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Advice from the experts
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Is your teen struggling with spots? Lamelle Clarity and Acnevelle Plus stops them in their tracks

Just the other day they were enthralled by Peppa Pig. Then, before you can say “TikTok”, you’re dealing with a social media-obsessed teen. Something else you’re likely to be facing is a struggle with is acne. After all, around 85% of people will develop it in their lifetime and it usually starts around puberty going into the teen years. However, pre-teen acne and adult acne is becoming more common too thanks to drug-resistance. (The fall-out of having created so many antibacterial products is the evolution of new strains of drug-resistant bacteria!)  Still, regardless of which age you get them, spotty skin is always a confidence killer. Having to battle with pimples as an adult is awful. But having to endure acne in high school as an insecure teen is a nightmare. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to help your child beat breakouts and enjoy clear, healthy skin.  Say no to spots  When it comes to beating breakouts, you’ve got a bit of a checklist. First, you’ll want to keep oil production in check. Next, you have to ensure skin is exfoliating properly, then zap pimple-forming bacteria while calming inflammation. Happily, Clarity by Lamelle is a stream-lined, fuss-free skincare collection that can do all that, starting with Clarity Active Cleanse – a soap-free cleanser formulated with updated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients including a more gentle form of pore-exfoliating salicylic acid.   Next up, your teen can apply Clarity Corrective AM in the morning and Clarity Correctives PM Plus at night. Again, both of these products contain proven pimple-busting ingredients as well as super soothing anti-inflammatories. The night cream, however, is especially important as it contains a very gentle, form of retinoid that can help speed up the skin’s cellular turnover, blitz bacteria and even reduce the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). (These are the dark marks that can set up camp in the aftermath of a pimple – something that’s especially common in those with a darker skin tone.)  As far as active breakouts go, your child has a brilliant weapon in Clarity Active Spot Control. A targeted treatment that rapidly stop a spot in its tracks, it also contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate deep inside the pores, keeping them clean and clear.  It also boasts a trio of super soothers – panthenol, niacinamide and azelaic acid to calm inflammation and reduce redness – and a form of vitamin C that kills bacteria and prevents congestion.  Beating acne inside-out  Your teen might be glad to hear that there’s absolutely no truth to the rumour that chocolate causes pimples. However, eating a healthy balanced diet is important for great-looking skin. You can also take our supplement – Acnevelle Plus by Lamelle Research Laboratories. It contains zinc glycinate – a very easy to digest form of zinc – and nicotinamide, a water-soluble form of vitamin B. Together, they’ve been proven to help treat inflammatory skin conditions like acne. The supplement has also been reformulated to include an effective dose of copper to mitigate the potential to become copper deficient due to the long-term intake of zinc. When used in conjunction with our Clarity skincare collection, it can improve inflammatory, problematic skin by up to 88% in just 8 weeks!  Ultimately, if your child is struggling with spots, it’s time to take action with Lamelle Clarity and Acnevelle Plus. Together, they can help create a clear, radiant-looking complexion, giving them the confidence they need to face the world head-on. Suddenly, taking a family selfie can be fun again! (Can we get a “thanks mom!”?) 

February 22, 2022
Good Night Baby

Sleep and Solids

As a sleep consultant, one thing I am aware of, is how desperate moms are to get their little ones to sleep. I have seen moms who constantly dose with pain medication in the hopes that their sleep disruptions are caused by teething, or who switch from breastfeeding to formula feeding because ‘surely their baby is hungry,’ and they have heard how formula digests slower. I have seen moms push their children in the pram to sleep multiple times during the day and night, and some who have spent a small fortune on paediatrician appointments because ‘certainly there must be something medically wrong with their baby. “Feed your baby to fill him up” is another commonly used practice that some mothers will resort to out of desperation. So, lets delve a little deeper into the relationship between sleep and solids and what we know as sleep consultants. 1. Can starting solids really help your baby sleep better and longer? The short answer is probably not. There was a study completed in 2010 that showed starting solids before the age of 4 months essentially caused sleep disruptions. Those babies slept on average an hour less per night than the babies who received milk exclusively. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids at 6 months. Researchers have found that waiting to begin solids can protect babies from a whole host of complications, including food allergies and future obesity. Hoping that solids will help your baby to sleep better does make sense. A baby with a full tummy will not need to wake up to feed right? Which is true in a sense, except that as parents we forget that hunger is only one of the reasons a baby will wake up throughout the night. Often, we assume it is hunger and we use a feed to put our baby back to sleep. This seems to work every-single-time and by doing this we are reinforcing the idea in our mind that our baby is hungry. This may encourage you to begin with solids sooner rather than later. 2. How do I know if it is hunger affecting my baby’s sleep? Firstly, you can have a look at what is age appropriate for your baby at night. A 4-month-old could be waking for 1–3-night feeds, which drops to 1-2 feeds by 6 months and all feeds tend to fall away by the end of their 9th month. If your baby falls within this range, then there is nothing to be concerned about. If your 5 – 6 month old baby has always slept well, they are able to fall asleep independently in their cot without support from a milk feed, dummy or rocking and they begin to wake up more frequently, or they begin to wake up before midnight which is unusual for them, then hunger may well be the cause. Provided of course that they are also showing other signs of readiness. If your baby has never slept well and you were hoping that solids would solve your sleep problems, then rather first evaluate how your baby is falling asleep at bedtime and how much assistance they require from you during this process. You may want to embark on sleep coaching to establish independent sleep skills. This will usually have the biggest impact on their overall sleep. 3. Can solids cause poor sleep? Solid foods can be a bit of a “shock” to the gastrointestinal tract as it is still accustomed to digesting breastmilk or formula up to this point. Once solids are introduced, the GI system starts releasing new enzymes for digestion. The tummy is made for this, but with any new and drastic change, it can cause sleep disruptions for a few days. This may be attributed to an increase in gas, pooping and general tummy discomfort. Some babies are extremely sensitive to this, whereas some show no discomfort at all. Thus, the recommendation stands to introduce all new foods it the morning to prevent potential overnight sleep disruptions. If your baby has any sensitivities or reactions to the foods introduced, one can expect that their baby would sleep poorly. This poor sleep will be short lived and should resolve itself once the food is no longer offered or being digested. This would seldom be the cause of many days or months of poor sleep. Another less commonly discussed point to note, is that some babies prefer solids to their milk. Under the age of 12 months their milk is more important than any solids. Any solids given should be considered complementary to their milk intake. The shift occurs at 12 months where solids then take priority over their milk intake. If you find that your 6–9-month-old baby is taking in substantial amounts of solids in a short amount of time and their milk intake is decreasing as a result, this can attribute to new overnight awakenings. Offer any solid foods only after they have consumed their milk and ensure that your baby’s daily milk consumption is age appropriate. Unfortunately, when it comes to sleep there is no magic formula that will make a dramatic difference if your baby has never been a good sleeper. If your baby does not have the skills necessary to sleep, solids will not make much of a difference. Good quality sleep is determined by how much assistance your baby needs to fall asleep. If they are fed to sleep at bedtime then the chances of them requiring a night feed increases as that is the only way they know how to go back to sleep, its quite possible they are not hungry at all, you should then begin exploring ways to help them fall asleep that does not include feeding to sleep.   Once you do embark on this exciting chapter in your parenting journey, make sure to follow sound guidelines. Invest in good quality food, spark their curiosity with flavours and keep their meal sizes age appropriate. By Tammy Buitendach – Good Night

February 21, 2022
Prima Baby

Chicco Microwave Sterilizer and Silicone Bottle Cleaning Brush

Keeping germs at bay is vital when you have a newborn in the house – and Chicco is there with you every step of the way, adding convenience to essential household items. When it’s time to wash milk or juice bottles, ordinary dish washing won’t necessarily kill all germs. Opt for a sterilizer that is small, economical and so easy to use. The Chicco Microwave Sterilizer takes all makes of Chicco bottles, teats and pacifiers and with a few centimetres of water placed at the bottom, uses the properties of steam to neutralise all germs in just a few minutes, avoiding long waits between bottle cleans. If you would like to keep bottles stored in the sterilizer they remain germ-free for up to 24-hours with a closed lid. If you’re looking for a quick scrub up, the Chicco Silicone Bottle Brush gives you deep cleaning with silicone bristles to remove all sorts of milk or juice build-up. with an ergonomic handle, it’s non-slip and the perfect addition to your bottle cleaning regime. Pick the sterilizer up at select Clicks stores, Babyclub by Clicks, Baby City, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone and Loot. The Silicone Brush is available at Takealot, loot, The Kid Zone and others.

February 21, 2022
Koa Academy

THE BENEFITS OF INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING FOR MATHS

Conventional classroom teaching is based on the teacher as content provider directed at the middle. However, because there are so few kids that ever truly ‘fit the average’, most of us parents have experienced worries and frustrations when our kids are either out ahead on their own and bored, or left behind.  As Maths learning builds along clear learning trajectories, there’s probably no subject that causes us more anxiety if our kid is losing interest or falling by the wayside. Individualized learning is a concept that has developed as an antidote to traditional ‘teaching to the middle’ but it is still hard to implement in a typical classroom setting.  It’s an area where online learning has much potential.  Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy, a high-engagement online school says, “Done well, there’s significant scope for individualized learning online across all subject areas; and it is highly effective when it comes to Maths education.  At Koa, we use a mastery-based approach that ensures that each learner only moves on when they have a comprehensive grasp of concepts and have mastered their Maths practice sessions.  Working in a small, well-connected 8-person Pod means that their teacher is keeping close track on their progress and if a kid gets stuck, then they get lesson time with our dedicated Maths teacher.” When it comes to Maths at Koa, the online school provides a number of key benefits of individualized learning: Collaborating with their Pod teacher, each child sets their weekly Maths targets based on their own pace Learners, teachers and parents can track daily progress for each child Bookable one-on-one or small group Teacher Time sessions provide Maths specialist support There’s a range of additional Maths platforms that are available for learners to boost skills, so they can access a mode of learning that suits them best If any learner requires more than the in-house support, then the school partners with parents to help them access that assistance for their child Mark advises parents: “Remember that Maths requires patience, practice and confidence. Message that consistently and gently with your kids rather than the more common message that ‘Maths is hard’. If you are looking to supplement what your school is doing in Maths, there are lots of Maths platforms and programmes out there – many of them free – which you can tap into to help boost your child’s Maths.  This is the beauty of individualized learning in the online space.” Discover Koa Acadamy here

February 21, 2022
Parenting Hub

All you need to know about complementary feeding for your baby

Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life is the most natural way to feed your baby.  However, what comes next is also important because of the extraordinary growth and development that takes place in the first 1000 days of an infant’s life.   After six months of age, breastmilk is no longer sufficient as the only food source.  For example, there’s not enough iron and zinc in breastmilk to meet a baby’s growing needs for these micro-nutrients after the age of six months.  Mothers are definitely encouraged to continue breastfeeding, but also advised to introduce small amounts of soft, nutrient-dense foods as complementary feeding. Estelle Strydom, registered dietitian and ADSA spokesperson (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa) says, “A 2018 review of complementary feeding practices in South Africa revealed that the diets of many older infants do not meet the criteria for a minimally acceptable diet.  In addition, it was reported that many babies between six months and one year are regularly given processed meats, soft drinks, sweets and salty crisps, which are all nutrient-poor foods that are not suitable for babies.” Furthermore, Professor Lize Havemann-Nel, registered dietitian and researcher in the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition at North-West University, also points out that your baby’s nutrition is a vital part of a foundation for a healthy life.  There’s no other time when a child grows and develops faster; it’s both a window of opportunity to set your child on the path to good health, and a time of great vulnerability.  Malnutrition, in all its forms, from underweight and overweight to the nutritional deficiencies that cause lasting damage, can be avoided through optimal complementary feeding. Professor Havemann-Nel says, “It’s important to get the timing right by introducing complementary foods from six months onwards.  It’s also vital to know what foods are appropriate so that you are providing your little one with a variety of nutrient-dense meals and avoiding harmful practices.  The other goal of complementary feeding is to set your baby up to try new foods so that as they grow they transition to eating nutrient-dense family foods, which makes life much easier for parents and caregivers.” Registered Dietitian, Mbali Mapholi emphasises the importance of parents’ awareness of the accepted complementary feeding guidelines.  She says, “Parents and caregivers need to understand what nutrient-dense foods are suitable for their babies.  The transition from only breastmilk to suitable complementary foods, along with continued breastfeeding, works well if the food offered to baby is soft and easy to digest, which is why the first solid foods are usually pureed and mashed.  We start out with mashed, soft foods, and as they develop, the food becomes more textured and soft finger foods can be offered.” An important guideline is that meat, fish, chicken and eggs should be offered daily.  Mbali says, “These foods are high in protein which is essential for growth and development.  They also contain important vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and healthy body functioning.  Eating these foods every day prevents deficiencies of important nutrients such as iron.  Plant protein sources such as soya, beans, peas and lentils are affordable and are also important to include in the diet regularly.” Another important nutrition guideline is making dark green leafy vegetables and orange-coloured fruit and veg available daily to your baby.  Mbali says, “Spinach is easy for us to grow in our gardens or in pots so that we can harvest the leaves we need each day, while the plant keeps on growing and providing more.  Vegetables such as butternut and carrots, and fruits such as citrus, paw-paw and mangoes are good sources of vitamins A and C that help to maintain your baby’s good health.  It works out well to buy seasonal fruit and veg because it’s more economical.” For a toddler between 12 and 36 months, you need to provide five small meals per day with starchy foods in most meals.  Dairy such as milk, maas and yoghurt should be consumed every day – 500ml is recommended so that your child gets sufficient calcium intake for strong bones and healthy teeth. There’s also a list of nutrient-poor foods that parents and caregivers need to stay clear of: Avoid tea and coffee as these drinks contain caffeine Avoid sugary drinks and juices which are high in sugar Avoid highly processed and high fat foods Avoid salty foods Registered dietitian Carey Haupt says, “Under 12 months of age, a baby’s kidneys are not yet fully developed.  These types of unsuitable foods can put strain on the kidneys.  Foods that are high in sugar and fat can lead to overweight and childhood obesity, which is an increasing problem in South Africa.  Use herbs for flavour instead of adding salt.  Substitute clean water in place of juices and soft drinks that are high in sugar and can damage new teeth.” Throughout this introduction of complementary foods, mothers should be supported in continuing to breastfeed. Parents can start with offering their child a pureed meal (traditional complementary feeding) or soft finger foods (baby led weaning). Carey says, “It makes good sense at this very young age to let your baby play with their food.  Picking up a stem of broccoli enables them to look, feel, smell and taste.  By letting them explore and interact with new foods, you may avoid picky eating later on.” ADSA has released a series of three short, informative videos about complementary feeding for South African parents and caregivers.  Join the ADSA dietitian team to learn more about the nutrients that babies require after six months of age; get tips on how to make complementary feeding easy for you, and for baby.  Each episode also features a recipe for a simple yet nutrient-dense complementary baby meal that is quick and convenient for busy moms and caregivers.

February 18, 2022
Bill Corbett

THE SINGLE MOM’S SURVIVAL GUIDE ON DISCIPLINE

Other than parents of multiples, I’m not sure there is anyone with a tougher parenting job than a single mother, and there are plenty of them.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 13.6 million single parents in 2007 raising 21.2 million children.  To provide perspective, that is nearly 26% of children under 21 in the U.S. today.  And the Web site, About.com reports that 84% of custodial parents are mothers. Single moms fill my parenting classes looking for help and I’ve spent many hours discussing their frustrations with them about their role as the sole caretaker.  One particularly huge mistake they make that leads to discipline problems is using their children to fill their relationship needs. For example, labelling the oldest male child to be “the man of the house” or being in great need of friendships and treating the female children more as girlfriends rather than children.  Being a single parent requires the courage to be firm and in control without creating more chaos for the kids.  Here are 8 tips on discipline for the single mom. Hold Family Meetings.  Children need to feel a part of the team and when they do, they are more likely to cooperate and will misbehave less often.  Schedule a consistent day and time each week to sit down with the children to connect with them.  The activities that work best for these sessions are any that encourage dialogue and sharing. You may also use this time to go over family rules but don’t make this the highlight of the meeting.  Once you have demonstrated what the role of the facilitator looks like, allow the kids to take turns being the facilitator themselves, determining the discussion topics and agendas. Create Structure, Routines, and Boundaries.  Children need sameness and routine in daily life, especially at a time when the structure of the family has suddenly changed due to death, separation, or divorce.  The more structure they have in their world, the more secure they feel and again, the less likely they are to feel compelled to misbehave.  Some single moms are afraid to step up and create order and limits because they fear hearing their children say the dreaded words, “I want to live with Daddy, he doesn’t have so many rules.”  But it is these rules that will help them become the young adults you want them to be. Establish New Traditions.  Take the opportunity to create new traditions and rituals as a family to create special moments and new closeness with the children.  Doing so will allow for new bonding but will also help past and hurtful memories fade away.  If the children’s’ other parent is in the picture and visitation is a new norm around the holidays, see the complex scheduling as something positive and not stressful, and an opportunity to create new activities or routines. Boyfriends Should Not Discipline.  Children sometimes see the new boyfriend as a threat and experience jealousy.  They don’t like sharing their mother with other siblings, let alone a stranger.  The boyfriend is there for mom and not for the children, so I encourage dating single moms to set up rules from the start that the boyfriends should not have any role in administering discipline.  It is perfectly fine for him to find special ways to connect with the kids with fun, play, and games, but the discipline should be left to mom. Engage Male Family Members For Boys.  It is a fact that boys who have male role models in their lives mature in healthy emotional ways.  Boys need men to learn from and have as mentors.  If there is not an active and present father in a boy’s life, I suggest that single moms find ways of setting up extra time for him using her father, brothers, uncles, and other male relatives.  Reach out to them and let them know how valuable they are and encourage them to spend time with her boys to help them grow into young men. Speak Respectfully About Their Father.  Regardless of mom’s feeling toward her ex-husband, to the children he is still their father and still someone they may look up to.  The children may not truly understand what the breakup was all about and certainly don’t see the world the way their mother does.  It is important that mom always speaks respectfully about him to the children.  If she doesn’t, they may feel angry toward her for doing it and become more sympathetic toward their father as an act of defence.  This kind of inappropriate behaviour on mom’s part also models backbiting and sabotage for the children.  Mom should keep her negative emotions about the children’s father to herself and not confide in the kids.  Close friends and therapists are best for this. Take Care of Yourself.  One parent raising the children alone may feel drained and pass it on to the kids emotionally.  Even if mom doesn’t pass it on in obvious ways by yelling and snapping at them, the children will feel it and sense it.  When the flight attendant on a passenger aircraft demonstrates the oxygen mask, she always instructs us to put it on us first and then to put it on our children.  This illustration demonstrates that we must first take the measures to take care of ourselves so that we can effectively take care of our children.  With an already over extended schedule, it may seem impossible for a single mom to take time out to take care of herself.  But if she truly wants to be the best single mom for her kids, she must find a way to make it happen. Bill Corbett is a syndicated writer for numerous parenting publications nationwide and is the author of several books.   Liz and Bill Corbett own the parent/teacher education organization, Cooperative Kids.  They have six children between them and two grandchildren.  Get free parenting advice at their Web site www.CooperativeKids.com.

February 18, 2022
Wingu Academy

Wingu iAS Level Laboratory Kits – pioneering the way to give learners real-life experience

After months of planning and development, Wingu Academy is proud to introduce our iAS level learners to Wingu’s own unique laboratory kits. As per the requirements to pass Chemistry, Biology, or Physics on iAS level; learners are required to write a practical exam where they need to perform several laboratory experiments under supervision. “To ensure that our students receive the absolute best quality education from the comfort of their home or educational center, Wingu; with the assistance of specialists in the respective courses, designed unique laboratory kits that contain everything learners need to gain real-life experience working with laboratory equipment,” says Ian Strydom, Managing Director of Wingu Academy. All the kits are designed with the safety of learners in mind, without impeding on the skills they require to pass their final practical exam. Under the guidance of our Lab Masters the learners will explore the exciting practical world, having fun while learning as is synonymous with Wingu.  In Biology the learners will explore the tiny world of plant and animal materials through their very own microscope; learn how to identify different biological molecules and discover the wondrous mechanisms of enzymes. Our Physics kits will transform our learners into real life physicists by teaching them how to use the scientific method to control electrons through building electric circuits and how to bend forces to their will using springs. But the most exciting kit of all is our one-of-a-kind Chemistry kit. This kit will have learners feeling like mad scientists, giving them the opportunity to experience chemical reactions firsthand in their own miniature laboratory. With the guidance of our skilled Lab Master, the learners will learn how to perform titrations; identify specific chemical molecules and what the effect of temperature is on the rate of a chemical reaction, and a whole lot more. Our first practical sessions started in February, and we are super excited to hear the feedback from our young scientists!

February 18, 2022
Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

Routines for Special Needs Children

How little steps guarantee great results Many children with special needs feel overwhelmed by daily activities such as brushing teeth or getting dressed. A daily schedule of activities with predictable routines for each activity can make the world seem less chaotic and frightening to them.  Understanding Schedules and Routines A schedule represents the main activities that happen across your child’s day. Routines are the activities that happen within your schedule. They are repetitive and usually involve a series of little steps. One example of a daily routine is your child’s morning routine and all the steps involved: getting up, going to the bathroom, brushing teeth, getting dressed, having breakfast, packing a school bag, and getting in the car. Children who understand the steps in routines quickly accomplish tasks with little or no adult assistance. Essentially, once taught, routines are daily activities that your child will be able to complete with no assistance. Bear in mind that ‘no assistance’ does not mean ‘no support’. It is important to note that your child’s preferred mode of learning is visual over verbal. Therefore, support can be in the form of a visual schedule or checklist that uses simple language and pictures/symbols. Pictures and symbols make the schedule more real and serve as reminders for your child. The rule of thumb for routines is that visual support must be provided at your child’s level of understanding.  How schedules and routines help  A consistent daily schedule combined with step-by-step routines helps create a predictable day. Children with special needs feel more confident and secure when their daily activities are predictable and familiar. Everyday activities and routines can provide comfort during challenging and uncertain times. Routines can help them understand what is expected of them in specific environments and life situations. As they can predict what will happen next, how people around them will behave, and what they will need to do, anxiety, as well as maladaptive behaviours, are reduced. Essentially, schedules and routines at home/ school help children with special needs:  Feel in control of their environment Feel safe, secure, and comfortable Know what is happening now and what comes next Know how to do an activity or task Engage in learning The positive effect of routines on maladaptive behaviours Both research and experience tell us that it is more effective to build positive behaviour than control negative behaviour. Routines can positively affect your child’s ability to complete routine tasks. At school, routines positively affect their academic performance as well as their behaviour. One proactive strategy I use as a teacher is to adopt consistent classroom routines. Establishing a consistent and predictable routine helps my students complete tasks without my assistance. By doing this, I accomplish two objectives: my students have the opportunity to learn and I can devote more time to actual teaching. I also make use of interactive routines to teach functional communication such as getting the teacher’s attention, appropriate group behaviour, and how to participate in discussions. Using routines at home As a parent, using routines will free up time for you to devote to other things. For example, a routine will help simplify a complex environment like your home and inform your child exactly what to expect, what is expected of them, and what behaviour is acceptable. Routines will allow your child to quickly accomplish day-to-day tasks. Routines will also help create smoother transitions between activities, allowing for fewer opportunities for disruptions to occur. Fewer disruptions result in fewer outbursts and meltdowns. In addition, when your child is expected to complete routine tasks, they have the opportunity to learn greater responsibility and self-management.  Routines can also help you teach your child the following: Appropriate social skills Communication skills Self-regulation Your core values and beliefs Establishing Routines To identify potential routines for teaching, all team members who live with and/or work with your child should analyse a typical day and list all the tasks your child has to do. The next step is to perform a task analysis. This involves analysing a specific activity and breaking it down into its individual steps. I suggest that parents and teachers select sequences of activities according to the time of day. For example, a common sequence on a school day morning may be to take off pyjamas, get dressed, eat breakfast, wash up, brush teeth, pack a school bag and get in the car. During school, routines would be related to school activities. It is very helpful for parents and teachers to work together to establish routines.  Implementing Routines   Your child has to be taught the routine steps systematically until they have mastered the routine. Mastery of a routine means your child can perform all the steps in the routine without adult assistance or prompts. The more systematic and consistent your routines are, the faster your child will learn them. Once taught, these steps should be reviewed and retaught frequently to ensure your child does not deviate from the routine. Children with special needs perform better if there is consistency between your expectations, their responses and your feedback. If you find that your child has made changes to the routine, it may be necessary to review your expectations, then model and provide them further opportunity to practice their performance, to restore a sense of consistency and order. Too many changes will make the routine unpredictable. This could result in your child becoming confused and anxious. Change must be communicated before it happens, using simple language /pictures/symbols. Make sure there is enough time for your child to complete tasks without feeling rushed. Make time to relax into the routine. This will further reduce any anxiety.  Using rewards to reinforce routines Providing a reward for completing a routine helps make it a positive experience. Rewards can be anything your child enjoys such as praise, time doing a favourite activity, or attention. Keep in mind that rewards must be earned and not used as bribery. Rewards must also be age-appropriate. Before a routine becomes familiar and

February 17, 2022
Bill Corbett

WHAT MOMS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RAISING BOYS

Discipline for both boys and girls is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are innate differences that must be addressed to help each gender develop appropriately. Since moms do a lot of the discipline, here are 7 suggestions for raising boys. Allow Appropriate Rough-Housing I raised two girls and one boy and it was common to see my girls sitting contently, playing together with their tea set or dolls for long periods of time. This is how girls engage in learning development. My son however, would be banging his trucks together or setting up lines of army men to shoot at each other, all while making loud explosion noises and occasionally flipping upside down as a way of physically acting out the violence he seemed to be creating with his toys. Communicate with Them Directly Two little girls can sit side by side, talking away and hear every word the other is saying without making eye contact. Because this style of communication is innate in mothers, they get frustrated when they issue a command to their son while washing dishes or shout an order from the next room and don’t get the results they are looking for. Successful communication with boys requires getting to their eye level, speaking in a calm tone, and even placing your hands on their arms or shoulders to make a physical connection. Teach Them to Express Their Emotions Boys who are able to feel their own emotions and know how to react to them with appropriate behaviour are more likely to be understanding and respectful of others and their feelings. These boys develop a higher level of emotional intelligence and are less likely to be driven by their anger when things don’t go their way or when someone makes them mad. They also turn out to be great husbands and fathers. Helping your son feel his emotion requires him to feel comfortable expressing what he feels and avoid telling him that “big boys don’t cry.” Provide Them with Positive Male Role Models Boys learn a great deal through what psychologists call observational learning. My grandmother use to call it monkey see, monkey do. A boy learns how to act like a man through the examples set by other men around him. A single mother raising sons needs to find positive role models for them to watch and emulate from, such as her father, brothers, or uncles. Women are nurturers by nature. Once a boy reaches the age of 8, it is not nurturing he needs more, but examples to learn from as he grows into his adolescent years.

February 16, 2022
St Teresa's School

Taking your young child out of school could cost you more in the long run

Over the past 18 months we have noticed a worrying trend of parents choosing to take their young preschool children out of school, thinking that they can slot back into formal education once things return to normal. As educators and specialists in Early Childhood Development (ECD), we know that the stimulation and consequent growth of the brain, the body and the emotional heart, has an influence on every aspect of your child’s future life. Our advice to parents is to think carefully about what educational building blocks are necessary for their child’s overall development and how best to ensure that your child is in a stimulating environment where the young child’s needs are prioritized. There are no shortcuts when it comes to growth and development, and prioritising early childhood education now (from Grade 000) will set a solid foundation that will significantly impact your child’s success in Primary School, High School and later in life.  Why is early childhood education so important? It is well documented that the first 2000 days (or 5 to 6 years) of a child’s life are critical to a child’s development: emotional, cognitive, social and physical. During this time the brain’s architecture is forming and the child’s physical environment has a huge impact on brain development. In the Foundation Phase of a school, we lay the foundations for future learning and for life. This begins with our little preschoolers in the ECD section of the school. The educators are experts on the various childhood development stages and their training and experience means that they can specifically provide what the child needs at crucial moments for their development. How do young children actually learn? Young children learn with their senses: sight, touch, sound, smell, movement and taste.  Preschoolers learn through play and it’s important that they have the opportunity to play in a variety of ways all day, every day. Sometimes they learn with their hands, sometimes with their heads, and sometimes with their hearts. In order for brain development to occur, children need certain types of stimulation to create synapses or connections between neurons in the brain. As educators, we want to create plenty of opportunities for those synapses to be created because it helps children to fully understand and process the world around them. According to research by Dr Karyn Purvis, scientists have discovered that it takes around 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain, unless it is done in play, in which case it only takes 10 to 20 repetitions.      Let them make a mess. The messier the better! For further cognitive learning to take place, the development of the child’s sensory system is vital. ‘Sensory play’ gives the child the opportunity to see, touch, feel, smell, hear and taste different things. Sensory play is often called messy play. Things used for messy play can be sand, water, mud, sawdust, grains, paint, dough etc. This play should be creative, explorative and experimental.  When your child is interacting with these materials through messy play, disorganised information going into the brain throughout the play is then stored in an orderly manner within the child’s brain. In other words, letting children play in the mud literally helps their brains grow, and has a great influence on life-long learning.  “The messier a child is when she goes home, the happier I am as I know that her brain is being developed through the creation of new synapses in the brain.” ~ Lynne Elfick, Principal of the Junior Primary, St Teresa’s School.  Imagination, fantasy play and emotional development Imaginative and fantasy play give children the opportunity for self-expression and to develop life skills to control impulses, to problem-solve and to make plans. By interacting and engaging with other children, in an environment where caring educators explain and unpack emotions, the child learns to understand different emotions and starts to have an understanding of her own emotions. This then leads to an understanding of others’ emotions, which allows her to respond in an empathetic manner. The young child learns to express her needs in an acceptable manner, to work collaboratively together, to listen to opinions, and to form her own opinion. Debating and negotiating, which are essential life skills, starts at a young age and needs to be guided by caring educators with good values and morals.  A happy child is a learning child The child needs to form positive relationships, in a nurturing environment where the educators actively seek a positive connection with each child, allowing her the freedom to feel safe, loved and accepted. This influences the developing brain, and lays important foundations for emotional well-being. This in turn forms a stable and calm state for the brain, which is vital for learning to take place. Put simply, a happy child is a learning child.  A sound early childhood education gives your child a solid foundation for life Right from our little ones in Grade 000, we encourage a love of learning by stimulating the child’s natural curiosity. The ‘what’ questions of the toddler are replaced by the ‘why’ questions of the preschooler. A good educator plans well, but then follows the curiosity of the children in her care. There are days where you look back at the end of the day and perhaps not much of what you had planned has taken place, but then when you reflect on what learning has taken place, you cannot help but be content that the children have been engaging with one another and have grown in wonder, curiosity and knowledge. We consider it a privilege to be the custodians of your child’s early childhood education and learning. By Lynne Elfick          Principal of the Junior Primary               St Teresa’s School in Craighall Park, Johannesburg

February 15, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Acne myths busted with Lamelle Research Laboratories


Despite being one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions in the world, acne is still very misunderstood. So much so, that myths still abound. Fortunately, at Lamelle Research Laboratories, we’re acne experts that can help you sort the facts from the fiction. Myth 1: Only teenagers get acne Nope, not true! It would be great if acne was a problem you could simply outgrow, but this isn’t the case for everyone. Four main triggers that contribute to acne – skin that doesn’t naturally exfoliate the way it should, leading to a build-up of dead skin cells that can clog the pores; an excess of oil that also gets trapped in pores; infection and inflammation. These triggers can affect both adults and teens, but it’s true, teens are often most affected. This is due to their body’s creating more androgens during puberty, a hormone that can increase the production of oil. You should also know that, regardless of your age, the active ingredients proven to help clear up acne remain the same. This is why Clarity by Lamelle, our incredibly effective acne treatment range, is suitable for acne sufferers of any age. Myth 2: Chocolate causes pimples Chocoholics, you can breathe a sigh of relief! The idea that your favourite chocolate bar could be the baddie behind your breakout has persisted for decades, so much so that multiple studies have been performed to find out. The conclusion is now an extremely mixed bag with some saying that yes, eating chocolate could worsen acne and others saying it had no effect. What we do know, however, is that some research has found a correlation between low zinc levels and acne. To be clear, this doesn’t mean that acne is a sign of a zinc deficiency, but it does mean that, if you have acne, you’re more likely to not be getting enough zinc. Interestingly, the zinc-acne connection makes sense because zinc helps regulate our immune cell response in a way that helps control inflammation, one of the big triggers for a breakout. For this reason, we’ve created Lamelle Acnevelle Plus, an oral supplement that includes zinc glycinate and nicotinamide, a combination proven to help reduce the redness and sensitivity associated with inflammatory acne. Myth 3: You can scrub your way to clear skin Yes, a pimple is the result of a blocked pore, but the idea that you can “empty” these with a scrub is misguided. In fact, harsh, grainy scrubs are one of the worst things you can do to treat a breakout. More often than not, the particle is too big to get inside the pore and, worse yet, the friction will irritate your already inflamed skin, causing it to get even angrier. So, while acne sufferers will definitely want to up your exfoliation, they need to choose their weapons wisely. In this case, gentle chemical exfoliators will do a much better job of gently ridding your skin of the excess skin cells that can clog up your pores. This is why our Clarity collection doesn’t contain a scrub. Instead, it contains a mix of alpha hydroxy acids, non-irritating forms of retinol and salicylic acid to gently increase your skin’s cellular turnover. Myth 4: Getting a tan will help clear up my skin Yes, getting a tan may help temporarily minimise the look of redness associated with acne and, at first, it might feel like it’s helping to dry it up. Alas, all you’re doing is dehydrating and burning your skin causing it to produce even more oil and become inflamed. And guess what that leads to? Yep, a worsening of acne. If you want a golden glow, you might be better off using a self-tanning product. But something all acne sufferers definitely need in their artillery is a good sunscreen, especially since many of the active ingredients proven to help clear up acne, things like exfoliating acids and retinoids, will increase their skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Also, it’s not true that sunscreen will make acne worse – you just have to find one that’s lightweight and non-greasy. The bottom line Ultimately, the more you know about what really causes acne, the better equipped you’ll be to treat it. To learn more, chat with an experienced Lamelle skincare therapist who can help you create a skincare regime that’ll put you on the path to clear, healthy-looking skin. 

February 15, 2022
Prima Baby

Chicco Bottle Warmer

Keep their meals ready with a handy kitchen appliance that will become your greatest ally in your babies feeding routine, the Chicco Bottle Warmer. In stylish grey and pastel blue, this perfect cooking companion for new parents allows you to plug in and conveniently heat up bottles and small jars without the dangers of boiling pots of water like our parents used to do. Be guaranteed no scalding when you slow heat bottles and preserve the nutritional properties of milk at the same time. With an automatic off switch you will prevent over-heating or kitchen mishaps. The Chicco Bottle Warmer is suitable for all Chicco bottles on the market including the best-selling Natural Feeling range, in glass or plastic. Grab one today and get convenience at your fingertips at participating retailers such as Baby City, Babanino, The Kid Zone, Takealot, Loot and others.

February 14, 2022
Wingu Academy

How to become a super organised Wingulian

At Wingu Academy we encourage our Wingulians to develop good study habits and get organised from the word go. According to daniel-wong.com here are some of the top tips to get organised, focused and avoid falling behind. 1. Develop a routine Consistency is the key to student success. So write down your general weekly schedule and create a routine. Include things like when you’ll do your homework, when you’ll review the things you’ve learned, when you’ll exercise, and so on. It’s not possible to stick to a routine 100% of the time, but at least set up the framework to keep you focused and on track. 2. Set rules for yourself Set some very specific rules for yourself. These could be things like “complete all projects and assignments at least two days before they are due” or “start studying for tests at least one week in advance”. Review your rules once a month and adjust them if necessary. 3. Work on one task at a time; don’t multitask One of the most important organisational tips for students is to focus on one task at a time. Multitasking seems like a good idea because you can pretend that you’re working twice as hard. We all get bored of the tasks we’re working on, so jumping about seems more fun. The problem is that it doesn’t result in the best outcomes. Here’s what I recommend: Take a scrap piece of paper and write down the task you’re working on right now, e.g. Math assignment, questions 1 to 5. Put that scrap piece of paper on your study table, to serve as a reminder for you to stay focused on the task at hand. 4. Keep one notebook and one binder for each subject Take all your notes for one subject in one notebook. When you run out of space, start a new notebook. Label each notebook clearly, e.g. History Notebook 1, History Notebook 2. This will make it easy for you to find the information you need in the future. Don’t take notes on loose sheets of paper you may lose. Also, don’t just use only one notebook, in which you take notes across all your different subjects. 5. Do five minutes of daily planning each day Before you start doing your homework or studying for a test, look at your planner first. Take note of all upcoming deadlines, and think about your schedule for the rest of the day. Then you can decide what specific tasks to work on for the day. Doing daily planning will ensure that you’re always working on the most important tasks, and that you don’t leave anything out. 6. Block out time in your schedule for the things that matter most Blocking out time in your schedule is a critical time management strategy for students. If you don’t do this, other things which are less important will fill your schedule. 7. Break down big tasks into smaller tasks Breaking down big tasks and projects makes them seem less overwhelming and more manageable. Doing this also makes it clearer what your specific next step is, so you’ll be less likely to procrastinate on your assignments. 8. If a task takes two minutes or less to do, do it immediately The “two-minute rule” was popularised by productivity expert David Allen. When you follow this rule, small tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming. Things like texting a friend, sending your classmate some information via email, or asking your parents to sign a consent form are all quick tasks that take less than two minutes to complete. When you do these tasks immediately, you’ll feel a sense of achievement too. 9. Create a conducive environment at home for studying You need to have the right environment to work. You need all the necessary materials, stationery, paper and study tools. You also need a suitable table and lamp. And if you want to be productive, you definitely shouldn’t study on your bed! 10. Before you start work, eliminate all distractions Take a moment and think about the distractions you typically face when you’re trying to study. Common ones include text messages, notifications on your phone, social media and YouTube. 11. Every day, review all the new information you learned in school earlier that day A quick review of the key concepts should only take you about 20 minutes. Doing this helps to ensure understanding, so you stay on top of the material. If you really can’t do this review on the same day, do it the following day while the information is still fresh in your mind. 12. Keep an ongoing list of the questions you have about the class material As you read your notes and the textbook, keep a list of the things you don’t understand and the questions you have. As soon as you’re able to, ask your teachers about the items on your list. If you do this consistently, you won’t need to spend so much time studying for tests and exams, because you already understand the information. These are only some of Daniel Wong’s tips.  He has lots more in his article: https://www.daniel-wong.com/2017/04/10/students-get-organised-for-school/ It may seem overwhelming, but adopting one new habit at a time will take you further then you know until you’re comfortable to tackle the next one.  Remember that your journey as a student is about progress and not perfection.

February 11, 2022
Koa Academy

CAN YOUR CHILD MASTER MATHS AT ONLINE SCHOOL?


It’s not just kids, many parents have ‘Maths anxiety’.  While, the importance of Maths education is all but universally recognized, if you’re a parent who is not confident about your own Maths abilities, you’re likely to be feeling some stress around how you support your child in mastering Maths.  You may even doubt whether it is likely that your offspring can master Maths. When parents were at school, the dominant thought about Maths proficiency was that some kids would be naturally inclined – ‘gifted’ in Maths, most though would struggle along to get average results and there would be others, who would have no hope.  Maths education was the process of sorting out who was lucky, not-so-lucky and downright unlucky. Thankfully, this erroneous and harmful idea no longer underpins Maths education, and it’s not an attitude our children should ever encounter in the Maths classrooms of today.  Reams of research has attested to the fact that everyone can learn Maths and become proficient.  It’s also shown that ‘Maths anxiety’ can be a real roadblock to any child’s potential in mastering Maths.  However, for some parents, worries around their child’s Maths abilities may cause them to pour the family’s resources into extra Maths lessons, and also impact on their school choices. Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy, a high-engagement online school says, “I’m really passionate about how we approach Maths at Koa. In fact, more than any other subject, we have seen kids grow in confidence and skill in this area. Last year, for example, we had a boy, who had failed Grade 8 Maths at his local school in 2020, go on to complete two years’ worth of Maths with us in 2021.  He wrote his final Grade 9 Maths exams and passed confidently, effectively catching up with his grade age.  With a different approach, there are remedies available within the school environment.” That ‘different approach’ includes mastery-based learning which is ideally suited to Maths education where the meaning of numbers and number concepts need to be understood rather than trying to rely on memorizing rules.  Maths practice teaches kids how to apply principles to different problems rather than replicating calculations; and, importantly, mistakes are opportunities for reflective learning and doing it again until you get it – rather than never getting a second chance to master a Maths operation and trying to move on with a fundamental Maths learning deficit.   It turns out that digital platforms are adept at providing mastery-based learning in Maths.  Anderson explains, “When you harness the real strengths of the digital space, Maths can really come alive! We use platforms which are designed specifically to teach Maths online. Content is broken up into focused ‘bite size’ chunks, which are immediately followed by checkpoints which help a learner to know whether they have grasped the concepts or need to revisit them. A learner progresses as they master each concept, rather than learning for 6 weeks only to write a test and find out that they have major gaps in their understanding. It means that you can try something, fail, learn and try it again. This builds confidence – and Maths is such a confidence subject! The platforms are also wrapped up in a gamified environment which is engaging and feels native to the online space.  On top of that, at Koa, we know that every learner needs person-to-person academic support at times in Maths. So, we have daily bookable Teacher Time where a learner can book a session with their Pod Teacher or a Maths Subject Specialist to work together on their platform.  They’re never alone, and their parents can monitor their kid’s progress daily but do not need to get involved in teaching their kids Maths.” Discover Koa Academy here

February 11, 2022
My Breastpump

Pregnancy: Your body is amazing

So, you have a bun in the oven, what excitement and changes to come.  Being pregnant is something to celebrate. Pregnancy is such an amazing miracle of life and is a time of learning. You learn so much about what your body can do. Can you imagine growing your own little human? It that not totally amazing?  Pregnancy gives you time to get ready for the birthing and beyond that? Pregnancy is a fantastic time to learn, this way you can make informed choices about your pregnancy care, birth experience and afterwards. There are important things that you need to know about to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. You need to go for regular check ups with your health care provider to monitor you for hypertension, diabetes, infections, and anaemia. You will also then know how your baby is growing. One of the most special times is hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time.  You can also learn more about healthy eating and what supplements to take while you are pregnant, how to exercise safely, the different ways that your baby can be delivered and how you will look after your baby once she is born.  This is the perfect time to learn more about breast feeding. The more you know about feeding before you give birth the easier it will be. If you understand about how breast milk is made you will be mor confidant in your body’s ability to make milk. If you know different ways to latch and what a deep latch it is will make the actual feeding so much easier.  Understanding what to expect and normal baby behaviour really helps when you are learning to breast feed. Did you know that a newborn can drink between 8 to 12 times in 24 hours?  Include your partner in all the baby related discussions because the both of you can learn and attend classes together. Did you know that your partner plays such an important role in breast feeding? Yes this is true, they can be so helpful with making you comfortable, getting baby in the correct positions for feeding, keeping you hydrated and fed. Not to mention all the other practical things that they can help with like dishes, cooking, bathing siblings and shopping.  My Breastpump is so passionate about breastfeeding, education and pumping. Here are a few reasons why, but there are so many more. Breast feeding has positive effects for both mom and baby. Lets start with mom; breast feeding helps to reduce the risk of a variety of cancers, can reduce the risk of developing Diabetes by half if you breast feed for longer than 6 months, you burn between 300-500 calories a day, helps to return your womb to its original size (yes that means it helps to reduce the size of your tummy after birth), the hormones of breast feeding also helps to reduce stress and depression.  Now for some of the benefits for baby. It reduces the risk of illness including flu, COVID, diarrhoea, childhood cancers, eczema and ear infections. Breast milk helps to teach the baby’s immune system how to fight infections by passing on the information from the mother’s immune system. Therefore, if a mother is sick, she can continue to breast feed her baby. This is just so amazing! Other benefits are that the muscles used to breast feed help your baby to learn to eat and speak.  There are so many different places that you can learn about birthing. It is a good idea to learn more about the difference between a natural birth, c-section and v-bac? Why would you need a Pilates ball, is walking good in labour, what should I pack or even how to choose a good health care provider? What are the pro and cons with each and why would you prefer one birthing type over the other? These are all important and common questions that moms have. My Breastpump have been working closely with Origin Mother and Baby clinic and love the free and paid for classes that they offer to pregnant mothers. You have the option of online or face to face workshops. The Origin antenatal classes give you valuable information about creating your birthing plan, the role of Doula’s, Midwives, pro and cons about midwife lead or hospital lead birthing. They have great interactive conversations with qualified health care professionals. For more information about their pregnancy workshops have a look at their website . Another great pregnancy and mommy classes are BuB Hub   as they also have baby classes to help you bond and stimulate your baby as they get older. It is so lovely to join a mommy group and find your tribe.  As an extra service to you, My Breastpump provides an hour online personalised breastfeeding workshop for you and your partner. To book the workshop for yourself follow this www.mybreastpump.co.za. You can also find out who your local South African Certified Breastfeeding Consultants or IBCLC is. This way if you need assistance, you will know who to call and how to set up an appointment with them.  Why not follow the “My Breastpump” social media pages on Facebook and Instagram where we share great information around breast feeding and pumping? We give information on positioning and good latching, positive stories about breast feeding and also guidelines on how to choose a breast pump, when and how to pump and pumping while back at work. Our page on Facebook is @mybreastpumpsa and @my_breastpumpsa on Instagram. You are welcome to DM us if you are needing more information around pumps and pumping.  Enjoy your pregnancy, embrace it and learn about all the weird and wonderful things that you body is doing. You will be amazed at how strong your body is and how prepared you can be for birthing. Your little baby is growing and becoming stronger each day. 

February 11, 2022
Bill Corbett

How to raise a problem solver

Are you as worried as I am about the children of the new generations and their ability to solve problems?  With the increase in the number of helicopter parents (parents who “swoop” in to make everything all better) and a generation of highly sensitive kids, how well are our children going to be able to identify and solve their own problems? This isn’t actually a new problem but it seems to be getting worse.  Many years ago I taught college courses part time and it was back then that I noticed an increase in the number of parents coming to see me during my office hours, complaining about the grade I gave their young adult child.  Instructors today tell me it’s gotten even worse, with some parents even popping in to see the class for themselves. Making the commitment to raising your children to become problem solvers first requires that you accept the fact that every problem can only have one owner.  That person must be held responsible for solving the problem but can certainly seek out and incorporate help from others around him or her to solve the problem.  If your teenager puts a dent in the family car, she owns that dent.  She may obviously need help in getting it fixed, but she still owns it. To begin with, every time your child or teen comes to you with a problem, you must first determine yourself whether your child owns the problem or you own the problem.  If you own the problem, take immediate measures to solve it quickly.  If your child owns the problem, be ready to help him or her solve the problem.  The following incident is an example to learn by. My son came running into the house one Saturday, holding his arm and complaining about a small abrasion from a fall he took out in the yard.  A quick examination of the boo-boo and a few questions left me feeling confident that there was no internal damage and there really wasn’t any blood that I could see.  Because I did not feel that there was anything I needed to do that my child couldn’t do for himself, it became his problem to fix. I first acknowledged that the minor scrape was a problem for him by saying to him, “It looks like your arm might hurt.”  He nodded.  I then helped him begin problem solving by saying to him, “What do you think you could do to make that arm feel better?”  My coaching him to solve the problem felt uncomfortable to him so he said, “You’re my Dad, YOU do something.”  I replied with, “You’re right, I am your Dad and I’ve always done things in the past, but this time, I want to know what YOU think you can do to make that arm stop hurting.”  Instantly, my son said to me, “Can we wash it off and put a bandage on it?”  I replied with a smile, “What a great idea!  I could help by getting the box of bandages down from the cabinet for you.” Within a matter of minutes and of course, with some “Ouches!” he washed the boo-boo and applied the bandage, and off he ran to continue his play outside.  Today that young man is in his early 20s and solving problems every day as a much sought after restaurant manager!  Let your children and teens solve their own problems with your guidance and coaching, while you’re nearby to help them do it.  What problems will YOU begin letting your child solve on his or her own today?

February 10, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Postpartum recovery – How long does it take and what can you expect?

As a new mom, or a potential new mom, you are probably wondering how long your body will take to recover post birth and pregnancy. The postpartum period is generally regarded as the first six weeks after childbirth. This is an important time for both you and your baby, as you there are lots of emotional and physical adjustments that happen in this period. Recovering from having a baby can be a long process, especially considering that you now have a new baby to look after as well. What can I expect postpartum? Postpartum recovery will differ between moms and pregnancies. If you have opted for a vaginal birth, your vagina will hurt postpartum, and recovery can take 3 to 6 weeks depending on if you had an episiotomy or your perineum tore.  C-section incisions can be painful and you can expect a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks. Initially you may find moving difficult, but it’s important to move a little bit to avoid blood clots. Some new moms can experience difficulty urinating, perineal discomfort or soreness, vaginal bleeding, contractions, constipation and breast tenderness post birth. During the postpartum period you may also feel irritable, anxious or have sudden mood swings, this is also known as the ‘baby blues’ and is caused by hormonal changes in the first few weeks. However, if this period is extended you could be suffering from postpartum depression, and should speak to your doctor about this. How can I help my postpartum recovery? Be aware of pushing yourself to return to ‘normal’ as soon as possible, even if you have had an easy pregnancy and birth, your body has still been through an ordeal and you will need time to recover. Avoid over exercising (even if it’s tempting to get straight back into it!) and trying to socialise too much with friends and family eager to meet the new baby.  Don’t be afraid to ask people for space and to limit your baby’s visitors.

February 10, 2022
FYI Play it Safe

FYI play it safe TO SCREEN AWARD-WINNING GLOBAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FILM IN SA

Connecting the Dots by award-winning director/producer Noemi Weis will be showing at The Labia Theatre Featuring young people from across the world, documentary film, Connecting the Dots, will be brought to South Africans virtually and on big screens by FYI play it safe, innovator of the parental app that is changing how parents keep their children safer online.  Directed by Noemi Weis, Connecting the Dots, which was released in 2020, has been screened at a host of international film festivals, receiving widespread acclaim from critics and viewers. First of its kind, Connecting the Dots offers a no-frills, authentic look at youth mental health around the world.  By exclusively showcasing the voices of young people, the film invites educators, parents, families, friends, communities and leaders into a safe space to listen to the lived experiences of this generation of teens and youth.  Weis, a mother and a grandmother, has made an esteemed film career focusing mainly on social issues important to women and children.  She says, “There is a youth mental health crisis around the globe. Suicide is the number one health-related cause of death for youth. Mental health is the health issue of this generation. There is an urgent call to action being heard globally asking for an elimination of the stigma and shame surrounding youth mental health struggles and demanding an increase in open dialogue and more accessible, relevant and timely support.” Cassey Chambers, Operations Manager at The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says, “There’s significant value in FYI play it safe screening Connecting the Dots for South African audiences.  As a nation, we too experience high levels of youth mental health challenges, which is surrounded still by stigma that stifles conversations and inhibits finding solutions.  Young people in South Africa who are facing challenges are under-served in their communities when it comes to mental health services.  It’s hard to open up and it’s hard to find the help you need. This is an important platform to invite conversation; to inspire us to listen to the voices of our South African youth and to find solutions for what is an increasing problem in our country, that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic over the past two years.” For FYI play it safe founder and CEO, Rachelle Best, who is also mother of a teen daughter, facilitating the first screenings of Connecting the Dots is personal.  She says, “Sadly, in 2021, we experienced a significant number of teenage suicides all around us in Cape Town. This happened over a short time and mostly in the same age group as my daughter. I realised that we, as parents, don’t talk enough about youth mental health and we certainly don’t talk to our children about it enough.  FYI play it safe is helping parents keep their children safer online by alerting parents if there is any online activity that can indicate depression, self-harm or suicidal ideation. When I first watched the film, I could feel it on my skin.  What stood out for me was a scene where a young girl said that she retreated into her room more, because the people who she chatted to online understood her better than the people around her. This was the moment I realised that every parent and every child in South Africa should see this film, and that FYI play it safe can help! We should be part of this global conversation. I got introduced to Noemi Weis, who is the director and producer of Connecting the Dots, and she shared the excitement of FYI play it safe bringing the film to South Africa.”  Best sees the upcoming screenings of Connecting the Dots in South Africa as an opportunity to improve teen mental health in the country.  “The documentary exposes us to the current global conversation about youth mental health. It creates a bigger awareness that firstly, for our tweens and teenagers, it is healthy to talk about mental health. It is also ‘okay to not be okay’. And it is wise to reach out for help. Secondly, it helps parents and teachers to understand that our tweens and teenagers are actually not okay. They need help and they need us to open up conversations about their mental health to make it easier. We are really hoping for every parent, educator and youth in South Africa to see this film, to raise their hands and to become part of the conversation.” FYI play it safe screenings of Connecting the Dots will take place at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town on 22 February 2022 at 10:00 and 18:00.  Tickets cost R120 per person and are available through Webtickets now. The film is recommended for an audience of 12 years + Groups, schools and organisations can also book a bespoke screening of Connecting the Dots, virtually or at their own venues.  Contact [email protected] for further information. In partnership with UNICEF, the film offers Facilitators Guides for different target groups to help them guide their screening. Plus a tool kit to help them promote their own screening. https://connectingthedotsfilm.com/resources

February 10, 2022
Global Village College

MOTIVATE YOUR CHILD FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Getting children motivated to learn is a challenge for many parents.  Many factors can cause a lack of motivation, including seeing no purpose or value in studying, boring teaching methods, a lack of relevance, inappropriate levels of challenge and an uncomfortable, unsafe or unsupportive learning environment, amongst others. Parents know the importance of their children being motivated to learn and to achieve; however, they often do not know how to get them motivated. As we reflect on our students’ outstanding results in the recent Cambridge International examinations, and on their emotional well-being, we would like to share some ideas to help you motivate and empower your child to achieve academic success.   Whilst we believe that Cambridge International is an excellent qualification and it offers an international standard, choice, and flexibility, the guidelines provided here can be applied in general to any qualification. Start with the end in mind It is important for your child to know why they are learning and what their end goal is.   Explore future careers Would they like to pursue a professional career?  Do they wish to run their own business one day?  Would they like to learn a trade?  They should start considering these questions as they progress on their academic pathway and it is essential that they do so before they need to choose subjects. Once they have an idea of possible career options, they should start finding out about career paths, and what is required to qualify for possible career choices. They should start researching different careers and qualification requirements, speak to people in the workplace about their careers and how to qualify, find job-shadowing opportunies, and contact professional associations and further education institutions.   Consider further study options Once they have an idea of possible career options, they should start contacting further education institutions to find out about the qualifications offered and the entry requirements.   Would they like to attend a college or university?  Would they like to study in South Africa or at an international institution?  Encourage your child to search the internet to find career and qualification information and contact the different institutions to start finding out about possible courses and admission requirements. Choose the right subjects  For admission into South African public universities, specific USAF minimum admission requirements apply for exemption for Bachelor degree purposes.  Each educational institution also has their own admission requirements for their different courses.  Make sure your child chooses subjects which will enable them to meet these requirements.   Individualise learning Every child is unique.  They have their own interests, strengths and preferred way of learning.  Help them design their unique academic plan to meet the admission requirements and to achieve the best possible result in each subject.  This plan can be adapted, so that your child enrols for an examination when they are fully prepared and has the best chances of meeting the requirements.   Assist your child to plan their study timetable and schedule according to their pace and when they learn best.  Some students prefer to focus on one or two subjects a day, whilst others prefer to work on all their subjects every day.  They might prefer to start and finish early, or to start and end their academic day later.   Provide a structure  A sound academic framework helps children to study effectively to achieve their goals.  Ensure that realistic timeframes are set to prepare for their planned examinations and that they complete each section of work within these timeframes.  Make sure they maintain a regular study routine. Utilise quality resources Ensure that your child makes full use of the syllabus documents, endorsed resources and past examination papers to prepare well for their examinations. Select qualified, experienced subject specialist tutors to guide and support their learning and to inspire them.   Encourage active learning Research shows that children learn better if they are actively involved in finding something out, rather than listening and trying to memorise the information and being given the answers.  In our experience, an adaption of the “flipped classroom” approach is extremely effective.  Using this approach, learners work through the material independently.  They then utilise their tutoring time for instruction only in those topics or with problems which they do not understand.  Tutors also check learners’ understanding so that they know which areas or topics to revisit. Delegate responsibility for learning Whilst it is important to guide children and to check that they are on track, it is very motivating for children to have control of their learning experience.  Allow them to have direct input into their learning and to set their own pace.  We find that children learn more effectively and they achieve better results as they are gradually empowered with the responsibility to determine the pace and quality of their learning. Guide and support Parents should gauge the guidance and support each child needs and keep providing this according to their needs as they progress on their academic pathway.   Whilst children like to feel in control of their learning, they also need to know that they are not on this journey on their own.  Share and celebrate in their successes, continue to keep an eye on their progress, and bring them back on course when necessary.   Enjoy the journey with your child.

February 10, 2022
Bill Corbett

A Valentine-A-Day for your children

Just in time for Valentines Day, here are 8 tips you can use, one each day leading up to the big day, for demonstrating love to your children. Using a family meeting, have everyone create a craft project that represents love to them.Provide a wide selection of construction paper and craft supplies and allow your children to create whatever comes to mind.Put the creations on display for everyone to see and enjoy, and photograph them to look at for many years to come. Compose a poem about your child or describing how much you love her. Print it off on special preprinted paper with a border that can be purchased at office supply stores. Frame it and hang it on your child’s bedroom wall. You could even include the child’s picture or her foot or handprints if you had them done earlier. Sign it and read it to her nightly Have a movie night with your kids, complete with big pillows to snuggle up with and a big bowl of popcorn. The one difference in making this night special is that the movie being featured will be the home movies you have of your children! Help your child plan a V-Day party with all of her friends. For one activity at the party, provide a personalised mailbox (or bag) for each child. On blank slips of paper, have each child write down words that describe what they like about each of the other kids, one child per slip of paper. They will deposit them in each others mailboxes. Every Sunday night, schedule a date with each of your children for the week to come. Put it on your calendar and tell your child so they will have something to look forward to. Scheduling in these dates ahead of time ensures they will happen. Then everything else that is less important can fill in around them. Why not schedule a date with your significant other as well? Take a picture of you and your child, frame it, and then give it to your child to put in his or her room on the dresser or night table.If you have more than one child, create one for each of them.For an older child, put a picture of the two of you in a locket that the child can wear.This will also help calm a child who feels anxious when being away from the parent. Find a child’s illustrated book that sends a message of love and commit to reading it to your children every night, leading up to Valentines Day. My favourite is the book LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw.It sends the message that I’ll always love you unconditionally, no matter how you behave and well into your adult years. Toddlers to teens love to be surprised. Hide a small valentine, an encouraging note, or a small valentine chocolate somewhere for them to find each day leading up to Valentines Day. Get creative and mix it up.You could also leave a note each day in one place that contains clues to helping them find what you’ve hidden.

February 9, 2022
Exigo Care

Hi Baby nappies’ super absorbent core

The Super Absorbent Core of Hi Baby nappies are the heart and soul of our nappies. When it comes to caring for your little human, other than a parent’s loving arms, it is the surface area of the nappy that holds the most responsibility. The inner surface of the nappy you put on your baby’s bottom will be in contact with your baby’s skin for prolonged periods of time so why would you want to put anything other than an AAA grade Hi Baby Premium Nappy on that bum?  Excess moisture in a nappy causes maceration of the skin surface (where skin gets lighter in colour and goes all wrinkly… such as when you have been sitting in the bath for too long) and ultimately leads to skin breakdown which may result in secondary fungal, yeast and bacterial infections which thrive in a warm moist environment … especially in this summer heat! Prolonged skin contact with urine and feces irritates the skin, leading to inflammation and further skin breakdown. Contact dermatitis is especially common when babies have diarrhea, often paired with illness or teething. A super absorbent nappy core ensures a dry nappy surface protecting baby’s sensitive skin from nappy rash.  How do Hi Baby nappies absorb and retain so much moisture?  Along with the incredibly soft top inside layer, the nappy’s inner core is made up of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs). SAPs look like little crystals when they are dry, but when exposed to moisture they swell up and turn into a gel-like substance. SAPs can absorb up to 30 times their own weight in fluid (kind of like a pregnant woman… or at least it feels that way) ensuring that the nappy absorbs moisture and locks it away. SAPs cannot dissolve in water and can tolerate weight/pressure so that, even with a baby bouncing on the nappy, moisture does not get released back to the nappy surface, keeping your little one’s skin safe and dry. An added bonus is that Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Up’s are free from Oxymethylene, Flourescer and Brightener, making them gentle and safe on baby’s skin without chemical smells. The outer layer of the nappy is just as soft – it does not have a plastic feel to it, and it breathes, eliminating excess ‘humidity’ on the inside of the nappy. When thinking about it, one could easily compare a mother to a Hi Baby Nappy or Pull Up. Like the outside of our nappies, a mother brings that soft and gentle element into a home … and she is beautiful too (just like our nappies).  The inner soft layer is like a mother’s gentle touch; that loving hug, that gentle hand wiping away tears. She is that protective barrier between her little human and the big bad world, protecting her little one to the best of her ability, regardless of the circumstances. A mother is absorbent, just like the core of a Hi Baby Nappy or Pull up. Her heart is full of Super Absorbent Polymers … taking in each moment of her little one’s fleeting childhood, and sealing it in, not releasing it from her heart again.  From the moment you found out that you were pregnant, coming to terms with the fact that this little person is yours, and embracing it. Feeling your unborn baby kick for the first time. Sealing in the moment you looked at your newborn for the first time … vowing that you would protect him/her against all odds. Just like the nappy takes a few blows when a baby is bouncing all over it; so too does a mother’s heart. Sometimes your little one will get, sometimes it feels like they are hurting you on purpose … but it does not change the fact that you would do anything to protect them from harm and keep them safe.  From now on, every time you change your little one’s Hi Baby Premium Nappy or Pull up, take a moment to hold that full dry-surfaced nappy in your hand (yes, regardless of what is in the nappy) and remind yourself to absorb every moment, every phase, and every stage. Seal it in your heart where not even the toughest situations in life can take that from you because you are a mother: with a heart full of Super Absorbent Polymers! Until Next Month, Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

February 9, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Inflammaging and how Lamelle can help you beat it


We’ve all experienced inflammation, from the ache of a sprained ankle to the sting of a bad sunburn. While it can feel unpleasant, short-term inflammation is actually a good thing as it produces inflammatory cytokines (small proteins that trigger an even greater inflammatory response) that tell your body it’s time to get busy healing. Still, in the long term, inflammation isn’t your friend. In fact, if an injury repeatedly occurs to the same area, it eventually won’t heal as well and can result in scarring or abnormal healing. Interestingly, inflammation has the same effect on our skin. Short term, it can help you heal an injury, be it a pimple or a cut. Chronic inflammation, however, causes a chain of events that can damage your skin’s collagen – among other things – and accelerate the aging process. This is what’s known as “inflammaging”. Worse yet, this type of chronic inflammation isn’t even caused by a visible injury. The triggers include “every day”, often unavoidable things like UV rays and free-radicals. Fight that fire! Clearly, none of us are immune to the effects inflammaging but we can protect ourselves in ways that mitigate the damage. One is to invest in skincare that contains potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants. This is why Lamelle products are formulated using some of the most potent and proven, including the super antioxidant Pycnogenol. Now, remember how we mentioned cytokines? You should know that not all of them are “fire starters”. You get many different types and, while some can trigger inflammation, others do a brilliant job of deactivating it. Thus, you’ll find a patented complex of the latter in our anti-aging Dermaheal collection. Interestingly, preventing accelerated aging isn’t just the only reason you’d want to keep inflammation in check. Chronic inflammation also encourages hyperpigmentation and creates the ideal environment for acne to thrive. Other ways to prevent inflammaging While anti-inflammatory active ingredients are a great way to mitigate inflammaging, it’s not your only defense. One of the biggest triggers of inflammation is still unprotected sun exposure. This is why it’s vital to applying a sunscreen every time you set foot outdoors, our favourite being Lamelle Helase 50+. It protects you from the full spectrum of light and contains that potent, inflammation-busting antioxidant we mentioned earlier, Pycnogenol. It then takes thing a step further by addressing any damage that’s already occurred using photolyase. A powerful DNA-repairing enzyme that occurs naturally in animals and plants, photolyase can seek out and correct dangerous DNA kinks (known as “dimers”) that can lead to the mutations responsible for skin cancer. Remember, it’s never too late As with just about everything in life, the prevention of inflammaging is better than cure. But what if it’s too late? What if you’re already dealing with the resultant premature aging that includes fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of firmness? In this case, you’ll be glad to know it’s never too late to take action. Lamelle’s Dermaheal range contains growth factors that help reverse the damage caused by inflammaging by optimizing the communication between your cells, instructing your skin to behave as though it were much younger. This encourages the creation of skin-firming collagen and elastin. You can also consider Lamelle in-office treatments such as peels and collagen-induction therapy (CIT) that can remove old, damaged tissue and encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue. The bottom line Ultimately, it’s very difficult to avoid the triggers of inflammaging. They’re literally everywhere – from free-radicals borne in the air to the sunlight streaming through your window. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t protect ourselves from their effects with powerful inflammation-fighting products such as those we’re proud to create at Lamelle Research Laboratories. Also, it’s never too late to start correcting the effects. Simply chat to a highly-skilled Lamelle skincare therapist who can help you prevent as well as treat so you can enjoy healthier, younger-looking skin for longer. 

February 8, 2022
Aaliya Loureiro

10 Ways to celebrate Valentines Day

Are you looking for new or even classics to take your Valentines Day through a whole new journey? To create a momentous, time-freezing day with the one who has your heart? Just a small idea can lead to one of the best experiences to look back on together. 1. Staycation in your city  Travel your city to a new destination. A trip not too far from home, but a vacation it is. Destinations including tourist attractions and lounges can be just that breath away from reality and inside your very own story.  2. Tour the city Whether you’re on a staycation or staying at home, an adventure-filled date across the city is magical. How often are you able to explore your own city out of enjoyment? Why not take the opportunity to, with your favourite person. 3. Picnic Paradise A hike filled with laughter, chatter, and joy. A climb for the sun at a nature reserve or even a beautiful hill near home. Lay out a picnic of your favourite goodies and meals, readying to sit and gaze at the beautiful sunset together. 4. Keen on being at home? Each partner choose a movie you both love, and to deepen the surprise, each person order a seamless delivery with food you think the other would enjoy.  5. Time of our lives  The perfect, underrated moment of time to bond with your partner is making a time capsule, full of all things that bring your smiles, when you’re reminiscing once more. In the future, when you notice your growth together, and fall in love with your memories, you’ll even find joy in recollection of creating this time capsule together. 6. Classic cliches  You can’t go wrong with rose petals or even her favourite flower petals, champagne, and twin fuzzy robes. You could light some new scented candles and just spend the moment with either pedicures or even binging your favourite shows.  Its your day together, why not get creative with your time.  7. Romance in a drink If you and your partner are filled with a passion for tastings together, a romantic wine tasting is for you. An elegant way to start your celebration, and to spend time pretending to be a judge could spark some charismatic delight. 8. Chaos in the kitchen  You and your partner can plan a homemade dinner, where you cook a new recipe together.  You could even have your very own cook-off. A little competition to see what masterpiece, or monster mess-up, you create! 9. Your man’s heart Food. It’s a wonderful for of love between one another. A cute, delicious idea is frying up some bacon and making a bouquet of bacon roses to eat in a yard or lounge picnic. An extra idea is turning the rest of your date into a game day containing all the games you’ve been waiting to play. 10. A day of mystery  A day of mystery? An escape room date. A thrilling way to work together and become closer by the end of all the excitement.  its the ultimate team building exercise to further use each others strengths and to laugh at it all once you’re on your way home. 

February 8, 2022
Good Night Baby

Healthier nap expectations from your toddler

As mums, our focus is always aimed at how our children are sleeping. Are they sleeping too much? Are they sleeping too little? What is too much? Sleep plays an important role in the everyday lives of young children and influences their lifelong development and health. A child who is well rested is better able to concentrate, take on new information, interact positively with others and deal with conflict and challenges. During sleep, learning is improved and biological changes occur that help children to grow, develop and stay healthy. Children with poor quality or insufficient sleep are less able to regulate their emotions and behaviour and can have difficulty concentrating. When it comes to sleep, it is also important to distinguish between your toddler’s day sleep needs versus their night sleep needs. Their day routine and naps will depend on their age. However, their night sleep will remain the same until the age of 5 years. All children until the age of 5 years, will need between 11-12 hours of night sleep. All toddlers should and CAN be sleeping through the night (from 12 months of age), without any night feeds. In fact, to keep having night feeds at this age can be do more harm than good. Nap lengths will change as your toddler gets older: 12 months At this age, we always recommend keeping your toddler on a 2 nap routine. Whilst every baby is different, most toddlers will still need 2 naps at this age. Your toddler should be sleeping between 2-3 hours in the day. 13-15 months This is a bit of a “grey” area. Some toddlers still do well on 2 naps (which is great!), whilst others do seem to be ready for one nap. Keep in mind when introducing a one nap routine, that you do it gradually over a few weeks, moving nap one later every 3 days, to help your toddler get used to this transition. On those days when your toddler is having just one nap, don’t be afraid to bring bedtime earlier. This is an adjustment for your little one and they do tend to get tired after the long stretch of being awake. If they are having just the one nap, try and ensure that they sleep for as long as possible. Most toddlers will sleep between 2 to 3 hours for the one nap routine. On the flip side, if your toddler is still having 2 naps at this age, then remember that their night sleep does shorten, as often, the 2 nap routine will mean a slightly later bedtime. Just make sure that bedtime does not become too late. 16-18 months Most toddlers at this age are definitely ready to transition to one nap. It is easier to transition them at this point, as they are older and able to handle that longer stretch better. Having said that, it’s important to remember that this 2-1 nap transition does take time. Your toddler’s night sleep will lengthen, as the one nap routine automatically garners an earlier bedtime. 18 months – 2.5 years Life gets much simpler at this point, as toddlers will have a fixed nap time, happening at around midday. Mums can focus on a clock-based routine, where awake time and bedtime can happen at the same time every day. The earliest age that a toddler can drop a nap is 2.5 years old, but most toddlers at that age, still do well with a nap. 3 years – 5 years This is the age where your child will drop their nap. Just as with every transition, it’s important to look for the signs and make the transition when your child is ready to do so. Like all other transitions, it takes time to completely drop that nap. There will be days when your toddler will still have that nap and days when they don’t. You can have a nap on alternate days and then eventually work towards not having a nap on a daily basis. Whilst keeping the above age appropriate routines in mind, one of the most vital aspects of toddler sleep is to remember that SLEEP BECOMES A DISCIPLINE. Your toddler is an individual, with their own personality. They are getting better at communicating and in expressing their own opinions about what they would like to do. All of this is completely normal. The challenge for parents is to still allow our toddlers the gift of choice and exerting their own sense of independence, whilst still keeping boundaries in place. This is often the most frustrating aspect of sleep with toddlers. Consistency is key – it is the best teacher, but also take the time to understand your toddler, so that you can ensure that you are communicating with them effectively. The toddler years are a beautiful time – to witness your baby grow into their own being and develop their unique personality. It is the joy of being able to connect with them, through their words and actions. It is those moments when you look at them in awe, simply amazed at them, and the fact that they are YOURS. It might not seem this way right now, but the time does indeed go too fast. In all the worrying and anxiousness that we experience as mothers, don’t forget to enjoy the small moments too. By Sarah Bibi Patel – Good Night Consultant

February 7, 2022
Prima Baby

Gorgeous fashion plate pacifiers with Chicco’s Physio technology at the heart

The perfect pacifier will be a parent’s best friend – and they are harder to find than one may imagine. Chicco has spent years in the Observatory research centre developing the ‘perfect pacifier’ that is not just a soothing device, but ultimately meets the needs of every child’s oral development too. Introducing the ‘Physio’ concept of pacifiers. Based on the theory of good breathing, the range of Physio pacifiers extends from the smallest of premmie needs to the versatility of glow-in-the-dark favourites to keep toddlers sleeping through the night, even when they drop their dummies.  Physio Micro is the first and smallest in the innovative range of Physio pacifiers. Micro in size but powerfully effective, this premmie dummy is perfect for the littlest of mouths, with an orthodontic teat to match. With extra lightweight fashion plates with air holes for ventilation, Micro Soft’s teat sits neatly in the palette, keeping from lolling around in the mouth and causing saliva build-up. When it’s time for baby to outgrow their newborn pacifier, the Physio Air range steps in. Great for bigger newborn and supporting little ones all the way up to 36 months, the range includes a wide variety of fashion plates with cute characters and colours. The glow-in-the dark range is perfect for finding dropped dummies in the night without turning on the light. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Takealot, Loot, Babanino and a host of other retailers.

February 7, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Covid – how and when might it all end?

Covid-19 has disrupted the world in so many ways, including the uncertainty of what the future holds. The Bonitas Medical Fund clinical and actuarial teams unpack some of the pandemic versus endemic terminology and offer scenarios for the future. Since the start of Covid-19, the word ‘pandemic’ has been on everyone’s the lips. What is a pandemic and what is the difference between an outbreak, an epidemic and a pandemic? According to Harvard Medical School, ‘An outbreak is a sudden increase of an infectious disease in a particular place, an epidemic is a larger outbreak in a restricted country or community, while a pandemic means a global epidemic.’ Do the governments of various countries decide there is a pandemic? It is the World Health Organization (WHO) which declares a global pandemic as was the case on March 11, 2020, when the virus was present in over 110 countries. WHO will also decide the degree of severity and communicate this to the world? The declaration gives governments time to prepare for the pandemic, legislate laws and restrictions – such as travel and trade – and begin emergency procedures to protect their citizens.  What are the criteria for a pandemic? There is no universally agreed definition of when a disease outbreak should be called a pandemic but there are three reasons WHO can declare a pandemic, when: The disease causes death There is persistent transmission between people It spreads in multiple countries The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) explains it as a ‘term most often applied to new influenza strains’ and says it’s used when viruses can infect people easily and spread from person to person in an efficient and sustained way in multiple regions. The declaration refers to the spread of a disease, rather than the severity of the illness it causes. What are examples of other pandemics? Past pandemics, which had a profound effect on the world, were the Plague or Black Death in the 14th Century, the outbreak of flu in 1918 each killing around 50 million people. Both the AIDS pandemic and Covid-19 are more recent. Who keeps a finger on the pulse of the pandemic? During pandemics, epidemiologists work as profilers. They are experts in the branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution and possible control of diseases. Epidemiologists are scientists who: Trace, monitor and predict the movement and behaviour of a pathogen to create a detailed portrait. Key epidemiological questions include: What is the spectrum of disease severity? How transmissible is the virus and who is most likely to spread it?  What are the risk factors for severe illness and death? How does the behaviour of the infection vary by location and does it change over time?  Answers to these questions can determine what public health measures should be implemented and what resources should be allocated. These choices have a profound effect on the outcomes. Who decides that a pandemic is over? The pandemic may be widely considered over when WHO decides the virus is no longer an emergency of international concern. It is generally when the infection is mostly contained and rates of transmission drop significantly throughout the world.   The expert committee reassess every three months and the world are waiting for a decision from WHO regarding the end of the pandemic as we know it. However, they are still anticipating a 5th wave. Despite this the organisation is calling for travel bans to be lifted as they have proved to be ineffective in stopping the spread of the Omicron variant.  Downgrading from pandemic to endemic There is a consensus that Covid-19 will eventually settle into becoming a more predictable virus, like the flu. This means there will be seasonal outbreaks but not the huge numbers the world is experiencing now.  It will transition from a pandemic phase to endemic phase and the world will adapt to living with it.  What is the difference between endemic and pandemic?  Endemic means the disease is still circulating but at a lower, more predictable rate — and with fewer people being admitted to hospital.  Epidemiologists would consider a disease endemic when levels are consistent and predictable – unlike the ‘boom and bust’ waves we have seen so far in the pandemic. That said, just because it’s endemic it doesn’t mean to say it’s not serious. Smallpox, for example, was endemic for thousands of years and a third of the people who were infected, died. Malaria is also endemic and causes around 600 000 deaths a year. What are the hypotheses for the way in which the pandemic will end?  It is difficult to predict when the pandemic will end but three scenarios emerge as the most probable. It is important to note that these will be determined by WHO and governments around the world. 1.Getting through it as quickly as possible This means the government allows people and communities to be exposed as quickly as possible so that most people have been infected or developed immunity. At some point herd immunity will be reached – when the virus cannot find new hosts -and the pandemic slowly peters out. The problem with this is that hospitals reach peak capacity very quickly and millions may die. 2.Slow it down or delay it and vaccinate As happened with most countries’, governments used various methods to slow down the spread. This reduces the number of lives lost but the virus still spreads slowly and many of these measures have a devastating effect on the economy. 3.Co-ordinate globally to crush it This is achieved by introducing travel bans, quarantining, social distancing and restricting travel.  In this scenario the world should co-ordinate efforts to reduce transmission.  In the best-case scenario this could end the pandemic swiftly with low loss of life. The virus will not be eliminated through this means alone but reduced transmission and spread.  Each has its pros and cons but it’s generally accepted that vaccination, assisted by as much global coordination as possible, is the best possible scenario. What is

February 7, 2022
Parenting Hub

Fruity back to school lunch box ideas for a healthy start to 2022

Make the morning rush a little easier with healthy lunch box recipes that all kids will love. Plums, peaches and nectarines, known collectively as stone fruit, pack a nutritious punch offering generous helpings of vitamins and other essential nutrients to keep budding learners sharp throughout the day. Make sure your children get their share of nature’s juicy summer bounty by including stone fruit as a snack in their lunch boxes or turn them into delicious, nourishing meals and treats. We all know how fussy children can be when it comes to balancing their daily food intake, so here are some nifty ideas to get nutritious stone fruit into their lunch boxes.  Celebrity chef, Jenny Morris, has created two moreish lunch box salads that tick all the right boxes. Her peach and bulgar wheat salad is a super easy and satisfying meal that can be prepared the night before. It is an absolutely yummy and filling alternative to regular school sandwiches, guaranteed to keep hunger pangs at bay.  Jenny’s nectarine and smoked chicken salad is another substantial lunch box meal your children will tuck into with glee. Bursting with colour and flavour, it is quick and easy to whip up.  For something sweet when energy stores start running low, Jenny’s plum jelly treats are the perfect lunchbox filler. These homemade treats are great for on the go snacking. Karen Hart’s peachy whole wheat muffins are a super nutritious lunch box filler. They are easy to make ahead of time and are sure to stay fresh and go the distance. Plums, peaches and nectarines are naturally sweet super fruit with a low glycaemic index (GI). They are high in fibre and abound in health-giving potassium and vitamins A, C and E, all-powerful antioxidants that protect against disease and help to build healthy minds and bodies. To keep children’s lunches fresh all day, Addis, the original and trusted food storage container brand, has the perfect solution. Addis Clip ‘n Seal lunch boxes come in various  sizes and great colours with a high quality, clip closing design that guarantees an airtight and leakproof seal. They are made in South Africa and are BPA free. Visit www.addis.co.za for more information. Feel inspired by following @juicydelicioussa on Instagram or visit www.juicydelicious.co.za for more tempting stone fruit recipes. Peach and Bulgar Wheat Salad     By Jenny Morris  Serves 4-6 Ingredients:  2 cups cooked bulgar wheat ½ red onion finely diced 2 spring onions with tops finely chopped ½ cup chopped mint 2 large cling peaches washed, stoned and finely diced ½ medium cucumber finely diced ½ cup finely diced red pepper 2 red chillies chopped (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Method: Toss all the ingredients together and add the dressing 30 minutes before serving. Dressing:  ½ cup orange juice ¼ cup lemon juice 1 Tbsp honey ¾ tsp salt Pepper to taste 2 cloves finely grated garlic 1 tsp mustard of your choice ½ cup olive or vegetable oil Method: Stir together all the ingredients except the oil, taste and adjust the seasoning, then whisk in the oil. Nectarine and Smoked Chicken Lunch Box By Jenny Morris Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 cup cooked bulgar wheat Zest of 1 yellow lemon 2 Tbsp chopped mint 1 cup cucumber, chopped or thinly sliced 2 large firm nectarines stone removed and chopped 300g chopped smoked chicken breast 30g toasted almonds chopped Salt and pepper to taste Dressing: ¾ cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp lemon juice Stir together and season to taste. Method: Place all the ingredients together in a bowl, season with salt and pepper and lightly toss together, add the dressing and stir together gently. Divide into 4 portions and pack into lunch boxes. Plum Jelly Treats By Jenny Morris Makes: 24 – 30 (depending on the size of the mould) Ingredients: 15 plums, halved and stoned ½ cup water  ½ cup caster sugar 6 Tbsp gelatin powder Silicone mould of your choice Non-stick cooking spray Method: Place the plums in a small saucepan with the water and simmer until soft.  Place in a blender and process until smooth.  Strain the liquid through a sieve and return to the pot (alternatively, if you have a juicer, simply juice the fruit and place in the saucepan). Add the caster sugar and dissolve over low heat.  Sponge the gelatin in a little water, according to the package instructions.  Once, sponged, place the gelatin in the warm plum liquid and stir to dissolve. Lightly spray your mould with the non-stick spray and place on a baking tray.  Carefully pour the liquid into the mould – using a jug – and place in the fridge for an hour and a half, or until set. Pop out and enjoy! Whole Wheat Peach Muffins By Karen Hart Makes 12 muffins Ingredients:  1 cup whole wheat flour ¼ cup cake flour 1 ½ cup oats  ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 ¼ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp cinnamon 11/2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches or nectarines (2 peaches/nectarines) ⅓ cup buttermilk 1 tsp vanilla extract ⅓ cup honey ⅓ cup sunflower or canola oil 1 egg Extra oats to sprinkle on top (optional) Method: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in the peaches. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vanilla, honey, oil and egg. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until it is just mixed. Spoon the batter into a 12-hole muffin tin, lined with paper liners. Sprinkle a little oats over each muffin (optional). Bake in a preheated oven of 180ºC for 18 – 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

February 4, 2022
Parenting Hub

HAPPY KIDS ARE GOOD KIDS

In the words of Oscar Wilde, “The best way to make children good is to make them happy,” and that’s what the Friends In Your Freezer are intent on achieving through delicious, healthy, fun, and convenient food. Oh, and a chance to win a family holiday worth R50 000 too! Two of the largest brands in the frozen food world are on a mission to create convenient and nutritious mealtime solutions, while bringing fun into the kitchen and onto kids’ plates. Whether their summer holiday was the greatest six weeks of their little lives, or a time spent ranting about having nothing to do, the back-to-school transition is daunting for most children, and more than likely, moms too. Having a stable eating routine with exciting food helps children to look forward to mealtimes, and a nutritious eating routine improves not only their energy levels, but their concentration and mental health too.  McCain and Sea Harvest offer the finest quality frozen fish and vegetables, which are incredibly healthy too. Their produce is harvested at its peak, sustainably sourced and snap frozen within hours to maintain freshness and lock in nutrients, meaning that your little ones not only get to enjoy a delicious meal, but one that’s packed with vitamins and minerals too. “Frozen foods are a convenient and affordable way of incorporating protein and vegetables into your children’s diets. The combination of products that McCain and Sea Harvest offer are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of little palates,” says Jared Patel, the Head of Marketing of the Sea Harvest Group. Get the kids involved in the kitchen and create a fun and fresh (or shall we say, frozen) take on sushi: Fish Finger ‘Sushi’ with Smiles Serves: 4 Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Difficulty: easy Ingredients Fish & Smiles 8 Sea Harvest Fish Fingers 1 x 415 g bag McCain Smiles Sushi 8 slices of brown bread, crusts cut off 40 ml mayonnaise 8 slices of pre-sliced cheddar cheese 1 small cucumber, peeled into ribbons 1 large carrot, peeled and finely grated Dipping Sauce ¼ C (60 ml) mayonnaise 2 Tbsp (30 ml) chutney Method Fish & Smiles Preheat the oven to 200 ºC. Lay frozen Fish Fingers and Smiles onto a baking tray. Place into the oven for 15-20 minutes and cook until golden and crunchy. Alternatively, cook in an air fryer for the recommended time. Allow the fish fingers to cool completely. Sushi Roll each slice of bread with a rolling pin to flatten by half. Dollop roughly a teaspoon of mayonnaise on each slice of bread and spread evenly to all corners. Place a slice of cheese right on the edge of the side of the bread closest to you – this will ensure that there is a margin of bread left on the other side that will stick the sushi roll together. Place a cucumber ribbon on the edge of the cheese that is closest to you followed by a cooked Fish Finger. Top the fish finger with grated carrot, then roll the bread roll away from you to form a neat log shape. Press down on the seam to seal the roll. Trim off the ends off, then slice into 4-5 bite-size pieces of sushi. Repeat the rolling process until you have completed and sliced all of the rolls. Dipping Sauce Mix the mayo and the chutney together and set aside. To Serve Serve fish finger sushi rolls with potato smiles and dipping sauce on the side. Having these Friends In Your Freezer ensures that mealtime planning and creativity in the kitchen isn’t higher grade, so to speak. “Our purpose is to make mom’s lives easier, and kid’s lives happier. The first two months of the year are generally chaotic and there’s no doubt that having frozen meals on hand eliminates the added pressure of meal prep on a busy week night,” says Danielle De Villiers, Senior Brand Manager at McCain.  Purchase any 1 McCain and 1 Sea Harvest product from participating stores and stand a chance to WIN 1 of 4 family holidays valued at R50K each with McCain and Sea Harvest. Competition ends 28 February 2022, T&C’s apply. For more information, visit www.friendsinyourfreezer.co.za, McCain Facebook, McCain Instagram, Sea Harvest Facebook or Sea Harvest Instagram. You can also download this fun activity book filled with puzzles, games and jokes, to keep the kids busy!

February 4, 2022
Wingu Academy

Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning hub provides a unique learning space for learners to thrive with their tribe

Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning Hub has officially opened its doors to learners between 6 – 18 years. Wingu Academy offers the internationally recognised British curriculum and has recently also introduced Grade 10 CAPS. Wingu’s CAPS curriculum is SACAI accredited and will be expanded from 2023. Wingu’s Learning Hub provides a safe space for a blended learning approach which allows learners to learn from home or get support in person at the Learning Hub. It offers the opportunity for children to have access half or full day at the hub, as well as a 3-day or 5-day option per week. This provides a unique level of flexibility between working at home or hub with uninterrupted education for learners as an alternative to attending a traditional school.  Learners can engage and interact with fellow learners in a safe and friendly environment that promotes learning and personal growth. The Learning Hub further provides support such as learning spaces to attend seminars and tutorials, collaborative learning spaces, learning coaches, science and robotics laboratory access and a variety of extra-curricular support.   Learners are encouraged to take part in activities such as sports, drama, art, music and many others as part of the school’s extracurricular programme. “We understand that the development and learning of our learners requires a balance of academic and personal development in and outside the Academy and Hub. Taking part in physical and cultural activities provides an invaluable opportunity for children to develop physical, emotional and cognitive skills,” says Leza Petersen, Wingu Centurion Learning Hub Manager.  Some of the activities are presented at the Learning Hub, which also lighten the burden on parents, whilst other activities are accommodated at trusted service providers.  The host of activities include: Arts & Performance  Drama Swimming Arts & Crafts  Music Baking Horse-riding lessons / Equine Therapy  Golf Hockey Drone Club Chess Science  Early Childhood Development STEM principles  Robotics  Software Engineering  Wingu Academy believes these unique learning opportunities will assist children to thrive in a positive environment to build trust, coordination, teamwork, motivation, attitude and mobility and foster a spirit of healthy competition with fellow Wingulians (Wingu Academy learners). Enrolments are still open until mid-February 2022. To join Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning Hub or for more information, you can book a free consultation session at: https://wingu-academy.com/book-now/ or send an email to [email protected]. The Learning Hub Manager can be contacted directly on email: [email protected] or mobile:  084 552 6546.

February 4, 2022
CambriLearn Online Education

Homeschooling: How to Raise Happy Kids (and Parents)

It is safe to say that parenting through a pandemic has dished out a few lessons on how to cope with the daily dose of mom guilt. People speak of the ‘new normal’ and we slowly find ourselves levelling out – back into the daily routine. But things are different now; it has become a little harder to take life for granted and to just ‘get on with it’. Because the last two years changed us, all of us. The Year of Banana Bread 2020, the year of the banana bread, the year of loungewear and the year that the parents became the teachers. At first, homeschooling was a temporary replacement for a traditional classroom setting. The change was driven by necessity, not by choice. And whilst “panic pandemic homeschooling” is not a true reflection of an optimal online schooling model, it did turn out to be a wonderful consolation prize for many families.  The onset of the pandemic catapulted us into online work environments, homeschooling and online shopping. We learned to quickly appreciate the benefits of online learning platforms like CambriLearn, which offers an all-in-one online education from pre-primary to matric.   When we look back on the lessons learned in parenting through the pandemic, we can now see some silver lining to the experience. More and more people are now realising the potential and benefits of remote work and school environments and have put measures in place to reset and restructure the work and education aspects of their lives.  Many parents have experienced first-hand that their children learn better when they want to learn. When they have a vested interest in the content and how they are exposed to the subject matter. The best educational setting is the one that helps a child achieve their goals, that makes the most of their abilities, and meets their unique personal needs.  Are you paying attention? With challenges like anxiety, ADD, ADHD and other special needs we have to ask ourselves – is there one schooling option that is right for everyone? Or should we be paying more attention and investigating more personalised approaches that suit each unique child? With six-hour school days on top of extramural activities on top of extra lessons, children (and parents) are under pressure. Homeschooling has opened the door to alternative education solutions that better serve the diverse needs of our children. When I grow up, I want to be healthy and happy Logan Laplante is a 13-year-old boy who hosts a popular TEDx Talk episode about his homeschooling experiences. In a profound moment in the video, he talks about what he wants to be when he grows up. His answer is simple and one that we as adults so often forget. “I want to be healthy and happy,” he says.  As parents, our number one goal for our children should be for them to grow up to be happy. And we can only hope to raise our children in a way that enables them to learn from our own pursuit of happiness.  What is the right (school) choice for your child?  The right education solution for your child should be the one that allows them to study in an environment that supports their individual needs, rather than one that casts them into a one-size-fits-all mould.  CambriLearn offers a personalised, flexible and self-paced learning solution to suit each child’s individual needs. With over a decade of experience, their online learning platform has been tried and tested by more than 3.5 million students worldwide. Their interactive course content and teaching methods promote optimal knowledge retention and help instil a child’s love for learning – throughout their schooling career. 

February 3, 2022
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