Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Leading Expert Advice from Curro Online

Advice from the experts

NEW AUTUMN WINTER COLOUR COLLECTIONS – ICONIC & COLOR VIBE WITH ADDED SILICON

What is silicon (silicium)? Silicon is the chemical element with atomic number 14, symbol Si. It is the 2nd most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, after oxygen (about 26%). It does not exist in nature in a free form, but in the formof silicon dioxide (SiO2) as amorphous silica (in sand), mineral silica (quartz, …) or other silicates (kaolinite, mica, …). Silicon is one of the beneficial minerals specifically absorbed by plants and is essential for their proper growth. It is present in human connective tissues (skin, aorta, bones, hair, tendons, …). The benefits of silicon Silicon plays a major role in the resistance and flexibility of connective tissues. In the skin, it has a protective effect by strengthening the skin barrier, accelerating the healing processes and improving the clinical signs associated with age as well as the quality of nails and hair. In the body, only organic silicon can be assimilated. Organic silicon derivatives are therefore of particular interest in cosmetic products, because they allow the bioavailability of silicon in the skin, hair andnails, in order to strengthen them. As a reminder, inorganic silicon (example: silica, talc, mica, …) only gives a mechanical protective effect as a mineral filler. Silicon at MAVALA Inorganic silicon is found in particular in Mava-White, Color-Matt and Ridge Filler. Organic silicon is now present in the two new nail polish collections – Iconic Color’s and Color Vibe Collection, in the form of an organic silicon derivative (INCI: Dimethyl Oxobenzo Dioxasilane). Byincreasing the level of silicon present in the nails, it thus contributes to improve their quality and resistance. THE ICONIC COLLECTION – R105 ex VAT ICONIC Color’s, iconic and timeless elegance, with a contemporary touch! The fashion of the Autumn/Winter 2022 catwalks gives pride of place to natural,comforting shades that inspire confidence and balance… A peaceful lull after the storm… We wander with delight through a universe of earthy hues. A minimal chromatic palette ofcream, ochre, cho- colate and caramel, mixed with terracotta and sand colour gradients, adds a few touches of light to a range of more neutral mineral shades, inspired by the wonders of nature. Timeless camel, warm and chic, is flirting with everlasting grey, which strikes out as the utmost charming asset of the season, while beige harmonizes this sweet symphony of classic colours. In this natural shelter of generous shades and fabrics, the woman of the moment finds thepower to recharge her batteries. Carried by this deliberately comforting lightness, she canexpress her personality in a chic and slightly sophisticated style, infused by contemporary city life. Like her, you will naturally let yourself be tempted by the ICONIC Color’s collection ofMAVALA, with its immi- nently iconic shades, which fully embodies this desire to combine comfort and elegance: Inverness: A deep slightly pearly grey, everlasting like a shimmering Scottish loch in the starry night Detroit: An intense blue-grey, softened light through the winter clouds over an American metropolis Manaus: A sultry deep red, voluptuous like the upbeat energy of a Brazilian night Muscat: A woodsy tan red, rooted in an untouched nature of the Thousand and One Night’s realm Rangoon: A shiny burnt henna, endless splendour of an Asian treasure Salamanca: A delicate sandy beige, sweet invitation of wandering through the lanes of an Hispanic city THE COLOUR VIBE COLLECTION – R105.00 ex VAT Driven by the desire to challenge the status quo, the beauty artists are turning the runway shows of the Autumn/Winter 2022 into a striking kaleidoscopic firework. On the catwalks, a deluge of pop and colour block creates a fearless rainbow, under which transgression is the rule. Everything is permitted, thus everything is possible. Make way for bright, vibrant, explosive shades that convey an obvious thirst for life. Fiery and electric hues of blue, violet, pink and vermilion are on stage with fluorescent colours. Unusual greens, deep and powerful, invite themselves to this so colourful party and embody self-assurance and poise. Unusual forms and materials fusion with very expressive shades and dispense doses of joy in small dashes of colour, like these ultra-colourful and wacky accessories that add pop to any outfit. This 100% colour trend, emblematic of the digital generation, is divinely instagrammable. Making new experi- ments, daring dissonance, breaking codes: in this pop and clubhouse atmosphere, there is no half-measure. Dream or reality? It doesn’t matter! The lack of freedom and spontaneity during this too-long confined game has given birth to a liberating energy where diversity and positivity merge to metamorphose the world… It is up to you now to play and to invent your own codes, with the COLOR VIBE Collection of MAVALA, with its breathtaking and audacious flashy shades: Red Red: A dazzling red red, incarnation of life in full swing Grass Green: A deep and powerful green, reminiscence of nature saturated with water and light Pushy Purple A luminous and joyful violet, the happiness of regained liberty Mellow Yellow: A soft mimosa yellow, magnificently sunny Bold Blue: An intense cerulean blue, the energy of wildest dreams Party Pink: A sparkling and luminous pink, euphoria of improvised parties STOCKISTS : Mavala is available online at www.mavala.co.za, www.takealot.com, Dischem and Clicks stores nationwide

June 3, 2022

MATRICS: 3 CRUCIAL MID-YEAR FACTS TO KEEP IN MIND

As Matric mid-year exams kick into high gear this week, it is important for students to get an eagle’s eye view of the significance and importance of these exams – to provide them with perspective regarding the assessment’s role in the greater scheme of their final year, as well as their prospects post-Matric, an education expert says. “Matric students often tend to look at final NSC exams and think that is the big one on which all attention should be focused, but that is only part of the story,” says Nola Payne, Senior Head of Programme at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. “In fact, Matric mid-year exams have a unique significance in the big picture and should not be viewed as merely a trial run for final exams, because it plays its own medium to long term role – in various ways – in the outcomes and prospects for Grade 12,” Payne says. She says the mid-year exams will be more demanding than any exams written before in one’s school career, and provide a good indication of what will be expected from students in their finals, while also providing valuable insights into how they should approach the rest of the year. “The mid-year exams allow students to hone their skills as well as identify gaps in their knowledge and understanding,” says Payne. She adds that in addition to serving as a dry-run for finals, students writing mid-year exams should also keep the following in mind: 1. YOUR MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE IS IMPORTANT Mid-year marks are important primarily for two reasons: firstly, because they contribute to a student’s year mark and secondly, because they can use these marks to get provisional acceptance when they apply to a university. This means learners must do as well as they possibly can in these exams, to hedge their bets should they face unexpected challenges later in the year. Learners who did well in Grade 11 can already use those marks to apply for higher education, but ultimately an institution will only give final admission based on final marks, and Matric mid-year exam marks contribute to these. Performing well in your mid-years also gives you a confidence boost as you move into the final stretch of the year, because you can focus your effort where it is really needed, rather than having to keep working on parts of the curricula that you should already have mastered. 2. BUT… YOUR MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE IS NOT THE FINAL WORD ON YOUR PROSPECTS Although a good mid-year performance is undoubtedly tremendously beneficial, not doing as well as you hoped does not signal the end of the road. It should be kept in mind that after the mid-years, you still have several months to throw everything at your studies and that with focus and a concerted effort, you can substantially improve your performance towards the end of the year. In this respect, your mid-years will provide valuable insights for you to use when strategising the rest of the year. With the help of your teachers, tutors and school support systems, you can use your performance to develop a framework for the rest of the year to ensure that you address those areas you found challenging and which impacted negatively on your performance. It might also be that your mid-years show definitively that your plans for next year might need some additional consideration. If, for instance, you wanted to do a qualification at an institution for which you are most definitely not going to qualify no matter how much time and effort you put in, you are now able to objectively consider your plans and devise a new strategy by researching your options and speaking to student support services at higher education institutions. This will allow you to take the pressure off yourself if your vision was not aligned with reality, and help you to find a path better suited to your unique skills and strengths. 3. YOUR MID-YEAR EXAM SIGNALS THAT YOUR STUDY APPLICATION DEADLINE IS TICKING With the increased competition for tertiary study space, particularly for popular and respected institutions and qualifications, it is important that learners apply for higher education opportunities as soon as possible. This might not seem like a priority when studying for your exams, but if you are serious about pursuing studies after school it must not be left for much longer. Thousands of Matrics have already applied for higher education, and if you have not yet joined their ranks, you need to do so sooner rather than later. As the year progresses and the final exams start to loom, you will be even less inclined to spend time and energy on investigating your study options. It is therefore ideal for those who have not yet done so, to use their June holidays to go visit higher education institutions – whether online or in person by appointment – to discuss various offerings and their related career paths. When doing so, remember that it is also important to ask institutions about their post-graduate support and work-integrated learning components in their curricula. “This is a really exciting time in the educational journeys of students. Yes, it is challenging and the cause of much nervous excitement at times, but you are truly now putting the finishing touches on your school career as you prepare for the next part of your life and entering adulthood,” says Payne. “As the saying goes, we need to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, and this holds true for Matrics right now. You need to do your absolute best and focus right to the end during your mid-year exams, but at the same time you need to constantly review your strategy and adjust your path as necessary. You also need to consider how you are now walking towards your future, and put in place the building blocks to get there.”

June 3, 2022

How much money do you need to survive?

With the rapidly rising cost of living, it may not be clear how much money South Africans need to survive, both while earning a living and in retirement. JustMoney.co.za, which helps South Africans to inform themselves about personal finance, researches some basic expenses and their current costs. There’s also general advice on stretching those rands and staying afloat. Gareth Price, founder of both Cloudworx and Investmint, and CFO at BackaBuddy, says that people have different ideas about what it means to survive financially. He explains that, in general, households should prioritise the basics, such as food, rent, transport, electricity, education, burial insurance, debt repayments, basic hygiene and medical products. He believes that, on average, these costs add up to R7,000-R9,000 per month. “If you want to move into the middle class, school fees and rent become more expensive, and you may choose to purchase a car rather than relying on public transport. On top of this, you may take out medical aid and perhaps invest in a savings plan. Here, you’re looking at an income of between R35,000 and R45,000 per month,” says Price. He notes, however, that the vast majority of South Africans earn less than R3,500 a month, with only the top 1% earning around R45,000. To put this into context, a state old age pension grant offers a maximum of R1,890 per month, or R1,910 if you’re older than 75 years. Putting a value on retirement Christelle Louw, advisory partner at Citadel, says that to retire sustainably and securely in South Africa, you will need at least 20 to 30 times your required annual expenses as accumulated capital over your lifetime. According to Statistics South Africa’s employment report for the fourth quarter of 2021, the average worker’s salary in South Africa is R23,982 per month. This amounts to R287,784 annually, which would require a minimum of R5,755,680 (R287,784 multiplied by 20) for a sustainable retirement. Louw adds that financial independence is only achieved by 6% of the population, and that 94% of South Africans will not be able to sustain their income from their savings. This means that their lifestyles will have to be adjusted downwards during retirement, such as living in a smaller home. Shafeeka Anthony, marketing manager of JustMoney, says that the Covid-19 pandemic, job losses and price hikes for household goods and services have exacerbated many people’s already perilous financial situations. South Africans have numerous concerns, from security, electricity and transport, to quality education for their children. “It is absolutely vital to assess your financial situation honestly, and to put a plan in place. Getting back to basics and focusing on essentials is the only way that most people will cope with their present needs, let alone growing investments for when they can no longer work.” Anthony offers the following advice, based on tried and tested fundamentals: 1 – Work out a budget: Track money coming in, versus your regular monthly bills and variable expenses – those that change from month to month. Bank and credit card statements are a helpful place to start. Soon you will see where your money goes, and where you can cut back. 2 – Forget brand loyalty: Draw up a weekly shopping list and buy your supplies where you will get the best value. Try out a different grocery brand, you may be pleasantly surprised at the savings. Avoid popping into convenience stores for a few items, this comes at a price. 3 – Reduce your debt: Firstly, debt is acceptable if it takes a form such as a home loan to purchase your own property. Debt is bad it you borrow money to buy the latest gadgets. If more than a third of your income goes to paying your debt, and you find yourself taking out loans to get through the month, get help before a legal process is started against you. Professional debt review companies will advise you on debt relief and protection from creditors. 4 – Save: It is essential to save, even if it is only a small amount every month. For example, stop buying coffee take-outs, and cancel a gym membership that you hardly use. Allocate these amounts to a separate account, and you will be surprised at how these add up over a year. 5– Build an emergency fund: An emergency fund of at least three months’ income will help mitigate the need to take on debt, or liquidate investments during cash-strapped times. 6 – Check your medical aid: Read over your medical aid plan to ensure it still meets your needs. Inform yourself about, and use, the benefits. 7 – Maintain Insurance: It’s always best to prepare for life’s unexpected events. Shop around to get the best deal, but do insure your property and vehicle with a reputable company that should pay out when required. 8 – Grow your income sources: Many people are taking on additional part-time work, from book-keeping to teaching English. Online learning has also made it easier to build your skills and qualifications. Explore new ways to boost your income. 9 – Stay money-motivated: Checking how well you manage to stick to your budget at the end of every month is the most important part of the exercise. Plan for a little treat if you come in on target. “When we have become used to living a certain way, and enjoying a certain standard of living, the idea of making changes may feel very uncomfortable at first,” says Anthony. “Taking on debt or eating out regularly may seem completely normal. However, making some changes is the only way that many people will be able to cope with the rising cost of living, and still have funds left over for retirement. “When planning how to adapt and trim expenses, it helps if you think of the process as taking control of your life. Focus on your long-term goals. Being debt-free is great for your bank balance and your mental health and you are better positioned to realise your dreams.” JustMoney provides busy and digitally savvy South Africans with easy access to financial products,

June 3, 2022

Infertility – Empower yourself: have the conversation

It is estimated that globally, infertility affects 8–12 % of women who are 20–44 years of age.1 Physiological causes in men account for 20–30 % of cases of infertility and physiological causes in women for 20–35 %, while 25–40 % are due to issues in both partners. In 10–20 % of cases, no cause is found.1 Women starting their families at an older age is one of the most common explanations for infertility today.1 It is vital that those facing infertility issues empower themselves by having the necessary conversation about fertility treatment with their partner and doctor, because there are interventions if treatment is sought sooner rather than later. What is infertility? Infertility is defined as failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or due to an impairment of a person’s capacity to reproduce, either as an individual or with his/her partner.2 If the woman is older than 35, she and her partner should seek an evaluation if they have not been able to conceive after six months.3 Causes of infertility All of the steps during ovulation and fertilisation need to happen correctly in order to get pregnant. Sometimes, issues that cause infertility in couples are present at birth, and sometimes they develop later in life – they can affect one or both partners. Causes of male infertility may include abnormal sperm production or function, problems with the delivery of sperm, overexposure to certain environmental factors (including cigarette smoking, anabolic steroid use, marijuana, alcohol, and certain medications), and damage related to cancer and its treatment.3 Causes of female infertility may include ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, early menopause, pelvic adhesions (bands of scar tissue from pelvic infection, appendicitis, endometriosis or abdominal or pelvic surgery), and cancer and its treatment.3 Infertility during the COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased distress among many people – particularly those already experiencing major stressors in their lives such as problems associated with fertility.4 Dr Sulaiman Heylen, President of the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG), says: “Many women who may have been trying to conceive for 3–4 years and needed fertility treatment, but couldn’t access it because of COVID-19 lockdowns, have experienced higher levels of anxiety during the pandemic due to treatment delays. This, in turn, is associated with more negative emotions, lower expectations of future pregnancy, and greater stress and depressive symptoms.” Recent studies on perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic among women with fertility issues, have showed that although women with fertility problems have perceived the pandemic as negative and disruptive, those who have higher optimism may be less affected.4 Dr Heylen says: “Empowering yourself through gaining knowledge is a great way to boost that optimism. For those facing infertility issues, this entails having the necessary conversation about fertility treatment with their partner and doctor. Fertility starts a slow decline when women are in their twenties – but about half of the women who come to fertility centres are already over 35 years of age. It is at age 35 that one starts to see a more rapid decline in fertility.” “Women would be far better served by investigating fertility options and fertility preservation earlier in their lives. Even if they only plan on having a family later, they can make sure that they are aware of steps that they can take, such as freezing their eggs to try to preserve their ability to have a child later on.” Dr Heylen says that while COVID-19 had a major impact on fertility care through lack of access, the rebound effect is that fertility facilities have never been busier. “Women are feeling more comfortable now to proceed with fertility treatment. Doctors also know more about COVID-19 in terms of impact on pregnancy health and fertility, and that it does not cause abnormalities in pregnancy, nor miscarriage, unless the case of COVID-19 is very severe,” says Dr Heylen. “We have seen many women who have had COVID-19 in the first trimester, and they have been absolutely fine – which is marvellous news. Women may also be safely vaccinated against COVID-19 during fertility treatment, as the vaccine has been proven to have no impact on fertility,” says Dr Heylen. Treatment options Many people may delay fertility treatment because they fear the costs associated with in vitro fertilisation (IVF); however, there are a number of treatment options other than IVF that can improve the chance of conceiving. The treatment that will be recommended depends on factors like the cause of your fertility issues, your age, and your preferences. Options include fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation; surgery to fix a uterine condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or blocked fallopian tubes; intrauterine insemination, where sperm is placed directly into your uterus during ovulation; IVF, where sperm and egg are placed together in a lab until they form an embryo which is then implanted into your uterus; and intrafallopian transfer, where the sperm and egg or a fertilised egg is placed into the fallopian tube.5 “Women and men should continue with their journey towards parenthood – it is absolutely possible despite COVID-19. Time and age are of the essence when it comes to more positive fertility treatment outcomes, so we always encourage people not to delay. The important thing is to have the necessary conversation with your partner and your doctor – and to empower yourself with knowledge about your situation and the options that are available to you,” says Dr Heylen. Visit a fertility clinic near you to speak to a doctor about the options available to you and your partner. For more information, visit www.merckfertilityjourney.co.za #WorldInfertilityMonth #DontDelay #EmpowerYourself #Merck #Havetheconversation

June 3, 2022

Raising future-proof children with the rise of EduTech

“In 1951 we witnessed the birth of television. In 1981, Acorn IBM’s first personal computer was released and in 1999 Wi-Fi, the abbreviated term for “wireless fidelity” was developed. But life as we know it today doesn’t change every 20 – 30 years anymore. It now changes every 20-30 minutes…perhaps without us even knowing it. Traditional Schooling as we knew it If you are reading this there is a 99% chance that you were in a “traditional brick-and-mortar” school. We were dropped off in the morning by a parent, or took the bus to school, or for some of us, even walked to school. Then we joined our friends in a classroom with a teacher, the bell rang for break, we all had our lunch, and then we went back to class. We were lucky if we had a Computer Centre at school that we were exposed to. After school, some of us attended social or sport events. And most of you would agree with me that we did not turn out too bad. Times have changed Today, every child is exposed to some type of technological device and likely, even more than one. They are exposed to technology at home and at school, and when visiting their friends’ houses. Students in the 21st century need technology to do their schoolwork, their sport activities, and events and even when organising social events. We as adults must raise children with technology as it is the key to their future. Modern universities make use of online assessment tasks, computer-based assignments, software tools and in all careers, a basic computer skill is a requirement. We have the privilege to raise children with the necessary future-focused skills to adapt to a fast-growing technological world. Forced to online schooling COVID-19 forced the global community to experience “home-schooling” or “online-schooling”. What a blessing in disguise for many of us. Parents and students had their worlds changed by this. Many of us realised what our children were being taught at school, and in many cases left us with a lot to be desired. We also realised that we could do school from literally anywhere in the world by using web-based tools and online schooling platforms. Together with this, a whole new world opened for children. Students can be managed by an online educator under the supervision of their parents to do research, to write their own coding programme, to experience learning in an immersive way, and be engaged by a variety of tools that bring joy into learning. The possibilities are endless. Pros and Cons of raising the next generation by use of EduTech solutions such as online schools. This debate can go on for days, but in fact, it all comes down to two main considerations. If my child goes to an online school, how will their social development be impacted? The reality is that social skills can be fostered outside of a brick-and-mortar school. Online schooling and homeschooling families have vibrant communities that have rich social experiences, build lifelong friendships, and have the benefit that it can be forged around your own family values, choosing friends, and avoiding bullying and exposure to bad influences. This does take parental effort and can be a task without tapping into the communities available. Most online schools, such as Wingu Academy have vibrant programmes where students are given a choice of different clubs to be part of. The clubs foster social interaction, connect friends that can meet up in person, build leadership skills, and get exposure to other potential interests. Students who attend an online school know all the ins and outs of technology and how to use it in everyday life, school, and work. Children today are more comfortable with social interactions online than other generations and are developing the crucial skills to safely interact in a connected world. It is important to leverage off the opportunities available to ensure socialisation in person. Globally there are vibrant communities on social media for homeschooling, and veteran homeschooling families that can offer guidance. As an educator, teaching online changed my whole life. I realised that there was a whole new world outside of my comfort zone waiting for me to discover. When I first started teaching online, I was terrified of using the technology, but now I can’t think of going back to my old way of teaching, experiencing all the possibilities online teaching holds for me and my students. I also can’t wait to see how my son develops using all the technological skills he is about to learn. He has the best of both worlds. I can raise him on a farm in the outdoors with the peace of mind that when entering the workforce of the future he wouldn’t have to stand back for anyone or anything, because of an online school like Wingu Academy he will have all the skills to have a technological advantage in whatever career path he chooses to pursue.” Madeline Kruger, is a wife, mother of a five-year old, and a language teacher at Wingu Academy with true Wingulian blood flowing through her veins. She holds a B.Ed Intermediate Degree from North West University in South Africa. She also received an award from the Golden Key International Society. Madeline is passionate about teaching and believes that all children are special in their own way and should have the opportunity to develop at their own pace.

June 3, 2022

Relationship building with home education providers is a priority for the Gauteng Department of Education – Wingu Academy’s invite for in-depth collaboration

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) conducted a meeting with homeschooling and online school providers on the 2nd of June 2022. This is the first meeting where the GDE reached out to service providers in the home education sector as part of stakeholder engagement and relationship building. Chriselda Mosibudi-Makhubela, the Director for Independent Schools at the Gauteng Department of Education, expressed the objective of amplifying the voices of learners that are home educated, as well as those of the key stakeholders to work towards turning around the prior views on home education. South Africa has seen a surge of online schools opening in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some online schools were already established pre-pandemic due to a natural growth in the home education market inherent in the country, whilst others developed in response to the perceived demand in the market for online schooling. In the US, online schools have been well attended for a few decades already and have seen mature and well-developed online schools emerge as viable and important alternatives for numerous students across the states. Pre-pandemic there were over 375 000 students between the ages of 6 and 18 attending state-wide full-time online school programmes, a number that has almost doubled for the 2021-2022 school year in the US. In South Africa, the numbers are not that clear and pre-pandemic estimates of 100 000 homeschoolers have increased dramatically to more than 300 000 according to the Department of Education. Chriselda Mosibudi-Makhubela has previously indicated that up to 4% of learners can be home educated in South Africa. The director also expressed that the GDE is very interested in doing research to learn more about home-based education and to improve on assessment and curriculum provision in Gauteng, especially for home education. With the growth in the interest in home-based education, accelerated by the pandemic, many online schools have emerged. At the meeting on the 2nd of June it became evident that clearer guidelines and frameworks are required to establish a minimum standard to ensure that all learners get the best possible education from homeschooling providers and online schools. The different curriculum providers and homeschooling providers present at the meeting had varying levels of maturity of internal processes, curriculum delivery, and assessment structures. Wingu Academy was encouraged to see that our processes and standards are high and aligned to policy and guidelines available and we are excited to share what we have found to be effective in our approach to online distance learning. Wingu Academy is formally inviting collaboration with national and local departments of education and wishes to support the core values that Director Chriselda Mosibudi-Makhubela shared at the meeting of “excellence, compliance and relationship building”. Wingu Academy is optimistic and welcomes the pending regulatory framework to be approved by the end of October 2022, and the opportunity to forge a strong relationship with the GDE. “At the meeting Wingu Academy extended an offer to support the Gauteng Department of Education with our in-house expertise in curriculum mapping to assist with smoother transitioning of students between International and the CAPS curriculum to make it more accessible for students to transfer between home education and public or independent schools where needed.” explains Ian Strydom, Managing Director of Wingu Academy. “Wingu Academy has been applying the policy on home education and has simultaneously aligned all internal processes and quality assurance measures with the local and international requirements of traditional independent schools, and are ready to adopt any further recommendations by the Department of Education. The Academy is registered with the South African Comprehensive Assessments Institute (SACAI) as a distance education provider for the CAPS programme it is currently offering, and is a registered Pearson Online Centre for the International British Curriculum. The Academy is also finalising the registration of an independent school in its network awaiting final feedback from the local department of education and as such has comprehensive alignment with the available guidelines from the Department of Basic Education.” Strydom concludes.

June 3, 2022

BARBIE® BRAND UNVEILS DOLL OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II TO COMMEMORATE HISTORIC PLATINUM JUBILEE

The limited-edition doll will be available from 21st April 2022 This year in celebration of The Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee, the Barbie® brand is recognizing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, with a Tribute Collection Barbie® doll made in Her Majesty’s likeness. Celebrating 70 historic years of service, Queen Elizabeth II is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. After Her Majesty’s Coronation in 1953, The Queen’s extraordinary reign has seen Her lead with duty, humanitarian efforts and a life of public service, unifying the nation in celebration, reflection, and community. The Queen Elizabeth II Barbie® doll is instantly recognisable in an elegant ivory gown and blue riband adorned with decorations of order. The tiara is based on Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara – famously worn by The Queen on her wedding day – and miniature medallions on ribbons are inspired by the Royal Family Orders. The pink ribbon was given to The Queen by her father George VI, and the pale blue by her grandfather George V. The silver brooch pinned underneath the sash represents the Garter Star Brooch, the insignia of the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, the Order of the Garter. “Historian and Professor Kate Williams, author of ‘Our Queen Elizabeth’ says: “Queen Elizabeth II’s reign has been one of extraordinary impact, holding a position that few women have. The longest reigning British monarch, and the first to reach a Platinum Jubilee, The Queen has dedicated herself to service and duty and seen the world change immeasurably. In 1952, when she came to the throne, women were not encouraged to work and politicians expressed doubts about a young female monarch – but she showed them wrong, proved herself an adept leader and diplomat. As Her Majesty celebrates this milestone jubilee it is wonderful to see an iconic brand like Barbie share important historical female figures impact as leaders, creators and pioneers to new generations” Since 1959, the Barbie® brands purpose has been to inspire the limitless potential in every girl and remind them they can be anything. That message has never been more relevant than it is today. Last year, Barbie® launched the Tribute Collection to celebrate visionaries for their incredible contributions, impact and legacy as trailblazers. The doll is presented in a box inspired by the styles present in Buckingham Palace, made from a 3D ornate die-cut border which frames the doll, and an inner panel showing a throne and the red carpeting inspired by the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. The box is printed with a crest-shaped logo and a badge commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne. The Queen Elizabeth II doll will be sold in toystores with RRP of R1749.90 starting April 21st, 2022 ahead of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend between 2nd -5th June 2022.

June 2, 2022

LUCASFILM FEATURES NEW ANIMATED SERIES AND MORE AT STAR WARS CELEBRATION

The fun and excitement continued for fans over the long weekend at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, where Lucasfilm unveiled two new animated series, “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi” and “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures,” and a new special, “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation.” Lucasfilm also announced that the animated series “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” will return this Fall and “Star Wars: Visions” will return in 2023. “Mando+: A Conversation with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni” shone a spotlight on “The Mandalorian” and “Ahsoka” with cast appearances and announcements, and the “Light & Magic” panel gave fans an informative look at the new documentary about Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic. One of the highlights of Star Wars Celebration was the surprise premiere of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” last Thursday night, attended by stars Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Moses Ingram, Bonnie Piesse, Rupert Friend, Indira Varma, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Simone Kessell, Benny Safdie, Jimmy Smits and Vivien Lyra Blair. Director/executive producer Deborah Chow and executive producers Michelle Rejwan and Joby Harold were also in attendance for the event, which featured the first two episodes of the highly anticipated limited series. Now streaming exclusively on Disney+, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” is the most-watched Disney+ Original series premiere globally to date, based on hours streamed in an opening weekend. Additionally, immediately following the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series premiere launch, Star Wars title viewership on Disney+ tripled in hours-watched during opening weekend. In celebration of the launch, a new character poster is now available. Recap of highlights from Friday through Sunday presentations: “LIGHT & MAGIC” ABC News’ Chris Connelly played host to filmmakers Lawrence Kasdan and Ron Howard, alongside VFX luminaries Joe Johnston, Phil Tippett, Dennis Muren, Rose Duignan and Lynwen Brennan as they engaged in a spirited and informative conversation about the groundbreaking history of Industrial Light & Magic, featured in the upcoming six-part documentary series. Granted unparalleled access, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan takes viewers on an adventure behind the curtains of Industrial Light & Magic, the special visual effects, animation and virtual production division of Lucasfilm. Learn what inspired some of the most legendary filmmakers in Hollywood history, and follow their stories from their earliest personal films to bringing George Lucas’ vision to life. Imagine Documentaries is producing the series, which Lawrence Kasdan directs. The executive producers are Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Justin Wilkes, Lawrence Kasdan, Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan. All episodes of “Light & Magic” premiere on July 27, exclusively on Disney+. “LEGO® STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION” The Summer of LEGOStar Warspanelists Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler and Jens Kronvold Frederiksen of LEGO, and Douglas Reilly, Josh Rimes, Leland Chee, David Shayne and Chris Gollaher of Lucasfilm, who represented Consumer Products, Games and Animation, were led in a panel discussion by host Yvette Nicole Brown. The presentation showcased an exciting array of new LEGO products bound to keep everyone busy this summer. During the panel, “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation,” an all-new animated special, was announced. Premiering August 5, 2022, exclusively on Disney+, the special stars “Weird Al” Yankovic and the panel’s host Yvette Nicole Brown, and other returning cast members from previous “LEGO® Star Wars” specials. The crowd was delighted to receive “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation” beach balls to carry home. Following the success of “The LEGO®Star Wars Holiday Special”in 2020 and “LEGO®Star Wars Terrifying Tales” in 2021, the popular signature branded cross-saga storytelling continues with this seasonal special. “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation” is set shortly after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” Looking for a much-needed break from stormtroopers and TIE fighters, Finn arranges a surprise vacation for his friends Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, aboard the ultra-luxurious Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon. But Finn’s plan to have one last hurrah together quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group. David Shayne is writer and executive producer, and the director is Ken Cunningham. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, Keith Malone, Jennifer Twiner Mccarron, and Jason Cosler are executive producers. Produced in collaboration with Atomic Cartoons. “STAR WARS: YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES” Host Anthony Carboni led panelists executive producer James Waugh, supervising director Elliot Bour, executive producer/showrunner Michael Olson and consulting producer Lamont Magee in a discussion of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.” Set during The High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will follow Younglings as they learn valuable skills needed to study the ways of the Force and become Jedi: compassion, self-discipline, teamwork, patience, and friendship. The series is set to premiere Spring 2023 on Disney+ and Disney Junior. “MANDO+: A CONVERSATION WITH JON FAVREAU AND DAVE FILONI” Amid roars and applause, Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni took the stage for “Mando+: A Conversation with Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni” that was moderated by Ash Crossan, host of Screenrant. Pedro Pascal, Brendan Wayne, Lateef Crowder, Giancarlo Esposito, Emily Swallow, Carl Weathers, Temuera Morrison, Katee Sackhoff, Rick Famuyiwa, Rosario Dawson and Natasha Liu Bordizzo were all on hand to add to the excitement. Special guests Grogu from “The Mandalorian” and Chopper, a very special droid that will be featured in “Ahsoka,” delighted the crowd with their very first Star Wars Celebration appearances. The audience went wild when Natasha Liu Bordizzo was announced as joining the cast of “Ahsoka” as fan-favorite character Sabine Wren, and fans were treated to early footage from the series, which stars Rosario Dawson. In addition to his directing duties, it was announced that Rick Famuyiwa will also executive produce “The Mandalorian,” Season 3. The enthusiastic audience was also shown an extended sneak peek of the upcoming season. Both “Ahsoka” and “The Mandalorian,” Season 3 will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2023. “STAR WARS: TALES OF THE JEDI” Host Amy Radcliffe conversed with special guest Dave Filoni who announced that “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,” an anthology of six, all-new, animated shorts, will premiere Fall 2022, exclusively on Disney+. Filoni told the audience that the anthology will feature Jedi from the prequel era, including Ahsoka and Count Dooku. To the audience’s delight, Filoni showed a teaser trailer and the premiere short in the series, showcasing a very young Ahsoka Tano and her mother. Janina Gavankar, who voices Ahsoka’s mother in the short, made an appearance and joined the discussion. “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH” SEASON 2 Lots of fun was

June 2, 2022

BEYOND GRADES: THE CRUCIAL SKILLS REQUIRED FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

When considering the quality of a child’s education, one of the chief motivating factors when choosing schools remains the likelihood that a specific school will allow a child to perform at the highest possible level. One of the best measures to adjudicate this is to see how many As and distinctions the school produces annually in Matric exams. This metric is a vital and objectively verifiable insight into the performance of students at a specific school, and the degree to which a school is committed to academic excellence, helping to tirelessly support students to progress to their best achievement. However, when choosing a school, parents should not only evaluate the school’s academic track record, but also its commitment to instilling and developing those crucial skills which will help students to become empowered and self-actualised in future, an education expert says. “If it wasn’t clear before, it should be abundantly so now: in the knowledge economy, success in education and life requires substantially more than just academic performance,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head: Schools Division at ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider. “Schools must also strategically be focused on students’ holistic development, their personal growth, and the degree to which they are able to harness their personal strengths and unique talents – on top of ensuring they perform optimally in their exams.” Hugo says it is imperative that schools focus not only on academic development, but also on global competencies, mastery of which is non-negotiable for future success. These skills can be divided into five categories: Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Communication Skills, Social Skills, and Self-Management Skills. Each of these key areas are broken down into specific focus areas and age-appropriate outcomes, which are continually revisited from Grade 000 to Matric, thereby progressively developing students’ abilities and enabling them throughout their educational journey. “These skills should not be viewed as an addition to the academic curriculum, but instead as presenting a fundamental change in approach to teaching and learning,” says Hugo. She says under the traditional approach, many students’ potential was not allowed to come to the fore, as too many schools amounted to little more than educational factory operations. However, by focusing on core global competencies and the development of transferrable skills, young people are being empowered to live up to their unique potential and enter adult life armed with the abilities they will need to conquer life’s challenges. “Consider what the world looked like 12 years ago. We can all agree it does not look like that anymore. Now consider what the world will look like in 12 years’ time when today’s Grade Ones leave school. We simply cannot know. What we do know however, is which skills will equip them to the greatest degree possible, regardless of what that world might look like. “Considering an uncertain future, skills like resilience, empathy, critical thinking, and problem solving are clearly crucial components of a holistic education.” Hugo says it is therefore imperative for all role-players in a child’s education – schools, teachers, parents, and communities – to embrace the need to move forward in the way education is viewed, rather than remain fixed in the old-fashioned paradigm of assessment and reporting as the only measure of a student’s success. “Performing well academically clearly remains essential, in terms of accessing scarce study and employment opportunities locally and globally. However academic success on its own is no longer sufficient to position one successfully for an uncertain future. A holistic education today requires much more than excellent test and exam performances, it also requires preparing children for the future demands, and therefore we need to embrace additional new measurements of excellence in education.”

June 2, 2022

HELP YOUR CHILD BOUNCE BACK FROM WINTER COLDS

While science has taught us never to underestimate the power of germs, sometimes these microscopic critters are simply too crafty, even for the most stringent germ detective. Is Winter To Blame For Childhood Colds? Welcome to winter – the season of snuggles, bear hugs, hot chocolate, colds, and flu! Of course, winter isn’t actually to blame for the spread of pesky viruses, but the cold does seem to shake viruses into action. Some studies have shown that many virus strains replicate better at colder temperatures.1 In addition, when the weather dips, families tend to spend more time huddled indoors with their windows closed, increasing their chances of breathing in the same air as someone who is sick and consequently getting the illness.2 When one child begins sneezing and coughing, a domino effect quickly occurs, and everyone who lives under your roof is hopelessly curled in bed like a bear with a sore head. What Is The Distinction Between Colds And Flu? Colds and the flu are both respiratory diseases caused by different viruses. Rhinoviruses cause 30–50 percent of all colds, and coronaviruses cause 10–15 percent of all colds.3 Influenza viruses are responsible for flu-like illnesses and symptoms are characterized by fever, headache, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, weakness and loss of appetite.3 What Are the Symptoms and Signs of a Cold? Acute upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTIs) are the most common diseases of human beings, with adults having two to five common colds each year and school children having from seven to ten colds per year.3 A tickling in the throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing are among the initial symptoms of a cold. Those who have colds may also experience headaches, chills and a cough. Nasal mucus may thicken and turn yellow or green. Generally, the severity of symptoms increases rapidly, peaking 2–3 days after infection and lasting for about 7–10 days.3 How to Treat and Prevent Colds in Children It is possible to protect your child from colds by ensuring that they practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding contact with sick children and adults.4 There is no cure for a cold. Colds, like the majority of viral diseases, must run their course. Rest and fluids – juice and water – might help your child feel better while they are recovering.4 If your child does become ill with a cold, some medications can be used to alleviate their symptoms while their body recovers. These include saline nasal sprays or decongestants for a blocked or runny nose, lozenges for a sore throat, and paracetamol for fever and pain, such as the conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets. Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5ml Sachets contain paracetamol, an effective option for treatment of pain and fever in children.5 Other Panado® Products Suitable For Your Child* In addition to Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets, 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® Infant Drops 20 ml.8 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 onFacebook. #Panado #ADoseOfCare *For infants aged 3 months and older. ends 2022042510198726 References: 1. Foxman EF, Dtorer JA, Fitzgerald ME, Wasik BR, Hou L, Zhao et al. Temperature-dependent innate defense against the common cold virus limits viral replication at warm temperature in mouse airway cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(3):827-832. doi:10.1073/pnas.1411030112. Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311828/ 2. Acharya B, Thapa K. Indoor staying during winter season makes people more susceptible to flu. J Nepal Health Res Counc. 2016 Jan;14(32):69-70. PMID: 27426715. Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27426715/ 3. Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infect Dis. 2005;5(11):718-725. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(05)70270-X. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7185637/ 4. National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. Common Colds: Protect yourself and others. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html 5. De Martino M, Chiarugi A. Recent advances in paediatric use of oral paracetamol in fever and pain management. Pain Ther 2015;4:149–168. DOI 10.1007/s40122-015-0040-z. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1971248/ 6. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry (Syrup). Approved package insert, March 2002. 7. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol & Sugar-Free / Panado® Paediatric Syrup. Approved package insert, April 2010. 8. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops). Approved package insert, August 1990.

June 1, 2022

How dairy helps you to provide affordable, nutrient-rich lunchboxes

The weekday challenge is all about finding the balance between our work, school, home and family demands. Facing severe time constraints and competing agendas, we have to still find the smart ways to help our kids eat well, avoid unnecessary snacking and be as physically active as possible during the weekdays. This highlights the importance of starting each day with a healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast – even if that’s breakfast on-the-run, or just popping a yoghurt and a fresh fruit in your handbag for your kids to snack on the way to school. Planning our kids’ school lunches and snacks for the school week helps to keep healthy eating on track and keeps our focus on providing them with nutrient-rich whole foods, making sure we are including fresh, seasonal produce. Taking time to prepare for making school lunchboxes at home, using the many good ideas and time-saving hacks that are easy to find, is also far easier on the pocket than giving them money for tuck shop foods, which do not always adhere to healthy eating guidelines. This daily attention to eating well and developing the habit of being physically active every day is critical for South African children. ‘Be active!’ is one of the South African Food-based Dietary Guidelines. Studies have shown that childhood obesity and overweight are increasing rapidly. In addition, nutritional deficiencies and the resultant stunting of normal childhood development and growth are still prevalent in South Africa. Maretha Vermaak, Registered Dietitian at Rediscover Dairy says, “Undernutrition includes protein-energy malnutrition and a number of micronutrient deficiencies. The health consequences of undernutrition include stunted physical growth and delayed mental development. These conditions affect millions of people, especially in the developing world, where approximately 60% of deaths among children under the age of five years are associated with undernutrition. Like many other parts of the world, South Africa faces a double burden of disease where overweight and obesity as well as undernutrition can occur in the same country, the same communities and even in the same household.” The 11 South African Food-based Dietary Guidelines provides a simple framework to help maintain a healthy diet, assist in keeping weight in check and make nutrient-rich food choices. They highlight five types of food that should be included in our daily diet – starchy foods as part of most meals; plenty of vegetables and fruit; legumes such as dried beans and lentils; dairy such as milk, maas and yoghurt; lean meat, eggs, fish and chicken. Too often though, the typical South African diet is found to have little variety of foods and a low intake of vegetables, fruit and dairy, while processed foods, sugary and salty foods as well as drinks high in sugar are consumed all too regularly. The benefits of whole foods Whole foods are foods that are minimally processed or not processed at all, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, milk, eggs, whole grains and legumes. The benefits of whole foods are that they are naturally complex, nutrient-rich foods providing a spectrum of nutrients that our bodies need to maintain healthy functioning. The health benefits from whole foods are more than the sum of its nutrients. Taking charge of school-day lunches and snacks Good lunchbox choices for learners in primary school take into consideration both their nutritional needs and their priorities at break time. Most young kids look forward to the bell because what they most want to do is run out and play. Therefore, lunchbox foods need to be easy to handle and consume. Your child’s stage of development is also a factor to think about. Teens can be weight conscious, and they also often have a big need to fit in and be perceived as cool. Planning healthy options for lunchboxes by shopping for whole food ingredients over the weekend and prepping lunchbox ideas when you have the time avoids last minute decisions, which tend to be less healthy and more costly. It helps to have a variety of suitable, convenient and nutrient-rich options on hand, and to involve your kids in planning their school lunches and snacks. Think also about portion control if your child needs to manage their weight or is striving towards a healthier weight. Keep your focus on both the nutritional value and convenience of your lunch box choices. For example, adding a dairy component to a lunchbox such as a small full-cream yoghurt or a portion of cheese is easy to do, and it will boost their daily intake of vital nutrients such as calcium and Vitamin A. Flavoured milk is a great alternative to an energy drink after sports practice. It helps to rehydrate, refuel and repair and at the same time provides all the important nutrients provided by milk. Of course, budget is also a big consideration, and making up lunchboxes at home has the advantage of being more cost-effective than providing cash for takeaways and tuck shop snacks. Cost, convenience and nutritional value – what are the options? Maretha Vermaak and Dr Hester Vermeulen, a specialist in consumer economics at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) have teamed up to give some examples of school lunchboxes that are affordable, easy to prepare at home and nutrient-rich: Cheese, ham, lettuce and mayo sandwich on low GI bread plus an apple and 250ml UHT milk – R22,59 Hester says: “This choice is good nutritional value for money. It’s a top option containing good quantity of energy(3123kJ), protein (32g), fat (43g), and calcium (677mg). It is also high in fibre.” Maretha says: “Make sure you choose full cream milk so your child gets the benefits of Vitamin A as well.” Peanut butter sandwich on brown bread with flavoured milk plus an apple – R14,49 Hester says: “This cost-effective option provides good quality protein and the highest fibre content.” Maretha says: “This lunchbox meals will help your child to sustain their energy levels after break time and also gives them a good boost of calcium (531mg), which is

June 1, 2022

Cartoon Network June Line-up

TEEN TITANS GO! NOW YOU SEE ME… NOW YOU DON’T! This month, Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven continue the fun in TEEN TITANS GO! with all-new comedic adventures. In the new episodes, when the Titans are not busy saving the world, they are up for some fun and games with our favourite DC Comic characters like Batman, the Joker, and Aquaman! Robin teaches the Titans the art of concealment through a game of hide and seek. The Titans also have some hard lessons to learn about taxes after winning a huge cash prize. With epic contests and a series of quests, one thing is for sure, these Titans will always be ready for an adventure, with or without their capes! PREMIERE: Monday, 6 June 2022 TUNE-IN: Monday to Friday @ 17:00 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up CN MOVIES TIME FOR LEGO DC ADVENTURES! Whether you’re a Superman, Batman, or Justice League fan, we’ve got you covered this month with the LEGO DC Youth Day Movie Stunt. In LEGO DC: Batman – Family Matters, suspicion is high after Batman, Batgirl, Robin, and other DC superheroes receive mysterious invitations. However, family values must remain strong as Batman faces the past to save Gotham City’s future. Then, meet the newest, youngest, and nicest hero in town: Shazam! By shouting one word, 10-year-old Billy Batson transforms into an adult Superhero! It doesn’t take long for the Justice League to notice and invite Billy to join the team in LEGO DC: Shazam – Magic & Monsters. So, join the good fight with this month’s LEGO DC adventures! TUNE-IN: LEGO DC: Batman – Family Matters Thursday, 16 June @ 09:55 CAT LEGO DC: Shazam – Magic & Monsters Friday, 17 June @ 09:55 CAT CN PAPATHON WITH OR WITHOUT CAPES – DADS ARE STILL SUPERHEROES! Who needs a superhero when you have a dad! This month Cartoon Network is paying tribute to fathers across Africa with special episodes with your favourite Cartoon Network dads doing what they do best! Watch as things get insanely funny in The Regular Show, weirdly awkward in Teen Titans Go!, and a little bit weird in The Amazing World of Gumball! Fans can also look forward to even more laughter and adventure in Coach Me If You Can and Craig of the Creek! Are you excited yet? We are! TUNE-IN: Sunday, 19 June @ 11:25 CAT

June 1, 2022

THE RISKS AND REWARDS FOR KIDS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

Most of our children are online every day. The number of mobile devices in the hands of South African children rises year on year at almost every age point between 8 and 18 years of age. None of this is surprising; the digital component of all our lives is ever-increasing and expanding – from work and school to leisure and socialising. This powerful wave of digitalisation brings enormous potential for improving lives and opening up opportunities; but it is also ushering in significant risks. As parents, the risks presented to our children can feel overwhelming to manage. One of the greatest challenges of keeping our children safe online is how quickly the digital landscape changes. There are new games, new apps, new social media platforms targeted at children constantly coming and going. There are always new ways around parental controls and new trends emerging. It’s as easy as typing in a false birth year to sign up to any social media account under the parental radar. Parents cannot rely on age limits on sites and apps anyway, as they are there to ensure the developers are compliant with privacy laws, not to protect children. Yet, the rewards of digital exposure and interactions are great, and parents want to balance protecting their children with giving them space to explore an incredible realm that’s packed with learning, supportive connections and endless opportunities to gain digital experience and proficiency, which is so important to their future. How to find the sweet spot amidst the risks and rewards is the subject of an upcoming FYI play it safe webinar for parents on 9 June 2022 from 11:00 to 12:00; or 19:30 to 20:30. FYI play it safe is a South African-developed app for families that’s gone global. It’s not a parental control but adds an extra layer of security to children’s devices through AI-powered monitoring of all their screens and generating alerts for parents if their children are engaging with inappropriate content or threatening contacts. Mother of a teen daughter and the CEO/Founder of FYI play it safe, Rachelle Best will be updating South African parents on the latest data regarding children’s use of the internet and social media; their exposure to harmful and inappropriate content, and she will be demonstrating some of the dangerous apps families need to avoid. Rachelle says, “As parents, we need information and tools to help us enable our kids to build online resilience while they are developing their essential digital skills. There’s no one single action that we can take to keep our kids safe online while they do this. Parents need up-to-date information, use the resources in the ecosystem of online safety and have open, trusting relationships with their children so that they can help them safely navigate the risks.” All too often, when it comes to risks, parents can unknowingly fall into the trap that’s dubbed the ‘not my child syndrome’. An example of this is when a parent sees the data showing that sexting has become alarmingly ‘normal’ and super-trendy for teens, and even tweens; they might believe it about other children but assert that their child is ‘more naïve’ or ‘less developed’ or ‘still not interested or even curious’. “Unfortunately, this kind of knee-jerk denial and disbelief that ‘my child would never do this’, actually raises the risks for the child,” says Rachelle. “As parents today, more than ever, we have to confront our blind spots when it comes to our beloved children and realise that they are engaging in a world where sexting is pervasive, and pornography is everywhere. Latest research shows that while 75% of parents say that they believe their child has never been exposed to pornography, 53% of children admit they have. We can expect there’s a sizeable percentage who also have, but don’t admit it, which is a significant reality check for all parents.” On the positive side, the increasing focus on online safety for kids is igniting the development of improved tools such as the FYI play it safe app. “What’s important is that parents are active in understanding online risks and the digital spaces that are threats to children’s safety, mental health and well-being,” Rachelle concludes. “It certainly is the case that knowledge is power, and there are solutions that enable our kids to gain the rewards from their digital explorations and connections while mitigating the risks.” Join Rachelle Best for the FYI play it safe webinar – Our Youth and Social Media; Uncensored – What your child is really exposed to online. Thursday, 9 June 2022 from 11:00 to 12:00 or 19:30 to 20:30. Tickets are R80 and can be booked via Quicket here

May 31, 2022

Drownings are not seasonal! Cover your pool year-round to avoid accidents

Child drownings happen year-round and PowerPlastics Pool Covers, is on a fresh drive to remind parents that these drownings are entirely preventable with multiple layers of safety applied to the pool. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover and adult supervision at all times should be included in these layers of safety at all times. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover offers parental peace of mind as it completely seals off the entire pool. The PVC cover is drawn over strong aluminium batons that rest on the coping, and a tamperproof ratchet fastening system makes it impossible for a small child to access the water. Small drainage holes prevent rain or sprinkler water from collecting on the cover as just a few millimetres of water can be fatal to a curious child. The cover withstands up to 220kg and is easily deployed by two people, or it can be semi-automated for single person usage. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is available in a range of colours, allowing it to blend into the outdoor area. Importantly, the cover complies with the recommended guidelines (SANS 10134) for pool safety, set by the SABS who oversees pool safety compliance in SA. Thermal pool covers or ‘bubble’ covers that lie directly on the water should never be considered as child safety pool covers as they do not bear weight. As part of the education drive, PowerPlastics Pool Covers is reminding parents about its educational resource TopStep, the home of pool safety. This educational website offers great tips and advice on preventing drownings. Aside from covering the pool, every adult in the home needs to know what a drowning in progress actually looks like as TV has created wide misconceptions around this. There is no noise or splashing nor calls for help. Drowning is quick and silent. Visit www.topstep.co.za to learn more about this. Even if one doesn’t have children, it is still necessary to consider safety for visitors. Families living in residential complexes with a communal pool should insist that their body corporate install a solid safety pool cover. PowerPlastics Pool Covers has also created a Safety Monitor system. Based on the principle that adult supervision is key to avoiding drownings, it allows children to quickly identify the adult in charge should there be a safety issue among the children in the pool. When there’s a larger number of children in the pool, e.g at pool parties, it is advisable to have two or more supervisors each wearing a tag. A busy pool is high risk. You can download it here here and print at home. Laminate it if possible (to prevent water damage) and then add a lanyard or tie it on a loop of string and wear around the neck. The bottom line is that children need to be supervised around pools, and as long as the pool is covered and other layers of safety are in place, the likelihood of a tragedy occurring in your pool is greatly reduced. To learn more about child drowning prevention and swimming pool safety, visit educational blog TopStep, the home of pool safety. www.topstep.co.za. Your best protection against drowning is to have a PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover properly secured over the pool at all times. Practical tips for pool safety Don’t let your pool’s water levels drop. Keeping the pool topped up allows for small arms to easily grab the edge if needed. For every two children in the pool, have one adult supervising and use the Safety Monitor tag system. The more children, the more supervisors needed. Be aware that children’s pool parties are high risk events. Turn off fountains and water features. Not only do they waste water and power, they can cause ripples and splashing, making it harder to see when a child has encountered difficulty in the pool or has sunk to the bottom. Ensure that every adult in the home knows CPR, including domestic workers. Never hire a baby sitter or au pair who can’t swim. Don’t let anyone who has been drinking or on sedative medication supervise children in a pool. Don’t leave toys in or near an open pool as children will be tempted to retrieve them. Teach your child to swim fully clothed and with shoes on. If your child develops a fear of water, don’t ignore this – a child who panics is at greater risk of drowning. Never allow swimming after dark. Discourage your dogs from swimming. Children and pets in a pool are not a good mix. Never leave the pool without securing it with your PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover. Never design / build a pool that cannot be secured for child safety.

May 31, 2022

Exploring male menopause

Recently there has been increased discussions around male menopause. However, research shows that not all doctors and psychologists agree that there is a definitive male menopause or andropause. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, says this is because not all men experience it and, for those who do, they often don’t express their feelings as freely as women – as a result only a few men exhibit ‘midlife crisis’ symptoms. What is ‘male menopause’? It is the decline in the levels of the male hormone testosterone in men, just as women’s levels of estrogen begin to decrease, any time from the age of 40+. Some doctors refer to it as low testosterone. It is normal to experience a decline in the production of the male hormone testosterone with ageing but this also occurs with conditions such as diabetes. This gradual decline of testosterone levels is called late-onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone. It is a more gradual than female menopause where ovulation ends and hormone production plummets during a relatively short time. When does ‘male menopause’ start? Andropause or male menopause can begin at about age 40 (but can start earlier) and continue into the 70s. Why is it not talked about more? There is not much research into the subject, probably because you don’t die from the reduction in gonadal hormones and the withdrawal of hormones is not as dramatic as in women. Together with the reduction in hormones, there are often other factors involved when men experience this. For example, work pressure, marital pressures, life management and lifestyles exacerbate the problem. Many practitioners believe that balanced, youthful levels of human hormones improve the quality of life. What are some of the symptoms? Decreased mental sharpness (poor concentration, depressed mood) Decreased energy and strength Weight gain, decreased muscle and increased fat Depression and/or loss of eagerness and enthusiasm Irritability Sore body syndrome (feeling stiffness) Hot flushes or sweats Cold hands and feet Itching Poor sexual function Height loss Dr Mkhatshwa says some men feel the pressing need to make major changes because they feel ‘life is too short’ or have a feeling of dissatisfaction with their career, marriage and health. This can lead to restlessness about changes in appearance and making out of character choices, such as having an affair or a sudden desire for excitement or thrilling experiences. Getting help Men cope with menopause in different ways, it depends largely on their personality. The reduction in hormones often coincides with children leaving home, friends getting sick, marriages in trouble and job horizons narrowing. Combined with physical, psychological and sexual symptoms it is critical for men to acknowledge the challenges and seek the help of their family doctor, spouse, friends and support groups. How does one test for male menopause/andropause? It’s best to make an appointment with your GP who will: Perform a physical exam, ask about symptoms, order tests to rule out medical problems that may be contributing to the condition and do blood tests, which may include measuring testosterone level. Helping your body and mind cope with andropause Diet: A healthy diet, which includes a balance of vegetables, fruits, meats, fish and dairy products Fitness: Engage in regular exercise, including aerobic, muscular and flexibility exercises Get regular health check-ups including cardiovascular, prostate and testicular cancer Check hormone levels as you get older. Generally, between 40 and 55 several important hormones in a man’s body begin to decline Reduce stress in your life. Exercise and relaxation help to reduce stress, as does talking to your partner, friends and family about your problems Although sex is still important as you go through male menopause, you will start to view sex as a part of a loving relationship which includes friendship, intimacy and sharing Get plenty of sleep What about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), does it work? Medical experts are divided on this. It may improve the sexual function to some extent but there is no evidence that it improves any other symptoms. Are there any dangers or side effects? Men should avoid TRT if they are at high risk of prostate cancer, have severe urinary symptoms from prostate enlargement, have diagnosed heart disease, sleep apnea, a combination of risk factors for a heart attack or are prone to thrombo-embolic events. TRT does have associated risks, including: Worsening sleep apnoea (a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts) Causing acne or other skin reactions Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and growth of existing prostate cancer Enlarged breasts Limiting sperm production or causing testicles to shrink Stimulating too much red blood cell production, which contributes to the increased risk of forming a blood clot Fluid retention, etc. Unlike menopause in women, Dr Mkhatshwa believes more research is needed on andropause or male menopause to completely understand it and determine what can be done to assist men through this phase of their lives.

May 31, 2022

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM EMOTIONAL ABUSE

It’s no great secret that we want to keep our kids safe and raise them in a supportive environment. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Our sons and daughters are growing up in a world that is full of lurking threats that range from anywhere from predators to cyberbullies. These pitfalls make our parenting jobs more arduous, especially when it comes to unseen dangers like emotional abuse. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse leaves no marks or bruises which makes detecting it difficult.Emotional abuse, like other forms of abuse, can cause degradation or take a child’s pride away. This can take the form of threats, rejection, ignoring, isolating, criticism, corrupting, swearing, and lying or any verbal patterns that harms a child’s emotional well-being, development, or self-worth. Unfortunately, emotional abuse often involves an ongoing relationship and occurs over time, and is not just one isolated incident. The Prevalence of Emotional Abuse For years, experts and researchers have been plagued with problems about defining emotional abuse and tracking its prevalence.The precise numbers of children suffering this abuse is hard to know, because many incidents go unreported or fly under the radar of caregivers, parents, or the authorities. Occasionally, there are cultural factors that influence how a parent disciplines or interacts with a child. For example, there is solid evidence from the World Health Organization that found most cultures yell at children, while cursing, calling names, and threatening abandonment vary greatly around the world. Childline receives around 4,827 calls from kids who were emotional abuse victims. This data lets us know that emotional abuse is a very real threat to our kids. In fact, some experts suggest that emotional abuse appears to be the the most prevalent form of maltreatment and abuse of children. There are a variety of reasons suspected of causing kids to experience emotional abuse that include: poverty, unemployment, overcrowding in the home, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and more. But, far too often kids are vulnerable just because they are children and easily become scapegoats for an adult’s anger or frustration. Warning Signs of Emotional Abuse in Kids Like we mentioned earlier, recognising emotional abuse is difficult. That makes it essential that we know what behaviours to look for so we can put a halt to the verbal abuse. Listed below are possible warning signs. of emotional abuse kids: Withdrawal from activities or friends Poor concentration Bed-wetting Difficulty sleeping Changes in eating habits Increased anger or aggression Acting out Sadness Feeling ashamed Obsessed over doing things a certain way or meeting expectations Fear Anxiety Suicidal or self-harming behaviours How to Protect Your Kids From Emotional Abuse Even though this topic is frightening, there are a few simple steps we can take to protect our kids from suffering emotional abuse. To help keep our boys and girls safe, scroll through the list of safety suggestions: Believe children when they tell you they are experiencing emotional abuse.Listen, reassure them, and report the abuse to the right authorities. Good support is vital when it comes to giving kids hope and encouragement while they rebuild their lives, ability to trust, and move forward. Find child caregivers you trust.It’s obvious that we can’t always be with our kids. Reduce the chance of emotional abuse by finding a reliable caregiver you trust. Begin ongoing conversations about the power of words.All children, and even a few adults, need to be reminded how words can hurt. This will open the lines of communication and encourage kids to share when they have experienced emotional abuse. Teach relaxation techniques to combat anxiety. Inevitably, there will be times when a child encounters unkind words or mean people. Whether it’s a bully at school or a narcissistic boss at work, teach kids coping methods, deep breathing, or yoga moves to combat emotional abuse. Model healthy relationships with partners, friends, family, and children.We are our child’s first teachers and we must lead by a good example. If we want our kids to respect themselves and be in healthy relationships, we must pave the way by showing them acceptable ways for talking about our feelings, communicating, disagreeing, saying we are sorry, and making-up after an argument. Avoid name calling, harsh judgments, and create a safe home environment. As parents, we need to be the safe place to fall. This doesn’t mean we can’t discipline or enforce house rules. However, we need to be mindful of how our words and phrases can impact our child’s development, either setting them up for a lifetime of grief or acceptance.

May 30, 2022

Smog & the city: Why protecting your skin from PMs is a must

We hear a lot about “anti-pollution” skincare but, if you’re living that glorious work-from-home life in the burbs as opposed to dashing around downtown, do you really need to worry about it? As it turns out, totally! In 2021, not a single country met the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines. Also, over 90% of the population live in an urban areas that don’t make the grade. And when we say “urban” that includes the suburbs. Also, when dermatologists talk about “pollution” they’re not referring to the haze of inner city smog or billowing black clouds from a factory. The impurities you need to worry about are particulate matter (PM) – harmful contaminates suspended in the air and completely invisible to the human eye. Much like a virus or bacteria, just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean they’re not there, increasing the risk to your skin’s health while revving up the aging process. PMs are not your friends When last did you head out to run a few errands and forget to apply sunscreen? Most of us are guilty of this, but did you know that being exposed to PMs – along with unprotected sun exposure – puts you on the fast track to premature ageing and can even increase hyperpigmentation by as much as 20%? The bad news doesn’t stop there. When PMs penetrate your skin, they can mess with its barrier function and that means dry, scaly skin; ramped up sensitivity, redness, itchiness and then some! They also increase your risk of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne and psoriasis and even influence the development of skin cancer. The way PMs wreak havoc is two-fold. First, they trigger the formation of inflammation-causing free-radicals. (Unchecked inflammation is pretty much the root cause of just about everything you don’t want for skin – think acne, pigmentation, accelerated aging, the works!) Next, they trigger aryl hydrocarbon receptors that act as a “gene switch” in your cells, causing them to slow down the production of collagen while increasing an enzyme that damages your existing collagen. Talk about a “fun” two-for-one special! Interestingly, a recent study has shown PM exposure has a much more profound effect on younger individuals than those who are older. While everyone should be wanting to protect their skin from their damaging effects, the younger generation literally has more to lose if they don’t take action right now. Here comes your weapon of choice Happily, this topic isn’t all doom and gloom. You CAN protect yourself from the scourge of PMs and, we reckon, Helase Urban Defence 30 by Lamelle is the smartest way to do it. Specifically developed with some of the planets most potent antioxidants, it does a brilliant job of mopping up free-radicals AND inhibiting the triggering of those collagen-blitzing aryl hydrocarbon receptors. This means powerful protection from PM cell injury as well as PM-driven ageing, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. In short, it’s your very best defence against the scourge of PMs. (As an added bonus, it also serves up an SPF rating of 30 and contains a DNA repair enzyme that seek out and correct dimers – DNA “kinks” that, if left untreated, can potentially cause skin cancer. So, not only are you investing in a kickass PM protector, but you’re getting a cutting-edge sunscreen too.) Next time you step outside, be it in the burbs or the city, we hope you’ll be wearing Helase Urban Defence 30, your very best weapon of choice.

May 30, 2022

5 signs your baby is ready to start on solids

Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting milestone in your little one’s growth. But how do you know when your baby is ready to start enjoying new flavours and textures, especially when everyone from your best friend to your mother-in-law keeps giving you contradictory advice? These developmental signals will let you know that your baby is mature enough to take this exciting – and, be warned, messy! – step. Don’t be in a rush to introduce solids – if you introduce them to your baby too early, you can put their health at risk. The World Health Organisation and the South African Department of Health recommend that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months. But baby’s developmental readiness can’t be determined only by age, to cope with this change in diet their digestive tract needs to be mature enough and they need to be developmentally ready. But how do you know when that is? Fortunately, your baby will show you – from around six months old, they will start giving you signs that they are ready for the introduction of small meals. Watch out for these developmental signals: Strong, firm neck: Your baby is able to hold their head up unaided when propped in a sitting position. Remember, your baby needs to be able to sit on their own before you introduce non-puree foods. No more tongue thrust reflex: Your baby no longer automatically uses their tongue to push solids out of their mouth. There is an easy way to test whether your baby still has this reflex or not. Mix a small amount of Squish 100% Fruit or Veggie Puree with a little breastmilk or formula. Dab a small bit onto the end of your finger or a teaspoon and place it in your baby’s mouth. If they push the food out of their mouth with their tongue – you can try a few times to give them a chance to get used to the idea – then they are not yet ready to try solids. Pincer grasp: Your baby has started to reach out and try to pick up or grab food and objects. Food interest: Does your baby gaze longingly at you when you’re eating or try to grab food from your plate or fork? If they do, they’re ready to explore new tastes. Can open wide: Your baby can open their mouth wide to receive a spoon and is able to move their tongue in up and down and back and forth. You’ll need to keep an eye on their tongue movements to determine this. Once you have noted these signals and assessed that your baby is ready, you can gradually start introducing solids. Squish 100% Fruit and Veggie Purees are made from 100% fruit and vegetables and are ideal as your baby’s first food. Squish Purees offer a wide range of delicious flavours, including Pear + Sweet Potato, Butternut + Carrot, and Banana + Apple, and are preservative free, finely strained, easy to digest – and delicious! They also contain no flavourants and colourants – and have no added sugar or starch. Squish’s screw-top packaging means you can just use a small amount at a time while your baby gets used to a world of new tastes, textures and flavours – and you don’t need to waste time, money, and effort preparing food that your baby doesn’t eat. You can simply pop the lid back on the pouch and put it in the fridge for later. To find out more about Squish and how it can benefit your baby or toddler, click here.

May 30, 2022

CHILDHOOD PAIN & FEVER: TURN TO RECENTLY LAUNCHED AND CONVENIENT, PANADO® PAEDIATRIC SYRUP, PEPPERMINT 5 ML SACHETS

It’s true: Babies don’t come with manuals. So, if your baby spikes a fever and appears to be in pain, it’s natural for even the calmest of moms and dads to panic. When your baby or infant has pain and fever, turn to recently launched and conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets. What Is Fever and Is It Dangerous to Children? Throughout the ages, certain myths have caused an uproar… kiss a frog and get a prince, goldfish only have a three-second memory, and all fevers are bad for children. Fever is defined as a body temperature of > (more than/equal to) 38 degrees C.1a As strange as it may seem, fevers can be a good thing. A fever is your child’s body’s way of fighting off infections and helping speed up recovery.1b What Causes Pain And Fever In Children? Viral infections are common in infants and children, and most are not serious, including the common cold and a sore throat.2 Teething can be uncomfortable for young children as the tooth cuts through the gums,3a while in older children, cavities may also cause toothache.3b Childhood vaccinations can also cause fever and local reaction (pain, swelling and redness).1c Headaches are common in children, affecting up to 75% of school-aged children,4a and are commonly caused by viral or an upper respiratory tract infection.4b Why choose Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets? Recently launched and conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets have been made with little ones in mind. It contains paracetamol, which boasts more than 150 years of clinical experience5a, and is a trusted choice for many South African families to treat headaches, pain and fever. It’s also gentle on little tummies.5b Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets are great for on-the-go parents and super convenient for when you’re travelling those long distances!

May 27, 2022

Busting the myths of online schooling

In 2020, across the world, many families had an extraordinary experience of online schooling as the pandemic shut down brick-and-mortar schools for extended periods. All things were far from equal. Many low-income families didn’t have the data and devices to get their children properly connected; while the middle-class and up could make a much easier transition and better avoid learning disruptions. Some schools were adept at getting curricula, educators and learners online; others had little clue about online educational pedagogy and floundered, even if they were well-resourced schools. Some parents saw their kids thriving against the odds, which was enlightening; others were highly stressed at finding themselves cast as tutors and overseeing daily learning. While there is relief in the COVID-recovery times that kids can go back to school and parents back to work, this experience of how the digital-world mitigated against real-world challenges is here to stay. Whereas online and blended learning might once have been mostly untried and untested, these are now mainstream options for today’s families offering a much wider choice. Free from physical geography, online school offers more options when it comes to curricula, access to educators and far wider learning options that can possibly take place within the walls of a classroom. For Mark Anderson, Principal and Co-founder of high-engagement online school, Koa Academy, it’s not a case of online versus brick-and-mortar, but a question of who is delivering relevant, quality teaching and learning that works best for your family. Here he busts 3 common myths around online schooling: I will have to teach my child – “Online learning has a distinct pedagogy and online teachers have particular skills to facilitate learning on the digital platform. It is the professional teacher’s role to guide your child through the school curriculum, and this does not change at all in the online environment. Parents have the same role when it comes to their child’s learning whether they are in a physical school or an online school.” My child will not get socialisation – “Parents need to choose a school, online or physical, that suits their values and aims for their child’s education and school experience. Socialisation at school comes through the intentional creation and maintenance of a high-engagement environment. There are physical schools that do well at this, and others that don’t. Same applies to online schools. At Koa, children come together in small 8-person Pods with their teacher which makes socialisation a key part of every school day. Our kids are learning how to be responsible, sociable digital citizens as well, which is preparing them for a very real world where our activities and work are increasingly digitalised.” The qualification is not equal or as robust – “Online schools offer the same curricula and recognised qualifications as physical schools. Like every aspect of our lives in these fast-changing times, schooling and tertiary studies are transforming and being disrupted by better ideas and improved tools. As parents, we are challenged to keep abreast of these developments and to recognise that our child’s education and further studies will and should be different from what we experienced. The world has, and continues to change rapidly and dramatically, and it is the role of school to prepare our children for the real world they will encounter as adults.” Digital learning, fully online or blended, was always where the world was heading. COVID didn’t change the direction, it has only accelerated the pace. Technology in education has the potential to solve many deeply-rooted BIG problems in education – accessibility and equity, quality and relevance. Anderson adds, “We also have to properly consider that we’re educating the generations who are digital natives. We want to prepare them for participation and success in the real world – that’s the goal of education, no matter the era. Well, the real world for this generation, and those that will follow, is a world that encompasses a significant digital realm. Their education needs to include instruction, guidance and experience about how to be a responsible digital citizen because their reality, and their future of work, will not be confined to the material world. An online or blended learning approach is completely appropriate and beneficial in these times, and it is an advantage to families to have this range of choices when they are making decisions about their children’s education.” There has been a view with the easing of COVID restrictions, that online schools won’t be sustainable. It’s true that some won’t be, particularly those which hold to a more traditional view of education. However, the rise of the digital realm permeating every aspect of our lives means that online and blended learning will be an increasingly prominent feature of global education – from early childhood to post-grad. In Anderson’s view, parents considering online school options should embrace the same level of discernment when considering any other learning option for their children. Here are Mark Anderson’s tips for parents when choosing an online school: Align with your family values – “Think about what you want for your children when it comes to their education. If socio-emotional learning is important to you, then look for the high-engagement online school options. If the experience of a school community resonates with your family values then look at the online schools that are active in building community on and offline. Learn about the values of the school and find the one that fits best with your family values.” Financial security of the school – “This assessment is no different from how you would evaluate any of the private brick-and-mortar school options in South Africa. Pay attention to the planned scaling to ascertain if it is a sustainable business model. Make sure that fees are not growing too fast. Consider the financial ramifications if there are physical campuses involved.” Do the due diligence – “Make appointments with school leaders and meet them face-to-face – digital meetings are real connections too. The fact that a school is online doesn’t

May 27, 2022

Tag along for a funny African adventure with Akissi: A Funny Little Brother

The half-hour Boomerang special following a fearless little girl in her day-to-day escapades in a modern African City airs on Thursday, 16 June at 08:45 CAT. This heartfelt Boomerang half-hour special follows a fearless little girl, Akissi, and her monkey friend, Boubou, as they set out on hilarious adventures in their contemporary African city. The show is based on the best-selling comic book series by critically acclaimed Ivorian writer Marguerite Abouet and French author/illustrator Mathieu Sapin. Akissi: A Funny Little Brother uses humour, energy and a universal style to tell the stories of this small but fierce little girl and her best friend, her monkey. It also paints a portrait of a lively, vibrant and expressive Africa, far from the usual clichés, which will become as familiar to the viewers as it is to Akissi and her friends. With sales of more than 115 000 copies and translated into 9 languages, the Akissi book series, like the animated special, is inspired by Marguerite Abouet’s childhood in Abidjan. “Akissi invites children to go off into a warm and chaotic unknown world, an uninhibited and relaxed roam through an Africa that is so near and yet so far away,” says the writer. “It’s like an open-air theatre where these young characters and their sense of hospitality unceremoniously grab your attention. Even though they have some flaws, they are always happy and active, and children from all over Africa will be able to identify with them.” Akissi: A Funny Little Brother has been produced by Ellipsanime and was co-financed by France Télévisions for France and Warner Bros. Discovery for Africa. The English-speaking version was dubbed using local South African talents through The African Animation Network. Many of the young voice artists reign from the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, including 16-year-old Phophi Muleya in the titular role. Other African creative talents include Central African-born French singer and musician Bibi Tanga, who composed Akissi’s jazz, funk and afrobeat-influenced music, and Ivorian line producer Angelin Paul from French studio GHWA Productions. “We are delighted to present the world of Marguerite Abouet to our sub-Saharan African audiences. Akissi is a free, curious, mischievous and caring heroine in contemporary Africa’s energetic and vibrant environment. Through this special, we are increasing our animation offering aimed at young African audiences and working towards a diversity of characters in unique stories,” said Ariane Suveg, VP Head of Kids Channels, Warner Bros. Discovery, France, Africa & Israel. Tune in to Boomerang Africa on Thursday, 16 June at 08:45 CAT and relish the laugh-out-loud misadventures of this fearless little girl in her day-to-day escapades in a modern African City!

May 27, 2022

CHOOSING PARENTHOOD

Speak to other parents: Leading up to the birth of my child, there was much in the way of warnings and serious advice to the tune of “You’d best start getting your sleep in now” and “Oh boy, your life is over!” I can recall turning to a colleague who gave warnings in this vein and suggested she keep all the negative warnings away from me, as I was looking forward to being a dad. There will undoubtedly be horror stories of projectile bodily fluids and endless nights of sleep, but I’ll never forget the moment a friend asked me what it felt like, the day my child was born. I found it so difficult to put into words, but I was a different person from just 24 hours before. My whole being felt full. I wanted to burst with a mixture of pride and newfound love for this little person who had entered my wife. I found myself willing to threaten and argue with nurses who were just trying to do their job. The instinct to protect was strong, to say the least. In discussion with other fathers my age, friends who have moved away and with whom I don’t often get to speak, sometimes a different story is told. From having to work longer and harder to support the new family, not being able to connect very well with a burping, eating and excreting machine to finding their children an unexpected inconvenience, I wondered how their experience could be so different! Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether or not this is the right time to be a parent. Why would you like to have a child? What reasons have motivated your decision to start a family? Are you internally or externally motivated? In other words, are you doing this for your own reasons or because you are expected to by your partner, family or society? When we are motivated internally, it can make the role of parenting so much easier, as you have chosen this for yourself. Too many people believe that it is simply the next logical step or will be the factor that saves a struggling relationship. Too often this will lead to resentment of the child and the family unit. Are you on the same page as your partner? Do you both want a child for the same reasons, or are your motivations slightly different? If you are good at problem solving together and keeping the wellbeing of your relationship and potential family as your primary concern, the new challenges posed by a child should be surmountable! Are you financially ready to have a child? A baby brings new financial responsibilities and stressors. Do your homework long before a pregnancy. From gynaecologist visits to a stay in hospital, the costs start to add up significantly before the child is even here! Find out about what basic commodities like nappies and formula cost and how often you’ll be replacing them. Children get sick easily as their immune system begins to develop and paediatrician visits can sting the back pocket. Knowing what you’re in for financially can help you to make the decision and begin to budget for a child, long before they are even conceived. Are you prepared for the lifestyle changes? Having a new baby means that life is going to change in a major way. Have you come to terms with this? It could mean substantially less leisure time, which we often become accustomed to as part of our routine. Weekends are notably determined by the nature of your partner and your relationship with them. Decide long before if you are ready to go from being a couple to a family! Do you have support? Having a child when you know that it will only be youand your partner, with no familial assistance or external help in the form of carers and babysitters, means that your free time will be close to nil. This may mean that at some point, there will be a sort of burnout, which will have wide repercussions. If you aren’t likely to have help, set an agreement with your partner about offering each other free time, by looking after your child while the other has a chance to go out and recharge!

May 26, 2022

Morning sickness – what to expect and how to deal

Being pregnant is an exciting time of your life, but it can be a little daunting. Morning sickness is one of the aspects of pregnancy that can be difficult to deal with. It is estimated that over 70% of women deal with nausea and vomiting to some degree. The name morning sickness is also misleading, as unfortunately you can feel sick anytime of day. Morning sickness is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, beginning in the first trimester. Unless vomiting is so frequent that it leads to weight loss and dehydration (this is known as hyperemesis gravidarum), morning sickness is considered a normal (albeit unpleasant) part of pregnancy. What causes morning sickness? There is no one cause of morning sickness, and severity varies amongst women, and between pregnancies. Some women deal with feeling nauseous the entire pregnancy, whereas others will find that symptoms abate within the second trimester. Luckily, even though you may be feeling miserable, morning sickness is often seen as a sign of a healthy pregnancy and doesn’t harm your baby. Morning sickness is thought to be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, specifically the pregnancy hormone, known as human chorionic gonadotropin. How to deal with morning sickness? Unfortunately there isn’t anything you can do to fully alleviate the nausea and vomiting, however, there are things you can do to help fight feeling sick. Making sure you stay hydrated, eating a bland diet, such as rice, bananas and crackers, as well as eating small amounts frequently are all things that can help quell the queasiness. Try staying away from strong smells and spicy foods, as these can trigger nausea. If your morning sickness is bad, speak to your doctor, and be sure to consult with them before trying any medication or alternative remedies.

May 26, 2022

Dry, sensitive skin? Lamelle can keep you glowing over winter!  

If you’ve got dry, sensitive skin, you’ll know that the winter months can be tough. Aside from becoming even drier, your complexion can end up looking dull and ashy. Fortunately, with a cutting-edge hydrator and a super star anti-ager, specially formulated for sensitive skin, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying plump, radiant-looking skin, regardless of the season. First things first To beat the winter “blahs”, your first step is to bump up your skin’s hydration levels. Many make the mistake of assuming they should swap out their lighter-textured moisturisers for those with a heavier, thicker formulation. However, instead of getting something gloopier, rather choose smarter – opting for the world’s most sophisticated hydrator, Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum. Our groundbreaking serum contains several different types of hyaluronic acid (HA) to help hydrate your skin on multiple levels – from the surface all the way down to the deeper layers. One of these HA types is something we call HAFi fragments, hydrating micro particles that also stimulate your skin to make even more of your own natural HA while boosting your skin’s ability to rejuvenate and regulate inflammation. You can use this serum on its own or add it to your daily moisturiser to enjoy deeply moisturised, plumper-looking skin. Bye bye fine lines, hello lush hydration! Get your glow back! Right! That’s moisture sorted – how are we going to beat the winter “blahs” and get your glow back? When you have dry, sensitive skin, creating an anti-aging skincare routine can be tricky. Many of the golden standard anti-aging actives such as retinol, can irritate sensitive skin. The same can be true for vitamin C, one of the best collagen-encouraging ingredients on the block. (It stimulates your skin’s fibroblasts – essentially your skin’s “collagen factories”, to produce fresh, new collagen – the protein that gives your skin it’s youthful-looking firmness.) However, just because you have sensitive skin doesn’t mean you have to feel left out. Again, it just comes down to choosing smarter and a great pick is Lamelle Vita-C Lipid Serum. A high potency vitamin C serum, our lovely lightweight, oil-based elixir is suitable for all skin types including the sensitive sort as it contains a form of vitamin C that’s well tolerated by dry or sensitive skin. Better yet, because it’s lipid-soluble, it can penetrate much deeper into your dermis where it can get to work, delivering results that are comparable to ascorbic acid, one of the most potent forms of vitamin C. In short, you get all the benefits, but without stinging, redness or irritation! A bit more about vitamin C As we said, vitamin C is one of the most hard-working skincare ingredients around. Sure, it’s an excellent collagen stimulator, but that’s hardly all it can do! It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can protect your skin from the scourge of cell damaging free radicals. Last, but not least, there’s another reason why you really want to include vitamin C in your anti-ageing skincare routine – it’s a wonderful brightener! As it helps regulate your skin’s tyrosinase production (a chemical involved in melanin production), it can put the brakes on hyperpigmentation and help you create a more evenly-toned, radiant-looking complexion. Ready to glow? Ultimately, if you’ve got dry, sensitive skin, there’s no reason why you can’t hydrate, plump, protect, rejuvenate and even create a more luminous-looking complexion. When you choose and use cutting-edge skincare, Lamelle Research Laboratories believes everyone can look and feel their very best, regardless of the season. To find a stockist near you – visit: www.lamelle.co.za , and follow us @lamellersa

May 26, 2022

Parenting Hub Welcomes Fundamentals Skincare

Fundamentals Skincare is coming to Parenting Hub this June! Be sure to check back soon to learn more about this amazing skincare range!

May 24, 2022

HOW TO RAISE A GRATEFUL CHILD

It can be real frustrating raising kids today. It seems as if we do so much more for them than what our parents did for us. In many cases parents CAN do more for their kids because they can afford to do more; Disney trips, a vacation home, providing them with the latest toys or electronic gadgets, and so much more than what many of us had as children. When our children throw fits to get more, it can bring on feelings of resentfulness toward our children. We desperately want to say to them, “Do you even care about all that I’ve done for you up to this point? Do know how hard I had to work to earn the money I’ve spent on you to get you what you want? Do you know how many children there are who have very few clothes and are starving in [insert foreign country here]?” But if we go on in this way, nothing positive will come from it. They won’t understand lack if they’ve never experienced it. And it’s even more difficult for them to be appreciative of what they have when they see other children on television and around them with plenty of ‘stuff.’ So what can parents do to raise more appreciative children? Here are four things to get you started. Thin out your children’s ‘stuff.’ Reduce the amount of toys your children have by donating what you can to thrift stores or donation centers. Have your child help you every step of the way, from the culling process to the delivery of the items. Then commit to reducing the amount of toys and gadgets they will receive, from you and from relatives. Give to others less fortunate. Have the whole family get involved in an activity that provides a service to those in need. Some families I know volunteer at a local soup kitchen serving those who line up for a free meal. I led my own family to deliver meals to shut-ins and those less fortunate. The experience of giving to those in need will help your children see how much they have, themselves. Refrain from rescuing them. Experiences of failure, mistakes, and being left out are all valuable life lessons that can lead to a greater sense of appreciativeness. When your child has a negative experience, don’t swoop in and make everything all better for them. If one of your children gets an opportunity or receives a gift that triggers envy in your other child, do not ease the envious child’s pain by buying them something or creating an equal experience for them. Instead, let your child just feel what they’re feeling and encourage them to talk about it. Finally, demonstrate what appreciation looks like. You are your child’s greatest teacher so why not teach them through your own words and actions. Let them hear and see you being grateful and being thankful for something you (or the family) recently received. Lead the family in writing thank you notes or start off family meals by having everyone share what they are thankful for.

May 23, 2022

HOW TO PREVENT EMOTIONAL DAMAGE DURING SEPARATION?

There may come a time in your marriage where you realise that your partner’s negative behaviour is becoming detrimental to both you and your children. What do you do in a situation like this? What if your partner won’t accept getting divorced? What if you are not working or are afraid to work longer hours because you’ll lose quality time with your kids? How do you prevent emotional damage to yourself and your children? Here are some practical guidelines to navigating this very difficult and stressful situation… Firstly, our law does make allowances for one person in the marriage to insist on a divorce proceeding. I’m not a lawyer, but I do know that you can go ahead with a divorce proceeding from your side whether your partner wants it or not, particularly if you can show that you have real grounds for wanting this – if your partner had an affair, if you have a report from a psychologist regarding any abuse etc. It might help to get some professional advice and there are companies like The Family Law Clinics who offer free legal advice. It is definitely important, for both you and your children, for you to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Please be aware that it is absolutely normal for children to act up in situations like this. They will tend to play out the aggression and negativity they experience at home, but also an aggression and negativity that is repressed in the home. Think of their behaviour as a barometer for the emotional environment that they come from. You or your child’s teacher may even notice some aggressive play and pictures. Please remember that kids process their worlds through play and creativity. It might look negative right now, but they are actually working through their issues and helping to resolve them in their own mind through these actions. This is healthy and necessary and will subside once things settle down. When wondering how to deal with any aggressive behaviour please keep in mind that all emotions are acceptable, but some behaviours may need to be addressed. First allow your child the space to feel the intensity of the emotion and once calm you can discuss different ways to express this that don’t hurt others. You don’t need to worry that they will be permanently like this though. Children adapt very quickly and they respond well to improvements in their situation and environment. What you can do in the meantime is to give them lots of space and support to express their emotions. There is a saying that goes “for the good feelings to come in, the bad feelings first have to come out”. They act out their negative state because they either don’t have the capacity yet to express themselves verbally and have someone understand what they are going through, or because they feel they are not allowed to express it in a safe way. Sometimes, as the parent, we are not the best person for them to chat to, as they are also trying to protect us and our emotions, or they may be angry with us or have some other emotion that they feel they’re not supposed to have. It can be very helpful to have somebody else involved in their lives that they can trust, but who is removed from the situation. Ideally, this would be in a play therapy environment, where they are taught not only that it is safe to express whatever they are feeling (and so don’t have to express it behaviourally) but also coping techniques that they can use throughout their lives when some challenge comes along. Often in divorce proceedings you are already finically stretched. If you have medical aid or the financial resources to manage it, find a great play therapist that you trust. Alternatively, you can contact an organisation like FAMSA who offer reduced rate or free therapy for kids depending on your situation. The next thing to look at is the kids’ routine. If you’re having to start a new job or work longer hours you may need to make arrangement for your kids like aftercare or lift schemes. If at all possible, try to get some of their homework, bathing etc done before you get home. Perhaps even chat to the teacher about helping with this during school time to alleviate some of the pressure on you. I wouldn’t worry about playtime with the kids in the evening. It is more important for them to have a good routine (this helps kids particularly in times of change to feel that the whole world is not falling apart) and sleep is essential for anyone trying to deal with stress. Of course you will want some quality time with the kids in the day, and if you can manage this it will definitely help. Keep in mind, though, that quality time doesn’t need to be a lot of time. It can be five minutes of connecting at bedtime, it can be the conversation you have over dinner, or the wet hug as they get out of the bath. You can also make sure that you maximise on the weekends in terms of fun things that you do together. Just be careful of alleviating any guilt you may have by keeping them up later so that you can spend time with them. That evening time may actually add additional stress, in which case they would be better off with a bit more sleep. The one other thing that you can do to help while this situation gets resolved is to manage your own stress levels. Focus on deep breathing, make sure you connect with people and experiences that support and nurture you, get enough sleep yourself, and be patient and kind to yourself. You are in a very intense situation, and you need to give yourself some credit for where you are handling it well. Also give yourself some credit for what you know

May 23, 2022

DISNEY+ TO DEBUT WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ NEW SERIES “BAYMAX!” ON JUNE 29

Disney+ has released a new trailer and key art for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Baymax!” Streaming exclusively on Disney+ on June 29, the all-new series of healthcare capers returns to the fantastical city of San Fransokyo where the affable, inflatable, inimitable healthcare companion robot, Baymax, sets out to do what he was programmed to do: help others. “I thought it would be fun to do a Disney+ series with Baymax interacting with normal folks,” said series creator Don Hall, who helmed 2014’s Oscar®-winning film “Big Hero 6.” “In each of our six episodes, Baymax just wants to help someone—and a lot of times they don’t want to be helped. He sets out to fix a physical issue that he’s identified, and in the process, gets to a deeper, more emotional place and can be almost transformative in that role.” “Baymax!” is produced by Roy Conli and Bradford Simonsen. The series’ episodes are directed by Dean Wellins (Eps 1, 2, 6), Lissa Treiman (Ep 3), Dan Abraham (Ep 4) and Mark Kennedy (Ep 5). Screenwriter is Cirocco Dunlap. Scott Adsit returns as the voice of Baymax. Voice talent featured in episodes include Ryan Potter, Maya Rudolph, Emily Kuroda, Lilimar, Zeno Robinson and Jaboukie Young-White.

May 23, 2022

The Sushi Sandwich, a great lunchbox idea!

No matter their income, many South African families fall short of the recommendations for 2 to 3 servings of dairy a day. However, given the versatility of dairy, it is really easy to include it in meals, snacks, drinks and lunchboxes. The Rediscover Dairy Sushi Sandwich is a great addition to any lunchbox (big and small). We love it because: It is versatile, because different food items can be included. It is a powerhouse lunchbox snack – high fibre, raw veggies and protein all in one. It is easy to eat, because each piece is bite size, so can adjust to different levels of appetite. It includes dairy and counts towards the recommended 3-A-DAY intake – you can used full fat, plain or flavoured cream cheese or cheese spread or even cottage cheese (plain or smooth). It is easy to make, so the kids can help and use their favourite ingredients. It can be made with high fibre, low GI brown or white bread. It caters to many different tastes and ingredients can include sticks of cheese, cream cheese, chicken, julienne vegetables (carrots, peppers, cucumber and baby marrow) and avo. It can include a combo of protein and veg and it a great way to include a daily raw veggie portion. The raw vegetables pair well with hard cheeses like gouda, cheddar or even feta and a protein like chicken, smoked chicken, tinned fish, salmon or beef strips. See here how to make the Sushi Sandwich. INGREDIENTS (1 Serving) 2 slices (2 x 30 g) of white bread, crusts removed 4 Tbsp (24 g) cream cheese or cheddar cheese spread A quarter red pepper (30 g), deseeded, thinly sliced A quarter carrot (20 g), peeled and thinly sliced TO SERVE Sweet chilli sauce to serve Cheese wedges to serve Raisins to serve Fruit to serve INSTRUCTIONS Place the bread on a clean, flat surface. Using a rolling pin, flatten the bread slightly. Spread the cheese spread evenly over the bread slices, leaving a 2 cm border along 1 edge. Top with red pepper and carrot strips (or any other fillings). Roll up to enclose filling and slice each roll into thirds. Serve with sweet chili sauce.

May 20, 2022

Quick and easy toddler meals and snacks you can freeze

As every busy parent knows, there often simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. But one thing you don’t want to compromise on is being able to give your child nutritious meals and snacks. These quick and easy freezer-friendly recipes will help make your life easier – and keep your toddler happy and well fed too! SNEAKY VEGGIE-LOADED MAC AND CHEESE The great thing about Squish 100% Veg Purees is that they allow you to add veggie goodness to your child’s favourite meals, like bolognaise, scrambled eggs, and mac and cheese, without them noticing – a great solve for picky toddlers. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees contain no nasties, which means they’re free from preservatives, colourants and flavourants and have no added sugar or starch. Double this recipe so that you can freeze the extra portions and have a whole batch of quick and easy suppers ready to simply heat and serve when you’re pressed for time. Ingredients 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot Puree 250 ml (1 cup) milk Salt and freshly cracked black pepper 250 ml (1 cup) cooked macaroni pasta, drained 125 ml (½ cup) cheddar cheese 65 ml (¼ cup) cream cheese 1 ml (¼ tsp) ground nutmeg 65 ml (¼ cup) breadcrumbs 15 ml (1 Tbsp) butter Method Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Mix the Squish Puree and milk together, then add the drained pasta. Add the cheddar and cream cheeses and stir well to combine. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Spoon into ramekins, top with breadcrumbs and a dot of butter. Bake in an oven pre-heated to 180°C for 20 minutes or until lightly golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before serving. MINI FRUITY MUFFINS These mini muffins are perfect grab-and-go snacks and are great to add to your little one’s lunch box. Bake a batch (or two!) and freeze so you always have on hand when you need. These muffins are made using Squish 100% Fruit Puree, which adds natural sweetness meaning you can use less cane sugar. You can switch up the flavours by choosing different purees each time you bake a batch – try Summer Berries, Banana + Strawberry, or Pear. To make a variety in one go, divide the batter, and add the leftovers from your Squish pouches (even the Squish 100% Veggie Purees work well). Squish pouches come with a resealable lid, meaning you never need to waste a drop. Just use what you need then put them back in the fridge for later. Ingredients 375 ml (1½ cups) cake flour 7.5 ml (1½ tsp) baking powder 5 ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate of soda 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon 125 ml (½ cup) brown sugar 1 egg 65 ml (¼ cup) sunflower oil 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Banana + Apple Puree 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Apple Puree Method Sift flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the brown sugar. Mix the egg and the oil together and stir in the puree. Add the puree mixture to the dry ingredients and fold gently until just mixed. Spoon the muffin batter into a muffin tray that has been lined with paper muffin cups. Bake the muffins in an oven that has been preheated to 180˚C for 15 minutes or until the muffins are golden and firm to the touch. CHEESY VEG BALLS These Cheesy Veg Balls are delicious and packed with natural goodness too. They are great as a meal on their own, a lunchbox filler, or as an on-the-go snack when you’re enjoying a day out with your toddler. This recipe uses a whole sachet of Squish 100% Mixed Veg Puree, but you can switch it up and use any of your child’s favourite Squish flavours, including Butternut + Carrot and Apple, Sweet Potato + Sweet Corn. Squish Purees are made using 100% fruit and vegetables with no dilution, which means they provide parents with convenience, without compromising on quality. Ingredients 1 cup cheese 1 x 110ml Squish 100% Mixed Veg Puree ¼ small onion, finely grated 2 cups breadcrumbs (simply put several slices of bread into your processor and blitz) ½ cup wholewheat flour 2-3 large courgettes, finely grated 2 large carrots, finely grated ½ clove garlic grated, finely grated 2 Tbsp olive oil/coconut oil 1 tsp dried herbs Method Combine all the ingredients then leave to rest for 20 minutes. Roll into small balls. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 20-25 minutes. (If you have an air-fryer, 10 minutes tops.) For a dipping sauce, simply mix some full-cream plain yoghurt with Squish 100% Veg Puree. FREEZER HACK: Keep a stash of Squish Yogi pouches in your freezer. Pop into your toddler’s lunchbox and by snack time it will have gently melted creating a refreshing slushie (and keeping their lunchbox contents cool!). Looking for more toddler-friendly recipe inspiration? Click here.

May 20, 2022

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