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Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

Cooking up a storm: How cooking helps individuals on the autism spectrum

At Glenoaks Remedial and Vocational School for Neurodiverse learners, Hospitality classes are an important part of the Vocational curriculum. Not only does this subject prepare our learners for possible work opportunities and more independence, but also provides unique opportunities for learners to develop important life and social skills.   Cooking can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity that brings people together. For individuals on the autism spectrum, cooking offers a variety of benefits beyond just a delicious meal. Cooking can help develop fine motor skills, increase independence, improve focus and attention, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Cooking can also be a fun way to experiment with flavours and textures, encouraging people to try new foods and expand their palate.  How cooking helps individuals on the autism spectrum Cooking can be an extremely beneficial activity for individuals on the autism spectrum. It provides sensory experiences that can be very helpful in their growth and independence. For instance, measuring ingredients helps with fine motor skills, and the smells and textures of food can help with sensory processing. Cooking also provides a structured activity that can be calming. Following a recipe can provide a sense of order and predictability, which can be very beneficial for individuals with autism who may struggle with change. In addition, cooking can help with social skills. Cooking with others encourages communication, patience, and teamwork. It can also provide opportunities for individuals with autism to practice turn-taking and other social skills in a safe and supportive environment. Cooking is also a practical life skill that can help individuals on the autism spectrum become more independent. Learning how to cook their own meals can give them a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency, which can be empowering. Sensory issues and cooking One of the core challenges for people with ASD is sensory processing difficulties. Cooking provides a multi-sensory experience that can help individuals with ASD to develop their sensory processing skills. Individuals on the autism spectrum often experience sensory issues that can make everyday activities challenging. Cooking, however, can be a great way to address these issues and help them feel more comfortable and confident in the kitchen. For example, cooking can help individuals with sensory issues learn to tolerate different smells and textures of food. By gradually exposing them to different ingredients and cooking methods, they can learn to overcome their aversions and develop a more varied and healthy diet. How to make cooking successful for individuals with ASD For individuals with ASD, cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it requires some preparation and adjustments to make it successful. Here are some tips to make cooking successful: 1. Break down the steps: Cooking can be overwhelming for some individuals with ASD, so it’s important to break down the steps into small, manageable tasks. Use visual aids such as pictures, lists, or videos to help them understand the steps involved. 2. Use simple recipes: Choose recipes that are simple, easy to follow, and require minimal equipment. Avoid recipes with complicated instructions, multiple steps, or ingredients that are difficult to find. 3. Create a routine: Establishing a routine can help individuals with ASD feel more comfortable and confident in the kitchen. Choose a specific time and day each week to cook together, and stick to the routine as much as possible. 4. Use sensory-friendly tools: Individuals with ASD can be sensitive to certain textures, smells, or sounds, so it’s important to use sensory-friendly tools such as gloves, silicone utensils, noise-canceling headphones, or non-slip mats. 5. Make it fun: Cooking should be a fun and enjoyable experience, so try to make it fun by incorporating games, challenges, or rewards. For example, you can have a cooking competition or a taste-testing activity.6. Encourage independence. As individuals with ASD become more comfortable in the kitchen, encourage them to take on more complex recipes and tasks. This can help build independence and confidence. Overall, cooking can be a great activity for individuals with ASD, as it can help them develop new skills, build confidence, and improve social interactions. By following these tips, you can make cooking a successful and enjoyable experience for them. Cooking is a wonderful activity that can provide a sense of routine, structure and independence. It can also help with sensory integration, fine motor skills and socialization. By following the tips we shared, you can make cooking a fun and therapeutic experience for individuals on the autism spectrum. We hope that this article inspires you to try cooking with your loved ones with autism and that it brings a new sense of joy and fulfilment into your lives. Written by Bronwynn Wessels – Hospitality Teacher – Glenoaks Remedial and Vocational School

Cartoon Network Africa

There’s Nothing Rubbish About Garbage Boy & Trash Can!

Cartoon Network’s first African-produced superhero animated comedy series comes to the channel this month. Get ready for a trash-tastic adventure with the hilarious and action-packed Garbage Boy and Trash Can premiering on Cartoon Network Africa on Monday, 17 July @ 16:45 CAT. He’s a superhero with no actual superpowers, and his sidekick is a trash can, but that’s not going to stop young Tobi from using absolutely anything he finds to set off on a world of amazing adventures in Garbage Boy and Trash Can, the first Cartoon Network superhero animated comedy series to be produced in Africa. Premiering on Cartoon Network Africa on 17 July at 16:45 CAT, Garbage Boy and Trash Can was commissioned by Cartoon Network Africa following Nigerian animator Ridwan Moshood winning the CN Creative Lab initiative. The series was produced in collaboration with the newly-formed animation production company Pure Garbage, a South African-based company specially launched for the project, which is a partnership between series creator Ridwan Moshood, Mike de Seve, head of US multi–Emmy Award-winning studio Baboon Animation and Nick Wilson, founder of African Animation Network (AAN). Magic Carpet, a leading Nigerian animation studio, co-produced the show, and actors from Uganda, Malawi, Nigeria and the USA voice the characters. This global collaboration marks the first innovative model in animation between talents from Africa, Europe, and the US under Cartoon Network’s creative production process – a process intended to train and mentor African talent and produce content of international broadcast quality.      He may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound or run faster than a speeding locomotive, but Garbage Boy’s belief in his superpowers may just be his actual superpower! Where most people see trash, Garbage Boy sees unlimited opportunities for fun and adventure. Whether it’s building a bazooka out of some old PVC piping that fires wads of mouldy socks or an electron microscope from broken VCR parts, Garbage Boy believes that everything – even garbage – is worthwhile. Exiled from his home planet, the alien robot, Trash Can, is driven by his sense of duty. He has an infinite intellect, a cyber-noggin filled with galaxies of knowledge and a compact, metallic frame housing an endless number of gadgets. Together, they tackle their major enemies – boredom and Dr Sore Eyes (full name ‘Braintomus Bombastus Edgar James Vanessa Sore Eyes, Ph.D.) – although the latter does a pretty good job of thwarting himself as he tries to avenge being shunned by the Academy of Really Real Sciences.     Creator, Director and Art Director Ridwan Moshood found inspiration for the show in the adversity of his childhood. “The inspiration for creating the lead characters came from the derogatory name some bullies used to call me back in junior secondary school. However, I soon realised that this name did not define my identity or limit my potential,” he says. “It is this powerful message that I aim to convey to children currently experiencing name-calling and bullying. That’s why I decided to create a show centred around the character ‘Garbage Boy’ who, despite the name, is actually a superhero — a symbol of overcoming adversity and proving that hurtful labels do not determine one’s true worth.”  The style of Garbage Boy and Trash Can is a homage to the cartoons Moshood watched during his childhood, mainly the Saturday morning shows like Dexter’s Laboratory, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls, and more. “It is Dexter’s Laboratory that greatly influences the artistic style of the show, as it remains my favourite Cartoon Network series. In fact, meeting the creator, Genndy Tartakovsky, is a personal aspiration of mine,” he says.   Cartoon Network Africa’s Creative Lab began its journey in June 2018 as an initiative designed to bring innovative, local short-form content to the channel and its digital platforms while reinforcing the local relevance of the brand. “The Cartoon Network team was amazed by Ridwan’s talent and his vision for the show, even then – and we’re delighted to see the final product adding to Cartoon Network’s diverse and original content,” says Ana González, Editorial Lead: Southern Europe and Africa, Kids Brands, Warner Bros. Discovery. “We are proud to produce and bring on air a pure African story with a fantastic Nigerian comedy hero in Garbage Boy and Trash Can, featuring fresh local animation talent and a truly stellar African voice cast to produce local, inclusive content.”

Parenting Hub

BOOST YOUR BABY’S BRAIN WITH BABY TALK

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explores how ‘Baby Talk’, also known as parentese, might sound silly to adults. Still, it has many benefits for your little one. As a new parent, you may talk to your baby in a high-pitched, sing-song voice, using words you wouldn’t usually use in everyday conversation. This is known as “baby talk,” and while it may sound silly to some, research suggests that it can positively impact your baby’s brain development. Studies have shown that babies exposed to more baby talk have larger vocabularies and more vital language skills later in life. In fact, talking to your baby in a nurturing, engaging way can actually help to shape the architecture of their brain, building meaningful connections between neurons and setting the foundation for lifelong learning and development. One of the ways that baby talk helps with brain development is by providing babies with a steady stream of language input. Babies are born with the ability to recognise and distinguish between sounds from all languages, but their brains are wired to respond more to the language(s) that they hear most frequently. By talking to your baby in a rich, engaging way, you are helping expose them to various sounds and words, which can help strengthen their language skills. So, how can you incorporate more baby talk into your daily routine? Here are a few tips from Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, to get you started: Narrate Your Day As you go about your daily tasks, describe what you’re doing to your baby. For example, “Mommy is washing the dishes now. See how the bubbles make them all shiny and clean?” This helps to expose your baby to new words and concepts and helps them to understand the world around them. Use Exaggerated Expressions When talking to your baby, use exaggerated facial expressions and gestures to help them better understand the meaning behind your words. For example, if you say “peek-a-boo!” while covering your face with your hands, your baby will understand that you’re playing a game. Repeat And Expand If your baby coos or babbles, repeat the sounds back to them and expand on them. If your baby says “ba,” you could respond, “Yes, that’s right, that’s a ball! Look how it bounces!” This helps reinforce the sounds your baby is making and expose them to new words. Sing Songs And Recite Nursery Rhymes Singing and reciting nursery rhymes are great ways to engage with your baby and expose them to new words and sounds. Babies love the rhythm and repetition of songs and rhymes; they are a great way to help build your baby’s vocabulary. Read Books Even though your baby may not understand the words, reading books can help them develop a love for language and storytelling. Choose books with bright, colourful pictures and simple words, and point out the images as you read. “It’s important to remember that baby talk isn’t just about using a high-pitched voice or babyish words. It’s about engaging with your baby meaningfully and creating a nurturing environment that supports their learning and development,” says Murray. In addition to baby talk, there are other ways to support your baby’s brain development, such as providing plenty of sensory experiences, encouraging exploration and play, and fostering a loving and supportive environment. So, don’t be afraid to break out the baby talk and engage with your little one in a fun and meaningful way. Your baby’s brain will thank you for it! You can set your baby up for a lifetime of learning and success with consistent engagement and a positive, nurturing environment. About Affinity Junior At Affinity Health, we know that the growth and development of your child is of utmost importance. With Affinity Junior, you can get Day-to-Day and Hospital cover for your children. Affinity Junior provides affordable healthcare for your children – keeping the most important people in your life healthy and happy! Affinity Junior will provide your children unlimited, managed doctor consultations, medication, and hospitalisation, depending on the chosen plan. The unique feature of the Affinity Junior plan is that the policy insures only your children. For more on Affinity Junior, click here. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Parenting Hub

When It Comes To Pain And Fever Care With Your Infant This Winter, Accurate Dosage Is Key

When caring for your infant’s health, accuracy is crucial. This is particularly true when it comes to administering medication for pain and fever relief. Parents want to be confident this Winter, that they are providing their little ones with the proper amount of medication, without the risk of under or over-dosing.1 That’s where the easy dosage control dropper that comes with Panado® Infant Drops2 can be a great help and convenience. The dropper that accompanies the Panado® Infant Drops is specially designed to make dosing easy and accurate. It’s marked with precise measurements that help parents to ensure that they are providing the correct amount of medication, based on the weight and age of their child. This is especially important when treating infants, as their bodies are much smaller and more delicate than those of older children and adults. The medication is specifically designed to be administered in small doses, making it easier to get the dosage just right. The dropper that comes with the medication is also designed to be easy to use and accurate, making sure that you can give your baby the correct amount of medication every time. Panado® provides trusted5 pain and fever relief, making this Winter so much easier to navigate. Other Panado® Products Suitable For Your Child   In addition to Panado® Infant Drops 20 ml, Panado’s range for children includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),3 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),4 and Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets. Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado® products from independent pharmacies and selected Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick ‘n Pay stores. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook.       2023050910278212 References: Kids Health. Medicines: Using Them Safely. Last accessed 27 March 2023. Available from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/medication-safety.html Panado® Infant Drops (Drops). Approved package insert, August 1990. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry. Approved package insert, March 2002. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Syrup. Approved package insert, April 2010. IRI Data for MAT August 2021.

Parenting Hub

Babies R Us Real Mama Club Annual Event Series is Back

Babies R Us is calling on all soon-to-be and new mamas to join them at the annual Mama Club events, being held nationally from July.  The event series in partnership with Parent Sense offers an opportunity to discover the secrets to successfully navigating the journey of parenthood. Mamas from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gauteng East Rand, Pretoria and KwaZulu Natal will have an opportunity to join the full day events which include important postpartum topics like, sex after birth, returning to work, the importance of pelvic health, reading your baby’s cues, introducing solids, mental health awareness, and relationships with your partner and family. “Parenting can be challenging especially during the fourth trimester and immediately after birth but the Babies R Us team of experts are ready to guide our mamas through their journey of mamahood with this hugely popular annual Real Mama Club event series,” says Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Babies R Us. “The event is particularly suited to mothers in their fourth trimester or who have recently given birth and we’re offering them an opportunity to meet new mama friends, share insights, get advice and enjoy a delicious lunch,” she adds. “What’s more, we have baby care on hand so mamas attending can be rest assured their little ones are taken care of by the Super Nannies.” Tickets are on sale via the website at a cost of R200 and the ticket includes: a goodie bag packed with baby essentials, an opportunity to engage with a panel of expert speakers on a wide variety of postpartum topics, baby care provided by Super Nannies.  There is also an opportunity to learn about products relevant to your baby from over twenty brands, including Tommee Tippee, Joie, Bounce, NUK and Bennets. Attendees also stand a chance of winning prizes from Pampers and Parentsense.  “We know parenting is hard, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The aim of these events is to remind parents that they’re not alone and we’re here to support them through the reality of parenting,” Jacoby explains. “Babies R Us is more than just a baby retail store, we offer free antenatal care, wellness checks for both pregnant mom and baby, a family wellness department and the best products at all phases of parenting, all curated by professionals, these events are an extension of that.” “We’re really looking forward to sharing this journey with our mama’s and parenting together,” she concludes. Event details: Cape Town, 7th July at The Forum, Embassy Hill Gauteng Midrand, 4th August at The Forum, The Campus Pretoria, 1st September at Monte de Dios Kwazulu Natal, 6th October at Talloula Gauteng East Rand, 3rd November at Birchwood To find out more visit the website or follow on Instagram.

Parenting Hub

FIVE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN HEALTHY DURING THE CHILLY SEASON

As the winter season approaches, Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, reminds parents and caregivers of the importance of maintaining their children’s health and well-being. Colds and flu are quite common among children, especially during winter. The colder weather and increased time spent indoors close to others can contribute to the spreading of respiratory infections. Children, particularly those in school or day-care settings, are more susceptible to these infections due to their developing immune systems and frequent exposure to other children. The close contact and sharing of objects among children provide ample opportunities for viruses to spread. Additionally, the influenza virus circulates more widely during the colder months, increasing flu cases during winter. “It’s important to note that with the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been changes in transmission patterns and public health measures that may impact the occurrence of respiratory illnesses in children,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “It’s always recommended to follow local health guidelines and take appropriate preventive measures.” As much as we’d love to protect our little superheroes from every sneaky cold and flu villain, they can still catch a case of the sniffles. However, there are ways we can help our children ward off troublesome winter illnesses. Read on for Affinity Health’s five essential tips to keep children healthy in winter. Encourage Proper Hand Hygiene Regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. You must encourage your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially before meals, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be an alternative. By instilling good hand hygiene habits, you can help reduce the risk of infections. Ensure Adequate Nutrition A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune system. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your children’s meals. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can bolster their immune response. Additionally, consider incorporating immune-boosting foods such as citrus fruits, berries, yoghurt, and green leafy vegetables into their diet. Promote Regular Physical Activity  Encourage your children to engage in regular physical activity, even during winter. Whether indoor activities like dancing, yoga, active games, or outdoor activities such as playing in the garden, jogging, or walking, keeping them active helps boost their immunity and overall well-being. Remember to dress your kids appropriately for the weather to ensure comfort and safety. Ensure Sufficient Sleep Adequate sleep is essential for children’s overall health and immune function. Establish and maintain a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring your children get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group. A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off infections and support their overall well-being.  Practice Respiratory Etiquette Teach your children proper respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. It would help if you encouraged them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Remind them to dispose of used tissues properly and wash their hands afterwards. By practising respiratory etiquette, you help reduce the transmission of germs and protect their health. Signs And Symptoms of Colds and Flu In Children While cold and flu symptoms can overlap, some distinguishing features can help differentiate between the two. Common Cold: Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Sore throat Mild headache Cough, usually dry and hacking Mild fatigue or tiredness Mild body aches Watery eyes Low-grade fever, if present, is generally mild Influenza (Flu):  Sudden onset of symptoms High fever (often above 38°C) Severe headache Fatigue and extreme tiredness Muscle or body aches, which can be severe Chills and shivering Dry, persistent cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose, although less common in flu than in colds Nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhoea more common in children than in adults Did You Know? On average, children can experience anywhere between 6 to 10 colds per year, especially during their first few years of life, while, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during typical flu seasons, flu illnesses can affect around 8% to 20% of children. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Parenting Hub

Choose Solo Play Dates for Your Kids

You might feel that setting up playdates for your kids is the right thing to do for their social development. However, you might also want to consider the benefits of solo playdates for your child. One of the biggest advantages of a solo playdate is that there is no overstaying your welcome. Your child can spend as much or as little time as they want, without feeling the pressure to keep up with others. This allows them to explore their own interests, and it can also help them develop a sense of independence and creativity. With solo playdates, Kids can engage in activities that they might not have time for during group play. This time can help boost their self-esteem and increase their ability to focus. Also, the days of cry ‘bye-bye’ from your little one, are behind you. When your child is playing alone, they don’t have to deal with the stress of saying goodbye to friends or dealing with separation anxiety.  Solo playdates can also help children develop problem-solving skills. When left to their own devices, they have to figure out how to entertain themselves and develop creative solutions to challenges they may encounter during play. This type of independent thinking can be valuable later in life. These playdates can also promote mindfulness and self-awareness. When children are alone with their thoughts and feelings, they can learn to recognise and regulate their emotions. This can help them build resilience and develop a strong sense of self. They can also learn to appreciate the value of quiet time and solitude, which is an important skill in today’s fast-paced world. Snack time and nap time are also easy to manage during solo playdates. When your child is ready for a break, they can take one without interrupting anyone else’s playtime. They can snack and rest as they please, without having to worry about sharing or being too loud. To make solo playdates most enjoyable for your child, you can provide them with a perfect companion like the Fisher-Price Puppy and Sis product. This toy is a great source of entertainment, with over 75 songs, sounds, and phrases that will keep your child engaged for hours. They can bring the toy along on their solo playdate, making it even more exciting and fun as they laugh and learn. Benefits: Level 1 Explore: Baby can press Puppy’s hands, foot, heart, nose or ear to hear first words, Colours, the alphabet, parts of the body and more Level 2 Encourage: In this level, fun phrases reward little ones as they’re encouraged to count along, find Colours, and identify parts of the body Level 3 Pretend: Puppy’s ready to play pretend with fun sing-along songs and phrases that engage toddlers in exciting and imaginative play, all while expanding their vocabulary Specifications: Dimensions: (H)33cm x (L)27.50cm x (W)15.50cm Weight: 0.62kg Suitable for children ages 6 months and older Warranty: 6 months What’s in the box 1 x Plush Puppy

Vital Baby

What to expect in the early days after the birth of your baby

First-time moms are often anxious about what to expect after bringing baby home for the first time. During those precious first few days you may experience a rollercoaster of emotions. There’s the pure joy of finally having baby in your arms, the excitement of what’s to come, the stress and anxiety over whether or not you’re doing everything correctly and of course the pure exhaustion that comes with sleepless nights.

Cartoon Network Africa

CRAIG OF THE CREEK – Never Stumped for Adventure

Life in the Creek is never dull – there’s always a new adventure to be had, new friends to be made or even just hanging out at the Stump. Craig, Kelsey and JP are never far from fun, trouble or a mix of the two. This month, they’ll find themselves marooned on an island full of tattle tales, chasing a Creek legend on a college campus tour and uncovering an ancient Creek Curse. Cow-Boy moseys into the Horse Girl Meadow and causes a ruckus, and Craig has to step in to save his brother Bernard when he joins in with the wrong bunch of Creek Kids. PREMIERE: Monday, 3 July @ 15:15 CAT TUNE IN: Mondays – Fridays @ 15:15 CAT Available on DStv Catch Up

Cartoonito

THE ADVENTURES OF BERNIE – Back to Zig

Get ready for a spinoff of the much-loved Zig & Sharko show with The Adventures of Bernie! After another failed attempt to help Zig eat Marina, Bernie is now lost at the bottom of the ocean! Our genius inventor relentlessly tries a series of crazy strategies to return to his island and reunite with Zig. But with his new clumsy and wacky neighbours, it certainly won’t be easy!! Catch the brand-new shorts in a special holiday block alongside episodes of Zig & Sharko. PREMIERE: Monday, 3 July @ 17:55 CAT TUNE IN: Mondays – Fridays @ 17:55 CAT Available on DStv Catch Up

Parenting Hub

Buying Second-Hand Baby Items – What you should and shouldn’t do

From strollers and cribs to clothes and diapers, the amount of stuff your little one requires can add up quickly. To cut costs, many parents-to-be scour the internet for used baby gear and welcome hand-me-downs.  According to a survey conducted by Everyday Health Group, 66 percent of new or expecting moms report having bought second-hand baby gear. This money-saving technique is especially common among Gen Z with 76 percent of Gen Z respondents saying they’ve purchased second-hand baby gear, compared to only 63 percent of Millennial and 55 percent of Gen X respondents. Buying used baby gear or accepting hand-me-downs from friends and family can save money — but not everything is safe to use twice. Experts in all things baby, Babies R Us provides some useful tips on what you can reuse or buy second-hand, and what you should buy new. According to Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Babies R Us, “It’s important to only choose safety approved and tested products. “The benefit of buying these sorts of products whether new or used is that you will know if the product is reliable, you can check if there have been any recalls, the product has been assessed for possible hazards, the materials used are safe and the risks are minimised.” Car safety seats: Experts say you should try to avoid buying or borrowing a used car seat. It is important that you are aware of the seat’s entire history. She suggests asking questions around accident damage, checking the number for any recalls and whether the seat comes with the original manual. “If you are considering a used car seat, look for the label that includes model name, number and manufacturing expiration dates. In South Africa it should have the standard specification SABS 1340 and bear the certification mark,” she adds. “Car seats expire, typically between 6 to 8 years so ensure you understand when the item was bought and check manufacturing details on the label.” Playpens and portable cots: Find out if it was made after 2013, the latest safety updates were issued in 2012. “If you purchase a second-hand one, consider purchasing a new mattress to ensure safety and make sure the mesh has no tears and holes are smaller than 0.5cm. Strollers and prams: If you’re buying second-hand check when the stroller or pram was made, if it was after 2015, they are ok to reuse. “Safety standards have changed since then to address stability, impact and shoulder strap safety,” Jacoby says. “Look for broken or missing parts, check that it is sturdy, and you should ensure it has an instruction manual.” Highchairs: Safety standards require a highchair to have a five-point harness to prevent climbing out and a fixed crotch post so the baby can’t slide out and avoid highchairs with removable trays or arms that lift over the baby’s head. Jacoby cautions that if a second-hand highchair does not have these in place, you should consider purchasing new. Are used cots safe? The short answer she says, is no. “It’s advised that you do not buy a used crib. New rules for how cribs are made were instituted in 2011 and essentially this means that most cots sold before that date are obsolete and technically unsafe. “Research suggests that drop-side cots have been found to be particularly dangerous so much so that in the United States they are no longer allowed to be sold,” she explains. “Rather buy a new crib that meets new safety standards and if you can’t afford one rather purchase a portable one which is more cost-effective.” Toys and other furniture: There’s nothing wrong with buying any additional furniture like rocking chairs or changing tables for your nursery second-hand. My advice Jacoby says is to check that the items don’t have any peeling paint, chips or missing parts. “When buying second-hand toys or accepting hand-me-downs, be sure to check if any items have been recalled due to defects or safety concerns,” she adds. “It’s important that you clean and sterilise all second-hand items before handing them to your child.” “All parents want the best for their children, if you’re ever unsure about an item it is worth discussing it with an expert who will guide you,” Jacoby says. “Our team of baby experts at Babies R Us are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and willing to assist you on your parenting journey.” “We are constantly finding ways to make infant products more affordable without compromising on quality or safety standards,” she adds. “It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for seasonal or sale specials which also assists in making these items a little lighter on the pocket.” For more information visit: www.babiesrus.co.za

Toptots Head Office

Calming strategies for a fussy baby

The transition from the womb to the world is a challenging one for your baby. Leaving the consistency and comfort of the womb for the ever-changing, highly-stimulating world can be a big adjustment.  By creating an environment that mimics the womb, one can make that adjustment much easier for your baby. These same principles can also be applied with your toddler/ child when they are sick, frustrated or over-whelmed.  Calming strategies to try: Swaddle your baby – this provides them with the calming deep pressure that they are used to in the womb and makes them feel safe and secure. It is important that when they are swaddled, their hands are placed in the middle of their chests and stick out of the blanket, so that they can use their hands to suck on for self-soothing. Wrap them tightly in a stretchy blanket. Make sure they are warm enough, but not hot – the womb environment provides nice neutral warmth, and this is the temperature one should try to mimic. (If you live in a very hot climate and use air-conditioners or fans, make sure the air doesn’t blow directly on your baby as this can be a very stimulating sensation on their skin).  Make use of white noise – many babies sleep better if they have some calming background noise, which also mimics the sound of the fluid in the womb e.g. white noise apps on a phone or tablet; the sound of a fan; natural sounds like the sound of the sea or of rain. Gentle rocking – In the womb, babies feel the slight movement of the fluid, and thus find very slow and gentle movements e.g. rocking, to be calming. Using a sling or a pouch can also be helpful in providing this type of sensory input.  Avoid strong smells – babies are calmed by comforting and familiar scents and their favourite smell is mom’s natural smell and the smell of milk. They are very sensitive to smell initially and can be over-stimulated by strong fragrances.  Keep decor neutral and minimal – babies and toddlers can be easily over-stimulated by too much visual input in the environment around them. Avoid having their eyes look directly at bright lights.  Baby massage – this provides deep touch input which is also calming and helps your baby to relax and promotes bonding. 

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Due soon? What to include in your hospital bag

With your due date fast approaching, this is a very exciting, yet stressful time for most moms to be. Here is a great list of what to pack for the big day! Ideally, you should have your bag ready to go by 36 to 37weeks, apart from the last minute grabs such as your tooth brush and phone charger. Please see our extensive list of the essential items and also items to make you feel more comfortable for mom and baby (and dad, of course!) Baby Car seat – Many hospitals won’t let you leave without one. Please make sure you know how to strap baby properly into the seat and the seat is secure in the car. Safety first! A going home outfit: It’s important to keep baby skin to skin (this means no clothes on baby; only a nappy) for as long as possible, as this promotes growth, bonding and a calming period for you and your baby. When it’s time to go home, pack different outfits in different sizes as you don’t know how big or small baby will be. Aim for an outfit in Newborn sizes, and 0-3 months. Don’t forget a beanie or socks if the weather is cold. Blankets or Muslin wrap to keep baby nice and cosy. Bottles – If you are going into the hospital knowing you are going to bottle feed, take your bottles with. The hospital usually supplies the formula, but if you have a preferred brand, take some along. If breastfeeding doesn’t work for you, don’t stress! The nurses will provide the bottles and formula. Nappies and wipes to keep baby clean and dry. The nurses in the hospital will show you how to change baby if you are a first time mom. Mom Your medical aid information, your pre authorization/ doctors forms, your ID card and all other important documents you may need. Keep this safely in a folder all together to avoid any stress. A robe or dressing gown – This is such a handy item to have to cover up and make you feel comfortable Pyjama’s that button down at the front – If you are breastfeeding it’s a lot easier to undo the buttons than lift your top continuously. Comfortable, soft and loose pants such as lights weight shorts, stretchy leggings or sleep pants are ideal. Maternity pads and disposable breast pads. Nursing bras are also wonderful and offers great support for breastfeeding moms. Slippers or slip in shoes. Your feet may be a little swollen after delivery, so don’t feel bad leaving the hospital in the snuggest and easiest pair of shoes you can slip into. Slipper socks also work great. Cotton underwear, preferably in a dark or black colour. One that fits you well but rises above the uterus. This is good for moms who have a caesarean section and natural birth as it offers support and doesn’t cause pain along the wound site. Nipple cream – If you’re planning on breastfeeding, your nipples will be happy you are being so proactive. Toiletries – You will want to brush your hair and have a shower after baby has arrived. Take your shampoo, face cream, lotion and body wash, as well as your toothbrush and toothpaste. Deodorant, lip balm and extra hair ties are also a great items to have on hand. Cell phone charger – Because your phone will be full of photos of your new addition to your family. Water bottle and snacks. Take a reusable water bottle as its very important to keep hydrated during and post-delivery. Snack on dried fruit and wine gums to keep your sugar up and to give you energy (with permission from your midwife or doctor of course) A magazine or book, your laptop or some music. Labour may sometimes become a little long. It’s good to keep busy. Most hospitals and birthing clinics supply towels, pillows and blankets. If you have a favourite, take yours along to the hospital. A set of clothes to go home in. Your make up bag and straightener or curling iron. While you won’t be focused on looking great during labour, you may want to take some photos after the birth of your little one. Get someone to help you and make you feel good about yourself (and the great work you’ve just done!) Dad/Birthing partner Camera – Take photos! Lots of them. This is a great job for dad to do during birth. It will make them feel a lot more involved. Snacks: Another great job for dad. Full his bag with plenty of snacks and treats that you can both enjoy during your stay. Comfortable clothes – As he may be sitting with you for quite some time, let him pack some tracksuit pants, t shirts, slippers and hoodies.  Extra underwear is also a winner if he is staying overnight. Chargers – For phones, laptops and cameras. The longer the wire, the better, as most plug outlets are likely to be far from you. Toiletries – He may want to freshen up during the course of your stay. Many private hospitals offer you a baby bag when you are admitted for delivery. This is a great item and will contain most, if not all baby’s toiletries such as soap and creams. If you forget something, it’s not the end of the world. The nurses may be able to help or someone can go to the shop for you. All baby ideally needs is a clean nappy, milk, and most importantly, you.

Parenting Hub

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

As we mark International Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Month, Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, raises awareness and understanding about this debilitating and complex disease. What is MS? MS is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It is estimated that over 6,000 people in South Africa are living with MS, and around 2.5 million worldwide. MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) that surrounds nerve fibres in the CNS. This can cause a range of symptoms, depending on which nerves are affected. The cause of MS is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Signs And Symptoms The signs and symptoms of MS can vary greatly from person to person, depending on which part of the CNS is affected. Some of the most common symptoms include: Fatigue: MS-related fatigue is often described as an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that does not improve with rest. It can be debilitating and affect daily life. Muscle weakness or spasticity: MS can cause muscle weakness, stiffness, or spasms, which can affect movement and coordination. Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision: MS can damage the nerves that control eye movement, leading to vision problems. Sensory symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in the limbs: MS can affect the way nerves transmit signals, leading to altered sensations such as numbness, tingling, or burning. Difficulty with coordination and balance: MS can affect the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and balance, leading to problems with walking or standing. Problems with speech or swallowing: MS can affect the nerves that control speech and swallowing, leading to slurred speech or difficulty swallowing. Cognitive difficulties, such as memory problems or difficulty with concentration and attention: MS can affect the parts of the brain responsible for cognition, leading to problems with memory, attention, and information processing. Treatment Options While there is currently no cure for MS, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. These include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. According to Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, “Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing MS. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms associated with MS, as early intervention can help prevent long-term disability and improve quality of life.” MS can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, and it is important to provide support and care for those living with the disease. This includes access to healthcare, rehabilitation services, and community support. “By increasing awareness, we can help reduce the stigma associated with MS and improve support for those living with the disease,” concludes Hewlett. About Affinity Health  Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Parenting Hub

Winter? No problem! Nilotiqa is here to protect your hair all season long

In South Africa, winter arrives in the blink of an eye. We’ve barely worn our in-between-weather clothing and already it’s time to dig out the parkas and puffer jackets. For many of us, winter is a joy: sipping hot chocolate in front of the fire, a lazy lie-in on the weekend and the sound of the rain… But for those of us with brittle, dry or damaged hair, this season can get tricky. When the colder temperature sets in, the humidity drops, which means that there is less moisture in the air. When this happens, the air draws moisture from anything it can – including your hair and skin! That’s why dry hair is one of the most common winter beauty concerns, and why we are more prone to breakage, frizz and split ends during the colder months. We’re always told that we need to adapt our skincare routines when we move from summer to winter. Lighter products get swapped out for richer, more nourishing formulations to combat the effect of the cold on our skin. Our hair is very much the same: when the cold weather sets in, hair needs extra moisture and nutrients to keep it soft, hydrated and healthy. Protect your hair from the elements and give it a moisture boost by following these winter hair care tips courtesy of Nilotiqa. Don’t over-shampoo Washing your hair regularly in summer is essential to rid your hair and scalp of sweat and bacteria. When the weather cools down, try to shampoo a little less frequently and change your regular shampoo for a gentler formula. When we shampoo our hair we also remove the natural oils produced by our scalps, and in winter, these are essential to keep our hair moisturised. Try: Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Moisturising Conditioner (R119.99). It is the perfect shampoo for winter as it replenishes lost moisture in dry and brittle hair. Active ingredients shea butter and coconut oil deeply nourish hair, while others gently cleanse and purify hair, removing build-up. Look after your scalp It’s not unusual for one’s skin to get dry during winter, and that goes for the scalp too! A dry scalp can become itchy and uncomfortable, and may even flake. Avoid this by moisturising your scalp frequently. Try: Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Scalp and Hair Oil (R99.99). This lightweight oil easily penetrates hair and skin to seal in the moisture and is packed with high amounts of vitamin E and C, leaving hair and scalp nourished and moisturised. Try leave-in conditioning products If you’ve never tried a leave-in conditioner, now is your time! It helps replenish moisture and combat the effects of hot styling aids and cold winds. Plus, it’ll leave your hair feeling soft, lustrous and moisturised. If you like a lighter texture, try Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Repairing Leave-In Conditioner (R99.99) which rehydrates hair and protects it from breaking. It has a creamy formula that softens the hair while restoring its moisture balance. If you prefer a buttery texture, try: Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Deep Moisture Butter (R100.00). It replenishes the hair’s moisture and is suitable for daily use. The formula contains shea butter and coconut oil to replenish moisture – it deeply nourishes while locking in moisture. Don’t skip your weekly hair mask Most of us need the extra moisture boost that a hair mask offers, and during winter, a weekly mask can make a big difference in repairing and protecting hair. Hair masks contain more concentrated ingredients than conditioners, which includes stronger moisturisers and hydrators that replenish and lock in moisture. Try: Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Intensive Repair & Strengthen Mask (R129.99). It helps to strengthen and repair hair, while preventing breakage and damage. This intensive treatment deeply penetrates hair follicles to condition strands with a protein-enriched formula. It is perfect for restoring damaged natural hair. Enriched with protein, it penetrates the hair follicles for an intensive hair treatment. Give curls some extra definition Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, so it’ll need plenty of additional moisture during winter. Because of the low humidity, curly girls may also find their hair more prone to frizz, with less definition and less manageability. We recommend applying a curl enhancing product like Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Curl Enhancing Activator (R99.99), which contains coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba and sunflower to enhance and define your curls, adding healthy shine too. Simply apply to damp hair and leave in. Prefer a richer formula? Try Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Moisturising Curling Cream (R130.00) which combines coconut oil, shea butter, pro-vitamin B5, grapeseed oil and sunflower oil to turn dry, brittle hair into luscious curls, free from frizz. Don’t let winter get the better of your hair this season – with these simple adjustments to your regime, you’ll have soft, healthy and moisturized hair all winter long. Shop Nilotiqa products at selected Clicks, Dis-Chem & Pick n Pay stores. Learn more at https://www.nilotiqa.com/ Facebook: @nilotiqa Instagram: @nilotiqa About Nilotiqa We offer a solution to allow black women to retain moisture that is necessary for healthy hair maintenance and healthy hair growth. Whether your hair is in protective styling, an au natural fro, or whether you’re transitioning, our goal is to help keep your hair as healthy as possible. Created by a Black Woman for Black Women to nurture, protect and care for their kinks and coils. A proudly South African brand where rich, nourishing and moisturizing ingredients are sourced from South Africa and Africa. We pride ourselves in sourcing only the best, natural, qualitative, nutritive ingredients from the African soil Our products are free from chemicals; parabens; sulphates; mineral oil; waxes; formaldehyde & petroleum. We are cruelty free.

Parenting Hub

Top Tips Travelling with Kids: Unlocking Big Adventures with Polly Pocket

It’s holiday season again and traveling with kids can be an exciting and memorable experience for the whole family. However, keeping little ones entertained and engaged during long journeys can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not, for we have the perfect solution that will spark their imagination and turn any trip into a grand adventure! Enter Polly Pocket, a small toy with big potential for fun and exploration. Now, here are a few game-changer for your travel adventures Pack Light and Smart: When traveling with kids, packing efficiently is key. Opt for compact and versatile items, and when it comes to toys which can fit into small spaces without compromising on entertainment value Polly will have you sorted. These portable playsets will keep your little ones occupied and allow you to maximize your luggage space. Engage in Imaginative Play: Encourage your child to unleash their creativity by immersing themselves in another world. Watch as they create stories and scenarios with dolls, accessories, and settings, igniting their imagination and providing hours of entertainment.  The Pocket World truly allows kids to become the directors of their own travel adventures. Enjoying Screen Time: Sometimes going on adventures is easier when there is a screen, so why not download episodes or clips from the animated series onto your phone or tablet? This way, they can embark on new adventures, adding another layer of excitement to their travel experience. Create a Travel Storybook: Encourage your child to document their travel adventures by creating a travel storybook as they go on real-world adventures with Polly. They can draw pictures, write captions, or even stick photos of the two of them in different real-life travel settings. This activity not only keeps them engaged but also serves as a wonderful keepsake of their journey. Keep Essentials Handy: Remember to pack essential items like wipes, tissues, and snacks alongside the toys. These little things can come in handy during travel, ensuring a smooth journey for both kids and parents. Plus, they can double as props in the imaginative play, adding an extra layer of fun to the adventures.

Trinity House

Why teach your children to be a team player?

A team player is constantly reliable day in and day out, not just some of the time. You can count on them to get the job done, meet deadlines, keep their word and provide consistent quality work.  Learning to work in a team is undoubtedly one of the most important skills that one can learn and has been identified as a crucial component of 21st century learning. As a result, many schools and curricula have placed a renewed emphasis on group-work and collaboration to equip students with these vital skills.  The elements of being a team player are varied and great in number. The trust factor is undeniably at the heart of all things related to teamwork. Having the faith to delegate tasks and allowing individuals the freedom to make decisions requires a great degree of trust. It boils down to putting your fate and that of the team’s in the hands of others.  Other vital components include commitment to the team-goal, selflessness and an ability to compromise. Ultimately, it is about putting the group ahead of yourself.  Consequently, it remains my firm belief that the sports field remains one of the most effective “classrooms” in terms of learning to be a team player. Having to cope with the teams expectations and being responsible for motivating your teammates while having to cope with your own inner doubts are daunting at the best of times. These demands are often magnified by the fact that the sporting contest often takes place in the public arena thereby increasing the fear of failure.  Unsurprisingly many of our strongest and most character building memories revolve around these sporting moments be they making the last-ditch tackle to stop a try, scoring the winning goal or consoling a teammate after their mistake cost the team. These moments often have an impact on our self-confidence and character long after the occasion has passed and often serve to inspire us to even greater things.  It is undeniable that being part of a team does leave one vulnerable as it takes the individual out of their comfort zone. This aspect makes teamwork both challenging and rewarding. To celebrate an achievement brought about by a united effort remains one of the greatest sensations and allows us a bonding experience with our fellow people that is irreplaceable.  It remains my firm belief that teamwork remains one of humanity’s greatest assets and its unlimited potential will undoubtedly be vital in overcoming our political, economic and social challenges that currently beset our world. By: Farone Eckstein, Principal of Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge

Parenting Hub

Are you struggling with a teething baby?

It’s 3 ‘o clock in the morning and your baby just won’t settle down.  She’s been crying non-stop for the last couple of hours and after checking that’s she’s dry, fed and not in any way uncomfortable, you still can’t figure out what’s wrong with her.  Surely it can’t be that she’s teething?  She’s still so tiny! But yes, it’s possible – teething can begin as early as three months and continue until a child’s third birthday. Between the ages of four and seven months, you’ll notice your baby’s first tooth pushing through the gum line. The first teeth to appear usually are the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. Four to eight weeks later the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors), appear and about a month later, the lower lateral incisors (the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth) will appear. In some rare cases, babies are born with one or two teeth or have a tooth emerge within the first few weeks of life. Unless these teeth interfere with feeding or are loose enough (as they sometimes are) to pose a choking risk, this should not be cause for concern. As your baby begins teething, she might drool more and you’ll notice that she wants to chew on things. Fortunately for mom, some babies find teething completely painless and their teeth seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere! However, others may experience brief periods of irritability, and some may seem cranky for weeks, with bouts of “unexplained” crying and disrupted sleeping and eating patterns. And you guessed it – that’s when you find yourself at 3 o’clock in the morning trying to calm a crying baby! For the most part, teething can be uncomfortable, but if your baby seems very irritable, talk to your doctor. Although tender and swollen gums could cause your baby’s temperature to be a little higher than normal, teething doesn’t usually cause high fever or diarrhoea. If your baby does develop a fever during the teething phase, it’s probably due to something else and you should contact your doctor. It has been said that teething symptoms are signs of physical stress which can lower your baby’s resistance to infectious agents that under normal circumstances would not produce illness. The same germs that live in a baby’s intestines and cause no ill effects, at other times could produce ear-aches, congestion, or other low-grade infections when your baby is teething. As parents look more towards natural healing, we have found Baltic Amber, which is a fossilised resin, can provide relief.  There are many gum soothing medications and remedies on the market and you should consult your pharmacist, local clinic or paediatrician to find a solution that best suits your baby’s needs. Stages of teething : 6 to 7 months – Incisors (situated 2 central bottom  & 2 central top teeth) 7 to 9 months- Two more incisors (situated top & bottom; making four top & four bottom teeth in all) 10 to 14 months – First molars (double teeth for chewing) 15 to 18 months – Canines (pointed teeth or fangs) 2 to 3 years – Second molars (second set of double teeth at the back)

FYI Play it Safe

WHY YOUR TEEN NEEDS PRIVACY

As parents we feel a certain pride when our teens stake out their rights to more and more autonomy.  After all, it’s a natural and necessary evolution from childhood to adulthood, a signifier that our ‘child is alright’ and that we are doing a ‘good enough’ job at parenting.  However, as our teens carve out more independence for themselves in a world complicated by a vast digital realm that holds both known and unknown dangers, many parents are feeling compelled to put safety first in ways that can compromise their child’s privacy. Why is privacy so important to teens? Adolescence, the transition from childhood to adulthood, is marked by developing independence and identity.  Lekha Daya, a Counselling Psychologist and Senior Psychologist for the Panda app, a provider of free and low-cost mental healthcare in South Africa, says, “Teens are looking to the future and exploring the possibilities of the adult they will become. Some space from parents and their family, as they take charge of their own narrative for the first time and look outwards to fitting into society at large, is to be expected.  The freedom to explore and experiment with different facets of identity goes hand-in-hand with a need for greater privacy as they navigate their unique sense of independence of thought and behaviour.” Many parents innately recognise and understand this important psycho-social development stage and they have no difficulties in respecting their teens’ need for privacy and clearer boundaries.  However, the challenge of keeping teens safe online is presenting a conundrum for many parents, especially those who are actively cultivating trust-based relationships with their increasingly independent children. Mother and tech innovator, Rachelle Best, the founder of AI-based app FYI play it safe, says, “As a parent of a 15 year old daughter, it was unacceptable for me to be scrolling through her online chats.  This type of device checking is too invasive, and it erodes trust and happiness in the parent-child relationship.  That was my inspiration for the development of a non-invasive monitoring tool that balances the need to protect my daughter while still respecting her right to privacy.” Trusting your teen makes an impact on their development Affording your child privacy is an act of both love and trust which promotes their healthy development.  Daya says, “Trusting your teen means you trust them to make good decisions, behave appropriately, and decide what information they need or want to share with you and others. Trust goes both ways. Your child needs to trust that you respect their right to have privacy and a say in decisions about their life. When you and your child have mutual trust, you’ll have better communication. Your child will also be more likely to come to you when they need help. Teens’ development can be positively influenced by a trusting relationship with parents and caregivers as it encourages a growth mindset and builds confidence in their own abilities and sense of responsibility.” A question that parents might ask themselves is: How much privacy is appropriate?  Daya suggests a ‘need to know’ yardstick.  She explains, “There are some things you need to know, such as where your child is going to be on Saturday night, how they’re getting there and back, and whether there’ll be alcohol or adult supervision. But there are other things that can be private between your child and their friends – for example, what they talked about at a party, or who they danced with.” Practical ways to respect your child’s privacy include: Knocking before going into their room Giving them space to talk with their friends Asking before looking in or getting things out of their school bag Daya says, “It can also help to discuss privacy with your child, set some ground rules and work out some boundaries. These can be changed as your child gets older. You might also want to talk about situations where you’d need to cross the agreed boundaries. For example, this could be when you’re really worried that something isn’t right with your child.” Child’s privacy no-no’s include: Listening to their telephone conversations Looking at things in their room or in their drawers  Reading their diary or checking their email account ‘Friending’ them or communicating with them on social media if they don’t want you to Calling them to check on them all the time Balancing privacy and online safety Best recommends a high-quality level of communication with your teen around online safety is      the best starting point in protecting them.  The conversation about online safety needs to be ongoing, as the digital landscape is ever-changing.  Parents have to keep up and be well-educated about risks, trends, digital spaces available to their child and content that they could access.  A lack of this knowledge will inevitably lead to anxiety and fears of the unknown and acting in unhelpful ways that your teen may resist, which will in turn erode goodwill in your relationship.  The FYI play it safe app continuously stays updated with the ongoing changes and risks, so parents don’t have to know everything all the time. To keep your children safer online, FYI play it safe recommends: Understanding age restrictions on the applications your child uses to give an indication of the type of content that they may encounter.  Going through the Ts and Cs of the apps – the apps may seem innocent at first, but you also have to ensure you agree with what the apps are allowed to do with your child’s data and pictures.  Activating full privacy settings – this include deactivating location settings, making sure that accounts are always set to “private” instead of public accounts and that strangers are not able to sent them direct messages. Setting up agreed screen time parameters for the family – this could be part of a digital contract between parents and their teens. Making use of parental controls and content filtering. This is a good way to filter content to ensure they don’t encounter anything that is not appropriate for their age.      Modelling good digital habits Talking about online safety continuously     Add a layer of protection through non-invasive device monitoring  Drawing

Parenting Hub

WHY ARE TOYS AND PLAY IMPORTANT?

Many parents fear that giving toys to their children is spoiling them but it has been proven many times that play contributes directly to a child’s education and development. The important thing is to give them the right toys that stimulate and prolong play and learning. If children are to discover what they are good at, what they like, and what they are like, then they will need variety in their play, and a broad assortment of toys to make it possible. Fun Fact #1: In one study the availability of toys in infancy was related to the child’s IQ at 3 years of age Fine Motor Skills / Hand Eye Coordination: Lacing Beading Puzzles Arts and crafts Large Motor Skills (fitness & balance) Pool toys Balls/outside games Gardening sets Baking sets Language Skills: Talking toys Sound puzzles Matching words and object games Books, activity books Fun Fact #2: A review of more than 40 studies concludes that play enhances early development by at least 33% Cognitive Skills  (thinking through problems): Sorting, sequencing, counting , memory, puzzling games Bead mazes Stacking toys Puzzles Construction sets Imagination Skills (pretend play) Dress up Finger puppets Props (kitchens, trolleys, dolls) Artistic Skills (arts and crafts) Drawing Painting Sand art Art and craft activities Emotional Skills Group play Stickers Dolls Dress up sets Books Auditory Skills: Musical instruments Sound enhanced puzzles Listening games Co-operative games Fun Fact #3: Children play longer and learn more when a wide variety of toys are available

Parenting Hub

4 Ways Meta’s Family Center helps protect children and teens online

The Internet and social media platforms have evolved into spaces everyone can participate in. More and more young people are coming online to connect with their family and friends over things that matter to them. It’s important for parents to have open and honest dialogues with their teens about online safety, empowering themselves to stay safe online using free tools and resources available. Meta works with experts in mental health, child psychology, digital literacy and more, to build features and tools so people can connect online safely and responsibly. In addition to offering a wide range of online safety and privacy tools across its platforms, Meta’s newly launched Family Center in South Africa, is an online portal that gives power to parents and provides them with the means to safeguard their children and teens. Available across Meta technologies such as Instagram,  the Family Center offers tools and resources to manage digital experiences across digital ecosystems. Here are four ways Meta’s Family Center and platforms enable parents to support their children online. 1. Supervision tools By linking Meta accounts, parents can unlock a wide range of supervision tools that let them actively participate in their child’s digital activity. And, while teenagers don’t always think it’s cool that parents are on the app too, having an online presence can be very beneficial. Using Family Center on Instagram, parents can monitor who their teens are following and who follows them, as well as how much they spend on the platform every day. They can also set daily time limits to manage the time spent scrolling. 2. Education Hub Not every parent knows how to approach the topic of online safety, or how to enforce it. That’s why Family Center’s Education Hub is an invaluable resource, providing parents with tips, insight, and comprehensive articles that help them and their families navigate online spaces. Education Hub features expert input from leading parental organisations that specialise in media literacy, safety and communication, privacy, and overall digital well-being. 3. Healthy habits South Africans are hooked on social media platforms, spending an average of three hours and 44 minutes online each day – more than the global average. Spending so much time online can result in us developing habits, which is why it’s vital that young people develop healthy ones. For teens on Instagram, the ‘Take a Break’ feature allows them to make informed decisions and take control of how much time they spend on the app. If a user has spent a certain amount of time scrolling, Instagram will ask them if they want to take a break and suggest setting reminders to take more breaks in the future. In January Meta also introduced Quiet Mode on Instagram, a new feature to help people focus and to encourage them to set boundaries with their friends and followers. For example, when you turn on Quiet Mode, you won’t receive any notifications, your profile’s activity status will change to let people know you’re in Quiet Mode, and Meta will automatically send an auto-reply when someone sends you a DM. Meta is making Quiet Mode available to everyone on Instagram globally in the coming weeks. 4. Privacy by default A big part of being in online spaces is the level of privacy those spaces provide. As such, there should always be privacy safeguards in place that determine what information other users can and cannot see. For instance, Facebook users under the age of 16 are defaulted to certain privacy settings. This includes who can see their friends list, the people and Pages they follow, posts that they’re tagged in, and who can comment on their public posts. These are just some of the ways that platforms like Facebook and Instagram work to maintain online safety and privacy. “It’s only by taking a holistic approach, by offering comprehensive resources and effective methods to set and monitor boundaries, that we can make a real difference in young people’s lives. We want to help them connect and foster relationships in a safe and secure environment,” said Sylvia Musalagani, Safety Policy Manager for Africa, Middle East and Turkey at Meta.

Good Night Baby

NIGHT TERRORS

Most parents will be woken at least once in their child’s life, to their little one screaming and crying from having a bad dream. Nightmares are especially prevalent in children who are between two and three years of age, as their imagination runs wild. Children want to be comforted during this time and even though it might take them a bit of time to let go of the scary thoughts and fall back asleep they will be comforted by the presence of a parent.

Dr Tamara Jaye

COULD THIS BE ADHD?

With home-schooling becoming the new norm, many parents are now faced with seeing their children in a different role as a student, and they have been forced into becoming the, often ill-equipped, teacher. Some parents are finding this incredibly difficult, and especially those whose children are not getting on with the schoolwork with as much ease as they’d expect.

Parenting Hub

Why tummy time is so important for your baby

As a new parent, you have more than likely been told by your doctor that baby needs to always be on his/her back when being put down to sleep or take a nap.  However, it is just as important that baby does spend time on his/her tummy during the day whilst awake and during periods of time where mom or dad can supervise. Babies now spend much of their days on their back on relatively hard surfaces – at night, in a crib or bassinet, or in a bed; during the day, in a pack and play, car-seat and stroller. All of this time on their backs can lead to a flattening of the back of the head. It also leads to weaker neck muscles, as the baby never has a chance to exercise their neck lying on their back. Because of this, baby experts and health professionals now call for a prescribed amount of tummy time for baby each day, allowing baby to strengthen their neck and take the pressure off the back of their head for a while. Since your baby will be spending so much time laying on his/her back, tummy time will help to strengthen their little neck muscles which will ultimately assist in achieving other physical milestones. So what is tummy time, we hear you ask? “Tummy time is when your infant lays on his (or) her stomach while supervised,” says Wendy Wallace, DO, a paediatrician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network. Tummy time includes a variety of activities, positions, and routines to keep your infant spending a significant amount of time on his/her tummy. Whether or not they enjoy it, and it seems most don’t at first, your baby needs this time to practice lifting their head, then pushing up from the ground. Experts say that they have found that babies who don’t spend time on their tummy’s can experience certain development difficulties with their motor skills. Facing down is an unfamiliar position for baby and so it’s natural for baby to feel uncomfortable and perhaps even abandoned.  And this is where ‘Baby Wearing” is proving to be more beneficial for baby.  “Baby wearing” doubles as tummy time, and if you’re wearing baby for an hour, or a number of hours, each day, they receive much more exercise for their little neck and back than they would have during the prescribed amount of tummy time.   The added benefit is that because baby is being kept of his/her back, there is less chance of developing a flat head. When a baby is in a sling, especially once they are in an upright position, which is possible from birth and ideal from four or six months and up, their core muscles are constantly engaged as their parent moves and goes about their day. Though baby’s body is well-supported, safe and secure in the carrier, small shifts in their parent’s body position cause them to shift as well, in turn strengthening their muscles. They also lift their heads to see or to turn their head, which strengthens their neck in the same way tummy time would.

Parenting Hub

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S TEMPERAMENT

Temperament is defined as an individual’s behavioural style and characteristic way of responding. Therefore, it is how the child, adolescent or adult usually acts and consists of a variety of traits. Parents all over the world will have noticed that, if they have several children, each child is “different”. The differences are usually attributed to the child’s temperament (which some people also refer to as their “personality”). Researchers have paid particular attention to babies where they have noticed that some infants are born with certain characteristics, for instance, some babies are more active and constantly move their little bodies, whilst others are tranquil and yet others explore their environment at great length. In addition, some babies respond warmly to people whilst others fret and fuss. In essence, the suggestion is that individuals are born with a certain temperament which stays relatively the same throughout their lives. Psychiatrists, Stella Thomas and Alexander Chess, believe that there are three basic clusters of temperament namely “easy”, “difficult” and “slow to warm up”. An “easy” baby is generally in a positive mood, establishes regular routines and adapts easily to new experiences. A “difficult” baby has a predisposition to react negatively and cries frequently. Routines that are supposed to be consistent are irregular and the “difficult” baby usually accepts new experiences gradually. A “slow-to-warm up” baby has a low activity level and can be somewhat negative. Low intensity of mood is also common and their ability to adapt is lowered. Various dimensions make up these three basic clusters of temperament namely: Activity level (the degree of energy and/or movement for example, the difference between a child who is constantly on the go, fidgets and squirms in comparison to the child who is able to sit for long periods of time without complaining). Approach or Withdrawal (how new people are approached and situations are managed for example, whether a child is eager to try new things and make new friends or is there a tendency for the child to be cautions and taking their time to warm up to new people). Adaptability to change (the ease to which the child tolerates changes to routines, in other words is the child flexible with the ability to “go with the flow” and is not bothered by changes to his/her routines in comparison to the child who thrives on routine and who would be likely to get distressed when there are changes to his/her routines). Predominant quality of mood (the degree to which the child’s moods and general disposition are either positive or negative, namely are they optimists or pessimists. The child with the positive mood is likely to laugh and smile more readily and easily than the child with the negative mood who is more is likely to cry, whine and complain). Distractibility/Attention Span/Persistence (the degree to which a child can be distracted, for example, is the child easily distracted by many things in his/her environment or is the child able to focus. Persistence implies whether a child perseveres with a task or has a tendency to give up easily). Rhythmicity (the regularity of eating, sleeping etc., therefore does the child have a biological rhythm that is regular and predictable or not). Sensitivity to stimuli (the degree to which a child is sensitive or not. For example is the child sensitive to noise, bright lights, clothing labels and so forth or is he/she able to easily ignore external stimuli). Intensity (the degree to which mood is expressed when happy, unhappy etc. Some children display their emotions without hesitation in other words everybody will know that the child is sad or happy and they will have no difficulty crying in-front of the whole class whilst other children are thoughtful and mild and tend to keep their feelings “inside”). Thomas and Chess further believe that temperament is a stable characteristic of newborns that comes to be shaped and modified by the child’s later experiences in later life. Why is important to take cognisance of children’s temperament? When you take your child to a child psychologist they will probably ask you ‘how your child is like’, in other words what their temperament is. This has a variety of implications for play therapy and parental guidance. The child psychologist will usually work with what suits the individual child and help him or her with the coping resources which will be the most effective for his/her temperament. The child psychologist also works with the parents’ temperament in order to facilitate discipline difficulties etc. Thus, a child who for example falls in the category of expressing their emotions intensely like crying hysterically over something perceived to be relatively small will have different needs to the child who is anxious when meeting new people. How parents and other caregivers react to the aforementioned scenarios will also have implications for the child. In addition, being cognisant of a child’s temperament is also very important when they have to undergo an educational or developmental assessment by a psychologist. Children for example, who are naturally busy (the level of activity) and are very curious (distractibility/attention span) are sometimes diagnosed as having a disorder such as ADD/ADHD when in fact those characteristics are merely part of their temperament. If parents are aware of their child’s temperament they can provide activities that work with their child’s temperament which they will enjoy. A child can also be disciplined in ways that “fit” his/her nature. It is also important for teachers and other caregivers to understand a child’s temperament so that their learning is facilitated by what suits them. Temperament affects all aspects of a child’s life such as how they learn, how they play and how they interact with others and should never be overlooked.

Parenting Hub

POTTY TRAINING: WHERE TO START

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, reminds parents potty training requires patience, persistence, and a positive attitude. Establishing a routine is essential, such as offering praise and encouragement and remembering that accidents will happen. Taking a calm and consistent approach can help your child successfully transition out of nappies and onto the potty. “Embarking on potty training is a significant milestone for parents and children. It signals a new stage in a child’s development and can be an enjoyable (although occasionally messy) journey. However, with a plethora of information on the subject, it can be daunting to know where to begin,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Affinity Health explores some fun and informative tips for potty training. Timing Is Key The ideal time to start potty training is between 12 and 18 months. Most children are ready to start learning about the potty at this age, and their bladder and bowel control is developing. “Pay attention to your child’s cues and not force them into potty training before they are ready. By waiting until your child is developmentally ready, you can set them up for a more successful and stress-free potty-training experience,” adds Hewlett. Get The Right Equipment A child-sized potty chair, step stool, flushable wipes, and training pants are all essential for potty training. Let your child pick out their potty chair to make it more fun and exciting. Read Potty Training Books  Many great children’s books are available to help prepare your child for potty training. Read books about going to the potty and talk to your child about what they see and hear. Encourage And Praise When your child successfully uses the potty, be sure to give lots of praise and encouragement. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your child feel confident and motivated. Be Patient Potty training can be frustrating and messy, so it’s essential to be patient and understanding with your child. Accidents will happen, and it’s crucial not to get upset or angry when they do. Set A Routine Establishing a routine can help your child get into the habit of using the potty. Try having them sit on the potty regularly, such as after meals or before naps. Use Rewards Rewards can be a great way to motivate your child to use the potty. Try using a sticker chart or offering small rewards, such as a special treat or extra playtime. Overcoming Common Potty-Training Challenges Potty training can be a challenging time for both parents and children alike. Here are some common challenges parents may face during the potty-training process: Resistance: Some children may resist using the potty because they are comfortable with their current routine or are afraid of the potty. Accidents: Accidents are common during potty training and can be frustrating for parents and children alike. It’s important to stay calm and not get upset or angry when accidents happen. Regression: Sometimes, children who have been successfully potty trained may experience regression and start having accidents again. This can be frustrating for parents and may require retraining. Fear: Some children may fear the sound of the toilet flushing or the sensation of falling into the toilet. This fear can make it difficult for them to use the potty. Inconsistency: If parents are not consistent with their approach to potty training, it can confuse the child and make the process longer and more challenging. Night-time training: Night-time training can be more difficult than daytime training, as children may not be able to hold their bladder for extended periods while they sleep. Outside of home: Potty training can be more challenging outside of the home, as children may be hesitant to use unfamiliar bathrooms or public restrooms. In conclusion, potty training can be a fun and exciting adventure for both children and parents. By following these tips and taking a patient and positive approach, you can help your child achieve this important milestone and set them on the path to success. So, grab a potty chair and let’s get started! About Affinity Junior At Affinity Health, we know that the growth and development of your child is of utmost importance. With Affinity Junior, you can get Day-to-Day and Hospital cover for your children. Affinity Junior provides affordable healthcare for your children – keeping the most important people in your life healthy and happy! Affinity Junior will provide your children with unlimited, managed doctor consultations, medication, and hospitalisation, depending on the chosen plan. The unique feature of the Affinity Junior plan is that the policy insures only your children. For more on Affinity Junior, click here.   About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Kumon

DO CHILDREN STILL NEED STRONG MENTAL AGILITY WHEN THEY CAN RELY ON TECHNOLOGY?

With calculators, spell-checkers and predictive text now being a common feature on computers and mobile phones, will today’s children still need strong mental skills to get by? Using technological software may be quick and easy, but there are real disadvantages that come when a child is so dependent on online assistance; namely, they will lack mental agility, fluency and accuracy, and they probably won’t be using their brain to its full capacity. Everyday tasks as simple as checking they’ve received the right change, or working out ratios of ingredients when preparing meals, require mental calculations which a child reliant on technology could struggle with. A student who looks to spell-checker to ensure the accuracy of their work will struggle when completing it offline; they’ll be marked down for inaccuracy during handwritten exams, or perhaps they know an answer but their poor spelling lets them down because the examiner is unable to understand their intention. Looking to the future, strong mental arithmetic and literacy skills are important in whatever career a child chooses to pursue, and are still noticed and sought after by most employers. A child who has these abilities will feel more confident and at ease in the workplace. In addition to all of the above, reading and writing, and solving mathematical calculations exercises the brain and keeps it healthy.  The brain is a muscle, and like the other muscles in the body, it needs to be exercised and stimulated regularly to stay healthy and keep functioning at its optimum.   Dr Ryuta Kawashima is a professor at Tohoku University in Japan and he is a leader in the field of Brain Imaging in Japan.  He has conducted numerous experiments and research to discover what activities activate and stimulate the brain and what activities don’t. One activity that Dr Kawashima discovered that is excellent for stimulating the brain is performing mathematical calculations regularly, even simple ones.  He conducted research to find out which activity exercised the brain more:  playing very complex video games, or solving mathematical calculations of adding one digit numbers to each other e.g. 1 + 2 + 5 + 3 + 6 etc.  Although at the outset he was sure that the video games would activate the brain more, when he measured activity using MRI scans, he saw that video games actually stimulated the brain very little, but that the arithmetical calculations had the brain firing on all cylinders.   This surprising finding urged Dr Kawashima into further research and he has shown that mathematical calculations stimulate the brain, help to lay down neural pathways and keep the brain from degenerating.  Dr Kawashima has this to say, “The prefrontal cortex, the area for thinking and learning, of both hemispheres [of the brain] is active during simple calculation.  Dealing with numbers is an important and sophisticated activity for human beings. … From primary school to college, simple calculation triggers brain activity. … Calculation is extremely helpful in training and developing your brain.” (p.34).   Another activity that is vital for the brain is reading, especially reading out loud.  Through his research, Dr Kawashima has found that when reading, many parts of both sides of the brain, as well as the prefrontal cortex (the most important place in the brain for thinking and learning) are activated. (p.26). Reading out loud activates the brain even more than reading silently.  This can be a useful tip when it comes to studying.  Reading work out loud can help a learner to remember it better.  Mental agility skills do take time to develop and improve but through practice they will make all the difference! How can you encourage the development of these skills in your child? Turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities – when shopping, ask your child to work out how much your bill will cost before you get to the checkout, and have them look at the receipt afterwards to check it’s correct. Have a weekly spelling bee at home or a times tables challenge – competitions and rewards are good incentives to encourage children to learn and make learning fun. When reading with your child, ensure they are familiar with all the words on the page and get them to write and spell out new words. Encourage your child to write regularly as this offers opportunities to spell. Through this, you’ll be able to see spellings they struggle with, and employ tracing, mnemonics and/or other strategies to help them improve. At Kumon, we aim to foster independent learners through our maths and English programmes. Our students do not rely on calculators, dictionaries or coping strategies to advance through their study; instead they are encouraged to become self-learners who develop in academic ability and skill with each worksheet they complete. Through daily practice our students develop in understanding, fluency and pace, allowing them to advance to more complexed work. If you’re interested in enrolling your child to Kumon, visit our website www.kumon.co.za to find your nearest study centre and contact your local Instructor for more information. Sources for this article: https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/do-children-still-need-strong-mental-agility-when-then-can-rely-on-technology/  Kawashima, R. 2003. Train Your Brain. Kumon Publishing Co, Ltd. Tokyo, Japan Kawashima, R. and Koizumi, H. ed. 2003.  Learning Therapy.  Tohoku University Press. Sendai, Japan

Future Nation Schools

Solving SA’s literacy crisis with a unique approach to teaching and learning

Literacy rates in South Africa are going backwards. That is the finding of the 2023 Reading Panel background report, written by education economist Nic Spaull on behalf of a panel of specialists convened by former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. The report, published earlier this month, reveals that a shocking 82% of grade 4 children cannot read for meaning. This is a deeply troubling statistic.  Without the ability to decipher the meaning behind the words they read on a page, learners battle to answer questions related to what they have read and, in time, this affects their ability to follow instructions, solve problems and think critically.  “The root cause of this crisis,” says Sizwe Nxasana, founder of Future Nation Schools “lies in the problem with South Africa’s language policy, particularly the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in schools. This, like so many things in our culturally rich country, is a complex issue.” According to South Africa’s CAPS curriculum, the purpose of ‘English Home Language’ as a subject is to “acquire the language skills required for academic learning across the curriculum”, with the parallel purpose for English First Additional Language to “use their Additional Language for academic learning across the curriculum.”  Yet take a closer look at our country’s demographics and you will quickly see where the problem lies. Demographically, 80% of teachers and learners do not use English as their home or native language yet we expect teachers to teach our children English – not just for pronunciation, but for meaning. This, the first key contributing factor to the low levels of English proficiency amongst learners, has a significant impact on the quality of learning and teaching in our country.  The second, and equally important, factor is dictated by our country’s Language in Education Policy, which requires that learners’ mother tongue is maintained, developed and used as the LoLT for the first three years of primary school (known as the Foundation Phase). Thereafter, the policy recommends that the LoLT be English. This sudden change presents enormous challenges especially in Grade 4 as teachers and learners must now negotiate the transition from an indigenous language like isiZulu as their first language to English.  “Research shows that children who are introduced to learning and teaching in their mother tongue develop a firmer grasp of the concepts they are being taught than those who do not. Thus,” explains Nxasana, “the premature and inconsistent change to English as a LoLT from Grade 4, at a stage when learners are not proficient in English, results in many schools with predominantly native language speakers code-switching between English and the predominant indigenous language in that school. This results in low levels of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English and any other indigenous language which is used as LoLT.” So how do we overcome this barrier? One way, says Nxasana, is to teach differently. And not just language, but all subjects.  While this might sound like a lofty idea, at Future Nation Schools, Nxasana and his teachers are putting this into action by use Project-Based Learning (PBL) as the schools’ tool for teaching the CAPS curriculum.  Put simply, “PBL is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. By bringing prior knowledge and the indigenous context, working on a project over an extended period of time and across multiple disciplines and subjects, learners actively engage with the topic in a very real, very tangible way to develop deep content knowledge about the topic of their project as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication skills,” Nxasana discloses.  “From a language literacy development perspective, there are a myriad of skills that learners improve when they connect with concepts through PBL. Each project starts with a driving question – right now grade 3s at Future Nation Schools, for example, are working on the question: ‘Why are dinosaurs extinct?’ – learners are tasked with solving this driving question through research, interviews and a variety of other forms of investigation – all of which involves critical reading and careful listening. This approach turns them from passive participants in the curriculum to active inquirers.” PBL ‘works out’ learners’ literacy skills. Because PBL encourages learners to self-discover, self-explore and investigate concepts independently, their interaction with these concepts is not restricted to one language of instruction. Instead learners are able to use the languages they are most comfortable with. What this means is that a learner’s home language acts as a support to English. And thus, as learners switch codes throughout their interaction with the driving question, it deepens concepts’ meaning and enables better understanding of language. Towards the end of a project’s duration, learners must also take their new-found knowledge and use it to support their claims via a public presentation that answers the driving question. These presentations expose learners to the opposing views of their peers, thus enabling them to critique and evaluate different lines of thinking to the same question. In so doing, PBL enhances learners’ vocabulary, increases their reading fluency, develops their comprehension skills and also helps them to think critically and learn to make deductions. All of which are extremely key to the learning of a language and the understanding of the meaning of written text.  Reading is the cornerstone of education. Developing literacy at an early age is key to ensuring learners’ success in life. “PBL turns learners into active participants in their own education. These leaners are able to retain the content longer and have a deeper understanding of it – regardless of the content, whether math, language, or indeed a subject like history, biology or geography – thus taking the benefits of PBL far beyond the classroom walls,” concludes Nxasana.

The Speech Bubble Co

All You Need to Know About Speech Therapists

Speech therapists, speech and language therapists and speech pathologists all refer to the same scope of practice. In South Africa, we study a 4 year Bachelor of Science degree at university followed by 1 year of community service at a government hospital or health care facility. It is a requirement that we register with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Thereafter, we can work in the public or private sector.

Parenting Hub

What to expect from your skin during pregnancy

It’s no secret that a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. These changes also affect the skin. The hormonal changes a woman goes through during the various stages of pregnancy may disrupt the skin’s delicate balance, resulting in anything from dehydration, to breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Your pre-pregnancy skincare routine will likely not suffice for the new challenges brought on by pregnancy, plus, if you use products containing active ingredients, you may need to reconsider your regime as the ingredients may not be safe for baby. For most women, pregnancy brings on a radiant glow, especially during the first trimester. This is due to an increase in blood flow, fluctuating hormone levels and increased oil production. However, this glow sadly doesn’t always last, and as a woman’s pregnancy journey evolves, she may begin to experience less desirable skincare changes. Some of the most common skin concerns women experience during pregnancy are: Acne Acne is extremely common among pregnant women, especially among those who have a history of acne or those who experience hormonal acne linked to their menstrual cycle. The change in hormones and increased oil production that is responsible for that pregnancy glow may lead to clogged pores and an increase in breakouts. This may range from occasional breakouts, to severe acne. Hyperpigmentation Have you ever heard of the “pregnancy mask”? Also known as melasma, it refers to a condition in which women develop dark marks on their skin during pregnancy. For some women it may be small freckle-like spots, and for others it may be larger, blotchy patches. Melasma is often symmetrical and occurs most commonly on the nose and cheeks (thus where the term “mask of pregnancy” comes from) but may also appear on the upper lip and forehead. Anyone can develop melasma, but it is particularly common among women with darker skins. Melasma occurs when a steep rise in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone stimulates excess melanin production in the body. It usually develops during the second and third trimesters when these hormones are found in higher levels in the body. Melasma may be intensified by sun exposure and one of the most important things you can do to avoid this is to protect your skin against the sun’s rays by applying a broad spectrum SPF product every day. The good news is that melasma is usually temporary and will fade after pregnancy. Skin sensitivity Skin sensitivity is extremely common during pregnancy, largely due to increased hormone levels. Some women may also experience flare-ups of conditions like eczema or dermatitis. It’s important to avoid skincare ingredients that are harsh or drying, and to opt for soothing products free from fragrances and colourants. Dryness and dehydration Hormone changes may cause skin to lose elasticity and moisture, which is why dry skin is a common concern during pregnancy. Replenish moisture by drinking plenty of water and by applying moisturising products containing hydrating and moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Ingredients to avoid: Some ingredients used in certain skincare products may be harmful to your baby, so it’s important to reconsider your skincare regime as soon as you find out you’re pregnant (or if you’re trying to conceive). Avoid products with high caffeine content, retinol (vitamin A) and salicylic acid, especially during the first trimester. It’s important to avoid any prescription skincare products during pregnancy as these may be harmful to your baby. Professional treatments like Botulinum Toxin injections, filler, laser and  certain chemical peels are also not recommended during pregnancy, however, there are plenty of pregnancy-safe facials available. Speak to your doctor or healthcare professional if you’re uncertain as to which products are safe. Ingredients you may use: Hyaluronic acid is considered the best ingredient for dry and dehydrated skins and it is safe to apply during pregnancy. Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, coconut oil etc are also safe. UVB ray blockers like zinc and titanium are safe and are a must to help prevent darkening of hyperpigmentation. Pregnancy-safe skincare Biomedical Emporium’s trusted Maternology range is a scientifically formulated skincare range suitable from pre-conception to Mom-to-be. This range is simplistic, easy and safe to use. The ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals and covers a wide array of gentle and effective ingredients to treat your skin optimally when trying to conceive as well as during pregnancy. The Maternology range will assist to control skin concerns associated with pregnancy such as pigmentation, acne and severe sensitivity. Try this trusted 3-step daily skincare regime and enjoy healthy skin throughout your pregnancy: Biomedical Emporium Maternology Cleanse (R274.00) Offering deep cleansing and mild exfoliation, this cleanser gently unclogs pores while soothing and calming skin. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Skin Stabilising Serum (R1060) This skin-calming serum helps smoothe fine lines and wrinkles while preventing and diminishing hormonal pigmentation. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Nutri-Hydro Day SPF30 (R1233.00) This is a sunscreen moisturiser suitable for moms-to-be, that prevents photo-ageing, controls the skin’s oil production and reduces redness caused by UV radiation. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Nutri-Hydro Night Therapy (R1200.00) This night cream provides cellular hydration to help combat dryness, rebalances the biodiversity of the skin and restores to skin barrier. Whether you’re loving your pregnancy skin or facing skincare challenges, it’s important to stick to all the skincare basics you knew before you were expecting: maintain a suitable skincare regime twice a day, never go to bed with makeup on, change your pillowcase regularly, disinfect your cellphone regularly, drink lots of water, eat fresh and unprocessed foods, try not to touch your face and remember to apply SPF every day. If in doubt about your skincare, or if you’re struggling to combat any of the concerns you’re faced with, make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner. 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

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