragranced to leave your skin smelling beautiful. #2 Myth: The thicker the cream, the better it hydrates Fact: A moisturiser’s texture and consistency is important, but don’t be fooled – while it may affect how much you enjoy using the product, it doesn’t necessarily affect its ability to hydrate your skin. A moisturiser’s efficacy comes down to its ingredients. A lotion formula can be as hydrating and nourishing as a cream formula, provided it contains good quality moisturising ingredients. Take Bramley’s Magnolia Body Lotion as an example. It has a lovely lightweight formula that doesn’t skimp on performance: It is rich in Bramley’s signature Bio-Pharm oil and Vitamin E, and while it is easily absorbed, it leaves skin feeling soft, moisturised and velvety. #3 Myth: You don’t need sun protection in winter Fact: Most of us grew up thinking that sun protection was only necessary when you hit the beach, but modern studies have shown that the sun’s UV rays are harmful all year round. They can even penetrate your skin on gloomy or overcast days, leading to skin damage, hyperpigmentation and accelerated ageing. While you’ll likely be covered up during winter, it’s important to still apply a sun protection product to any part of your skin that is exposed. #4 Myth: You shouldn’t use a tissue oil in winter Fact: There is a myth doing the rounds that tissue oil is sticky and oily, and that it’ll ruin your clothes or clog your pores in winter. The fact is that tissue oil is actually the perfect product for winter skin. It is extremely good at hydrating skin and locking in moisture, which is just what you need during the colder months. Most tissue oils absorb well and don’t leave skin feeling sticky. Plus, they’re unlikely to clog your pores as most of them have non-comedogenic formulas. Bramley’s Tissue Oils are the number one selling tissue oils in SA for good reason: They’re enriched with Bramley’s signature Bio-Pharm oil to enhance the functionality of the skin’s moisture barrier and Vitamin E for skin cell repairing. Lightly fragranced, they absorb easily, they’re versatile and they’re suitable for all skin types. From hydrating and moisturising skin to treating scars and stretch marks and correcting uneven skin tone, these tissue oils have an almost endless list of benefits. This winter, we recommend trying the Bramley Magnolia Tissue Oil and the Cocoa Heaven Tissue Oil, as their scents are warm and inviting for the colder weather. #5 Myth: You don’t need to moisturise your body if it’s covered in clothes Fact: This couldn’t be further from the truth. The air becomes drier during winter because the humidity (moisture droplets in the air) drops. When this happens, the air will try draw moisture from anywhere it can, including your skin and hair. That’s why our skin is prone to being so dry in cold weather. Your skin may be protected by clothing, but that won’t stop it from becoming drier. The only way to combat this dryness is to apply moisturising body care products. Most skincare experts recommend applying a body cream or lotion daily, within a couple of minutes after your shower when your skin is still a little damp, as this helps trap water and increase hydration. Instantly hydrating, Bramley’s range of Body Butters have a gorgeous thick texture and leaves skin soft and supple. These buttery body butters offer all-over moisturiser and can be used on body, face, hands and feet. Rich in Vitamin E and Bio-Pharm oil, the intensive formulation will nourish and moisturise all skin types, whilst providing the protection your skin requires. We recommend the crowd-favourite Magnolia and deliciously indulgent Cocoa Heaven variants for winter. Bramley products are available at PEP Stores nationwide. Bramley Tissue oils, Body Butters and Wipes are available at select Clicks, Pick ‘n Pay and Wholesale stores. Learn more at: https://bramleycosmetics.com/ Follow Bramley on social media: Facebook: Bramley Cosmetics and Toiletries (https://www.facebook.com/bramleycosmetics/) Instagram: @bramleycosmetics (https://www.instagram.com/bramleycosmetics/)

Parenting Hub

HOW TO EXPRESS AT WORK

Making the transition from maternity leave to going back to work can be an emotionally difficult time for a lot of moms. On top of that, you will now need to find a way to stick to your pumping schedule whilst there. If you are fretting about making this transition, and where you will find time to pump when back in the office, this is the post for you. Read on below now as we will tackle this next step head on! Plan Ahead For your Return Before you go back to work, have a sit down conversation with your boss. Let them know that you will require a few breaks throughout the day to complete your pumping schedule. Give them a copy of the times and duration of your pumps if you would like as well. Let your boss know that you will require a secluded room dedicated to your pumping needs. This will ensure that when you return, you won’t be questioned for your need to pump. Setting things up before arriving back at work can really save you a lot of trouble. Ensure You Have A Place To Store Your Milk Breastmilk is able to be kept at room temperature for six hours. Thereafter you risk it going off. As such, it is in your best bet to organize some space in the office fridge in which to store your milk. Furthermore, ensure that you have a cooler transport bag available for when you leave your office and head home.  You may want to also have a pre-chat to your co-workers and just make them aware that you plan to store your milk in the office fridge.  Making It Easier To Express At Work The above tips will sit-down help you express at work going forward. Furthermore, if you need a bit of help with the let-down, keep videos and images of your baby nearby. These have been proven to help moms with their let-down. 

Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

Social Skills for Neurodiverse Learners

At Glenoaks Remedial and Vocational School, we recognise that our neurodiverse learners’ differences are part of a natural variation that don’t need to be remediated or changed.  Our learners often find a sense of community with peers in the neurodivergent population.  We see that they start to form a sense of identity and independence when they find their comfortable space and place.   Our goal is to offer the opportunity for social interactions in an environment that is safe and encouraging.  The therapist’s role is to guide them when they veer off track or are unsure of what to say or do in a situation. The learners are assisted with practical strategies and experiences in different contexts to raise their awareness about their own interactions and how to interpret others.  Learners find that increasing social demands that require skills such as holding a two-way conversation, interacting in a team work situation, communicating via social media, or appropriate use of humour are sometimes challenging to manage.  They benefit from the support of their peers and therapist to develop these as well as their own self-identified goals such as setting verbal boundaries.  Every session focuses on the importance of non-verbal communication (body language), voice tone and facial expressions. We don’t force eye contact or spend time on abstract, generalised worksheets about typical social skills. Instead, learners often work in groups on real tasks to practice using non-verbal social skills in a meaningful way that best supports communication interactions.   Fostering executive function development is also an important focus of every session. We grow self-regulatory systems by building skills in team and work-based tasks such as: Perception, focus, and sustained attention Verbal and non-verbal working memory Inhibition, initiation and flexible thinking Self-monitoring, self-correction, and self-modulation Time sense, pacing and execution Anticipating, analysing, planning, organising and prioritizing At Oakhouse Vocational Academy, a division of Glenoaks School, learners are aiming to enter the open labour market and so our focus is on assisting them with social interactions that could occur in work contexts. We support them through their work experience journey and provide weekly sessions to touch base, reflect on and problem solve different examples of real social interactions. The learners share actual successes or challenges and are assisted in addressing these as a group.  Some examples of the topics discussed and practiced include: Appropriate greetings Giving accurate messages to individuals and groups Requesting information telephonically and via email Asking for directions Conversational skills (topic introduction, maintenance, and repair strategies) Having group discussions Setting up meetings Planning and prioritising tasks as a group Developing social skills for events such as dancing and playing games Appropriate interactions with peers A brain growth spurt occurs during adolescence, making this an optimal period for learning new skills. It is an important time when our Academy learners are especially sensitive to their experiences. To successfully manage the transition to independent working adults, all adolescents need more insight into what they are experiencing. They also need relevant and meaningful work and supportive guidance. Our teenagers really do benefit from graded opportunities for self-management and social interaction. We believe in the goals of self-advocacy, awareness of others, developing future thinking, and practicing strategies for communication repair in real time and different contexts.  As a parent of a neurodivergent child it is so important to regularly expose them to social situations which provide opportunities for them to learn and practice these very needed life skills. Written by Sairah Smith – Speech Therapist and Social Skills Educator at Glenoaks Remedial and Vocational School.

Squish

5 smart tips to soothe your teething baby

Most babies cut their first teeth between the ages of four and seven months. This is often a painful time for you little one, and a distressing time for parents too. Try these tried-and-tested tips to help soothe sore gums and give baby (and you) a little relief.  1. Utilise your ice tray Squeeze any leftover Squish 100% Fruit Puree into an ice tray and freeze. Next time baby is suffering from the teething blues, put an ice cube into a mesh feeder and let your little one gnaw and suck away. All Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree pouches come with a resealable lid, which means you can just use what you need then save the rest in the fridge for later.  2. Apply a little pressure Make sure your hands are clean, then use your fingertips to give your baby a gentle gum massage. It is a simple and effective way to soothe pain. 3. Serve a slushy Slushies can bring great relief for teething toddlers. Pop a whole Squish 100% Fruit or Fruit and Yogi Puree into the freezer– try Pear, Banana + Strawberry; Apple, Guava + Yoghurt; or Fruit Medley + Yoghurt. Once it is frozen, take it out and leave it to melt to a slushy consistency. Your little one will enjoy sucking straight from the pouch nozzle, with the icy mix providing sore-gum relief. This is great as an at-home soother and is super convenient if you’re out and about too. Squish 100% Fruit Purees are made from undiluted quality fruit and are free from preservatives, colourants and flavourants – plus they have no added cane sugar or starch.  4. Keep mopping Teething babies tend to drool a lot, and this can cause rashes and skin irritations. Make sure you always have a supply of cloths or wipes on hand so that you can keep their chin and neck as dry as possible. 5. Try a little white noise Teething often means sleepless nights – for you and your child. Experts say this is because there is nothing to distract your baby from the pain and suggest installing a white noise machine to help them drift off to sleep.  • For more expert tips and recipes, click here

Good Night Baby

Pre-schooler: Dropping the nap or making bedtime later?

How do you feel when you have had a restless night or even worse, less hours sleep than your body needs to function the next day? During sleep, the brain sorts through and stores new information and even solves problems during sleep. Most children don’t get enough sleep and due to no naps from pre-school onwards the amount of sleep at night plays an integral part in your child’s development and overall function. Children aged 5 to 12 years old need 11-12 hours of sleep each night. Why is uninterrupted sleep so important? IT INFLUENCES MOOD AND BEHAVIOUR Irritability Exaggerated emotions Increased aggression Hyperactivity Behavioural problems IT INFLUENCES LEARNING Memory lapses Lack of concentration Impaired memory recall Compromised decision-making IT INFLUENCES YOUR HEALTH Reduced physical performance Slower recovery rate from illness Disrupts natural growth IT INFLUENCES OVERALL SLEEP Causes restless sleep Causes frequent wake ups at night Pre-school teachers are seeing a lot more of the above in their classrooms due to lack of sleep. “The children are lacking motivation to finish tasks.” “They are not concentrating, complain constantly and want to lie down.” “I struggle getting my children to behave when asked, they are irritable and somewhat aggressive. I can see when a child walks into my class in the morning the night was not long enough.” So, what is the solution? No screen time 2 hours before bedtime. The blue light that a screen emits, supresses melatonin (our sleepy hormone) so will not reach it’s optimal level and stay there throughout the night. A good bedtime routine. As a pre-schooler has no concept of time, the sequence of events leading up to bedtime is very important. Playtime before dinner to release the last bit of energy for the day, quiet play after dinner to unwind after a busy day, a warm bath (every night) releasing the melatonin naturally and a relaxed environment in the bedroom (low lighting, sing favourite song or read a story) Lights out no later than 19h00 Dropping to no nap during the day is a big milestone. In the world of today, children require rest to be able to manage the speed at which they need to develop, grow and learn, which can be overwhelming. Good sleep is therefore imperative and it is important that parents teach their children healthy sleep habits and a good sleep routine from an early age. Help your child to sleep better so that we can help them grow better. By Melissa Bierman – Good Night consultant

Evolve Online School

ONLINE SCHOOLS: THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKING

With the ongoing growth of online schooling in South Africa, parents are increasingly considering this route as a viable option for their children. Still, they are left overwhelmed by the massive range of schools and their differences in offerings. Additionally, the quality varies dramatically from school to school, with some schools reporting excellent results and others proving a disaster for the child and their family. It is, therefore, crucial that parents decide about their choice of online school very carefully, based on an objective assessment of the quality and standard of offering, and that they do not simply rely on a school’s promotional materials and promises. One of the best indicators of a school’s ability to provide the highest quality of academic excellence in an online environment is its international MAP ranking, an education expert says. MAP is short for the Measuring Academic Progress International Benchmarking evaluation, and any online school worth its salt should be able to produce its current standing, says Colin Northmore, Principal of Evolve Online School, a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. “International Benchmarking enables schools to objectively compare their students’ performance against students in other schools, including brick and mortar as well as online schools, and against students in other countries. It is a tool to monitor the effectiveness of a school’s focus on consistent student growth and to track effective teaching and learning,” says Northmore. “Choosing to go the online route is often a step into unknown territory for most parents, so knowing beforehand that a school is in excellent standing in terms of international benchmarks can save much time, anxiety and money for families,” he says. MAP is used in 1500 schools in 145 countries, with 9 million students participating. Data are presented at the individual level but also provide school, regional, continental, and global comparisons. MAP’s Growth tests evaluate Mathematics, Reading and Language Usage for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and the tests are given 2-3 times per year to measure progress – most often at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. Evolve Online School consistently scores in the top percentile against other schools and when compared to the international benchmark since it began participating in MAP benchmarking. Northmore says that in addition to ensuring a positive international benchmarking positioning, parents evaluating online schools should also consider the following: That proper registration and accreditation are in place with all relevant authorities. That the school has a reputation for academic excellence over at least a few years. They enquire from current and past parents about the school’s reputation. That the school forms part of a larger group which can provide the best institutional support and, if not part of a larger group with a strong track record, that the school can demonstrate that their support structures are sound. That the school can demonstrate logistical competence in terms of academic delivery, and That there is an excellent balance between screen time, dream time, team time and green time to avoid the student developing feelings of isolation.   “But even if all the above are in place, international benchmarking remains the gold standard in assessing a school’s ability to deliver academic excellence in an online setting, and parents are encouraged to ensure their chosen school has that in place,” says Northmore.

Sudocrem South Africa

Preventing & Soothing Nappy Rash

Preventing nappy rash Nappy rash is one of the most common skin conditions of your baby’s early life. It is an irritation of the skin anywhere in the nappy area. While it might be sore for your baby, the good news is that it is rarely serious. Nappy rash most often affects your baby’s sensitive skin when there is prolonged contact with urine or stools. Learn more about what causes nappy rash. Your baby’s bottom may have red patches or the whole area may be red. The skin may look sore and can feel hot to touch. If your baby is suffering from nappy rash, you can use Sudocrem to soothe and protect your baby’s skin. The very best way to deal with nappy rash, however, is to prevent your baby getting it in the first place. To prevent your baby getting nappy rash follow these tips: Change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible. Young babies need changing as many as ten to twelve times a day, whilst older babies at least six to eight times Ensure you clean the whole nappy area thoroughly using plain water or baby wipes, wiping front to back Lie your baby on a towel and leave the nappy off for as long and as often as you can in order to let fresh air get to the skin Use a barrier cream such as Sudocrem If your baby does get nappy rash use Sudocrem to soothe and protect your baby’s skin. If you are using a nappy rash cream and the rash remains or your baby develops a persistent bright red, moist rash with white or red pimples, which spreads to the folds of the skin, they may have a thrush infection. You will need to use an anti-fungal cream, available either from the pharmacist or on prescription from your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or health visitor for advice. Occasionally nappy rash can become persistent or can be related to other skin conditions like eczema. If you are at all worried, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor or health visitor. Soothing nappy rash If your baby’s skin in the area covered by the nappy is sore, red and feels warm to touch your baby may have nappy rash. You can follow the steps below to soothe nappy rash. Change your baby’s nappy every time it becomes wet or soiled It is really important to stop the chemicals in urine and faeces aggravating your baby’s delicate skin Leave the nappy off for as long as possible to let your baby’s skin get some fresh air Try to ensure that your baby’s nappy fits well and is not chafing or rubbing Avoid using any soaps, detergents or bubble bath that could be irritating your baby’s skin Ensure your baby’s skin is clean and dry before using a fresh, clean and dry nappy Use a nappy rash cream such as Sudocrem at every nappy change to soothe and protect the skin. Sudocrem is clinically proven to help by soothing the soreness, helping the skin heal and protecting the skin from further attack by irritants or infection. You can use Sudocrem at every nappy change. If the rash persists, speak to your doctor or health visitor. Use Sudocrem Skin and Baba Care Cream at every nappy change to soothe irritated skin and to prevent nappy rash from occurring. Sudocrem is available in 60g, 125g, 250g and 400g tubs and can be purchased at Baby City, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Clicks, other major retailer outlet near you and online.

Parenting Hub

HOW TO RECOGNISE AN ANXIETY ATTACK

According to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, anxiety is a standard and sometimes even beneficial emotion that helps us deal with stress and danger. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or irrational, it can become a debilitating condition affecting a person’s daily life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition globally, affecting approximately 275 million people. Anxiety attacks, a condition characterised by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, affect an estimated 2-3% of the global population. However, due to cultural and language differences, mental health stigma, and inadequate mental health resources, anxiety disorders and anxiety attacks (otherwise known as panic attacks) are often underreported and undertreated worldwide. “Anxiety attacks are sudden and intense episodes of fear and panic that can last from a few minutes to several hours,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “During an anxiety attack, a person may experience physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that can be overwhelming and frightening. The symptoms of an anxiety attack can vary from person to person, but some common signs can help you recognise an anxiety attack.” Physical Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack Physical symptoms are among the most common signs of an anxiety attack. These symptoms can include the following. Rapid heartbeat or palpitations Chest pain or discomfort Shortness of breath or hyperventilation Sweating or chills Nausea or abdominal distress Dizziness or light-headedness Trembling or shaking Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet Muscle tension or aches These physical symptoms can be so severe that people may think they are having a heart attack, which can further increase their anxiety and panic. Emotional Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack Emotional symptoms are another common sign of an anxiety attack. These symptoms can include the following. Intense fear or terror Feelings of impending doom or danger Extreme nervousness or apprehension Restlessness or agitation Irritability or anger A sense of being disconnected from reality Feeling like you’re losing control or going crazy A solid urge to escape or flee the situation These emotional symptoms can be distressing. They may lead to further anxiety and panic. Cognitive Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack Cognitive symptoms are the third most common sign of an anxiety attack. These symptoms can include: Racing or intrusive thoughts Obsessive or compulsive behaviour Difficulty concentrating or focusing Memory problems or forgetfulness Confusion or disorientation A distorted sense of time or space Negative self-talk or self-doubt Catastrophic thinking or overestimating the severity of the situation These cognitive symptoms can make it difficult to function and may lead to a sense of hopelessness or despair. Anxiety Attack Triggers Anxiety attacks can occur suddenly and without warning, but specific situations or events can also trigger them. Common triggers include: Social problems, such as public speaking or meeting new people Specific phobias, such as flying or heights Traumatic events, such as accidents or violence Stressful life events, such as divorce or job loss Health problems, such as chronic pain or illness Substance abuse or withdrawal Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or menopause Identifying the triggers of an anxiety attack can help you avoid or prepare for future episodes. Duration and Intensity of an Anxiety Attack Anxiety attacks can last from a few minutes to several hours, and their intensity can vary from mild to severe. Mild anxiety attacks may cause only a few physical or emotional symptoms, while severe anxiety attacks can cause intense and debilitating symptoms that may require medical attention. The duration and intensity of an anxiety attack can also vary from person to person and can depend on the individual’s overall health, stress level, and coping skills. Recurrence of an Anxiety Attack Anxiety attacks can be a one-time event or a recurring problem. People who experience recurring anxiety attacks may have an anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder or generalised anxiety disorder. These disorders can cause significant distress and may require professional treatment. The Aftermath of an Anxiety Attack People may experience various feelings and behaviours after an anxiety attack. Some common aftermath symptoms include the following. Exhaustion or fatigue Headaches or migraines Aches and pains Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhoea or constipation Increased sensitivity to stress or anxiety triggers Avoidance behaviours, such as avoiding places or situations that may trigger anxiety attacks Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping Difficulty concentrating or focusing Feelings of shame, embarrassment, or guilt These aftermath symptoms can be distressing and may increase the risk of future anxiety attacks. “Anxiety attacks can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. However, recognising the signs and symptoms of an anxiety attack can help you take steps to manage your anxiety and prevent future episodes,” adds Hewlett. “If you experience anxiety attacks, seeking professional help from a mental health provider who can offer you effective treatment and support is important. Remember that anxiety is a treatable condition, and with the right treatment and support, you can overcome your anxiety and lead a fulfilling life.” About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Toptots Head Office

My toddler has a short attention span – is he hyperactive?

Toddlers typically have a very short attention span. Time means nothing and a few minutes can seem like forever to a toddler.  They are meant to flit from one activity to the next, building up as many experiences as possible. Remember they have a lot of ground to cover.  Don’t expect an 18 month old to sit still and build a puzzle, read, post etc. for more than a few minutes. Life’s experiences are taken in small bites and as often as possible. This is one of the reasons you should offer a variety of activities and often don’t spend too many minutes on one in particular. You might find that your toddler surprises you and gets involved in an activity for more than a few minutes. If we manage seven minutes we are ecstatic. That’s good going, but don’t expect that every time. For your little toddler to focus on an activity for more than a few minutes he has to find it interesting, it has to be new to him and he must be able to master the skill. If it’s too difficult he will get frustrated and move on. Being able to master a skill and then repeat it gives them a sense of accomplishment. I can do this, and I can do it well. Challenge your toddler. They might not grasp the activity straight away but practice makes perfect. Varied experiences with different activities will give them many opportunities to learn about life and how things work. When posting a ping pong ball through a swimming pool tube, you learn that the ball comes out the other side. When making holes in play dough you are strengthening your finger muscles. Pouring from one container to another teaches you about full and empty. The lessons are endless. Research has shown that toddlers need to be on the move taking in as much of life as they possibly can so that they have references to refer back to later. Give your toddler as many opportunities as possible to explore the world around them. Remember learning has to be FUN!

Junior Colleges

Meal prep for busy families

Who knew that being a mom or dad meant you would have to come up with delicious meals every day for the rest of your days? Dinner time can be very stressful, yet it can be super easy if you are prepared and organised. What do we know about children’s nutrition? A balanced diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, protein, and grains is the best way. That means that if planned right, you never have to feel guilty by pulling out a pizza from the freezer because your child eats healthy food most nights and days. Here are the steps to weekly meal preparation: Plan a menu It is important to choose things that your family likes. For example, if Spaghetti Bolognaise is a hit, make a batch enough for 3-4 meals.  Planning the menu will also ensure that you can shop for the right ingredients so that you don’t have to stop at the shop every couple of days and save money in the long run. Ensure that you have enough containers This is a once-off purchase that you can use time and time again—choosing containers that are freezer friendly. Portion out your meals  Make sure that you can take out your meals, and they feed your family with just enough. You will only be able to reheat food that has yet to be reheated.  Variety Children love variety, though they don’t mind having the same or similar foods on a specific day. For example, Mondays could be beef day, Tuesdays could be chicken days, and Fridays could be pizza day. While they love variety, they also love predictability.  Get the children to help. Children love to assist in the kitchen. They can do age-appropriate chores like mashing potatoes or mixing ingredients. This is a great way to teach your child about healthy eating habits and allow them some bonding time with you. Remember to have fun! Dinner times can often be a time of stress and anxiety, let’s choose to create great memories for our children. 

Parenting Hub

DOES DAYCARE BUILD YOUR BABY’S IMMUNE SYSTEM?

You’ve probably heard that children who attend daycare get sick more frequently, but according to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, there is a silver lining to sniffles and colds. “Exposing your child to more children at a young age helps your child develop better immunity,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “A baby’s immune system is immature at birth. Your baby does have some natural immunity, thanks to antibodies they were exposed to in utero. Breastfed babies benefit from antibodies in their mother’s milk as well. However, when a baby is exposed to bacteria and viruses in the environment, its immune system begins to strengthen. Yes, these pathogens can sometimes make your baby sick, but they also stimulate the production of natural antibodies, allowing them to fight off infections more effectively in the future. That means that children exposed to more germs at a young age will have stronger immune systems by the time they start school.” What Research Suggests The idea that children in daycare get sick more frequently when they’re young but benefit from improved immunity later in life isn’t just a theory; there’s plenty of research to back it up. For example, a Canadian study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children who began group child care before the age of two and a half had fewer respiratory and ear infections between the ages of five and eight than those who had not been in daycare. According to University of Arizona College of Medicine researchers, the protection may last even longer. Children who had attended daycare as toddlers had fewer colds up to the age of 13 in their study. According to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, daycare may also reduce a child’s risk of developing asthma. Researchers discovered that children predisposed to the condition due to their mothers’ asthma or allergies had lower IgE antibodies (an indicator of allergic sensitivity) when they attended daycare. Interestingly, there is also a link between group care and a lower risk of leukaemia, although the reason for this is unclear. Good to know: Despite these benefits, parents may want to wait until their child is three months old before enrolling in daycare. Contagious infections that are normally minor in adults can be much more serious in newborns, and your child may need to be hospitalised if they develop a fever of above 38 degrees Celcius or higher before the age of three months. How To Naturally Boost Your Child’s Immune System While research supports the hypothesis that immunity acquired in daycare protects a child from colds later in life, no parent wants their child to be sick. As such, Affinity Health offers these top tips to boost your child’s immune system: Probiotics Probiotics aid in immune system regulation by balancing the good bacteria (flora) in the stomach. These “beneficial” microorganisms may help to reduce the risk of diarrhoea and respiratory infections. Serve your child live-cultured products like organic yoghurt and Gouda or cottage cheese. Nutrition A healthy immune system is built on a nutritious diet. Ensure your child eats a healthy diet and avoid serving processed foods containing chemicals and toxins that compromise their ability to fight illness and stay healthy. If your child has food allergies or requires a special diet, consult a nutritionist or paediatrician. Increase Their Uptake Of Vitamin C Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, and with so many options, adding more Vitamin C into your child’s diet is simple. Good sources of Vitamin C that most children enjoy include oranges, strawberries, blackcurrants, kiwifruit, potatoes, green peas, and tomatoes. Encourage Your Child To Exercise Physical activity may aid in the removal of bacteria from the lungs and airways. This may lower your child’s chances of contracting a cold, flu, or other airborne illness. Ensure Your Child Gets Adequate Sleep If your child is 12 or younger and gets less than 10 hours of sleep per night, or if your tween or teen gets less than eight and a half hours, they are at risk of having a weakened immune system. Make good sleeping habits a priority in your household. Allow Your Children To Be Kids, Get Dirty Outside, And Play With Friends Not all germs and bacteria are harmful to your child’s health. Exposing children to the everyday microbes found outside in nature – including dirt – can help a child develop a strong, healthy immune system.

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Putting together your birth plan

As you enter your third trimester you’ll have probably done a fair bit of research on the birth process (if this is your first) and may have a good idea of what you want before, during and after delivery. There are many options and opinions, from whether or not you want pain medication to how many people you would like supporting you. However, trying to keep track of your choices during labour may be tricky, which is why you’d put together a birth plan. So what exactly is it and how do you put one together? Why should I put together a birth plan?  Your birth plan is your choices or preferences before, during and after labour and delivery. While things may not always go according to plan, having your preferences written down and communicated means you, your midwives and doctor have a more mutual understanding. However, if your pregnancy doesn’t go accordingly, you need to be prepared to make adjustments on the day. What should be in my birth plan? Your birth plan is how you’d like everything would go in the best-case scenario. Your birth plan will also have to take into consideration what is available at the hospital or place where you are giving birth. Some birth plans are very basic, just outlining a simple overview, whereas others may be far more detailed and in-depth. The choice is yours. Typically a birth plan will include before, during and after labour and birth preferences. Such as who you want to assist you during birth, whether or not you want any pain medication,  you birthing positions, and requests for newborn care, such as skin-to-skin time. How can I learn more about the birth process?  If you feel like you need to top up your birthing knowledge before putting together a plan they are a few ways you can go about this. Joining antenatal classes are a good way to learn more and to meet other women in your position. Chatting to friends or family who has been through the birthing process themselves is another good way to see what would work best for you. If you and your partner are having a baby together, keep them in the loop as well. Find out what they expect during labour and you can chat about what you want, and what role you see them playing in the process.

Parenting Hub

The Perfect Hair launches new Soft & Smooth hair treatment range

Trusted local hair care brand The Perfect Hair is expanding their hair care collection with the launch of four exciting new treatment products. Known for offering quality hair care formulations that effectively solve the hair concerns faced by South Africans, The Perfect Hair celebrates the beauty of hair in all its glory. The new Soft & Smooth range is designed to help strengthen hair, restore damage, encourage healthy hair growth, and leave hair feeling soft & smooth, with a vibrant shine. Whether your hair is relaxed, transitioning, colour treated or natural, the Soft & Smooth range is a great solution for your hair care concerns. Like all products in The Perfect Hair range, Soft & Smooth contains only the best nourishing natural ingredients and are free from harmful ingredients like petroleum, parabens, silicone, and sulphates. The Soft & Smooth range is affordably priced from R19.99 (per sachet) to R34.99 (per 125ml tub). The range contains products that assist with the following hair concerns. The Perfect Hair Soft & Smooth 5-in-1 Hair Growth Treatment Promote healthy hair growth with this 5- in 1 Hair Growth Treatment. Its key ingredients are Shea Butter and Olive Oil, which work together to stimulate healthy hair growth by reducing breakage through nourishing, softening, strengthening & moisturising the hair. The Perfect Hair Soft & Smooth Deep Protein Treatment With Coconut Oil and Castor Oil, this deep treatment intensely nourishes, and repairs dry and damaged hair. It leaves your hair stronger, more nourished, smooth, and shiny. The Perfect Hair Soft & Smooth Repair & Growth Treatment Instantly revive dry, breaking and dull hair with this intensive treatment. With Shea Butter & Castor Oil, it repairs & strengthens hair and helps combat existing damage, leaving your hair moisturised and smooth, whilst promoting healthy hair growth. The Perfect Hair Soft & Smooth Moisturising Hair Butter Restore shine and manageability to hair with this moisturising hair butter. With Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, it offers the hair and scalp deep moisture and nourishment while giving hair a vibrant shine. From R19.99, shop these incredible Proudly South African products at selected Clicks; Dis-Chem Pick ‘n Pay & Spar stores now. The Perfect Hair https://theperfecthair.co.za/

Parenting Hub

Introducing SHRINE: The world’s first hair dye dropper

Ready to discover a revolutionary new way of colouring and toning your hair? Meet SHRINE, the world’s first multi-use, semi-permanent hair dye drops. Using only one bottle, you can create up to 30 full head colours and achieve a spectrum of unreal results. One bottle, endless shades! Unlike anything else you’ve seen before, SHRINE products are salon-approved, vegan, and cruelty-free. Plus, they are free from single-use plastic. And what’s even more impressive is that the formulas are extremely gentle, leaving hair soft and hydrated, even with frequent use. Looking to eliminate unwanted brassy tones or spruce up your blonde? DROP IT Toner Drops give you that just-left-the-salon finish at home and can be used weekly to maintain your tone. Simply add your desired number of drops into any conditioner and apply, it’s that easy. DROP IT is semi-permanent, and the toner will last up to 5 washes. SHRINE allows you to unleash your inner artist, tone your hair, maintain your colour or experiment until you find your favourite shades. From pastel to bright, simply add your desired number of drops into any conditioner and apply – it’s that easy. And all you need to create any shade of your dreams is one bottle of SHRINE DROP IT. DROP IT is surprisingly simple to use, and requires just a few basic steps to Transform your hair in just 10 minutes; Firstly, using any conditioner, fill the SHRINE bowl to the measuring line. Check the DROP CHART on the side of the box to choose your shade, then drop the desired number of drops into the conditioner. Add more drops for more vibrant colour or start with less for a subtle colour. Using the SHRINE mixer, mix the drops and conditioner together until the colour is consistent and all mixed together. Apply the product to towel dried hair. Section the hair and apply the product evenly throughout. (Wear gloves incase) Wait 10 minutes to develop, rinse hair well until the product has washed out. Dry and style your hair as usual. SHRINE DROP IT is available in the following shades of Colours and Toners. Toners; White blonde Ash blonde Champagne blonde Temporary Colour; Silver Bronde Peach Aqua Red Purple Hot pink SHRINE allows you to create the hair colour of your dreams without leaving the house. Fuss-free and easy to use, the formulas are gentle, effective and eco-conscious. Get creative and allow your personality to shine through with SHRINE. Shrine haircare is available exclusively at Clicks for R 329.00.

Parenting Hub

#SundayLunchSorted A perfect pie and a good lager too!!

Mushroom Leek and Lager Pie for the perfect Sunday family Lunch! Mushroom, Leek & Lager Beef Pie Recipe and image credit: The South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 kg beef chuck, cut into 2.5 cm chunks 4 leeks, washed very well and sliced 2 stalks celery, finely sliced 2 carrots, finely sliced 4 garlic cloves, minced ⅓ cup flour 300ml lager 2 cups / 500ml beef stock Handful fresh thyme sprigs 2 bay leaves 500g thickly sliced Button or Portabellini mushrooms 1 – 2 sheets puff pastry (enough to cover pie) 1 egg, beaten Salt and pepper, to taste Olive oil Method: Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large heavy based pot. Add the beef and brown all over. Cook in batches to avoid the beef sweating. Set aside. Turn heat down to medium and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil. Add leeks, celery, carrots and garlic. Cook until softened and sweet. Add flour and stir through coating all the vegetables. Add beer, beef stock, thyme and bay leaves and stir to mix well. Bring to simmer and then cover. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook for 2 hours until the beef if tender. Remove the lid and allow sauce to reduce until thickened. Add mushrooms and mix them in to evenly distribute. Taste and adjust seasoning. Preheat oven to 200˚C. Pour pie filling into a pie/ baking dish. (Roughly 25 x 20 x 4.5 cm) Top with puff pastry. Cut out a few steam holes. Brush with egg wash and bake for 30-40 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden brown and cooked through.

Parenting Hub

5 Facts You Didn’t Know About the New Barbie Dreamhouse 


The new Barbie Dreamhouse is a highly anticipated item this year, that is already a hit with kids and parents, for all the right reasons. Behind the stylish designs and integrated play opportunities are incredible benefits and features that we don’t always see or know about… So, here are 5 interesting facts about the new Dreamhouse that you didn’t know: It is a symbol of childhood dreams. The new Barbie Dreamhouse is a symbol of childhood dreams for many children. It promotes creativity as it’s a place where they can imagine themselves as anything they want to be, from a doctor to a fashion designer, and everything else in between. By creating their own scenarios, children develop critical thinking skills, learn to think outside the box, and practice social interactions with their dolls, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence. The Dreamhouse can help children develop their fine motor skills, and a sense of autonomy, personal expression, and decision-making skills. As they experiment with the customisable design, children develop their sense of style, spatial reasoning, and the ability to make independent decisions. The Dreamhouse includes educational elements, such as mini science or art stations, sparking curiosity and a love for learning in children while they play. It also features a dedicated space for storytelling, inspiring children to create and share their narratives, enhancing language skills, their vocabulary, narrative structure, and communication skills, boosting their confidence in expressing ideas and engaging with others. The Dreamhouse encourages doll play, which can also help children develop their social skills, their emotional intelligence, and their self-esteem. Doll play can also help children learn about empathy, compassion, and responsibility. By engaging in cooperative play, children develop important social skills such as communication, negotiation, and teamwork, building friendships and fostering a sense of community. It can also help them learn about different careers and different cultures and promotes diversity and inclusivity by featuring dolls of various ethnicities, body types, and abilities, helping children embrace and celebrate differences. Through play, children learn about diversity and develop acceptance, respect, and understanding for people from different backgrounds, cultivating a more inclusive and compassionate mindset. If you are looking for an iconic item that will provide your child with hours of fun, learning and personal growth, the new Barbie Dreamhouse is the ideal option. It is sure to become more than a cherished childhood memory. 

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Webinar – Post Birth Care for Moms

In today’s webinar, Sr Ingrid reminds Mom’s that’s it’s important to look after yourself post birth. What you can experience post birth and how to deal with the body changes, bleeding and uterus contractions.

Cartoonito

BUGS BUNNY BUILDERS – Bang, Crash, Bugs!

At ACME Construction Company, Bugs and Lola Bunny manage a crew of builders that seem to spend more time destroying things than building them! In July, the Mouse Sisters hire The Looney Builders to build a cheese café, Marvin the Martian commissions them to build him a new spaceship after a crash, and Daffy does Daffy things while trying to impress his cool cousin, Billy, who hired The Looney Builders to build her an art studio. PREMIERE: Monday, 17 July @ 16:55 CAT TUNE IN: Mondays – Fridays @ 16:55 CAT Available on DStv Catch Up

Educ8 SA

Educ8 SA as an Online Education Program

It’s an online education platform that provides access to a wide range of courses and training programs. The platform is designed to help individuals and organizations acquire new skills and knowledge in various fields. The courses are delivered through a user-friendly interface, and learners can access them from anywhere and at any time.  Educ8 SA offers a flexible and affordable way to learn and improve one’s skills, making it an excellent option for all students. There are several benefits of online education for home schoolers, including: 1. Flexibility: Online education allows home schoolers to study at their own pace, on their own schedule, and in their own environment.  This flexibility makes it possible for students to pursue other interests, such as extracurricular activities, work, or travel, while still receiving a quality education. 2. Personalization: Online education allows home schoolers to customize their learning experience to their individual needs, interests, and learning styles.  This can lead to greater engagement, motivation, and academic success. 3. Access to resources: Online education provides home schoolers with access to a wealth of educational resources, including digital libraries, videos, interactive simulations, and online tutors.  These resources can enhance learning and provide additional support where needed. 4. Collaboration: Online education allows home schoolers to collaborate with other students and educators from around the world.  This can help broaden their perspectives, develop their social skills, and build their network of contacts. 5. Cost-effectiveness: Online education can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional homeschooling methods, as it eliminates the need for textbooks, materials, and other supplies. Overall, online education can provide home schoolers with a flexible, personalized, and cost-effective way to receive a quality education. We use the amazing program MobyMax. It’s an online learning platform designed to help students in grades K-8 improve their academic skills. The platform provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers subjects such as math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. MobyMax uses adaptive technology to personalize learning for each student, providing them with targeted instruction and practice based on their individual needs and abilities. The platform also includes interactive features such as games, videos, and rewards to keep students engaged and motivated. Teachers can track student progress and provide feedback to help students improve their performance. MobyMax is a popular choice among educators and parents who are looking for an effective and engaging way to support student learning. Contact us today! 084 685 2138 info@educ8sa.net www.educ8sa.com

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