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Good Night Baby

Pillows and Blankets – When are they safe to introduce?

When our children are babies it is clear what the guidelines indicate when it comes to safe sleeping.  The cot area should be clear (NO blanket, NO pillow, NO cot bumper), the mattress should be firm and breathable, and you should always put your baby down on their back. When my daughter moved to a big bed close to 3 years of age, having never slept with anything except the sleeping bag and her taglet, I faced the Big Bed with confusion.  The bed sure looks odd without a pillow?   As our babies become toddlers (12+ months), is the fear of SIDS no longer a risk? As I started looking for the answer, I realized it is not so clear.  Most safe sleep guidelines only cover up to 12 months of age.   The recommended age to start introducing a pillow is the same age you move your toddler to a big bed/toddler bed or take the railing down on their cot, which is between 2.5 and 3 years. If your child is younger than this when they move to a big bed then they do not require a pillow, rather just use a safe sleeping bag. When choosing pillows and duvets though, keep in mind that your toddler’s pillow and duvet will differ from yours initially.  When deciding on a pillow, rather choose smaller than too big.  Choose firm pillows for your growing toddler who needs proper neck support.  The same goes for a blankets and duvets, choose one that is not to heavy or too big.  Larger blankets/duvets can present suffocation risk that smaller blankets do not present, even if your child is over 12 months of age. Toddlers easily adapt though to the pillow, not always staying on it all night but that is nothing to worry about.  It is quite a different story though with your toddler and their blanket.  Toddlers are busy sleepers and often kick their blankets off.  Another reason to wait till 2.5 – 3 years to introduce the blanket and rather stick to sleeping bags before this age.  But once they are using a blanket or a duvet,  you want to encourage them to start using it independently.  Make them practice putting the blanket or duvet on them, showing them how to pull it over themselves.  This might take a while to perfect, but if you allow them to practice and not just do it for them, they will get the hang of it quickly. By Jolandi Becker MD and Owner of Good Night References When is it safe to put a pillow in your toddler’s crib or bed? (todaysparent.com)When Can a Toddler Have a Pillow? Age, Considerations, More (healthline.com)When Is It Safe for My Baby to Sleep with a Blanket? (healthline.com)

May 29, 2023
Parenting Hub

International Burger Day on 28 May

Burgers have always been and will always be a firm favourite. And we’ve put together some awesome recipes to help you celebrate the yummiest of yummy “any time meal”. Our added twist is burgers that work for carnivores, flexitarians and vegetarians. So whether you’re thinking local, Asian, Greek or  Plant-based, we have just the burger for you. ASIAN-STYLE MUSHROOM BLENDED BURGER Makes 4 burgers FOR THE BURGERS: 400 grams Beef Burger Mince (80/20 fat ratio) 400 grams mixed Portabella and Portabellini mushrooms, finely diced ¼ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce 3 tablespoons Ketjap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce) 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon white pepper ½ teaspoon salt 1 large egg A little oil for frying FOR SERVING: 4 Burger Buns, toasted (Sesame Seed buns are great for this burger) Asian Slaw Mix (green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots & coriander) PREPARATION: For the Burger Patties: Combine all burger patty ingredients in a large bowl and mix by hand ensuring spices well distributed Form 4 burger patties and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes Grill or Fry burger patties (suggest medium) ensuring caramelization on searing BUILD YOUR BURGER: Toast Burger Buns on grill Place a little of the Asian Slaw mix onto your toasted Burger Bun base Top with Mushroom Blended Burger Patty Drizzle with Sriracha Mayo Top with Red onion Pickle & Burger Bun lid Enjoy!!!! Chef’s tips Great served with Asian Slaw Salad, Atjar Tjampoer (Sweet & Sour Vegetable Pickle) and hand-cut potato wedges tossed in rosemary salt Beef mince can be replaced with Ostrich mince for a leaner, healthier option GREEK STYLE MUSHROOM BLENDED BURGER 2 x BIFTEKIA (PATTIES INGREDIENTS: Fresh Tomato – 40g Fresh Parsley – 12g Beef Mince – 300g Button Mushrooms – 300g Stale White Bread – 1 slice Large Onion – 1/2 Dry Oregano – 3ml Ground Cinnamon – 1ml Ground Cumin – 1ml Olive Oil – 12ml Baking Powder – 1ml Salt – 1ml METHOD Drench the slice of bread in water – put aside Grate the tomato & finely chop the parsley – put aside Roughly chop the mushrooms and flash fry – put aside Fry onions in olive oil until soft – put aside Add the cooked mushrooms, onion, bread, spices, herbs, baking powder, chopped tomato and parsley to the raw mince. Add seasoning to taste Mix by hand ensuring ingredients are well distributed Form the burger patty and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Grill or fry patty FOR SERVING: Two toasted Sesame Seed buns A side salad and zucchini fries 2 x tablespoons of tzatziki to spoon over the patties Lentil & Mushroom Burger with Mushroom Bun Serves 4 Ingredients: Patty: 400g white button mushrooms 2 x 400g tin brown lentils, rinsed and drained  ½ red onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, grated 1 Tbsp smoked paprika ¼ cup flour ¼ cup breadcrumbs Olive oil  Salt and pepper, to taste  Avocado salsa: 1 large ripe tomato, diced (or use a handful of colourful cherry tomatoes)  ½  red onion, diced 2 small – medium sized avocados  ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves  Juice of ½ lemon  Freshly ground pink peppercorns, to taste  Salt, to taste  To serve: 8 large portabello mushrooms  2 large carrots, peeled & peeled further into ribbons  2 cups mixed lettuce  Sesame seeds Side suggestion- Sweet potato fries & mayo Method: For the patty:  Blitz mushrooms in a food processor until finely diced.  Add mushrooms to a hot pan with a drizzle of olive oil.  Cook out all of their water. Work in batches if necessary to not overcrowd the pan.  Scrape mushrooms into a large bowl.  Add the lentils to the dry hot pan and toast them until dry.  Add to the bowl of cooked mushrooms.  In the same pan add a fresh drizzle of olive oil and cook the onion until soft.  Add the garlic and paprika and cook for a minute until fragrant.  Add to the bowl of mushrooms and lentils.  MUSHROOM AND BEAN BURGERS  Serves 4 – 6 Mushroom and Bean Burgers: 15ml odourless coconut oil or avocado oil 1 small red onion, finely diced 1 clove garlic crushed 250g white button mushrooms, finely diced 5ml miso paste 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 45g fresh parsley, chopped salt and pepper 2ml cayenne pepper 60g Parmesan cheese*, finely grated (or vegan cheese) 1 cup – 1 ½ cups mashed potato, cooked and mashed 1 cup panko crumbs or rye bread crumbs 2 eggs odourless coconut oil or avocado oil, for shallow frying To serve: steamed spinach, lemon zest roasted vine tomatoes in balsamic vinegar avocado wedges, grilled red tomato-based chutney a few rocket leaves Heat the oil in a pan and gently fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes. Place the mushrooms in a food processor and blitz until fine. Add the mushrooms to the onions and fry for 3 minutes. Mash the beans with a fork or blitz in a food processor. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in the miso paste, mashed beans, parsley, salt and pepper, cayenne pepper, Parmesan cheese, mashed potatoes, bread crumbs and eggs. Mix well together and shape the mixture into patties and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Heat some coconut oil or avocado oil in a shallow pan and pan fry the patties for 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, arrange the patties on a greased baking sheet and bake at 180°C for 15 – 20 minutes. Serve for breakfast or brunch with wilted spinach, balsamic roasted vine tomatoes, avocado wedges, chutney and a few rocket leaves if desired. FREE RANGE BEEF & PORTABELLO MUSHROOM BURGER  with oven roasted tomatoes (serves 2) BLENDED MUSHROOM BURGER PATTY INGREDIENTS 200g Free Range Beef Mince 200g Portabella Mushrooms One bun per burger 4g Finely Chopped Parsley 4g Hudson’s Secret Burger Spice60 Egg METHOD FOR BURGER PATTY Chop the parsley finely. Chop the portabella mushrooms into small pieces,

May 28, 2023
Junior Colleges

Is playdough therapeutic for our children?

Today we will be covering the topic – of playdough. It has a wide array of developmental learning and sensory benefits for children.  What can playdough teach children, and what skills does it develop? Fine motor skills It helps the children`s hand development, strength, dexterity, and controls the need to manipulate everyday items such as scissors, pencils, zippers, and buttons. Social emotions skills Children explore abilities, life experiences, and emotions and learn about cooperation, collaboration, self-control, and making friends. Language and literacy Children discuss what they are creating or their sensory experience; while doing that, they are expanding their vocabulary words like (poke it, squeeze, pull, put and squish it) Science and Maths They create shapes, comparing sizes (small, big, empty, full, etc.) This exercise exposes children to a vast array of Maths and Science concepts. Children can also learn about colours, textures, and shapes as they learn how to manipulate the play dough. It is a fun activity for all children Your child can benefit from using play dough, and these are some benefits Enhances their fine motor skills Improve their pre-writing skills. Develops their creativity and imagination. Enhances Social skills Increases curiosity and knowledge. Develops hand and eye coordination. Sensorimotor, tactile and olfactory. As parents, we always ask ourselves whether play dough is safe for our children. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-allergenic except as noted. Children who are allergic to gluten may have an allergic reaction. Lastly, tips for parents and teachers on how to extend playdough activities Mixing different food colouring. Add glitter. Create monster playdough by putting googly eyes. Stick candles as a birthday cake. Use silver wear for cutting, tooth pics, cups, bowls, wine cork, pine corns, bottle tops, strainers, pipe cleaners, and rolling pins. Playdough is therapeutic for children of all ages.  Please encourage your children to play using it. Start today. By Tessa Masilo (Teacher at Junior Colleges Sunninghill)

May 26, 2023
Junior Colleges

The Importance of Emotional self-regulation in Children

When it comes to children of any age, parenting is tough. One might think they know the answer, and then the question is changed.  Like us, children sometimes find it challenging to regulate their emotions which often leads to meltdowns and the inability to problem-solve.  Emotional self-regulation is as follows: Emotional self-regulation refers to the ability to control and be aware of one’s emotions to take on tasks more effectively. Although this may seem impossible in little humans, it is vital for ongoing development. Children learn to self-regulate over time – some benefits include the following:  Improvement in emotional intelligence  A sense of self-discipline may develop  Becoming more independent  Adapting better to environmental changes As adults, we often find it difficult to control and manage our emotions and behaviours, so the question you may be asking yourself now is, “How am I supposed to get my screaming child to manage and control their emotions?” Well, here are a few simple ideas to get you started. Number 1:  regulate your own emotions and body before approaching the situation and trying to help your child handle it. It is often said that children feed off of their parent’s emotions and behaviours. As hard as it may be – try to sound calm. It would help if you also let them identify how they may feel. (Feelings chart can assist) Number 2: Participate in regulation strategies with your child. This may be things like spending time in a calm and quiet place; the critical component is a connection or tense and release activities (ball up your fists as tightly as you can while breathing in and releasing your fist or exhaling). There are many more effective strategies, but this step’s primary focus is establishing a calmer environment. Number 3: Make use of a problem-solving wheel with different strategies. Visual aids may benefit your child as they can act as a reminder of regulation strategies. Number 4: Verbal reminder: talk your child through each strategy. Allow them to choose which method they would like to use. Giving your child choices is always an excellent technique to establish independence.  Number 5: Listen to your child and ensure that you allow them to express their needs, working collaboratively to find solutions that may be helpful.  These simple suggestions make it easier for you as a parent to connect with your child’s emotions and allow them to establish and regulate their feelings. We tend to forget that our little people are people and sometimes require a helping hand to navigate life.

May 26, 2023
Good Night Baby

Separation anxiety in babies

At around 6 months of age, babies reach a big developmental milestone. They start to perceive relationships, and most importantly, the effect of distance. Babies start to realise that objects and people can come closer, and move further away, or even disappear around a corner or in the distance. This is a wonderful milestone that encourages babies to move by means of rolling, creeping and crawling. You will also start to realise at this stage that your baby is not happy with you putting him down and leaving him behind, because along with this milestone comes separation anxiety. The severity and effect of separation anxiety in babies differs from child to child. It also comes and goes from 6 months until late toddlerhood. Separation anxiety can last between 2 and 3 weeks at a time and has an effect on your child’s mood and behaviour, as well as their sleep. Whether or not your baby has been sleep trained, your baby might start screaming the second you put him or her in their cot and leave the room at this age. At first this might give you a big fright and cause confusion. Here are some tips on how to deal with your baby’s anxiety: Practise separation during the day: From playing peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek, to leaving your child with a trusted caregiver. Practise going away and coming back. Practise reassurance.      Don’t let your child get over-tired: Children are more susceptible to separation anxiety when over-tired. Finding the optimal time to put your baby down for sleep might just make a big difference. Have a fixed routine: Routine is predictable and it makes a baby feel safe. During a phase of separation anxiety, stick to your routine and your child will know exactly what to expect. Your child knows that after a nappy change and story in the room, he will sleep, and when he wakes up, you will return. Comfort items: A comfort item is familiar, and is your child’s sleep buddy. It comforts and provides feelings of control and safety at sleep time. Don’t feed the anxiety: Do not make a big fuss about leaving your child; stay calm. Treat the situation like every other day. Children feed off our energy, and if the caregiver gets nervous about leaving the child, the child will definitely feel anxious. The fact that your baby is learning that you are able to move away from him, makes it is a great time to sleep train as they understand what is happening and will be able to learn from it. To teach him or her that they are still okay even if you are not in the room is a way to not feed the anxiety, but to help your baby get used to these feelings for short periods of time. To conclude, if you find that you and your baby are in a phase of separation anxiety, give your baby extra cuddles during bedtime and follow your normal routine. If your baby starts crying in their cot, give him or her some time to work it out for themselves. Do regular checks on your baby for extra reassurance but let your child fall asleep independently as usual. By Magriet Rothman – Good Night Sleep Consultant Resources:https://www.babysleepsite.com/baby-sleep-patterns/wonder-weeks-chart-baby-toddler-sleep/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/separation-anxiety/https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/separation-anxiety-and-separation-anxiety-disorder.htm

May 26, 2023
Mia Von Scha

Teen Privacy

Teenagers are in a stage of life that entails high growth and a lot of personal development and investigation. Time on their own is absolutely essential for them to navigate this time in a healthy way and to get to know themsleves and their bodies, and to get to trust their own decision making and develop independence. Adolescence is a time of breaking away from the parents in order to foster independence and an ability to cope in the world without you. Teenagers need some space to figure things out for themselves, and time just to think and introspect. This does not mean that you leave them alone entirely and disconnect. Teenagers are still experiencing a lot of brain growth which affects their ability to make good decisions and often leads to impulsive behaviour and excessive risk taking. In other words, they still need your guidance, but they need you more as a mentor than a dictator! Think of healthy boundaries with your teens as you would healthy boundaries in any of your relationships. You wouldn’t go digging through a friend’s room or reading their diary unless you were really, genuinely concerned for their safety and wellbeing. If you keep an open channel of communication with your teens, show a real interest in their lives, and have a strong, respectful bond with them then you will find less need to interfere. Children who are treated with respect will also be more likely to respect you and your rules and guidelines. You need boundaries from both sides, but they need to be healthy boundaries. Unhealthy boundaries on the one hand can be parents who interefere too much in their teens lives – who enter their rooms without knocking, who check in on them hourly via phone, who ask too many questions. On the other side of the scale, unhealthy boundaries can be parents who are too removed – who never ask any questions, who appear to show no interest in their teens lives, or alternatively who see themselves as a friend rather than a mentor (who will smoke and drink with their teens and share inappropriate emotional content). The causes of unhealthy boundaries on either end of the scale are usually due to relationships that are not well formed. Parents who connect with their kids on a real, respectful level rarely have inappropriate boundaries as they communicate clearly with their teens and thereby catch problems before they develop. Teens should have as much privacy as they need provided that it is not infringing on their safety and wellbeing, and is balanced by time connecting with the rest of the family. Make sure that you have a daily time to connect with your teenager – have family mealtimes, go for a daily walk together, etc. Other than serious issues like drugs, the only real danger of teens spending a lot of time alone in their rooms is tied into technology. This can be overcome by keeping any devices where you can connect to the Internet in a communal space in the house, or by having a strictly open door policy with regards to technology (ie you need to keep the door open if you are connecting to the Internet). It is also worth discussing these issues with your teens and making them aware of their vulnerability online and the reasons that you are concerned for their safety so that they can be more aware themselves. Again, open communication is key. If you are concerned that your child may be depressed, suicidal, or have a drug or eating disorder for example, and you feel that you need to invade your teen’s privacy for their own safety, it is still best to consult your teen first. Explain that you will be going through his/her room or personal belongings, and even do this together. Make it very clear that you are concerned and only doing this for their wellbeing. If they have nothing to hide, they should be ok with this. If they do have something to hide, they will appreciate your care in the long run. Involve your teens in the rules and decision making of your household. They are much more likely to abide by rules that they have helped to set and that they understand the reasons behind. You win the trust of a child like you win the trust of anyone – by being trustworthy. Treat your children like whole people who deserve respect, understanding and trust themselves. Children, like all people, tend to live up (or down) to our expectations of them. Discuss your expectations with them and make sure these are realistic. Let them know that you trust them to meet these as you know how competent they are (and then act accordingly). When things go wrong (and they will from time to time) treat this not as a failure to be punished, but as an opportunity to connect and find out what is going on. The solution to dealing with teen privacy is trust, open communication, and respect. Every family will have different guidelines, rules and policies with regards to the privacy of their teens. If you keep an open and respectful line of communication between you then you will find solutions that work for everyone and where the teens do not feel the need to rebel against what they perceive to be unfair restrictions.

May 26, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Stress and the physical effects on your body

It is common knowledge that an overload of stress is not healthy and can have detrimental effects on your mental and physical health. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, discusses how too much stress interferes with the optimal functioning of your body and mind and results in an alarming number of health issues. What is stress? Stress is a natural human response to challenges and threats in our lives. It usually happens when we are in a situation that we don’t feel we can manage or control. Medically, stress causes chemical changes in the body that can raise your blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels. So, what happens to your body? Your Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is a network of nerves that helps your body activate its ‘fight-or-flight’ response. This system’s activity increases when you’re stressed, in danger or physically active. The body shifts its energy resources toward fighting off a perceived life threat or fleeing from an enemy. The SNS signals the adrenal glands to release hormones called adrenalin (epinephrine) and cortisol. The fight response is your body’s way of facing any perceived threat aggressively Flight means your body urges you to run from danger Freeze is your body’s inability to move or act against a threat Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases. What are the most common physical symptoms in reaction to stress The cortisol and adrenaline hormones released during a stressful situation can cause several changes in your body, including: Increased heart rate and blood pressure: The increased level of hormones can cause your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to constrict, leading to higher blood pressure. Digestive problems: Stress can affect your digestive system and cause symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea. Weakened immune system: Chronic stress can suppress your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Muscle tension and pain: Stress can cause muscle tension and pain, especially in your neck, shoulders and back. Headaches: Stress can trigger tension headaches, migraines as well as muscular spasms in the neck and shoulders. Sleep problems: Stress can interfere with your sleep, causing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early. Skin problems: Stress can exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or acne. Endocrine disorders caused by stress include thyroid hormones leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, ghrelin and leptin, the hormones that regulate appetite, increasing hunger, melatonin, resulting in restlessness and insomnia, insulin, contributing to Type 2 diabetes. Mental health issues: Chronic stress can also contribute to the development of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and burn-out. How do you monitor your stress levels? To monitor your stress, first identify your stress triggers. What makes you feel angry, tense, worried or irritable? Do you often get headaches or an upset stomach with no medical cause? Is it hard to focus or do you have trouble sleeping at night? Overall, chronic stress can contribute to the development or worsening of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, depression and anxiety.  Stress can be a killer. Which is why it’s essential to manage your stress.  Do this through healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing or seeking professional help, if necessary. And remember, your GP should be your first port of call for all your healthcare needs. We believe there needs to be coordination of care and encourage you to see your GP, who can refer you to a specialist or auxiliary provider as and if the need arises.

May 26, 2023
Parenting Hub

WHEN AND HOW TO EXERCISE POST CAESAREAN

If you are wondering what life post caesarean surgery is going to be like, this is the blog for you. We will be looking at how and when you will be able to start exercising again after your op, and what exercises may actually aid your recovery. Read on below now for these tips. Pelvic Floor (Or Kegel) Exercises You may have been practicing Kegel exercises before the birth of your child. This is the first type of exercise you will be able to, and should do post caesarean. This will help you with any incontinence you may experience, as well as help you re-strengthen your pelvic floor. Once your catheter has been removed, you will be able to start up on these exercises once more.  Abdominal Exercises You will also need to re-strengthen your abdominal muscles. These will help you protect your spine during recovery and keep your core strong. Here is a recommended ab exercise for during recovery: Lie on your side with a slight bend in the knee Relax your abdominal muscles and begin to inhale and exhale gently While exhaling, try to pull in your abdomen muscles ever so gently Whilst doing this, gently squeeze your pelvic floor as well Hold this pose for ten seconds Repeat this process ten times When To Start Physical Exercise Post Caesarean If you want to begin your physical work out again, you will need to wait between 6-8 weeks post caesarean as a general rule of thumb. Begin with light, low-impact exercises such as swimming, Pilates or yoga. Wait until 12 weeks to begin more high impact workouts such as running or resistance training. However, remember to always consult with your doctor before beginning any form (low or high intensity) training post your caesarean operation. 

May 25, 2023
Parenting Hub

Ease Your Child’s Winter Woes With Panado® Infant Drops For Pain And Fever

As a parent, nothing is more important than ensuring that your little one is healthy and happy. However, during the winter months, babies and young children are more vulnerable to typical winter ailments.1 Infants run a higher risk of respiratory infections because their immune systems aren’t fully developed.2  Panado® Infant Drops help with the relief of mild pain and fever associated with colds and flu.3 One of the most significant challenges when it comes to administering medication to babies is ensuring accurate dosing. This is where Pando® Infant Drops excel.  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. Formulated To Be Gentle On Your Baby’s System Panado® Infant Drops contain paracetamol, which is a trustworthy4 solution for treatment of pain and fever in children.5 This means that you can rest easy knowing that your baby is getting the care they need.  Another benefit of Panado® Infant Drops is the convenience they offer. The small bottle with a dropper, can easily fit into your nappy bag, handbag, and car cubbyhole, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.  Whether you’re heading to the park, going on a road trip, or simply running errands, you can be confident that you have the medication you need to take care of your little one. The dropper also makes administering the medication convenient. You can easily give your baby the medication without having to worry about spills or getting it all over their face, or your clothing. This means that you can administer the medication quickly and efficiently, even when you’re in a hurry. Specially Designed For Infants It’s worth noting that Panado® Infant Drops are formulated specifically for infants up to a year old. Overall, if you’re looking for a pain and fever medication that is easy to use, then Panado® Infant Drops is an excellent choice. With its accurate dosing and convenience, you can be confident that you’re giving your baby the care they need during the winter months.   Other Panado® Products Suitable For Your Child  In addition to Panado® Infant Drops,3 Panado’s range for children includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),6 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),7  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. #Panado #ADoseOfCare         2023050910278218 References: Medical Academy. Winter illnesses and children: when to be concerned? Available from: https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/winter-ailments/winter-illnesses-and-children-when-to-be-concerned/. Last accessed 27 March 2023. UTHealth Houston. Six tips for children’s wintertime illnesses. Last accessed 27 March 2023. Available from: https://www.utphysicians.com/six-tips-for-childrens-wintertime-illnesses/  Panado® Infant Drops (Drops). Approved package insert, August 1990.  IRI Data for MAT August 2021. de Martino M, Chiarugi A. Recent Advances in Pediatric Use of Oral Paracetamol in Fever and Pain Management. Pain Ther. 2015;4(2):149-168. doi:10.1007/s40122-015-0040-z. Last accessed 27 March 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4676765/ Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry. Approved package insert, March 2002.  Panado® Paediatric Syrup. Approved package insert, April 2010.

May 25, 2023
Bill Corbett

Four Questions to Ask Before You Discipline

In my work with parents and teachers on solving behavior challenges with children, I help them identify the problem, possible causes of the behavior, and then possible solutions for eliminating it. My goal is to send the adults away with a few simple step-by-step techniques they can implement immediately to bring about quick change at home or in the classroom. Here are four key questions to ask yourself to help you identify a current behavior issue and some common sense solutions to solve them. QUESTION # 1: Why can’t the behavior occur? Adults react unnecessarily when children behave in ways that annoy or embarrass the adult, or add more chaos to their already stressed state of mind. Adults also react in this manner in response to feelings of fear that the child may fall down or get hurt in some fashion. Stop before you react unnecessarily and ask yourself, “What is the worst that could happen if I don’t react?,” or “Why can’t my child do what she’s doing at the moment?” Let go of the urge to control everything and everybody. Avoid arranging the outcomes of everyone’s behavior. QUESTION # 2: How would the child know not to behave this way? Children see the world from a different perspective than adults, and adults unfairly assume or expect children to see it from theirs. Carefully examine the models that your children have around them to learn from and be sure to set good examples that teach what you want them to learn. Encouraging a child to read frequently, for example, works best when they see the adult reading, too. Create agreements ahead of time and set up rules before activities begin, not in the middle of them. Yes, this will require you as a caregiver to think ahead and predict behavior situations that could be challenging. QUESTION # 3: What unmet needs might the child be demonstrating? In many instances, both children and adults demonstrate surprising behaviors as a way of getting unmet needs satisfied. The little boy constantly drawing may be exhibiting his need to draw and create. Creating appropriate opportunities for him to draw and color may be all that is necessary to eliminate the problem. Giving a bossy child the opportunity to lead family activities may satisfy his need to be in charge. And relaxing over a tween or teen’s experiments with her appearance that doesn’t endanger her will satisfy her need to explore her own identity in a healthy way. Have you ever behaved in curious ways to satisfy any unmet needs of your own? QUESTION # 4: Is there a purpose to this behavior for the child? Both children and adults find ways to act out to create more purpose in their life. The little boy picking the fights with his brother discovered that it brought his busy grandmother into the room in hopes of her taking his side. The little girl who had once again become a baby was most likely responding to the jealousy she may have felt of having to share her parents with her new sibling. And my own son found a new way to annoy others by experimenting with sounds he could make with his voice. Before you get angry and behave badly as a caregiver, step back for one moment, take a deep breath, and ask yourself these four questions. Perhaps the answers they offer may allow you to see the behavior differently and provide you with an opportunity to choose an alternate response that will get you more effective results.  Behavior is usually a result of what has been learned through imitation or getting unmet needs or purpose satisfied. Avoid the urge to react and think of ways you can be proactive instead to avoid or eliminate challenging behaviors.  

May 25, 2023
The legal Mom

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Parental responsibility is the responsibility to care for the child, to maintain contact with the child, to act as guardian of the child, and to contribute to the maintenance of the child. The Children’s Act further sets out that a person may have full or specific parental responsibilities and rights. Full parental responsibilities and rights means that a person may be entitled to all the rights set out in the Act. Specific parental responsibilities and rights means that a person may only have a specific right in terms of the Act; for example, the right to act only as guardian of the child.

May 25, 2023
Parenting Hub

Reading with your baby

Babies can have fun with books long before they know any words, and they’ll also be picking up skills they will need later when they begin learning to read. Even small babies love listening to the sound of your voice as you share books cuddled up together, and they soon come to associate reading with this positive feeling of warmth and security. By looking at books, children become familiar with how books and stories work. As babies, they learn which way up to hold a book and how to turn the pages. Later on, they get to know that stories have a beginning, a middle and an end, and often follow a predictable pattern. They also become familiar with storybook language, which is more formal than everyday speech. These are all vital skills that will help a child learn to read when the time comes. Babies have a very short attention span, so it’s best to start with short sessions of just a few minutes at a time. As their concentration improves, you can gradually lengthen the time you spend reading together. As you read, look at each page in turn and give your baby time to look at the pictures. Wait for them to coo or point at things that interest them, and respond when they do. Point to the pictures on the page, say the names of objects and describe what you can see. It’s good to ask lots of questions, such as ‘Where’s the cat? Can you see its tail?’, even though you’ll have to answer the questions yourself. From about 12 months, try to set up regular reading times, maybe first thing in the morning, after lunch, before a nap or at bedtime. Bedtime stories often become an important part of a child’s routine and can be continued long after children are able to read for themselves. Did you know? Studies show that women tend to read to children more than men, but it’s very important – particularly for boys – that dads, or other male relatives, read to children as often as they can. Information taken from: Usborne Parents’ Guide: Help your child to read and write Article By: Usborne Parent Guide Help your child read and write – Usborne Publishing

May 24, 2023
Parenting Hub

Tips on how to get your child to do their chores

Do your kids whine and moan about having to help you around the house or yard?  Does it seem like pulling teeth to get them to do the smallest of tasks?  And if you do assign them some household chore, do they avoid doing it until you are yelling and doling out punishments?  If you’re finding yourself in this situation way too often, let me offer some advice. When you think back to your own childhood, you probably hated the thought of having to do your chores too. Why? Because many parents ruled with the “iron hand” of autocracy to ensure that you did what you were told. Most parents today have replaced that unhealthy approach to parenting with more democratic means for raising their children. The bottom line is that when you remove fear from rearing children, you leave room for opinions, feelings, and resistance; all things that get in the way of efficiency. So how do you get kids to do their chores? If you’re using more respectful and democratic parenting methods at home like I am, then the secret is to extend that style of parenting to chores. This means setting things up in advance, incorporating their opinions and ideas, and establishing verbal and written agreements. It also means using respect to get them to follow through when they fall short. As part of your next weekly or bimonthly family meeting, establish the list of chores the grownups will do and ask everyone to help construct a list of all the other chores that need to be done.  Listen to your children’s and teen’s ideas on how and when these chores will get done.  Draft a schedule that everyone agrees to and consider getting everyone to sign it. If any of your children are extremely resistant and uncooperative, postpone the discussion until the next meeting. Chore assignments will be more effective when you have a unanimous agreement by all family members.  It’s also equally important that all chores have an assigned date, time, and schedule for completion.  There should be no question as to when it should be done and what the finished job looks like. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of using very specific parameters when getting kids to complete tasks.  And most importantly, you do not have an agreement with a child until they utter the words of the entire agreement! Whenever you notice that someone did not complete an assigned and agreed upon chore, commit to NOT coaxing, reminding, or scolding. In fact, do not speak at all! Simply find that child in question and placing your hand on his or her back, gently and lovingly guide them to the location of the chore that wasn’t completed. If they resist and fight your guidance, then something in your relationship with that child needs to be addressed before this follow-up method will work. Finally, I’m often asked at what age a child is old enough to help with chores.  My suggestion is that children as young as preschoolers can do some chores, but of course, the task assigned to them must be age and ability appropriate. Getting children this young to cooperate with chores and tasks requires that the assignments be few, simple, easy to do, and implemented with lots of fun, excitement, and praise when successfully completed.

May 24, 2023
Parenting Hub

HOW TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION THROUGH DIET

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet and limiting your intake of pro-inflammatory foods may help to reduce inflammation in the body and boost overall health, says Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare. Inflammation: What is It? When the body is threatened in some way, such as by an accident, an illness, or some other type of stress, it responds by triggering a natural process known as inflammation. Inflammation involves a complicated chain of events that result in the body ridding itself of dead or damaged cells and tissues so it can start recovering. While acute inflammation is generally a good thing, prolonged inflammation has the opposite effect on the body. It can cause serious health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Lifestyle choices, environmental circumstances, and nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to persistent inflammation. According to Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, while the link between diet and inflammation is multi-faceted, there is evidence certain eating patterns may lead to chronic inflammation in some people. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish have, for example, have been shown to help reduce inflammation. However, highly processed, and refined meals, sugary beverages, and those high in trans fats and saturated fats have been shown to induce inflammation. But, as Murray points out, everyone’s physical make-up is unique, so what triggers inflammation in one person might have no effect on another. “If you’re having persistent inflammation, it’s recommended that you see a healthcare professional to determine the root reason and create an efficient and tailored treatment plan,” says Murray. Potentially Anti-Inflammatory Foods Researchers have shown that consuming certain meals can help lower inflammation. Examples of such foods are: Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eat a rainbow every day by loading up on berries, greens, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. These meals also tend to be high in fibre, which helps with digestion and soothes the stomach. Omega-3 Fatty Acids This beneficial fat has been shown to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in abundance in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. One way to guarantee adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids is to take a supplement. Grains Grain products like whole wheat and other whole grains are a great way to get the anti-inflammatory benefits of whole foods without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. It is recommended that refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, be replaced with whole grains to promote good digestion and reduce inflammation. Herbs and Spices Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are just a few examples of spices and herbs that have anti-inflammatory characteristics and can help the body deal with inflammation. Soups, stews, and stir-fries, for example, can all benefit from the addition of these spices and herbs, which also contribute to a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet. Possible Inflammatory Foods There is evidence that some foods can promote inflammation. Examples of such foods are: Refined sugars and harmful fats The inflammation-inducing refined sugars and harmful fats found in processed foods like chips, cookies, and sugary drinks. Eating full, nutrient-dense foods rather than processed foods can help lower inflammation. Saturated Fat Saturated fat, which is abundant in red meat, is a known inflamator. When trying to lower inflammation in the body, it’s recommended to swap out some of the red meat in your diet for leaner forms of protein like chicken, fish, and legumes. Inflammation-inducing fried foods include, but are not limited to, French fries, chicken wings, and doughnuts. Rather than frying your meals, try baking or grilling it to cut down on the amount of bad fats you consume. Alcohol Consuming large quantities of alcohol is associated with increased inflammation throughout the body. Limiting alcohol consumption and drinking lower-alcohol beverages like wine or beer can help reduce inflammation. Lifestyle Modification for Inflammation In addition to modifying your food, Affinity Health suggests the four following additional adjustments to your daily routine: Exercise: Inflammation can be reduced by regular exercise’s positive effects on the circulatory system, the nervous system, and the immune system. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week. Lowering Stress: An anti-inflammatory way of living should include trying to lower stress levels, as this is a known aggravating component in the body’s inflammatory response. If you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, try out some yoga, deep breathing exercises, or some meditation. Getting Enough Sleep: The immune system must be kept in good working order, and systemic inflammation must be kept to a minimum, both of which are greatly aided by getting a good night’s sleep. To better your overall health and reduce inflammation, you should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Quitting Smoking: Stopping Smoking can have numerous positive effects on health, including a decrease in inflammation. Giving up cigarettes is a fantastic beginning to living a healthier, less inflammatory life.   About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to always give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

May 24, 2023
Parenting Hub

WHY ANDROID DEVICES ARE SAFER FOR KIDS

The debates about whether children should own smartphones, and if so, at what age, have become a very modern parenting dilemma.  There are no ‘right or wrong’ answers to these ‘Big Questions’ about kids and smartphones.  The near-universal uptake of smartphones for children, at increasingly younger ages, is a clear indication that today’s parents mostly believe that the benefits of their children owning smartphones outweigh the risks.  It’s hard to argue against the convenience of an always-connected family or the many valuable opportunities for children to engage in the digital world.  That doesn’t mean that parents aren’t uneasy about their decision to put a smartphone in their child’s hands.  Although research on this topic is currently limited, it is understandable that parents worry about the impact of prolonged screen exposure on their growing child’s cognitive and social development.  However, there’s plenty of evidence that Internet-connected devices increase children’s vulnerability to encountering inappropriate and harmful content, as well as being subjected to online bullying, harassment, and grooming. This raises, perhaps, the more pertinent Big Question when it comes to kids and their internet-connected devices – How do we keep them safe online?  Luckily, parents now have access to a wide range of parental control tools that are designed to address this concern. It’s important to recognise that online safety starts with the careful selection of a smartphone or tablet.  Both Android smartphones and iPhones offer some built-in parental control features that empower parents with functionalities like app restrictions, screen time limits, content filters, usage reports and location tracking. While experts may not fully agree on this matter, there’s a growing inclination towards Android devices as particularly safer for children because they are more customisable, enabling parents to set up an extensive ecosystem of online safety that is far more robust than just using the device’s standard controls. Rachelle Best, CEO and Founder of the AI-powered monitoring app, FYI play it safe, highlights the need for parents to employ a combination of strategies to create a robust ecosystem for online safety. She says, “Android smartphones offer more flexibility, so parents have more choices available, and it’s easier and more effective to implement a comprehensive safety solution for their children. What is important to note is that whether an Android phone is safer for your child ultimately depends on how it is configured and used.  Built-in parental controls offer only a basic foundation and don’t come with advanced features. This means that they are not sufficient as a stand-alone solution.  It’s quite common for parents to discover that their children find ways to bypass standard screen time limits and app restrictions.  To establish an effective ecosystem for your family’s online safety, parents should complement parental controls with advanced monitoring solutions like FYI play it safe.  Additionally, fostering a family culture of open communication when it comes to online threats and staying safer is essential.” In addition to the greater scope of customisation, there are several compelling reasons why many parents choose android devices for their children: Superior content control: Android devices enable less integration between apps and messaging services and have more controls on content access within individual apps.  This makes it easier for parents to prevent children from inadvertently engaging with inappropriate or harmful content. Extensive app store selection: Android has a larger app store offering parents more options when it comes to parental controls and device monitoring.  This ensures that you have access to the latest and most advanced safety and security apps to keep your child safer. Varied price range: Android offers a much wider range of devices at an array of price points.  It’s easy to find a phone or tablet that fits your family budget. Personalised user accounts: Parents can set up multiple user accounts on an Android phone or tablet, each with different restrictions and permissions, so that parents can easily customise their controls for each child in the family. The FYI play it safe app, which is now available on Google Play, draws on AI and ML to monitor the content of children’s online activity across multiple devices in real-time and provides parents with proactive alerts when their children are exposed to online risks.  It monitors all the content that the child engages with, including social media, in-game and instant messaging chats.  New accounts and apps are included by default without parents needing their child’s account credentials.  Best says, “Securing FYI play it safe’s spot on Google Play is a significant milestone in our mission to keep children safer online. The app’s presence on the platform not only increases our visibility to millions of Android users but provides parents with the reassurance that FYI play it safe is a reliable solution to help them improve their family’s online safety. The streamlined installation process simplifies the user experience, making it more convenient for families to adopt our technology and join us in creating a safer digital environment for children worldwide.”

May 24, 2023
Bill Corbett

HOW TO GET KIDS TO NOT HIDE THEIR MISTAKES

It’s a week night and your child is stressing over a test at school the next day.  Your child then tells you that some friends are coming by to pick your child up because they are going to the library to study for this exam.  You trust that your teen is being truthful and you watch the car drive away, headed to the town library.  But what happens next is a parent’s nightmare. Somewhere between your house and the library, your child’s friends discuss going to a party they heard about on social media that has no adult chaperones.  Your teen objects to the idea but in that moment influenced by peer pressure, the group decides to go find that party and your teenager goes along for the ride.  Your teen may be thinking that there is still a possibility that the library will be their real and final destination that evening. Later that evening, the party-goers begin pairing off and disappearing in rooms and dark corners of the house.  Another teenager begins flirting with yours and the situation gets very uncomfortable.  Your child immediately exits the house, sits down on the front steps, and calls you from their cell phone.  They admit to you not being at the library, apologise sincerely, and provide you with the address to come pick them up fast. I bet I’d have trouble finding any parent who wouldn’t want this to be the outcome for a similar situation involving their teenager.  So, in order for your (future) teen to feel comfortable taking this action in a similar situation, what would be required to exist in your relationship with your child?  If you said trust, you’re right.  In that trust, your teen would have to feel safe calling and being with you, not feeling fearful of repercussions to admitting they made a mistake, and feeling comfortable calling you for help. Back to the present moment, what can you begin doing now on a daily basis to ensure that your relationship with your children will be built on trust?  Here are five things you can begin doing right away. Listen More and Lecture Less.  Announce an “open door policy” in your family that your children (and teens) can talk to you anytime, about anything, and without judgment, ridicule, or punishment. Remain Calm if You Catch Them in a Lie.  Lying is normal for most children and a natural means of protection from parents who get angry and punitive in reaction to mistakes, poor judgment or misbehaviour. Commit to NOT Yelling.  No human, child or adult, enjoys being yelled at.  It kills the spirit, fosters fear, and provokes fight or flight; your child or teen will yell back or ‘run away.’ Quell Your Anger.  Understand your own emotions and do all you can to manage them.  If you’re easily brought to anger, seek out professional counselling.  Develop the habit of taking a timeout to cool down before speaking or taking action in the face of your child’s behaviour. Apologise When You Make a Mistake.  Tell your family that you are working on learning to be a calmer parent (and spouse).  When you make a mistake and yell, spank or punish, take ownership for what you said or did and apologise for it.  Provide a ‘make up’ to the recipient of your words or actions and acknowledge the fact that you’re a “work in progress.”

May 23, 2023
Squish

6 Things to remember when introducing finger foods

From around seven to nine months old your little one will be ready to start on finger foods. Keep these important things in mind as your child takes this next step on their exciting food journey.  1. Readiness clues So how exactly do you know that your baby is ready to move from purees on to finger foods? At around seven to nine months old, your child will start to master the pincer grasp – this means they can pick things up with their fingers and don’t need to use their whole hand – and will be able to bring their hand to their mouth with intention. One of the easiest clues that your child is read for finger food is that they will start reaching out to steal food out of your hands or off your plate! 2. Keep it soft When first introducing finger foods start with softer textures so that they are easy to chew or suck and your little one can move the food around their mouth easily. Try mango, avo or banana, as well as sliced hard-boiled eggs and softly toasted bread. Initially you’ll need to take the crunch out of veggies like carrots so that your baby can chew them easily – simply lightly steam or roast.  3. Size it right  To make grasping easier, don’t slice food too thinly. Prep food to be about 2-3cm thick and about 6-9cm long. You don’t want your child to feel frustrated because they can’t pick it up! 4. Add dips Finger foods love a dip – and so will your little one. They are a great way to introduce new tastes, flavours and textures to your child and are so easy to make: just add a tablespoon of Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree to yoghurt or smooth cream cheese and mix well. Or you could simply use the puree on its own – there are a variety of flavours to choose from, including Squish 100% Summer Berries, Banana + Apple, and Sweet Potato, Apple + Cinnamon. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are packed full of natural goodness. They are completely free of added colourants, flavourants and preservatives, and have no added cane sugar. The resealable lids on Squish pouches cut back on waste too – just use what you need, then screw closed and pop back in the fridge for later. You’ll find more dip inspiration under the Quick + Easy Recipe tab on our website, like this tasty and nutritious Bean Dip.   5. Take these precautions Choking is always a concern, especially when your little one first starts eating solids and finger foods. Make sure your child is sitting securely in their highchair to minimise choking risks – and sit with them so that you can supervise. Now isn’t the time to multitask! If they start to get sleepy while eating, remove the food. Also, remember your child should not eat in the car, unless there is an adult sitting in the back seat to keep an eye on them.  6. Get adventurous Once your little one has mastered basic finger foods, you can start to increase their menu options. Try these yummy recipes – they’re all packed with Squish goodness: Cheesy Veg Balls and Potato Pops.

May 23, 2023
Parenting Hub

All you need to know about your newborn

Newborn Hearing Newborns can hear immediately upon birth and are able to distinguish their mother’s voice above all else. If your baby does not seem to react to your voice or does not startle with a loud noise, be sure to tell your paediatrician. Stimulating your baby’s sensesBelieve it or not your baby will learn a lot in their first year of life. One way you can help them learn is to provide stimulation for them in different forms. This can be done in a variety of ways such as stimulating their vision and hearing or through touch and movement. Remember to spend some time every day working to help your baby explore the world around them. Stimulating your baby’s vision Here are a few ways to help stimulate your baby’s vision: Make eye contact with your baby during times when their eyes are open. Look them right in the eye. They recognize faces very early in life, especially yours!This helps them develop their memory. Use a mirror to let your baby stare at his or herself. They will enjoy looking at “another” baby and watching the movements it makes. Stick out your tongue for your baby or make funny faces. Starting at 2 days old newborns can begin to mimic simple facial movements as they begin to develop problem solving skills. Hold up two pictures for your baby to look at. They should be similar, but with some sort of difference between the two – maybe one has a house and the other doesn’t. Even young babies will look back and forth between the two to try and figure out the difference between them. This can help them develop letter recognition and reading skills later. Stimulate your baby with laughing and singing Laughing and singing are great ways to stimulate your baby and have fun at the same time. Here are a few suggestions: Find ways to get your baby laughing. This can be through methods like gentle tickling, blowing on their arms and tummy, or making funny faces. As they get older you can joke around more too. Laughter is great for babies! Sing song to your baby. Learn as many as you can or make up your own words to songs you already know. Play music to your baby. This can be Bach or Mozart or even the Beatles. Learning music rhythms may help them learn math skills later on. Talk away. In other words, have a silly, fun conversation with your baby. Chat away and pause at places where your baby would speak in the conversation. As your baby grows, they will learn   to start chatting to fill in the spaces you leave. Be sure to make eye contact and smile a lot! Play peek-a-boo, it’s great for getting babies to giggle and laugh – it also teaches them that objects can disappear and then come back. Physical activities for your baby As your baby gets older and is more mobile encourage physical activities that can help with motor skills, coordination and problem-solving. Here are a few suggestions: Turn yourself into a playground by lying on the floor and letting your baby crawl all over you. This will help boost their problem-solving skills and coordination. Teach them to move to music. You can teach them to do the twist, twist and shout or even twirl like a ballerina. This helps them develop skills like balance and coordination as well as a sense of rhythm. Create an obstacle course by laying toys, boxes or sofa cushions on the floor and then show your baby how to crawl over and around or under the items. This helps with problem-solving, strength and coordination. Play pick up by allowing them to drop toys or pieces of wadded up paper off their highchair into a bucket or other safe container. This helps them learn and explore the laws of gravity.

May 22, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

YOUR GUIDE TO A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

Looking after your health is important, but even more so when you are an expectant mom.  There are several steps you can take to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and give your little one the best possible start in life, here are a few tips brought to you by Bonitas Medical Fund. Eating right is vital Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop properly.  There’s no need to go on a special diet but, it is important to eat a variety of foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need. Eating healthily often means just changing the  the foods you eat so that your diet is varied. Staying active is a must Regular exercise will help you control your weight, improve circulation, boost your mood and help you sleep better. Pilates, yoga, swimming and walking are all great activities for pregnant women. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Listen to your body though and don’t overdo it. Be sure to check with your doctor first, before starting any exercise programme. Approach chores with caution Chores like scrubbing the bathroom or cleaning up after pets can become risky when you are pregnant. Exposure to toxic chemicals, lifting heavy objects or coming into contact with bacteria can be harmful.  So, avoid heavy lifting, climbing on ladders, changing the kitty litter, using harsh chemicals and standing for long periods of time. Take care of your feet Weight gain during pregnancy throws off your centre of gravity, which puts extra pressure on your feet. This can cause painful flattening out of the feet. You may retain fluids too, which can make your feet and ankles swell. To prevent this, wear comfy shoes with good support. Many pregnant moms find they need a larger shoe size even after they give birth, so go a size up if you need to. Benefits for you and your baby Bonitas offers a wide range of maternity benefits as well as benefits for newborns and babies.  These are paid for from Risk so they are in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits. Some are: Maternity benefits Having children is expensive. That’s why Bonitas pays for your maternity benefits in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits so you can focus on the things that really matter. Contact The Bonitas Maternity Programme today to see all the benefits when you click here. Bonitas is also in the process of establishing a comprehensive mother and baby support programme which will offer pregnant moms a range of benefits including: 24/7 pregnancy care helpline Dedicated Bonitas care advisors Pregnancy education SMSs and emails Online pregnancy education Bonitas pregnancy events with expert speakers on prenatal and postnatal care The full programme has bee available since March 2020 and will ensure there is sufficient support for moms throughout the pregnancy journey.  Education and information will be provided to allow for healthier pregnancies which in turn could support higher incidences of natural birth. But there will also be management and support for pregnancy complications including miscarriage and gestational diabetes. In addition, your stay in hospital when your baby arrives will also be covered. Please make sure you pre-authorise your hospital stay after your 24th week of pregnancy. Please note: Your maternity benefits will depend on the medical aid option you have selected.   Newborn hearing screening Significant hearing loss is the most common disorder at birth which is why screening all newborns for hearing loss is internationally recommended. We cover two electrophysiological techniques, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and optoacoustic emissions (OAE) for all babies under 8 weeks old, in or out-of-hospital allowing you to ensure your baby’s hearing is intact or intervene early if necessary. Congenital hypothyroidism screening Cover for TSH tests (to screen for congenital hypothyroidism) is available on all options for children under a month old. Help is just a call away with BabyLine BabyLine (0860 999 121) is the first dedicated children’s health advice line in South Africa. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is run by paediatric-trained nurses who assist with any queries related to your little one’s health and wellness. The benefit is available to all Bonitas members and is for children under 3 years, it offers: Home care advice Clinic/primary care/GP referral for the same day Clinic/primary care/GP referral for the following day After-hours care within the next six hours Immediate referral to the E

May 22, 2023
Squish

These 5 foods can help boost your child’s immunity this winter

These 5 foods can help boost your child’s immunity this winter The food your baby and toddler eats can positively impact their immunity. By including these five foods in your little one’s meal and snack times you can help promote year-round good health.       You’ll find a whole range of recipes on the Squish website – click here – including this Summer Berry Swirl Ice Cream made with yoghurt.   Squish Purees containing sweet potato are great on their own, or can be added to recipes to create tasty meals, like this Chicken + Sweet Potato Risotto and these Sweet Potato Pancakes.   Try this quick and easy Cheesy Mixed Vegetable Egg Scramble – it’s always a winner!   Looking for more immune-boosting recipes? Click here.

May 22, 2023
Parenting Hub

Developing trust between toddler and sibling

The relationship between siblings is very special, no matter what the age.  A good, trusting relationship does not just automatically happen.  As a parent, opportunities for developing this kind of relationship need to be given so that it can be built from a very young age. When a child is told that a little brother or sister is on the way there is much excitement! But after the baby is born things aren’t quite as they imagined.  Their little brother or sister cries a lot and takes a lot of mom and dad’s attention. It’s hard for toddlers to play and share when they don’t know how to socialize. This is the important time when the parents step in and they can practically help build and foster a relationship of trust between the siblings which will hopefully continue until they are adults. Trust has a major part to play in a sibling relationship.  The meaning of the word trust is “a firm belief in the honesty, truthfulness, justice, or power of a person or thing” (Barnhart, 1987).  When siblings have a sense of trust in their relationship, it provides a good foundation for a meaningful relationship. If a good relationship is in place when they are young this helps as they grow older and face challenges in life. They know that they are there for each other.  Erik Erikson was an American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst who had a theory about the psychosocial development of people. He is well known in the area of child development and he has some valid points when looking at the importance of relationships between people. In his theory he focuses on 4 stages of psychosocial development in children. The first two are applicable to young children. Stage one is called Trust verses Mistrust and this occurs from birth to about 1 year.  A child needs to feel a sense of belonging and warmth from his family.  He needs to feel that he can trust his family to provide for his needs. We can take this further and also apply it to a relationship with a sibling. A trusting relationship between siblings is there so that they feel they can rely on someone and relate to someone besides their parents.  If there is mistrust between the child and the family at this young age he will develop a sense that no one can be trusted and that the world is an intimidating place. The second stage is Autonomy verses Shame and Doubt.  This occurs in the ages 2-3 years of age.  During this stage of the child becoming more independent the older sibling has a vital role to play.  He will learn a lot from the older sibling and will model what he sees.  The older sibling can encourage the younger one as he grows and learns. Having a trusting relationship between the sibling’s means that the younger sibling can trust the older sibling and feel comfortable to learn from them.  If a younger sibling is battling with something and no one intervenes, they can feel a sense of failure and doubt themselves.  Tips to build a trusting relationship between siblings: Friendship: Siblings should be encouraged to be friends.  Encourage them to play together and spend time together.  Find games and activities that they both enjoy and encourage them to take turns to choose what game to play.  Individuality: Help your children to realize that they are unique individuals with different strengths and weaknesses.  Siblings will argue and compete to see who is better! Parents need to intervene and help them see that there are advantages to having a sibling who has different strengths from their own. They can help with their problem areas.  Provide opportunities to talk about their differences and unique traits.  Helping each other: Giving opportunities to help each other, instead of the parents always intervening, also helps develop trust in their relationship. They learn to rely on each other and ask for help when needed.  They also realize that their sibling is always there for them.  Sorting out conflict: Conflict and arguments are bound to happen.  Siblings need to realize that it’s ok to get cross with each other but the situation needs to be dealt with then and there. Working through the emotions and the cause of the problem, with the parent’s guidance, not only helps the sibling’s problem solve but also helps them to realize the importance of solving conflict. Even with conflict it is important to emphasize the fact that they still love each other and can trust each other.  When helping them to solve conflict they also learn to understand each other more and it creates a sense of empathy. Saying ‘I love you’:  These are very powerful words and it means a lot to vocalize this from a very young age. Siblings should be encouraged to say ‘I love you’ regularly to create a deeper relationship.  Teaching young children to get on and have a good relationship can be challenging, but it is very important for them to realize that friends come and go but siblings are forever.  Written By: Lauren Reddell (Gr 000 teacher at Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Little Falls)

May 19, 2023
Parenting Hub

10 tips for parents of fussy eaters

Having a fussy eater is more common than you think and there’s nothing like a food battle with your offspring to raise your stress and anxiety levels. Paediatric Dietician Kath Megaw says that fussy eating in children isn’t just common, it’s completely normal. “While we don’t know exactly why kids become fussy, neophobia (the fear of novel foods), seems to be part of the answer. A fear of trying new foods is hard wired within us from prehistoric times when some of our food choices may have proved poisonous,” says Megaw. Fussy eating generally starts after the age of one, a time of empowerment for a little one where they feel the need to assert their authority and eat what they want. Around this stage the growth spurt slows, and so the demand for energy is less, which means their appetite may be lower, escalating the fussiness. Finally, food may be fuel to us, but to a toddler it is also power, power to play up to your parents and get their undivided attention!  Megaw recently worked alongside UCOOK to develop a range of nutritious, no-nonsense frozen kid’s meals. She says that witnessing the battles of parents daily inspired her to help develop a range of foods that are attractive to fussy eaters but contain essential vitamins and minerals from a large quantity of hidden vegetables in every dish. Megaw offers 10 tips for parents of fussy eaters: 1.You are not alone 30% of children go through a fussy eating phase. Remind yourself of this every time dinner erupts into a full-on food fight. This is a phase and like teething and colic it too will pass, be patient! 2.Try not to get frustrated Most children will eat when they are hungry. Whilst feeding your offspring might seem the most natural and basic duty of a parent, it can be a battle. However emotional you feel about your child’s eating habits keep it to yourself as they will only play up if they feel they are getting attention. 3.Set an example Mealtimes are important for a family as a focus for communication and bonding. Aim to have everyone eating the same thing in the same sitting. Children mimic their parents, so try to eat all the vegetables you’d like to see them eating.  4.Have a routine Schedule three meals and a few small snacks throughout the day and stick to it like clockwork. Allocate 30 minutes for meals and then lift the plate whether it’s finished or not, without making a fuss. Making them sit staring at a cold plate creates negative associations and ultimately adds to your own frustration. 5.Don’t let them fill up on liquids Overdrinking is one of the main causes of fussy eating. The tiny stomach of a child is easily filled up with fluid reducing their appetite for food. 6.Keep trying As we are hardwired to fear new foods, similarly we favour sweet foods over bitter ones as our instinct tells us the latter might be bad or even deadly. Children like foods that are most familiar to them. If at first you don’t succeed you may need to try 10-14 times before they will actually taste it. 7.Hide the goodness Hide your healthy foods in clever ways so that children get used to eating these foods unknowingly. This will train their taste buds without them even knowing about it. 8.Start small Avoid offering large portions of food. Aim for small portions, which enable them to ask for more, the holy grail for the parent with a fussy eater! Limit their choices. A huge array of food on a plate will only put them off. 9.Make it fun Encourage your kids in the preparation of food and make it fun. Dinosaur pasta and fairy mash sounds much better than boring bolognese and potatoes. Be adept at sneaking vegetables in, concealed in pasta tubes, grated, diced or pureed. 10.Beware the bribe If you offer an alternative of chips, biscuits or lollies, then they are sure to perform at the next mealtime knowing you will cave in. Praise a clean plate and avoid confrontation if they have only picked at the food. Megaw says that many parents feel isolated and alone in these struggles, which is unnecessary. “Ultimately, if your child is displaying worrying symptoms like behavioural issues, fatigue, digestive problems or weight loss seek advice from your Paediatrician, GP or Paediatric dietitian.” The new UCOOK Kids Frozen range launches with delicious options including UCOOK Kids Beef Rump Bites & Root Veg Mash and Mushroom Bites & Root Veggie Mash as well as old favourites like Mac & Cheese and Chicken & Broccoli Bake. See more at https://www.ucook.co.za/craft-kids.

May 19, 2023
Parenting Hub

OGX The most important ingredients to incorporate in your hair care regime

The hair care market is flooded with a wide variety of ingredients, all claiming to be the very best for your hair. How can one know which ingredients are proven to deliver results and give your hair the very best nourishment it needs? We’ve determined five ingredients that are trusted and proven to nourish, strengthen, moisturise and hydrate your hair: Blonde Brass be gone with OGX Blonde Enhanced + Purple Toning Shampoo! This highly pigmented and potent dark purple toning shampoo is easy to use and helps get rid of brass with every rinse. Try: OGX Blonde Enhance+ Purple Toning Shampoo (from R209.99) use it to brighten and colour-correct yellow tones on silver, pre-lightened or natural blonde hair with strengthening ingredients like keratin, purple fig and iris. After rinsing, follow it up with your favourite OGX conditioner such as OGX Biotin or OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy. Argan oil Aragn oil comes from the seeds of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It has been used for centuries, not only to nourish skin and hair, but also as a culinary ingredient. It has a sweet, nutty flavour and is filled with nourishing fatty acids and antioxidants. It is often referred to as “liquid gold” because of its scarcity and value. Argan oil is rich in vitamins, including a high concentration of vitamin E and minerals. It has the ability to hydrate and soften hair and lock in moisture. The presence of vitamin E and essential fatty acids helps increase the hair’s elasticity, restore shine and prevent breakage. Try: OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo (R199.95) and Conditioner (R199.95) which cleanses hair while moisturising each strand with a precious blend of Argan oil of Morocco. The luxurious shampoo strengthens your tresses while restoring shine and softness. The conditioner penetrates the hair shaft to nourish and strengthen locks, while creating soft, shiny, healthy looking hair. Biotin Biotin is a water-soluble, complex B vitamin naturally found in certain dairy products, meats, nuts, bananas and more. It helps the body convert food into energy and is a crucial vitamin to keep the eyes, skin, liver, hair and nervous system healthy. People with a Biotin deficiency may often suffer from hair loss, and Biotin is thus used in hair care products to promote thicker and healthier hair growth. Try: OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo (R199.95), which contains a blend of vitamin B7, biotin, collagen and hydrolysed wheat protein to create the appearance of thicker, fuller and healthier-looking hair. OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Conditioner(R199.95) has a volumising formula to create fuller-looking and more textured hair. Keratin Keratin is a protein produced naturally by the body. It is responsible for keeping the hair, skin and nails healthy and strong. Keratin is used in hair care products because of its ability to make the cells in the hair stronger and more resilient. It also has the ability to make hair smoother, by smoothing down the cells that overlap to form hair strands (also known as the hair cuticle). This makes hair look fuller and glossier. Try: OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo (R199.95) and Conditioner (R199.95). The duo strengthens and softens hair while helping to smooth the cuticle for strong locks. The luxurious blend of coconut oil, keratin proteins, avocado oil and cocoa butter leaves your hair smelling and looking amazing. Coconut oil Coconut oil is a white solid fat (which becomes a clear liquid when heated), derived from coconuts. It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and is a rich source of saturated fats. It is widely used in cooking, but in recent years it has also gained popularity in the cosmetics industry. Coconut oil has many benefits for hair. Because of its rich fatty content, it is an excellent moisturiser. It has the ability to deeply penetrate the hair strands, making them more flexible, increasing their strength and helping to prevent them from breaking. Those who use coconut oil regularly have also seen improvement in hair growth, less dandruff, increased shine and less frizz and flyaways. Try: OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo (R199.95) which deeply moisturises thick to coarse hair with a combination of coconut oil, essence of tiare, and vanilla bean extract. These three natural ingredients revive and soften hair, leaving it silky smooth and hydrated. The matching Conditioner (R199.95) drenches dry, damaged hair in moisture, nourishing parched strands with a combination of coconut oil, essence of tiare, and vanilla bean extract. More care for your hair – Oils The importance of treating your hair goes far beyond just having nice looking and feeling hair. Oils play an important role in protecting hair from regular wear and tear. Oiling hair regularly reduces hygral fatigue (damage to your hair follicles) or the swelling and drying of hair. Oils protect the follicle from surfactants by filling the gap between cuticle cells. OGX has a range of oils that will nourish and protect your hair. But which one to choose? Dry, damaged hair needing a bit of oomph: Try: OGX Coco Miracle Pen Oil 100ml (R209.95) This ultra rich repairing blend with coconut oil, essence of tiare and vanilla bean extract helps to repair, soften and revive strands. Discover silky, soft, island girl hair with the use of this penetrating coconut oil. Try: OGX Renew Moroccan Oil Dry/coarse 100ml (R209.95) OGX Extra Penetrating Renewing + Argan Morocco Oil 100 ml helps to revive and moisturise dry and coarse hair. The powerful blend of argan oil of Morocco leaves your locks smooth and shiny by helping to repair damage and restore lustre to each strand. How to use: Apply a small amount to the palm of your hands, rub hands together, then apply evenly to damp (towel-dried) hair. For extra nourishment use on the ends of dry hair. About OGX We’re inspired by originality, and it shows up in all we do, from how we make and package our products to the real, diverse and Photoshop-free passion-fuelled people who represent our brand. We promise

May 19, 2023
Parenting Hub

What is biodegradable beauty?

The beauty world is becoming greener, and by now you’re probably familiar with terms like “clean beauty”, “natural”, “organic” and “vegan”. But what about “biodegradable” beauty? The term “biodegradable” is used to describe any material or object that is capable of being decomposed, or to decay naturally without leaving waste behind. Think about natural items like bamboo or cork: When left to decompose, they are broken down by micro-organisms like bacteria or fungi, and disappear without contributing to pollution. This is in stark contrast to non-biodegradable material such as plastic, for example, which contributes to pollution and may take up to 1000 years or more to decompose. What does this mean for beauty products? Biodegradable beauty products such as soaps or shampoos have minimal to zero adverse environmental impacts. Most non-biodegradable beauty products contain antibacterial and preservative ingredients that help extend the product’s shelf life, but may cause harm to the environment once it is disposed of. Why is biodegradable beauty important for the planet? Biodegradable beauty products are great for your skin, and also for the planet. It’s no secret that pollution and particularly plastic pollution, is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Our World In Data reports that the world is currently producing more than 380 million tonnes of plastic every year, which is a staggering statistic, especially when you consider how much of it will end up in landfills (and that it’ll take 1000 years to decompose). Then there’s the issue of cosmetic wastewater polluting the ocean. Many of the chemicals used to formulate traditional cosmetics may be detrimental to our water quality. It was widely reported when the island of Hawaii banned the distribution of sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate (two very common sunscreen ingredients) in 2021. Their reason? Research has shown that these ingredients cause significant damage to coral reef ecosystems, including coral bleaching and even coral DNA damage. It’s sad but true that the beauty industry is a major contributor to global pollution and environmental damage. However, there is some good news. In recent years we’ve seen a major influx of global trends steering towards greener and sustainable living, and sustainable lifestyles seem to keep gaining momentum. Consumers have learnt that making small changes in your day-to-day life is not only easier than it sounds, but it makes a real difference to the bigger picture. When purchasing and using biodegradable beauty products, you don’t contribute to the cosmetic wastewater issue and you can rest assured that you’re not polluting the world’s oceans with harmful synthetic ingredients. What are the benefits of using biodegradable products on your body? We know why biodegradable beauty is important for the planet, but did you know that it’s also beneficial for your skin? A lot of beauty products contain harsh ingredients that may cause skin to react or become sensitized. We also don’t know all the long-term effects of these synthetic ingredients. Biodegradable beauty products are natural and free from toxic synthetic materials. They are gentler on the skin and less prone to cause irritation. They do not contain any harmful by-products or controversial cheap fillers, but instead, are filled with the very best of what Mother Nature has to offer. For over 20 years, Earthsap has been known for their high quality, natural biodegradable beauty and household products. Their products offer completely safe and toxin-free formulas, and have been formulated with the help of skilled microbiologists and are made using pure plant-extracted oils and other natural ingredients. You’ll find no synthetic fragrances, irritants or allergens in their body care products as they’re completely chemical-free and gentle. Plus – you’ve guessed it – Earthsap formulas are biodegradable! A few of our favourite must-have Earthsap beauty products include: Earthsap Orange & Mandarin Foam Bath (R94.95) Soft bubbles and a fresh citrus fragrance are a match made in bath time heaven. Earthsap Foam Bath with Orange & Mandarin is an all-natural, SLS-Free bubble bath formula that will care for your skin as you soak. It’s also biodegradable, making it safe for the planet’s waterways. Earthsap Garden Carrot Face Wash (R94.99) Cleanse and care for your skin with this mild facial wash, made with a blend of real carrot oil and 100% natural, biodegradable ingredients. Earthsap’s Garden Carrot Face Wash is kind to your skin and packed with nutrients like vitamin A and antioxidants, to leave you with a fresh and healthy complexion. Free of harsh chemicals, this face wash gently cleans away grime and dirt without drying or damaging your skin. Earthsap Pomegranate & Cranberry Hand & Body Lotion (R84.99) This natural combination of soothing pomegranate, cranberry and the moisturising and nourishing aloe and jojoba oils, makes a natural combination that leaves the skin soft, smooth and healthy. Earthsap Pine Forest Shampoo (R99.99) Cleanse and protect your hair with this 100% natural shampoo, and enjoy the crisp, refreshing scent of pine needles. Made with pure plant-based ingredients, including coconut extracts, olive oil, vegetable glycerine and real pine needle oil, Earthsap Pine Forest Shampoo will give you a naturally fresh start to the day. It’s biodegradable and chemical-free, which means its kind to the planet as well as your hair and scalp. Part of the Earthsap Pine Forest range; a great unisex scent for eco-conscious guys and girls. Suitable for all hair types.

May 19, 2023
Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

The impact of Parental Involvement on a child’s education

Early years: 3-7 Parental involvement influences cognitive development, literacy (reading, spelling, writing) and number skills. Ages 7-16 Parental involvement influences learner achievement more than family background, parental education or socio-economical factors do. Parental involvement plays an essential role- in a child’s development and success. Research has consistently shown that children whose parents are involved in their education tend to achieve better academic results, show a positive attitude towards homework and school in general, school attendance is more regular, they have better social skills and show improved behavior at school.   There are two kinds of parental involvement: Parental activity and participation; doing something that is observable e.g., serving on committees, assisting with functions and attending school events. Parental support of their individual children at home and school. Early involvement includes activities such as having fun, playing, physical activities (e.g. riding bikes, ball games), reading, teaching songs and rhymes, painting and drawing.  Visiting interesting educational places such as an aquarium, the planetarium, Sci-Bono and the transport museum makes learning exciting. It does not only build vocabulary but stimulates the minds of children and gives them a frame of reference when they discuss topics at school. This involvement sends a message that education is important and they are more likely to take it seriously.  Do not underestimate discussions around the dinner table, where matters of the day are discussed, debated and shared. Positive parents listen, guide and ask the correct questions to stimulate the enquiring minds, to encourage and support them and to be sympathetic to their social and academic learning experiences. When parents show an interest in their child’s life, they can provide emotional support and help their child develop coping skills to manage stress. What kind of parental involvement is necessary to assist with schoolwork and homework? Routines are important. Specific times must be allocated to do homework. A designated place with little distraction is important. Check the homework diary daily. Younger children need frequent support. Older children need support e.g., with projects (see that they have the necessary equipment in time).  Sometimes children might request assistance with test or exam preparation. Research has indicated that parental support towards autonomy is associated with higher test scores than direct assistance where children become dependent on parents all the time. Parents are there for support, motivation and to monitor. Parents who are involved and stay committed throughout their children’s school career by encouraging and supporting them are helping to shape their future and give them a head start in life. Witten by Dr Leone Roux (Head of Psychology and Educational Psychologist Glenoaks Remedial & Vocational School) and Haneline Connoway (Educational Psychologist and Parental Support Glenoaks Remedial & Vocational School).

May 19, 2023
Squish

6 tips for easy weaning

Weaning your baby from breastmilk or formula on to solids is an exciting next step in their growth and development. But every baby is different, and some take to the exciting new tastes and textures of solids easier than others. These simple tips will help take the stress out of your baby’s weaning journey.   1. Don’t be over ambitious Weaning is a process and won’t happen overnight. Remember that up until now your baby has been accustomed to getting food delivered by a bottle or breast and will need time to adapt to the new tastes and textures of solids. Let your little one set the pace, and don’t force the issue. If they outright reject the food you offer, pack it away, offer breast or bottle, and try again later or the following day when your baby is well rested and isn’t too hungry.  2. Start small Start small – and don’t introduce too many tastes at once. Offer only a small amount of food at a time – around a quarter of a teaspoon – then slowly build up the amount of food your baby has in one sitting. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are specifically created for weaning babies and because they have a screw-top lid you can just use what you need then pop the rest in the fridge. This really cuts back on food waste – and saves you money – especially when you’re starting off on your baby’s weaning journey and are only serving a small bit at a time.   3. Watch what you add Don’t make the mistake of adding salt or sugar to try and make food more appetising – babies haven’t yet acquired a taste for seasoned food. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree is made from quality fruit and veg and doesn’t contain any colourants, preservatives or flavourants – and it has no added sugar or salt. This means it really is as good as homemade! 4. Check heat Always check the heat of your little one’s food before you serve it by testing a small amount on the back of your hand. Squish 100% Veggie Purees can be heated in the pouch by placing it in warm water or decanted into a microwave-friendly bowl and heated on low in the microwave.  5. Try, try and try again Experts say it can take seven tries before your baby will accept a new taste – so don’t give up. If they reject one flavour today, don’t force them to eat it. Instead try again at the next feed, or the next day. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees come in a variety of flavours, giving you plenty of mealtime options. Our fruit puree range includes Apple; Pear; Apple + Guava, Banana + Apple; Pear + Prune; Banana + Strawberry; Fruit Salad; Mango + Banana; and Summer Berries. Squish fruit and veg puree range includes Butternut + Carrot; Pear + Sweet Potato; Mixed Veg; Apple, Beetroot + Guava; Apple, Sweet Potato + Sweetcorn; and Sweet Potato, Apple + Cinnamon. 6. Get ready for mess! Mealtimes are going to be messy – there is absolutely no doubt about that! It is better to simply accept you’ll be doing a bit of a clean-up, rather than turn what should be a special time to bond with your baby into a stressful occasion or battle of wills. You’ll have plenty of time in the future to teach your little mealtime etiquette!

May 19, 2023
Junior Colleges

WALKING RINGS… YES OR NO?

There is much discussion and debate on whether walking rings are beneficial or dangerous to babies. Once very popular and widely used, there has been a strong debate on their usefulness in recent years. We will take a closer look into these reasons and decide whether it is worth the risk. 1. Walking rings can cause a risk of serious injury; The risk of falling down stairs or tripping over can result in head injuries, concussion, skull fractures, and or soft tissue injuries to the head and neck. The raised height of the baby means they are in closer reach to hot drinks, kettle and iron cords, stoves, cleaning products, etc. Walking rings make it easier for babies to reach up and pull things down. 2. Walking rings may result in delayed motor development. The natural process of walking includes babies learning to roll, sit, crawl, scoot and stretch. These pre-walking skills help a baby strengthen their muscles and learn to balance. Walking rings may visually appear as though they are helping your baby to walk. However, they can delay their motor milestone development, and in fact, they can hinder your child’s mental and learning development as well. Walking rings prevent your baby from viewing their limbs and feet, which help babies visually guide their legs across the floor. The visual-motor skills are critical for a child’s development of depth-perception and visual processing needed for tracking words across a page, moving their eyes from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. Walking rings limit eye and foot coordination, which is necessary for motor planning and sequencing (praxis)– generating an idea of what you want to do (ideation), figuring out how you are going to do it (organisation), and then carrying out what you want to do (execution). Children with poor planning and sequencing may find difficulty when needing to think harder to complete new physical tasks due to poorly integrated information from the sensory systems. Under-developed planning and sequencing skills impact a child’s ability to organise themselves and learn new routines. It also prevents your baby from using the natural movement needed for cross-laterality, which is important for right and left-hemisphere brain development, fine and gross motor skills, balance, posture, and language skills. The advantages of using a walking ring are as follows: Providing your baby with a source of entertainment Allows parents the opportunity to do some household tasks while babies keep themselves busy. Given the high risk of injury and the possibility of delaying development and milestones, you have to ask yourself whether it is worth taking the risk. I raised my babies in an era where walking rings were very popular, and our babies spent much of their day rolling around the house in them. However, now being able to make an informed decision with the experience I have through witnessing the injuries and delays involved in walking rings, I would recommend baby learn to crawl and walk on the floor. I honestly believe that the risk is too high, and our babies are far too precious to take that risk. Teacher Natalie Early Childhood Educator The importance of Breastfeeding

May 19, 2023
Parenting Hub

Introducing Tree Hut Beauty

The beauty brand that’s here to elevate your body care routine to a self-care ritual  The wait is over – Tree Hut Beauty has landed in SA! Known for beautifully scented, filled-with-goodness, feel-good body care, Tree Hut is here to elevate your daily beauty rituals.  A family business hailing from the US, Tree Hut believes that everyone deserves to take time in their day to feel good, even if it’s just in the shower. For almost 20 years, this feel-good brand has brought the spa into the home of consumers with pampering products that are jam-packed with goodness. Tree Hut skincare and body products are designed to transform your hygiene routine into a self-care ritual allowing you to indulge, relax and take a few moments for yourself. Whether scrubbing, shaving or moisturizing, Tree Hut never skimps on good ingredients, so the result is soft, smooth skin every time.  Tree hut products are formulated with high concentrations of skin-loving, plant-based ingredients such as: Shea Butter, Cupuaçu Butter, Sugar, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Guarana, Aloe, Fruit Enzymes, Fruit Extracts, and Vitamin C. These natural ingredients are carefully selected to soften, moisturize and nourish skin so that you can achieve an all-over healthy glow.  Tree Hut products are proudly made without Parabens or Sulphates. The collection consist four categories: Classic The best-selling crowed-pleasers loved by all. Scents include Coconut Lime, Moroccan Rose and Exotic Bloom. Solution The power players infused with skincare actives to elevate your exfoliation to a full body treatment. Scents include Strawberry, Pineapple, Vitamin C, Watermelon and Vanilla. Destination The tropical and sunny blends that transport you to exotic destinations and a dream holiday in seconds. Scents include Coco Colada, Desert Haze, Papaya Paradise, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, Tropic Glow, Bikini Reef and Blue Lagoon. Sweet The deliciously sweet scents fit for any sweet tooth. Scents include Cotton Candy and Peach Sorbet. The product range consists of: Shea Sugar Scrubs (R395.00) This best-selling product line is available in a variety of scents – you’ll want to collect them all! Made with real sugar, Shea Butter and a special six-oil blend that leaves skin smooth and hydrated, the range features best-sellers for a reason – customers can’t get enough!  Whipped Body Butters (R395.00 – R439.00) Ultra-nourishing Shea Butter is whipped with softening plant oils for an airy, glide-on formula. It’s the perfect finish to the Tree Hut body care routine.  Bath Soaks (R325.00) Unplug and unwind with a deeply relaxing bath soak. Epsom salts ease achy muscles and Shea Butter softens, while the signature scents provide you with a spa-like experience.   Bare Moisturizing Shave Oils (R395.00) This luxurious shave line will have you ready for your close-up! Say goodbye to stubble, nicks and bumps, and say hello to beautifully smooth skin. Achieve the closest shave possible and long-lasting smoothness.   Each shave oil is powered by a proprietary technology to prevent nicks and cuts by enhancing contact between the razor and the skin for a closer shave. They contain nourishing Shea Butter along with a blend of other nourishing oils such as Jojoba, Argan, Grapeseed and Vitamin E.  Sugar Lips (R275.00) Dry lips got you down? These natural formulas are here to smooth away flakes and restore softness. Buff away rough patches with real sugar and Shea Butter in a scrub that’s so natural you can simply lick your lips and enjoy the result!  Ready for a feel good glow from head to toe? Sweeten your self-care routine with Tree Hut’s affordable, quality body care products and make every day a spa day. SHOP www.medhealthsup.com and visit www.treehutshea.com for more information.  Follow Tree Hut on social media: Facebook: Tree Hut South Africa Instagram: @treehut_southafrica

May 18, 2023
Squish

5 easy freezer hacks for babies and toddlers

With just a little forward planning and some imagination, your freezer can become your go-to pantry for quick and easy snacks and meals. Try these five clever tips, hacks and ideas – they’ll save you precious time and energy. 1. Goodness-packed slushies Keep a stash of Squish 100% Fruit Purees and Squish Yogi pouches in your freezer. Pop one in your child’s lunchbox and by snack time it will have gently melted, creating a delicious slushie they can enjoy straight from the nozzle. Squish 100% Fruit and Yogi pouches are made using quality fruits, and are free of colourants, added sugar, flavourants and preservatives, so you know they’ll be getting only nature’s best. Plus, the frozen pouches will keep the rest of the lunchbox goodies cool too. 2. Meals in minutes On busy days it isn’t always easy to find time to prepare a healthy supper from scratch. That’s when you need to have a nutritious meal on hand to simply grab out of the freezer and heat in the microwave. Next time you have mince leftover from suppertime, place it in small silicone cups, then add a layer of Squish 100% Veg Puree and top with mash. Any of the Squish flavours will work well – try Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot Puree or Squish 100% Mixed Vegetable Puree. Place the silicone cups in the freezer and rest assured that you’ll always have a balanced meal on hand for your toddler. These are also really handy to take along for weekends away. Visit the Squish website for more delicious freezer-friendly recipes.  3. Shards of deliciousness Get your little one involved in helping you make these yummy yoghurt shards. Mix together plain yoghurt and any leftover Squish 100% Fruit Puree you have in your fridge. Squish pouches come with a resealable lid, which means you never have to waste a drop. Mix yoghurt and fruit together well, then spread evenly over a baking tray lined with clingfilm or baking paper. Now dot with your toddler’s favourite fruit, cut into small chunks. Freeze overnight. Break into shards for your child to enjoy as a snack – it’s also delicious crumbled over oats or cereal.  4. Make it a double Did you know you can substitute the sugar in your favourite pancake or muffin mix with Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree to make them even more tasty? Next time you’re baking, make a double batch then pop them in a zip-lock bag and freeze. That way you’ll always have tasty snacks on hand to add to your child’s lunchbox or for an afternoon treat. 5. Cool bananas Little ones love these fun and delicious Bananasicles – and they couldn’t be easier to make. All you need is an ice lolly stick, banana, plain yoghurt, and Squish 100% Fruit Puree – use Summer Berries to make them pop! Cut the banana in half lengthways, then gently push in the lolly stick. Place on a baking tray lined with clingfilm or baking paper. Mix together the yoghurt and puree, then spread the mix over the bananas, and place in the freezer for one hour. For special occasions, finish off with sprinkles. For the full recipe, click here.  For more tips, hacks and recipes, visit squish.co.za

May 18, 2023
Junior Colleges

The benefits of imaginative play/role play

Not only is this a fun and exciting game to play, but it can benefit a learner in so many aspects of their life, such as fostering creativity, being able to express and act out in a situation, and manipulating different tools into an object such as using a block as a phone. By this, they tap into that creative side of their brain. It promotes physical development: For example, dressing and undressing a baby doll’s clothes helps develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.  It helps them develop their language and social skills: by conversing with others and expressing themselves while playing a game of Mommy, daddy, and baby. They learn how to have conversations, take turns when talking, ask questions, and make gestures. It also helps them develop their listening skills.  This helps them develop problem-solving and self-regulation skills: If there is a situation where children cannot get what they want, for example, they are playing a game, and all the children want to play the role of mommy, they learn to solve the problem and manage their emotions for the game to continue.  Role play change is a great way to develop positive behaviour: Swap roles with your children; you be the child and allow them to be the parent in the game. Create a scenario for the child to decide what to do in this situation, for example, getting ready for school and what all needs to happen before going to school. We must make the bed, get dressed, have breakfast, brush our teeth, etc. See how the child reacts in this situation. This is a great way to promote that positive behaviour.  Here are a few tips on how to encourage imaginative play  Have all sorts of different props for the children to play with. Allow children to explore and play as much as they can. Play lots of dress-up games, and have different outfits for them to dress into to play different roles. Always involve your children in your everyday lives, make them part of your chores and, allow them to help you put the washing in the machine, stand alongside you while you cook or bake. Promote many conversations and help them think creatively, such as bedtime, and let them pretend to sleep in a rocket ship.

May 18, 2023
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