Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Leading Expert Advice from Curro Online

Advice from the experts

The best defence is a multi-defence

Shew, the disruption, stress, fear, and grief that Covid-19 has brought into our lives! We have no choice but to keep on doing the best we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Nearly two years into the pandemic there is much scientific evidence about how individuals can ward off the virus, prevent hospitalisation or support recovery. Fortunately, we live in a country with a well-respected medical body which has informed South Africa’s vaccination rollout, and a professional and compassionate healthcare fraternity that goes the extra mile for their patients. Still, as individuals, we have a huge part to play in our own defence, and as always, the best defence is to adopt a multi defence strategy. “Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help to slow the spread of the virus” As many of us return to the office and congregate indoors over meals and drinks, we also need to think about ventilation to minimise the indoor spread of Covid-19. And we can power up our body’s natural immune defences to fight against the onslaught of contagious infections, germs which are everywhere, poor diet, stress and pollution. Things we can control: Eat healthily, which means more vegetables and fruit and cutting back on deep fried and stodgy fast foods. Move regularly. This can add up to big health and fitness benefits, for example, 20 minutes of brisk walking five or more days a week has been shown to boost immunity. Plan fun active get-togethers with family, friends, or colleagues. Think bike rides or walks to collect coffee, start up a backyard cricket or footy game, take a ball or frisbee for play dates. Supplement healthily. Well-respected nutritional supplier, Nativa, has a range of immune boosting nutritional supplements. Check them out on https://www.nativacomplex.co.za/immune-health/#nativa-complex-multi-defence Look out for new Nativa Complex® Multi-Defence tablets, a health supplement formulated to deliver the benefits of two immune and antioxidant boosting vitamins (Vitamins C and D) and minerals (zinc and selenium) to promote antioxidants and good health. All products are available from Takealot, Dis-Chem, Clicks and selected pharmacies nationwide. WIN! A Philips Air Fryer valued at R1600 from Nativa Complex® Immune Boosting Supplements when you click here

December 9, 2021

Ecofriendly alternatives for a spotless home with Earthsap

The average person – that’s you and me – spends approximately two cumulative years throughout our lifetime cleaning our house. Two years of cleaning and household chores calculates to more than 17 500 hours exposed to detergents, chemicals and harsh solvents inside your home. Conventional cleaning products impact human beings, with links to health concerns such as asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, hormone disruption, accidental poisoning in children and rising numbers in neurotoxicity, not to mention the toll these cleaners take on the health of our environment. In the wake of the pandemic, as we approach a new year, we are witnessing a rise in consumer passion in addressing environmental challenges, together with a renewed commitment to changing our own behaviours to advance global sustainability. Green alternatives to household cleaning products have been scant on the retail shelves until now, but true to Nature, Earthsap is a brand which has been healing our plant at grassroots level for more than twenty years, refining their wide range of household cleaning products which contain ingredients such as coconut, palm oil, citrus and botanicals scented with pure essential oils. Today, with more than 25 target-specific cleaning products for maintaining hygiene in your home safely and naturally, you have an opportunity to choose responsibility when you purchase cleaning products that contain no irritants that could potentially cause allergies or skin irritants. The good news is that everyone within your home can be safely exposed to Earthsap cleaning products including pets, children and the environment. Earthsap provides eco-friendly, biodegradable, anti-fungal and vegan alternatives to keeping your home spotless and your loved ones healthy, from the kitchen to the bathroom, floor to countertop, without you having to come into contact, inhale or store harsh and poisonous solvents in the kitchen of bathroom cupboard. Child friendly, kind to your skin and safe for your septic tank, Earthsap’s range of targeted cleaning products are the reason there should be no other alternatives to cleaning our homes if we really want a greener world. Let’s take a look at just three of Earthsap’s super stars; those specific cleaners we use most often over wide areas within our home. Earthsap’s All-purpose Cream Scrub (R54.99) has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and degreases and removes stains without scratching surfaces. It eliminates mould and mildew making it suitable for cleaning countertops, sinks, tiles, metal and other work surfaces. If you prefer a liquid to a cream scrub Earthsap’s Kitchen Cleaner (R69.99) is a twin alternative. It comes in a spray bottle and effectively dissolves grease and grime which builds up on stoves, microwaves, kitchen counters and sinks. Earthsap’s Dishwashing Liquid (59.99) also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well as a strong formulation that lasts to ensure your dishes are sparkling clean without impacting the environment or your health. It is also kind on your hands and suitable for mild to sensitive skin thanks to the natural ingredients. For those sticky messes on the floor try Earthsap’s Floor & Tile cleaner (R74.99) uses soap and citrus oils to loosen the dirt as well as microbials, which release organisms that break down dirt, fats and odours. Earthsap’s Citrus Bathroom Cleaner (R69.99) will leave your bathroom not only looking fresh but smelling fresh too. It cleans and disinfects all bathroom surfaces, removing stains and dirt without scratching or yellowing surfaces, as well as eliminates mildew using only pure, safe and natural ingredients. With just four of Earthsap’s heavy lifters in your cleaning arsenal, you can make a big difference to your health and the future of the environment. With a cleaning solution for every part of your home, Earthsap has more great advice and natural cleaning remedies for you to try when you view the range at www.earthsap.co.za Earthsap products can be purchased at Wellness Warehouse health shops nationwide, www.faithful-to-nature.co.za and selected Spars and Pick ‘n Pays.

December 9, 2021

SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THEIR CHANGING NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

As our kids enter their school-going years their growth is steady, but slower and somewhat less dramatic when compared to the rapid baby-toddler-to-little-person transformation. It’s an interesting time nutritionally as school-going children tend to be more open to trying different foods and are developing their foodie likes and dislikes. They are more able and adept at learning about different foods and their nutritional impact, so you can really start communicating with them about the importance of food and healthy eating. Many of our lifelong dietary habits are rooted in this young life-stage. According to Zelda Ackerman, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for ADSA (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa) the primary school-going age is an ideal time for parents to help set our children up for a lifetime of healthy eating. She says, “What happens around food in both the home and school is really important not just to ensure optimal nutrition for growing bodies, but to educate our children about how important daily food choices are to our overall health and our abilities to perform well in life. For instance, balanced nutrition is vital for developing strong bones, teeth and muscles, as well as supporting our immune system to prevent disease. However, it impacts too on our abilities to focus and learn in the classroom, and to achieve in sports and other physical activities.” Physical growth demands energy, and children’s energy needs are high. According to another ADSA spokesperson, Vanessa Clarke, also a Registered Dietitian, “These energy needs increase as children get older and are influenced greatly by a child’s level of exercise. As children move through the various school levels, their energy demands will increase which means they need more carbohydrates, protein and fat to support necessary bodily functions and their growth. Children may also require increasing amounts of certain vitamins and minerals as they get older. Some children going through adolescence who are physically active each day may require more energy in the form of calories than even an adult female or male. It’s also important to remember that children continue to grow and develop well beyond their tweens and during their teenage years into young adulthood.” During your child’s school-going years, it’s essential to get a good start to the day in the form of a sufficient balanced breakfast, even if it is a breakfast on the go. A balanced breakfast means that the meal includes high-fibre carbohydrates (wholewheat toast, oats, granola), protein (eggs, cheese, yoghurt) and fat (avocado, nut butters, olive oil), as well as vitamins and minerals (fruit and/or veg). This sets them off to school with a powered up brain and energy to spend. It’s typical for school-going children to need to eat four to five times a day – their snacks are really important, so don’t skip or skimp on their lunchboxes. What is an optimal school lunchbox? Depending on their school age and their after-school activities, your child’s lunchbox may be their snack or their midday meal. For older children participating in late afternoon after school activities, their lunchbox may need to contain their morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. You need to adjust the quantities based on the day’s schedule and your child’s level of physical activity. In order to ensure the lunchbox is optimal nutritionally, always strive for a balanced snack or a balanced meal containing all the essential nutrients. Focus on home-prepared wholefoods rather highly processed snack foods. Vanessa offers this suggestion: Include high-fibre carbohydrates such as wholewheat bread, wholewheat wrap or high fibre crackers such as Provitas. Choosing a high fibre option ensures they stay fuller for longer, and have a more sustained level of energy Add a fruit like an apple, naartjie, banana or nectarine Pop in a portion of vegetables such as sweet pepper strips, cucumber wedges or carrot sticks Include a protein portion by making a chicken mayo sandwich with the high-fibre bread, or add chicken drumsticks, meatballs, biltong or cheese Make sure they have their freshly filled up water bottle to meet their fluid needs. You can add a sprig of mint, a lemon slice or a few blueberries if they prefer flavoured water. Avoid any sugar-sweetened beverages that contribute towards obesity and tooth decay If your child will be having a longer school day, add extra portions of fruit and veg and raw nuts, and consider including a yoghurt or smoothie. Older children participating in sports may also need an extra wholewheat sandwich and additional lean protein portions to help preserve lean muscle mass. Dealing with the challenges of food at school School tuck shops can be a source of food for your children, but parents need to be aware of what kinds of foods and drinks are on offer. There are many convenience and snack foods that, although marketed to children, are nutrient-poor and contribute to rising childhood obesity. School tuck shops that do not have well-informed, dietitian-led healthy eating policies often offer these types of foods because they are popular with children and drive profits. Zelda says, “Parents need to stand together and approach school governing bodies to raise their concerns about unhealthy food being offered at school. Of course, children like sweets, chocolates, crisps and sugary drinks – and if they are on offer, that’s what they will choose. School tuck shops need to be committed to only offering healthy food, snack and drink options. A registered dietitian can help parents with a list of healthy tuck shop food and drink options.” Under-resourced South African schools also face school food challenges with many parents concerned about the nutritional quality of the school’s nutrition programme. Zelda says, “Sometimes, there are problems around the inadequate supply of food to address child hunger, but a persistent issue is the lack of fresh vegetables and fruit. Here, parents can help to motivate or get involved in the establishment of school food gardens to supplement school meals. Many nutritious vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, tomatoes, beans and butternuts are easily grown by beginner gardeners. Schools

December 9, 2021

7 Ways You Can Be An Eco Friendly Parent

There’s nothing more rewarding than being a parent, but if you’re trying to be more eco friendly, you know that having a little person in the house makes it difficult. There’s something about kids that just generates more and more stuff, and with that comes waste. Don’t fear though, as you can make some changes to become a more eco friendly parent. Here are some tried and tested tips to help you do so. 1.Pick Out Eco Friendly Diapers There’s no denying that diapers are expensive, and harmful to the planet. You don’t want to contribute to landfill, but you have to use them in some form. These days, you do have options. Many parents like to use cloth diapers. They won’t go into landfill as they’re reusable. Simply wash them once they’ve been worn, dry them, and they’re ready to be worn again. Don’t want to spend time washing diapers? Then you can find eco friendly diapers, that are designed to degrade better in landfill to minimize their impact. 2.Minimize Bath Times You can conserve water by minimizing how often you bathe your child. It’s usually best to bathe them a few times a week, rather than every day. This has other benefits too, such as preventing your child’s skin from drying out. At bath time, make sure you’re using eco friendly products, too. You want to use products that don’t have added scents, as these will irritate your child’s skin and sometimes lead to health problems. 3.Avoid Fast Fashion This sounds hard to do, as kids outgrow their clothes so quickly. You don’t want to support less than ethical clothing practices, but you need to keep that clothing budget to a minimum. There are ways around this, though. For example, if you have friends or family who have kids a little older than yours, you can get hand me downs from them. They’ll usually still be in great condition, as the kids wouldn’t have had long to wear them before they outgrew them. You can also find second hand clothing stores online, where you can find good quality second hand clothing. The more second hand you buy, the less clothing is going into landfill. 4.Breastfeed If You Can There are so many reasons why breastfeeding is good for your baby, but one you may not have thought of is that it’s so good for the environment. Think about it, breast milk is naturally renewable, comes in no packaging, and has lots of health benefits. Of course, not everyone can breastfeed so if you’re not able to, don’t worry. It’s worth giving a shot though, as it’s so good for the planet. 5.Ditch The Car You don’t have to go everywhere by car, all the time. While there are some times when it will be easier to hop in the car, try leaving it at home sometimes. You’ll be helping the planet by reducing your carbon emissions. Plus, kids often love public transport like buses and trains, so they’ll have a great time taking an outing with you. 6.Unplug Sometimes Did you know that around a quarter of the energy consumption in your home is from electrical devices? You can save energy by switching them off sometimes, and you’ll lower your energy bills too. Instead, use these periods to spend more time together as a family. You can play board games or simply chat together, whatever works. You’ll help the environment and grow closer as a family. 7.Buy Used Books You want your kids to have plenty of books to read, but the problem is new books can actually harm the planet. Around 10% of all greenhouse gases in the US come from the paper industry alone, so you can do your bit by buying second hand books. You can also sign up with your local library, and check out new books all the time. There’s lots of ways you can be an eco friendly parent, and you don’t have to make big changes in your life to do so. Try these tips, as they will help you reduce your impact as a parent while still doing your best for your kids.

December 9, 2021

Summer Skin Protection for Sensitive Pockets

Summer is popularly associated with warm, radiant skin. Yet, what many people don’t understand is that the same sun that gives you your glow can also cause dehydration and damage to your skin. Therefore, ensuring that you have nutrient packed skincare products to keep your skin healthy is essential, and luckily, Bramley’s new Magnolia Range for sensitive and dehydrated skin is exactly what you need in these harsh summer conditions and it won’t cost you an arm or a leg either. The sun travels to the Earth’s surface in two different forms: as UVA rays (longer, less harmful rays) and UVB rays (the infamous shorter waves responsible for sunburn and skin damage). Although your body does have protective measures to limit the damage done to it, such as producing melanin or peeling after severe burns, your skin still needs moisture and vital vitamins replenished daily. Bramley’s ultra-convenient Magnolia Tissue Oil Sensitive Skin Spray(R26.99) packs a serious “pick me up” for slightly sun damaged or stressed skin. With a concentration of 100% natural Argan, Olive, Jajoba oils and vitamin E at its core, this spray has immense anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties, meaning it tackles free radicals found in your skin. If you have a damaged skin barrier, your sunscreen is less likely to bind with and integrate into your skin, resulting in stressed skin being preyed on by UVB rays. Therefore, repairing your skin barrier should be your top priority when approaching the summer season. Repairing damaged skin cells requires a powerhouse of vitamins and active-ingredients that target damaged, dehydrated skin. With a cocktail of nourishing Vitamin E, soothing Jojoba oil and softening Argan oil, the Magnolia Tissue Oil Sensitive Serum (R24.99) and the Magnolia Tissue Oil Gel (R26.99) offers intense moisture and nourishment for delicate skins. Easily absorbed and non-greasy, they have been dermatologically approved to treat dehydrated skin and return skin health to uneven skin tone, scars and stretch marks. Bramley’s doesn’t want to you forget about the rest of your body either when it comes to this sunny season. Created to specifically target dull appearances, rough skin spots and dehydration, Bramley’s Magnolia Tissue Oil Sensitive Skin Body Lotion (R24.99) is a cream enriched body lotion packed with their signature Bio-pharm and other natural oils curated to leave you with smooth and stunning skin. Yes, sun exposure is essential for many beneficial body functions – creating Vitamin D for collagen production; regulating sleeping patterns and giving us a mood boost – but overexposure can have long term negative effects on our skin. Get ahead of the sunbeams this summer by keeping your skin moisturised, protected, and packed fill of vital vitamins and antioxidants. With your skin’s health in mind, the sunny season is yours to enjoy stress-free and sun protected.

December 9, 2021

Boston Online Home Education to extend its academic support and services

Boston Online Home Education, a registered Cambridge International Associate, is your home education partner. We create credible online pathways for parents/guardians of home educated learners toward the attainment of school-leaving alternatives that are internationally recognised for entry into leading local and global universities. As a pioneer in private higher education specialising in online and distance learning over the past 30 years, the Boston group realises the challenges faced by parents who select to home school their children. As a result Boston is extending its educational expertise to support parents and learners via Boston Online Home Education. Our mission is to create new opportunities for home education parents and learners to choose an aspirational online learning experience by offering support to the Cambridge International single subject, i.e. International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and Advanced Supplementary (AS) Levels, or group awards, i.e. International Certificate of Education (ICE) and Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). The Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE) is for learners turning 14 in the first year of registration and who have achieved either a Grade 8. And the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) stream is for learners turning 16 in the first registration year and who have achieved either a Grade 9 or 10 or the ICE. Learners also have the option to register for Cambridge examinations in respect of individual Cambridge subjects to supplement their existing studies especially for those learners who wish to enter into high stakes faculties such as medicine or engineering after school. Parents of a learner without a grade 9 are required to register their child as a home-school learner with the Provincial Department of Education in the province in which they reside. “Being a registered Cambridge Associate brings huge advantages to parents and their children. The educators at Boston continually work with the academic and assessment guidelines, which are only made available by Cambridge to registered Cambridge associates and Cambridge schools. This means we have access to the Cambridge curriculum statements which ensure that the support is directed towards the guidelines specified by Cambridge. These guidelines also direct the “how” of the assessment methodology for each topic, thereby ensuring that learners will be well prepared for their exams. It is therefore critical for parents to ensure that they are getting support from a credible source such as a registered Cambridge Associate” says Katz. Amongst the challenges faced by parents is ensuring that their children have access to quality content and assessments whilst being able to monitor this progress. As a result Boston have developed a comprehensive offering of recorded lessons, summaries, e-books and assessments with triggers being sent to the parent so that the parent is able to monitor the progress of the child throughout the learning journey and track performance. The parent has a specific log in feature to participate in the learning journey. Forums and discussion groups between peers and educators are also integral support mechanisms with access to experience educators to solve problems is fundamental. Through strategically designed learning material, learners have the benefit of honing higher order skills of comprehension, understanding and application. Expert tutors are on standby to ensure personal attention to guide and assist each learner. Learners also have the advantage to study at their own pace, whilst the use of online technology assists with diagnostics pinpointing what a learner knows and where there are gaps as opposed to getting lost in the classroom because a learner might feel uncomfortable to ask question. Learners also have access to teachers who provide personal guidance and support. Learner progress is also monitored through a range of formal and informal assessments, facilitating detailed feedback to parents and learners, enabling relevant academic intervention throughout the learning process. ”We are not a private or independent school, as we do not enrol learners in any grades or have physical school grounds. We also do not set any curricula, exit exams or issue awards – this is done solely by Cambridge International, and you need to register for this separately. We can however assist you by facilitating this separate registration process”. “We do not replace your legal responsibilities and duties as a parent or guardian of the home education learner. Our focus is about providing support to parents and learners in the home school journey”. Boston encourages social interaction through multiple opportunities to work and interact online in groups with other learners. In this way, learners are able to enjoy a local and global social infrastructure. Boston enhances this further through the many extra curricula activities such as digital music production, journalism club, public speaking and even an online chess tournament. “We aim to assist parents so that their children develop skills and future readiness through a holistic support program of academic excellence, offering learners the opportunity to enjoy an alternative to high school while preparing them for a successful and fulling future”.

December 8, 2021

This holiday don’t let periods cramp your style

The festive season is upon us and for some moms this could be a period where you have just given birth and you are slowly getting back into your menstrual cycle and routine again. There is no perfect preparation, but there are great support options that include herbal extracts to take care of common issues such as primary dysmenorrhea (extreme period pain) and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) with minimal to no side effects. The Salome product range is locally manufactured by South African pharmaceutical company 3Sixty Biomedicine and offers over the counter treatment options to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding and menstrual pain and is based on herbal extracts. The efficacy of natural ingredients included in their products is backed by science and medical studies, which is why their products are also recognized and reimbursed by certain medical aids. The Salome team works with health practitioners and experts to bring awareness and clearly differentiate what is deemed a healthy menstrual cycle and what is not in an effort to educate females of all ages on common women’s health conditions that can and should be treated. They believe that #yourjourneymatters and no one should have to sacrifice a good quality of life due to common but treatable health conditions that tend to cramp your style, which is why employing a proactive approach in getting an early diagnosis and identifying treatment solutions is key. Is menstrual pain considered a medical condition? Primary dysmenorrhea, the technical term for period pain without the presence of other conditions such as endometriosis, is the most common gynaecologic problem in women of all ages and races with the menstrual cramping being severe enough to interfere with daily activities, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Salome Menstrual Pain is a product based on herbal extracts of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects, which may provide relief for spasm associated with menstrual periods. What is great about Salome Menstrual Pain is because it contains natural ingredients, even teenagers who suffer from menstrual pain can use it to manage painful menstrual cramping without worrying about unwanted side-effects. Developing good eating habits and a consistent exercise routine even while you are on holiday is also a great way to help manage this condition. A holiday myth busted about what you can do when you have your period Menorrhagia, the technical term for heavy menstrual flow and prolonged bleeding, or having your period in general should not stop you from swimming over the holidays. In fact, it’s believed that swimming and exercising in general can actually help keep you cool and release endorphins which are nature’s pain reliever. Also taking a leaf from mother nature’s book, is the Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding product that helps alleviate this condition by drawing on herbal extracts from Capsella Bursa-Pastoris, a medicinal plant also known as Shepherd’s purse. This active ingredient assists with the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with regular menstrual cycles. The medicinal benefits of this plant have been scientifically proven to have smooth muscle stimulant effects and as an added bonus, Capsella has antioxidant features that improve uterine tone, meaning that it will facilitate the regulation of menstrual blood flow. Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding also has anti-inflammatory properties that can have a positive impact on the management of heavy menstrual bleeding. The full Salome range that contains natural ingredients is available online at Takealot.com and www.salome-range.co.za, as well as over the counter at most pharmacies nationwide. We hope you enjoy the upcoming festive season and holidays and make sure to follow the Salome range on their social media pages to hear from Salome experts about common women’s health conditions and how best to manage these – no matter what time of year or stage of life you’re in. Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

December 8, 2021

Summer beauty and grooming problems, fixed!

Lazy days spent on the beach or next to the pool, braai’s with friends and sundowners with a view… Summer is our favourite time of year. But like all seasons, it comes with a unique set of beauty and grooming challenges. A shiny forehead, a sweaty scalp, green hair, runny mascara… Sound familiar? Here, the solutions to fix summer’s most common beauty and grooming problems. Makeup meltdown Because most foundations are liquid, they can literally melt and slide down your face when the humidity is very high, or when you sweat. Experts suggest ditching your HD or full-cover foundation in summer and opting for a light or dewy finish instead. We recommend wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation (R129.95). This weightless, super-nourishing foundation delivers natural all-day wear and has a moisturising formula that blends into the skin seamlessly. Using a primer to prep your skin beforehand will help set your foundation and prevent it from sliding. It’s important to use a silicone-free primer, as silicone makes it difficult for skin to breathe and can result in sweating, which will worsen the problem. The newly-launched wet n wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer (R189.95) is a first-of-its-kind silicone-free primer that is both mattifying and hydrating, making it the perfect primer for warmer weather. Mascara doesn’t only run when you go for a swim – it can also leave you with panda eyes when you sweat. The best solution is a long-wearing waterproof mascara. Not only will it stay on when you go for a quick dip in the pool, but it will also last throughout the day, regardless of humidity and sweat. Try wet n wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara (R94.95). It visibly lifts and lengthens each and every lash for maximum, covetable length, and stays put all day. Shiny skin This is a major summer concern for both men and women. Our skins produce more sebum in summer to try counteract the drying effects of the sun. This can leave you looking shiny (think glazed doughnut rather than dewy) and if not managed properly, this excess sebum can clog pores and lead to breakouts. A few tweaks to your skincare regime will go a long way in managing shine and preventing breakouts. Use a good quality foaming cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil and impurities and follow with a lightweight moisturiser that provides adequate hydration without clogging pores. We recommend the new Nip+Fab Salicylic Fix Gel Cleanser (R219.95). Salicylic acid helps lift away dirt, impurities and excess oil whilst allantoin provides a moisture barrier and locks in hydration. The Salicylic Fix range also includes an Exfoliating Scrub (R219.95), a Lightweight Moisturiser (R219.95) and Blemish Fighting Spot Patches (R170.00) which may come in handy when the odd spot appears. Pigmentation Our skin can develop sun-induced pigmentation all year round, but the fact that we spend more time outdoors in summer makes us more susceptible to it. Introduce vitamin C skincare products into your regime to help brighten the skin and make it more resilient to the effects of UV exposure. Vitamin C helps inhibit melanin production which reduces pigmentation and evens out your skin tone. Try Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits 2% Ultra Glow Serum (R139.95) and Skin Radiance Moisturiser (R89.95). These products work together to brighten skin, assist the regeneration process and protect against sun-induced pigmentation. Green hair Ever heard that chlorine in swimming pools can turn blonde hair green? It’s not a myth! Chlorine oxidises the hard metals found in water. Because our hair is porous, it absorbs these oxidised metals, which results in a green tint. The number one tip is to never go into a pool with dry hair. Always drench your hair with fresh water from the shower before a swim. If your hair is already saturated when it comes into contact with chlorinated water, it won’t be able to absorb as much of the oxidised metals. Shampoo and condition your hair straight after every swim to remove chlorine. Provoke Touch of Silver Brightening Shampoo (R120.00) and Conditioner (R120.00) contains violet pigment to actively neutralise brassy, yellow tones and treat colour fading and dullness for instant, visible results. A weekly or bi-weekly hair mask is a great way to replenish the moisture that chlorine strips from the hair (and remember, hydrated, healthy hair is less susceptible to damage). Try Marc Anthony Complete Color Care Nourishing Hair Mask (R189.95). This hair mask nourishes hair and reduces colour fade, locking in nutrients and protecting against environmental damage. Flaky scalp A flaky scalp is very common in summer. The skin on our scalps is delicate, and when exposed to the sun it can easily burn or become dry, and in both cases, it usually leads to flakiness. A flaky scalp can become itchy and sensitive and all-round uncomfortable. Keep your scalp healthy this summer by covering it up with a hat or scarf as much as possible. A weekly scalp scrub removes dead skin cells, bacteria and excess oils to prevent flakes. Try Umberto GianniniScalp Scrub Exfoliating Anti-Dandruff Treatment (R189.95). It’s packed with natural exfoliants from fruit enzymes and micro grains of natural walnut shell to keep your scalp healthy and flake-free. You might also want to apply a scalp mask from time to time as an added treat. Umberto Giannini Banana Butter Nourishing Superfood Scalp + Hair Oil (R189.95) is packed with nature’s powerful oils. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula helps maintain a healthy scalp and combat dryness. For a scalp treatment that also works to nourish and moisturise hair, try Cantu’s Shea Butter Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil (R180.00) which not only helps support hair growth but also increases moisture, or Cantu’s Deep Nourishing Hair & Scalp Masque (R59.95) which helps combat dryness and flakiness. Itchy beard If you have a beard, you’ll know that itchiness can be a major problem in summer. Beards are known to attract and hold bacteria, which is why a daily beard grooming regime is essential. Because you sweat more in summer, your beard can harbour more bacteria. The skin beneath the beard can become dry and sensitive, which in turn can cause itchiness. Cleanse your skin and beard thoroughly twice a

December 8, 2021

Surviving year-end academic burnout

Have you ever woken up in the morning and felt less motivated to get going? Maybe even irritable and just plain exhausted, or even frustrated for no reason? You may very well be experiencing Academic Burnout. Academic Burnout is something that affects most learners, especially when you are putting in those extra hours to complete that every growing mountain of assignments and homework throughout the school year, and that prolonged state of stress. It is experienced through an increase in negative emotions, physical and mental reactions due to prolonged studding which can also results in exhaustion, frustration, a lack of motivation and reduced ability in school. It is often caused by the accumulation of weeks of hard studying of the same material and back-to-back classes. Academic Burnout, however, is not to be confused with a student’s occasional feelings of frustration and fatigue from putting in hours of studying for and upcoming exam or pulling and all-nighter to catch up on missed work. Academic burnout is far more serious than this. Academic Burnout can severely reduce your productivity, reduces all your energy which leaves you feeling hopeless, helpless, and resentful towards your educators, peers, and parents. These negative consequences from burnout often spills over into other areas of your life, including our personal and social life. Therefore, it is so important to understand what exactly academic burnout is and how to survive it. Constant exhaustion, no matter how much sleep you get; disrupted sleep patterns or insomnia; a serve lack in motivation to either attend classes or complete homework assignments; loss of confidence in your academic abilities, frequently ill or somatic pians are just a few of the common symptoms to look out for that are associated with academic burnout. But it’s not all doom and gloom. “There are ways to help prevent and manage Academic Burnout before it becomes too severe. The first step to treating Academic Burnout is to acknowledge it and understand that a change does need to be made to how you are current way of tackling school tasks and activities,” says Jessica Hart from Wingu Academy’s Wellness Hub. Here are a few changes you can introduce: Make time for the things you enjoy: Its important to remember that there is more to life then school and work. Use your weekends to spend time with friends and family, and to reconnect with the things that make you happy. Up the exercise: Finding the motivation to get up and exercise can be tough. But its always important to remember that a healthy body equals a healthy mind – the two go hand in hand. Try being active at least three times a week and remember to stay hydrated and eat health. Welcome that fresh air: Spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine, will not only help your body produce that much needed vitamin D, but it will help reduce levels of stress and anxiety, helping you feel more relaxed, improve mental focus and concentration. Set reasonable goals for yourself: Use a calendar or planner and organise what needs to be done in a way that allows you time to rest in between tasks. Trying to get a months’ worth of work done in one week is not going to benefit your grades or mental well-being. Set reasonable goals and stick to them. Wingu Academy’s Wellness Hub offers guidance to all learners and parents on academic, well-being and mental health support. As an online home school we can offer education in a more relaxed environment in the safety of your home. Enrolments are still open for January 2022 at Wingu Acadamy. Book a FREE consultation here: https://wingu-academy.com/book-now/ or visit https://wingu-academy.com/ for more information.

December 8, 2021

Nurturing in Education

Parents have children because they want to nurture. Teachers teach because they want to nurture. People who work at a school, want to nurture. Nurturing begins with the basics. Environmental provisions like shelter, sanitation, food and medical care should go without saying – mandatory rather than ‘nurturing’, and there are many people who work tirelessly to reach these goals. Education in particular is the perfect opportunity to build on those basic human needs and also address the more emotional aspects of well-being. It is a place that our children spend a significant amount of time and academic learning is made possible by not only addressing intellect but social-emotional development too. Consider your child’s day. Who do they encounter? Not just their teacher for sure. There may be a security guard or someone screening for entry, a secretary and perhaps a gardener as they make their way to a gathering of friends with a dedicated teacher and a principle holding everyone together. Does the person ensuring your child’s safety receive a friendly greeting? The screener a polite acknowledgement? How about that hero who keeps the school up and running behind the scenes and fields endless phone calls a day? And the ground staff beautifying our places of learning? Here I would like to suggest that an atmosphere of nurturing is expected between a teacher and the children, but that teachers are not the only contributors to your child’s care at school. As such, everyone at the school deserves as much respect and understanding of the role they play in the lives of our youngsters. For our children to mature in their own way, they should also be taught the value of all relationships around them and be encouraged to foster them. Positive relationships are central to both learning and well-being. Connections do not exist in a void and that means that parents shoulder some responsibility towards fostering a supportive environment around their children. At the heart of any nurturing is communication. What is needed, what is offered, what is / isn’t effective, what to change and how to get there together. Nurturing requires a massive amount of patience and it’s not unusual to find parents only too happy to deliver their children to school- and on the flip side for teachers to be only too delighted at the end of the school day. Teachers love holidays and parents love the first day back and so it goes. Not because parents or teachers dislike the children, but simply because nurturing is exhausting. That is why it takes a village. How does a school create a nurturing environment? There are many studies and articles exploring what does or doesn’t make for a nurturing environment, but at its core the researchers all agree that nurturing is essential to developing emotionally robust, academically stimulated and morally sound kids. At school, teachers need to foster this growth in countless learners and that is where parenting is critical to supporting a nurturing state in their child’s education. It can’t always be so, but where possible, parents select particular schools because they reflect the values of a family. Because they are considered safe and the staff trustworthy. Because a parent is satisfied with the learning opportunities and experiences provided. Similarly, a school needs to live up to the expectations of the parents who have entrusted their treasures into the care of the establishment, encouraging social-emotional well-being, positive relationships and academic development. An illustration of a familiar example at school: There may be a particular concern, either at home or school, both parties (parent and teacher) may be defensive however both have the child’s best interests at heart. Children, teachers and parents are fallible human beings and mistakes will be made and disagreements will be had. If a relationship has been fostered between caregivers and trust has been earned, intentions are transparent and more attention can be given to the situation at hand and in a nurturing way, the concerns can be addressed. Similarly, the child has been shown a healthy, cooperative approach to problem solving- even if parties disagree, as long as it is done respectfully and with the child’s well-being in mind. Generally speaking, academics agree that the process of nurturing children both at home and at school, consists of numerous principles: Children’s learning is understood developmentally, in other words realistic attainable goals for the individual and different children have different learning styles. A safe and consistent place that is kind, tolerant and inquisitive is necessary for learning. Well-being of the child is paramount, and self-esteem should be a priority. Communication is vital and everything possible should happen to encourage reciprocal conversations between parents, staff and children. All behaviour is communication and all parties, while instilling school and home values, should intentionally consider the reasons that may cause a particular behaviour. Any transition in a child’s life is tough and often involves relationships changing too. Support and sensitivity ensure a safe, stimulating environment. In discussing what makes for a nurturing environment, concern is primarily placed on what is best for the child, without considering that nurturing people need as much care in order to be able to pass it on. Salaries are not the nurturing I am referring to. Everyone needs respect, validation, encouragement, and support. To create a nurturing environment in education, it holds true that nurturing should be a priority all round, from each relationship, communication, and interaction, be it teacher to child, child to child or any staff members to each other. Communication and respect are key to nurturing our children to reach their potentials as individuals, while learning to nurture in return. Written by: Dana Altini (Speech-Language Therapist) – Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

December 8, 2021

Hat trick for Boston as it launches Boston Online High School to extend academic offering

As a pioneer in private higher education specialising in online and distance learning over the past 30 years, Boston City Campus is extending its educational expertise to launch Boston Online High School. While there are many British curricula available in South Africa, only registered Cambridge Associate schools like Boston Online High ensures that learners are studying the correct syllabus and have access to the type of questions and formats expected in exams. Focussing on empowering secondary school learners both locally and globally, Boston Online High School has chosen the Cambridge curriculum as the gold standard for high school learners. “Specialising in skills of critical thinking, creativity and problem solving, learners both locally and worldwide will be exposed to expert educators providing the best practices of teaching and learning in the context of a global curriculum,” says Boston Online High School (BOHS) CEO, Eli Katz. Renowned globally, the Cambridge qualifications are recognised by over 1 400 universities worldwide, including all UK universities, 600 US universities (including Ivy League universities) and other top student destinations including Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Germany and the Netherlands. Classes for the academic school year are set to commence on 15 February 2022. Increasing access to top education Through Boston’s Invest in SA subsidy programme, the online school is making access as broad as possible, and addressing the country’s systemic education challenges by ensuring that the fees remain affordable. “As a result, our monthly fees of R2 500 for all levels include all textbooks and workbooks”. says Katz. Offering As a registered Associate of Cambridge International Education, BOHS provides the opportunity of two Cambridge streams: The Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE) for learners turning 14 in the first year of registration and who have achieved either a Grade 7 or 8. And the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma for learners turning 16 in the first registration year and who have achieved either a Grade 9 or 10 or the ICE. The AICE Diploma offers the coveted Cambridge International AS (Advanced Supplementary) and A (Advanced) Level Qualifications. Both ICE and AICE require two years of learning each. “Being a registered Cambridge Associate brings huge advantages to our students. BOHS educators continually work with the academic material, assessments and assessment methodologies supplied to registered Cambridge associates only. This means we have access to the Cambridge curriculum statements which ensure that the teaching and learning is directed towards the guidelines specified by Cambridge. These guidelines also direct the “how” of the assessment methodology for each topic, thereby ensuring that Boston students will be well prepared for their exams. It is therefore critical for students to ensure that they are studying with an accredited tuition provider!” says Katz. BOHS facilitates social interaction through the many extra curricula activities such as digital music production, journalism club, and even an online chess tournament. Future ready graduates The AICE diploma provides seamless entry to higher education and/or the workplace. Learners will have access to coaching on subject choices with guidance on their career and university pathway. As a result, candidates who have completed Cambridge AICE will experience a smooth transition to post-school studies, academically, technologically and socially. Monitoring and guidance Expert mentors and tutors are on standby to ensure personal attention to guide and assist each learner. Students also have the advantage to go at their own pace, with diagnostic technology pinpointing what a learner knows and where there are gaps (versus getting lost in the classroom because of feeling uncomfortable to ask questions). Student progress is also monitored through a range of formal and informal assessments, facilitating detailed feedback to learners and parents, enabling relevant academic intervention throughout the learning process. “We aim to develop skills and future readiness through a holistic curriculum of academic excellence, offering learners the opportunity to enjoy a high school online environment while preparing them for a successful and fulling future”, says Katz .

December 8, 2021

Chicco’s tactile range of first toys from 3 months old – Baby Senses

Chicco specialises in the creation of toys that will not only entertain and fascinate youngsters, but also provide some form of cognitive and educational skills along the way to enhance brain development from as young as three months old. With children being inherently curious from the day they are born, they actively seek out the brightest colours and most tactile of items to engage their every sense. This is why Baby Senses toys are perfect for those first few months. Designed to make good use of the primary colours, red, blue, yellow and green, Chicco Baby Senses incorporates toys that start as simply as doodoo cloths and grow with your child to include teethers, bath toys, building toys and eventually electronic toys that include lights, sounds and music. Baby Senses highlights: Baby Senses Swimming Penguin, Frog and Whale Three mechanical bath time friends that swim the length of the bath whilst your little one has lots of giggles. Keep them entertained while they get clean. Suitable from three months and up. Baby Senses Giraffe Rattle A soft giraffe rattle to encourage the first explorations of your child’s senses. Soft plastic parts are ideal for teething. Contrasting fabrics and colours to enhance sense of touch. Stimulates child’s curiosity, vision and motor skills with easy to grasp and play with and strong contrasting colours. Great from three months and up Baby Senses Elliot Camping Lover Helps little ones discover the joy of exploring the world around them. Lowering and lifting the lamp turns its light on, which is accompanied by melodies, while pressing the musical note button turns both the light and melodies on. A rotating compass helps them to learn directions and find their way around their environment. Suitable for children aged 6 months and up. Find Chicco Baby Senses at a variety of stores. Full range available at Takealot, Loot and www.shopchicco.co.za

December 7, 2021

Vaccinations proving to be the best defence

As the fourth wave of Covid spreads, South Africa is seeing a considerable increase in positive cases. Just as the Delta variant became part of our daily vocabulary, the Omicron or BI.I.529 strain has too. Omicron has more than 30 mutations (double those carried by Delta) that may have an impact on how it behaves. This includes how easily it spreads and the severity of the illness it causes. The Omicron variant was found in 74% of the 249 Covid-19 samples that were gene-sequenced in November in SA. It appears with more than double the mutations carried by Delta, Omicron is virulent enough to take over from Delta. Current international data shows that there are far more positive cases, meaning that Omicron appears to be highly transmissible. However, although more people are testing positive, they are presenting with mild symptoms with fewer hospital admissions. Medical professionals believe this is a direct result of the immunity acquired through vaccinations. The first wave of Covid-19 took the world by surprise but globally everyone is better prepared for this new wave. This includes a sustained effort to vaccinate as many people as possible. What the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and most people involved in the healthcare sector agree on unanimously, is that the best form of protection from serious disease is vaccination. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer, Bonitas Medical Fund says, “We have been proactive in urging our members and the public to be vaccinated. Our statistics show that, of our members over 60, there are 90% fewer admissions to hospital after full vaccination and 56% fewer after one vaccination. Research across the public healthcare environment has shown the same results. With this information freely available it is disturbing that only 16 944 413 people living in SA have been vaccinated. This is only 35.5% of adults and 23.7% of the total population. ‘The cost of hospital admissions too, especially ICU, are very high. Our figures show that up to November 22, the Bonitas Covid-19 costs totalled R1.75 billion. 80% of this (R1 399 181 922) was hospital costs, while only 4.9% (R85 669 068) was for vaccinations. ‘The average cost of admission to ICU, per patient, was R533 969. There is no doubt that vaccinations not only save lives but also reduce the burden on the public healthcare system, as well as save the country billions in costs related to treating Covid. Vaccinations are a fraction of the cost of treating Covid.’ Both in the public and private sector, the unvaccinated are filling our hospitals. Dr Waasila Jassat, from NICD, announced at the end of November that ‘unvaccinated patients suffered more severe symptoms than vaccinated ones and were most likely to face hospitalisation if infected by the new Covid-19 variant.’ She said that 90% of patients admitted to hospital in Pretoria (one of the current hotspots) are unvaccinated. ‘Not only is there a higher incidence of hospital admissions but also that the chances of death amongst unvaccinated are considerably higher.’ Callakoppen says there is enough clinical evidence to show that the vaccination reduces the severity of Covid and he encourages everyone to be vaccinated. He urges those who have been vaccinated to encourage others to do the same. However, this doesn’t mean you can forgo following the Covid protocols: Wearing a mask; sanitising your hands, maintaining social distancing; staying in well ventilated spaces; coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue. Bonitas has reported the following Covid related figures for 2021 as of 22 November. Total lives older than 18 estimated to have received at least 1 jab 66.4% Total tests performed: 441 929 Total Covid-19 hospital admissions: 20 376. (12 264 during 2021) Bonitas lives currently in hospital: 0.3% Admission rate: 25% ICU Admission Rate: 22% Total Covid deaths: 3 515 (2 292 in 2021) Total Bonitas membership vaccinated: 70% Highest number of people vaccinated is in the 35-49 age group followed by the over 60s ‘I must reiterate that our best defence against Covid-19 is to be vaccinated,’ says Callakoppen. ‘It won’t necessarily stop you from getting the coronavirus but it will reduce the severity of the disease. I contracted Covid in September but thankfully because I was fully vaccinated, my symptoms were mild which meant I was able to heal and recover at home. My experience is not unique.’ Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund answers some common questions around Omicron What is it? It’s a new, heavily mutated Covid variant known as BI.I.529. When was Omicron first detected? The earliest sample was detected on 11 November in Botswana. Is it more transmissible? Circumstantial evidence indicates it is. Within two weeks of its detection, it has outpaced Delta to become the main strain in Gauteng. Will vaccines work against it? Yes, most likely. A crucial objective remains to increase vaccination rates. Current vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease, hospitalisation and death. Should updated vaccines be developed, they will be rolled out globally and used as guided by WHO. Will prior infection provide me with immunity? Preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron but information is limited. More information on this will become available in the coming days and weeks. What about treatment? Currently Oxygen and Dexamethasone have been saving lives. There is however very exciting data coming from two antivirals. What about the current tests? The widely used PCR tests continue to be the global standard to detect infection including Omicron. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any impact on other types of tests including rapid antigen tests.

December 7, 2021

Travel Games – Entertainment on the go

School holidays have started, what do you do? You’ve planned a picnic in a park, or you’re headed to the coast? You go for a game drive or camp in the back yard, you’re going to have an adventure! You should also make sure you pack a few almost pocket-sized travel games that will keep your family entertained! Yes, the whole family, from ages 4 to 108! No matter the adventure, there will always be an opportunity for boredom the creep in. Let us show you a few games so fun and compact that you can take them on any adventure and make every second fun! Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, yes, a mouthful, but the name is how you play the game! Reveal a card and say the next word in the title. If what you say match the card you play, you rush to put your hand down first on top of the card stack. The last person to put their hand on the card stack takes all the cards! If the word you say don’t match the card you play, then continue to play. The first player to lose all their cards, wins! Yogi is a game that will have you and your family twisting and turning (and laughing, of course!) Each turn you draw a card with a simple instruction, such as putting the card on top of your head or your finger on your nose. You need to be skilful, you need to be creative, and you need balance to become the Yogi master as each turn you continue to add more cards to your balancing act! Don’t let the fishy exterior of Happy Salmon fool you!This easy-to-learn card game is packed with high-fivin’, fin-flappin’ foolishness. With mini celebrations built into the gameplay. This game is great for young and old as there’s no need to read complex cards and all players play at the same time. Players call out the action shown on their cards as fast as they can. When two players have a match, they celebrate by performing the action: the classic “High 5”, the unifying “Pound It”, the frantic “Switcheroo”, and the delightful “Happy Salmon”. Each time a player celebrates a match, they quickly discard that card. The first person to get rid of all their cards wins. Explore your wild side with Jungle Speed! Each player tries to grab the Totem first when the symbol on their card matches somebody else’s. Jungle Speed is an explosive game of dexterity and pattern matching. Jungle Speed is easy to transport in its own travel bag, for quick on-the-go games! Can you Spot It? No matter the card there is always a matching symbol. But it’s not as easy as it sounds as the position and size of the symbols varies from card to card! There are 5 ways of playing, no matter the game, you always need to be the fastest to spot the matching symbol between two cards, name it out loud and then take the card, place it or discard it depending on the rules of the mini game you’re currently playing. Kids and adults go bananas for Bananagrams, the anagram game that drives you bananas. You’ll have a bunch of fun as you make crossword grids in a race to the finish first. And with everything you need to play included in the banana pouch, its go-anywhere fun for everyone. This banana pouch holds pieces enough for 8 players! If you like letter and word games, you and the entire family will love Bananagrams. Anyone who says maths isn’t fun has never played Mobi! This is speed equations to get your mind working! Each player builds their own continuous crossword equation. When a player has one blue tile left to place, that player says “FLIP” and ALL PLAYERS pick THREE more tiles from the centre. Keep this up until the blue tiles run out. The first player to connect all their blue tile’s shouts “MÖBI” and is the winner! The game plays the same way as Bananagrams and comes in a compact blue whale pouch for added convenience! These compact games are addictive fun that you can take anywhere! Simple enough for young players, yet engaging enough for older players to enjoy, parents will find themselves still playing long after the youngsters has been tucked into bed. Make sure every second of your holiday is action packed with these awesome ‘take anywhere’ games! Find these games and more at Takealot.com, Toy Kingdom and Hamleys.

December 7, 2021

What NOT to ask Santa for this Christmas: The most abandoned toys in South Africa

Every parent knows the frustration of buying their child a toy that they’ve been nagging about for ages, only for them to abandon it within a few days. Thankfully, according to Gumtree Marketing Manager Estelle Nagel, the local online marketplace can easily spot which toys didn’t live up to the hype by analysing the listings on its site. “Parents start listing abandoned toys around 28 December. So, by the end of the first week in January, a spike in our listings tells us which toys kids weren’t as excited about over the holiday season,” says Nagel. Gumtree’s analysis of toy listings shows that these are the most commonly abandoned children’s items between 2018 and 2021: · Hatchimals These adorable animals remain a surprise until they noisily hatch from their eggs. But, unfortunately, that’s usually where the excitement begins and ends. Although Hatchimals cost anything from R800 to R1000 per toy, hatched Hatchimals are often resold for between R250 and R500. · Build-A-Bear Similar to Hatchimals, Build-A-Bear is a fun experience that allows children to make their very own soft toys and custom teddy bears. These toys range in price from R250 to R1000 depending on the accessories and toy type. “To cut costs, take your little one to assemble their stuffed bear and buy your accessories second-hand on Gumtree. You can pick up wardrobes full of shoes, sunglasses, and clothes for bears for a tenth of the price.” · Hoverboards Hoverboards were all the craze in 2018, but frustrated parents started listing their hoverboards by 25 December in 2020. “Last year, we had dozens of hoverboards listed by Boxing Day for half price,” says Nagel. “The cause is unknown, but reports of injuries and accidents might be behind the steep abandonment rates.” · LEGO LEGO is incredibly popular, but pieces invariably go missing once assembled, and the novelty wears off. “The good news is that you can often buy second-hand LEGO in bulk as incomplete sets – leaving your little ones free to use their imagination to assemble their very own LEGO world.” · Battery-powered cars Car enthusiast parents will often shell out thousands for mini Ferraris and BMWs for their kids, but they usually end up for sale soon after. “The batteries in these toys need to be replaced quite often, which usually leads to kids losing interest in these cars or simply outgrowing them.” Nagel says kids outgrow toys quickly. So, before committing to a big-ticket item, parents should shop second-hand. “You can teach kids healthy money habits by having your child sell their old toys to buy new ones. Also, make a point of donating or repairing old toys rather than throwing them out.”

December 6, 2021

HOW DOES A HIGH ENGAGEMENT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WORK?

A high engagement learning environment enables our children to be interested and enthusiastic participants in their own learning, and also empowers them to becoming masters of their own learning experiences and academic achievement. Mark Anderson, Principal and Co-founder of Koa Academy is adamant that high engagement is not something that you leave to chance. He says, “You create a high engagement learning environment intentionally. It comes from an understanding that children learn best when they are involved and have age-appropriate accountability for their learning progress. It is also based on providing an agile and flexible environment that can cater to children’s diversity when it comes to igniting their engagement.” Educational Psychologist, Angela Hough explains that a child’s engagement is crucial to their learning. She says, “Children can possibly learn facts, but without engaging and having an experience or learning to apply the knowledge – then those facts do not have purpose or meaning. Transformative learning is about the need to create meaning from the learning experience. Therefore, I would encourage learning that involves experiences, embodiment, sharing and communicating learning. Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience. Usually, the more involved a child is in their school and class, and the more that they ‘own’ their learning, then the happier they are and the more they learn.” Learning through doing and learning through reflection Learning is not simply listening to a teacher telling you the facts. You may remember those facts for some time afterwards, but that’s just remembering. How many of us parents have long forgotten a myriad of facts or mathematical operations even though we might have remembered them well enough at the time to pass our school tests? There’s a lot we didn’t learn, because we can’t retrieve actual knowledge to answer the questions or do the sums today. Memory fades, but knowledge grows. Learning happens differently. Anderson says, “At Koa Academy, we focus on practical, applied and meaningful use of content. This is why our Grades 4 to 9 do all the content subjects through our Engage programme, which is all about giving real world context to the subject matter. We love the mastery-based approach, which means that in most of our courses, there are opportunities to loop back until a child has shown mastery. It doesn’t matter whether you get 20% or 80%, you are going to loop back and master that section. And everyone does, building confidence and teaching them the importance of reflecting on their own learning.” Through experiential and reflective learning, our children grow to understand how they learn which is essential in setting them up to be life-long learners in our fast-paced, ever-changing, technology-driven world. Discover Koa Academy here

December 6, 2021

The fourth industrial revolution is here – is your child ready?

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is more than just a catchy buzzword. To understand this term, it is necessary to look at the origins and outcomes of the preceding industrial revolutions, as these set the foundation for the advent of the fourth industrial revolution. The first industrial revolution (1760-1840) was brought about by the invention of the steam engine. Why a “revolution”? Because this technology rapidly changed the way society organized itself – from an agrarian, artisanal society, to a more mechanized one. For example, dresses were no longer handmade by a local seamstress, but produced in a textile factory by machines. Average income and population growth soared. Rapid urbanization took place. The second industrial revolution (1870-1914) expanded on the technologies introduced during the first industrial revolution. Railroad and telegraph lines expanded, ushering in a wave of globalization. The invention of electricity and the telephone also emerged during the time. This industrial revolution finally brought the concept of standardization and the assembly line to the fore, as pioneered by the Ford motor company in 1913. The economic outcome of this was tangible. Economic life organized itself around the mass production of consumer goods. Mega-corporations emerged, which could control segments of the market. There is even an economic theory centred on this outcome – aptly called Fordism. Finally, the third industrial revolution was bought about by the invention of the semiconductor. This led to a slew of innovative technologies, most of which are well known to us by now, such as mainframe computing, personal computing and the internet. This still begs the question however, what is the fourth industrial revolution and what will its outcomes be? And most importantly, how can you ensure your child’s readiness to face these rapid changes? Similar to preceding industrial revolutions, the fourth industrial revolution is being brought about by new technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, nanotechnology, cloud computing, quantum computing, machine learning, additive manufacturing, genetic modification and bioscience technologies, which are shaping the way we organize our societies. Just as artisanal dressmakers had to adapt to a changing society during the 1760s, so too will our children have to adapt to the changes arising from the current industrial revolution. The fourth industrial revolution will eliminate some jobs, but also create new ones in their stead. Children currently in grade R might someday fulfil a role that doesn’t even exist on paper yet. Other jobs will not necessarily be eliminated, but it will require people to adapt and to learn how to leverage these new technologies in their existing roles. One sector of society that has been relatively slow to adapt to changes being bought about by the fourth industrial revolution, is the education sector. The traditional education system is currently based on training factory workers, who had to focus on repetitive tasks for long hours. It is therefore not designed to foster critical and creative thinking, but rather to encourage compliance and regurgitation of facts. In an increasingly automated world, jobs which require repetition and regurgitation are rapidly being eliminated by machines and software. So which skills will be relevant in the coming fourth industrial revolution? And how can we ensure that our children will graduate from school with the necessary skills to thrive in this environment? According to a report by the World Economic Forum, titled “The Future of Jobs”, the skills that will be most in demand during the fourth industrial revolution are: Complex problem solving Critical thinking Creativity Managing people Coordinating with others Emotional intelligence Judgement and decision making Service orientation Negotiation Cognitive flexibility The industries tied to the defining 4IR technologies (robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, nanotechnology, cloud computing, quantum computing, machine learning, additive manufacturing, genetic modification) will birth new areas of work. For example, traditional methods of manufacturing will increasingly be replaced with additive manufacturing technologies (3D printing), as the technology improves. Think 3D printing is just for hobbyists? Think again. Professor Mashudu Tshifularo from the University of Pretoria conducted a pioneering surgery in 2019, transplanting 3D printed middle-ear bones in a patient. In another example, NASA’s “Made in Space” 3D printer is being used by members of the International Space Station to print tools, reducing the number of objects that have to be stored onboard. It is also creating opportunities for recycling and re-use of materials – which in turn creates new opportunities to launch longer manned space missions to planets such as Mars. In conclusion, teaching our students the basis of these defining 4IR skills from a young age is vital. Ensure that your child’s educational provider incorporates elements such as coding, robotics, 3D printing and software development into their offering. Furthermore, jobs which require creative and critical thinking, as well as empathy and emotion – innate human qualities – are less likely to be replaced by an automated system. Learning should be about more than just what your child learns, but about how they learn it. Are they just repeating the solution presented to them by someone else, or being encouraged to discover a new solution of their own? Are they encouraged to solve problems creatively and taught to think analytically and independently? Fostering these skills in students will ensure that they are resilient and able to adapt to changing career and societal circumstances with ease. At Wingu Academy we pride ourselves on doing education differently. Students are introduced to subjects such as coding, robotics, app development and game development from an early age. Teaching pedagogies are based on a blended learning approach, which blends synchronous and asynchronous learning to allow and encourage independent study. Students are engaged with their work through interactive quizzes and simulations, as well as live class presentations by subject experts. The implementation of the application focused British International Curriculum further ensures that students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Enrolments for 2022 are still open. Visit our website at www.wingu-academy.com and book a FREE consultation now at: https://wingu-academy.com/book-now/

December 3, 2021

Leading Local, Going Global… Why Syllabis Education is the best solution for your child

Home-schooling is a progressive movement around the world, in which learners are educated at home instead of in traditional public or private schools where methods have hardly changed in over a century. To give you an idea; in only 2020 was the ‘Chalkboard’ replaced by a ‘Smartboard’ in a few privileged schools only 2021– the ‘Classroom Teacher’ is replaced by an ‘Online Teacher’ using the same old methods which are of little consequence to today’s learners. In 2022 Syllabis Learning is now leading the way to change this. Researchers worldwide, forecast that home-schooling will balloon over the next decade as families discover that there are vastly better alternatives to public or private schooling such as homeschooling and more importantly as far as we are concerned, independent learning. The core idea of home-schooling/ independent learning is the idea that children need to learn at the speed, and in the style, most appropriate for them. Families have voiced many reasons for moving away from traditional schooling which has now all been super-ceded by the COVID worldwide pandemic. This unfortunately may be with us for quite some time. At Syllabis Education We have some amazing developments that we would love to share with you, our valued parents, learners, and potential learners. We have just launched our new WEBSITE and we will be making our unique and super-enhanced products and breakthrough tools available to our home school families, worldwide as of 2022. How our new global distance school works: We offer a 3-tiered product approach to distance school, with each offering customizable to your unique needs. You are free to upgrade or downgrade at your discretion, which means you are not locked into any one package. Introducing the Syllabis Education Big 3: The Elephant Strong and peaceful with a great memory, a good concentrator, and a force to be reckoned with – This package includes our basic offering, with great value-added products and features. Fantastic for those starting on this journey. The Buffalo Strong and Feisty, always looking for an edge, the great rememberer, whether alone or in a herd, this package includes our enhanced offering, and many great value-added services, products, and features. By far the best value for money in comparison to our competitors. Enhanced offering includes Orientation week, extended progress reporting, call-in help with curriculum planning, study skills course, access to iClass online lessons (2 hours per week), and formal academic feedback to parents. The Lion On the Hunt, Protective, Happy in groups or alone, the King of the Jungle. This package includes all the bells and whistles (and a few loud ROARS). By far Clearly the best value for money in comparison to our competitors. Enhanced offering includes orientation week, extended progress reporting, call-in help with curriculum planning, study skills course, iWellness, access to iClass (4 hours per week), and formal academic feedback to parents. Our unique curriculum enhancements: PRE-REGISTRATION ASSESSMENTS AND ANALYSIS Free Educational Needs Analysis Online Assessments Online Examination Concession Assessments Educational Analysis Financial Needs Analysis SPECTACULAR CURRICULUM COMPONENTS AND BREAKTHROUGH TOOLS School-on-a-Tablet – (just press the on-button and get started) or download to your own device Syllabis Learner Portal – Learner’s access to our world of learning and prosperity Syllabis E-Workbooks – Tailored to the needs of the student learning at home Syllabis Printed Workbooks Grade R – 3 – Delivered to your home or nearest Postnet (South Africa only) Syllabis Online Study Guides – Provides the learner with month-to-month guidance on how to approach each subject Orientation Pack – Online orientation pack for our Elephant package Orientation Week – Students that enroll with Syllabis Buffalo or Lion packages can participate in various levels of orientation Progress Reporting – Keeps the Parent and Syllabis up to date with the learner’s progress which is optional Extended Progress Reporting – Links the learners up with a tutor who will guide them through a problem area at affordable rates (South Africa only) Online Help – Professional help with Curriculum Planning Call-in Help – Professional help with Curriculum Planning Syllabis iCLASS – Online Group Class with Educators – for our Buffalo and Lion package only Syllabis iWizard – Extra resource for when a learner need additional help Syllabis iWellness – Additional Children’s Wellness and Life Skills Programme Syllabis iMaster English – Online English Literature Support for Grade 10 – 12 (South Africa only) Syllabis iDrive – Driving Lessons offered in the Johannesburg area only until further notice (South Africa only) Formal Academic Feedback to Parents – Online Graphing Calculators – Syllabis Learning 8 Pillars – Comprehensive add-on curriculum for Grade R – 12 Tutoring – In-home or online tutor placements at affordable rates, at the click of a button For more information on our amazing and progressive offering or to register for 2022 contact us today.

December 3, 2021

Summer Fun – The joys of playing outdoors

Kids today are focused on electronics, some still have zoom classes, have homework on devices and some enjoy being in front of the television. Spending time off screen, being ‘unplugged’ adds definite value to children and adults alike. Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors and away from technology aids their physical well-being, and helps them improve their emotional and intellectual health, too. Beat the Heat! In summer there is nothing better than a day by the pool. The entire family gets to relax, unwind and cool down from the summer heat. Children seem to be in their element around water with laughter and fun filling the air! Now add an additional layer of fun with some funky pool inflatables! No swimming pool? No problem! You can still beat the heat with a wide variety of sprinkler toys! All you need is a small patch of grass and a garden hose, and you are ready for some serious fun! No access to a pool or no outdoor garden space? No excuse! – Bring a sense of outdoor fun come indoors with a bubble maker. Watch the little-one’s imagination takes flight as they run, jump and pop bubble all day long. Kickstart Some Fun! As children grow, they gain an ever-expanding sense of independence. The ability to operate their own vehicle and in their pretend play ‘travel’ wherever their imaginations can take them will help your child grow in confidence and nurture their independence. Plus, when you do it in style in your dinosaur ride on car or on your funky LED light up scooter then you can be confident of hours of fun filled travels! Ride in Style! Driving down the highway in a sports car or driving around their very own farm doesn’t have to be just pretend. Spark your childs’ imagination with a mini version of their favourite vehicle! Just sit back and enjoy the look of pure joy on their face as your child zips down the driveway in their own little Audi or ‘farm the yard’ as they cross the lawn in their very own tractor. Hours of outdoor fun is guaranteed! We suggest trying what works for you and your family, no one is the same and everyone enjoys something different, though each item has its’ own merits. Spending time laughing, in the sun, in the pool, running or zooming around is the perfect way to help children grow, thrive and become happier people. Find these great outdoor toys at Takealot.com

December 3, 2021

Give them the best night’s sleep with the Chicco First Dreams range of nursery toys and accessories

Welcome to the most magical nursery atmosphere ever when you introduce any of the Chicco First Dreams toys and accessories into your little one’s life. Designed in a sleep laboratory to create the ultimate in successful sleeping aids, these high-tech items bring not just the cutest items into their bedroom, but do so with smart elements such as perfectly curated night light and sleep-appropriate music too. Mobiles & Projectors First Dreams Rainbow Sky – a crib arch in a rainbow with hanging toys with a centre star that projects soft light in the nursery while playing gentle classical or new age music. First Dreams Next2Dreams Crib Lights – a crib light that fits the side of any type of cot, this projector light shines stars on the roof of the nursery whilst playing classical or new age music. First Dreams Next2Dreams Crib Lights – a crib light that fits the side of any type of cot, this projector light shines stars on the roof of the nursery whilst playing classical or new age music. Night Lights First Dreams Rainbow Bear – a cute baby bear that projects a colourful rainbow of soft light into the nursery whilst playing classical and new age music First Dreams Dreamlight – shaped like a little bear, this small but effective light projects a sift diffused glow into the nursery whilst playing classical and new age music Accessories First Dreams My First Nest – a snuggle nest for baby to hug them from newborn upwards that includes a firm cushioning, outer rim toys, night light and classical and new age music. Use lying down when newborn, for tummy time as baby grows and as a sitting aid for when baby is a few months old All First Dreams items are available in pastels blue or pink and for sale at: Babies R Us, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone, Babanino, www.chicco.co.za, select items in Baby City.

December 2, 2021

Pump with confidence

Did you know that 85% of women who breast feed also make use of a breast pump? This is a growing statistic as more women are breast feeding for longer and needing to express breast milk for when they return to work. Other reasons for mothers pumping are their baby being born early or having difficulties with direct feeding and requiring keeping up their milk supply. Having a good quality double electric breast pump can make all the difference, to be able to pump with confidence is so important. No-one wants to be stuck to their breast pump for hours only to get a few drops of milk or to have the pump hurt them. So how do you spot a good quality breast pump? Firstly, look for a closed system. This is a pump that prevents the movement of milk into the tubing and motor of your pump. Ameda is the only true closed system breast pump in South Africa as it has FDA approval for not only milk but also bacteria and viruses . The alternative is to use a pump that is open system, and you could get mould growing in your pump! GROSS! Secondly, get a hospital grade breast pump! You are now able to get a personal use breast pump that is strong, efficient, and quiet. Hospital grade breast pumps can empty the breasts more quickly and the motor is more reliable. With the Mya Joy Double Electric Hospital Grade breast pump you are able to pump many times in a day and your pump motor will remain strong. The Mya Joy also has a 2-year warranty which goes to show how much confidence Ameda has in the Mya Joy. How do you know that the pump will be comfortable? Women have different sized breast and nipples, and they are all perfect. This just means that you need to make sure that your breast pump flange, the thingy that touches your breast, is the correct fit. Make sure that the brand of pump that you chose, has a variety of flange sizes so that you know you will be able to find your best fit and pump like a princess. Ameda has 7 different flange sizes ranging from 21mm up to 36mm. Our standard flange size is 25mm. If you need help with working out what is your best flange size is, you are welcome to email us, and we will help you make sure you get the best fit. Use this link to send us an email The next step is to use your pump correctly. Learn how to use the settings of your pump. This will help you to find your sweet spot, which is not always the fastest and the strongest settings. In fact, it can be very different for each mother. When you buy a pump from My Breastpump we help you with additional information about storing your milk, how to use your pump effectively, how to use heat and massage to increase your milk output and even when the best time to pump is. The Mya Joy has a stimulation and expression phase. The Mya Joy will start on the stimulation phase. Here you have a chose of 6 different settings. You need to find the most comfortable setting and allow the stimulation to start your milk flowing. You should start to see some milk dripping from your nipple when this happens, press the M button to move you over to the Expression mode. The pump will automatically switch you over after 2 minutes. Here again you need to find the most comfortable setting of the 12 suction levels. You will notice that the stimulation mode has fast sucks while the expression mode has longer sucks. The change in setting is to allow your pup to mimic how a baby would suckle at your breast. . You will see that you milk flow starts to slow down after some time. This is when you press the M button to switch you back to the stimulation mode, Here the pump will remember tyour last setting and ghelp you with another let down. Once this happends you press the M button and move back to the expression mode. You can have about 4 different letdon in one pumping session. This should take you around 10 to 20 minutes. So, what do you need for the ideal pumping station? Firstly, the best breast pump and then to be a bit organised. Wash your hands and sterilise your pump parts. With the Ameda’s closed system you only need to wash and sterilise 4 parts. Yes only 4, which makes it super easy to use. You can use the CleanEase, if you need a portable microwaving solution. Use a comfortable chair with support for your back. Have your pump close by and have a drink or snack ready. Think of your baby, watch a cute video or smell a baby blanket. This helps to get your mind focused on baby and making milk. You can use a warm, hot water bottle, bean bag or even a baby bottle with warm water to start messaging your breasts. This helps with your first let down. Place your flanges onto your breast making sure that the nipple is in the middle of the flange and that it does not rub against the sides. Use the pump by changing the settings. When you are done you can even use your hands to squeeze out the last few drops or breast milk. This is called hands on pumping and is great at getting out all the lekker fatty milk at the end of a pump. If you battle with your milk supply, try the baby sock hack. It is so simple but works like a charm. Before you start pumping place a baby sock over your bottle so that you can’t see how much milk you have pumped. This helps you to stop focusing on the output and to

December 2, 2021

Boomerang December Highlights DStv (CH302)

Dino Ranch A Step Back in Time Monday, 13/12/2021 Monday to Friday @ 16:20 CAT Have you ever imagined a world where humans and dinosaurs live side by side? What would that look like? Meet the Cassidy family, Bo and Jane Cassidy, their adopted children, Jon, Min, Miguel, and a whole lot of dinosaurs at Dino Ranch. This self-sustained ranch also serves as a dinosaur sanctuary where big (and small) exciting things are bound to happen – like when Jon gets spooked by a campfire story about a legendary dinosaur, he doesn’t want to admit to Miguel and Min that he is afraid, then eventually comes clean and learns that his family is there for him whether he’s scared or not. If you believe in the impossible, then you don’t want to miss the brand-new Dino Ranch series launching on Boomerang this December! Grizzy and the Lemmings Monday, 6/12/2021 Monday to Friday @ 07:25 CAT Welcome to Africa Welcome to Africa Grizzy, the bear, just wants to relax – but those rascally Lemmings have other plans in Grizzy & the Lemmings! Join Grizzy and the most manic tiny animals you’ll ever meet – the Lemmings, as they travel all across the globe to the Mother Continent, Africa. From discovering a magical djembe inside the trunk of a baobab tree to using an elephant’s trunk like a powerful vacuum cleaner, the Lemmings have no interest in letting the big bear get his way. You’ll laugh out loud at the wild antics of these animals as they engage in an endless battle of wits, naps, and the hurling of all sorts of objects. Keep up with all the fun with Grizzy & the Lemmings – on Boomerang! Movie Star Special Monday, 6/12/2021 Monday to Friday @ 07:25 CAT Happy Holidays Happy holidays!… Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle all the way, what do I watch on Boomerang for this year’s summer holiday? The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, and the best family Christmas movies are coming to Boomerang this festive season! So, grab your popcorn and cool drinks, and sit in for a festive holiday movie marathon with your best-loved Boomerang Movie Stars! From everyone’s favourite frenemies, Tom and Jerry’s merry mayhem at the North Pole in the new movie, Tom and Jerry: Santa’s Little Helpers, and the tap-dancing penguins in Happy Feet 1 & 2, to The Ant Bully, Space Jam and Lego Scooby-Doo! Blowout Beach Bash, you won’t want to miss out!

December 1, 2021

WHY HIGH ENGAGEMENT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

As parents, we want our children to love their school experiences. It sets off a host of anxieties, and sometimes sustained stress, when our child is despondent, frustrated, or angry because they are struggling with academics or battling to get along socially at school. We understand innately that not enjoying school much also means not learning much. This is confirmed by Educational Psychologist, Angela Hough who notes that both disengagement in the classroom and in school social relationships impacts a child’s ability to learn. She says, “Usually, the more involved a child is in their school and class, and the more that they ‘own’ their learning, the happier they are and the more they learn. Peer relationships and teacher-learner relationships are also vital for a child’s sense of self-worth, belonging and wellbeing. Generally, the more a child feels valued for who they are, and the more they feel included, the happier they are, and the more they are able to contribute and experience.” That involvement, ownership and accountability for learning, sense of belonging and social acceptance are the characteristics of a high engagement learning environment. Our kids can all be involved and enthusiastic in their learning and their school community given a high-engagement context. As parents who were traditionally schooled, we tend to think we need to choose the same or the opposite of what we went through, depending on whether we loved or hated our schooling experience. But our kids are going to school in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4iR) and it’s clear we need to be thinking more expansively and differently about their options before we make school choices. Koa Academy Principal, Mark Anderson worked as an award-winning teacher in brick-and-mortar schools before co-founding this intentional high engagement online school. He says, “Engagement does not happen automatically in any one specific type of school. There are some physical schools which do a great job of having a highly engaging learning environment, while others don’t. The same is true for online schools, home-schools, and every other type of school in between. Every child is also unique in how they go about engaging with others and their learning. What might be a great fit for one person might just not work as well for another. What this means for parents, is that it when it comes to their school choices, they need to not only evaluate the school, its reputation and its values; but do so in the context of what suits their child best.” This means that all parents should be on the lookout for schooling options that truly intend to offer and maintain high engagement for a diversity of learners, no matter whether those schools are physical or online. Discover Koa Academy here

December 1, 2021

Technology is fast-moving, is your child protected?

In the season of giving, our children can’t wait to open their beautifully wrapped Christmas presents. They look at every shape under the tree and play guessing games about the contents. When we wrap our children’s gifts, it takes careful planning. Buying a remote-controlled car? We include the batteries. Got them the roller-skates? We make sure to add the elbow and knee guards. Wrapping the bicycle? We definitely include the safety gear, and especially the helmet. If this is their first bicycle, we may even add the training wheels to ensure that their first experience is good. This year, as the years before, many of our children will be unwrapping a smartphone or a tablet. We want them to participate in and experience the digital world, but how will we adequately prepare them for this new online journey? In the same way we would’ve done if we had to teach them to ride their new bicycle? Comparing our own learning to ride a bike with teaching our children to be safer online is difficult. Growing up, our parents taught us what to look out for when we first got onto our bikes. Their parents taught them. Generations of advice being passed down. As parents though, we did not grow up in the same online world that our children need to navigate. Our parents may not have even known about smartphones when we were born. We need to consider the online road they are traveling on, the type of device they are driving, how your child is equipped to deal with potential danger, and the type of protection we need to offer. The online road they’re traveling on Different roads have different rules. Our children know that, when they ride their bicycle in the park, they have to look out for pedestrians and perhaps some smaller children crossing their path unexpectedly. In contrast, when they’re riding their bike to school, they have to be more aware of traffic and follow all the road signs, be aware of traffic lights and obey the rules. They also know that not following these rules has consequences and that they can get badly hurt. When they’re traveling on their digital road, they have to understand the “look left, look right, look left again” basics, but they also have to know that different apps have different rules. When chatting in an online game’s chatroom, they should apply the same rules as a simple chat app like WhatsApp: don’t give out personal information, don’t talk to strangers. But using apps like Snapchat or Tik Tok where photos or videos are exchanged, they will be expected to follow a different rulebook. The device they are driving With their first bicycle, we would check that the training wheels are screwed on tight and that the brakes of the bike work, right? Whether they are using a child-friendly phone that was manufactured with online safety in mind, an Apple or an Android-based device (such as Samsung or Huawei), the starting point is always to ensure that the device-specific settings are set in the most protective way. This can include screen time management, some parental controls, and content filters. Our children are in the driving seat We spend hours teaching our children how to ride their bikes. Holding on to the bicycle at first, then only to the seat and eventually giving them the freedom to go at it alone. In cyberspace, we are going on a road trip, but sometimes we won’t be sitting next to them. Fact is, with your child in the driver’s seat of his or her phone, we have to ensure that they can go some distances on their own. Talk openly to them about what they see, how they experience their online worlds, and how to dodge the potholes on the way. Have fun online, but play it safe Keeping them safer in this world means reinventing the way we educate them about cyber safety and, even then, monitoring what they are exposed to, but in a way that also protects their privacy. As parents, we have to use the full ecosystem of protection. Education from parents and teachers and online resources from experts in cyber safety can go a long way. Making sure that the correct screen time and parental controls are applied is an essential layer and the free solutions are as good as some of the paid versions – give it a try. So when equipping them with their arm and knee guards, ensure they always wear their cyber safety helmet – FYI play it safe. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather a complementary layer of added security where parents are kept informed of potentially harmful situations like cyberbullying, talking to strangers/predators, depression, self-harm, suicide, or when they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or anything drug-related. Cyber-smart parenting is about watching them mountain biking on a single-track downhill at a ridiculous speed, but with the certainty that they are protected and are less likely to get hurt if they fall. It is about building better relationships with our children, where we have the information to discuss actual difficult situations they encounter, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Where our guidance actively influences the content they search for, post, and like on social media. Where we have the opportunity to guide them on who they accept as friends or which messages on chats they react to and more importantly, how they respond. Safety, whether physical, emotional, psychological, or in cyberspace isn’t expensive. It’s priceless.

December 1, 2021

The new wet n wild makeup launches are just what you need in your arsenal this summer

Just in time for summer, wet n wild is launching a new collection of high-performance, budget-friendly makeup. Trusted for great quality products, cruelty-free formulations and on-trend collections, wet n wild is not just a favourite among consumers, but also among the rich and famous. Some of their loyal US fans include Solange Knowles, Paris Hilton and Jessica Biel! This summer, you can look forward to six brand new products – from a hard-working primer, to high-impact eyeshadow to larger-than-life lashes mascara, wet n wild makes it easy to achieve this summer’s hottest makeup trends, with ease. Here’s what you can expect: wet n wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer (R189.95) A good quality primer is a summer essential. Not only does it offer a smoother canvas for your foundation (so that you can apply and blend it seamlessly), but it also helps the product stay put in the sweltering heat. This first-of-its-kind silicone-free primer turns imagination into innovation with breakthrough performance and benefits. Mattifying AND hydrating? Yes! This silicone-free breakthrough formula features the silky, seamless application traditionally achieved with silicones, helps to simultaneously mattify and moisturise skin, and blurs the appearance of pores for a flawless soft-focus look. Featuring skin-loving ingredients like Gooseberry and Jeju Blossom Extract – a natural brightener – this impossibly, amazingly do-it-all primer will soon become your ride or die. Tip: Primer is best applied with your fingers, as you’ll get even application and it won’t gather or pile up anywhere on the skin (a makeup brush will drag the product around and it won’t spread evenly). Once applied, allow a full minute for your primer to dry before you begin your foundation application. wet n wild Big Poppa Mascara (R154.95) Luscious lashes never go out of style, and this summer, bigger is better! This outrageously volumizing, dramatically lengthening, and intensely black mascara – infused with Castor Oil – makes even the shyest of lashes stand front and centre. We added Castor Oil because stronger is better, too, so nourish those lashes with omega-6 fatty acids and essential proteins as you boost them with unstoppable drama. Featuring an hourglass brush that grabs and lifts lashes, coating them with our softly buildable, extra-smooth glide formula. Tip: Apply your mascara by looking down into a hand mirror while slightly closing your eye. Gently wiggle the application brush from the root, to the tip of your lash. This lets you coat each lash individually from root to tip, getting the most out of your mascara. wet n wild Color Icon 10 Pan Eyeshadow Palettes (R169.95) Eyeshadow palettes make eye makeup application so easy – and they’re super convenient for travelling too! These tried and true, and now new, palettes feature an improved, richly pigmented and buttery-smooth vegan formula in matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic finishes. From essential transitions to high-impact effects and everything in between, we curated our palettes to feature everyday and ultra-glam shades in cool, warm, and neutral tones, offering endless looks and versatility at an unbeatable value. The formula delivers long-lasting wear, soft-glide application and seamless blending. Rediscover the original Color Icon with these colourful, blendable, and beautiful palettes – each one is a true 10! Available in four summer-ready shades: Nude Awakening, Heart and Sol, Call Me Sunshine and Lights Off. Tip: Do you mess eyeshadow all over your foundation and concealer? Avoid this problem by applying your eyeshadow before your foundation – a quick swipe of micellar water makes removing fallout a breeze. wet n wild Color Icon 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palettes (R119.95) Dynamite comes in small packages: pack a colourful punch this summer with a simple but striking eye makeup look. Our Color Icon 5-Pan Palettes feature a completely vegan, richly pigmented, and buttery-smooth formula in matte, satin, shimmer, and glitter finishes. Great combinations come in five — the points on a star, boy and girl bands, and now these perfectly curated palettes! From essential transitions to high-impact glitters and everything in between, we planned our palettes to feature everyday and ultra-glam shades in cool, warm, and neutral tones, offering versatile looks at unbeatable value. Rediscover the original Color Icon with these 5/5 star palettes! Available in three summer-ready shades: Walking On Eggshells, Petalette and Camo-flaunt. Tip: A wet brush equals a deeper pigment. If you want to intensify an eyeshadow colour, dampen your makeup brush and work the eyeshadow into a paste before applying. wet n wild Brow Sessive Brow Shaping Gel (R124.95) This summer, full eyebrows are still on-trend, but the rise of the “low maintenance full brow” is quickly gaining momentum. This means achieving a full, defined brow with a minimum number of products, and minimum effort. Fall in Brow-sessive love with this soft, lightly tinted brow pomade gel, perfect for an instant touch up or dramatic fluff and volume. Our Brow-sessive Brow Shaping Gel delivers foolproof, mess-proof colour and fullness. Whether your brows are thin or thick, this formula will groom and keep them in place with a soft, flexible hold that won’t stiffen or flake. The light gel-wax provides natural-looking volume and definition with a perfectly-sized mini brush, depositing just the right amount of buildable colour. Layer on coats for more impact or apply a few strokes for subtle perfecting. Tip: Brow shaping gels are buildable, so approach them like you would a mascara. Start off with two or three coats, and build until you reach your desired level of fullness and colour. wet n wild Brow Sessive Brow Pencil (R85.95) For low maintenance girls, the trusted eyebrow pencil will forever be a staple, but it’s so good at its job, that even those of us who are a little more extra when it comes to makeup, can’t deny its capabilities. Get Brow-sessive with this naturally defining dual-ended brow pencil with built-in spoolie brush. Perfect for all expertise levels, the Brow-sessive Brow Pencil softly fills, defines, shapes and builds for subtle to serious colour. Whether your brows are thin, curvy or thick, show them some extra love and attention with this easy to use and all-purpose tool. The formula

November 30, 2021

Water Safety

Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death in children between 5 and 14 years – 30% of all drownings. Children under the age of 5 are most at risk. Drowning is known as “the silent killer” because when drowning occurs, it happens so quickly and one may have less than a minute to react. There can be very little splashing, waving or screaming. A child can drown in as little as 4cm of water and it takes about 90 – 120 seconds submerged for a child to lose consciousness. Irreversible brain damage occurs after 4 to 6 minutes not breathing. ChildSafe reminds parents and caregivers of the following:

November 30, 2021

Lamelle has just released their festive skincare gift promos

Each year Lamelle Research Laboratories celebrates their hero products in a festive promotion. You will receive a complimentary product with each gift set, specifically for the associated skin condition. Sera Silk Festive Promo Serra Cleansing Gel 125ml Serra Restore Cream Serra Lipid Recovery Mask Serra Body Lotion Receive a complimentary Correctives HA+ Serum Recommended Selling Price: R1 382,61. Saving R705! Glow Bright Festive Promo Luminesce Brightening Cleanse 125ml Luminesce Brighter Day Corrective Brighter serum Receive a complimentary Corrective Vita C Lipid Serum Recommended Selling Price: R2 040,00. Saving R885! Youthful Nourish (Lite) Festive Promo Nourish Daily Cleanse 150ml Nourish Revitalise Lite Helase 50+ Receive a complimentary Corrective Recharge CE Complex Recommended Selling Price: R1 030,00. Saving R850,93! Youthful Nourish (Cream) Festive Promo Nourish Daily Cleanse 150ml Nourish Revitalise Cream Helase 50+ Receive a complimentary Corrective Recharge CE Complex Recommended Selling Price: R1 485,00. Saving R850,93! Timeless Festive Promo Dermaheal Foaming Cleanser 125ml Dermaheal Renewal Cream Helase 50+ Receive a complimentary Correctives RA 3.0 Serum Recommended Selling Price: R1 955,00. Saving R810! Crystal Clear Festive Promo Clarity Active Cleanse 125ml Clarity Corrective AM Clarity Corrective PM Plus Clarity Active Control Receive a complimentary Acnevelle Plus Recommended Selling Price: R1 380,00. Saving R605!

November 30, 2021

Snap Ships – Reinforcements have arrived

Welcome to the future… where humanity is under constant attack from a brutal alien threat. The Komplex spreads through the galaxy, growing stronger with each species they defeat and assimilate. To fight them, humanity relies on an elite team, the Forge, who pilots their own armada of spacecraft known as Snap Ships. Now YOU can Build to Battle! Snap Ships is a versatile building system for creating multiple crafts with action play, and all sets and pieces are interchangeable, so kids can build however they want. Versatile building system — Create multiple crafts to build to battle. All sets and pieces are interchangeable, so kids can build however they want. Real shooting weapon play — Fire away for active play against the enemy. Full-colour instructions — Includes easy-to-follow instructions for two different builds to get you started! Use your imagination to build even more! No batteries required — Snap Ships is full of action play, and it’s completely fuelled by kids and imaginations! Reinforcements have arrived! During November 2021 both the Forge and the Komplex will be adding impressive new vehicles to their fleet starting with a fleet of unmanned drones that combine to form a formidable Mech. Bolster your fleet with these exciting new sets and let your imagination take flight with amazing new Snap Ships builds. Are you ready to Build to Battle! Snap Ships is available from Toy Kingdom, Hamleys, C.N.A. Takealot.com, EveryShop and other fine retail stores.

November 29, 2021

Sudocrem skin and baby care cream Voted one of BabyYumYum’s Product of the Year 2021

Sudocrem proudly celebrates 90 years of soothing families and has recently been awarded a grand accolade in the baby brands category. The Sudocrem skin and baby care cream has won Baby Yum Yum’s 2021 Product of the Year Award in the Best Bum Cream category. There is nothing more trustworthy than the word of a parent and this award attracted more than half a million votes! Sudocrem skin and baby care cream’s primary aim is to treat nappy rash. Nappy rash is by far the most common skin condition in babies. It is uncomfortable and is caused mainly due to wet or infrequently changed nappies. Sudocrem skin and baby care cream is particularly gentle and forms a defensive layer to assist in the treatment of nappy rash. Around one in four babies and toddlers in nappies have nappy rash at any given time. The main symptom of nappy rash is a red rash on the baby’s bottom. The baby’s skin may also look sore and can be warm to the touch. In more severe cases, symptoms can include fever and a widespread rash can occur. However, it is comforting to know that most rashes will begin to improve after just a few days of at-home care. Use Sudocrem skin and baby care cream with every nappy change to ensure that the protective layer that is formed by the cream, not only assists in clearing the rash but protects the baby’s skin . Should the nappy rash not clear up within a few days, we always recommend that you seek the advice of your baby’s pediatrician or your local GP. How to help look after your baby’s skin : Always change wet and soiled nappies as soon as possible. When nappy rash does occur, increase the frequency of changes. Make sure that you clean the entire area gently but thoroughly, wiping from front to back. Apply Sudocrem skin and baby care cream at every nappy change. Lie baby on a dry towel leaving their nappy off for as long as possible and as often as you can. Fresh air does wonders for the baby’s bottom, particularly when there is nappy rash. Never leave the baby unattended. Avoid using soap, bubble bath, or lotions when the baby has a nappy rash as this may irritate the rash further. Be sure that baby is wearing the correct size nappy. If it is too tight, it can irritate the skin and if it is too loose, the nappy will not be able to soak up the baby’s urine properly Do not use alcohol-based wipes on baby’s skin. Choose laundry detergents that will be gentle on the baby’s skin. A non-bio detergent, that doesn’t contain enzymes, cleans at low temperatures, and gets rid of those messy baby stains – is a good option. To read more about how Sudocrem skin and baby care cream can help with a range of skin complaints, visit your family hub

November 29, 2021

Fertility: New Research Says It Might Be Your Metabolism

Struggling to Conceive? New Research Shows a Possible Underlying Cause NEW: Natural, Safe and Effective Female Fertility Supplement The strange link between problems conceiving and insulin resistance – and how it points to a poorly understood and underdiagnosed ovarian health condition affecting 1 in 10 women OR Once-a-day ovarian health: Two flavours, super easy to mix and take daily for a host of fertility, hormonal and metabolic benefits – new Ovaria by Lamelle Is there anything more monumental for a couple than having a baby? No. Not even the wedding day or those eventual milestones when Baby starts growing up can compare to the pregnancy and the birth – officially starting a family. Yet, more and more today, it just doesn’t happen for everyone. And it’s devastating for a woman when you just don’t conceive. Is it me? What’s wrong with me? And then, when it seems everyone around you is starting their families, there’s the eventual: Why is it only me? But here’s the thing. It’s not only you. The leading cause of infertility According to studies, anovulation (not having your period) is the number-one cause of fertility concerns in women around the world. And new research into a poorly understood and often underdiagnosed condition might hold the answer as to why. Evidence shows that 1 in 10 women could have a condition known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). A condition that, among a few other worrying effects, is known to cause fertility problems. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Described as a disorder of the hormonal, metabolic and reproductive systems (all at once), women with PCOS often have irregular or absent periods. And it usually goes along with acne, excess hair growth and problems maintaining your weight. How it causes infertility Doctors found that women with PCOS tend to have a high androgen (male hormone) count in their body. Now, it’s normal for a woman to have some androgens, but abnormally high levels are known to cause hirsutism (hair growth) and often oily and acne-prone skin. What’s more, those same androgens are proven to break down the follicles that make up your ovaries. Causing irregular and missed period and eventually infertility. So, if you’ve ever had a bit of extra hair and acne, maybe some problem maintaining your weight. There might be a link to any problems you experience in conceiving. The good news is that you can talk to your doctor or gynae and have yourself tested. Especially since PCOS is linked to other life-threatening conditions. Linked to insulin resistance New studies show that PCOS actually starts with your metabolism. Researchers realised that the bodies of most women with PCOS have trouble processing insulin, the hormone it uses to extract and store the energy from carbohydrates. And if your body struggles with insulin, it builds up in your blood and triggers your ovaries to overproduce androgen (male hormone). The technical term for that is hyperandrogenism, and you can probably already guess its symptoms: acne, excess hair growth, weight problems, irregular periods and infertility. Suddenly it all makes sense. You’re not weird or different. It’s more common than you think. And you can get help right now. If you think you may have PCOS It’s worthwhile making an appointment to have yourself tested. We know how to treat PCOS today. And many women around the world who struggled to conceive were able to get treatment and move on with their lives. In fact, this friendly message if brought to you by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals, who’ve just launched an all-new product that helps promote ovarian health in women with PCOS. INTRODUCING: ALL-NEW OVARIA Ovaria is a nutritional supplement for optimal ovarian health in women with PCOS. The naturally-occurring ingredients in Ovaria bind to cell receptors, activating the signalling pathways that regulate thyroid hormones and, most importantly, insulin in the body. This means Ovaria helps activate glucose transporters and helps your cells use the glucose. And, in so doing, Ovaria helps normalise blood insulin levels, which normalises androgen and improves the symptoms of PCOS, including weight gain, oily skin, hair growth, acne and fertility. THE BENEFITS OF OVARIA Improves ovulation to enhance fertility in women Normalises the menstrual cycle – in case of period problems Improves insulin resistance – useful for managing weight problems Improves blood glucose level (fasting glucose) Reduces hirsutism – used for hair growth problems Reduces the severity of acne – used for acne problems Improves insulin resistance, reducing type 2 diabetes risk and its complications Reduces blood androgens – used for acne, excess hair and sebum Ovaria comes in two delicious flavours – orange and peach. You drink one sachet of the powder mixed with a glass of still or sparkling water every day. And it’s so safe, you can even take it while breastfeeding. Ovaria contains 4000mg of Myo-Inositol, the required daily dose clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of PCOS symptoms. Trust Ovaria. You’ll find Ovaria at your nearest reputable pharmacy or simply order it online via Lamelle’s health store: https://lamelle.co.za/health-store. PCOS may be common, but it’s not normal and you don’t have to be defined by it. You won’t know how bad you were feeling until you feel better.

November 29, 2021

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