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OAK HOUSE VOCATIONAL ACADEMY FOR SPECIAL NEEDS LEARNERS

Glenoaks is a private remedial and special needs school in Johannesburg that unleashes potential! We nurture academic, functional, social and emotional growth for learners and personalise support according to the needs and strengths of each learner. We create a nurturing and inclusive environment for our learners which is supported by our dedicated, passionate and professional team. We achieve this through innovative adaptation, accommodation, differentiation and individualisation for each learner. Oak House Vocational Academy, part of Glenoaks School is aimed at learners between the ages of 12 and 18 who have special needs and the potential to eventually be more independent and enter the open labour market. What the future holds for learners with special needs Learners in South Africa with special needs experience significant barriers in terms of their education and future prospects as adults. Many of these learners will not achieve a Grade equivalent education, which in turn prevents them from entering tertiary institutions or the workplace. This can be a difficult fact for parents to accept considering that society still perceives academic excellence as the ultimate achievement and determinant of success. At Glenoaks we believe that some learners are academically inclined, and others are functionally or practically inclined, which is simply an indication that a different way of learning is needed, and that more practical outcomes can result in the kind of success that is required for life and for many jobs. We believe in unleashing a learner’s potential, encouraging them to persevere through the challenges and focus on the possibilities! Many parents comment that our curriculum should be taught in all schools to all children because life and work skills are critical for survival, and seriously lacking in learners who are leaving the traditional school system. Oak House Vocational Academy Oak House Vocational Academy was conceived from the need to provide an appropriate setting for specific learners with special needs from our school, and from the broader community, whose abilities and needs are not met in an academic setting. After intense research and planning both locally and abroad, a blueprint was formulated for our vocational academy – highly particular, uniquely crafted and finely tuned to Glenoaks’ vision. Our Curriculum Life Skills Our students are taught a creatively crafted curriculum which includes functional English and Maths, social skills; business skills; entrepreneurship; IT and admin skills; world knowledge; home management; hospitality; gardening; crafts and enterprise. Learning across subject areas is practical and integrated, so that learners understand the purpose of the skill, can transfer that skill to other tasks, and experience an end goal which is tangible. When learners can see and participate in a process from start to finish, they tend to retain skills far better, they get excited about learning and start demonstrating more independence and maturity at home. An example of this approach is that learners will create a shopping list for a recipe; they will learn to purchase those items from a shop and understand the costs; they will plant and harvest some ingredients; make the recipe, sell the food to customers, and explore concepts such as profit and loss. This holistic style has exposed learners to relevant skills in English; budgeting and money management; shopping; growing produce; food preparation; packaging; admin (stock take, order forms); teamwork; customer service; understanding deadlines and appropriate social skills for different environments. Work experience Oak House Academy learners are exposed to the concept of work from the beginning of their journey with us. Younger learners participate in internal contract or project based work, and older learners benefit from external work experience placements aligned to their strengths, abilities, and areas of interest, culminating in years of work experience by the time they graduate. All learners gain the skills required for entry level jobs, and focus on critical social skills, appropriate behaviours and attitudes required in the workplace. Learners in the external work experience program are gaining exposure to a variety of industries and businesses including retail; IT; hairdressing; production line; garden nurseries; schools; sport; robotics and many more. If further training or employment opportunities exist for a graduate, those are facilitated and supported by Oak House Vocational Academy. In 2019 the first group of learners graduated from the Academy and successfully commenced with further training, part time or permanent employment. Here are just a few of our very capable learners at work experience. These young men and ladies, who would inevitably have very limited opportunities to gain meaningful employment, are using their strengths to add value to their work experience sites, learn important workplace skills, explore their strengths and change perceptions about people with special needs in the workplace. Keila is gaining experience with the merchandising team at Moishes unpacking stock, restocking and organising shelves, packing orders for customers and pricing stock. Qhawe is doing work experience at Lesco on the production line, assembling various electrical products for large retailers. James is hosted by Tumbling Tigerz where he assists the coaches to set up and pack away equipment for obstacle courses, demonstrates activities to the children, and encourages them during sessions. On her work experience days, Sabrina assists the operators at Blue Door Hair Salon to clean, straighten and dry foils. She folds towels and cleans basins, brushes and the hairdresser’s work stations. Jack is a tech wizard and is gaining experience at Stem Dynamics, a robotics company. He is learning programing and coding and using resistors and transformers to build working circuits. He also assists younger students in their weekly coding lessons. Khotso has an artistic flair and loves his work experience at Greens Vintage Lane where he uses special paint techniques to assist with refurbishing small pieces of furniture and décor items which are sold in their shop. Aligning with local and international standards / programs From 2022 the Academy will integrate the ASDAN programs and courses into the curriculum. ASDAN is a UK based organisation offering a variety of accessible and practical courses for learners with special needs focusing on personal, independent living and employability

September 8, 2021

Flexibility in the workplace: know your stuff

If there’s been one silver lining to the dreaded dark cloud that is Covid-19, it’s the shift to a more widely accepted attitude towards flexible work situations. Families are fluid. They function best with a bit of flexibility and if your job can offer that, there’s never been a better time to ask for a permanent shift towards workplace flexibility. Before you do, make sure you’re well educated in the different types of workplace flexibility which are on offer. Remote work? Flexible work hours? Hybrid? Know your stuff so you can be sure what the perfect fit will be for both your job and your family. Two main types of flexibility Since the first lockdown, the term ‘flexibility’ has become a bit of a buzzword, but it can mean different things to different people, jobs and companies. To break it down, there are only two main types of flexibility. The first is workplace flexibility which is otherwise known as working from home or remote work. The second is flexible work hours, which can range from mornings-only to set hours per week or month. As you can see, one position could offer both flexible work hours and workplace flexibility and both offer a host of benefits for not only employees but companies as well. But wait! There’s more! Don’t forget about hybrid flexibility, whichfalls under workplace flexibility. Hybrid flexibility is a location flexibility agreement where a combination of on/off site work can be agreed upon between yourself and your employee. I.e. you get to work remotely as well as from the office. And then there’s micro flexibility, which falls under flexible work hours. Micro flexibility allows you to take a full time position with the peace of mind you’ll be given small amounts of freedom and flexibility to attend family emergencies etc. should the need arise. I’ve got it… now what? Once you’ve wrapped your mind around all the options available and figured out what best suits both you and your company’s needs, approach your boss with caution. Flexibility is a privilege, not a right. You’ve got to prove you’ve earned it. Also bear in mind you’re part of a team. Think through the team dynamic at work and present your boss with how your team could remain as strong, if not stronger, because of your remote working. If all else fails, join the 100 000 + women who have registered on RecruitMyMom and start looking for your dream job today. We believe that remote and flexible working benefits employers and empowers women for a better work-life integration.

September 6, 2021

PCOS Awareness with Salome this September

September is international PCOS Awareness Month and Salome is determined to do their bit in creating awareness & empowering women with the option of a naturally based solution to this common hormonal disorder. An estimated 8 – 13% of women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) that involves reproductive, cosmetic and metabolic problems. The long-term effects of this condition, if not diagnosed and treated early, are infertility due to ovarian dysfunction, as well as the risk of developing diabetes, cardiac problems linked to hypertension, sleeping problems and high cholesterol. Common symptoms and diagnosis Symptoms of PCOS include irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles and elevated levels of the male hormone androgen, which results in excess body hair and acne, and polycystic ovaries where the ovaries are not able to function properly. Getting a diagnosis by a health practitioner is key to effectively managing PCOS. The onset of PCOS can start from as young as 14 or 15 years old and if left undiagnosed and untreated for years – will cause further health complications down the line, including possible infertility. Parents are encouraged to talk to their daughters about what is considered ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ periods. Just by having these conversations, we can normalize these common women’s health conditions and debunk myths and the unfortunate stigma attached to it. What is Salome and how can it help with PCOS? The Salome range was developed by local pharmaceutical company, 3Sixty Biomedicine, and is based on consumer insights that South Africans are wanting more natural alternatives to treat common female health conditions. Salome Polycos assists with the management of symptoms commonly associated with PCOS by helping to decrease testosterone levels, increasing progesterone levels in women with irregular or absent periods and thus regulating the menstrual cycle, as well as reducing blood pressure levels. It also plays a role in increasing insulin activity in women diagnosed with PCOS, as many suffer from insulin resistance. Due to these hormonal imbalances women living with PCOS often battle with acne, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss or experience excessive body hair growth (hirsutism). Salome Polycos’s main active ingredient is D-chiro-inositol (DCI) which is a natural extract obtained from the carob tree. In cases where infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol have seen an increase in their ovulation, a reduction in their hyperandrogenism and in the oxidative stress in their follicular fluid. The efficacy of the product lies in it containing the correct ratio of Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol that have been extracted from the pod of the Carob bean tree. Clinical studies have shown that these natural extracts are instrumental in helping manage the regulation of ovarian function in PCOS patients. Who can use this? Due to the herbal extracts and use of natural ingredients in the products, the Salome range has minimal side effects and can be reimbursed by certain medical aids. The products are available online at www.3Sixtybiomedicine.co.za or on Takealot.com, and can be purchased over the counter at leading pharmacies nationwide. We believe #YourJourneyMatters so follow the Salome range on their social media pages to hear from Salome experts who are committed to educating and normalizing conversations about common women’s health conditions. Visit: 3sixtybiomedicine.co.za Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

September 2, 2021

The 6 Best Jobs for Extroverts

You’re probably clued up on what the best careers for introverts look like, but what about jobs for extroverts? If you’re someone that thrives on talking to others and feels most creative when doing so, you’re an extrovert. These personality types can quickly become bored when they’re on their own. And thus, they need professional environments where they can work as part of a team. The key to professionally succeeding lies in finding roles that stimulate the characteristics of naturally confident and outgoing extroverts. Luckily, many jobs are ideal for these personality types. Some of them might not have even crossed your mind. Keep reading Adzuna’s list of awesome jobs for extroverts for some inspiration! #1 Sales Manager If you’re competitive and can convince people that black is the new white, a sales management role is perfect for you. In this job, you’ll communicate with others daily to show enthusiasm about your product. Authoritative people that don’t easily give up thrive in sales management roles. However, this isn’t the right career for you if you’re easily persuaded. To get into this career avenue, you need some previous experience in sales. If you’ve got a degree in a relevant field, like marketing, it could also help you secure your dream job. #2 Event Planner If you’re a natural-born planner with creative flair and impeccable organisational skills, event planning might be calling your name. since you’re a sociable and friendly person (being an extrovert), your skills will come in handy when communicating with clients. Event planners arrange a variety of events. Everything from corporate gatherings to private parties and functions. Although it is a high-stress job, it’s also one of the most satisfying. If you like planning parties more than attending them and have excellent time-management skills, you’ve got what it takes to become an event planner. Although you probably don’t need a degree to get your foot in the door, certification in event planning could help give your career goals a boost. #3 Human Resource Advisor Do you feel rewarded when you assist people? How about being in a position with authority? HR advisors screen and hire new staff members, handle the training, employment contracts, payroll, and benefits. However, you need a strong personality to secure this role and have excellent communication skills. A role in HR is ideal for people with direct personalities. But avoid this career if you’re extremely sensitive. You’ll also need a university degree in human resource management or business administration to land an HR role. #4 Public Relations Officer Networking events and social gatherings with like-minded professionals are all part of the public relations game. As a PR officer, you need to be highly outgoing to effectively manage a company’s public image and act as its representative. This is one of the best jobs for extroverts because they bloom in a fast-paced environment. If you’re a creative thinker that can solve problems on the go, a degree in journalism, marketing, or English can help you break into this sector. #5 Financial Advisor Financial advisors help their clients with tax and insurance information and help them find ideal investment opportunities. They also help their clients protect their assets. If you’re dreaming about a career as a financial advisor, you’ll need a range of soft skills and be a number guru. Steer clear if paperwork isn’t your forte, though. To start your career in this field, you’ll need a degree in finance, economics, or business. Many financial advisors started in related financial roles and slowly built up their experience before taking on this role. You might find that you need a combo of experience and education to get your foot in the door here. #6 Recruitment Consultant Recruitment consultants are the links between employers and job seekers. They help employers find top candidates for vacant roles. Daily duties of recruiters include interviews with candidates, networking, and headhunting. Because they need to hit sales targets, recruiters run a tight ship. These roles are perfect for natural matchmakers but won’t work for someone that isn’t competitive or assertive. To get into this industry, you’ll need a university degree in human resources, marketing, or public relations. In Conclusion There are many great jobs for extroverts that’ll ensure these personality types thrive in their professional settings. After reading through these six job highlights, you should have a better understanding of the kind of roles that’s best for outgoing people. If you’re still unsure about which job is right for you, you can always take a career aptitude test to discover an ideal path to follow!

September 2, 2021

Preparing our children for school or preparing school for our children?

“What if we prepared schools for children, instead of preparing children for schools? What would that look like?” I resonated with this question popping up on my social media feed the other day — many others did too. Who wouldn’t, right? Yes, why don’t we redesign our schools around the needs of our children? Consider some of the intrinsic needs a child may experience during school: physical and emotional safety, time to play, physical movement, creative expression, agency, inspiration, meaningful conversations, respect from adults and classmates, authentic human connection, empathy — indeed, how about simply a pervading celebration of life? Imagine a schooling system designed to meet such needs. Human beings are social animals: what we learn happens in community — by engaging with each other. With classmates, with teachers: internal shifts of a student’s understanding are stimulated through exploring and sharing ideas (and feelings about them). Imagine an educational ethos that conceives of learning as collaborative inquiry being normal in our society? Instead of conceptualising education around the individualised acquisition of facts and concepts, imagine purposefully acknowledging the broader reality that learning occurs across a multiplicity of “intelligences” or “literacies” Even if we don’t intend learning to happen that way, it always will. We are holistic beings, and learning is a whole-body, whole-brain experience. And this means learning will be most effective when multiple literacies are valued and celebrated. Multimodal learning is more enjoyable, helping achieve genuine understanding (rather than simply getting the correct answers), self-motivation (instead of the external motivation of tests) and self-initiative (instead of passive reproduction of facts). When education is done well, a child excels across multiple literacies — both where he/she is customarily strong as well as weak. The issues that hit the media — like high school initiations, intense exam stress, a pervasiveness of bullying, incidents of racism or sexism, and so on — are mere sirens of a deeper problem. At its core, there is a covert violence within the mass schooling system, as we know it. How can it not be so when “the child is being prepared for school” and not the other way around? Imagine a network of schooling communities that commit themselves to exploring ways of infusing empathy into our schools. Marshall Rosenberg, founder of the Centre for Non-Violent Communication, alerted his students to the covert violence that lies concealed in the way we relate to each other, including the way we have been accustomed to being educated. Rosenberg alerted us to various examples of covert violence in the way we communicate. Hiding or suppressing our true feelings and needs, neglecting to genuinely listen to the feelings and needs of others, making demands instead of requests, imposing rules and punishments instead of making agreements with others … Most of us have been schooled in this violent sort of communication culture: much unlearning is needed for a school community to acquire an ethos of empathy and non-violence. The democratic ethos of mutual respect between adults and children can be an adjustment for many teachers. But imagine a movement across schools where this is the case. Where we agree to remember the importance of listening to each other — properly. To hear everyone’s feelings and needs, and for everyone to be invited to express their own. An ethos where everyone remains open to what is alive in each other and themselves, from moment to moment. So let’s change the system, yes? Not so easy! Unfortunately, there is invariably a profound resistance to changing the system. Established schools struggle to meet these needs as it would require escaping the established conceptions of a “good school” within those communities . The communities of these schools are accustomed to ideas of a good school that go back generations. Established schools need their traditions. While I understand the inertia of well-established schools, I find it tragic how brand new schools fail to leapfrog over the intrinsic problems in the system. In South Africa, the public companies have created an abundance of new, for-profit schools that are invariably reproductions of the conventional system. Clearly our society colludes in the problem. We want what we know. We know the system is dated. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has alerted us to the new requirements for employability in the 21st Century — “character qualities” of curiosity, initiative, persistence, adaptability, social & cultural awareness and leadership, as well as “competencies” like critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration. This constitutes a new curriculum. Parents are beginning to recognise the need to create opportunities for their children to achieve these requirements outside school if the school doesn’t teach them, or to seek out a school that does. So much about the conventional school system emerges from a mindless obedience to traditional school rituals. Frequent testing with punitive consequences; a competitive win-lose ethos in both the classroom and the sports field; isolated archipelagoes of classrooms; rigid silos of schooling grades; disconnected school subjects that discourage cross-context learning: none of these are necessary to achieve the academic outcomes needed for a child’s future. None of them are intrinsically educational. None of them serve the WEF’s character qualities and competencies for the twenty first century. None of them serve to satisfy a child’s intrinsic needs mentioned above. And all of them are integral to the conventional schooling system. In Ancient Greece, people had three conceptions of time, and each represents a different sort of schooling system. We have Kronos (the time of the clock), Aeon (the time of eternity) and Kairos (the time of the moment). The conventional school orients itself firmly around Kronos: the timetable, the school calendar, the lesson plan. Then there are the deschoolers — the dispersed community of parents homeschooling (and “unschooling”) their kids. They orient themselves around Aeon time. And then there are those schools that endeavour to achieve the seemingly impossible, (and Madiba reminds us it always “seems impossible until it’s done”) and orient themselves around Kairos. That is: remain constantly adaptable to the moment: play the Kronos

September 1, 2021

From tragedy to training

A rescue craft donated to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) by a family who lost their son, along with two other teenagers at sea, will now be used to provide high school students with valuable motor boat handling skills and an official qualification, while they’re still at school. The 4.7m Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) – donated by the NSRI to the Lawhill Maritime Educational Trust (LMET) – was recently named ‘Sean Day’ in honour of the significant contribution South African born USA-based Mr Day, Chairman Emeritus of the Teekay Corporation, has made to high-school based maritime education in South Africa. Mr Day’s godson, Sebastian Hamsher, unveiled the name and blessed the boat while Mr Day, his wife Ginny and two of his daughters, attended the naming ceremony via Zoom. The NSRI-donated RIB is the second vessel to be named after this highly-respected, international maritime leader. In 2019, a large LNG carrier was named ‘Sean Spirit’ in Korea. The ‘Sean Day’– which will be based at False Bay Yacht Club in Simon’s Town – will be used to enhance the skills of maritime students who have, for the past few years, benefitted from a Personal Survival Training course provided by the NSRI, in association with the S.A.T.S General Botha Old Boys’ Bursary Fund. The long term aim of this practical skills development programme is to equip students with maritime skills at an early age and, in so doing, open the way for them to progress into a formal sea-going career. Acquiring small boat handling skills and a skipper’s ticket, while at school, also potentially increases the students’ post-school employment prospects, particularly in the marine tourism and related sectors. Mentors linked to the S.A.T.S. General Botha Old Boys’ Association Bursary Fund are the driving force behind the programme, which is also supported by the NSRI, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the SA Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA), African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) and Grindrod, amongst others. Here is a link to a video of the ‘Sean Day’ boat naming ceremony event: https://youtu.be/sDa_JoM3CzY More about Mr Sean Day Originally from Knysna and educated in Cape Town, Sean Day attended the General Botha at Granger Bay after matric. At age 17, Mr Day went to sea as a cadet and later embarked on a distinguished international maritime career that led him to become Chairman Emeritus of the Vancouver-based, Teekay Corporation. He has long been a proponent of maritime education at school and tertiary level and, through the TK Foundation, has supported numerous maritime programmes that give underserved youth an opportunity to succeed in the maritime field. It was the TK Foundation that funded the construction of the STS Lawhill Maritime Centre (www.lawhill.org) building in 2009 and paid for the extensions seven years later. But even in his private capacity, Day has put his heart and finances into maritime education and currently supports three maritime bursary students. A memorable moment as the crew, made up of five Grade 12 maritime students, launch the school’s newest training craft, the Sean Day, as Sebastian Hamsher, Sean Day’s godson (who named the vessel) looks on. A memorable moment as the crew, made up of five Grade 12 maritime students, launch the school’s newest training craft, the Sean Day, as Sebastian Hamsher, Sean Day’s godson (who named the vessel) looks on. Five of the Grade 12 crew members of the Sean Day – a 4.7m RIB donated to the LMET by the NSRI: Garth Drude, Jody Muleshi, Busang Tsukulu, Janoel Meyer and Sifundo Sithole. Meet the Sean Day crew and bursary students: Enkosi Ntame, Busang Tsukulu, Janoel Meyer, Jody Muleshi, Sisonke del Fava, Sifundo Sithole, Garth Drude and Luyanda Dlamini. The crew eagerly wait to launch the Sean Day: Garth Drude, Jody Muleshi, Busang Tsukulu, Janoel Meyer and Sifundo Sithole. The crew in action The Sean Day on the slipway outside the NSRI Station 10 in Simon’s Town.

August 31, 2021

The devastating effects of cyberbullying in South Africa

The devastating effects of Cyberbullying in South Africa and how Wingu Academy protects and supports Wingu students. Did you know that South Africa has the fourth highest rate of cyberbullying worldwide according to a global survey by YouGov? The survey found that one out of every five teens fall prey to cyberbullying and 84% of classmates know of someone who have been victimized. Sadly, with the rise of the digital age becoming a necessary part in our lives, it’s no surprise that this form of bullying has become one of the biggest concerns for both parents and students who suffer and have to deal with the devastating, often life-long effects. But what exactly is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is any form of bullying that takes place online including on platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and gaming chat rooms. Young people today are increasingly exposed to many different tools and apps. Thus, it is very easy to produce videos, memes, manipulated photos, or even simple text messages with degrading comments and name calling. Trolling and cyberstalking of online profiles is also rapidly on the rise. According to the South African College of Applied Psychology victims feel isolated, ashamed, hopeless and depressed wondering if the situation will ever change. They are desperately looking for a way out which often leads to thoughts and attempts of suicide. This form of abuse influences a child’s identity, self-worth and often leads to long term effects like the inability to form meaningful and sustainable relationships. Not to mention trust issues and even mental health issues. Parents often don’t know because the victims don’t tell them. They feel ashamed and don’t want their parents to get involved as it would worsen the abuse. What are the main signs parents should look out for if they suspect that their child is a victim of cyberbullying? If a child’s mood or behavior suddenly changes drastically, from being socially interactive to being depressed, anxious and isolated. If they start hiding their devices and/or no longer allow you access to their social media accounts. If their academic performance drastically decreases. If they avoid any form of social interaction. What can parents do to help and support their children? According to Dr Serahani Symington, Child and Adolescent Counsellor and Play Therapy Specialist, the following approach is recommended. It’s critically important to have an open relationship where your child feels safe to express their feelings, concerns and problems. Don’t overreact and stay calm during the discussion. Don’t tell your child to simply ignore the situation as it’s very real to them. They have the need for the abuse to be acknowledged. Ask your child what their immediate need is. Is it to provide comfort or a solution? Co-create a solution with your child to make them feel safe, secure and empowered to handle the situation. Don’t retaliate. Rather address the issue with the school and not with the bully or his/her parents. Never invite the bully into your home, your child’s safe space, to resolve the issue. Monitor and spot check your child’s devices with the narrative that it’s for their own protection and not because you don’t trust them. Look at the ratings, age-restrictions and if possible, experience the games and apps your child interacts with for yourself to look for possible pitfalls and warning signs that could put your child in danger. How does Wingu Academy protect and support parents and students against cyberbullying? “At Wingu Academy we have a zero-tolerance policy against any form of bullying. Our Wellness Hub offers counselling and support to students and parents. By following a holistic approach of creating a culture of inclusivity and high moral values we teach our students to respect their fellow students,” says Managing Director Ian Strydom. Wingu Academy’s Cyberbullying Policy also offers guidelines to students to protect them. Some of the recommendations include: Do not answer abusive messages but save them and report them to the Student Mentor. Do not delete anything until it has been shown to your parents/carers or a member of staff at Wingu Academy (even if it is upsetting, the material is important evidence which may need to be used later as proof of cyberbullying). Do not give out personal details or contact information without the permission of a parent/guardian (personal data). Be careful who you allow to become a friend online and think about what information you want them to see. Protect your password. Do not share it with anyone else and change it regularly. Always log off from the computer when you have finished or if you leave the computer for any reason. Always put the privacy filters on to the sites you use. Never reply to abusive messages. Never reply to someone you do not know. Always stay in public areas in chat rooms. Article by Melanie Foxcroft from MF Consulting. Mobile: +27 82 650 3414 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mfconsulting.co.za

August 31, 2021

Go on… make the Switch!

If you are anything like me, you like when a product works seamlessly from one device to another. And while this may be a small feature, it really can make life a little easier. Imagine a life where you can ask your child to immediately disconnect their console from the TV because your favourite show is starting and there are no ooohhhsss or ahhhhh’s because he can continue playing? This is what makes the Nintendo Switch an easy Switch to make. One of the core features of the Nintendo Switch is being able to continue playing no matter what! Your child will be able to switch from the TV and then comfortably to the hand-held console, even to splitting the console up and playing with a friend. Yup that’s right… the Joy-Con (controller) can be split so that friends can play too. By turning your Joy-Con into two units, either party is able to play with either side or with motion control games, one is able to use the Joy-Con much like a Wii remote. However, if you want to purchase another Joy-Con you certainly can. We found a large variety are available in the Nintendo Online Store which makes the experience even more personal. So how many ways can you play? The Nintendo Switch is a “hybrid” console that can be used at home on a TV, and also as a portable console. #1 TV Mode Your gaming experience can start on your television when connected via an HDMI cable. The unique configuration allows the Nintendo Switch to adopt a number of different forms. From either splitting the controller up into two separate Joy-Cons for multi-player games or keep it connected to the grip and play alone. #2 Tabletop Mode With the Nintendo Switch built-in LCD screen one is able to either play hand held or you can detach the Joy-Con Controllers, open the stand at the back of the screen and place it on a flat surface. Perfect for when you do not have a television available. #3 Handheld Mode Easily reattach the Joy-Cons to the unit and play hand held and when you are done simply place the Nintendo Switch in the docking unit to charge…. It has never been easier. The Joy-Con controllers snap to the sides of the tablet making the device a hand-held unit. Accessories and Games? With accessories galore from themed Joy-Cons, cases, HORIPAD and Racing Wheels, you can make your gaming experience everything you ever hoped it would be. With the Nintendo e-Shop, one is able to purchase multiplayer games as well as Free-to-start Games. With all your favourites available in their online store, you could be bouncing around with Super Mario or taking on a Pokemon in no time! Online Membership starts at R52 per month and there is a family membership available for up to 8 members at R459 for 12 months. This ensures that all your gaming data is safely stored to the cloud so that all those achievements unlocked are never lost. The Nintendo Switch can be connected online for a greater Nintendo Experience or download the Mobile App. The Nintendo Switch Online App is designed to enhance your online gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch. You can view your stats, or chat to friends while racing through the streets in your game. The App is available in both the Google Play and Apple App Stores. Cool Features: The unit is easy to transport and with a longer life battery of between 3 and 4 hours, your child will be entertained during load shedding or even a long car trip. Can’t find your Joy-Con? No problem, activate the search for controller feature and you will locate them in no time. The Nintendo Switch is a touch screen. Adjust the menu to dark mode… easier on the eyes for sure! See how long a player has played for. We all had so much fun playing Super Paper Mario, thank you Nintendo for helping us make the switch! This unit is certainly one of the more affordable gaming consoles at a retail price of R7999. You can purchase online at the Nintendo Online Store or at participating retailers. Included in the box: 2x Joy-Cons (left and right) with built-in rechargeable battery Nintendo Switch console Nintendo Switch AC adapter Nintendo Switch dock A Joy-Con grip Joy-Con strap High speed HDMI cable Hand held remote Paper Mario- The Origami king Nintendo’s Paper Mario – The Origami King – is a fun game for individuals aged seven and above. The game centres around Mario and his new friend Olivia. They are tasked with stopping Olivia’s brother, Olly, who is the Origami King. Olly has folded Princess Peach and many other characters into origami shapes. The only exception is the toads, which Mario and Olivia save throughout the game. The main objective of Mario and Olivia is to remove various coloured streamers that enclose Princess Peach’s Castle and which will lead them to Olly. Each streamer level provides a fun new task for the player to go through. As they go through each level, they are able to unlock Vellumentals, which are a group of god-like creatures found in their own Vellumental Shrines and Temples. To gain the ability to use Vellumentals, players need to defeat each of them throughout the game on each different streamer level. A Bibliofold will eventually be revealed to the player. This contains instructions for Olivia on origami folding. This will allow Olivia to Transform into a Vellumental through the corresponding magic circle. The magic circle will allow Mario to also use the elemental powers during a Boss battle and even waive battles where the enemy has a magic circle above its head. As well as collecting toads through the game, Mario and Olivia also collect confetti. They are tasked with repairing the broken world by using the confetti that they collect throughout the game. Once each streamer level is complete the confetti intake of the bag will increase. The increase

August 27, 2021

3Sixty reasons why herbal extracts are becoming the preferred choice to treat women’s health issues

The Salome range, launched in 2020 by South African pharmaceutical company 3Sixty Biomedicine, addresses common women’s health issues. The current product range offering over the counter treatment options is based on herbal extracts to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility linked to PCOS. Later in 2021 the range is looking to expand its offering to include capsules that treat the symptoms commonly associated with menopause. Even prior to the presence of COVID-19, there was a growing trend by consumers to explore more organic alternatives to synthetic medical treatments. Now it’s become more important than ever for consumers to know what they’re putting into their bodies, which has been the driving force over the past two years for 3Sixty Biomedicine’s product development of the Salome range. Salome Polycos assists with the management of symptoms commonly associated with PCOS by helping to decrease testosterone levels as well as blood pressure levels. It also plays a role in increasing insulin activity in women diagnosed with PCOS, as many suffer from insulin resistance. Due to these hormonal imbalances women living with PCOS often battle with acne, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss or experience excessive body hair growth (hirsutism). Salome Polycos’s main active ingredient is D-chiro-inositol (DCI) which is a natural extract obtained from the carob tree. In cases where infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain Myo-inositol and D- Chiro-inositol have seen an increase in their ovulation, a reduction in their hyperandrogenism and in the oxidative stress in their follicular fluid. The efficacy of the product lies in it containing the correct ratio of Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol that have been extracted from the pod of the Carob bean tree. Case studies have shown that these natural extracts are instrumental in helping manage the regulation of ovarian function in PCOS patients. Dysmenorrhea, the technical term for extreme period pain, is also a common women’s health issue that impacts up to 20% of women with their menstrual cramping being severe enough to interfere with daily activities, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Salome Menstrual Pain is based on herbal extracts of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects, which may provide relief for spasm associated with menstrual periods known as dysmenorrhoea. What is great about Salome Menstrual Pain is because it contains natural ingredients, females from as young as 13 years old who suffer from menstrual pain can use it to manage painful menstrual cramping without worrying about unwanted side-effects. Another common problem experienced by women is menorrhagia (abnormally heavy flow and prolonged bleeding). 3Sixty Biomedicine created their Salome HMB product to help alleviate this problem. The product also draws on herbal extracts from Capsella Bursa-Pastoris, a medicinal plant also sometimes known as Shepherd’s purse, as an active ingredient to assist with the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with regular menstrual cycles. The medicinal benefits of this plant have been scientifically proven to have smooth muscle stimulant effects. As an added bonus Capsella has antioxidant features that improve uterine tone, meaning that it will facilitate the regulation of menstrual blood flow. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can have a positive impact on the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). The full Salome range is available online at Takealot.com and www.3Sixtybiomedicine.co.za, as well as at most pharmacies nationwide and you can even ask for the range from your Clicks pharmacist. Read more about this exciting female health range at https://3sixtybiomedicine.co.za/salome/ and then enter our competition for a chance to win a stylish Salome Hamper consisting of a custom designed Lou Harvey cosmetic bag, Salome Menstrual Pain and Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding packs. We believe #yourjourneymatters, so don’t let anything get in your way with the help of the Salome range!

August 27, 2021

Delicious Vitamins – A treat for daily maintenance

In today’s world, more people are in need of food supplements to support their diets, but do not enjoy taking pills. That’s why Nutripure fruity chews make vitamins easy and painless to take. The delicious tasting Nutripure fruity chews are specially formulated with natural fruit pectin for adults and kids. Here are a few reasons why fruity chew vitamins are so popular: They are easy to take, especially for adults and children who struggle to swallow tablets. They are very convenient, you don’t need to have a glass of water with you, you can take them anytime and anywhere. They are easily digested. They are delicious and come in a variety of fruity flavours. Gelatine Free No Sugar Coating Vegan Gluten Free No Artificial Colours or Sweeteners No Preservatives No GMO Ingredients FOR KIDS: MULTI VITAMIN Complete (60) – R109.95 NutriPure Multi-vitamin Complete have been specially formulated into a soft and chewy treat, making vitamins fun and easy for children 3 years and older. Multivitamins contribute to the normal function of children’s immune systems and the normal function of many other systems in the body contributing to general wellbeing. Each NutriPure MultiVitamin Complete contains 11 Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin D, B6, B12, C, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid and Niacin help to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins and are factors in the maintenance of good health. VITAMIN C (60) – R109.95 Contributes to the normal function of the immune system* Research shows that in the winter months children are at a higher risk of colds and flu due to the decline in their immune system. NutiPure Vitamin C is the tasty and effective solution to compensate for the deficiency of this vitamin and to contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C also contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system, normal energy- yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. One Nutipure bear contains 80mg of Vitamin C which is 100% of the EC RDA. PRO BIOTICS (60) – R153.95 With 1 billion live friendly bacteria. At any age, a balanced intestinal micro-flora is highly important in keeping the body in healthy working order. The healthy bacterial micro-flora in the gut is a key element for overall well-being. NutriPure Probiotics is formulated with Bifidobacterium infantis & Lactobacillus rhamnosus, two scientifically tested bacteria strains. Each Nutripure bear contains 1 billion live cultures to help your child boost his daily culture intake. Ideal to use every day. Important to take when children are on antibiotics. IMMUNE SUPPORT + (60) – R109.95 A factor in the maintenance of good health* NutriPure Immune Support + contains a unique blend of 6 essential vitamins and minerals that all contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C, B6 and B12 help to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins and are factors in the maintenance of good health. VITAMIN D Gummies (60) – R109.95 Helps maintain strong bones and teeth plus is great for the immune system and is known to aid in the fight against viruses. Extra soft so suitable for even the fussiest eaters. Vitamin D contributes to: The normal function of the immune system, the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, the maintenance of normal muscle function, normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus. FOR ADULTS MULTI VITAMIN Complete (60) – R134.95 NutriPure Multi vitamin Complete has been specially formulated for adults. Each NutriPure Multivitamin chew contains a balanced dosage of 12 essential vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D, B6, B12, C, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid and Niacin help to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins and are factors in the maintenance of good health. IMMUNE SUPPORT – Vitamins C, D, B6 & B12 (60) – R134.95 NutriPure Immune Support has been carefully formulated with 6 essential vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Zinc and Selenium are all a factor in the maintenance of good health. VITAMIN D – High Strength (60) – R109.95 Helps maintain strong bones and teeth plus is great for the immune system and is known to aid in the fight against viruses. Vitamin D contributes to: the normal function of the immune system, the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, the maintenance of normal muscle function and the normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – Gummies (60) – R159.95 A great natural Immune Booster. At last taking apple cider vinegar has been made easy and great tasting. Nutritional highlights: 500mg of Apple Cider Vinegar per serving for immune support and metabolism, Vitamin C for immune health, Vitamin B6 for energy yielding metabolism and Vitamin C & B6 to reduce tiredness and fatigue. A delicious array of vitamins and minerals for every occasion. There is now no excuse not to stock up and maintain your health.

August 25, 2021

How Can a Second Language Help in My Career or My Child’s Future Career?

Even within our 4 walls at home – the world has become large and accessible. It is no longer the reality that everyone speaks our language or everyone is from our background. The world is changing and progressing and we are more aware of globalization now more than ever. With technology developing as it is – we can be on one corner of the world communicating and doing business with someone in separate countries and different time zones. This means that many businesses are able to stretch out from those in their immediate proximity and the target audience is now international! How does an additional language help me in my career? Most simply – you have a skill that others around you do not have. Not only that – you will be a lot harder to replace. The most important thing about having an additional language is to think of your intention. There is no reason to think that learning Thai for example will help advance your career if you do not work for a Thai company, you aren’t planning on doing business with Thai businesses, or you aren’t planning on immigrating to Thailand (this is not saying that if you have a passion for Thai you shouldn’t learn it! Opportunity may come knocking in many ways!). You should think about what your career is – what your dream company is – and if that company is a foreign country, a foreign country, or if you know they are looking to do business with foreign companies. Immediately this will set you out from other candidates who do not have this additional skill that could seriously help the company with many of their foreign liaisons. What level do I need to be for it to be useful in my career? This is more difficult to answer – most likely most companies won’t really need someone who is just conversational in a language (though the thought is always appreciated!) however – being completely native probably also isn’t extremely needed. The sweet spot would be at a high intermediate level. It would also be good (if possible) to know what sort of company you are working for. If you are working in an import or exports company, knowing vocabulary and the sort of business questions and relations required to do this job would be sort of essential knowledge to know that otherwise wouldn’t be done in a course unless explicitly requested. Let your teacher know this is the sort of field you are going into and would like to do as much vocabulary and grammar etc associated with the field you are planning to work in. What about qualifications? Even if you do not know the field you are going into or what to know – or even if you are learning a language just for the joy of it – You should get some sort of certification behind you to prove you are actually the level you say you are in your application. It can be very difficult to prove to potential employers that you are able to do what you say you are able to do especially if they do not speak the language themselves to “test” you. How can this be done? Well, most simply is doing it either at school or if your tertiary education allows you to also study it. The main thing to remember here is that these qualifications may differ from international standards and may not hold the same weight as some internationally recognised qualifications. Alternatively – Fluent Panda offers courses where you can study towards an internationally recognised exam hosted by various embassies. These courses will prepare you for these international exams. The exam is externally marked and upon passing an exam, you will be issued with a certificate that is INTERNTAIONALLY recognised and certified by the various embassies. The test is also usually the same around the world so you will be tested at an international level. These tests are based on different curriculums as each country follows a different curriculum. Europe follows CEFR whilst places like Japan have their own grading system known as the JLPT. Usually – there are multiple exams to take (Beginner, intermediate, advanced etc). to prove your level of fluency. How do these exams help me? Most notably – these exams open the door of opportunity to different countries. By passing one of these exams – you immediately have an internationally recognised qualification that is recognised WORLDWIDE – not just in one or two countries. It is an indisputable certification to prove your level in any given language. Furthermore – the certification does not expire and can be valid throughout your life without worry of needing to renew at any point once received. These exams are also sometimes required when applying for passports when wanting to immigrate. Including this qualification with your passport submission is sometimes required by embassies for them to have evidence of your ability in the national language of the country you are immigrating to. These qualifications and skills do not only assist in your career but opens many international doors for general options throughout life. How to get started? Contact Fluent Panda for their course times and outlines. State that you are interested in taking the exam and we will help providing you with all relevant curriculum material as well as a teacher that is familiar with the exam in question and understands the different levels that have to be achieved. Fluent Panda has over 32 languages on offer – guaranteeing something for everyone and helping pave the way for future careers!

August 25, 2021

Chicco Akita Fix Air 123 Car Seat

We get asked by a lot of parents – what do we do when our baby outgrows the infant car seat that came with our Travel system? What is the best option to keep baby safe? When will we know to “upgrade” to the next level of car seat? In an ideal world, parents will only need one homologated seat that can be used from birth till your child is 12 years of age – but this is not always possible. Often, parents use previously purchased travel systems in the case of a second or third child joining the family or are using gifted items from loving friends and family. Once your baby reaches the age of approximately 9 months, they will have outgrown their infant car seat also known as group 0+ (unless you have a fully homologated option – we have a few in our range that you can research) and it will be time to transition them into a group 1/2/3 seat to ensure they are kept safe in the car. INTRODUCING THE CHICCO AKITA FIX AIR 123 CAR SEAT The Chicco Akita Fix Air 123 is a comfortable and safe solution for children that have grown out of their Gro 0+ travel system car seat and now require a front-facing car seat. Installed either with Isofix connectors or your vehicles 3-point seat belt, this seat can be used from 9 months till 12 years of age. It is imperative that the belts and headrest of the seat be perfectly adapted to your child’s size – there is no one size fits all when it comes to safety after all – but this is simply done as the Chicco Akita Fix can be adjusted simultaneously with just one movement. A seat reducer provides a supportive and comfortable cushion for smaller children. Once your child reaches the age of 4, they are considered tall enough to be buckled up with your car’s own seat belt. The built-in belt system of the child car seat can be dismantled easily – that way, the Chicco Akita Fix can be transformed into a group 2/3 child car seat in no time at all. To ensure the best possible positioning of the lap belt, an additional belt positioner forms part of this versatile seat. Equipped with a side impact protection system for maximum protection, the comfy and elegant Chicco Akita Fix will convince the whole family and remain a loyal companion – for many years. Get yours from any participating baby outlet for R5499.99. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

August 24, 2021

Tantalising the Toddler’s Taste Buds

Did you know that you can influence your child’s taste buds from when you are pregnant? Starting much earlier than we realised, your baby gulps amniotic fluid in your womb and this healthy eating journey continues during breastfeeding, too. While these opportunities may have passed by the time you have a baby and toddler, it is good to know that there are still practical ways to help the not-so-exploratory little tastebuds discover the wonderful and varied world of flavours. The Spice of Life Gone are the days of boring, bland, and tasteless foods for babies and toddlers. Just like adults, our little ones, too, appreciate flavourful food. It is important that, soon after starting your solid journey, you introduce a range of flavours such as fresh herbs (e.g. mint, basil, thyme, etc.), mixed dried herbs, cinnamon, cumin, curry, garlic, cocoa powder, and the like. Sugar-free nut butter also packs a flavour punch, but always check for allergies first. Stir into a warm bowl of oats in winter or offer up on a slice of wholewheat toast as a snack. Luckily for busy moms, Squish 100% fruit and veg purees come in a range of delicious flavours so exploring many different flavours from baby, toddler and up will be easy for your little one with Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees. Mealtime = Fun Time Children eat with their eyes. Make mealtimes fun, interesting and appealing. Call in the help of your child’s favourite superhero or princess with colourful kiddie-friendly cups, plates, utensils, placemats, and lunch boxes. Cut and arrange assorted coloured fruit and vegetables into interesting shapes and funny faces. Use cookie cutters on wholegrain sandwiches or arrange mashed sweet potato into fun shapes. Squish 100% fruit and veg purees come in a convenient pouch which is safe for your little one to explore eating on their own. Squish is a convenient, tasty meal or a snack, or for older kids, try it on the side for dipping – they’re sure to love it. Game On As any parent can attest, it is a daily struggle to get children to eat their fruits and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables are some of nature’s most perfect foods: rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and fibre, highly nutritious for preventing illness and disease and overall health. To encourage variety, print a picture of a rainbow and place on the fridge or in your child’s room. Encourage your child to choose a fruit or veggie each day from a different colour of the rainbow. For example, tomatoes and watermelon are red, berries and beetroot are purple, and mangoes and carrots are orange Rewards systems like using star charts to mark off how many fruit and vegetables are eaten are also a fun game for your child. Place somewhere visible and offer your child a reward when a goal is reached, such as going to the park or an extra story at night before bed. Another fun way to get your child to eat fruit and veg is by offering them Squish 100% fruit and veg purees and pressed 100% fruit and veg juices. The convenient pouches are well-loved amongst mommies and are perfect for babies from the first introduction of solids, right through the weaning process – from babies to toddlers and beyond. And the 100% fruit and veg pressed juices are deliciously refreshing and a good way to get babies, toddlers and young kids to enjoy fruit and veg. Get Green Fingers Children love being outside and getting their hands dirty. Use this to your advantage and build a vegetable garden. If you do not have a garden, windowsills and vertical/hanging gardens are good alternatives. With your child, plant various herbs and vegetables, and, when ready to be harvested, pick the vegetable with your toddler. Little Chef Older toddlers and young children will enjoy being in the kitchen. Let your children watch you prepare family meals and talk to them about what you are cooking. Let them help you set the table, stir ingredients in plastic bowls, and older children can help chop soft vegetables like baby marrow with a butter knife. One at a Time As much as we want to encourage a variety of flavours, it is important to introduce new foods and previously disliked foods one at a time. Children are naturally wary of anything unfamiliar. Always offer up new food with well-liked food to help increase your child’s acceptance of the food. Remember, it can take up to 15 exposures of food before your child likes it, so keep being patient and keep trying. And if all else fails, there is always the Squish 100% fruit and veg puree range with enough delicious flavours to please even the fussiest of eaters.

August 24, 2021

Power Tips on Creating the Perfect Homeschool Environment

With the changes that we have all faced over the last seventeen months, now more than ever before, parents find themselves having to manage their children’s virtual and or home-based education. Despite the many benefits of homeschooling, at-home learning can be challenging for both parents and students. Challenges like creating order and structure in a home learning environment can lead to frustration and even cause students to fall behind on assignments or learning objectives. Your child’s curriculum has many moving parts—and if you have more than one child, that complexity only increases. Teaching your children at home can be an immensely rewarding experience. One of the reasons that many parents choose to homeschool their kids is that they believe they can provide a better education for their children than a public or private school. To provide an outstanding education for your children, you will need to provide an environment that fosters learning. We can help you to keep your kids on track and successfully navigate the ins and outs of independent learning with the following tips. Create a designated learning space While it can be tempting to set up shop at the dining room table or on the couch, these areas aren’t the most conducive to learning. Creating a dedicated learning space can make it easier for children to concentrate on schoolwork. Consider a room that is large and open that has natural light. This dedicated space should be used for schoolwork and no outside activities. It would be best if this room is used solely for schooling otherwise may find that your children lose focus if they have distractions around them. Not all kids like to sit in a chair all day, so perhaps offer different seating options in the room to make the space more comfortable for those who want to sit on the floor or a beanbag chair. You could also offer yoga balls for deskwork. Follow a daily schedule Homeschooling brings a wonderful level of flexibility and spontaneity to a child’s education. However, without a clear structure, it can be easy to get distracted and go off track. Kids thrive when they have a basic structure and routine. Creating a daily schedule will be hugely beneficial in giving your child direction and structure. You can always adapt this schedule as you go along. Pick a system that works for you. Your schedule can be as detailed or as relaxed as you want. The key is having some set routine and structure for you and your child to follow so you can both stay on track. Use Technology Technology plays a considerable role in education, and access to it will make homeschooling that much easier. It enables you to become more productive, efficient, and better communicate with other people. It is, therefore, essential to include the necessities in your homeschool environment. A computer, laptop or tablet, digital calendars, and task managers will be extremely helpful in managing time and progress. Time trackers and cloud-based folders like Dropbox or Google Drive will also be helpful. Information is at our fingertips with internet access so your child will have the ability to research topics and collect information with ease. Map out the school year ahead of time Map out your school year to track progress on your goals and plan out big projects. Breaking up big goals and projects into smaller steps makes them more manageable and you’re less likely to let details fall through the cracks. Setting goals and visualizing your plans can help you stay organized and see your progress at a glance, which makes targets more reachable and less overwhelming. Take learning beyond the classroom One of the best parts of homeschooling, and one of its greatest advantages, is the flexibility to learn outside a traditional classroom setting. Make time for these opportunities in your daily schedule and keep an open mind. Outdoor spaces are excellent learning places for exploring new skills, meeting new people, and experiencing through play. Always look for learning opportunities beyond the classroom and be open-minded about the benefit of learning through a practical example. Collaborate with other homeschoolers It is important to know that you are not in this alone, there are rich and diverse homeschool communities all around the world. It is important and beneficial to connect with other homeschoolers in your area or online to collaborate and share resources. This will not only make the schooling process easier for you, but it will also enrich your child’s experience and expand their educational opportunities in and out of your home. Communicating with other homeschoolers also provides important social opportunities for your child. Leave Time for Breaks It is difficult to work for extended times without a break. When your kids start to get restless or hungry it is a good idea to schedule regular breaks. Morning snack breaks and afternoon exercise breaks allow your kids to get a good balance of work and chill time. scheduling them into your day. While some children might require frequent short breaks, others might like only one or two longer breaks. Read your children and let them help create your schedule in this matter. Learning need not be boring, and neither does your homeschool environment. Always consider what your kids like, who they are, and what are their interests, ideas, distractions, and sources of inspiration to come up with a suitable learning space.

August 23, 2021

How family holidays benefit your kids

Whilst the idea of going on holiday with children can be somewhat daunting, the benefits of spending time together exploring a new destination far outweigh any niggling negatives. “In fact,” Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, says, “Holidaying as a family gives your children the opportunity to fill their lives with incredible new adventures. And, in addition to giving your kids the gift of making magical, lasting memories with the people they love, it also offers a wealth of benefits that will help shape who your kids will become as adults.” He adds that some of his own best childhood memories are of time spent away with his family. “Family holidays are valued by children, both in the moment and decades later too. I don’t remember what my parents gave me for my 13th birthday, but I can recall, with fondness, a trip we took to Cape Town. In a world where material items are so easily accumulated and tossed aside, there really is no greater gift you can give your children.” And studies confirm this, a research study conducted by the Family Holiday Association in the United Kingdom found that 49% of those surveyed said that their happiest memory was of their family vacation. The study also showed that one-third of the people still clearly remembered their vacations. Shaun shares four additional ways that travelling as a family will have a massive impact on your children: 1. Strengthens Bonds When you go on a family holiday, you leave all the worries of your everyday life behind. Away from the everyday distractions and long working hours, your family will be able to spend uninterrupted, quality time together. Even the simplest experiences such as a meal, can become a cherished memory that brings you closer together. 2. Every day is a learning experience It’s a fact that kids absorb knowledge more effectively through experiential learning, so whether you’re exploring a museum, hiking up a mountain, fishing on the shoreline or visiting a nature reserve, travel brings education to life. This helps your child to be more open minded, adaptable to changing situations and flexible in their habits, providing hands-on problem-solving capabilities they will carry with them throughout life. Visiting new places and doing new things will also ignite your child’s imagination and will even encourage them to try new things and say ‘yes’ to new experiences (yes moms, even new foods! 3. Making new friends No matter where you are, kids will find other kids to play with. South Africa has 11 official languages and yet even when children meet someone they can’t converse with, it doesn’t matter, because play is a universal language. All it takes is a smile and a laugh to break barriers. This intercultural communication will help your child build relationships with new friends. And, in a world that’s dominated by screens, these interpersonal life skills are invaluable as a child grows and develops their sense of self. 4. It teaches adaptability and responsibility Breaking from routine can be a little scary for some mums, but it gives your child the opportunity to adapt to new surroundings and circumstances. Allow them to get involved in the decision making – from what restaurant to choose to what place to visit. If they are a little older, let them be the map navigator. If they are younger, get them to pack their own bags (it doesn’t have to be perfect). You will be teaching them invaluable skills that will stand them in good stead as they grow up. “You won’t ever get the ‘perfect trip’ with picture-perfect postcard memories, so don’t plan for perfection. Instead focus on making magical, lasting memories with your children that will unite you for the rest of your lives.” Photo credit: Family photo created by rawpixel.com – www.freepik.com

August 23, 2021

Caring for Baby

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Circumcision care Newborn circumcision is a surgery that removes the loose skin (foreskin) that covers the end of a baby boy’s penis. It may be done for various reasons and usually heals with 7-10 days. Follow the care instructions you were given by your baby’s doctor. Often times they will recommend that you use a small amount of petroleum jelly on the site at diaper changes to prevent irritation. Contact your baby’s doctor if you see blood or pus around the circumcision or if you smell an odour coming from the site. Myths about newborns The following are common myths about newborns: Myth: Don’t touch their “soft spots” – Truth: Known as the fontanels, these areas are a thick protective membrane, not your baby’s brain, so if you happen to touch them gently nothing bad will happen; as with all of your baby, handle that area with gentle loving care. Myth: Baby girls don’t have periods – Truth: Baby girls may have a “mini period” within the first few weeks of life which is the result of the stimulation of their uterus by Mom’s high estrogen levels. If you ever have questions about what’s happening with your baby, contact your doctor. Myth: Babies don’t get acne – Truth: Some newborns will develop acne due to circulating hormones from their mother between 2 weeks and 2 months of age; you don’t need acne creams, just cleanse the area gently. Myth: Babies have flat chests – Truth: Some babies may temporarily have swollen breasts due to their mothers circulating hormones; this can happen to boys and girls. Myth: Sneezing must mean my baby has a cold – Truth: Newborns have tiny noses and often have some congestion, so they may sneeze a lot at first; if they have thick, coloured mucus and are sneezing a lot then they may be developing a cold. Never hesitate to contact your doctor if you are worried about what’s going on with your baby. No question is ever “dumb” if you are worried. Bathing your newborn Your baby doesn’t need a full bath every day, only 3-4 times a week. When giving them a full bath make sure the water is warm, but not hot, by testing the temperature with your elbow – if it’s too hot for your elbow, it’s too hot for your baby. Use mild bath soap made specifically for babies – harsh soaps may dry and irritate their skin. Always keep one hand on the baby while they are in the bathwater. There are some parts of your baby that will need to be washed with mild soap every day, especially their face, chin, neck and bottom. Do not use soap on their belly button (navel) or on a circumcision until it’s healed. Make sure the room you are in to bathe your baby is warm and free of drafts. Every baby is different so don’t hesitate to talk with your baby’s doctor if you have any questions about caring for your newborn. Healthy skin for newborns You don’t need to use lotion or powder on your baby unless it’s been recommended by their doctor. Don’t use fabric softener or bleach on their clothes as these can irritate their skin. Use mild detergent to wash their clothes, making sure to wash new clothing before you put it on the baby. Be careful not to overdress your baby – if you are comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts, your baby will be fine in a t-shirt or short sleeved onesie and a diaper. Diaper care for your newborn Periodically check your baby’s diaper to see if it’s wet or soiled. Change their diaper whenever one becomes wet or soiled. When changing your baby’s diaper, wash their bottom with mild soap and warm water or use disposable baby wipes. Be sure to wash your hands each time you finish changing a diaper. Additional tips for care of newborn For mouth care, wipe you baby’s gums daily with a clean damp washcloth or an infant toothbrush. To prevent scratches, keep your baby’s finger and toenails cut short. Remember that newborns sleep a lot – usually between 16-18 hours a day. Make sure to schedule your baby’s first check-up as recommended by their doctor – it’s usually recommended between 2-4 weeks of age. Umbilical cord care Do not place the baby in bath water until after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry – if it becomes soiled you can clean it with a cotton ball, mild soap and water. Umbilical cord stumps usually fall off about 2-4 weeks after birth – contact your baby’s doctor if this doesn’t happen. If the umbilical cord stump turns red around the base, bleeds, develops coloured drainage or a bad odour contact your baby’s doctor right away since it could be a sign of an infection. Contact your baby’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s umbilical cord stump. Teething pain relief The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. To help soothe the pain from teething give your baby a teething ring, a wet washcloth cooled down in the refrigerator, or feed him/her cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt. You can also talk to your doctor about giving your baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease the pain.

August 20, 2021

Chicco Unico Air Car Seat

Purchasing a safe car seat is one of the most important decisions a parent makes long before their precious little one even joins the family. There are many options on the market and the information overload can be supremely overwhelming. The Chicco Unico Plus Air is a super seat that is suitable for us from birth till 12 years of age making it a highly cost-effective choice for parents. There is a reason this car seat is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by over 94 reviewers internationally! The Unico Plus is now a part of the “Air” family making it more breathable and well ventilated – perfect for South Africa’s warm climate! Easy installation either by Isofix or your vehicles 3-point belt A padded reducer provides additional protection for your tiny newborn Side Safety System – ensuring best practice in case of lateral impacts The Unico Plus Air can be purchased at participating baby outlets for R4999.99 – a great investment in your little one’s well-being. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

August 19, 2021

Benefits and disadvantages of homeschooling

More and more families are starting to realize the numerous benefits associated with homeschooling. Homeschooling is no longer a stigmatized, isolated learning experience. Through the power of the internet and the rise of online curriculum service providers, homeschooling has evolved into a bespoke educational offering that merges the best elements of a traditional brick-and-mortar school system with the advantages that independent distance-based learning can allow. However, despite the great benefits of homeschooling, there are also certain disadvantages to this approach. Let’s explore some of these pros and cons of a homeschooling approach. Disadvantages A possible disadvantage experienced by a homeschooling parent, is that the parent might become frustrated by having to take on the role of a teacher. Deciphering not only the coursework, but the curriculum outcomes as well, can create a lot of anxiety for parents. Parents might struggle to know whether they are “doing the right thing” or not. Especially in cases where students are older, parents might be intimidated by the difficulty of some of the coursework, as they are not subject experts themselves, but are now expected to teach their children mathematics or physics that they have done 20 odd years ago – or sometimes not at all! In cases like the aforementioned, parents often start to invest in expensive private tutors, which can lead to a high financial burden. However, by making use of an online curriculum service provider, these disadvantages can largely be mitigated. Through a reputable online curriculum service provider, students can have access to subject expert tutors, which eliminate the need for parents to act as teachers themselves. With this in mind, let’s focus on the benefits of homeschooling, and in particular the benefits of online schooling. Benefits 1. Academic flexibility The traditional education system allows for very little flexibility in learning, when in reality, education is not a one-size fits all solution. Some students are very strong auditory and visual learners. Other students might learn best through repetition. Some might prefer learning through practical application. Homeschooling affords an individual the opportunity to learn in a way that suits him/her best, especially if combined with a blended learning teaching strategy – which incorporates live classes and non-live learning elements, such as interactive lessons, quizzes and games, as well as practical project based learning. For students who are professional athletes, or who have globetrotting parents, the flexibility of a homeschooling system is particularly beneficial. Furthermore, in a traditional schooling context, with high student-to-teacher radios, a lot of time is often spent waiting for assistance. Students are often expected to partake in extracurricular school subjects which do not interest them. The flexibility of homeschooling allow students more time to focus on things that truly interest them. Students can progress according to their own ability and interest. 2. Fosters independent learning skills Students who are homeschooled and allowed the freedom to learn in a way that suits him/her best, naturally also acquire the ability to learn more independently. In other words, these students don’t need someone to guide them through all elements of the learning material step-by-step. They are more confident in assimilating academic resources for themselves – a skill which they have honed during their years of homeschooling! This sense of autonomy is an invaluable ‘soft-skill’ that will aid students for years to come, whether at university or at work. Furthermore, students who homeschool with the help of an online curriculum service provider learn how to be adept at using technology, often from a young age. These students learn how to use cloud computing tools to collaborate remotely – an essential future of work skill, which is becoming even more important in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. 3. Mental health Students who struggle with anxiety, social anxiety or depression, or who were victims of bullying in a traditional school context, can study from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Students have the opportunity to focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing. In small amounts, stress can be good, but the incredible pressure that is placed on students to perform academically – or that they often place on themselves – can become debilitating. There is less pressure on students to conform or fit a traditionally expected mold, which is beneficial to a student’s self-esteem. Students with special needs or learning disabilities might feel especially marginalized in a traditional school setting, and their confidence can suffer. In a homeschooling environment, parents are better equipped to introduce certain interventional strategies to address learning challenges. 4. Social development A fear that many parents who are considering homeschooling have, is the fear of social isolation. Parents fear that their children will not develop social skills or have no friends. However, due to the flexibility of homeschooling, students often have more time to engage in social extracurricular activities or community initiatives – such as joining a sports club, or volunteering at a local shelter – where they can still make friends and interact with peers. For students who make use of an online curriculum service provider, the shift from parent-led to facilitator-led education means there is an even greater opportunity to interact socially. In an online school environment – which essentially emulates some elements of a traditional school environment, such as live classes – students continually interact with classmates and tutors. 5. Higher quality education In traditional classes with high student to teacher ratios, students do not get individualized attention. In a homeschooling context, students can receive more individualized attention, either from a parent or tutor. When making use of a reputable online curriculum service provider, students can have access to a highly qualified subject expert at the click of a button. Furthermore, some parents might want their children to be taught using a different curriculum than the one offered by traditional government schools. In reality though, many parents simply might not be able to afford the cost of a private school that offers such an alternative curriculum. For these parents, homeschooling provides a way to

August 18, 2021

Can Adults Learn an Additional Language?

We already know that learning anything is easiest as child. But does that mean it is impossible for adults? Of course not! It is never too late to start learning! Our biggest barriers at learning a language as an adult can be attributed to a number of factors – such as not enough time or feelings of shyness or embarrassment. As an adult – our main set back is that unlike a child – we now have to focus on learning and also have a number of adult thoughts and emotions that we want to express outright. However, these are mere mental blocks and with a little perseverance can be overcome! How long does it take to learn an additional language? This is a question we offer get – and the short and simple answer is that it is unanswerable! Learning a language is not something that can be quantified – even in your home language – most likely you learn something new about it each day. It is also not easy to say “how long will it take me to be conversational?” because these are all averages. It is also highly dependent on the target language – are there new alphabets and phonetics to learn before getting to learn the language itself? These all factor into the length of a language When you see a course that says “it takes 2 months to complete this course and then you will be at X level” – what happens if you don’t pass? Then is it your own failure or the teacher’s failure? None. Learning something as fluid as a language is something that depends on you as an individual. If you study everyday and expose yourself to various other materials in your target language after your class lesson – naturally your ability will develop a lot quicker than if you only attend class and do not practice or expose yourself out of class – it is both the same amount of work – but your approach to it determines how you progress through the material. Unfortunately – language is a patient game. It is something that if you decide you want to become fluent in – you shouldn’t put a time limit on yourself – why make something long term pressured? The most important thing to define for yourself is what your goal in learning this language will be. Is it to advance in your career? Is it for immigration purposes? Do you want to just be conversational in another language? Once you clearly know what your goal is – set your sights and work towards it. Once achieved, it will be easier to decide if you are still interested in learning the language or actually you feel you have progressed enough and going any further will be unenjoyable. That sounds bleak – does that mean I shouldn’t learn another language if the road to fluency is rife? Of course not! The joy of learning a language is exactly that! It’s that feeling of progression and the feeling of communication and the breakthroughs – it’s the thrill of hearing someone else say something in a different language and understanding them. This is what connects us. The most important thing when learning an additional language is to decide WHY you are learning that language. If you are learning due to a passion, a love, a goal, greater opportunities, immigration, a holiday – WHATEVER the reason – as long as there is a MOTIVATOR that is enough to learn a second language. Because the thing about languages – is that it requires determination. Your motivation will lead your determination. The main thing to remember when learning a language in adulthood – is that it is much like any skill you need to start from scratch – before you can make an omelette – you probably should learn how to cook an egg first – and build from there. Maybe you won’t be able to express your thoughts and feelings immediately – but if you can begin by introducing yourself and your name – you have a basis to build on. There also is something to be said that as wonderful as fluency is – is it what you need? Would you ever need engage at a fluent level? The main thing should be that you are ENJOYING learning the language and seeing your progression. What is the best way to learn a new language? There are many schools of thoughts and ways to argue this – but something that everyone can agree on is the best way to learn a new language is through IMMERSION. You need to IMMERSE yourself in the target languages language, culture, show, music, books, media, ANYTHING. Even if you don’t understand everything – the more exposure the better! It is always said that you will learn quicker if you move to the country where the target language is the main language. Why? Because this FORCES you to engage in that language. You can no longer rely on your experience or knowledge of your home language – you quite literally have to figure out how to communicate. And this is where linguistic breakthroughs happen. Naturally not everyone can up and leave to a country every time they want to learn a new language (though we wish we could!) so the most important thing is to try and expose yourself to as much of your target lesson as possible. Ask your teacher for exercises to do at home – or a recommended show – or a popular band. The most important thing is working on the language everyday – even if just for a couple of minutes. The good starting point for every language is to be sure you understand their reading and writing system so that you can start reading texts and understanding their phonetics as soon as possible. This may be difficult with languages like Mandarin, but practice those characters given in class everyday until they

August 18, 2021

Intentional Parenting

The term Intentional Parenting has become a hot topic in recent years, but many people are not exactly sure of what it means. Intentional Parenting is a method where parents deliberately plan ways to be present in their children’s lives. And not just physically present – but emotionally, communicatively, and educationally too. While not every moment of our lives can be planned, adapting an Intentional Parenting style helps provide us with ways to bond with our children. Science has shown that when parents deliberately spend time with their children, it assists in future academic achievement, improved relationships, and greater emotional well-being. To children, love equals attention. With the world today being so distracting and parents being busier than ever, children seem to be missing out on the undivided attention that they need. We can’t give all of our attention, all of the time, to our kids. That would be impractical. However, this is where Intentional Parenting comes into play. It is a way to try and plan your life to fit in moments of attention. Whether it be a 10 minute cuddle in the morning before the rush starts, one-on-one story time in the evening or a walk around the block pointing out interesting things – it is these small moments that are not only doable, but will make all the difference in your relationship with your child. Another important aspect of Intentional Parenting is making teachable moments instead of letting them come by naturally. Schedule the time to teach your child to water plants, tie shoelaces, pack away toys, tummy time or help in the kitchen. Not only are you teaching them valuable skills, you will also be setting rules for them. When it comes to Intentional Parenting, setting rules and boundaries is not only about discipline but giving your children stable guidelines with which they can grow. Here are a few ideas on how you can introduce Intentional Parenting to your child’s life simply: Ages 0-4 Join a parenting and child class like Toptots [INSERT FIND A BRANCH LINK] Cuddle and sing songs Read a book Go for a walk Blow bubbles Play pretend games Water plants Ages 5-10 Join a parenting and child class like Toptots [INSERT FIND A BRANCH LINK] Play games Build with Legos or blocks Work on a puzzle Fly a kite Draw pictures outside with sidewalk chalk Throw/kick a ball Bake together

August 18, 2021

Things to look for when considering a school | ask the tough questions

While academics are often seen as the hallmark of any good school, a pupil will not achieve to his or her potential unless they are encouraged, believed-in and supported. At the outset, you should look for a school that will nurture and care for your child as a first priority, one that meets your child where they are at and encourages growth of their whole selves. A good school, a school worthy of your child will have teachers that go beyond the terms of a contact of employment. They will be women and men of character, who have empathy and a deep sense of commitment to the young people in their care. They should be people that take on the education of your child as something honourable, exciting and challenging, and will strive to give of their best in growing each and every student in their charge. Here is a simple tip: When scheduling a visit to a prospective school, ask when breaktimes are and plan your visit so that you have your feet on the ground at break. You can tell everything about a school from breaktimes: A snapshot of the sense of community; the way pupils engage with each other and their elders; and how happy, settled and included pupils are from how they act and behave when they are in the social times between lessons. Ask about the school’s support programme for the emotional wellbeing of the pupils. What systems do they have in place to provide for the pastoral care of the young people? Don’t ask about their Matric pass rate, but rather ask them about how they respond to a pupil who they see sitting alone at breaktime. Ask the Head taking the tour for a specific example of when he or she has made a decision that has put the wellbeing of a child as a matter of first priority. Put the Head on the spot. You need to know that the school you are handing your daughter or son to will look after your daughter or son. Ask the Head how they respond to teenagers who are programmed to challenge the system. Ask what they do specifically to ensure everyone feels welcome, everyone feels included, everyone feels supported and everyone feels deeply cared for. Most good schools will tell you about their academic performance and will showcase their top achievers and that is good. These pupils have done well. But what about the pupil who has improved their mark significantly and who has achieved a passing grade for the first time? What about the pupil who battles to make friends? What about the pupil who has a home life that is impossibly difficult? What about that precious child who just needs someone to believe in them? Ask the Head these questions because schools are not just about a few. They are about the many. Schools are so much more than places of academics and sport. They are places where learning happens and where lives are shaped and grown. They are places where untapped potential is tapped and where the individual within the group is seen and matters. Come and talk to us at HeronBridge about the care we will take of your daughter or son. Come and ask us these difficult questions and have a listen to how we approach education in a way that is creative, affirming and inclusive. Come and listen to what it is that we do that allows us to provide an education second to none. By Simon Crane | Deputy Head, HeronBridge College

August 17, 2021

Snack Like Little Superstars

The tiny tummies of busy little bodies mean that frequent eating is a must for babies and toddlers. Healthy snacks between main meals are a great way to help your little one reach their energy and nutrient needs each day, which is why we’ve come up with a range of fun and creative snack ideas to form part of your baby and toddler’s diet. Fruity Fiesta Quick, easy, and big on nutrients, fruit is nature’s original fast food. Fruits contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and fibre, highly nutritious for preventing illness and disease, and better overall health. Squish fruit purees for babies and age-appropriate soft whole fruits for toddlers are your number one snack option Apple Sandwiches: For older children, “sandwich” apple slices with nut butter or cream cheese. Apple Sauce Dip: Encourage toddlers to dip baby carrots into Squish 100% apple puree, or try any of their favourite Squish flavours. Berry and Cream Cheese Squares: As a snack, spread crème cheese on wholewheat bread and top with diced strawberries or raspberries. Cut into squares. Cinnamon Orange Slices: Slice oranges or cut into wedges and sprinkle with cinnamon. Fruit Kebabs: Skewer small diced fruit (e.g. apple chunks, banana, peach slices, berries, etc.) onto a kebab stick. Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon and dip into baby’s favourite Squish 100% fruit and veg puree. Fruit Popsicles: For a summer treat, blend fresh fruit of choice or with Squish Summer Berries fruit puree and some water. Freeze in lollipop molds. Legen-dairy Dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese pack a powerful punch as part of our children’s daily snack choices. In fact, studies have shown that yoghurt-loving children have healthier weights. It is generally advised that children stick to full cream dairy options because of their higher energy needs. Squish has a new range of 100% fruit and veg purees: Apple, Sweet Potato & Sweet Corn or Pear, Mango & yoghurt and Sweet Potato, Apple & Cinnamon. Perfect for a meal or a snack anywhere, at home or on the go. Free from preservatives, colourants and flavourings, and with 8 tasty options to choose from, you can rest assured you are giving your baby or toddler a filling meal or snack that they are bound to enjoy. Here are some ideas on how to add dairy as a snack to your child’s diet: Smoothies: Blend fruit with Squish fruit and veg purees with yoghurt to make interesting smoothies, such as banana and dates, or berries and beetroot. Thin with milk to serve as smoothies for toddlers or keep thicker to spoon feed to younger babies. Cracking Crackers: Spread cream cheese or cottage cheese on wholewheat crackers Frozen Yoghurt: Freeze Squish fruit and veg purees with yoghurt for a chilled snack on a hot summer’s day, with or without blended fruit. Also the perfect way to ease sore gums when your baby is teething. Egg-cellent Eggs No food is as versatile as the humble egg. An American study reported that early introduction of eggs to a child’s diet can significantly improve their growth. This is because eggs are high in good quality protein, with 7g of protein per egg containing all the essential amino acids the body needs for good health at all ages. Eggs also contain nutrients like vitamin B12, biotin, selenium and manganese, and a source of vitamin D and iodine. If you’re worried about introducing potential food allergens to your child, consult with a paediatric healthcare professional for more advice. Scrambled Egg: For younger babies, keep it soft, simple and scramble an egg with pureed veg like butternut, carrot, sweet potato, or gem squash as a snack. Try adding a few spoonfuls of baby’s favourite Squish veg puree, a clever way to incorporate veg into baby’s diet! Egg Muffins: Egg muffins are a winner as a finger food for older babies and toddlers. Scramble a few eggs with a good portion of small diced veg, like carrots, baby marrows, spinach, red onion, mushrooms, and the like. Pour into a greased muffin pan and bake until set at 180C for about 10 – 15 minutes. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. French Toast Fingers: Scramble one egg with a dash of milk, vanilla essence, and cinnamon. Dip one slice of wholewheat bread and fry up in a hot pan. Sliced into smaller pieces or fingers, this is a good snack idea for toddlers for hand-eye coordination. In these financially challenging times, eggs offer a cost-effective meal or snack option with excellent nutritional value for your money Fabulous Fats Healthy fats like avocado, olives, nuts (if your child is not allergic), and their oil contain more energy than carbohydrates and protein, helping our busy little bodies meet their growing needs. Healthy fats provided by foods such as avos, olives, nuts and nut betters help keep the immune system strong and provide essential fatty acids for healthy eyes and brain development. Nut Butter Fingers assuming no nut allergies: For older babies and toddlers, spread some sugar-free nut butter (e.g. peanut, macadamia, almond, etc.) on wholewheat toast. Slice into fingers and serve. Chocolate Pudding: Blend together 1 banana, ½ avocado and 1 tsp cocoa powder. Avo Cream Cheese: Blend together 1 avocado and 1 tub of cream cheese. Serve as is to younger babies or as a spread on wholewheat toast or high fibre crackers for toddlers. Since fats are high in energy, drizzling olive oil or avocado oil over meals is a good way to help smaller babies and toddlers who need to pick up some weight. For a convenient and tasty meal or on-the-go snack, why not try Squish 100% fruit and veg puree and Squish pressed 100% fruit and veg juices? Squish offers a range of 100% fruit and veg purees and pressed 100% fruit and veg juices. The convenient pouches are well-loved amongst mommies and are perfect for babies from the first introduction of solids, right through the weaning process – from

August 17, 2021

Tips to help your baby sleep better

“Sleep is an essential part of how the human body operates, and it’s just as necessary for babies as it is for adults,” says Dr Iqbal Karbanee, paediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ BabyLine, a trusted telephonic medical advice service for the first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to birth and beyond. “However, what moms and dads ideally want is for their baby’s sleep pattern to suit the family’s routine.” Below Dr Karbanee discusses the key building blocks, and shares tips to ensure that babies – and their parents – get the rest they need. About babies and sleep Until the age of three years, children spend more time asleep than awake. A child of five needs 11 to 12 hours of sleep at night. A baby that is healthy and growing will be ready to sleep through the night from about 6 months of age, although some may still need an early morning feed until the age of 9 months. Newborn sleep however is very different to that of older babies. Before 14 weeks, newborns have not yet learnt to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Is a medical reason keeping your baby awake? There may be an underlying medical reason like reflux, abdominal cramps, colic, or teething that prevent a baby from sleeping. Abdominal pain and colic may cause a baby to become restless later in the day, and parents should try introducing probiotic drops to assist the gut. They should also book a feeding assessment at a clinic. It may comfort parents to know that colic generally peaks at about 2-3 months, and then starts subsiding by 16 weeks. From the age of 4 months, teething is one of the most common reasons why babies don’t sleep. A baby that tugs at its ears is a teething giveaway. There are a variety of teething powders and gels available on the shelves, but the most effective pain relief for babies who are otherwise healthy is paediatric paracetamol syrup. If a baby shows signs of fever or other symptoms, it’s important to see a GP or paediatrician to rule out other medical causes. It is only from 12 to 16 weeks that a baby’s sleep cycle or circadian rhythm starts forming and they can start falling asleep on their own. This is the time at which sleep training can start to be introduced. Full tummies lead to sleepy eyes Nutrition is a critical building block for good sleep. From 6 months of age a baby’s iron reserves start depleting, which is why it’s important to slowly start introducing solids into the diet, although milk should remain the primary nutrient source until 12 months. A sufficient dietary supply of iron is essential for growth and development. A new-born’s sleep pattern is partly regulated by hunger, so if a baby is feeding well and has no other medical issues, they should be sleeping well too. An environment that supports sound sleep The next building block for good sleep is their environment. All a baby needs in its cot is a proper fitted mattress and a fitted sheet. All other loose blankets, toys and that may cause distraction should also be removed. Babies have a high metabolic rate so they don’t feel the cold the way adults do. A suitable room temperature is 21°C, and if the temperature goes above 26°C you may want to use a cooling fan. The room should be as dark as possible at night. Keeping the room dark in the day is not recommended. A night light is not necessary – babies have not yet learned to be afraid of the dark. A routine that builds good sleep habits Babies and children that struggle to fall asleep are often overstimulated and over-tired. A three-month old baby should only have 1.5 hours of awake time, a six-month old can stay awake for 2.5 hours, and a 10-month old can manage 3.5 hours before they start getting into a state of agitation and need a nap. For babies over four months of age, a sleep-feed-play cycle, where a child feeds as soon as they wake up, can be introduced. Play time after feeding helps the baby relieve gas and be more comfortable for its next nap. Establishing a bedtime routine is also an important step in preparing children for sleep as they have no concept of time, but they will learn that sleep happens after bath and story time in the evenings. Dr Karbanee says parents must remember that it will take two to three days before a baby starts responding to new changes. “Parents must understand that incremental change works best,” he concludes.

August 16, 2021

School for Real Life

Independent learning creates independent learners. Most of us have been raised in a traditional school system, where our learning was mainly from textbooks, workbooks, and the blackboard. We were bored and unmotivated most of the time, we wished we didn’t have to be stuck in the classroom listening to one person tell us about subjects chosen for us by educators in an era gone by. Most of us have lived full, successful lives without needing to know much of the information that we were forced to memorise and regurgitate in school. We are beginning to realise that that there are more fun, effective and creative ways for children to learn. Researchers are still studying how children learn best and about the problems they encounter in the school system but teaching children in traditional schools, is like learning about polar bears in a zoo…there is no room to navigate one’s preferred style of learning. After all, a child standing at the check-out counter with a ten Rand note in her hand will be far more motivated to do the maths calculation than one sitting at a desk with a workbook, and this applies to many other skills taught in school. Not only do children become independent thinkers and self-managed students but the environment of homeschooling promotes family bonding and improves learning outcomes. Attending school, in general, weakens the relationship between parents and children, as family groups are not together for most of the day and parents are always struggling to keep up to date and be involved in what their children are learning about. Each child is unique and each child has different talents, abilities, and emotional needs at different ages and stages, this would suggest that any form of education that is designed for the masses cannot be in a particular child’s best interests. Since every child is one-of-a-kind, you need to understand their history, their physical, emotional and mental health, their developmental milestones, their talents, interests, and potential as well as other intimate family information. This personal information should be used to tailor-make the child’s education to suit him or her, education needs to be flexible. The school system can never provide this kind of customised education. Home education can! The school system fails learners in many ways – by focusing on policies, procedures, administrators, teachers, and controlling large groups of children, the needs of the individual child are overridden by the needs of the system. One of the goals of home education is to raise humans who will become self-disciplined and take responsibility for their own education and their own lives. Students can take ownership of their education and do what they need to do for their own reasons, not to conform to the requirements of a teacher or a school system. Home education means parents and their children can choose which learning materials they wish to use. They can study topics that interest them and use materials that are not in conflict with their values and beliefs. This allows for greater freedom and diversity, rather than a one-size-fits-all ideology. The school system forces children into age-segregated classrooms to facilitate mass-delivery of the learning material. Classroom interactions are limited to one age group, which is a false environment in which to learn social skills. As adults, we live in a multi-age community so while learning at home siblings of varying ages can enjoy building relationships and sharing their learning experiences. It is a big decision to abandon the traditional school system and take on home education, but if the school system is failing your child and you identify that the future is changing every moment why not embrace a pro-active, forward-thinking solution to the education of your child. The future needs rule-breakers and creative innovators, not robots with linear thinking. Enrol them in a schooling method that prepares them for real life.

August 16, 2021

Your children with disabilities want to do it themselves!

From my 20 years of professional experience and a lifetime of personal experience with disability I can honestly say that helping your children with disabilities to learn and participate in activities of daily living is probably one of the most important things you will ever do for yourself and for them. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are essential and routine self-care activities that most young individuals can perform without assistance. The concept was originally proposed in the 1950s by Sidney Katz and his team at the Benjamin Rose Hospital in Ohio. Healthcare and educational professionals often use a person’s ability or inability to perform ADLs as an indication of their functionality, particularly in regard to people with disabilities. A person’s ability to safely care for themselves will significantly impact on their quality of life, will set the stage for future performance in school, work and independent living, and determine their need for different levels of care and support in adulthood. Most people engage in daily tasks, almost automatically with little thought. But for individuals with mental and physical impairments, these essential daily living skills can present barriers to leading a happy, healthy, fulfilling life. Types of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) ADLs are skills needed to manage one’s basic physical needs, as well as more complex activities associated with living independently in the community. They include a person’s ability to: Move around independently. Use the toilet independently. Feed oneself. Bathe / shower and groom oneself.Drive or organize alternative means of transport to get around. Shop for groceries and other items like clothing. Prepare meals. Pay expenses, use a banking service and manage money. Clean a home, do laundry and basic home maintenance. Communicate using technology. Obtain medication and take as prescribed. Do you do too much for your child? When children are young parents intuitively take over the executive functioning role of their child’s brain. They make important decisions for their children, organize their lives, and create structure and routines. Most of the time, the responsibility for these processes moves from the parent to the child as they get older. This is an important part of a child’s development, and a clear indication of this is when children start saying ‘I want to do it myself!’ But what about children who have barriers to learning or disabilities? In these children their executive functioning skills are often compromised, negatively affecting their ability to naturally learn important life skills. These children will need more help and support to participate in ADLs and become more independent. This can be an emotionally taxing and time-consuming burden for parents and becomes a dysfunctional habit which disempowers children and increases stress, burnout, and resentment for parents. Why parents do too much for their children Parents tend to be more protective of children with disabilities, believing that their children won’t manage these responsibilities. Some parents feel sorry for their children with disabilities and believe they shouldn’t have more responsibilities when they already find many aspects of life challenging. It takes a lot of time, energy, and patience to teach children with disabilities to be more independent. Parents struggle to set aside time for this with the demands of work, running a household and caring for other siblings. Many parents believe their children with disabilities will learn daily living skills naturally when they are older and that there is no reason to start earlier. Children are very aware that parents or the helper manage these tasks at home, unfortunately creating the perception amongst children that they will never have to do these tasks themselves. Benefits of teaching your children daily living skills The benefits of teaching your children ADLs are endless, and although the choice to do this could be perceived as the more difficult option, it certainly results in long term advantages for both parents and their children. Increased independence. Improved confidence and self-esteem. A sense of purpose. Reduces the burden on parents. Teaches responsibility and perseverance which are critical life skills. Improves a child’s chances of being a more independent adult. Builds an understanding of following structured activities which is vital for entry into the workplace. Introduces the concept of being rewarded for ‘work’ if incentives are used. How to teach daily living skills Teaching a child with a disability to be more independent will require some planning and different approaches to ensure a positive and successful experience. Do the tasks with your children. Children with disabilities learn and retain information better when the skill is demonstrated, and they can model someone else doing it. Step1: Let them watch you first while you explain what you are doing. Step 2: Allow them to try small parts of the task while you instruct, watch and guide. Step 3: Prompt them to explain to you what needs to be done, allow them to try on their own, observe, assist only if needed and give feedback. Step 4: Leave them to do the task on their own by following a checklist and give feedback once complete. Teach the task where it usually happens – if you are teaching your child to use an ATM do so at a real ATM so that learning is more tangible. Break the task down into simple steps. This helps explain the correct sequence of events so that children know where to start and what comes next. Use visual reminders – checklists, a photo sequence, rosters, and videos. Visual tools work best for children with disabilities and should be exciting to look at, visible, accessible, and linked to a child’s interests where possible. Explore using assistive devices and technology that make elements of the task easier to manage such as alarms, reminders, and adapted / assistive tools. Advances in technology and creative tools can make the impossible possible. Continuously praise and reward. Positive reinforcement is so important for children, it encourages them to keep trying and helps them to believe in their abilities. Use star charts or a points system and link achievements to

August 12, 2021

Chicco Oasys Group 2-3 FixPlus Car seat

Did you know that every child under 1.5m tall (between 10 and 12 years old) needs some form of support to survive a crash? It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? This means that your little one will need to travel in a car seat until they are 12 years old in order to be fully safe should the unthinkable happen. WHAT SEAT DO I USE ONCE MY BABY HAS OUTGROWN THEIR GROUP 0/1 SEAT? The Chicco Oasys 2-3 Evo FixPlus is a car safety seat that grows with your child and it now features a new level of safety – the new Safe Pad. This makes this seat the perfect seat to transition to once your little one hits the scale at 15kg (around 3 years of age) to 36kg (around 12 years of age). Installation of this seat can be completed in a few easy steps either by using the vehicles own 3-point belt or by attaching the rigid FixPlus to the Isofix-points. No matter how fast your little one grows, the Oasys 2-3 Fixplus Evo car seat always adapts perfectly to your child’s body size, as both height and width can be adjusted independently of each other by using a convenient rotary wheel. At the touch of a button, you can adjust the backrest and seat surface in four different levels until a comfortable position for your little one is created. The integrated cup holder keeps refreshing beverages safe and easy to reach – because juice and snacks are what gets us though those long trips, right folks? Just in case your little crumb-snatcher spills something by accident, you can easily remove and wash the easy-to-clean cover – winning! From only R4499.99, you can rest easy knowing your little one is safe and sound in the Chicco Oasys Group 2-3 FixPlus car seat! For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

August 12, 2021

Should My Child Learn a Second Language and When?

One of the magical things about children is their incredible ability to learn without even trying! There reaches an age where suddenly it seems you may have done the most minuscule thing and notice your child has picked this up. The same can be said for children and languages! So, just why are children so good at learning? The main attribute to this is a child’s neuroplasticity – more specifically – the brain being malleable! Although neuroplasticity can occur throughout our lives, children naturally have the most plasticity due to all the neurons making and forming new connections and thus being able to make those connections and stores in the brain much simpler than perhaps an individual over 25. What this malleability allows is for children to basically have an unlimited hard drive with almost very little effort (an ability we all wish we could keep into our adulthood!) The most rapid time for learning is from 2 years until around 10 years old (that is not to say that the brain stops being neuroplastic, just that it is less likely for you to create new connections organically without you focussing on this). It is during these sweet years that once a skill or ability is learned, the brain is able to remember it well into adulthood, easily pick up the skill again, easily grasp similar concepts and the like as the brain has already experienced this skill and more importantly, made the neural links to tap into when necessary. How does learning multiple languages work in children? There is a myth that learning multiple languages at a very young age causes confusion in a child. This is not so. A child can develop and learn multiple languages (and we really mean multiple – this is not restricted to one or two languages) simultaneously whilst growing up – and often leads to greater ability to codeswitch (the ability to switch between speaking one language and another language interchangeably). Why is this? As a child – when we are learning multiple languages – we learn it at the most fundamental basic level – which is by NOT having the ability to translate from a home language. This means – when speaking, a child does not need to first decide which language they want to respond in, and then translate from their home language, because they do not have one yet! They are developing crucial neural links without needing to draw from a reference, that being their home language! The key to teaching children languages is repetition in the target language as often as possible. Why is it better to learn a language as a child vs. as an adult? This is not to say that it is impossible for adults to learn a second language – it most definitely is! But it is unarguable that children are able to pick it up easier. Why is this? It can be attributed to 2 factors. The first was touched on above, as a child – everything we learn is new – that is the foundation of our experience and learning – so those make up our fundamental references – and if you do not have any references, you have to form a new one in order to learn that concept. Conversely to adults – we already speak a language fluently. Our thoughts and words are moulded by that language. So when we are learning a new language – we immediately want to make it relatable by knowing the translations of words. We don’t learn a word as a definition, we learn a word as reference to the word we already know in our language. This will lead us to need to translate in order to speak a second language vs. a child learning naturally and fluidly the definitions of multiple words in multiple languages without the need to translate. The second reason goes back to neuroplasticity. As an adult, although we still have some neuroplasticity, it is not as malleable and extreme as that of children. Our neural networks are pretty much formed and unless we really focus and study that topic, turning new knowledge into long term memory can be difficult. More interestingly, the language centre in our brain decides “ok – this is what we need to know for this language!” when we start learning a new language as an adult, our brain needs to decide where to store this information (our hard drive is no longer unlimited!) and will then decide that the place where the new neural connections will be made will be in the already existing language centre. Effectively, deleting some words that we may have previously known to make space for the new language. This is why most people who become fluent in a second language as an adult, may suddenly find they forget something in their home language that previously they knew. In children, this is not so! That neuroplasticity is so ready – that when the information is coming into our brains for language – the language centre then MOULDS to the number of languages that the child is learning – so instead of forgetting some things in a home language – a child is actually able to store up to double without it affecting either language conversely! Further to this – the brain at a young age is able to say “hey! There are different languages out there – maybe we should keep some neurons available if we ever encounter more” and thus bilingual children are able to learn a new language even as adults. What age should I start teaching my child? The simple answer is – from birth! As parents we mould our children’s experiences and starting to speak in multiple languages from as young as possible will only allow that malleability to really excel and grow. For formal lessons, here at Fluent Panda Language School, we recommend putting children in our kids classes from as young as 4 years old.

August 11, 2021

Hey moms and dads, did you know…?

85 percent of a child’s brain development has already taken place by the age of six. Children who participate in quality pre-school education reach higher levels of education, are less likely to drop out of school, and have lower chances of needing learner support later on in their school careers. Children aged three to five are in the crucial stages of developing self-regulation; learning how to focus, wait, and control their impulses. While these skills are built on into adolescence, the critical building blocks are formed during their early years. Children form attachment styles between the ages of two and three. This means that children need a safe and caring environment to learn how to interact and behave around others, paving the way for relational attachments later in life. During the early years of life, children have a natural curiosity to explore the world around them. Through play, they participate in nature’s way of learning, picking up on cues and experiences in their everyday. While children will continue to learn naturally, introducing young children to organised instruction outside of their family context supports their ability to learn both soft and hard skills. In a loving, creative and intentional environment, children are given more opportunities to develop their cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills which lays a solid foundation for future learning and school readiness. Enrolling your child into pre-school can be a big decision, but starting early helps your child to “learn how to learn” as they spend time in the classroom and on the playground, learning from their peers, their teachers, and their own experiences. A good-quality pre-school that allows for all the above to happen is one that puts the social and emotional wellbeing of a child at the forefront, includes perceptual motor development, a rich language environment and activities that stimulate cognitive development. At HeronBridge Pre-Preparatory, we provide a happy, safe and encouraging space for children, aged two to six, to grow and develop. All of our teachers are specialists in Early Childhood Development which means that while children spend the day “playing” their activities are specifically designed to facilitate learning in a way that is relevant and age-appropriate to each child. To find out more about HeronBridge, and why we believe in laying a solid foundation for learning through Pre-Prep education, visit our website www.heronbridge.co.za or book a tour on 079 508 7436.

August 10, 2021

The app that alerts parents of harmful online interactions gets an upgrade

FYI play it safe has announced an update to their app, which alerts parents about their children’s online conversations and searches when the app detects potentially harmful events. These events include potential signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicide or when children engage in adult content. South African based, FYI play it safe empowers parents with valuable detailed information, which enables them to reach out to their children and speak about the danger they might be in. Additionally, parents are presented with an overview of their child’s online activities. “In the latest release of FYI play it safe, we have the ability to update our monitoring software within minutes of any new apps being released, which may attract the attention of our tweens and teenagers,” said Rachelle Best, CEO and Founder of FYI play it safe. “In this release, we now distinguish between priority applications, which we monitor more closely and “blacklisted” applications we believe pose an even bigger risk to children. The first category includes the use of chat apps, social media accounts or internet browsers, where we will zoom into the details of what is being said and commented on. In the second category, we believe that parents should know when their children engage with the app, regardless of the content. Typical examples of these are where children use anonymous chat apps, talking to strangers or apps which can expose them to adult and inappropriate content,” continued Best. Privacy is top priority and the relevant measures have been put in place for both parents and their children who subscribe to the app. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather a complimentary layer of added security for parents of children between the ages of 8 and 16. “While tweens and teenagers are focused on having fun and meeting new friends online, parents need to balance the tension between respecting their children’s privacy and navigating the risks presented by social media platforms, gaming and anonymous chat rooms plus search engine content.” concluded Best. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process.

August 10, 2021

First Finger Foods Fun Time

The World Health Organization recommends that infants are introduced to solid foods from 6 months, in combination with milk feeds, to help meet their changing nutritional requirements. Soon thereafter, your baby will be eating pureed solids like a pro. And just like your baby progressed from rolling to sitting to crawling and standing, a similar yet less obvious developmental progress also occurs in the mouth as little mouths, often toothless, work out the munching movements needed for more challenging textures of the next exciting feeding journey: finger foods. When is my baby ready for finger foods? Did your 8-month-old just launch for your dinner plate? While then it is time to shake things up with finger foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting finger foods when a child can sit up without support and bring their hands or other objects to the mouth. These foods should be soft, easy to swallow and cut into small pieces. Some babies may have teeth at this point, some not. Either way, you can still introduce finger foods. You will be surprised at how powerful those little gums chomp away at more solid and textured foods. Watch out for foods that are too small or large as this could cause a choking hazard. Why must I start finger foods? Introducing your baby to a variety of foods is important not only for exposure to various tastes and textures but also to encourage adventurous eaters to learn to eat on their own and to master the art of grasping food and objects, which is especially important for a baby’s brain and eye development and coordination. Finger foods are not only important developmentally, but also a useful reminder to recognize a baby’s hunger and fullness cues. Your child may be hungry if he or she: Puts hands to mouth Turns head towards mom’s breast or reaches for a bottle Puckers, smacks or licks lips Has clenched hands Which foods are good finger foods? Finger foods should be small, bite-sized, and easy to dissolve in your baby’s mouth. Continue to be wary of foods that pose a choking risk, such as foods that are hard (firm pieces of meat, hard blocks of cheese, raw vegetables, hard candy, nuts), round (whole grapes and olives), chewy (gummy sweets) or sticky (peanut butter). This is a great time to make the most of your baby’s enthusiasm for food and offer up a variety of healthy foods with fun flavours and different textures, such as: Rice cakes or crackerbreads, broken into smaller pieces dipped in any of the delicious Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees Soft fruit like raspberries or blueberries, cut in half, or chunks of banana perfect for dipping into som Squish Pear, Mango and Yoghurt Diced or sliced avocado Small blocks of soft cheese like cream cheese Scrambled eggs Omelette, made with some mozzarella cheese and soft veggies like spinach, mushrooms and onion, cut into blocks Well-cooked, soft peas, fresh or frozen Small pieces of broccoli florets, steamed until soft Small pieces of cubed butternut pumpkin, potatoes, or sweet potatoes, steamed until soft Small pasta shapes like tubes or shells mixed with their favourite flavour of Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree Finely shredded chicken with a side serving of Squish Sweet Potato, Apple and Cinnamon Puree Grated cheese Small pieces of a healthy treat, like homemade bran muffin or blueberry pancake with a side serving of Squish Summer Berries Puree Steamed and flaked fish High fibre grains like wholewheat couscous, quinoa, or bulgur wheat, cooked until soft and mixed with avocado or cream cheese For a convenient and on-the-go snack, why not try Squish? Squish offers a range of 100% fruit and veg purees and pressed 100% fruit and veg juices. The convenient pouches are well-loved amongst mommies and are perfect for babies from the first introduction of solids, right through the weaning process – from babies to toddlers and beyond. When feeding your child finger foods, why not offer them a side dish of Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree and allow them to dip their bread, vegetables, crudites or fruit into it. How do I offer up finger foods? Start with longer, finger-like pieces of foods which are easier to pick up. As your baby masters the art of picking up food with the pincer grip, progress to smaller pieces. The Baby’s tongue is also a powerful muscle in the chewing process. The key is to make sure that the foods are soft enough for them to chew and the pieces are an appropriate size. At this stage, babies may still not be able to fully feed themselves to meet their high energy and nutrient needs. For this reason, it is important to continue to offer spoon-fed meals, adjusting consistencies from puree to lumpy to match the baby’s new-found finger food skills. Offer up finger foods in addition to these meals, possibly at one or two snack opportunities a day. It is a good idea to not place out too many pieces at once as overeager little fingers may try to eat all the finger food pieces at once. And just like with the first solid foods, your baby will not be a fan of all finger foods. It may take several attempts so practice patience and enjoy these fun times on the next part of your feeding journey.

August 10, 2021

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