Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Leading Expert Advice from Curro Online

Advice from the experts

Educ8 SA – Our Essential Learning Course

Educ8 SA has been around for 6 years now and has thousands of students…all learning on a fantastic platform. The curriculum is easy to navigate, user-friendly and comes at an affordable price. We have a tried and tested curriculum that we are very proud of. We believe that a good beginning never ends! And you can start any time. If you are reading today, need a change and something that’s just easier for your kids, you have found us today and we are here to assist. Start your Individualized Learning Program today! We offer 26 different subject components from Preschool to Gr. 12. If your kids are struggling and have learning Gaps? Not a problem for us, our program is remedial, and we will find and fix the missing learning gaps! Can this curriculum be used as a full curriculum? Yes, it can. We cover grade levels preschool to grade 8 and American high school diploma, grades 9 to 12. We also have GED, which is equivalent to Grade 12. The program is designed to cover skills instead of outcomes, therefore it can be used alongside any curriculum and used as a full curriculum or as supplementary to any other curriculum. It’s a 100% Integrated Curriculum This is the ONLY completely integrated curriculum covering: Math – Fact Fluency – Number Sense – Reading Stories – Reading Skills Literature Reading Skills Informational – Science – Social Studies – Phonics – Letter Names Letter Sounds – Phonics Blending – Phonics Spelling – Early Reading Trio – Sight Words Foundational Reading – Spelling Rules – Language/Grammar – Vocabulary – Spelling List Writing Workshop – Early Writing – Writing Assignments Key Features: Touch Curriculum Thousands of manipulatives designed for greater engagement and deeper learning Personalized Learning Individualized Education Plan for each student Built-in Engagement Badges, Games, Contests, Messenger, Vibes, Daily Challenges, Daily Comics and more. Find and Fix Identify and fix learning gaps Proven 2X Results The curriculum sets the standard for effectiveness All Subjects 26 subjects from Math to Science to Early Reading to Phonics Complete Solution Progress Monitoring, Diagnostic Tests, Assessments, Daily Goals, IEP, Adaptive Lessons, and Test Prep Our subjects: Science It’s a revolutionary way to teach science! Manipulatives engage students and teach cognitive skills. Students learn science while practising essential STEM skills. Mastery is tracked with quizzes and chapter tests. Social studies Teaching Social Studies will never be the same. Engaging lessons cover geography, economics, government, history, and essential social studies skills and practices. Enhanced motivation features hook students in social studies Maths Adaptive Algorithms are used to find and fix missing skills with targeted lessons that include “Teach Me” Lessons, interactive manipulatives, and targeted practice. Math Students increase an average of 1.5 grade levels with just 40 hours of practice. And many more… Contact us today!

September 21, 2023

Taking the leap from Grade R into Grade 1- Helpful hints to prepare your child for “big school”

Taking the leap from Grade R into Grade 1 can be a daunting prospect. As our little ones move from the pre-prep into “big school” they can often experience some nervousness as they are required to be more independent. At HeronBridge College we are very intentional about the relationship between child, parent and teacher and it is important that everyone feels well prepared for Grade 1. Over the last few years, we have seen the anxiety of children increase and have implemented practical ways in which to better prepare and encourage our children for their journey into prep school. The HBC teachers offer some practical advice on how to navigate the big feelings that our little people can feel as they get ready for Grade 1: The jump from pre-prep into Grade 1 is developmentally a step into independence. Talk to your child often about what they are feeling, and why, and encourage them to take small steps that build bravery and courage – like walking to their classroom on their own or making their own lunchboxes. Flip anxiety on its head, having dinner conversations that talk about worry versus excitement. Ask your child to visualise one thing that they can’t wait to do, even if you must give them some examples of your favourite memories at school. Ensure that your child knows that it’s okay to have butterflies and make sure that you are in this feeling with them, using phrases like “we’ll do this together” and “we’ve got this.” Reinforce routine and stability by making a weekly planner with your child, drawing pictures or writing out all the activities that they can look forward to at school each day. When your child’s teacher has been announced, print a picture from the school app and put it up on the fridge. Remind your child often over the December holidays of the lovely person that will be looking after them next year and what they will be learning together. If your child is new to the school, or going into a class with new people, identify a family at orientation evening and have a play date so that your child can build a friend before the year starts. Meet that friend in the car park on the first day of school and let your children walk to class together. At HeronBridge we run several initiatives that introduce our Grade Rs to the Grade 1 experience as well as to their teachers and the heads of school. “Relationships are everything when preparing our learners for Grade 1” says Gina Brunsden, head of the junior prep. “We host a Grade R ‘inning’ where our kids play games with our prep staff and are treated to big kid things like a Seattle Coffee Company milkshake that they buy with their own voucher. We run orientation meetings with parents and children separately and even have a teddy-bear picnic with the Grade Rs and the Grade 1 staff, building those relationships in a way that is relevant, meaningful, and not so scary.” If you’d like to find out more about HeronBridge’s Grade 1 programme or are looking for some advice on the transition from Grade R, you can contact the school or book a personalised tour at a time that suits you and your family. Contact HeronBridge College on [email protected] or 011 540 4800. www.heronbridge.co.za Educating with heart

September 20, 2023

Preventing Dog Bites in Children

Every 3 days a child is treated for serious dog bites. In 2020, 107 children were treated for dog bites and these children were between the ages of 5 and 12 years. During this month of April ChildSafe is encouraging all parents and dog owners to be aware of the risks involved with dog bites and to learn about ways they can protect children and their families from dog bite incidents. “Dog bites often happen during everyday activities among children and seniors,” says Yolande Baker, Executive Director, ChildSafe. “Certain situations can be more conducive to the risk of a dog bite. Protect your family and yourself by being familiar with preventive measures that will minimize the risk of a dog bite.” How can you protect your family Be cautious around strange dogs. Treat your own dog with respect. Because children are the most common victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should: NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog. Be alert for potentially dangerous situations. Teach children – including toddlers – to be careful around pets. Children must learn not to approach strange dogs or try to pet dogs through fences. Teach children to ask permission from the dog’s owner before petting the dog. What’s a dog owner to do? Carefully select your pet. Puppies should not be obtained on impulse. Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy, so it feels at ease around people and other animals. Do not put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased. Be calm. Always talk in a quiet voice or whisper, no shouting. Train your dog. Basic commands help dogs understand what is expected of them and help build a bond of trust between pets and people. Walk and exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation. Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug of war. Use a leash in public to ensure you can control your dog. Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and other preventable infectious diseases. Parasite control and other health care are important because how your dog feels affect how it behaves. If you have a fenced yard, make sure your gates are secure. Neuter your pet. Approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94 percent of which were not neutered. Dog bite emergencies If you are bitten, here is a checklist of things you should do: If the dog’s owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner’s name and contact information. Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible. Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if it is after office hours. Contact the dog’s veterinarian to check vaccination records. For more information on prevention of dog bites, call ChildSafe at 021 685 5208 or please visit www.childsafe.org.za

September 20, 2023

How to Develop Early Maths Skills (Number Concept)

Learning to count from one to ten, and later to a hundred, is an important milestone in early math development. However, it is equally important for young children to learn to understand the “how many-ness” or the value that every number represents. Teachers and therapists refer to this important school readiness skill as number concept. Grade R’s typically count to a hundred, but few truly understand the quantities that different numbers describe. In other words, many children freeze when you ask: “If you have six balls and your friend has eight balls, who has more?” Children who don’t understand the value of numbers will naturally not be able to conjure up a mental image of two sets of objects (in this case, a set of six balls and a set of eight balls) and then compare the sets against each other to determine which one of the two is bigger or smaller. And, as a result, they won’t be able to add and subtract with understanding. It’s important to play games with your child on three levels if you want him to develop a clear understanding of the value of different numbers. Firstly, use body movements to demonstrate numbers. Secondly, provide many opportunities for him to use his hands to handle and count off certain numbers of objects. And thirdly, make sure to include games that encourage your child to visualize different numbers of objects in his mind’s eye. You can, for instance, teach a three-year old to do the following: To include body movements, ask him to move (e.g. clap, jump or twirl) one, two or three times. To incorporate the handling of objects using his hands, you can ask him to hand you one, two or three of something whenever the opportunity pops up. To involve the mind’s eye, you can place a pile of single Lego blocks, 2-block-towers and 3-block-towers in a bag and then take turns with your child to use your sense of touch to find one of each number without looking. Then arrange your towers from one to three. Games should naturally become more challenging as a child grows older. However, the basic prerequisite for success remains unchanged throughout the first seven years: the more concrete (hands-on and tangible) the experience, the easier it is to learn. Children progress from concrete functioning to abstract reasoning as they enter primary school. Children function on a concrete level up to Grade R (where they still need to touch and handle tangible objects to discover and understand ideas about those objects) before moving on to being able to fully grasp unseen ideas on an abstract level in Grade 1. Most importantly, they need time and playful practice or else they won’t grow into being comfortable in the world of representations and symbols. It’s crucial for every Grade R learner to reach the point (by the end of the year) where he or she is able to picture an image in the mind’s eye of a number line. After throwing two dice, he should be able to name the number shown on any one of them at first glance (without counting), before shifting his attention to the second dice to “count on”. In other words, if the dice landed on three and four, he could look at one and say, three”, before pointing to each of the dots on the second dice as he counts on: “four – five – six – seven … it’s seven!” (Alternatively, he could choose to start with four, and then continue with “five – six – seven” on the second dice.) He should be able to arrange the numbers 1 to 10 in order, with each of them in its proper place, based on the value that it represents. When you point to any number from 1 to 9 on the number line, he should be able to name the number that is “one bigger” or “one smaller”. As he enters Grade 1, he can learn to do this without looking. What can I expect from my child at every age along the way? Toddlers discover the meaning of “one and many” during the second year of life. Two-year olds usually learn to rote count to three and you can teach them to hand you either one or two toys. Three-year olds can be expected to count to five and they understand the concepts of one, two and three well enough to be able to hand you that many of an object. Well-developing four-year olds can be expected to rote count to 10 and count off any number of objects from 1 to 5. Most five-year olds can count to 20 and have a real understanding of numbers up to 10. Finally, a six-year old should be able to count to 100 (also in tens), count off any number of objects between 1 and 20 and arrange the numbers from 1 to 10 in order to build a number line. Learning to work with numbers is much like learning to speak a special kind of language. Learning the language of mathematics is largely about getting better at understanding the properties of numbers and recognizing relationships and patterns ever more quickly. Naturally, acquiring these skills takes time simply because learning a new language always involves building new brain wiring. Ultimately, you want your child to reach a point where navigating around in the world of numbers will become second nature to him – like a golfer’s swing. Any kind of math play is better than none, but if you want your child to benefit optimally, you’ll need to play as many age-appropriate games as possible at home from toddler stage, and repeat them often. This article is written by: The Practica Programme is a comprehensive research- and play-based home programme. This unique system has stood the test of time since 1993, and it comprises of a wooden box with specialized apparatus, parents’ guides, an advisory service and educational newsletters. From birth to 23 months of age, parents choose from a balanced selection of more than 1000 activities to develop the 14 fundamental skills age-appropriately. For children between 2 and 7 years, the 50 school readiness skills are divided into 6 groups and tackled systematically, year by year, with 10- to 20-minute games that can be adapted to a child’s level of functioning.

September 20, 2023

Preventing Electrical Burns

Young children can be burnt very quickly, and this often happens when an adult is present, so it is important to be alert. An electrical burn happens when a child touches or comes into contact with an electric current. The current passes through the child’s body and can damage organs and tissues. Damage can be mild or severe – and it can even cause death. Last year, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital alone, treated 880 children for burns, the most common (733 children) was caused by hot liquids (such as hot water, drinks and food). A large number of the cases were treated for electrical burns. During the period between January and February in 2020 there were 5 cases treated for electrical burns. In 2021, this number has doubled to 10 cases. “Recently, we have been seeing far more electrical injuries than usual. This may be related to children spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. These injuries often involve the hands, resulting in severe injuries with permanent loss of function. Care givers need to remain vigilant at all times”, said Gary Dos Passos, Head of Burns Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. “Most burn injuries can be avoided. Most of the burns happen in the home, specifically the kitchen. A first step to preventing burns is to make sure that the home environment is safe. Children are not always able to know when something is dangerous, so parents can start by checking every room in the house for possible burn risks to children. Electric shocks from appliances and electrical outlets and cords can burn the skin and cause tissue and nerve damage”, said Yolande Baker, Executive Director of ChildSafe. Electricity can cause different types of skin burns, depending on which skin layers are affected. The terms doctors use to describe different types of burns are: Superficial – A superficial burn affects only the top layer of the skin. The skin is red, dry, and painful. When you press on the burn, it turns white. Partial-thickness – A partial-thickness burn affects the top 2 layers of the skin. The skin is red and can leak fluid or form blisters. Full-thickness – A full-thickness burn affects all the layers of the skin. The burn does not usually hurt, because the burned skin cannot feel anything. The skin can be white, grey, or black. Here are a few safety tips for parents and caregivers to keep all children safe from electrical burns. ALWAYS: Cover unused electrical outlets with safety covers. Unplug electrical cords that are not in use, keeping electrical cords, power plugs and electrical equipment away from children. Keep electrical appliances away from sinks and bathtubs. Turn off electrical equipment that is not being used. Teach children to stay away from electrical sub-stations, electrical wires ate ground level and electrical fencing. NEVER: Overload power points or run electrical wires under carpets. Use unsafe or illegal electrical connections. Allow children to play with power points or electrical equipment. Repair faulty plugs and frayed cords immediately. For more information on injury prevention, call ChildSafe at 021 685 5208 or please visit www.childsafe.org.za

September 19, 2023

When the World is Not Making Sense: Navigating Sensory Processing Challenges with Our Children

Parenting is a remarkable journey filled with the joy of witnessing your child’s growth and development. One aspect of this is sensory development as children learn to engage and interact with the world around them. However, for some children, particularly those who face sensory processing difficulties, this journey comes with unique challenges. These challenges become even more intricate when they co-occur with instances of neurodivergence, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Specific Learning Disorder (e.g. Dyslexia), among others. Sensory processing is the intricate process through which the nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment. A well-regulated sensory system allows children to effectively engage with their surroundings. However, some children may experience sensory dysregulation which can lead to challenges in daily activities, interactions and learning. By recognising the signs that your child is veering toward sensory dysregulation, a proactive approach can be taken to help them effectively navigate sensory challenges and achieve a greater sense of well-being and success. The Complex Interplay: Sensory Processing and Co-Occurring Conditions Children with neurodivergent conditions often experience sensory processing difficulties at a higher frequency compared to their neurotypical peers. The intricate interplay between their unique neurological wiring and sensory processing systems can result in heightened sensitivities, challenges in sensory modulation, and difficulties in effectively interpreting and responding to sensory stimuli. Many autistic individuals experience sensory processing difficulties, which can be described as either hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory input. They may become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and have heightened sensitivities to lights, sounds and textures. Children who are under-responsive may not react strongly to sensory input. They might appear indifferent to pain, have a high tolerance for extreme temperatures, or seem unaware of their surroundings. In both instances children may engage in repetitive sensory-seeking behaviours. These challenges can impact social interactions, communication, and behaviour regulation. Children with ADHD may struggle with sensory regulation that leads to increased distractibility, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. Sensory dysregulation can contribute to difficulties in maintaining attention and organisation, as well as challenges in managing emotions and behaviours. While dyslexia primarily affects reading and language processing, it can also co-occur with sensory processing challenges. Children with dyslexia may have difficulties with auditory and visual processing, which can impact their ability to recognize and decode words accurately. Sensory dysregulation can exacerbate stress and anxiety related to reading tasks. Signs of Sensory Dysregulation Recognising signs of sensory dysregulation in children is a vital step toward providing support. These signs may include: ïSocial challenges: Children may distance themselves from their peers or opt out of group activities as a result of feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. They may try to initiate play or engage in games in ways that are misunderstood by their peers, potentially leading to negative reactions (e.g. play that is rougher than intended). Additionally, they may misinterpret social cues, leading to misunderstandings. ïImpulsivity and inattention: Behaviour may become increasingly impulsive and disorganised as dysregulation starts to manifest. This may result in conflict with others in the environment. The child’s capacity to maintain focus and attention on tasks or activities might diminish, impacting their participation and engagement. ïCommunication difficulties: Sensory overload can cause communication breakdowns. Children experiencing sensory dysregulation may exhibit irritability, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelmed, hindering their ability to effectively communicate. This may impede their ability to engage in effective and coherent communication with peers, educators and family members. ïBehavioural dysregulation: Children experiencing sensory processing difficulties are susceptible to mood swings, meltdowns, and difficulties managing emotions. Precursors to this might manifest as increased restlessness, heightened irritability, physical discomfort (e.g. headache; tummy ache) and heightened emotional sensitivity. Practical Strategies for Promoting Sensory Regulation Parents play a pivotal role in helping children regulate their sensory experiences. Some strategies to consider include: ïA sensory-friendly space: create a calming and organised space where your child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Dim lighting, soft textures, soothing colours, reduced noise and fidget toys provide regulating input to the sensory system. ïDeep pressure and movement: Activities that offer deep pressure or resistance to movement can help regulate the tactile and proprioceptive systems. Examples of these activities include digging in a sandpit, crawling, squeezing (dough; stress ball; theraputty), stretching (theraband; body stretches) and climbing. Activities that involve rhythmic movements, like swinging, jumping on a trampoline or bouncing on a therapy ball provide regulating, vestibular input. ïPredictability and routine: Establishing consistent daily routines provides a sense of predictability and stability for your child. Visual schedules and timers can help your child anticipate transitions and activities. ïSensory breaks: Teach your child techniques for self-regulation, such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or simple stretches. Encourage breaks in a quiet, calming space when your child begins to show signs of dysregulation. ïBreak tasks down: Break down challenging tasks into smaller, manageable segments to reduce sensory overload and frustration. ïEncourage your child to engage in activities that align with their sensory preferences, promoting self-awareness and self-regulation. This can be done with an occupational therapist specialised in sensory processing who can develop an individualised sensory diet to address your child’s specific needs. ïShare the strategies that work and collaborate with other people in your child’s life so that sensory challenges can be successfully managed in all contexts. Sensory processing and regulation are fundamental aspects of a child’s development that significantly influence their ability to navigate and interact with the world around them. By understanding the signs of sensory dysregulation and implementing effective strategies, you can help your child develop the necessary skills to manage sensory experiences and thrive in various environments. Remember that every child is unique, and the journey towards sensory regulation may require patience, flexibility, and ongoing support. A collaborative approach involving parents, educators, therapists, and medical professionals can empower your child to develop effective sensory processing skills and thrive despite their challenges. Your dedication and advocacy as a parent contribute significantly to your child’s well-being and future success. Written by Julia Hutcheon – Occupational

September 19, 2023

DEVELOP YOUR CHILD’S READING RETENTION SKILLS

Children read a lot more than you may think. Every subject your child studies in school requires reading comprehension and retention. Whether it is math, history or science, reading retention is critical to success. Here are some ways you can help your child grow and develop solid reading-retention skills. Start Early Remember, a child’s listening skills are years ahead of their reading skills. Beginning readers can still practice comprehension and retention skills. An easy way to do this is by inserting an extra step into an already existing nightly routine: bedtime stories. As you read your child a bedtime story, take note of some key story lines or events. When the story is over, you can ask your child, “Do you remember how Sam-I-Am finally got his friend to try green eggs and ham? Did he try them in a house? Did he try them with a mouse?” Even though your child is not reading for retention at this level, he or she is still learning to comprehend and retain ideas. Practice and Improve Like any skill, reading comprehension and retention require practice. Board games offer an opportunity for children to read instructions and rules that test their retention skills in a fun way. Try to find a game that your family has never played. Read the rules first to understand how the game works. After you grasp the rules, ask your children to read them. When they’re finished, ask them to explain the rules to you before you begin. For families with more than one child, this exercise can provide a unique perspective on how each child understands what he or she has read. One child may see the game in one light, while another will view the rules completely differently. Listening to your child explain the rules will identify comprehension strengths and challenges as you learn the new rules together. After everyone understands the rules, game on! Encourage Self-Correction When your child shows signs of confusion or frustration with a homework assignment, encourage them to reread the material before explaining the problem to you. In the interest of saving time, you may lean toward explaining the problem yourself. While this may be easier, letting your child self-correct builds their problem-solving skills. Guide your young child toward understanding the problem independently. After conquering the problem on their own, your child will have more self-confidence for the next challenge and greater pride in being able to tackle the problem independently. Reading is one of the most valuable tools in your child’s academic tool belt. Understanding and retaining the material are just as critical as the skill of reading itself. Encouraging the development of this crucial skill will set the stage for a lifetime of success. The Kumon English Programme is designed to build the critical reading skills that will help your child develop a lifelong love of reading – and a solid foundation for academic success. Building strong reading comprehension from an early age will prepare your child to advance through primary school with confidence and appreciation for learning. When you enrol in the Kumon English Programme, the Kumon Instructor will assess your child’s current reading skills and introduce the appropriate level of Kumon Reading Worksheets. This provides just the right start for building comprehension and writing skills. As each worksheet is completed, you’ll see your child building a stronger vocabulary, a more thorough understanding of the proper use of grammar, and an ability to interpret content. This, together with enjoying books from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, enhances your child’s appreciation for and understanding of the English language and helps to develop a lifelong love for reading. For more information you can visit our website on kumon.co.za This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/develop-your-childs-reading-retention-skills-2/

September 19, 2023

INTERSTELLAR ELLA – Weightless Wonders

In the year 3021, on a space station somewhere between Mars and Jupiter in the Milky Way, 8-year-old Ella Ryder sets out with her friends on exciting adventures of discovery. And because they are in space, there’s lots to experience and even more to explore! This month, the team encounters solar flares, huge moon craters, spectacular giant red stars and crashes on a trip to a rogue planet! Slippy tries to hide his inventions away on the dark side of Mercury, Ella’s Dad tries to fix Glitch’s arms and the gang play a star-riddle game that’s a tradition in Slippy’s family. Premiere: Monday, 18 September @ 15:10 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Mondays – Fridays @ 15:10 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

September 18, 2023

REFLUX IN INFANTS: UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, delves into what reflux in infants is, why and when it happens, how common it is, its symptoms, and the various treatment options available. Navigating the journey of parenthood is filled with moments of joy and, sometimes, concerns about your infant’s health. One such concern that often arises in a baby’s first year is infant reflux. This common yet distressing occurrence can leave new parents anxious. Understanding Infant Reflux Infant reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when a baby’s stomach contents come back up into the oesophagus and, sometimes, out of the mouth or nose as vomit. This happens because the muscle between the oesophagus and the stomach (lower oesophagal sphincter) is not yet fully mature, allowing stomach contents to flow back up quickly. When Does Reflux Occur? Infant reflux typically begins within the first month after birth, often peaking at four months of age. Most infants outgrow reflux by the time they reach 12 to 18 months of age. As the muscles in the oesophagus and stomach develop and become stronger, they can better prevent the backflow of stomach contents. When a baby starts sitting up and eating solid foods, reflux symptoms tend to decrease or disappear altogether. The Prevalence of Infant Reflux Approximately 50% to 70% of infants experience some degree of reflux during their first few months. While it can be distressing for both the baby and parents, it’s essential to remember that reflux is a normal part of development for many infants and that only a small percentage of infants with reflux experience severe or persistent symptoms that may require medical intervention. Symptoms of Infant Reflux While the most common symptom of infant reflux is spitting up, other signs include: Frequent or recurrent vomiting Refusal to eat or difficulty eating Crying and irritability during or after feedings Arching the back during or after feedings Weight loss or poor weight gain Choking or gagging Diagnosing Infant Reflux If your baby is showing reflux symptoms, your healthcare provider will likely start with a physical exam and questions about the baby’s eating habits and symptoms. In some cases, further testing might be necessary, including lab tests, ultrasound, or a procedure called a pH probe to monitor the acid levels in the baby’s oesophagus. Treatment Options for Infant Reflux Most babies with reflux do not need treatment, as they are “happy spitters” and continue to feed well and gain weight. However, for more severe cases, several treatment options can alleviate the symptoms: Feeding changes: Adjusting the way your baby is fed can be helpful. Smaller, more frequent feedings can reduce the amount of food in the stomach and minimise reflux. For bottle-fed infants, switching to a different type of formula, such as a hypoallergenic or thickened one, may be recommended. Positioning: Keeping your baby upright during and after feedings can help prevent reflux. Holding your baby upright against your shoulder or using an inclined infant seat can reduce the likelihood of stomach contents flowing back into the oesophagus. Burping: Burping your baby frequently during and after feedings can help release air from the stomach and reduce the likelihood of reflux. Gently patting or rubbing your baby’s back in an upright position can facilitate burping. Elevating the crib or bassinet: Placing the head of your baby’s crib or bassinet on an incline (using a wedge or raising the legs) can help keep the upper body elevated during sleep, reducing the occurrence of reflux during the night. Trial of hypoallergenic diet: If your baby shows signs of possible food allergies or intolerances, your doctor may recommend a trial of eliminating certain foods from your diet (if breastfeeding) or switching to a hypoallergenic formula. Allergies or intolerances to specific proteins in breast milk or formula can contribute to reflux symptoms. Medication: In cases where lifestyle modifications are insufficient, your doctor may prescribe age-appropriate medications to manage reflux symptoms. Surgery: In rare and severe cases of reflux that doesn’t respond to other treatments, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical procedures, such as fundoplication, aim to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter and prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the oesophagus. Navigating Through Infant Reflux While infant reflux can be a cause for concern, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments can empower parents to manage the situation effectively. Remember that most babies outgrow reflux as they age, often a regular part of their development. However, if you are ever in doubt or your baby’s symptoms are severe, seek advice from a healthcare professional who can guide you through this phase of your baby’s growth.

September 18, 2023

Start the online adventure together with your child

UNICEF South Africa released a study that 70% of children surveyed use the Internet without parental consent. “The Disrupting Harm Study released in 2022 showed that 70% of children surveyed in South Africa use the Internet without parental consent and risky online behaviour can expose them to online violence, exploitation, and abuse. The online world is also increasingly intertwined with everyday life offline.” Having an open relationship with your child’s online behaviour has been identified as a core pillar to protecting them when they go online. As parents, we can monitor their activity, we do have eyes at the back of our heads. We can implement child-friendly browsers on our devices, and we can even set an alarm clock to stop their time online and set boundaries. All of these are great and should be done to protect your child when they go online. Thanks to many hours of global best practice research and 20 years of digital and parenting experience, this program was designed to protect their own child and others like him. Social Kids is dedicated to educating children to self-regulate, self-recognise, communicate, and educate parents on how to manage this maze of information. The parental guides have been designed in a way that makes it easy to navigate, and we’ve collated global best practices and professional advice, to give parents a concise summary of how to protect their children and keep the conversations going well into their teens. Twenty minutes a week, with your child over 5 weeks, is all it will take. If you don’t have the time Miss Nadie and Codey have dedicated jump in and out supervised online classes every day of the week, to help you out when things get busy. Can you afford not to start the conversations now, while they will still want to listen to you? Register today. https://bit.ly/3njBqid

September 18, 2023

BATMAN DAY & TEEN TITANS GO! MARATHON – When in Doubt, Be Batman

The third Saturday of September is observed globally as Batman Day, which marks the anniversary of the first-ever appearance of the character in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939. To celebrate, we’ve put together an epic day ofLEGO DC movies and Teen Titans GO! episodes on 16 September that’s sure to unleash the Caped Crusader in all of us! We’ll kick off with LEGO Batman: DC Superheroes Unite, LEGO DC Batman: Family Matters, LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Gotham City Breakout, and LEGO DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered before swinging into an all-action Teen Titans GO! Batman marathon. Premiere: Saturday, 16 September from 08:50 CAT

September 15, 2023

BATMAN DAY WITH THE BATWHEELS – Bigger, Better, Batwheels

Celebrate Batman Day by diving into a special themed Cartoonito marathon, featuring the best of the Batwheels and all their crazy Gotham City adventures. Tune in on Saturday, 16 September, from 08:30 for Secret Origins of the Batwheels and Batwheels episodes 2, 18 & 30 from Season 1, with special appearances by Batman himself! ⏰ Tune in: Saturday, 16 September @ 08:30 CAT

September 15, 2023

Webinar – Cracked nipples during breastfeeding

Sr Talia talks about cracked nipples during breastfeeding, why they are caused and how to treat them.

September 15, 2023

Medicating to help with sleep – Babies & Children

As sleep consultants we come across many instances of parents medicating their children to aid sleep. Parents are often faced with this decision, desperate for the entire family to get some much-needed sleep. There are special medical cases where medication may be needed and will be prescribed by your doctor, but for the most part healthy sleep routines and habits are NOT something that should be achieved by medicating. Sleep is essentially a learned behaviour that we can teach our babies and children. What does normal sleep look like? It is important to understand what normal sleep looks like for babies and children as it gives us a better indication of what to expect and why they wake so often, even after they are no longer feeding at night. We all sleep in cycles. We move through stages of light sleep (also referred to as Rapid Eye Movement or REM) and deep sleep. For a baby, sleep cycles are around 45 minutes and it gradually gets longer as they get older. They therefore naturally have a lot more REM sleep than we do. An adult has a sleep cycle that lasts up to 1.5 hours in length. During the newborn phase babies wake in the night for nutritional purposes. Between the age of 4 – 5 months, babies can usually manage one longer sleep period at night and the need to feed gradually reduces. Unfortunately, the night waking’s do not always end when the need to feed does. Even though sleep is a natural process and is a necessity to our wellbeing, linking sleep cycles and sleeping through the night is an essential skill that babies need to be taught. Some babies manage to do so naturally, but more often they need some help to get there. Children require 11 to 12 hours of sleep a night, with age-appropriate naps during the day. There are endless health and wellness benefits of getting the sleep we need. Growing children are at a disadvantage if they do not sleep well. It has a direct influence on their health, mood, weight, concentration, stamina and learning. What influences sleep? We need to look at sleep holistically and not in isolation. Sleep is a complex function as there are so many influencing factors in our daily life. NutritionWhen Nutrition Can Influence Sleep – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) EnvironmentSetting the stage for a good night’s sleep – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) RoutineYour 7- to 11-month-old baby’s sleep routine – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) Sleep associationsUnderstanding the sleep training Process – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) Stimulation IllnessMy great sleeper is sick – Now what? – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) Trying to ‘cure’ sleepless nights by looking at sleep in isolation is treating the symptoms and not the cause. By – Dr Carla Jardine – Paediatrician All parents (including Paediatricians!) have struggled through sleepless nights with their kids. Trying to get your child to sleep through the night is one of the most exhausting phases of parenting. Many parents are tempted to try medication after endless sleep deprived nights. Unfortunately, this is never a real solution. These medications may provide a brief sense of relief when your child drifts off to sleep more easily at bedtime, but prolonged use can cause side effects and do not address the core problem…only a good routine with healthy sleep habits and sleep associations can encourage children to sleep through the night! The Common Culprits Melatonin: This is a natural hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It controls our circadian rhythm-the natural sleep-wake cycle in our brain. When it is dark, melatonin increases, and the effect is that you feel progressively more sleepy. When it is light, melatonin decreases with the opposite effect. Some insomniacs have been found to have naturally low levels of melatonin. There are also instances when the circadian rhythm (and melatonin secretion) become disturbed, such as in shift workers, long haul flights (jet lag) and in people living in countries with extremes of either daylight hours or night hours. In these instances, a melatonin supplement is appropriate. Melatonin is a synthetic hormone and has side effects such as: headache, feelings of depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, stomach cramps and irritability. Melatonin has not been approved for use in children but there are certain instances where it can been used “off-label”. This is mainly in children who have ADHD or Autism. In these conditions there is often a disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle and melatonin has been of benefit. Anti-Histamines: These are medications that decrease the levels of histamine in the body. They are usually used to treat allergic conditions. The first generation of anti-histamines were found to be very sedating as a side effect. This resulted in these drugs being marketed as over the counter sleep aides. This is not however the appropriate use of these drugs, and they also have many side effects: dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, restlessness, headaches, moodiness, blurred vision and confusion. Codeine: This is usually the ingredient in pain medication that causes sedation. Codeine is a weak opioid. It can be a useful pain medication and is also sometimes used in cough mixtures as it also causes cough suppression. Some of the side effects of codeine are: lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, sedation, allergic reactions, constipation, abdominal pain or rashes. All of these common “sleep aides” have many side effects and their long term use is ill advised. Some are not tested in children at all and others should not be given to children under 2 years of age. The safest thing to do is to use medications only as prescribed by a doctor and not to improvise their use according to their sedative properties. If in doubt, always get your doctors advice! How do you teach your child to sleep? Just as we help our children master the skills of walking, talking, using manners, sharing, brushing teeth, we can teach them how to sleep well by putting down good

September 14, 2023

Why is math so difficult for some kids?

Understanding cognitive skills and math. “Math!” This four-letter word is enough to give many kids a knot in the stomach, and many parents sleepless nights in anticipation of the next school report or math test coming up. When it comes to mathematics, many parents and children feel anxious and frustrated. This is especially true when a child is struggling with math, in spite of already getting help by means of tutoring, extra math classes or math programs. For many parents, and similar for their children, their math anxiety began with timed math tests in primary school. They knew the answers, but their brains froze when up when working against the clock. For others, not understanding the why behind a math formula was confusing. Unfortunately, children who experience math anxiety often grow up without ever understanding the reason for their math struggles and carry math anxiety with them for the rest of their lives. As a parent, they feel helpless when their child brings home math homework. Some may become teachers who feel powerless when their students don’t understand math or label themselves as not being a math person. Their math anxiety and frustration gets passed on to the children, and the cycle unfortunately continues. Math anxiety is very real, are extremely debilitating, and have been studied for decades. Yet it persists. But why is math so difficult for some kids?! The answer to this question usually lies within the strengths and weaknesses in our individual cognitive profiles. Each of us have strong and weaker cognitive skills – those underlying brain skills essential for learning, reading, reasoning, attention, and yes – math. And when it comes to math (and learning), having strong cognitive skills is a prerequisite for learning math. If one or a combination of skills like selective, sustained and divided attention; visual processing; visual, sequential and working memory; long term memory, deductive and inductive reasoning are weak, they must be strengthened first, before a child will be able to understand and apply math. So let’s explore the connection between cognitive skills and math. As the foundation for learning, cognitive skills are essential across any curriculum, including math What, then, are the important underlying cognitive processes that support or impair our learning of math? According to scientific and educational researchers, math skills can be grouped into the following categories: SPATIAL REPRESENTATION The relationship of math success to visual-spatial abilities is strongly supported by research, and the correlation appears to increase as the complexity of the math task increases. The important aspect of visual-spatial processing is not just remembering the shape, size, colour and number of objects, but their relationship to each other in space. It turns out that visual memory by itself (what things are) is somewhat error-prone, but spatial memory (where things are) is associated with correct answers, and is thus an important aspect of mathematical problem solving. Within visual-spatial processing, we can distinguish cognitive skills such as the following: Spatial Memory: This refers to our ability to remember where we are in space and where we are related to other objects in space. This understanding provides the foundation on which problems (changes in the space) can be solved. Visualization: Our ability to visualize a problem we need to solve or to visualize alternative solutions contributes substantially to our understanding of the problem. When we learn transformations in geometry, for example, interpreting the difference between a translation (sliding an object along a straight line), a rotation (turning an object around a point) and a reflection (mirror image) is greatly aided by our visualization skills. Directionality: The ability to distinguish between left and right, of course, is more than just about math. It comes in handy when tying shoe laces, reading a map, and in playing sport. Here’s an example of how we use directionality – imagine someone hands you a map with a route marked out on it. Do you have to keep turning the map around to figure out what direction to turn next? If so, your directionality skills are not as strong as they might be. COUNTING AND OPERATIONS When it comes to counting and numerical operations, we are again dependent for math success on some foundational cognitive skills, such as sequential processing and selective attention, and on executive functions (the directive capacities of our minds) such as Working Memory: Working Memory: Working Memory is to our ability to hold information in our minds while we manipulate it. Working memory capacity is highly correlated with reading comprehension, with math performance, and with many other academic and non-academic outcomes. Working Memory serves math processes from the very simple (for example, keeping track of which oranges in the basket we’ve counted and which we haven’t) to the most complex reasoning and mental simulations we perform when calculating statistics or contemplating string theory or manipulating derivatives in calculus. Sequential Processing: Counting is all about sequences, so once again, cognitive skills contribute crucially at even the most elementary stages of math. As we start to manipulate and calculate, the sequence of steps to solve a problem must be observed. A concrete example is the concept of order of operations and the different result that comes from (7 + 4) x 3 and from 7 + (4 x 3). Selective Attention: When we have good selective attention skills, it’s easier for us to screen out the irrelevant parts of a complex problem and isolate the relevant facts that we need to concentrate on. For example – if Susan, who is wearing a red dress, is 2 years older than Ben, who is wearing a blue shirt and jeans and just celebrated his 12th birthday, we don’t need to know the colour of their clothes to determine how hold Susan is. LOGICAL PROBLEM SOLVING Undoubtedly, math is problem-solving. There are of course other types of problem-solving, but problems with numbers almost always call for mathematical thinking and logic to be applied. Above, we have already highlighted some of the cognitive skills we use for problem-solving,

September 14, 2023

Imposing Expectations On Your Children

Many of my clients come to me complaining that their children simply do not do what they’re told, are unmanageable, and are following the ‘wrong’ path in life. What this tells me is a lot about the parent, and very little indeed about the child. We all give away through they way that we speak and the things that we focus on what is important to us. But how often do we stop to find out what is important to someone else, particularly with our children. As much as we have hopes and desires for our kids, they have these for themselves too. What we tend to do is praise and emphasise those things that they love that fit in with our own priorities for them and ignore or ridicule those that are outside of our own value system. In doing so we impose our own set of values and dreams onto our children and then wonder why they eventually rebel and become totally in-compliant. Most parents, if they took the time and care to notice, would find it easy to tell you what is important to their kids, and yet they place very little importance on this themselves. When we stop to respect our children as real, complete human beings as they are, we enter a whole new world of relationship with them. Think about it – you wouldn’t tell your friends what job they should do or who they should be friends with or what they should be eating for dinner, right? Understanding your children’s dreams, goals and priorities instead of ignoring them can actually make your parenting journey much easier. Whatever it is that you want them to do, you simply find a way to link it to what is already important to them. For example if you want your child to bath and their highest priority is to play, then instead of saying “get in the bath now”, say “it’s time to go and play in the bath – which toys would you like to bring?” Or, for example, if you want your child to eat vegetables and their highest priority is dinosaurs, then call the broccoli “dinosaur trees” or talk about which dinosaurs would have eaten each part of the meal that is currently on their plate. If you want your soccer star to focus more on maths, point out how by learning maths he will have an advantage over the other players by understanding how to score goals by focusing on the angle between himself, the ball and the net. It may take a bit of time and practice, but I guarantee that linking what your child loves to everything they need to do makes parenting easier in the long run. Children feel heard and understood and they see that you are respecting what is important to them. They see the connections between what you want them to do and what they want for themselves instead of seeing your view as an imposition. I believe that every human being, regardless of their age, should have their values and dreams respected. The sooner that parents and teachers stop imposing their views onto the children in their care and instead link their values to those of the kids, the sooner we’ll find happy children, living their dreams AND complying with their caregivers.

September 13, 2023

How hormones (and your monthly cycle) affect your skin

As women, our bodies go through a lot every month. From ovulation, to PMS and menstruating, it might sometimes feel like you’re on a rollercoaster ride. Our monthly cycle has an effect on just about every part of our body – physically, mentally, emotionally, and of course, our appearance. Your menstrual cycle has a major effect on the appearance of your skin, and may be to blame for many of the skincare challenges you’re faced with every month. That’s because our hormones play a major role in skin health, and when hormones surge or fluctuate, it shows on your face. While every woman’s cycle is unique to her, it’s worth examining a typical monthly cycle to understand how and why your skin might operate the way it does – and what you can do about it. It’s normal to experience ups and downs throughout the month, but with a targeted, good quality skincare regime and healthy lifestyle, it’s possible to enjoy healthy, great-looking skin throughout all stages of your cycle. How hormones affect the skin During a typical menstrual cycle, most women will experience bouts of dryness and oiliness. In general, skin becomes most “problematic” just before, and during one’s period. This is the time in which you may experience pesky hormone-related breakouts. Oestrogen production may influence the skin’s texture and thickness and progesterone production plays a major part in the skin’s natural oil production. When these two hormones fluctuate, it has a direct impact on the skin. Your cycle days 1 – 6 Due to low hormone production in the first few days of your cycle, your skin may feel dry or somewhat sensitive. This may make lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Apply plenty of hydrating products to counteract dryness, especially products containing hydrating hyaluronic acid. Try Biomedical Emporium HA Contour Masque (R1341.00), a rich formulation that helps increase the skin’s production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, reinstating the barrier integrity and providing long-lasting hydration. Skin is rejuvenated and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced. Your cycle days 7 – 11 (follicular phase) Oestrogen production increases and stimulates cell turnover. For many women, this is the time during which their skin looks and feels its best. This may be a good time to gently exfoliate skin to prevent clogged pores and to include a vitamin C product in your regime to increase radiance. Try Biomedical Emporium Skin Biotic C Cream (R1340.00), a nourishing moisturiser rich in vitamin C, that’s suitable even for sensitive skins. Your cycle days 12 – 16 (ovulation) Oestrogen peaks during ovulation, which may result in glowing skin, but you may also notice that your skin becomes a little oilier during this time. That’s because oestrogen and testosterone production slowly decreases and the production of progesterone slowly increases. If not managed, this may lead to the formation of breakouts. Now is a good time to follow a regime that encourages sebum control and to opt for oil-free formulas. If your skin is prone to breaking out during this time, try Biomedical Emporium Anti-Acne Serum (R834.00). Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, this calming serum helps soothe irritation, reduce pore size and decrease excess sebum production, leading to clearer skin. Your cycle days 17 – 28 (luteal phase) During the luteal phase, progesterone reaches its peak, resulting in the skin producing a lot more oil than usual. You may experience hormonal breakouts during this time. This is a good time to use detoxifying products that draw out impurities and products containing salicylic acid to decrease redness and help existing breakouts heal faster. Biomedical Emporium’s Facial Cleanser (R540.00) is a fantastic cleanser to use all month as it contains spot-busting salicylic acid and deeply yet gently cleanses and provides light exfoliation without disturbing the skin’s barrier integrity. Lifestyle tips Regardless of your individual needs throughout your cycle, everyone’s skin will benefit from following a fresh, healthy diet, cutting back on sugar and caffeine and cutting out smoking. Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and follow good skin hygiene (that means washing your makeup off every night and stop touching your face!). Your monthly cycle may affect your mood, your energy levels and the appearance of your skin. As your body prepares for possible conception leading up to your menstruation period, plenty of hormonal changes occur, leading to fluctuating levels of oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Understanding your cycle is essential, as it affords you the opportunity to better treat your skin at its various stages and address concerns with the right products and ingredients. About Dr Judey Pretorius Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics. Dr Judey Pretorius gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments. She is the co-founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment. https://www.biomedicalemporium.com/

September 13, 2023

Are you functioning on autopilot?

They say half of the time we function on autopilot whilst 90% of our purchasing decisions are done on autopilot. In other words we are not consciously thinking about what we are doing or why we are doing those things. They have become habitual. For example: Think about when you brush your teeth or your morning routine each day when you wake up. The route you drive to or from home and work each day. Have there been times when you can’t remember how you got to a place or walked into a room and forgot what you were going to do? This is because we are not consciously thinking about our actions and thoughts – we are on autopilot. This happens daily with tasks we perform, the way we interact with others, our reactions, our behaviours, things we hold onto from the past and even some of our beliefs. It has become so ingrained in us over the years that we have not stopped to consider whether those things are still relevant, serve us positively or whether there is possibly something new or different we could consider instead. We lose out on so much as we are unaware of what is going on around us. We miss the signs and messages – both verbal and non-verbal. A wounded glance, reactive tone of voice, hurt eyes, dejected or closed off body language. We even miss the beauty in everything due to our presence being elsewhere instead of enjoying the moment for what it is – the here and now. Living mindfully present is important to the quality of the lives we live. Being mindful of our own thoughts, actions and behaviours and the impact they have on others around us. Being fully present in the moment and giving others our undivided attention and efforts is a gift. So how do we become more mindful? It’s a daily practice that takes time to master and should be viewed as learning a new skill just the same as learning to read or write. It starts with becoming aware of our own ‘self’ – how we talk to ourselves, the words we use, the language we speak. Often we are our own worst critic and berate ourselves harshly. The more we tell ourselves stories, the stronger they become until they take on a life of their own and become the path we live by. When our self awareness grows, we become aware of our own thoughts and behaviours as well as the impact we are having on others and they are having on us. In other words we are fully present in the moment and aware of what we are doing as well as of what is happening around us. We can sense when we are not being authentic and sincere just as much as we can sense when others are not. Yet often we choose to ignore this. We know when we are being true to ourselves and living our truth vs. compromising our own values and personal boundaries and the consequences that come with this. Some like to mediate, others like to unwind in the mountains or near the sea whilst some like to partake in an activity – each with the purpose of connecting us to ourselves, feeding our soul and feeling alive, like we have a purpose. It does not matter what you do so long as you do it. With a heightened sense of awareness, we are able to be more creative, positive, solution oriented, peace loving and kind for the benefit of all and mankind. Reflection time: Can you think of words or phrases you often use when speaking to or about yourself? Are they positive and uplifting or critical and faultfinding? Can you remember a situation where you may not have been fully present and aware of your actions? If you think back to that time now, can you see the different ways your actions may have been interpreted by others? Would your actions have a positive or negative impact on others? Is there one thing you can start doing differently today to raise your levels of self awareness? Look for the good and positive in everyone and every situation because it is there if you dare to try. The intention we set for ourselves is the intention by which we live and treat others. Make yours a positive and uplifting one.

September 13, 2023

UNILEVER SA MAKES HYGIENE EDUCATION FUN AND EASY FOR SA CHILDREN WITH THE LAUNCH OF HYGIENE HEROES DIGITAL PLATFORM

Following on from its successful National Schools Hygiene Programme in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, Unilever South Africa has launched Hygiene Heroes- an online platform that teaches children handwashing, toilet hygiene and oral care through interactive activities and games. No child should ever have to miss school due to preventable illnesses, but this is often the case with South Africa’s learners. That’s why Unilever South Africa, in a bid to improve children’s hygiene habits and keep them safer from germs at home and at school, has just launched a free interactive digital platform called Hygiene Heroes. Hygiene Heroes helps children learn all about handwashing, toilet hygiene and oral hygiene through animated videos, quizzes, and interactive games. The journey begins with animated videos where colourful characters teach practical hygiene habits that children can easily understand. The real fun kicks off with the germ dodging game, where kids can compete against their friends and climb the leader board. At the end, there are interactive quizzes that allow them to test their knowledge. Parents, guardians, and caregivers with internet access can sign up for free to the platform, play the games with their children and witness as they learn good hygiene habits and bring them into their homes and schools. Hygiene Heroes will give parents and guardians an opportunity to spend quality time with their children engaged in a fun, learning activity that encourages good hygiene habits that keep the whole family healthier so they can continue to go about their daily lives without the stress and financial strain of family illness. When parents sign up to the platform, their children will join over 6.2 million learners who have already gained the same hygiene education through the National Schools Hygiene Programme – presented by Unilever SA and the Department of Basic Education. Unilever’s Purpose Strategy and Partnerships Lead, Queen Mgobhozi said; “The launch of Hygiene Heroes is particularly vital in this post pandemic era where we have seen a dip in awareness about good hygiene habits due to the lessened risk of contracting Covid 19; while the risk of other deadly infectious diseases that keep children from crucial learning remains. We believe that the launch of this fun learning platform can contribute to filling this gap by ensuring continual reinforcement of good hygiene habits using an always on educational and interactive digital platform.” Issues such as post-Covid hygiene fatigue and lack of access to sanitation and water continue to affect the health and wellbeing of South Africa’s children, which often translates into school absenteeism. By teaching kids basic hygiene from a young age, we can reinforce these important lessons early on and equip them with vital knowledge to protect themselves from illness-causing germs. The World Health Organisation identifies invested stakeholder collaboration such as the Unilever and Department of Basic Education’s National Schools Hygiene Programme partnership, which promotes behaviour change as a solution to preventing illness caused by germs and keeping children in school, as vital to ensuring continued access to education and optimal health. Parents, guardians, caregivers, and media can log on to Hygiene Heroes here: Register | Unilever Schools Programme Stand a chance to win exciting giveaways by visiting Unilever South Africa Homepage | Unilever and following @unileversa on Instagram, @UnileverSA on Twitter and Unilever Food Solutions SA on Facebook.

September 13, 2023

Chores And Responsibilities- Getting Your Kids To Clean

Getting children to do their chores is not about making our lives easier but it is about encouraging cooperation and responsibility. Our children were given tasks to do from when they were little. It started off with putting their toys away after playing and taking their plates and cups to the kitchen. They now make the beds, keep their rooms tidy and ensure that their clothes and bags are ready for school the next day. How do you get your children to do their part though, without putting up a fight? Here are some tips for getting your kids involved: Start early. Parents should try giving their children household responsibilities when they are young. They can begin to help you with small chores like keeping their books tidy on the shelf or putting their dirty clothes in the laundry basket. Most toddlers love to help their parents. Parents should take advantage of this desire and give their children small and simple tasks. As children get older they should then be given more challenging tasks. Demonstrate. Children need to know exactly what’s expected of them. Therefore, it is a good idea for parents to make sure their children know exactly what their chores are. Whenever you’re introducing a new task, make sure you teach your kids how to do it. Make sure you demonstrate the skills you want your children to learn from packing the dishwasher to making their beds. Set up a reward chart. If parents have trouble getting their children to do their chores, a reward system can be set up to encourage cooperation. A chart can be placed in a prominent location in the home. Parents can then put a sticker on the chart for each completed chore. You can then both decide what reward they will get for doing the chores properly over a set period. Don’t repeatedly remind or nag. Parents should try to avoid falling into the trap of continually reminding and/or nagging their children to complete their chores. Instead, parents should make sure that their children are given the sole responsibility for the completion of their chores. If a child forgets or refuses to do a chore, parents should say nothing and simply apply the consequences. Don’t do the chore for your child. If parents get frustrated and give in and do their children’s chores, children learn a number of things. First of all, children learn that their parents don’t mean what they say and will not follow through. Secondly, children learn that if they hold out long enough someone will do their chores for them. Parents should simply apply whatever consequences you have decided on until the child learns to complete the task. Provide lots of praise. Parents should always provide lots of praise and encouragement when their children make an effort to do their chores. Parents should keep praising, even after their children have been consistently doing a chore well. Offer choices. Allow your kids to have a say in the tasks they’ll be responsible for. One way to do this is to make a list all of the jobs that need to be completed, and allow each child to choose two or three age-appropriate tasks. Then, on “chore day,” you can each pick one or two cards and complete those jobs. Working together, you’ll have these tasks done in no time! Don’t expect perfection. Each job should be done to the best of the child’s abilities. That doesn’t mean it will be done the way mom would do it. Remember, the goal is to get them to participate. Help them feel good about their efforts. Gradually Increase Your Kids’ Responsibilities. As your children become more skilled in completing chores around the house, mix it up by introducing new tasks. For example, once your preteen has mastered packing the dishwasher, consider whether they are ready to unpack the dishes once washed and put them away. Teaching kids about chores not only helps them in their home life, but it will also bring about positive aspects in school as well. The skills and values learned by doing chores will benefit children throughout their lives. The results may not initially be perfect but over time, you’ll begin to see that your kids are getting better and better at the skills you’re teaching them.

September 12, 2023

Aftercare or aupair?

Weighing up the best after-school option for your child “Mothers staying at home with their children is simply no longer the viable option of years past,” says Tiffiny Thomas from Blue Bird Aupairs. As a result, parents are left with the critical decision of what to do with their precious assets in the afternoons – do they send them to aftercare or do they get an aupair? “There is no black and white when it comes to choosing an after-school solution for your child as things like budget, schedules, ages and personality need to be taken into consideration,” explains Tiffiny. She adds that even once you have made your decision, circumstances may change and you may need to seek the alternative which is why it is important to keep an open mind and make sure that you know what the pros and cons of each option are. Aftercare Pros Children get to interact with their friends in an informal surrounding If the aftercare is part of the school, they can take part in extra-mural school sports Food and snacks are generally included in the cost of aftercare If the aftercare is based at their school, your child will not have to travel on the roads without you Aftercare cons Very little (or no) supervised homework which then needs to be done in the evenings when your child is tired and less likely to concentrate Aftercare generally does not cover school holidays A full day at school can leave your child irritable and exhausted No personal, hands-on love and care Pros of an aupair Your child will get plenty of one-on-one love, care and attention An aupair can do homework with your child and spend extra time of subjects they may battle with, doubling up as a tutor Aupairs can transport your child to and from various after-school activities, which is a great help for parents (and children) with busy or unpredictable schedules and extra-mural activities that are off campus An aupair can double up as a baby sitter during the holidays Cons of an aupair It can take time for your child to get to know your aupair Not all aupairs have formal early childhood training You will need to make sure that the fridge is stocked up for afternoon lunches and be prepared to pay for other additional costs like petrol “It is important to remember that no two aftercares (or aupairs!) are the same!” says Tiffiny. She adds that you should ask lots of questions for clarity and also make sure that you align your budget in terms of what you are able/willing to spend on a monthly basis for after-school care. “Both options can be affordable, provided you shop around,” she concludes.

September 12, 2023

HOW TO UNLEASH CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH ART EDUCATION

Most good schools, whether public or private, incorporate art into their curricula – especially during the primary school years. This subject sometimes has the reputation for being the class where you can take a break from the ‘real work’, which is why its importance as a developmental tool for critical thinking isn’t well understood. But parents and teachers can use art to the great advantage of the child, if they know how important its role is and how to practically go about art education and appreciation, an education expert says. “Art incorporates all the important factors required in critical thinking – observation, reflection, interpretation and application,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head: Schools Division at ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider. “Parents of younger children know this scenario well: your child arrives home with a piece of art, you praise them for their good work, stick the artwork on the fridge, and move on. However, by taking some more time discussing what went into the construction of the work, parents can gain invaluable insight into their child’s thinking, as well as develop their ability to communicate their thinking,” she says. Hugo advises parents to ask their children specific questions about their artwork, for instance “what is that you drew there?”, “why did you decide to do this?”, “why did you choose these colours?”. “When you hear their explanations as to their thoughts, it gives you a window into their world and elevates their work from just another pretty piece to a connection and discussion opportunity. It’s important that parents take the time and make the effort to do that,” Hugo says. Teachers should also aim to guide students to create observational art if they want to develop critical thinking capacity. “If you ask someone to draw a flower, they’ll typically draw that one we all do from memory, with the circle in the middle, the little arches around the circle, and a stem with perhaps a leaf or two. But if you put a flower in front of the child along with a magnifying glass and ask them to draw what they see, you are going to find they do a greater dive into deep observation,” says Hugo. 4 PRACTICAL WAYS TO USE ART TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS 1) OPEN-ENDED ART PROJECTS Provide opportunities and materials for students to freely express themselves without tight guidance or direction on expected outcomes or deliverables. This helps them assess the tools at their disposal, use their imagination and problem-solving skills, and hone their craftsmanship. 2) ARTISTIC ANALYSIS Expose students to a wide range of art and lead in-depth discussions about their observations. What do they think the artist was thinking, why do they think certain choices were made in creating the artwork, how does the art make them feel, what do they see in the art? This develops their visual processing skills, linking them up to their analytical skills. 3) COMBINE ART AND STORIES Extend the art lesson by tasking students with developing stories based on their work. These stories can include characters and character development, plotlines, and inspiration for follow-up art. 4) COMBINE ART AND ACADEMICS Maths problems have long been approached by drawing a simple sketch of the problem at hand. This can be extended to various other subjects, by asking students to create a visual representation of the matter before them, as well as their proposed solution. This helps them visualise the problem and helps with brainstorming all while exercising creative muscles. “Imagine believing that children have the ability to express themselves in more than one way. Now times that by 100, if they are given the tools and encouragement to extend their potential range,” says Hugo. She notes that Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach, described the “infinite ways that children can express, explore, and connect their thoughts, feelings and imaginings” as follows: “These languages (the Hundred Languages of Children) are symbolic and are open to the endless potentials in children. They believe in the potential of a child’s ability to wonder. It is the belief that there are “multiple ways of seeing and multiple ways of being.” “A high quality, holistic academic offering will consider this approach to all learning, to ensure students build critical thinking skills, while being offered opportunities to inquire and develop creative theories.”

September 12, 2023

A Principal’s Guide to Exam Season – Tips for parents, teachers and learners

The final exam season of the year is almost here, and it’s not unusual for a sense of dread to creep in. It’s not just the learners who are under duress; exam time can be stressful for families and the school community. Parents and teachers want to provide the right support, but it’s not always clear what that should be. For Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy, the 2023 exam season is a milestone event. It’s the year that the high engagement online school has its first Grade 12 cohort writing Matric exams. He says, “There’s typically pressure all-round when it comes to Matric. Learners and their parents feel that there’s a young person’s future at stake, while Matric results are regarded as a critical indicator of a school’s academic rigour impacting on the institution’s track record and reputation. So, everyone wants to see outstanding performances across the board. It’s important to recognise these high expectations upfront and put them into a proper perspective. There’s a certain degree of stress and pressure that is useful for driving performance, but if this becomes too much, it makes it impossible for even the most diligent of students to do their best. It’s about navigating a high-stakes time by finding balance.” Hands off or on? How involved should parents be? There’s such a wide range of parent-child relationships in diverse family contexts that it is impossible to find one-size-fits-all advice. What’s true though, is that during exam season, most parents find themselves treading fine lines. Mark says, “It can help for parents to think of their involvement during exam time in terms of the optimal role they could play. In my view, this is about supportive accountability. For instance, instead of seeing their role as a driver of their child’s performance or staying completely in the background, parents are more effective as their child’s primary supporter. This means taking a keen interest but not taking over. It helps learners when their parents hold them accountable in an appropriate way. Your child should have the space to take ownership of their own study schedule and goal setting. Checking in regularly though demonstrates your interest in their progress and their roadblocks which is supportive and motivational.” Parents also play an important role in facilitating an optimal study environment over exam season. It’s not just about the studying. To perform at their peak, your child needs to study in comfort, sleep sufficiently, eat healthily, exercise daily, interact socially and take breaks so that they can recharge. Parents can help by keeping their focus on their child’s well-being and encouraging healthy habits. In some families, parents can also play an important role in reducing distractions and household obligations, while monitoring procrastination which can lead to stressful, fruitless cramming before an exam. Mark says, “Parents will want to be the champions of consistency and balance during exam season. If your child is sitting up studying desperately until two in the morning, that’s a red flag, not a sign of dedication and determination. We perform at our peak when we are well-prepared and confident, and you can’t give your best when you are exhausted and anxious.” Who’s the teacher? Teachers play a critical role over exam season in preparing learners and keeping perspective. Typically, teachers cover study skills, exam techniques and providing opportunities for test practice. Mark says, “It’s important for parents of learners in online schools to realise that they don’t suddenly need to become their child’s teacher. At Koa, our teachers work in small 8-person Pods and they are well-positioned to individually coach each learner through the exam preparation stage.” Advice for learners – keeping things in perspective Mark says, “Keep perspective, exams are not a sudden disruption to your school year, they are just part of the learning cycle. Everything you do throughout a school year works towards your performance in an exam. Working consistently on your classwork, courses and projects throughout the year is all learning and preparation that leads you to writing the exams. That’s why consistency wins the day. So, it is important not to see exam season as a surprise or once-off, or even disassociated event. Exams are embedded in your learning, and therefore your long-term effort pays off best at exam time.” What’s also important for learners who are feeling like their whole future is at stake during exam time, is to realise that things are not that simplistic. Life is long, people’s futures take many interesting turns, and the world is full of solutions. Many parents have experienced this reality first hand and bringing that perspective during exam time can lift our eyes and relieve unnecessary expectations or pressure, while still striving for your best. If you feel overwhelmed during the upcoming exam season, it’s important to reach out to a supportive parent, teacher or friend. Remember, you are more important than any mark. Discover Koa Academy, visit www.koacademy.com

September 12, 2023

Hygiene Habits Made Fun with Hygiene Heroes!

What is Hygiene Heroes? No child should miss school over an illness that’s easily preventable, but unfortunately, that’s something that happens every day. Practicing good hygiene habits can ensure kids stay healthier and don’t miss out on their education. Teaching kids basic hygiene lessons is simple and fun with Hygiene Heroes! This free platform, presented by Unilever and the Dept. of Basic Education, helps children learn all about handwashing, toilet hygiene and oral care through animated videos, quizzes and interactive games. Fighting Germs the Fun Way Teach your little ones’ hygiene habits the fun way through our collection of games and activities! Their journey starts with our animated videos – where colourful characters teach practical hygiene habits that kids can easily understand. Afterwards, the Hygiene Heroes platform offers quick quizzes to test their knowledge. The real fun begins with the germ dodging game. To play, simply use the up and down arrows to collect virtual coins and avoid bumping into the evil germs that cause illnesses! As your kids keep playing and improve their skills, their scores will climb, allowing them to compete with their friends. Watch your kids climb the leader board as they learn hygiene habits. Then watch them bring those habits home and school, where they’ll fight real germs and avoid real illnesses! Win with Hygiene Heroes! Enjoying Hygiene Heroes? Show us how your child is doing! Visit Hygiene Heroes Here Share a photo of your child or children playing #HygieneHeroes & tag @unileversa for your chance to WIN R10 000 cash PLUS your share of: Unilever Product Hampers worth R1000 Grocery Vouchers worth R500 1G Data bundles

September 12, 2023

Bedtime – How much sleep should your child be getting?

More and more research points towards the importance of sleep for children’s health, academic performance, and behaviour. Although this may seem apparent, many of us actually do not allow our children to get the critical sleep they need to develop and function properly. It’s certainly not something we do on purpose. But with parents working long hours, packed school schedules, after-school activities, and other lifestyle factors, naps are missed, bedtimes are pushed back, mornings start earlier and nights may be anything but peaceful. Missing naps or going to bed a little late may not seem like a big deal, but it all adds up, with consequences that may last a lifetime. “Sleep is the power source that keeps your mind alert and calm. It recharges your brain’s battery, increasing one’s brainpower and attention span, as well as allowing you to be physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time. Then and only then can you function at your personal best.” as stated by Paediatrician Marc Weissbluth. Signs of sleep-related problems may show up in a number of ways with kids, including daytime sleepiness, weakened immune systems, inattention, poor concentration, moodiness, behavioural problems, weight gain, irregular social skills and poor academic performance. According to Dr Avi Sadeh, a loss of one hour of sleep is equivalent to the loss of two years of cognitive maturation and development. To understand the critical nature of sleep to our children’s growth and development, let’s take a look at the essentials needed for healthy sleep and what interventions we can put in place in our homes to encourage better sleep routines. Essentials of Healthy Sleep Healthy sleep allows for optimal alertness when we are awake. This is the state in which we are most receptive to and interactive with our environment – when our attention span is at its best and the most learning can occur. You can see this in a child who is calm and attentive, pleasant, wide eyed, absorbing everything, and socially interacts with ease. Altered states of alertness interfere with a child’s learning and behaviour. Healthy sleep thus requires: Sufficient amounts of sleep to grow, develop, and function optimally. How much is right for your child varies by age. Uninterrupted (good quality) sleep allows good growth and development of the body’s nervous system. The proper number of age-appropriate naps optimize alertness, learning and development. Naps serve a different purpose to that of night time sleep, but are as important. Thus timing is essential, making sure they are planned and in sync with your child’s natural biological rhythms. A sleep schedule that is in sync with the child’s natural biological rhythms(internal clock or circadian rhythm). This allows for effective restoration and long term memory development, but being out of sync can lead to difficulty falling asleep or simply staying awake. Children then become overly tired and stressed. So it is important your child’s sleep needs are met and that you adjust your schedule to be in sync with theirs. If, over time, any of these essentials are not optimal, symptoms of sleep deprivation and fatigue may occur. How can we help our kids get the proper amount of sleep? Limit bedtime activities- a routine of relaxing activities like reading or listening to classical music can help most children sleep better. Make sure all electronics are removed to avoid further stimulation. Establish a sleep schedule- similar to routine activities, experts recommend consistent times to go to sleep and wake, ideally not differing much during the week or on weekends. Create a Conducive Environment- children will sleep faster and deeper when the room is dark, quiet and cool. Promote Regular Exercise- A minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity for children each day can yield many benefits, including better sleep. Limit Caffeine- it’s advisable to limit all forms of caffeine, particularly late in the day, which includes tea, soda and chocolate. Avoid late afternoon or Early Evening naps- later naps can result in later bedtimes and less critical sleep for older children. As parents, it is our responsibility to be sensitive to and protect our children’s sleep, just as we do their safety. We are primarily responsible for their sleep habits so it is important to start healthy ones early; it is much easier to instil good habits than correct bad ones. Thus infuse the importance of sleep with daily attention to it and you will likely have a happier, self-assured, less demanding, and more sociable child. And who knows, you might just get some more sleep yourself! Written By: Danielle Forsyth (Trinityhouse Heritage Hill, Educational Psychologist)

September 11, 2023

5 SYMPTOMS OF SEPARATION ANXIETY IN BABIES

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, discusses separation anxiety in babies, the triggers and causes, and the five symptoms to look out for. It also provides helpful tips for parents on easing separation anxiety in their little ones. “Separation anxiety is a natural milestone in a baby’s journey of attachment and growth”, says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “By understanding their needs, providing reassurance, and fostering a nurturing environment, parents can guide their tots through this phase with love and understanding”. What is Separation Anxiety? Separation anxiety in babies refers to the distress and unease experienced by infants when separated from their primary caregiver, usually a parent. It typically begins around six to seven months old, peaking between 10 to 18 months, and gradually subsides as the child ages and develops a stronger sense of security. Triggers for separation anxiety can vary from child to child, but everyday situations include the following. Leaving your baby with a new caregiver. Starting daycare. Moving Home. The loss of a parent or caregiver. Changes in routines that disrupt their sense of familiarity. It is important to note that separation anxiety is a normal response and does not indicate any underlying issues or problems with the child or caregiver. Factors that Contribute to the Development of Separation Anxiety in Babies The following are several factors that contribute to the development of separation anxiety in babies. Cognitive Development: As infants grow, they develop object permanence, which is the understanding that objects or people continue to exist even when out of sight. This newfound awareness can lead to anxiety when the primary caregiver is absent. Attachment: Strong emotional bonds between infants and their caregivers are formed during the early months of life. When the caregiver is absent, the baby may experience separation anxiety due to their attachment and reliance on them for comfort and security. Sensitivity: Some infants may have a naturally more sensitive temperament, making them more prone to experiencing separation anxiety. Environmental Factors: Significant life changes, like moving to a new home or the birth of a sibling, can disrupt the baby’s sense of security and trigger separation anxiety. Parental Anxiety: Babies are highly attuned to their parent’s emotions. If a parent feels anxious or uneasy about leaving their child, it can be transmitted to the baby, exacerbating their anxiety. Five Common Signs of Separation Anxiety in Babies Identifying the symptoms of separation anxiety can help parents better understand their baby’s needs and provide appropriate support. Here are five common signs to look out for. Clinging Behaviour: Infants with separation anxiety may become clingier and more reluctant to be separated from their caregiver, even for brief periods. Crying and Distress: Babies experiencing separation anxiety may cry excessively and become inconsolable when their caregiver is out of sight or leaves the room. Fear of Strangers: Infants may display fear or wariness when approached by unfamiliar people, seeking comfort and reassurance from their primary caregiver. Sleep Problems: Separation anxiety can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns, causing difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently at night. Regression: Some babies may exhibit signs of regression, such as reverting to previously outgrown behaviours, like thumb-sucking or bedwetting. Tips for Parents To help parents ease their baby’s separation anxiety, Affinity Health provides the following tips. Start by leaving your baby with a familiar caregiver for short periods and gradually increase the duration of separation over time. Establish a consistent daily routine that includes predictable times for separation and reunions. This helps the baby develop a sense of security and predictability. Babies can pick up on their parent’s emotions. Remaining calm, reassuring, and positive when leaving or returning can help alleviate their anxiety. Provide a special toy or blanket that carries the familiar scent of the caregiver. This transitional object can provide comfort and security when the caregiver is absent. Practice short separations while staying within sight. For example, you can leave the room for a few moments and then return, gradually increasing the distance and time apart. Transparency is critical when easing separation anxiety in your little one. Instead of sneaking away, honesty is the best approach. Take a moment to say goodbye, reassuring your baby that you’ll be back soon. When you return, greet your child with a warm smile and a loving hug. Engage your baby in fun and interactive activities to redirect their attention and create positive associations with separation. Playing peek-a-boo or offering engaging toys can help distract them from their anxiety. Foster your baby’s sense of independence by encouraging exploration and self-soothing. Allow them to explore their surroundings and gradually build confidence in their ability to navigate their environment. Reach out to other parents or join support groups to share experiences and strategies for managing separation anxiety. Connecting with others who have gone through or are going through similar challenges can provide valuable insights and support. “It is important to remember that separation anxiety is a temporary phase and will naturally diminish as your baby grows older and develops more self-assurance”, adds Hewlett. “By implementing these tips and providing a nurturing and supportive environment, parents can help their babies navigate separation anxiety more easily”.

September 11, 2023

How to improve your Child’s Decision-Making skills

What is Decision-Making? Decision making is an invaluable skill, especially when your children start to make independent choices. It is an ability that benefits throughout their lives. More often, it will be their independent choices which will determine the course of their lives. Decision-making is about assessing all the options available, being aware of the situation within and around you. Thus, for children to become good at decision-making, they need to learn how to assess the possibilities, be self-aware about what they need, and understand the situation they are in. For many people, both young and adults making a decision is one of the hardest and complicated things in life, as it involves numerous aspects for consideration. Many times due to a lack of self-awareness, people remain confused throughout their lives and often end up making poor choices. Considering the dynamic environment of the 21st Century and exposure to technology from an early age, thus instilling the quality of making good decisions among children is imperative. Every small or big decision an individual makes has the potential to change his/her life. “Your life changes the moment you make a new, congruent, and committed decision. “- Tony Robbins (American Author, Coach, Speaker) What are the essential skills for effective decision-making? The ability to make sound decisions requires a wide variety of skills. Below are the skills that are crucial to make your child an effective Decision-maker: Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to think judiciously and reasonably without being affected by anything or anyone. It is an art of analyzing something with an unbiased mindset. Effective decision-making requires critical thinking over all the possible alternatives. Individuals need to analyze the cause and effect relationship to ensure that the selected alternative has minimum or no negative impacts. Critical Thinking will enable your child to make an informed decision. Problem-Solving: Problem-solving is the ability to solve problems effectively. Problem-solving skills are the basis for improvement and innovation. Children need to incorporate problem-solving skills to become a good decision-maker. Problem solving also requires critical thinking, but in addition, it is also about understanding the problem. As often, the solution is hidden within the problem itself. Creativity: Creativity is all about mixing originality with uniqueness. Creative Thinking helps us to see things from a different perspective. Sometimes, decisions are to be made regarding such aspects where there is no way to know which possibility or decision is the right one. Creativity will enable your child to make sound decisions in unforeseen situations. When the logical or traditional aspects do not make sense, it is the creativity of a person that comes into play. It can be an out-of-the-box idea or an unorthodox approach to seeing things from a different perspective. “Truly successful decision-making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.”- Malcolm Gladwell Logical Reasoning: Reasoning is concerned with analyzing a problem in a logical manner to draw conclusions. It helps to identify the reason behind anything and approach towards our assessment of things logically. Sound decisions are an outcome of logical reasoning. Reasoning will help your child to assess the pros and cons of the decision they intend to make. Thinking logically and reasonably ensures that foolish options are set aside straightaway during the decision-making process. Emotional Intelligence: Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our emotions and the ability to understand and influence others’ emotions. Life is uncertain and unpredictable. There are times when we have to make hard decisions. This is when emotional Intelligence plays its role. Emotional Intelligence will help your children to manage their sentiments while making harsh decisions. Time Management: Time management is the ability to prioritize activities based on the available time. There are times when the decision is required to be taken time bound as well. In such a situation, the assessment of possible options, understanding of the situation, etc. is to be done within that time frame. When a child knows how to manage his/her time, the ability to take time-bound decisions improves. How can you improve Decision-making skills? Decision-making is one of the most significant and beneficial life skills in the 21st Century. Acquiring Decision-making skills also contributes to improving a child’s leadership ability. Decisions can transform our lives beyond imagination. Therefore, you must help your child in developing decision-making skills. Encourage Decision Making: During the day to day life, you can get multiple situations when you can allow your child to make a decision. The more opportunity a child will get to make decisions; the more his/her decision-making skills will improve. Ask Questions: Talk to your children about their thought process behind making a decision. See how they are evaluating various possibilities, in case you see one or more possibility was ignored, then ask them ‘what if this happened?’ Pay attention to how they respond and guide them in those aspects where there is a need for improvement. Discuss Your Process of Decision Making: Share with your children an incident of your life where you had to make a tough decision. Explain to them what was going on in your mind, what were the different aspects you took into consideration, etc. This way, they would feel more comfortable asking you for guidance for any of their decision. Involvement: If a certain situation in your house requires a decision to be made, make your children part of the discussion. The more involved they become, the more connected they would feel with the situation, putting them in a mindset of thinking and assessing the situation. More importantly, they would also learn from you, and they might even give you some valuable points to consider. “Unnecessary fear of a bad decision is a major stumbling block to good decisions.” – Jun Camp The world needs proficient Decision-makers for a bright future. Developing this skill within a child from an early age is crucial for the overall development. Creating a better generation then themselves is a responsibility of each generation. And this responsibility starts with parents itself.

September 11, 2023

Webinar – breastfeeding positions

Sr Ingrid Groenewald explains the different breastfeeding positions that you can try to have a successful Breastfeeding journey, as well as the latch baby, should have.

September 8, 2023

Note Taking – What is the best note taking ideas for primary school kids?

Note-taking is an essential skill that helps students organize and retain information. For primary school kids, developing effective note-taking strategies can lay a strong foundation for their academic success. Here are some of the best note-taking ideas for primary school kids. Firstly, visual aids can greatly enhance note-taking. Encouraging children to use drawings, diagrams, and charts to represent information can help them better understand and remember concepts. This technique also appeals to their creativity and makes learning more enjoyable. Secondly, teaching kids how to use keywords is crucial. By underlining or highlighting important words or phrases in their notes, they can easily identify key points when reviewing later on. Additionally, using different colors for different subjects or topics can aid in organization and retrieval of information. Furthermore, mind maps are an excellent tool for young learners. By creating a central idea and branching out with related subtopics, children can visually connect ideas and see the relationships between them. This method promotes critical thinking skills while making note-taking more interactive. Lastly, encouraging active listening during class is vital for effective note-taking. Kids should be taught to listen attentively and jot down important details rather than trying to write everything verbatim. This way, they focus on understanding concepts rather than simply transcribing information. In conclusion, developing good note-taking habits at a young age sets primary school kids up for academic success in the future. Visual aids, keywords, mind maps, and active listening are all effective strategies that help children organize information effectively while fostering critical thinking skills. By implementing these techniques early on in their education journey, we empower our young learners with valuable tools that will serve them well throughout their academic careers. Note taking in general… Note taking is a fundamental skill that has been practiced for centuries. From ancient scholars to modern students, the act of jotting down important information during lectures or while reading has proven to be invaluable in retaining knowledge. The art of note taking involves actively engaging with the material, filtering out key points, and organizing them in a concise and understandable manner. One of the main benefits of note taking is its ability to enhance comprehension and retention. By writing down information, we are forced to process it in our own words, which aids in understanding complex concepts. Additionally, notes serve as a reference point for future review, allowing us to revisit important details without having to go through lengthy texts or lectures again. Note taking promotes active learning by keeping our minds focused and attentive during class or study sessions. It encourages us to listen actively and think critically about the material being presented. Moreover, notes can be customized according to individual learning styles, making them an effective tool for personalizing the learning experience. In addition to aiding comprehension and active learning, note taking also fosters organization skills. By categorizing information into headings or subheadings, we create a structured framework that facilitates easy retrieval when needed. This organizational aspect not only helps with studying but also improves overall productivity by providing a clear roadmap for revisiting topics efficiently. Note taking is an essential practice that enhances comprehension, promotes active learning, and fosters organization skills. Whether it is capturing ideas from a lecture or summarizing key points from a book chapter, this age-old technique continues to be an indispensable tool in acquiring knowledge effectively.

September 8, 2023

MOLEY- Tunnel Buddies

Moley follows the day-to-day misadventures of Master Moley as he travels the tunnels of his secret underground realm and falls into lots of good-natured trouble along the way. But with his perseverance, resourcefulness and helpful friends, he always finds an ingenious way to dig himself out of a crisis. Whether it’s hunting down lost treasure with Mystic, entering a magical world of Manny’s creation or stopping an out-of-control Ferris wheel after Manny’s plan goes awry, Moley always has to find a way to save the day! Premiere: Saturday, 9 September @ 11:20 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Weekends @ 11:20 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

September 8, 2023

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