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Advice from the experts

How to Help Toddlers Learn the Language of Emotion

Many preschooler tantrums begin with a simple problem, the child feels something strongly but does not yet have the words to explain it. Dibber International Preschools South Africa is encouraging parents and caregivers to build emotional vocabulary in toddlers through ordinary conversations, stories and daily experiences, helping young children gradually recognise, name and communicate their feelings rather than relying only on tears, shouting or physical reactions. By the age of two, children can understand considerably more language than they can say themselves. That gap can become particularly visible when emotions run high. A toddler may know that something feels wrong when a block tower falls, a parent leaves the room or another child takes a toy. What they may not yet know is whether the feeling is frustration, disappointment, anger or worry. “When children do not have a word for what they are feeling, the emotion often comes out through behaviour,” says Ursula Assis, Managing Director of Dibber International Preschools South Africa. “Crying, hitting or dropping to the floor may be the clearest form of communication they have available in that moment.” Giving the feeling a name can begin to change that. A parent might say, “You look frustrated because the blocks keep falling,” or, “You seem disappointed that it is time to leave.” Hearing those words repeatedly helps children begin to connect what is happening inside them with language they can eventually use for themselves. The process does not need to become a formal lesson. Picture books offer an easy way to talk about emotions at a comfortable distance. Asking how a character might be feeling allows a toddler to explore sadness, excitement or fear without having to talk about their own experience. Adults can also model emotional speech in everyday life. A simple comment such as, “I felt disappointed when I dropped my coffee,” shows children that feelings have names and that adults experience them too. For children who cannot yet find the right word, a simple feelings chart with expressive faces can give them another way to communicate. Pointing to a worried or angry face may come before being able to say the word aloud. “The language grows slowly,” Assis explains. “At first, children may know happy, sad or angry. Later they begin to understand more precise feelings such as nervous, proud or disappointed. Each new word gives them a little more clarity about what is happening to them.” That does not mean tantrums disappear as soon as a child learns a few emotion words. Toddlers are still developing the ability to manage intense feelings. Some days they may name an emotion clearly. On another day, the same frustration may finish with tears on the kitchen floor. The adult response matters in both situations. “Emotional vocabulary develops through repetition and patience,” says Assis. “A difficult reaction does not mean the child has forgotten what they have learned. It often means the feeling has become bigger than the language available to them at that moment.” This is why correcting the behaviour without acknowledging the feeling can miss part of what the child is trying to communicate. Adults can still maintain boundaries while helping the child understand the emotion underneath the reaction. At Dibber, educators weave emotional language into ordinary moments throughout the preschool day. When a child struggles with sharing, misses a parent or becomes frustrated during play, educators help put words around the experience rather than waiting for a dedicated lesson about feelings. Over time, the vocabulary becomes richer, and the child gains another way to be understood. A toddler who can eventually say, “I’m angry,” “I’m worried”, or “I’m disappointed” has begun to turn an overwhelming feeling into something they can communicate.

September 18, 2026

You Look After Everyone Else. Isn’t It Time You Put Yourself Back on the List?

For busy parents, finding time to exercise can feel like one more impossible demand. Body20’s 20-minute EMS training helps you prioritise yourself, making your limited time feel meaningful and rewarding. For many women, self-care happens last. After children, partners, work, and endless daily admin, your own wellbeing quietly slips to the bottom of the list. The problem is rarely that women don’t know they should exercise. It’s finding the time and energy actually to do it. That’s where Body20 can make a difference. What if your workout only needed 20 minutes to be effective? Body20’s guided EMS sessions fit into your busy day, making fitness achievable without sacrificing time or energy. Body20 uses guided Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training in personalised sessions that take just 20 minutes. Instead of finding an hour or more to exercise, Body20 offers busy parents a structured session that removes the time barrier. A coach guides you through your workout, adapting to your fitness level and goals. Join a community that understands your busy life and supports your journey. This spring, Body20 is encouraging members to put themselves back on their own priority lists through its 2026 National Transformation Challenge, with R10,000 up for grabs. But transformation doesn’t have to mean chasing a dramatic before-and-after photograph. “Too often, fitness is judged by what someone looks like before and after,” says Philip Hughes, Body20 Global CEO. “But the most important changes are often the ones a photo can’t capture.” For a parent, those changes might mean feeling more confident, carrying shopping bags or picking up a child with ease, and knowing you’re taking control of your health in just 20 minutes. This empowerment can extend to every part of your life, making you feel stronger and more in charge. Make your Body20 session the anchor and book a free demo today to see how just 20 minutes can fit into your busy schedule and transform your routine. When life is busy, don’t aim for a perfect routine. Make your Body20 sessions the anchor of your routine. You don’t need to add extra workouts. What you do between EMS sessions should support your training and recovery, not add complexity. Gentle walks, stretching, taking the stairs, or playing with your children all count as everyday movement. But your structured Body20 training remains the foundation. You can also do a few simple things to get more from it. 1.Eat to support your training Exercise and nutrition work together. Body20 Nutrition Doctor Melissa Nel recommends avoiding restrictive diets and focusing on foods that nourish and sustain you. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” says Nel. “A routine only works if it brings you joy and fits your life.” Start by building meals around vegetables, quality protein, fibre-rich carbs, and healthy fats. Protein is especially useful when you are working to get stronger because it gives your body the nutritional building blocks it needs. Think eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, yoghurt, beans, and nuts—simple, everyday foods. The goal isn’t to eat as little as possible, but to fuel the body you want to build. 2. Don’t arrive dehydrated Proper hydration matters when you train. Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just before your Body20 session. If your day disappears into school runs, meetings and errands, keeping a water bottle somewhere visible can be one of the easiest healthy habits to maintain. 3. Give your body time to recover More training is not automatically better training. Your body needs recovery as well as stimulation. Sleep, rest, and good nutrition are all part of fitness. Don’t feel guilty for missing a workout; focus on arriving at your next Body20 session ready to train. Consistency matters more than perfection. 4. Keep moving between sessions Let Body20 be your structured workout, and let ordinary movement keep you active between sessions. Walk, take the stairs, stretch while watching TV, or play outside with your children. It doesn’t need to become another item on your to-do list. See these activities as supporting, not replacing, your Body20 training. 5. Work with your coach A key Body20 advantage: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Tell your coach how you feel, discuss your goals, and let them know when you’re ready for more. Personalised progress matters more than comparison. “Time is my scarcest resource” For Body20 Ballito member Rashmika Govender, that may be the biggest benefit of all. Govender joined Body20 in 2023 while managing a demanding life and health challenges including PCOS, insulin resistance, asthma, and eczema. “Time is my scarcest resource,” she says. Since then, her experience has been about far more than weight. Govender reports losing about 15kg, gaining muscle, and improving strength, mobility, and endurance. She has more energy and can now run without her asthma pump. But perhaps the most powerful change is the way she describes herself. “I walk into rooms differently, take up space, and feel empowered in my own skin.” That is the kind of transformation a bathroom scale cannot measure. Consistency beats perfection There will still be chaotic weeks. A child gets sick. Work explodes. You sleep badly. Dinner comes from the nearest takeaway. You miss something you intended to do. None of that means you have failed. Govender says consistency was the hardest part of her Transformation Challenge, and it may be the most valuable lesson for other women. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Book the Body20 session. Drink the water. Eat something that nourishes you. Get enough protein. Take the short walk. Sleep when you can. Then come back and train again. Progress is built on what you do repeatedly, not one burst of motivation. The 2026 Body20 National Transformation Challenge celebrates exactly that kind of progress—the decision to keep showing up for yourself. Putting yourself back on the list isn’t selfish. When you feel stronger, healthier, and more confident, those benefits extend to every part of your life. Twenty minutes is a great place to start. Experience Body20 for yourself and discover how 20

September 17, 2026

Spring Is Here: Time to Get the Whole Family Moving Again

Spring has arrived, the winter woollies are heading back into the cupboard and the days are finally getting warmer. After months of cosy weekends, blankets and chilly mornings, this is the perfect time for families to shake off winter and get moving again. And getting active does not have to mean dragging everyone out for a run or turning family time into a workout. The best kind of movement is often the kind that feels like play. That is where trampolining comes in. At BOUNCE, movement is about big energy, serious airtime and finding your free. Whether you are three, thirteen or the parent who swore you were only coming along to watch, there is a way to get involved. Movement that feels like fun Trampolining gets the heart pumping while challenging balance, coordination, agility and strength. It also keeps the core working as the body constantly adjusts to stay stable and in control. According to BOUNCE’s trampoline benefits guide, regular bouncing can support cardiovascular fitness, body awareness, coordination, agility, muscle tone and overall strength. Because the trampoline bed absorbs much of the impact of each landing, it can also provide a lower-impact way to exercise than many activities performed on hard surfaces. Then there is the part families notice immediately: it feels good. Physical activity can help release endorphins and provide a natural way to shake off stress, boost energy and reset after a long day. At BOUNCE, most people are far too busy laughing, jumping and trying something new to realise just how much work their bodies are doing. For kids, that makes movement exciting rather than something they have to do. For adults, it is a chance to get active without another repetitive gym session. And for families, it creates something even better: time spent moving, laughing and making memories together. Little adrenaline hunters start here For the smallest members of the family, active play is a huge part of discovering what their bodies can do. miniBOUNCERS are little adrenaline hunters who can walk independently and are under 125cm tall. Dedicated miniBOUNCE areas give them space to jump, climb, balance, explore and build confidence at their own pace. At this age, play is the workout. Every climb, BOUNCE, wobble, and try-again helps develop coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and body control. It also gives little ones opportunities to test their abilities and learn through movement. That first brave jump might look small to an adult. To a miniBOUNCER, it can feel massive. Big kids. Bigger challenges. As children get older, movement often has to compete with homework, gaming, phones, television and increasingly busy schedules. That is why active experiences that still feel fun matter. Trampolining gives older kids a chance to challenge themselves while improving agility, balance and coordination. As they learn to control their take-offs, landings and body position in the air, they are also engaging multiple muscle groups and building greater awareness of how their bodies move. Then comes the confidence boost. Landing something they have been practising feels incredible. Progress takes practice. Sometimes you miss. Sometimes you fall. Then you get back up, reset and go again. That is a pretty useful lesson both on and off the trampoline. Parents, you are not just the taxi Somewhere along the way, adults decided playgrounds were only for kids. We disagree. BOUNCE is one of those rare activities where different generations can actually get active together. BOUNCING works the legs and core, challenges balance and keeps the body responding constantly. It can raise the heart rate, support cardiovascular fitness and provide a full-body activity while still feeling like play. So yes, Mum and Dad, you are allowed to BOUNCE too. Spring is your invitation to stop watching from the edge, step onto the trampoline and remind the kids that you have still got a few moves of your own. Movement should include everyone Getting families moving also means recognising that every child experiences activity differently. BOUNCE is committed to creating opportunities for children with disabilities, sensory sensitivities and additional support needs to experience the joy of movement in a way that works for them. Our SEN Sessions at Fourways Mall and Menlyn Maine offer a calmer BOUNCE environment with reduced music and venue noise, limited flashing lights, managed attendance and access to quiet spaces. A parent, guardian or carer can also accompany the BOUNCEr at no additional charge. For some families, small changes to an environment can make a huge difference. Because movement, play, confidence and that unbeatable feeling of flying through the air should be something more children get to experience. Ready to level up this school holiday? Spring also means the Term 3 holidays are just around the corner, and the BOUNCE Freestyle Academy Workshops are back. Across three action-packed days, young BOUNCERS can sharpen their skills, learn new techniques and take their freestyle progression to the next level. Flips & Flops takes place on 28 September 2026, followed by Wall Running on 29 September and Freestyle with a Twist on 30 September. Each workshop focuses on different skills and progression, with plenty of coaching, practice, confidence building and, of course, airtime. Three days. Three different challenges. A whole lot of BOUNCE. That sounds like a spring holiday done properly. So pack away the winter woollies, get the family off the couch and make this spring the season you move more, laugh more and try something new together. You do not have to be the fastest, strongest or most fearless family. You just have to start. Get moving. Get flying. Get BOUNCING

September 16, 2026

222 Nights of Hope: Body20 Eases the Journey for Families Facing Childhood Cancer

For families grappling with the harsh realities of childhood cancer, the struggle extends far beyond the hospital ward. But this year, Body20’s nationwide fundraising campaign became a catalyst for hope: R155,800 raised for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, providing 222 nights of safe accommodation for children in treatment and the parents who never leave their side. The Body20 Cares initiative – a collaboration of heart and purpose – pledged half of all new member joining fees to CHOC from April to May 2026. Now in its second consecutive year, the campaign’s impact is growing: last year’s R151,525 contribution, combined with this year’s total, brings the grand sum to R307,325. These funds directly sustain CHOC’s Accommodation Programme—an essential lifeline for families forced to travel long distances to specialist centres. With each bed night costing R700, this year’s donation alone ensures 222 nights where families are spared the anxiety of where to sleep while their child battles illness. “CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is deeply grateful for this generous donation of R155,800,” said Antonella Swanepoel, Business Development Unit Manager at CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA. “This meaningful support will help us continue walking alongside children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and their families, during an incredibly challenging time. “The donation will support CHOC’s Accommodation Programme, where the cost of providing one bed night for a child and caregiver is R700. This contribution will fund 222 bed nights, offering families a safe and welcoming home away from home while their child receives treatment.” Childhood cancer continues to lurk in the shadows of South Africa’s health landscape. Officially, about 1,000 children receive a cancer diagnosis each year. Still, experts warn the real figure is likely much higher, hidden by late diagnoses and the silent toll in communities with limited medical resources. The survival gap is stark: while over 80% of children in high-income countries survive cancer, the odds fall dramatically in lower-income settings, where late diagnosis and barriers to care persist. For families, a diagnosis is not just a medical crisis but a financial one. Travel expenses, lost wages and the looming question of where to sleep can make an already dark time feel insurmountable. CHOC steps in to ease these burdens—offering accommodation, emotional support and practical help when it matters most. Philip Hughes, Global CEO of Body20, said businesses have an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution beyond their commercial activities. “Transformation has always been central to who we are. While we help people become stronger physically, mentally and emotionally, we also believe healthy communities are built through compassion and shared responsibility. Seeing our franchisees, coaches, staff and members unite behind this campaign has been incredibly encouraging.” He added that long-term partnerships often deliver the greatest impact. “The fact that this is the second consecutive year of support is important to us. Consistency allows organisations such as CHOC to continue delivering essential services to families when they need them most.”

September 16, 2026

What is abdominal separation and how do I deal with it?

Abdominal separation or diastasis recti is the separation of the two parallel bands of muscle in your belly. This is common in pregnant women, and luckily often heals on its own, or with the help of exercises, after pregnancy. This condition is not only experienced by pregnant moms, but also by men, as well as women who’ve never been pregnant. You may be wondering how you’d know if you have abdominal separation, how to tell if it’s bad and what you can do to help your tummy return to normal. How do I know if I have diastasis recti? If your muscles have separated, you may notice a bulge in your abdomen where the two muscles have pulled apart. In addition to this, you may notice a sore lower back, constipation and bloating. Women who are expecting multiples or women who have been pregnant more than once (especially if the pregnancies are close together) are more likely to experience muscle separation. There is a way you can check if you have diastasis recti yourself. Lie flat on your back and then sit up slightly, engaging your core muscles. Put your fingers just above your belly button on the middle of your stomach. If you feel like the gap between your fingers is more than three fingers, then you probably have diastasis recti. However, this is not an exact science but rather a way to gauge if you may have a problem. How can I correct my diastasis recti? If you have a smaller separation, it may go away on its own or with the help of exercises, however, bad cases may need the help of a physio or even surgery. If you have a gap, chances are it’ll close up one or two months after birth. However, certain exercises may help the gap close up quicker. That being said, be careful of what exercise you do, some fitness practices make it worse. If you are worried about it, it’s best to talk to a health care professional and they can help you make the best choice for you and your body.

September 15, 2026

Dino Ranch: Island Explorers premieres on Cartoonito

Cartoonito (channel 302) is saddling up for adventure with the exclusive premiere of Dino Ranch: Island Explorers, kicking off Monday, 14 September at 16:45 CAT and airing Monday to Friday. The Cassidy siblings and their Uncle Jack, a renowned dino explorer, set their sights on Dino Island — a lost world packed with undiscovered dinosaurs, mysterious locales and non-stop excitement. Together, the family tames sea creatures, explores treacherous jungles and faces perilous challenges beneath an active volcano. Far from home, the Dino Ranchers must lean on teamwork, bravery and creativity to protect the island and its prehistoric inhabitants. Full of heart, humour and high-stakes adventure, Dino Ranch: Island Explorers celebrates family bonds and the spirit of discovery as the kids make their own “Dino Difference.” It’s the perfect new weekday watch for little ones who love dinosaurs, teamwork stories and larger-than-life adventures. Set a reminder for 16:45 CAT and join the Cassidy family as they saddle up for their biggest adventure yet.

September 14, 2026

Teaching Kids About Capacity and Mental Load

It’s a struggle every woman understands down to her very core. The constant mental arithmetic, the endless checks and to-do lists. Mentally taking stock of fridge and pantry and deciding what to eat, not only to suit everyone’s taste, but also the month’s grocery budget. Keeping tabs on what is running low, what needs to be replenished this week and what can wait until the end of the month. Food, cleaning products, clothing, pet supplies, supplements, hygiene products. Who has what on their schedule on any given day. Who needs to be where, which day, at what time. What will they need? Are the sports clothes clean? Do the kids have snacks for their lunchboxes? Have the water bottles been sterilised recently? Who has a birthday party, when, what time, do we need a gift? If you know, you know. But what happens if you suddenly fall sick, or have to go away, or crumple into a heap because it’s all just too much for one person? Maybe the answer isn’t another app or regulation method. Maybe, instead, we can teach our kids about capacity, what the mental load is and how they can share it instead of just adding more items to the grocery list. Let’s Talk Capacity Capacity refers to your bandwidth for all the things that need to get done at any particular time. This covers work, home, family, social life, the whole caboodle. In her book, Capacity and Capabilities Handbook, Melissa van Hal refers to the fluid nature of capacity. There are many factors impacting your capacity on any given day, from physical health to emotional regulation and your sensory environment (van Hal, 2025). The crux of the difference between capacity and capability is this: While you may be capable of taking care of a sick child at home while making sure the others get to school on time, host a webinar at noon and then a dinner that evening, your capacity to do it all will be very different when you are feeling on top of the world compared to when you are sick yourself, or grieving, or haven’t slept, or have a raging migraine. But as we know all too well, the world does not stop. The mental load, most often borne by one person, continues unabated, whether we have the capacity to deal with it all or not. But who benefits from us suffering in silence? Making the mental lists and working ourselves into a frenzy trying to track all the consumables, the schedules, the dietary requirements, the appointments, the homework, and the emotional well-being of our families? Do our kids benefit from growing up thinking these things happen by magic? That executive function is something that suddenly is bestowed upon you when you become an adult? Because what happens when they move out and have absolutely no clue how to buy electricity, or change appointments, or draw up a grocery budget for the month? We know kids pick up on their parents’ mental states. They know – consciously or subconsciously – when their moms are stretched to the limit, juggling a hundred different small tasks and never quite getting to everything. Half-listening to a story about what Andy did in class today and having a niggling feeling that something is bugging her youngest, while never quite finding the time or the mental bandwidth to think it through clearly. We cannot expect our kids to know how to help in a meaningful way, or how to respond with empathy, thoughtfulness and emotional maturity, unless we have taught them to do so. But the important takeaway here is that we can teach them. Teaching Kids to Share the Mental Load I came across a brilliant post on Instagram this week. Mom and parenting educator, Katy Goodwin, detailed how she coached her nine-year-old son on very specific ways to handle some of the mental load she had been carrying alone. Not the visible chores he is instructed to do. The invisible stuff that ‘just gets done’. She describes teaching him to go through the pantry systematically, check the levels of all consumables, and make a shopping list. Sure, at first it took him four times longer than it would have taken her, but it taught him invaluable lessons. He now knows that it takes a person to pay attention to these things. And that quite often, the visible chore is the smallest part of the task. It taught him, first of all, to notice when the sugar is running low. To then think about other things that might be running low too, and compile a list of what needs to be bought. To check the pantry, the fridge, freezer, toiletries cabinet and add all the items that are in regular use to a grocery list. She taught him to track his own schedule. When soccer practice is, when he’s writing a test, when there is a birthday to attend, or a tutoring session, or a playdate. To check beforehand that his soccer kit is clean (instead of the morning of, frantic, “Mooom! Did you wash my soccer stuff?”). To load the dirty stuff into the machine, ask for help getting it started, and make sure it is dry and ready when he needs it. Learning the Bigger Lesson Learning the mechanics of all these life-skill tasks is secondary to the lesson that none of this stuff happens without someone noticing, remembering, and taking the time to do it. He is learning consideration, planning, keeping track of physical items and schedules, communication, responsibility. Instead of just filing a request (or demand) for something to be magically done, arranged, or procured, he is learning the executive functioning skills he will need as an adult, partner, employer or employee. He will know what it takes to run a household, instead of being the kind of man who has to be asked to take out the trash on Sunday night. Twice. When we teach our kids to notice

September 14, 2026

What does your baby need from their nappy as they grow?

Babies have a way of keeping you on your toes. One day, they’re content to lie still while you change them. Then suddenly they’re rolling over, wondering why you’d ever expect them to stay in one place. As they grow, their days become busier too. There are new movements to master, new places to explore and plenty of energy to burn. Through all of it, they’re still spending a lot of time in their nappy. Of course, comfort matters. But when you’re choosing a nappy for your baby, you want to know that it can do more than simply feel soft. Softness that works harder When you pick up a soft nappy, you can feel the difference straight away. But what really matters is what that softness brings to your baby’s day. Huggies Gold Skin Soft’s ultra soft layers contain natural Shea Butter, so the gentle surface not only feels lamby soft to the touch but helps condition and soothe delicate skin while reducing friction as your baby moves. And with up to 12 hours of protection, Huggies Gold Skin Soft is designed to keep baby dry through the day. It’s the perfect combination: softness you can feel, with performance that gives caregivers something to rely on. Made to move with your baby As your baby becomes more active, comfort starts to look a little different. It might mean a nappy that feels comfortable while they’re crawling, pulling themselves up or learning to walk. Huggies Gold Skin Soft has a stretchy waistband and fasteners for a comfortable fit, designed to help keep up with baby’s growing world. For little ones in Huggies Gold Skin Soft Pants, the cloud-soft waistband provides a gentle tummy fit, bringing another touch of comfort to a stage when they’re becoming increasingly mobile. Comfort you can count on When something is worn as often as a nappy, you want more than a comfortable fit. You want to feel confident that baby’s skin is being considered too. Huggies Gold Skin Soft is dermatologically tested, with natural Shea Butter and an anti-rash barrier for up to 12 hours, bringing thoughtful care to your baby’s delicate skin. Huggies Gold Skin Soft has three absorbent channels for less bulk and maximum comfort, while Gold Skin Soft Pants have double leak guards for extra protection. From sleepy mornings to busy days The early months and years are full of change. A baby who once spent most of the day being cuddled can suddenly be crawling across the room, exploring everything in sight. And while their world keeps getting bigger, the everyday things stay important: being comfortable, staying dry and having protection you can trust. That’s the thinking behind Huggies Gold Skin Soft: cloud-soft comfort and ultra soft layers that care for your baby’s delicate skin, designed to keep up as they grow and discover their world. Discover Huggies Gold Skin Soft and find the right fit for your baby.

September 11, 2026

Why Telling Kids to Wash Their Hands Is Often Not Enough

According to Dibber International Preschools South Africa, teaching young children why handwashing matters may be more effective when adults show rather than tell them. By using simple handwashing activities for preschoolers that make the spread of invisible germs easier to see and understand, parents and educators can help children build hygiene habits at home and in early learning settings through regular, hands-on learning. For a preschooler, being told their hands have germs can feel fairly meaningless. Germs cannot be seen, smelled or felt, yet children are expected to understand that they are there and change their behaviour because of them. “Preschool children learn through what they can see, touch and experience,” says Ursula Assis, Managing Director of Dibber International Preschools South Africa. “If a child can actually watch something move from their hands onto a toy or table, the idea of germs suddenly becomes much easier to understand.” One of the simplest activities uses glitter. A small amount rubbed onto a child’s hands quickly appears on toys, tables and other hands as they play, forming a visible picture of how easily germs can move through a shared space. Another experiment uses a bowl of water sprinkled with pepper. When a fingertip with a little dish soap touches the surface, the pepper moves away. It gives young children something concrete to observe while an adult explains the role soap plays when hands are washed properly. A short song can help children learn how long to wash their hands, while stories about germs can turn an abstract idea into something they can follow, remember, and talk about afterwards. “The aim is to help children understand the reason behind the routine,” Assis explains. “A child who has seen how quickly ‘germs’ can travel from one hand to another has a clearer reason to wash than a child who repeatedly hears the instruction without understanding it.” That understanding matters in preschool environments, where children spend their days sharing toys, tables, books and play spaces. It also takes repetition. One experiment about germs will not establish a lasting habit on its own. Handwashing becomes meaningful when it is woven naturally into the day, including before meals, after bathroom visits and when children come inside after outdoor play. Repeating the routine in familiar situations helps young children begin to anticipate it. Consistency between home and preschool can make the message even clearer. “When adults respond in a similar way each day, hygiene begins to feel ordinary rather than something children are suddenly told to do when somebody remembers,” says Assis. “Over time, the goal is for the child to recognise the moment and know what comes next.” There is also value in keeping the explanation simple. Preschoolers do not need a detailed science lesson about bacteria and viruses. They need an idea they can grasp: germs can travel from hands to the things they touch, and washing with soap helps remove them. This is why visual experiences can stay with children long after an activity is finished. A child who remembers glitter appearing on every toy they touched has something tangible to connect with the next time an adult asks them to wash their hands. At Dibber, hygiene routines form part of the normal rhythm of the preschool day, alongside play, meals and other everyday activities. Educators use repetition and age-appropriate explanations to help children understand what they are doing and why. “Healthy habits start very small,” says Assis. “For a young child, understanding might begin with something as simple as glitter on a hand, a bowl of water and the chance to see for themselves what adults have been talking about.”

September 11, 2026

Rainy-Day Birthday Party Rescue: How Rush Extreme Saves the Day

You’ve spent weeks planning the perfect outdoor birthday bash – the garden is ready, the jumping castle is booked, the picnic blankets are packed – and then the clouds roll in and the rain just won’t stop. Suddenly, your child’s big day is at risk, and you’re scrambling for a last-minute plan B. You’ve probably already googled “great rainy-day birthday party rescue ideas” or used AI to see what your options are. That’s where Rush Extreme comes to the rescue with an indoor birthday party that’s just as exciting (if not more) than any outdoor adventure. At Rush, we specialise in turning weather‑ruined plans into unforgettable memories, with high‑energy indoor fun, hassle‑free party hosting, and packages that work for different ages and budgets. When Weather Wrecks Your Party Plans So many popular kids’ birthday ideas depend on good weather. Think about: All of these become impossible when the rain sets in or a cold front hits. Parents are left worrying about cancelling guests, wasting deposits and, most importantly, disappointing a very excited birthday child. At Rush we give you a reliable backup: an indoor birthday party venue that’s open in all weather, with huge trampoline arenas, foam pits, dodgeball courts and more. Kids can burn off energy safely while you relax in comfort. Why Rush Is the Perfect Rainy-Day Backup Choosing Rush for a last‑minute party rescue means you don’t have to compromise on fun. Here’s what parents love: Instead of stressing about wet grass, muddy shoes and soggy decorations, you arrive to a warm, energetic space where everything is already set up and ready to go. Indoor Birthday Party Packages For A Rainy-Day Birthday Party Rescue At Rush we offer a range of birthday packages so you can choose the indoor birthday party experience that best fits your child’s age and personality. And that fits your budget. Here are some of the core indoor birthday party options available: Classic Birthday Parties (Peak and Off‑Peak): Ideal for most age groups, these packages include a two‑hour jump pass for each child and dedicated party room access with a host. This birthday package furthermore includes Rush non‑slip jump socks, bottomless slush for the kids, snacks like popcorn and sweet jars, and a seasonal gift or VIP voucher for the guest of honour. Cosmic Birthday Parties: Perfect for older kids who love something different! Rush Cosmic parties offer glow‑in‑the‑dark jumping during the evening session, with a two‑hour jump pass, party room access, glow sticks, slush, snacks and special gifts. Toddler Parties: Designed for little ones, toddler parties generally include jump time for toddlers plus a parent, socks, slush, snacks and a dedicated party room and host. Our toddler parties are a safe and age‑appropriate way to celebrate indoors. Party Room Hire Only: For parents who prefer to self‑cater, Rush offers party room hire with a host and filtered water included. You can bring your own cake, decor and treats, and arrange jump passes separately, making it a flexible option for different budgets. All of these packages are built to minimise your admin and maximise the fun for the kids. They are exactly what you need when the weather has already caused enough stress. How Rush Becomes Your Last-Minute Hero Because Rush operates extended hours during school terms and holidays, it’s possible to organise a party on relatively short notice, especially if bad weather forces you to cancel your original outdoor booking. You don’t need weeks of planning; you just need to reach out, choose a package and confirm your time slot. Here’s what a typical “rainy‑day rescue” might look: Instead of apologising to disappointed kids and parents, you become the hero who pulled off an even cooler backup plan. Tips for Parents That Need a Rainy-Day Birthday Party Rescue To make your rainy‑day switch as seamless as possible: With Rush on your side, a rainy forecast doesn’t have to mean a ruined celebration. It simply means you move the fun indoors and give your child an action‑packed indoor birthday party they’ll talk about long after the clouds have cleared. Book your indoor birthday party today!

September 10, 2026

Go Team: Big Energy, Real Connection and Unforgettable Kids’ Events

From Bubble Soccer and Human Foosball to roller skating and archery, Go Team turns parties, school days and family gatherings across Gauteng into fully facilitated experiences that get everyone moving. Finding entertainment that draws children away from screens, gets them moving and keeps a whole group engaged can feel like a win before the party has even begun. Add the planning, equipment, set-up and supervision that usually come with an active event, and it is easy to see why many parents and school organisers want an option that is exciting for children but manageable for adults. That is where Go Team comes in. The Gauteng-based events company creates high-energy, interactive experiences for kids’ parties, teen celebrations, family fun days, school events and community gatherings. Go Team offers a mobile service across Gauteng, bringing the activities, equipment and facilitators to a suitable venue chosen by the client. Families and organisers can book a single featured activity or combine several games into a bigger event. Go Team handles the equipment, set-up, pack-down and facilitation, helping the day flow smoothly while parents, teachers and guests enjoy the experience alongside the children. Play That Brings People Together The appeal is not only the novelty of the games. These are shared experiences that invite children to join in, cheer one another on and laugh together. The activities can be selected to suit the age of the participants, the size of the group, the available space and the energy of the occasion. Bubble Soccer is a crowd favourite for children aged eight and older. Players climb into giant inflatable bubbles and take on a hilariously bouncy version of soccer in fully facilitated rounds. For children who enjoy aiming challenges, Archery Hover Ball lets participants test their accuracy against floating targets, while Target Archery begins with a safety briefing and practice arrows before moving into fun individual or team challenges using traditional targets. Human Foosball turns the familiar tabletop game into a life-sized team activity, with players stepping into an inflatable arena and working together from fixed positions. Field Games bring classic challenges, friendly competition and plenty of laughter, while five-a-side soccer offers a fast-paced option for keen players of different skill levels. For a completely different kind of party, Go Team’s pop-up roller rink brings skating to kids’ parties, school events, family days and community celebrations. The package includes facilitation, skates and protective gear, with a skating floor, barriers and disco package available according to the event requirements. A Kids’ Party Parents Can Enjoy Too A Go Team party can be brought to a suitable home, school or hired venue in Gauteng. Parents can choose one activity or build a combination, while the Go Team crew manages the practical side and runs the games. Age-appropriate facilitation and supervised play mean the focus stays on fun, participation and memorable moments rather than a long list of jobs for the host. The range also makes it easier to plan for different personalities. Some children will race towards the bubbles or soccer pitch, while others may prefer the concentration of archery or the rhythm of roller skating. The result is an event that feels active and social without relying on every child enjoying exactly the same kind of challenge. Big Energy for School Events Go Team also works with schools across Gauteng on fun days, reward days, sports and activity days, grade celebrations, orientation programmes, fundraisers and entrepreneurs’ days. Schools can choose one main attraction or create an activity circuit tailored to the learners’ ages, group size, timetable and available space. For fundraising events, the activities can be included in an entrance ticket, offered as individual paid experiences or combined into a larger entertainment package. The school remains in control of its ticketing and fundraising, while Go Team takes care of the games, equipment and facilitation. At entrepreneurs’ days, the activities add another reason for families to stay, explore the stalls and enjoy the event together while young entrepreneurs showcase their ideas. Ready to Get Your Team Moving? Whether the brief is a birthday filled with laughter, a school day that learners will talk about for weeks, or a family event where every generation can share in the fun, Go Team offers a flexible way to turn play into connection. Explore the activities and start planning at www.goteam.co.za.

September 9, 2026

Postpartum bleeding – what is normal?

Giving birth to your baby after 9 months can be a relieving, beautiful and exciting experience. Postpartum your body will still be going through adjustments for a while, and as you care for your new baby, you’ll need to remember to take care of yourself as well. Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, is normal after both vaginal and c-section births, however, it is best to know what is and isn’t common in post birth bleeding. Normal postpartum bleeding Lochia is similar to menstruation in the way in which it is made up of blood and tissue, it’s just heavier and longer lasting – it should stop between 4 and 6 weeks after giving birth. Initially, your bleeding will be heavy. This first phase of postpartum bleeding is known as lochia rubra and you’ll experience this in the first 3 to 4 days. Bleeding will be red to reddy brown and you may have small clots. In the next few days after birth your lochia will decrease in volume. Lochia serosa lasts 4 to 10 days and during this period your blood will darken in colour and become more watery. Blood clots should get smaller and disappear. Finally you’ll experience lochia alba, which usually lasts about another 1 to 2 weeks, but can be up to 28 days. Discharge will be yellowy white in colour, you may see pinkish or brown stains on some days. There should be no smell other than what you would experience during a normal period – a strong odor can be a sign of an infection. When to reach out to your doctor Even though lochia is normal, if you are bleeding heavily this can indicate that you have a postpartum haemorrhage. If your bleeding is heavy a week after birth, you experience fever or chills, a tender abdomen or foul-smelling discharge, you’ll need to seek medical assistance.

September 8, 2026

Could your baby’s nappy be doing more for their skin?

There’s a lot to learn when you have a baby. You learn their hungry cry, the exact amount of rocking it takes to get them to sleep and, eventually, the warning signs that a nappy change needs to happen right now. Nappy changes quickly become part of the rhythm of everyday life. Morning, bedtime, trips out and somewhere between feeds and naps. At first, you check everything carefully: before long you can change a nappy one-handed while reaching for the wipes with the other. And while your little one might not give much thought to what they’re wearing, you do. Because a nappy spends a lot of time close to their skin. When you’re choosing one for your baby, keeping them dry and comfortable is naturally going to be high on the list. But there’s another part of the picture worth thinking about, too: how you’re caring for their delicate skin throughout all those everyday nappy changes. When softness means something more We tend to think of softness as something we can feel. And when it comes to your baby, that matters. There’s something reassuring about knowing that the things closest to their skin have been designed with comfort in mind. But softness can also tell you something about the care that has gone into a product. Huggies Gold Skin Soft is madewith natural Shea butter and features an anti-rash barrier. It’s part of a considered approach to caring for delicate skin, bringing together the softness Huggies is known for with protection caregivers can trust. Why natural Shea Butter? You might know Shea Butter from skincare. Known for its moisturising and skin-nourishing properties, it’s a natural ingredient that can help keep skin feeling soft and cared for. That same natural nourishment can also belong in a nappy. A nappy is with your baby through sleepy mornings, busy playtimes, feeds, naps and trips out. Choosing one that’s been thoughtfully designed for delicate skin is a simple way to bring extra care into an everyday essential. The details that matter Caring for baby’s skin is about more than one product. Regular changes, gentle cleaning and watching what your baby’s skin responds to are all part of what works for your family. Every baby is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but when something will be part of your baby’s daily life, it’s reassuring to know thoughtful details have gone into it. Huggies Gold Skin Soft brings together natural Shea butter, an anti-rash barrier, ultra-soft layers and long-lasting absorbency to offer skin-focused care alongside the protection a nappy needs to provide. Because every day is made of little moments. Through it all, the instinct to keep your baby comfortable and cared for remains. That’s why the small things count. Not to overthink every choice, but to choose products that have been thoughtfully made with your baby in mind. Softness you can feel. Protection you can trust. That’s the thinking behind Huggies Gold Skin Soft: cloud-soft comfort that cares for your baby’s delicate skin. Discover Huggies Gold Skin Soft and find the right fit for your baby.

September 3, 2026

When tiny teeth cause big trouble

Baby teeth may be tiny, but they can cause some very big feelings. One little tooth pushing through the gum can be painful.1 But teething is not the only thing that can make those tiny teeth hurt. Here are the baby tooth problems parents can easily miss, why those temporary chompers matter, and what can help with mild to moderate pain while you arrange the right dental care. The importance of baby teeth Baby teeth may be temporary, but they have a pretty important to-do list. They hold space for the permanent teeth waiting underneath,help the jaw grow and develop properly,and arrive just as babies are learning to chew solid food. They also earn their keep when little ones start talking. Teeth help the tongue find the right position for certain sounds, especially harder sounds such as “t”.2 So, while those tiny teeth will eventually make way for the grown-up set, they are busy helping your child eat, speak and make room for what comes next. Common milk teeth problems Most babies start teething between six and 10 months, with the lower front teeth often first to appear. Some barely notice, while others get sore gums, extra drooling, and a sudden urge to chew absolutely everything. Diarrhoea and nappy rash, however, are not typical teething symptoms.3 Once those little teeth are through, the next thing to watch for is tooth decay (cavities). Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems in children. It starts when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that wear away the enamel, eventually creating cavities. Other issues can include gum disease (gingivitis), sensitive teeth, dental trauma (chipped, cracked, or knocked out teeth), teeth misalignment, and early tooth loss.4 How to care for baby teeth Good oral habits from the start can make a big difference to the health of your child’s teeth. Regular brushing, a balanced diet and routine dental check-ups all help protect little teeth and catch problems before they become bigger ones.4 The power to fight pain and fever Panado®’s Paediatric Range deliver the trusted5 pain relief South African families have relied on for generations. The range includes Infant Drops,6 named Product of the Year 2025 in the Child – Health category following a Kantar survey of 2,000 South African consumers,7 as well asPeppermint Syrup8 with improved taste9 and Strawberry Syrup,10 which is also available in handy single-use 5 ml sachets10 for families on the go. Panado® products are available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and independent pharmacies. For more information, visit: https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook and Instagram. For references and legal disclaimers, visit https://panado.co.za/references. Approval ticket #11.08.20261000006177. August 2026.

September 2, 2026

From Pregnancy to Menopause: A Woman’s Hearing and Balance Journey

Women go through extraordinary changes over the course of their lives. These hormonal changes most commonly occur during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, return of menstrual cycles, use of contraception, fertility changes, perimenopause, and menopause. Most women will experience at least a few of these events which affect their hormones. However, there is one part of women’s health that is rarely included in the conversation: hearing and balance. We tend to think of hearing as something that changes with age, while balance problems are often dismissed as something unrelated or temporary. Yet the auditory and vestibular systems, the systems involved in hearing and balance, are influenced by complex interactions between the inner ear, nervous system, circulation, and broader health. Pregnancy: When the Body Changes, So Can the Inner Ear For some women, pregnancy may coincide with changes in hearing, tinnitus, or balance. Others may notice that existing symptoms become more noticeable. This may be related to the inner ear’s sensitivity to changes in fluid balance and circulation. However, some women may experience dizziness during pregnancy for reasons unrelated to the inner ear, such as changes in blood pressure, blood sugar, anaemia, dehydration, or fatigue. The important message is this: Dizziness during pregnancy should not automatically be assumed to be “just pregnancy.” If dizziness is persistent, recurring, severe, or affecting daily life, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional. After Pregnancy: The Listening Load of Motherhood The postpartum period brings a different kind of change. With a new baby to care for, broken sleep, breastfeeding, and emotional adjustments, concentration, listening and communication can become more difficult. You may find yourself thinking: “Why am I struggling to concentrate?” “Why do conversations feel so exhausting?” “Why do I keep asking people to repeat themselves?” Sometimes the answer may simply be exhaustion. However, if hearing difficulties persist, it is worth considering whether there may be more to it. Audiologists understand that hearing is not only about detecting sound. It is also about processing information, understanding speech, and making sense of what is happening around you. When you are already tired, stressed, and mentally overloaded, even a subtle hearing difficulty can make communication feel much harder. The Years In Between: Protecting Your Hearing Between pregnancy and menopause, women may move through many different stages of life, including career development, family responsibility, and other lifestyle changes. Through these changes, the constant is exposure to the everyday sounds of modern life. Common activities may include use of headphones, attending fitness classes, loud playgrounds, traffic, and social events. Some of these activities may involve exposure to loud sounds that may contribute to hearing difficulties, regardless of age or gender. This is why hearing protection should be part of every woman’s long-term health habits. Such health habits may include the following: When Hormones Begin to Shift: Perimenopause Perimenopause is the transition towards menopause, and it can begin earlier than many women expect. Fluctuating hormone levels related to perimenopause may result in changes in menstrual cycles and sleep patterns. Some women may also notice changes in their hearing or experience tinnitus or dizziness around the same time. This connection between hormonal changes and hearing is complex and still being studied. Hormones such as oestrogen affect many parts of the body, including the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Because the inner ear relies on these systems, hormonal changes may influence hearing, tinnitus, or balance for some women. However, there is no single explanation for every symptom. Therefore, new or ongoing symptoms should not simply be dismissed as “part of menopause.” Instead, ask yourself: Could there be more than one reason for how I am feeling? Menopause and Hearing: A Conversation Worth Having By the time women reach menopause, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, hearing changes can become more common for many reasons. Some women report experiencing tinnitus or noticing changes in their hearing during this stage of life. Others may find that conversations become more difficult, particularly in restaurants, family gatherings, or other noisy environments. You may experience the following: These are all reasons to consider having your hearing checked. And Then There Is Balance Hearing and balance are closely connected through the inner ear, and as women move through different hormonal stages, they may experience dizziness or changes in balance for many different reasons. You may notice: These symptoms can have many causes. The important thing is not to assume. Balance problems deserve to be understood, not simply endured. An audiologist with expertise in vestibular assessment can evaluate aspects of the balance system and help determine whether the inner ear may be contributing to your symptoms. The Question We Should Be Asking More Often Women’s health is often divided into separate conversations. Pregnancy belongs to one conversation, while menopause belongs to another. Hearing is seldom mentioned, and balance is discussed only when someone is already struggling. However, the body does not work in separate compartments. The systems that support hearing and balance are connected to the rest of the body, and women’s health changes throughout life. When Should You Have Your Hearing or Balance Checked? Consider speaking to an audiologist if you notice: An assessment can help establish what is happening and whether further investigation or support is needed. Your Health, Your Hearing, and Your Balance. Women spend so much of their lives listening to others, that perhaps it is time to listen to themselves and their own health needs. From the first hormonal changes of pregnancy to the transition through perimenopause and menopause, your body is constantly communicating with you. Sometimes, it may be telling you that you need more rest, and sometimes, it may be asking you to slow down. Generally, however, a change in hearing, or onset of tinnitus, dizziness, or imbalance are worth investigating. Your hearing and balance are part of your health story at every stage of life. The next time you notice something feels different, do not automatically write it off as hormones, stress, ageing, or “just one of those things.”

September 1, 2026

Why some children seem to get one sore throat after another

Sore throats are part and parcel of childhood, especially during flu season or when the weather changes.1 But when your child has only just got over one and another arrives, it is fair to start wondering what is going on. Sometimes the cause is not always obvious, so it helps to notice what other symptoms pop up and how often that sore and scratchy throat comes back. Why does my child keep getting a sore throat? Most sore throats in children come courtesy of a virus, although bacterial infections can also cause throat infections.2 The symptoms that come with the sore throat (aside from painful swallowing) can give you a few clues as to what may be behind it. With a bacterial infection, your child’s tonsils may look red and swollen, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Fever can happen with either type of infection, but bacterial infections may bring a higher temperature. Viral sore throats often arrive with the rest of the cold gang, including coughing,a runny nose,and a hoarse voice.3 Does my child need antibiotics? Not every sore throat needs an antibiotic. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, so they can be important for illnesses such as strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. But many of the bugs children bring home, including colds, flu and many ear infections, are caused by viruses, and antibiotics simply don’t work against them.The same goes for sore throats. Lots of viruses can leave a child with a throat that’s red, scratchy and sore, so seeing an angry-looking throat doesn’t automatically mean strep is to blame.4 When in doubt, let your child’s doctor do the detective work and decide whether an antibiotic is actually needed. Red flags to watch out for Most sore throats in children are nothing to worry about, but a few warning signs are worth knowing. Get urgent medical help if your child is struggling to breathe or swallow, is drooling because swallowing is difficult, has a high fever that will not settle, seems unusually sleepy or is in severe, constant pain.5 The power to fight pain and fever Panado®’s Paediatric Range deliver the trusted6 pain relief South African families have relied on for generations. The range includes Infant Drops,7 named Product of the Year 2025 in the Child – Health category following a Kantar survey of 2,000 South African consumers,8 as well asPeppermint Syrup9,10 with improved taste11 and Strawberry Syrup,12 which is also available in handy single-use 5 ml sachets12 for families on the go. Panado® products are available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and independent pharmacies. For more information, visit: https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook and Instagram. For references and legal disclaimers, visit https://panado.co.za/references. Approval ticket #11.08.2026.1000006179. August 2026

September 1, 2026

Building a Family Culture That Feels Like “Us”

Every family, whether deliberately or by accident, develops a culture — a set of shared rituals, values, and ways of relating to one another that make it feel distinctly like your family and not anyone else’s. Building that culture intentionally, rather than leaving it entirely to chance, can create a strong sense of identity and belonging that children carry with them well into adulthood. What “Family Culture” Actually Means Family culture isn’t about big, elaborate traditions (though those can be part of it). It’s the accumulation of small, repeated patterns: how you greet each other after school, what you do on Sunday mornings, the inside jokes only your family understands, how conflict gets handled, what values get talked about at the dinner table. Over time, these small patterns become the backdrop of “how our family does things.” Why It Matters for Kids Children with a strong sense of family identity — a clear sense of “this is who we are, this is what we do” — tend to show greater resilience during difficult times, a stronger sense of belonging, and better overall emotional stability. Family stories and rituals, in particular, have been linked in research to a child’s sense of identity and self-worth, since they provide a narrative bigger than any single individual to feel part of. Building Family Culture, Piece by Piece 1. Establish a few consistent rituals. These don’t need to be elaborate — a specific pancake breakfast on Saturdays, a particular way of celebrating birthdays, a phrase you say at bedtime every night. Repetition, not scale, is what makes a ritual meaningful. 2. Tell your family stories. Sharing stories about how parents met, funny family history, or stories about grandparents and relatives gives children a sense of belonging to something that extends beyond just the present household. 3. Create shared language. Inside jokes, family nicknames, or specific phrases unique to your household (“pyjama day,” a particular name for a family tradition) build a sense of belonging that’s genuinely unique to your family. 4. Decide on your core values together, and revisit them. Simple, explicit conversations about what matters to your family — kindness, honesty, effort, humor — give children a clear reference point, especially during decisions or conflicts (“In our family, we…”). 5. Build in regular connection time. Whether it’s a weekly game night, a Sunday walk, or simply a consistent unstructured hour together, protected time (even briefly) reinforces that the family unit is a priority worth protecting from the pull of everyone’s individual schedules. 6. Involve kids in shaping the culture, not just receiving it. As children get older, inviting their input into family traditions, rules, or new rituals gives them a sense of ownership over the family’s identity, rather than it being something purely handed down. Culture Doesn’t Require Uniformity A strong family culture doesn’t mean everyone has identical interests or personalities — it means there’s a shared thread of belonging and values that holds individual differences together. Room for each person’s individuality, within a broader sense of “us,” tends to build a healthier, more durable family identity than rigid sameness. Adapting as the Family Changes Family culture isn’t static — it evolves as children grow, as family composition changes, and as circumstances shift. Revisiting rituals and traditions periodically, rather than holding onto ones that no longer fit, keeps family culture feeling authentic rather than like an obligation. The Long-Term Value Children grow up and eventually leave the daily rhythm of family life, but the sense of identity and belonging built through family culture tends to stay with them — showing up later in how they build their own families, the traditions they choose to carry forward, and the stories they tell their own children about where they came from. A strong “us” in childhood becomes a lasting anchor well into adulthood.

August 31, 2026

The Homework Battles: Support Without Doing It For Them

Few daily rituals generate as much friction as homework time. Between a tired child, a tired parent, and a worksheet neither of you particularly wants to be doing, homework battles are common — and how they’re handled has more impact than the homework itself on a child’s long-term relationship with learning and independence. Why Homework Becomes a Battle Homework friction usually isn’t really about the specific assignment. More often, it’s about: The Core Principle: Support, Don’t Take Over The instinct to jump in and correct, explain, or even complete part of an assignment usually comes from wanting to reduce frustration — for both the child and the parent watching them struggle. But research on learning consistently shows that struggle, within a manageable range, is where actual learning happens. Removing that struggle by doing the work for a child removes the learning along with it. Practical Strategies 1. Set up a consistent time and space. A predictable homework routine — same time, same low-distraction space — reduces the daily negotiation over when and where homework happens, similar to how routine helps with other transitions. 2. Let them start alone before offering help. Give a child the chance to attempt a problem independently first. Jumping in at the first sign of struggle can prevent them from discovering they’re more capable than they think. 3. Ask questions instead of giving answers. “What part is confusing?” or “What do you think the first step might be?” guides a child toward their own solution, rather than handing them the answer directly. 4. Check in, don’t hover. Being available nearby, checking in periodically, tends to work better than sitting directly alongside a child for the entire homework session, which can create dependency and pressure. 5. Separate your anxiety from theirs. It’s easy for a parent’s own worry about grades or performance to bleed into homework time, adding pressure that isn’t helping. Keeping your own reaction calm, even if the work is messy or slow, keeps homework time from becoming more emotionally charged than it needs to be. 6. Know when to step back entirely. If a child is capable of managing their homework independently, resist the urge to review every answer before submission. Occasional imperfect or incomplete homework is a natural consequence that teaches responsibility more effectively than a parent catching every mistake in advance. 7. Communicate with the teacher if patterns emerge. If homework is consistently causing major distress, taking far longer than expected, or the material seems significantly too hard or too easy, that’s valuable information to share with a teacher rather than something to keep managing at home alone. What to Avoid The Real Goal Homework itself matters far less in the long run than the habits and self-reliance built around it. A child who learns to sit with a hard problem, try an approach, get it wrong, and try again — without a parent swooping in — is building exactly the kind of independent problem-solving skill that will matter long after this particular worksheet is forgotten.

August 28, 2026

Helping Kids Navigate Friendship Changes

“She doesn’t want to be my friend anymore.” “He plays with someone else at break now.” Few things sting quite like a child’s first experiences of shifting or ending friendships. For a parent, it can be hard to watch and hard to know how much to step in. Friendship changes, while painful, are also a normal, expected part of growing up — and how a child learns to navigate them shapes their broader social resilience for years to come. Why Friendships Shift So Much in Childhood Unlike adult friendships, which often form around shared interests deliberately chosen, childhood friendships are frequently built on proximity — who’s assigned to sit nearby, who’s in the same class, who lives on the same street. As children grow and their interests, personalities, and social circles develop, it’s entirely normal for some of these proximity-based friendships to naturally shift or fade, even without any specific conflict. Understanding this can help parents avoid over-reading every friendship change as a crisis, while still taking a child’s genuine feelings about it seriously. Validating Without Overreacting A child’s distress over a changing friendship is real, even if the shift itself is developmentally normal. The instinct to either minimize (“you’ll make new friends”) or over-escalate (contacting other parents, intervening directly in the social situation) can both miss what a child actually needs in the moment: to feel heard. Start with listening, not fixing. “That sounds really hard, tell me more about what happened” gives space for the feeling before jumping to solutions or reassurance. Resist the urge to badmouth the other child. Even if a friend’s behavior contributed to the situation, criticizing them can complicate things if the friendship later repairs itself (which childhood friendships often do) and can also model an unhelpful way of processing hurt. Helping Kids Build Skills From the Experience Teach the difference between a conflict and a true ending. Many friendship “breakups” in childhood are actually temporary conflicts that resolve within days. Helping a child understand this distinction (without promising an outcome you can’t guarantee) can ease some of the panic of an in-the-moment falling out. Coach, rather than script, next steps. Asking “What do you think you could do or say?” rather than telling a child exactly what to do builds their own social problem-solving skills for future situations. Normalize that friendships naturally evolve. Sharing (in an age-appropriate way) that friendships changing over time is normal — even for adults — helps a child understand this as a common life experience rather than a personal failure. Encourage a broad friendship base, rather than one best friend. Children with several friendships across different contexts (school, activities, neighborhood) tend to feel less destabilized when one particular friendship shifts, since their social world doesn’t hinge entirely on it. Watch for patterns that need more support. Occasional friendship shifts are normal. Persistent exclusion, a pattern of being targeted, or ongoing distress may point to something needing more direct support — a conversation with a teacher, or in some cases, a school counselor. When to Step In Directly Most friendship fluctuations are best navigated with coaching rather than direct parental intervention. However, situations involving genuine bullying, repeated exclusion, or safety concerns warrant more direct involvement, including looping in teachers or school staff. What This Builds Long-Term Children who learn to navigate the ordinary ups and downs of friendship — with support, but without a parent solving every social problem for them — build resilience and social skill that carries forward into more complex relationships later in life. Friendship changes, while painful in the moment, are often one of childhood’s most valuable (if bittersweet) teachers of empathy, adaptability, and the understanding that relationships, like most things, aren’t static.

August 28, 2026

Co-Parenting Communication That Actually Works

Whether co-parenting happens across two households after a separation or between two parents navigating different working styles under one roof, one thing consistently determines how smoothly it goes: communication. Children pick up on tension between the adults raising them, even when no one intends for them to. Building communication habits that keep the focus on the child — rather than on old conflicts — makes a measurable difference to how kids experience co-parenting. Why Communication Breaks Down Co-parenting communication often struggles for reasons that have little to do with the logistics being discussed: Principles for Effective Co-Parenting Communication Keep it business-like. Framing co-parenting communication similarly to a professional working relationship — focused, factual, and unemotional — can help reduce the temptation to relitigate old grievances in the middle of a scheduling conversation. Communicate directly, not through the child. Even simple messages (“tell your dad I need to change pickup time”) put children in a role they shouldn’t have to hold. Direct parent-to-parent communication, even briefly, protects children from that burden. Choose the right medium for the message. Logistics (schedules, appointments, school updates) often work better over text or a shared app, since they create a written record and reduce the chance of miscommunication. More sensitive topics may need a phone call or in-person conversation, since tone is harder to read in text. Assume good faith where possible. A short, blunt message is often just that — short and blunt — rather than a hidden criticism. Giving the benefit of the doubt reduces the number of conflicts that spiral from a misread tone. Present a united front on major decisions where possible. Children benefit from consistency between households or co-parents. Working out disagreements privately, away from the child, and presenting agreed-upon decisions together supports a child’s sense of stability. Use tools designed for the purpose. Shared co-parenting calendar apps, designed specifically to track schedules, expenses, and important updates, can reduce the friction of managing logistics purely through personal messaging. When Conflict Is Ongoing For co-parents navigating high conflict, particularly after a difficult separation, structured approaches can help: What Children Actually Need Research on children’s outcomes after separation consistently points to one of the strongest protective factors: the level of ongoing conflict they’re exposed to, more so than the family structure itself. Children whose parents manage to communicate calmly and cooperatively — even if the relationship between the parents themselves remains distant — tend to fare significantly better than children exposed to frequent, visible conflict. The Long-Term Investment Effective co-parenting communication takes deliberate effort, especially in the early stages of a new arrangement or after a difficult history. But the investment pays off directly in a child’s sense of security — knowing that, whatever else has changed, the adults responsible for them can still work together on their behalf.

August 27, 2026

5 things every parent should know about the HPV vaccine

Cancer prevention may seem like an adult conversation, but when it comes to HPV, some of the most important protection can start in childhood. Here’s what parents and caregivers need to know. When your child is offered a vaccine at school, it is natural to have questions. What does it protect against? Why is it being given at this age? And, perhaps most importantly, why does my child need it now? The HPV vaccine can be an important opportunity to protect your child against certain cancers later in life. Here are five things every parent should know. The HPV vaccine is about cancer prevention – not sexual activity One of the biggest misconceptions about the HPV vaccine is that giving it to a child somehow assumes they are or will soon become sexually active. That isn’t the purpose of the vaccine. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common and can be passed through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear naturally, but persistent infection with certain high-risk HPV types can lead to cancer. “Parents may understandably wonder why a vaccine linked to a sexually transmitted virus is being offered to their child at such a young age. The answer is prevention. We want to provide protection before exposure to HPV occurs, giving children the best opportunity to benefit from the vaccine when they are older. This is why we offer 2 doses of the HPV vaccine for female beneficiaries between ages 9 and 14,” says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas. HPV is common, and you may never know you have it HPV isn’t something that only affects people who are unhealthy or have made poor choices. It is one of the most common viral infections globally, and most people will encounter HPV at some point in their lives. The challenge is that an HPV infection often has no symptoms. While most infections resolve on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cell changes that may eventually develop into cancer. Almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection, making vaccination an important tool in cancer prevention. Why vaccinate so young? Because timing matters The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus. This is why HPV vaccination is recommended during early adolescence, rather than waiting until adulthood. South Africa’s national school-based programme provides an opportunity to vaccinate eligible girls while they are still young and before potential exposure. And there has been encouraging progress. South Africa achieved 88% HPV vaccination coverage among eligible Grade 5 girls in 2024/25, according to the National Department of Health. But every child who misses that opportunity represents a gap in prevention. If your child missed a vaccination at school, speak to a healthcare professional about whether catch-up vaccination is appropriate. The HPV vaccine doesn’t mean you can forget about prevention later Getting vaccinated is an important step, but it doesn’t replace other preventative healthcare. The HPV vaccine significantly strengthens protection against HPV-related disease, but women should still follow recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines as they get older. Vaccination reduces risk, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for cervical cancer screening later in life. The World Health Organization’s cervical cancer elimination strategy aims for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15 – alongside increased screening and timely treatment for women who need it. In other words, prevention is a journey, not a once-off appointment. Questions are encouraged – misinformation isn’t It is completely reasonable for parents to have questions before consenting to a child’s vaccination. If you’re unsure about the HPV vaccine, its safety, timing or whether your child needs a catch-up dose, speak to a healthcare professional who can provide advice based on your child’s circumstances. With so much information online, make sure your questions are answered by a qualified healthcare professional or a trusted health source. The bigger message is that preventative healthcare works best when we act early – before disease has an opportunity to develop. For parents and caregivers, the HPV vaccine is one small decision that can form part of a much bigger goal: protecting your child’s health today, so that they have a healthier tomorrow.

August 26, 2026

Heritage Is Simmered, Sung, and Said Long Before It Is Taught

South Africa has 12 official languages and no shortage of opinions about the right way to make pap. It is a country where heritage lives in ordinary things: a familiar dish, a song heard in the car, or a family story told often enough to become part of a child’s own memory. Ahead of Heritage Day, Dibber International Preschools South Africa is encouraging families to look beyond once-a-year celebrations and consider how children come to understand where they belong. According to the preschool group, young children do not learn heritage through formal explanations alone. They absorb it through repetition, relationships and the life happening around them. Long before they can define culture or identity, they notice what their family eats, the languages spoken at home, and the music adults return to. The stories considered important enough to keep telling. “Children begin forming a sense of who they are much earlier than many adults realise,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools South Africa. “Heritage gives them a point of connection. It tells them something about where they come from, who came before them and why certain things matter in their family.” That grounding can shape how children encounter the wider world. A child who feels secure in their own identity is often better placed to approach someone else’s background with curiosity and respect. This matters in a country where children grow up alongside people whose languages, traditions and family histories may be very different from their own. For families carrying more than one cultural tradition, heritage does not have to be reduced to a choice between them. Children can inherit several stories. What matters is that those stories are present, spoken about and treated with value. Food is often the easiest place to begin because it is already part of family life. A traditional dish does not need to be saved for a public holiday. It can appear on an ordinary weeknight, with a child helping to stir, roll, knead or taste. Cooking together allows adults to explain where a recipe came from, who taught it to them and how it may have changed throughout generations. Children often ask their best questions while their hands are busy. Why do we make this? Did Gogo cook it the same way? What did you eat when you were little? These conversations rarely feel like lessons, which is precisely why they tend to stay with children. Music carries heritage differently. A child may not understand every word of a song sung in isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho or another family language, but they still absorb its sound and rhythm. Over time, certain songs become attached to people, places and feelings of familiarity. Parents do not need polished singing voices or a carefully prepared playlist. The music their own parents loved is often enough. Songs sung casually while driving, cooking or getting ready in the morning can become some of a child’s strongest early associations with family and belonging. Stories hold the rest together. Every family has them: how grandparents met, where they grew up. What work they did. The hard period they survived, or the small family incident which has been retold so many times that everyone knows when to laugh. These stories do not need to be perfectly remembered. They need to be shared. “Children learn a great deal about themselves through the stories adults choose to preserve,” says Assis. “A family story gives history a face and a voice. It helps a child understand that they are part of something that began before them and will continue after them.” Bedtime offers a natural opportunity. Parents can occasionally set aside the storybook and tell something real from their own childhood or family history. Young children are often remarkably attentive to these accounts and may repeat them years later, sometimes accurately and sometimes with additions of their own. The aim is not to turn every meal into a cultural lecture or every car journey into a language class. Children quickly sense when something has become forced. A lighter, more consistent approach usually works better—a familiar dish on a Wednesday. A family song played because someone remembered it. A bedtime story told because the moment feels right. Early learning environments also have a role to play. Children benefit when their languages, family structures and cultural backgrounds are reflected respectfully in the spaces where they spend their days. Heritage should be visible in books, music, conversations and everyday learning, rather than appearing only as a special event once a year. “A child should not have to wait for Heritage Day to see their family and culture treated as meaningful,” says Assis. “When children recognise something of themselves in a learning environment, it strengthens their sense of belonging. It also creates natural opportunities for other children to listen, ask questions and learn with respect.” Heritage Day may bring the conversation into sharper focus, but the deeper work happens throughout the year. Heritage is not a lesson to finish. It is something adults keep alive, one meal, one song and one remembered story at a time.

August 26, 2026

The Bedtime Stalling Games (and How to End Them)

One more story. One more glass of water. A sudden, urgent need to discuss something entirely unrelated to sleep. If bedtime in your house involves a predictable parade of stalling tactics, you’re far from alone — bedtime resistance is one of the most universal parenting battles, and it’s rarely about the actual requests being made. Why Kids Stall at Bedtime Bedtime often represents the end of connection and stimulation for the day, and the start of separation — being alone in a dark room, away from parents, for many hours. For many children, especially younger ones, that transition triggers a real, if hard to articulate, low-level anxiety. Stalling tactics are frequently an attempt to extend connection and delay that separation, more than genuine defiance. There’s also a practical piece: children, especially as they get a little older, can become genuinely wired at bedtime due to overtiredness (which paradoxically increases alertness) or a room environment that isn’t conducive to winding down. Common Stalling Tactics and What’s Behind Them Building a Routine That Reduces Stalling 1. Start the wind-down earlier than you think you need to. A rushed bedtime routine tends to produce more resistance, not less. Building in enough time for a calm bath, book, and lights-out sequence reduces the pressure that often fuels stalling. <br> 2. Address needs before the “goodnight” moment, not after. Offering water, a last bathroom trip, and a check-in (“Is there anything on your mind?”) as a built-in part of the routine — before you say goodnight — reduces the likelihood of these being used as stalling tools afterward. 3. Give a consistent, predictable ending cue. A specific phrase, song, or action that reliably signals “this is truly the end” (dimming the light, a specific goodnight phrase) helps a child’s brain register that negotiation time is over. 4. Offer a small, defined amount of control. Letting a child choose between two books, or pick their pajamas, can satisfy the desire for some agency within the routine, reducing the need to create control through stalling. 5. Address anxiety directly, if that’s the root cause. A nightlight, a comfort object, or a brief conversation about what feels worrying about being alone can address the underlying issue, rather than just the surface-level stalling behavior. 6. Hold the boundary calmly and consistently. When a request for “one more thing” comes after the routine has ended, a calm, consistent response (“We’ve done our books and songs, it’s time for sleep now”) — repeated without frustration, night after night — tends to reduce stalling over time far more effectively than an inconsistent response that sometimes gives in. When It’s More Than Stalling Occasional stalling is developmentally normal. If bedtime resistance is severe, involves genuine distress, or is accompanied by other signs of anxiety, it may be worth discussing with a pediatrician, since some children experience separation anxiety or sleep-related fears that benefit from more targeted support. The Realistic Goal Bedtime may never be entirely stall-free — a request for water here, a stray question there is normal, even in a well-established routine. The goal isn’t perfection, but a routine predictable and calm enough that most nights end with less negotiation and more genuine, easy connection before lights out.

August 26, 2026

Teaching Kids to Handle Disappointment and Losing

The board game flipped over in frustration. The tears after losing a race. The refusal to play again after coming second. Learning to lose gracefully and handle disappointment is one of the harder emotional skills for children to develop — and one of the most valuable, since disappointment is a guaranteed, recurring part of life well beyond childhood games. Why Losing Feels So Big to Kids Young children in particular often have an underdeveloped sense of proportion when it comes to setbacks. A lost game can feel, in the moment, catastrophic — not because the child is being dramatic, but because their brain hasn’t yet built the perspective that comes with experience: that this loss is small, temporary, and survivable. That perspective is exactly what repeated practice with disappointment helps build. What Not to Do Letting kids win constantly. It’s tempting to let a child win every game to avoid tears, but this removes the very practice opportunity they need. A child who never experiences losing in low-stakes settings (a board game) is less prepared for higher-stakes disappointment later (not making a team, a friendship ending). Dismissing the feeling. “It’s just a game, don’t be upset” minimizes a genuine, if disproportionate, emotional experience. The disappointment is real to the child, even if the loss is small in adult terms. Over-explaining in the moment. Trying to reason with a child mid-meltdown about “good sportsmanship” rarely lands, since their capacity for reasoning is limited while they’re emotionally flooded. A More Effective Approach 1. Let natural losses happen in low-stakes settings. Board games, casual sports, and everyday competitions are ideal, low-risk opportunities to practice losing — the stakes are genuinely small, even if it doesn’t feel that way to the child in the moment. 2. Validate before correcting. “You really wanted to win that one, it’s disappointing” acknowledges the feeling without agreeing that a meltdown or unsportsmanlike behavior is the right response. 3. Model losing yourself. Playing games with your child and losing occasionally, genuinely, and handling it visibly well (“Well, you got me this time — good game!”) gives a live example of graceful loss that’s more powerful than any lecture. 4. Separate the outcome from self-worth. Helping children understand that losing a game (or not making a team, or getting a lower grade than hoped) doesn’t reflect their overall value or ability reduces the intensity of the emotional reaction over time. 5. Debrief after the emotion has passed, not during. Once calm, a short conversation — “What do you think made that hard? What might help next time?” — turns the experience into a learning moment rather than just something to get through. 6. Praise gracious behavior specifically when you see it. “I noticed you said ‘good game’ even though you were disappointed — that was really mature” reinforces the behavior you want to see more of. What This Builds Over Time Children who get consistent, low-stakes practice handling disappointment tend to develop stronger frustration tolerance and a more resilient sense of self — one that isn’t shaken by every setback. This matters well beyond games: the skill of losing gracefully, processing disappointment, and trying again is directly transferable to academic setbacks, social rejection, and the countless disappointments adult life inevitably brings. A Realistic Timeline Graceful losing isn’t mastered overnight, and even older children will have occasional rough moments after a genuinely disappointing loss. What matters is the trend over time: fewer meltdowns, quicker recovery, and a growing ability to say, even through gritted teeth, “good game” — evidence that the skill is taking root.

August 26, 2026

When to Step In and When to Step Back: The Overparenting Trap

Loving, attentive parents face a quiet, constant question dozens of times a day: do I help, or do I let them struggle? Step in too often, and children can miss the chance to build real competence and confidence. Step back too much, and a child may feel unsupported at moments they genuinely needed help. Finding that balance — recognizing the overparenting trap without swinging to the opposite extreme — is one of the more nuanced skills of raising an independent, capable child. What Overparenting Actually Looks Like Overparenting (sometimes called helicopter or lawnmower parenting) isn’t about caring too much — it’s about intervening in ways that remove a child’s opportunity to build their own skills. It often looks like: Why It Happens Overparenting usually comes from a place of genuine love and, often, anxiety — a fear that a child will be hurt, fail, or fall behind if not carefully managed. In a world that can feel more competitive and less safe than it used to (or is perceived to be), the instinct to protect and manage every outcome is understandable, even when it isn’t ultimately helpful. The Cost of Over-Intervention Children who have most obstacles removed for them by well-meaning adults often struggle later with: A Framework for Deciding When to Step In Ask: is this a safety issue, or a struggle issue? Physical danger or serious emotional harm warrants intervention. A hard math problem, a disagreement with a friend, or a lost game does not. Ask: can they do this with support, rather than for them? Often the middle ground between stepping in and stepping back is coaching — asking questions, offering encouragement, and staying present, without taking over the task itself. Consider the long-term skill being built. If completing this task or resolving this conflict independently builds a skill your child will need repeatedly (self-advocacy, problem-solving, resilience), that’s a strong signal to step back, even if it’s slower or messier. Notice your own anxiety versus your child’s actual need. Sometimes the urge to step in says more about a parent’s discomfort watching a child struggle than about what the child actually needs in that moment. What Stepping Back Looks Like in Practice The Balance to Aim For The goal isn’t to step back entirely and let a child fend for themselves — a warm, involved, responsive relationship remains foundational to healthy development. The goal is discernment: knowing which moments call for protection and support, and which moments call for space to struggle, try, and sometimes fail. Children build genuine competence not despite difficulty, but through it — and a parent’s job is often simply to stay close by while they do.

August 25, 2026

Building Confidence Without Overpraising

Every parent wants a confident child — one who believes in their own abilities, takes on challenges, and doesn’t crumble at the first setback. The instinct is often to praise constantly: “You’re amazing,” “You’re so smart,” “You’re the best.” But research on child development points to something counterintuitive: excessive, inflated praise can actually undermine the very confidence it’s meant to build. Why Overpraising Backfires When praise is constant and disconnected from real effort or achievement, children can become highly sensitive to it — needing more and more affirmation to feel good, and becoming fragile in the face of any criticism or failure, since they haven’t built an internal sense of their own competence. There’s also a subtler issue: children are perceptive. If praise (“You’re so smart!”) doesn’t match a child’s own sense of how something actually went (a test they found genuinely hard, a picture they don’t think turned out well), it can create confusion or even mistrust of the parent’s feedback altogether. The Difference Between Real Confidence and Inflated Self-Esteem Genuine confidence comes from a track record of having handled real challenges — not from being told repeatedly that you’re great. A child who has struggled through a hard puzzle and eventually solved it has evidence, from their own experience, that they’re capable. A child who is simply told “you’re brilliant” regardless of effort has no internal evidence to draw on when things get hard. What to Do Instead Praise effort and process, not fixed traits. “You worked really hard on that and kept trying different approaches” builds a growth mindset — the belief that ability develops through effort. “You’re so smart” implies a fixed trait, which can make children afraid to attempt things where they might not immediately succeed (since failure would threaten the “smart” label). Be specific and honest. Vague, blanket praise (“Great job!”) is less useful than specific observations (“I noticed you double-checked your work before turning it in — that’s a great habit”). Specificity also means praise feels earned rather than automatic. Let children evaluate their own work first. Asking “How do you feel about how that went?” before offering your own assessment builds internal evaluation skills, rather than making a child dependent on external validation to know if something was good. Allow struggle and failure to happen. Confidence isn’t built by avoiding difficulty — it’s built by facing it and discovering you can handle it, even when the outcome isn’t perfect. Protecting children from all struggle removes the very experiences that build genuine self-belief. Model realistic self-talk. Children absorb how parents talk about their own abilities and mistakes. Modeling phrases like “That didn’t go how I wanted, but I learned something for next time” teaches resilience in the face of imperfect outcomes, rather than an all-or-nothing view of success and failure. A Practical Shift Instead of: “You’re the best artist in the class!” Try: “You added so much detail to the background — I can tell you really thought about it.” Instead of: “You’re a natural at soccer!” Try: “I saw how much you practiced that pass — it’s really paying off.” The shift is subtle but significant: moving praise away from fixed identity statements and toward specific, effort-based observations that a child can actually build on. The Long-Term Payoff Children raised with this kind of grounded, honest feedback tend to develop more durable confidence — the kind that survives a bad grade, a lost game, or genuine criticism, because it isn’t built on a fragile foundation of constant affirmation. Real confidence comes from evidence, not applause, and it’s built one honest, effort-focused moment at a time.

August 25, 2026

Positive Reinforcement: Why “Catching Them Being Good” Works

t’s easy to fall into a pattern where most of the attention a child gets is in response to misbehavior — a reminder, a correction, a raised voice. Good behavior, meanwhile, often passes silently, simply because it isn’t causing a problem. Flipping that pattern — deliberately noticing and reinforcing the behavior you want to see more of — is one of the simplest, most evidence-backed shifts a parent can make. The Psychology Behind It Behavior that gets attention tends to repeat, regardless of whether that attention is positive or negative. This is why a child who rarely gets noticed for quiet, cooperative play but gets an immediate reaction for acting out may unconsciously learn that misbehavior is a reliable way to get engagement. Positive reinforcement works by making sure the behaviors you want to see are the ones that reliably get noticed. What “Catching Them Being Good” Actually Looks Like Be specific, not generic. “Good job” is vague and easy to tune out. “I noticed you shared your toy with your sister without being asked — that was really kind” tells a child exactly what behavior earned the recognition, making it far more likely to repeat. Catch small, everyday moments. You don’t need a big achievement to reinforce. Sitting through a meal without complaint, waiting patiently in a queue, or putting shoes away without a reminder are all worth noticing. Keep the ratio in mind. If most of your interactions with your child are corrective, adding a handful of genuine, specific positive observations throughout the day can meaningfully shift the overall tone of your relationship, even without changing anything else. Positive Reinforcement Isn’t Empty Praise There’s an important distinction between genuine positive reinforcement and constant, inflated praise. Praising every single action, regardless of effort or outcome, can dilute the value of praise altogether and, in some cases, make children praise-dependent rather than internally motivated. Effective reinforcement tends to: Using It Alongside, Not Instead of, Boundaries Positive reinforcement doesn’t replace the need for limits and consequences — it works alongside them. A child still needs to learn that some behaviors aren’t acceptable. But pairing consistent boundaries with genuine recognition of good choices tends to be far more effective than relying on correction alone, because it gives a child a model of what to do, not just what not to do. A Simple Daily Practice Some parents find it useful to consciously look for three specific things to acknowledge each day — a kind action, an effort at something hard, or a moment of self-control. Over time, this becomes a habit that shifts the overall emotional climate of the household, often more than any single big intervention could. The Long-Term Effect Children who consistently receive specific, genuine recognition for good choices tend to develop stronger internal motivation — they begin to associate kindness, effort, and cooperation with a positive feeling, rather than needing external reward every time. In a world where it’s easy to notice what goes wrong, deliberately catching what goes right may be one of the most quietly powerful tools available to parents.

August 24, 2026

The Backseat Battles: Making Car Rides Bearable

Few spaces concentrate sibling squabbles, whining, and “are we there yet” quite like the backseat of a car. Confined, buckled in, and unable to physically separate, kids often turn small irritations into full-blown conflict — and parents, focused on driving, have limited ability to intervene in the moment. A little preparation and a few structural changes can turn car time from a dreaded battle into, if not peaceful, at least manageable. Why Cars Bring Out the Worst Several factors combine to make cars a hotspot for conflict: Setting Up for Success Before You Even Start Driving Establish a physical buffer where possible. If car seat configuration allows, creating a little physical space (an empty seat, a bag between them) can reduce the incidental contact that often sparks conflict. Prep entertainment in advance. Waiting until boredom hits to scramble for a solution rarely works well. Having a small rotation of car-only toys, audiobooks, or simple games ready before you leave prevents the mid-drive scramble. Set expectations before departure, not mid-drive. A quick, calm conversation before setting off (“We’re going to be in the car for an hour, here’s what we’re going to do”) primes children better than trying to negotiate rules once conflict has already started. In-the-Moment Strategies Use audio, not just screens. Audiobooks, podcasts for kids, or music playlists give a shared, engaging activity without the overstimulation some screens can bring — and they don’t require looking at a device, which matters for longer trips and motion sensitivity. Games that don’t need materials. I-spy, twenty questions, story-building games (each person adds a sentence), or license plate/color spotting games can occupy young minds without any prep. A “calm-down kit” within reach. Small fidget toys, a sensory item, or a favorite small comfort object kept in a seat pocket can help a child self-soothe without needing you to turn around. Address conflict briefly, then return focus to driving. When squabbling starts, a short, calm intervention — “I need everyone to have hands to themselves, we’ll stop in ten minutes” — is often more effective and safer than a prolonged conversation while driving. Build in stops for longer trips. Regular breaks to get out, stretch, and reset — every couple of hours on a long drive — reduce the cumulative boredom and physical restlessness that often drives conflict. When Screens Are the Right Call For long trips especially, screens can be a genuinely useful tool rather than something to feel guilty about. The car is a context where safety (a calm, undistracted driver) legitimately takes priority, and a screen that keeps kids settled and quiet supports that. Balancing screen use with audio options and games, rather than defaulting to screens exclusively, keeps some variety in the routine. Lowering the Bar for “Successful” Car Rides Not every trip will be peaceful, and that’s fine. The goal isn’t a silent, conflict-free car — it’s making the ride manageable enough that everyone, including the driver, arrives in one piece and reasonably good spirits. A little preparation goes a long way toward getting there.

August 24, 2026

Due soon? What to include in your hospital bag

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

August 24, 2026

Why more South African families are rethinking traditional schooling

Home is more than where you live. For a growing number of South African families, it is also becoming a place where meaningful learning can happen – particularly for children whose talents, sporting commitments and ambitions do not always fit neatly into a conventional school timetable. The traditional school day has long been built around a fairly fixed rhythm: early mornings, set classroom hours, homework in the afternoon and extracurricular activities squeezed into whatever time remains. For many families, that model still works well. But for others, particularly those raising young athletes, performers and children with demanding extracurricular commitments, the daily balancing act can become increasingly difficult. A swimmer may need to be in the pool before sunrise and again in the afternoon. A young golfer or equestrian may travel frequently for competitions. Sport players can face demanding training schedules, while dancers, actors and musicians often need hours of practice during the day. For these families, the issue is not a lack of commitment to education. It is finding an education model that can work alongside the child’s broader development. Impaq is South Africa’s largest provider of home and online schooling. “Families are increasingly looking at education in a more holistic way,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, Chief Commercial Officer at Optimi, of which Impaq is a registered trademark. “They are asking whether their child’s education supports the life they are actually living, their individual talents and the opportunities available to them. For some learners, having an adaptable education can make it easier to pursue both academic and personal goals without constantly feeling that one has to come at the expense of the other.” This is one of the reasons more families are exploring alternatives to traditional schooling. For some, the attraction lies in the ability to structure learning around the child’s needs. For others, it is the opportunity to create a calmer, more focused learning environment at home. And for families whose children are serious about sport or the performing arts, adaptability can be the difference between constantly falling behind and being able to manage both commitments sustainably. When the school timetable and the child’s ambitions clash Talented young athletes and performers often face a challenge that is not always visible from the outside. Success in sport or the arts requires far more than attending a weekly practice session. As children progress, training becomes more intensive, competition schedules expand and travel becomes a regular part of family life. Trying to fit all of this around a rigid academic timetable can leave children exhausted and parents overwhelmed. The pressure can also affect academic progress. Missing several days of school for a competition may mean returning to a full classroom schedule while also trying to catch up on work covered in their absence. An alternative way of learning allows families to plan ahead. However, with home schooling, learners may be able to complete academic work before travelling, continue with selected subjects while away, or adjust the learning day around training and competition schedules. The result is not necessarily less structure, but a different kind of structure, one designed around the learner’s circumstances. “Flexibility should never be confused with a lack of discipline,” says Schoonwinkel. “In many cases, home schooling learners are exceptionally disciplined because they are managing academics alongside demanding training or performance schedules.” Learning at home does not mean learning alone One of the common misconceptions about home education is that parents must do everything themselves. For many families considering a move away from traditional schooling, this can be one of their biggest concerns. Parents may worry about whether they are qualified to teach, how they will keep their child on track, or whether the learner will receive enough academic support. This is where structured home education and online schooling options can play an important role. Impaq supports families with structured academic programmes and access to educational support, helping learners continue with their studies while allowing families to adapt their approach to their learner’s education based on their needs. For a child with a demanding sporting or performance schedule, this can be valuable. Academic work can be planned around training, travel and competitions, while learners can continue working towards their educational goals. Creating space for balance The conversation around alternative education is not simply about convenience. For many families, it is about wellbeing. Children who are constantly rushing from school to training, completing homework late at night and waking early to repeat the cycle can quickly become physically and mentally exhausted. An alternative learning schedule can create room for rest and recovery, both of which are important for young athletes and performers. It can also give families greater control over the pace of the day. “Parents often tell us that what they are looking for is balance,” says Schoonwinkel. “They do not want their child to give up academic goals, but they also do not want a talented young athlete, artist or performer to lose an important opportunity simply because the traditional timetable cannot accommodate it. The right education model can help families create space for both.” For some learners, that may mean training during the day when facilities and coaches are available. For others, it may mean travelling to competitions without the same anxiety about missed classroom time. The key is recognising that education does not have to look identical for every child. A different definition of the school day As South African families become more aware of the various education options available to them, the traditional definition of a school day is beginning to shift. For families raising children with big sporting, artistic or performance ambitions, this can be significant. Home is already where children rest, prepare, dream and spend time with the people who know them best. For a growing number of families, it can also be a place where great learning happens, giving children the freedom to pursue their talents while continuing to build a strong academic foundation.

August 21, 2026

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