Advice from the experts
Nintendo

It’s all about control

As parents, we all want to protect our children. The question for many parents is how you can monitor what games your children are playing in order to avoid exposing them to content you might deem unsuitable depending on their age. Luckily, most consoles have some kind of parental control system in place, and the Nintendo Switch is no different. The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls supports a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience So what kind of functionality can you restrict with the parental controls and how do you do this?  To begin with, there are the obvious reasons – you think some of the games on your console, which might be appropriate for you as their parent, are just too violent or with too many adult themes for children to understand. You might want to restrict what your children can buy on the eShop, which is likely loaded with your credit card details. Or perhaps you might want to restrict the amount of online time your child has every day.  There are a number of ways you can do this – either directly on the console, or via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, which you can link to your Nintendo account (which you will need in order to be able use this feature). The app also offers a few more features if you’re looking for additional levels of control.  On the console itself you go into System Settings, and scroll down to Parental Controls, which will encourage you to download the app. You’re not required to do this but it really is the more comprehensive and the easier option, especially if you have kids who might be able to circumnavigate the parental settings.  You can set the age level of your child in order to be able to control what kind of age-appropriate content they’re exposed to, select the rating board of the country in which you reside, disable voice communication so your child can’t speak to others online, and disable VR controls which is recommended for children under the age of seven.  Make sure you choose a PIN that your child isn’t likely to be able to guess!  Setting up the controls on the app is likewise very easy. You’ll need to sign into your Nintendo account, and once you’ve linked your Switch to the app via a registration code (remember where I told you it would tell you to download the app earlier?), and now you’re ready to set up things like daily play limits. You’ll be asked to enable push notifications so you can monitor your kids’ activity.  If you want to restrict access to the Nintendo eShop, there are a separate set of restrictions for those as well which will ensure your child doesn’t make unauthorised purchases, whether those are games or add-ons you might not want your child spending your money on!  Ultimately you can remove the parental controls as well if you feel you no longer need to monitor your child’s activity – for whatever reason – but it’s comforting to know that Nintendo is equally as invested in protecting your child as you are. Feel free to read more about how Nintendo is supporting a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience here. By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf on Nintendo Distributor SA

RediscoverDairy

Why sMOOthies can make your breakfast seamless

About one in three people tend to skip breakfast. Breakfast is undeniably one of the most important meals of the day and smoothies are a quick and easy way to provide you with all the important nutrients you need to start your day. Why smoothies for breakfast? They can be prepared with as little as three simple, nutritious ingredients that are part of a healthy eating pattern. MILK contains a powerful combination of 9 important nutrients, such as high quality protein, calcium, potassium, vitamins A, B12 and B2, as well as magnesium, phosphate and zinc. Milk is a versatile ingredient, because in a single product you get a variety of nutrients, that are easily absorbed and ready to be used. YOGHURT, like milk, is a source of high quality protein, which helps to keep you satisfied and at the same time builds and maintains your muscles. Yogurt is a fermented dairy product that is a vehicle  of friendly bacteria and contributes to good intestinal health. These friendly bacteria are used during the manufacturing process to acidify the milk. Similar bacteria also occur naturally in the human digestive system to ensure that nutrients are absorbed efficiently from food. By eating yogurt, you help maintain the bacterial population in your intestinal tract so that you can get the best possible nutritional value from food. FRUIT is packed with important nutrients, which complement milk and yogurt. It is a rich source of folic acid, vitamin C and fiber. Together with milk and yoghurt, it makes a perfect combination for your smoothie. You can also add nuts, seeds, peanut butter, vegetables or oatmeal for texture and flavor. Smoothies are so easy to make! Try this delicious Peanutbutter Whip With Apples smoothie created by the team at Rediscover Dairy. Make it at home with a regular whisk or in a food processor. You can make it in advance and freeze it and then use it to keep your lunch box cool. It is advisable to use plain, unflavoured yoghurt because in this way you can limit unnecessary sugar. Milk and yoghurt are also available in different options. From full-cream, low-fat, medium-fat to fat-free milk which means there is an option for everyone. Alternate the type of fruit and vegetables you add to ensure variety and to give it a new, interesting flavor every day. Smoothies are a quick, easy and “trendy” breakfast option, packed with nutrients. They are a delicious, easy grab-and-go meal. Make sure you give your body the support and nutrients it needs. Try to include 2-3 servings of milk and dairy in your diet daily. Milk and dairy are good for the whole family – young and old! For more dairy tips and recipes visit the Rediscover Dairy Facebook page.

Parenting Hub

How to cope with school closures amidst the third wave

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues its upward trend, more stringent lockdown regulations could follow, including the closure of schools and a return to more regular remote learning.  Several schools have already taken the step to start closing partially or fully amid community or localised outbreaks. In addition, many parents may be taking their children out of school in a bid to protect themselves. For many parents, especially homeschoolers, this is familiar territory by now, but for others, they may need some extra advice on how to cope with learning at home. We look at five tips on how to cope with school closures.   Talk about the current situation Firstly, have a conversation with your children to make sure that they are calm and understand what is going on regarding the current situation. By now, many children may have a better grip of this situation. However, it’s still important to try to reduce any possible anxiety while also communicating that learning will now occur at home for the next few weeks. Also read: How to help a child struggling with (coronavirus) anxiety  Supplement learning with e-learning  If your child’s school has handed out learning packs, make sure you have them on hand. If possible, look through the lesson material and search the internet to see if there are ways to supplement the learning topics with e-learning.  There are many providers out there who offer free e-books. One local South African example is this e-book library from Optimi Classroom, which consists of 45 000 free e-books Stay organised Being organised is critical. Make a schedule that you and your children agree to and stick to it. You don’t have to follow a strict timetable to complete academic work throughout this period, but having a plan does help.  If you need assistance with setting up a timetable, we have put together this simple daily schedule to guide you and your children with staying on track during school closures.  Bear in mind that you might not be able to stick to a timetable if someone in your household is sick, needs to return to work, or do other activities. Your child will then have to adapt the schedule and complete the academic work at another time. However, even loosely sticking to a timetable will help everyone know what is expected while ensuring that learning takes place. Also read: Ten tips to help you cope with school closures Exercise It’s also critical to ensure your children engage in physical activities such as playing in the garden or even going for walks. You can add playtime into your timetable as a reward for completing academic work.  Apart from this, you can also encourage your children to participate in hobbies or even certain extracurricular activities, where it is deemed safe from a social distancing perspective. Also read: Why exercise is important for good academic results Hire a tutor Finally, if you feel you need extra help and resources, look to credible homeschooling providers out there that follow the CAPS curriculum. Homeschooling providers, such as Impaq, can offer a structured approach to learning and guidance on what to teach and when. Learners can also continue their learning journey at home amidst school closures when registering with a home education provider. Plus, you do not have to do it alone. There are independent tutors across the country who can meet virtually to help guide you and your children during this time. Calling in a tutor is also a great option when you have children in multiple grades or at different levels; the tutor can work with one child while you help another. In addition, tutors are also a valuable resource for more challenging subjects, especially in the higher grades. by Louise Schoonwinkel, MD of Optimi Home

Parenting Hub

Father’s Day grooming gift ideas

Tired of gifting Dad new socks and hankies every Father’s Day? It’s time to switch it up. This year, we’re swapping out predictable accessories for great quality, trendy grooming products he’ll love. After all, dads need some TLC too! Here’s our guide to finding a fantastic Father’s Day gift. Up his scent game A new fragrance is always a winning gift. The key to choosing the perfect scent for Dad is to find the right balance between modern and classic: a fragrance that is fresh and on-trend, but one that he won’t grow tired of. Surprise him with one of Mercedes Benz’s newly-launched men’s fragrances.  For the sporty dad: Mercedes Benz for Men The Move (R1499 for 100ml). A dynamic scent filled with fragrant grapefruit, cardamom, apple blossom, geranium and wild tonka bean. For the sophisticated dad: Mercedes Benz for Men (R1595 for 120ml). A refined fragrance that marries citrus fruits, aquatic notes and woody accents, resulting in an innovative scent full of contrasts. For the bold dad: Mercedes Benz Man (R1595 for 100ml). Powerful, timeless and intense, this scent embodies masculine elegance. Fruity and woody, it has a luxurious composition and unique scent.  For the old school dad: Mercedes Benz Select (R1699 for 100ml). A classic scent that opens with a burst of fruity freshness, followed by aromatic heart and warm base notes. The perfect shave Whether Dad shaves, wears stubble, a beard or a moustache, he’s bound to need some shaving products to keep his facial hair (and skin!) healthy and soft. The Clubman 3-In-1 Trio (R399.95) contains everything a beardsman needs: a Beard Conditioner (combines a facial moisturizer and beard conditioner), Beard Balm (controls the beard without stiff paste or heavy wax) and Beard Oil (soothes dry skin, provides light shine and moisture). For dads who shave, a good quality shaving oil and aftershave gel is a good option. Shaving oils provide plenty of nourishment, plus, because they’re transparent on the skin, they make it easy to shape a beard or moustache. We recommend Clubman’s Shave Oil (R159.95) and Clubman Pinaud No Bumps Gel (R209.95), which can be used as a post-shave lotion to help prevent razor bumps and irritated skin. If Dad prefers a cream formula, he’ll love Cantu Men Smooth Shaving Cream (R97.00). It contains willow bark, caffeine, hemp seed oil and shea butter to prevent razor bumps, while tightening pores and moisturising skin.  Healthy skin Dads tend to avoid fuss – especially when it comes to skincare. But that doesn’t mean he can skimp on his skincare regime. A good quality cleanser, day cream and night cream will ensure his skin stays healthy, and he looks his best. We recommend choosing a brand that offers plenty of nourishment in minimal steps. ZERO Face Wash (R299.00) a truly 100% natural, vegan, plant-based cleanser that removes dirt and impurities from the skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight. Follow with ZERO Day Cream (R399.00) and Night Cream (R399.00) for hydrated, nourished and restored skin. Shop ZERO skincare products at a 30% discount at Foschini stores until the end of June – bonus!  A bright smile Does Dad love his coffee, tea or red wine? Gift him with high-performance oral care products to ensure his smile doesn’t lose its sparkle. White Glo Toothpaste Coffee & Tea Drinkers Formula (R65.99) is an extra-strength whitening toothpaste formulated with micro-wax to prevent staining caused by coffee and tea consumption on your teeth enamel. To remove stains, we recommend White Glo Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder (R159.99). Sweet mint-flavoured activated charcoal adsorbs superficial stains left on teeth by food, and beverages like tea, coffee, and wine. Complete Dad’s oral care stash with a mouthwash that eliminates bacteria, plaque and germs while whitening teeth and freshening breath. We recommend White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Mouthwash (R69.95). A healthy head of hair Whether Dad wears his hair short, long, messy or styled, he’ll appreciate hair care products to keep his hair soft and healthy.  Does Dad style his hair? Gatsby has a range of products available to help him get the desired look with ease. Gatsby British Layered Hard & Free Wax (R89.99) is ideal for short and medium length hair and helps create texture and movement. Gatsby Emo Tough Touch & Shine Wax (R89.99) gives you a hard setting with natural shine that is perfect for short or medium length hair. Gatsby Harajuka Volume Up Mat & Hard Wax (R89.99) is a waxy styling aid that helps you volume up to maximum effect.  Looking for an all-in-one shampoo Dad can use as a body wash too? Cantu Men 3 In 1 Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash (R139.99) deeply nourishes skin and hair with a combination of hemp seed and tea tree oil, shea butter, and caffeine. Together they prevent flaking caused by dryness, and encourage hair growth and perk up skin, leaving it visibly nourished and moisturised.  Is Dad’s hair in need of some extra care? Jamaican Mango & Lime Jamaican Black Castor Oil Original (R155.00) is an all-purpose soothing oil that can be used on skin and hair alike. Made with grounded Jamaican castor bean and boiled to perfection, it softens and moisturises hair and skin leaving it nourished and treated.

MiVoice

You wouldn’t work without an employment contract, so why should your domestic worker?

Did you know that, according to the Western Cape Department of Labour, less than half of South African households comply with the laws governing the employment of domestic workers? Because of this, many domestic workers are exploited by their employers. Newly launched local mobile app MiVoice aims to help break this cycle by managing domestic employee relationships and ensuring both parties legally comply with HR laws governing the employment of domestic workers. Hennie Heymans, CEO of StratPay, the company that developed the app, says that MiVoice was conceived in response to evidence that domestic employees are among the most vulnerable employees in SA. “The unfortunate consequences of COVID-19 led to approximately 250 000 local domestic workers losing their jobs and only 21 000 of them succeeded with UIF claims. This predicament created the opportunity for the company to use its intended mobile wallet to uplift this much-neglected sector of workers.” “Domestic employee relationships survive on the balance of many pillars, such as scope of work, remuneration, trust, payment on due date, legal requirements, compassion, financial, etc. But, until now, there has been no programme, no blueprint, no financial account and no effort to combine all of these and manage it on an equal footing for people who are sometimes closer than actual family,” says Heymans. In some dispute instances, the domestic employee is coached by a trade union official to convince the CCMA that the employer is a tyrant who has treated them unfairly, so employers also need to protect themselves, notes Heymans. He adds that, as the app evolved, it soon became clear it would add convenience as well as protection to domestic employers and employees alike. “The app has truly been designed to make managing household employees easier, better, safer and legally compliant, and we believe it will revolutionise domestic employment relationships in SA.” The world’s first fully mobile HR management app, MiVoice administers all employment-related tasks, including legal employment contracts, pay slips and UIF calculations, and offers smart time and task management features, household safety features and commuter accident insurance. Employers are also able to deposit wages into employees’ MiVoice zero-cost e-wallets, who can then make free transfers to bank accounts, make account payments and withdraw cash. The wallet also offers charge-free airtime, data and electricity purchases, and digital vouchers for selected retailers. MiVoice also offers insurance and personal protection services to employers at a premium, which is used to subsidise the transactional financial products made available free of charge in the hands of employees. So download MiVoice on the App Store or Google Play today and make the way you manage your household employees easier, better, safer and legally compliant. 

Parenting Hub

Fisher Price: Baby’s First Blocks & Rock-a-Stack™

Baby’s First Blocks Open a bucket of fun for your little one with Baby’s First Blocks. These chunky, colorful blocks help introduce colors and shapes as babies sort, stack and drop the blocks through the slots in the bucket lid.Open a bucket of fun for your little one with Baby’s First Blocks.… Open a bucket of fun for your little one with Baby’s First Blocks. These chunky, colorful blocks help introduce colors and shapes as babies sort, stack and drop the blocks through the slots in the bucket lid. 10 colorful blocks to sort, stack & drop All blocks fit inside bucket for storage Easy-carry handle for take-along play Introduces colors & shapes Rock-a-Stack The Fisher-Price® Rock-a-Stack® toy is classic, colorful fun for your little one! Younger babies will love grasping, holding, shaking and exploring the five colorful rings. The littlest ring has a shiny, reflective surface for baby to discover inside—with colorful… The Fisher-Price® Rock-a-Stack® toy is classic, colorful fun for your little one! Younger babies will love grasping, holding, shaking and exploring the five colorful rings. The littlest ring has a shiny, reflective surface for baby to discover inside—with colorful, swirling beads that make fun rattle sounds! When they’re ready to sit and stack, babies can place the rings on the post, then bat at the wobbly base to make it rock back and forth. Stacking helps them develop hand-eye coordination and introduces them to the concept of relative size as they learn to sort and stack from biggest to smallest! 5 colorful rings, perfect for grasping and stacking Bat-at rocker base Top ring has shiny surface with rattling beads inside Introduces babies to relative size and stacking Both are available to purchase from Takealot

Squish

What Your Toddler Wants You to Know About Their Eating Habits

As a first-time parent, you may have thought that the most challenging part of parenting would be the newborn stage. Little did you realize the trials you would face as you enter the toddler years. Little personalities coupled with big emotions and an inability to express themselves makes it feel like you are having a conversation in an exotic language. But while our toddlers may not be able to speak to us (yet), if we pay attention, they are particularly good at communicating, especially when it comes to their eating habits. As babies become toddlers the parenting role of nourishing growing tummies continues – it’s still about the need to provide tasty, healthy meals and snacks that are nourishing, filling and simple to get into little people. With growing appetites comes growing independence and it’s exciting and liberating when little people can eat and enjoy snacks and meals by themselves.  It is normal to be a picky eater It helps to know that you are not alone in the dinnertime struggles with your toddler. According to research, fussy eating is quite common in young children, peaking at 20 months and gradually fading away by 5 – 8 years of age. This frustrating toddler habit is also about the need to express their independence as they figure out this new and exciting world. Like all things, this too shall pass. Great news for parents of picky eaters, there is a new Squish 200ml 100% fruit and veg puree offering, available in 6 delicious flavours specially made for growing kids with growing appetites. The Squish purees are preservative-free, colourant free, flavourant free with no added starch and come in a convenient pouch, perfect for meal-times, snack-times or on-the-go. “My appetite is never the same” Your child may eat breakfast like a king yet they will barely taste their dinner. It is very normal for your toddler’s appetite to change from day to day, and even from meal to meal. Every toddler is different. Some wake up very hungry to eat a lot at breakfast, while others have bigger appetites at dinner when eating with the family. Teething babies and toddlers are often not extremely interested in food, while growth spurts may mean you cannot keep up with what is on offer. Be guided by the interest your toddler expresses in food rather than assuming they will eat the same amount at each mealtime. “I’ll tell you when I am full” Babies and toddlers are particularly good at listening to their bodies and eating when hungry and stopping when full, unlike adults. Pay attention and you will quickly learn when your little one has had enough to eat. The pace of eating slows down and your toddler will purse their lips closed. They may turn their head in defiance, push food away, and even throw the food to the floor. If you don’t notice these initial signs, your toddler might get rather irritable and demand to leave the dinner table or exit the feeding chair. “Please can I feed myself” With good intentions, many parents will feed their toddlers at mealtimes. However, stepping back and letting your toddler feed themselves is a vital part of their development. The practice of self-feeding stimulates hand-eye coordination and is also important to encourage them to learn to listen to their fullness cues. From about 8 – 9 months you can start offering your baby age-appropriate finger foods like scrambled egg, small soft chunks of butternut, or grated cheese, and toddler-friendly utensils can be used from 15 – 18 months. If you are nervous, serve some meals that allow your toddler to eat on their own and others that you guide.

Syllabis Learning

30 Brilliant Reasons to Homeschool!

Thinking about homeschooling your kids? Or perhaps you have already made the decision to homeschool? This could be due to various reasons, some of which may include wanting to remove your kids from a negative school environment, to protect them from bullying or giving them the freedom to learn in a progressive way that may be more appropriate for them. An environment where creativity is nurtured and celebrated, a method of schooling that better prepares your child for his or her future. Here are 30 reasons you should consider homeschooling your child: Your child can learn at his or her own pace. Your child can create their own curriculum. Your child can learn a wider variety of subjects. Learning can happen anywhere and at any time. When they are done work for the day, they have free time to focus on things they enjoy. Your child will learn valuable life skills. Your child’s creativity can be nurtured and celebrated. Your child’s work is not done for mastery, not for a grade. It is easier to accommodate your child’s specific learning needs. Your child can learn in the way that suits them best. Your child won’t fall through the cracks. There will be less peer pressure to deal with. Children learn to challenge assumptions and think for themselves. Your kids will have more time to play. Homeschooled kids grow to become independent thinkers. You can limit the opportunity for your child to be bullied. You can ‘shelter’ your child from negative influences like drugs and sex for longer or until they are older and can handle things better. Your kids can relax and be themselves and be free of the pressure to conform to the masses. Children become empowered when their ideas are heard and validated. Family bonds become stronger as your family will spend more time together. Kids are able to learn in a safe and supported environment. School can be taken outside, or anywhere for that matter. Kids are more confident. Kids learn time management skills, a valuable skill to have. Your child will not have to wait for everyone to reach the same level before moving on. Children get to be themselves. Kids get to learn for the sake of learning – not to pass a test or mark a box on a list of set standards. Greater opportunities for kids to focus on hobbies. Kids can work with fewer distractions than there are in typical classroom settings. Your child will be able to set their own schedule as they get older. These are only a few of the amazing advantages to homeschooling, Syllabis Learning can help you achieve all of the above and more with our integrated and independent learning curriculum. Make the decision to give your child the best in education.

Nintendo

Losing weight and getting fit with a video game!

Exercise and video games seem a bit odd at first glance. Sitting on your couch with a controller or a handheld device doesn’t seem like the best way to get up and active. Over the years there have been a few games and consoles focused on getting its players up and moving, to varying degrees of success. For the current generation however, one of these is a game I was at first a bit skeptical about – Ring Fit Adventure.  At first glance I figured it was like every other gimmicky peripheral, but if you’re looking for something to get both you and your kids off the couch and moving about, then this might be what you’re looking for.  It’s not a straight exercise game, unlike some other releases in the market, but rather the entire premise is set in a hero ‘saves the world’ narrative, by completing challenges and – you guessed it – exercising while doing it.  It comes with the gaming equivalent of a Pilates ring, in which you dock one of the motion sensitive Joy-Cons. The other Joy-Con is strapped to your leg, and this monitors your movement as you quite literally run (on the spot in real life) around the environment collecting items and defeating enemies.  The Joy-Cons are surprisingly sensitive for this kind of work, and the game will tell you to correct your form if you’re holding the ring incorrectly so you can get the most out of your workout.  When we first got it, my kids were quite enamoured with the game, which gets you to complete a series of challenges that get progressively harder. It also consistently monitors your movement and heart rate, feeding back on how hard you’ve worked in each session. As a parent I was pleased that they were up and moving around, and then a part of me figured, “Hey why don’t I give this a try?”  I can honestly say that I was breathing hard and sweating by the time I finished a couple of levels, which meant that I could use it (and did) to exercise on my own as well. Apart from the fact that you can set the difficulty level, each exercise is designed to work different parts of your body, so you’re working your core, your legs and arms, as well as getting some cardio in there.  The game narrative itself is quite basic, but it does keep you coming back, even if it’s just because you feel like you’re accomplishing something as you progress.  If your kids are more inclined to play video games than run around outside, this is a great way to get them moving and perhaps more interested in exercise overall. Being able to see real world fitness results from a video game is a big draw card in my book!  If you’re a parent looking to give their kids some motivation, or perhaps looking to fit in a quick workout of your own without leaving the house when you have a few minutes, I can highly recommend giving this a try. To find out more about Ring Fit Adventure, visit the Nintendo Online Store South Africa and maybe even take advantage of the current promotion to save R1000 on the Ring Fit Adventure set which includes the Nintendo Switch console. By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf of Nintendo Distributor SA

Prima Baby

Chicco Multiride – Stroller Of The Week

The Chicco Multiride stroller is the all new off-road stroller that has multi-terrain wheels and is ready for all the action your little one could want as they grow up living the great outdoors.  Strong and reliable, the Multiride has already become a global best-seller due to the fact that more and more families want to take their kids out into unpredictable terrain without the fear of wheel-locking or damaging the stroller.  Equipped with ball-bearings and a full swivel, the wheels are made from a strong rubber than can withstand gravel, tar, grass and sand. Sturdy suspension makes the journey all the more comfortable. The Multiride stroller also has a fully extendable canopy that offers baby the best protection from the elements at all times. Couple this with the large storage basket and you are ready to face the world. As baby grows, the stroller maintains strength and accommodates your child with ease, allowing 22kgs of weight to be carried. Without a doubt one of the finest strollers on the market right now, the Chicco Multiride stroller is also compatible with the Kaily Gro 0+ car seat which turns  the stroller into a newborn travel system that will last until they are 9kgs in weight. Give them the most comfortable ride ever whilst offering convenience and value for money with the Multiride stroller. See www.chicco.co.za for more details.

Parenting Hub

“Mama, you’ve got this!” writes new local brand Messages for Mama

Messages for Mama is a premium, locally designed, and manufactured range of baby accessories for those intimate moments mom and baby share. From play time to feeding time, bath time to their sleep routine – Messages for Mama will hold your hand and support you when the going gets tough; when the days are long and the nights are even longer. Each product has an encouraging embroidered Message for Mama, which can either be personalised or chosen on Messages for Mama. Not only targeted to the more challenging times, Messages for Mama aims to remind mom that she’s an amazing, wonderful and strong woman who has the magic within her! Motherhood is hard, but “Mama, you’ve got this!” “Being a mom is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I completely understand why so many new moms are against having a second baby, I was one of them. Yes it’s rewarding, yes it’s magical, but becoming a new mom is extremely difficult – you not only lose your own identity but you have to keep another human alive all while trying to find the new version of yourself!” says co-founder of Messages for Mama, Jana Leonard. “My biggest struggle was getting to grips with the new me, I was no longer just a wife, daughter, entrepreneur, sister and friend – the title of MOM has been added and that meant more than what I envisioned. I wasn’t great at it, I hardly ever knew what I was doing, I had extreme anxiety and experienced PPD. I found it difficult to not be good at something ‘so natural’. It’s only now that I realise, a mother’s instinct isn’t natural, it’s something we as moms learn and then only it’s supported by our nurturing nature as women.” she adds.  When Leonard’s second baby, her daughter, was born in February 2021, she realised and appreciated the newborn phase more because she knew it would get easier. “I didn’t put so much pressure on myself, I took it day by day and lived in the moments – good and bad. I have been through this, I knew all about the challenges, I also knew a little bit more and what to do when the uncertainties kicked in. Importantly, I had (and still have) a strong support system with mom friends, my husband, sister, mom whatsapp groups and grannies helping me along the way. Those Messages of support and encouragement mean the world to me. I came to realise; I do have the magic within me. I just needed to find it!” she adds.  Fashion designer, who has shown internationally, and an aunt of two, Ricci JvR founded Messages for Mama with Leonard, and says, “after seeing many friends become moms and navigating this new season while juggling life, and also becoming an aunt myself – I realised how important it was to surround yourself with people who will cheer you on and encourage you through all seasons. The saying ‘it takes a village’, suddenly made more sense to me than ever. I wanted to be part of creating a brand that cheers you on in those self-doubting, vulnerable moments alone when you feel overwhelmed and tired. I wanted us to be your 4am cheerleaders and your daily reminder that you’ve got this, that you are valued!”  Messages for Mama products are of the highest quality, made locally and to last – both in trend and durability. Launching with 12 products including a One and two tone Summer and Double Layer Winter Muslin blanket (1×1.2m), a small (for the newborn phase) and large sherpa muslin blanket for the colder months, their revolutionary Everywhere Mat (quilted, padded and oh so gorgeous for easy transport and completely washable, with a waterproof backing), washcloths, burp cloths and more, Messages for Mama has removed all the clutter by means of pattern design offering a product that actually gets the job done. “Like a Mama, there’s no time to manage the noise and clutter, you have to get the job done – quick, effective and while playing cheerleader.” laughs Jana. “We opted for bold, but trendy colours that speak to boys and girls, because motherhood is anything but beige!” Ricci adds. Keeping the focus on the embroidered message for mama (the star of the show) – they’ve opted for solid vibrant colours in various combinations. Messages for Mama is not only a brand built on the first hand experience of a new mom, but one of passion and love. “I really want us to be there for other moms, to tell them that it’s OK to not feel like you’re nailing it – you’re not alone! I want to normalise the fact that it’s hard and that we’re all just really winging it as we go. It’s time we move away from the crippling Instagram #blessed filtered life and come to grips with the reality that new moms are finding it difficult when being compared to the highlights reel of many.” says Jana. “I’m not blind to the fact that new moms (myself included) find comfort in new and beautiful products for our babies, I wanted to combine these two human truths and create something magical!” giggles Jana. Messages for Mama has successfully launched in May 2021 and will continuously be introducing new products to their repertoire. For more information and to shop their range of premium goods at affordable prices, visit www.messagesformama.com.

Impaq

Helpful tips for moving when homeschooling

Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful life events, ranking alongside divorce, loss of employment, and long-term illness. However, moving – whether to a neighbouring suburb, a different province, or abroad – can also present wonderful new opportunities, including new jobs, new friends, and new possibilities! While the period immediately before and after a move is stressful for any family, it can be doubly so for those educating their children at home as all the packing and preparation happens with your children around. Although moving takes up an incredible amount of time and energy, it does not mean that learning has to come to a halt when you are planning a move. In fact, the flexibility of home education becomes an added blessing during this potentially stressful time. Another great advantage of home education is that when you move, your children don’t have to change schools. While their surroundings may change, their approach to learning will largely stay the same. What may change are extracurricular activities, as you may have to find new places for your children to take art classes, play sport, or study music. This, however, is part and parcel of moving for all families.   Read more: Can homeschoolers take part in extracurricular activities? Moving tips Here are a few things to consider when moving: Teach creatively: look for alternate ways to engage your children while you are buried neck-deep in boxes. Helpful options include audiobooks, documentaries, educational content on the internet, or maybe even a ‘substitute teacher’ (ask a friend or family member to present a few lessons). Stick with the basics: do not try to do an entire day of subjects if it is going to stress everyone out. Focus on one or two subjects like Mathematics or English, then get packing. Pack like a pro: when you pack, clearly label your children’s books and lesson material. This will allow you to grab the required box at your new house easily when you are ready to start teaching. Involve your children: there are so many life skills involved in moving – organising, planning, etc. – making it a perfect opportunity to teach your children valuable life lessons. Take a farewell tour: visit any favourite playgrounds, museums, or other special places around town before the move, and enjoy a final meal at your favourite restaurant (remember to take plenty of photos). Learn about your new area: let your children do researchabout your new area. They can look at different communities, places to visit, and activities to try once you are settled. Bring a backpack: your children may feel stressed on the day of the move, so let them pack a few favourite items in a backpack that they can carry with them. Included items could be a blanket, toy, book – whatever brings them comfort. Also include items to help pass the travel time, such as materials for drawing or games. Read more:Benefits of playing games with kids Keep a watchful eye: moving is a big deal. Children who are home educated may have smoother transitions in some ways, but moving does represent a transformation in life. Even if your children are excited about the move, there are still plenty of emotions to work through: sadness about leaving friends and familiar places, anticipation about what is coming, and possibly apprehension, fear, and anxiety about the unknown. If your child displays unusual behaviour – sadness, moping, crying, yelling, defiance, hyperactivity, or inattentiveness – try to be understanding and supportive rather than punitive.    Read more: How to foster resilience in children Take a breather: flexibility is one of the keystones of homeschooling, so use it to your advantage during a stressful situation such as moving. Know that things will be different for a while, and that is perfectly fine. In fact, it is part of life. So, take a few days off to allow your children and yourself to adjust, explore, and get things unpacked. Learning to adjust and adapt to change is just as important as any academic subject. Home education allows your children the freedom and flexibility to learn these necessary life skills. It also gives your family time together to work through the emotions associated with change. So, try to be present and include your kids in the process because there is much to learn during a move! Read more: Supporting your child’s emotional intelligence development By Danielle Barfoot

Parenting Hub

Your Toddler: A Developmental Checklist: 18 to 24 Months

Remember that all children are individuals and develop at their own pace. This checklist should be used only to get a general sense for where your child is or where he is heading. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, consult with your physician. Physical Development May jump up Builds tower of four to six cubes Throws ball overhand Puts on article of clothing Washes and dries own hands Can climb stairs with help; by 24 months can go up and down alone, but doesn’t alternate feet May climb out of cot Likes to climb everything Can kick a ball Can ride a foot-to-floor vehicle Intellectual Development Identifies and points to two to four items in picture Watches, then imitates, dumping of objects Fears loud noises, water, wind, wild animals, and others Enjoys repetition in songs and nursery rhymes Likes to point to nose, mouth etc. when asked “Where is your?” Speaks in two or three word sentences Learning that everything has a name; may ask constantly, “What’s that?” Speaks and is understood more than half the time Understands role of prepositions in speech Social And Emotional Development Experiments with aggressive responses to disliked things Separation anxiety lessens Seeks adult approval Comes when called Likes to help with daily routines Communicates feelings with words and gestures Is eager to please Language Development Speaks in two or three word sentences Learning that everything has a name; may ask constantly, “What’s that?” Speaks and is understood more than half the time Understands role of prepositions in speech Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition. By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education

RediscoverDairy

“Milk, what a winner! “

“Cow’s milk is a versatile and convenient source of essential nutrients for everyone. It is one of the top food sources of calcium and also contains a unique combination of valuable nutrients, of which some are typically lacking in many South Africans’ diets,” says registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy, Maretha Vermaak. These include calcium, potassium and vitamin A. Milk is also an affordable source of good-quality protein, and its overall nutritional value stems from more than just the sum of its individual nutrients. What’s more is that milk is a filling food item, ready to be enjoyed just as it is or as a base in other dishes. Here’s what you should know when choosing the best milk options for everyone in your family. Your milk choices  The only difference between full-cream, low-fat and fat-free milk is the amount of fat per serving, which is also reflected by the energy value (kJ). A 250 ml serving full-cream milk contains 8 g fat and 640 kJ compared with 4 g fat and 518 kJ in low-fat milk. Fat-free milk contains 0.5 g fat and 362 kJ per 250 ml serving. You can also choose to buy fresh (pasteurised) milk or milk that keeps for longer, such as long-life or powdered milk. It doesn’t matter which one you choose – each offers you all the goodness of cow’s milk. Always keep fresh milk in the fridge. Long-life milk can be stored in the cupboard until you need it, but put it in the fridge once it has been opened. Powdered milk is convenient because you can prepare only as much as you need at one time. Know what’s in your basket Be sure that what you buy as powdered milk is made from real cow’s milk. The list of ingredients will be short and the first item will always be full-cream or fat-free (cow’s) milk. If not, it’s not real milk. Don’t be fooled: coffee creamer is not cow’s milk! Coffee creamer is made from unhealthy plant fats and contains very little protein (0.1%) and no calcium or any of the other important nutrients of milk. Coffee creamer is not a substitute for milk and can never replace milk or formula milk in the diet of children or babies. Take your pick: you’ll get the same unique combination of nutrients and the taste you love whichever milk option you choose!  Did you know?  Want to use milk later? Simply freeze it in smaller containers, and then let it thaw in the fridge before use. A quick shake once thawed and it’s ready to drink or use in your favourite recipes.   Do you have any questions about dairy? Rediscover Dairy has your back, just visit the AskDAIRY page and find an answer to any of your questions. We now have more than 100 questions and answers listed: https://www.rediscoverdairy.co.za/ask-dairy/

Baby Tastes

Baby & Kiddies Tastes makes meal time lekker for the little ones

Many South Africans live demanding lives where time is of the essence and nobody feels their pressure more than the moms and dads who, after a long day still need to ensure that the little ones have a nutritious meal when needed. Thankfully Baby & Kiddies Tastes can relieve you of that task. What is Baby & Kiddies Tastes? Baby & Kiddies Tastes trusted meal supplier for the little ones between the ages of 6 to 12 months, then up to 6 years old. The company was started by Vanessa Crichton, a dedicated mother, wife and entrepreneur who also knows her way around the kitchen, trained as a chef in London. Having started many other successful culinary companies such as Exquisite tastes catering, Vanessa, who has eleven years’ experience in making children’s food has turned her attention to helping moms and dads when it comes to mealtime for their young kids. What does Baby & Kiddies Tastes offer? Baby & Kiddies Tastes offer nutritionally tested fully textured, natural and healthy frozen meals for children between the ages of 6 to 12 months for children up to the age of 6 years old. Meals are made using the best ingredients that are also packed with flavour. Vanessa has meticulously crafted up to 50 different flavour combinations ensuring that every meal is a great experience for your child. What are the benefits of using Baby & Kiddies Tastes? Baby & Kiddies Tastes takes away the stress of having to prepare a meal for your young ones and ensures that every meal is jam-packed with essential nutrients that children need. It is also easy to prepare as the meals are cooked and frozen with a 2-month freezer life. It is also worth noting that our meals contain no additives or preservatives and no added salt or sugar, due to this, we do not suggest freezing for longer than 2 months. What other advantages can moms and dads benefit from? We know that convenience is key when it comes to mealtime, as mentioned our meals are packed with flavour and full of nutrients but they also offer added benefits. These include innovative modular packaging which limits food wastage. We know that kids can get a bit inquisitive and might make an unwanted mess. For this reason, we provide tamper-proof Kiddies Tastes tubs for those who are slightly older. Our packaging is also recyclable. Are there currently any special offers? We have a allergen range, “Local is Lekker” options, as well as vegetarian meals.  Free delivery is offered for monthly orders. How do I get Baby & Kiddies Tastes meals? Baby & Kiddies Tastes offers free delivery on all monthly orders and we deliver to Johannesburg and Pretoria based areas. Ordering is quick and easy, just head over to www.babytastes.co.za where you will find a list of our meals. Customers can order individual meals or place a monthly order. Alternatively, contact us via [email protected] and your order will be delivered within 3 to 5 days.  Baby & Kiddies Tastes brings the freshness and goodness of local South African ingredients to your freezer, ready for your child’s meal time, anytime. 

MiVoice

Simplify your life and empower your domestic staff with MiVoice

Being a parent’s not easy, especially if you’re trying to juggle work commitments and time demands. Fortunately, for many South African parents, there are domestic employees who help you keep all those balls in the air. And now, there’s another home helper: MiVoice, a powerful, all-in-one app that lets you effectively manage your domestic staff. The greatly enhanced and benefits-packed version of the MiVoice app launches on 1 June 2021, which is coincidentally the UN’s Global Day of Parents. On this day set aside to honour the selfless care and sacrifice parents make for their children, MiVoice has a solution to ease the load of busy parents. The MiVoice app is the complete mobile HR management solution for domestic employees, from child-minders and domestic workers to gardeners and drivers. Legal compliance, emergency response, task management, payment admin and a zero-cost wallet…it’s all wrapped up in one feature-rich app, for just R49 per month per employee.  It’s everything you need to simplify your life and improve the way you work with the people who offer such invaluable support to you and your family. And here’s why… Ten powerful benefits a MiVoice subscription brings you and your domestic employees Protection under the law Falling foul of the CCMA is the last thing you need in your busy life. Yet if you don’t have a formal contract with your domestic employees, signed proof of leave requests, and detailed records stretching back for three years, that’s exactly what you might one day face.  MiVoice puts you on the right side of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, while giving your valued home helpers the legal workplace recognition they deserve. With MiVoice, you get compliant app-generated employment contracts, pay slips and leave requests, all safely stored for future reference. Oh-so-easy sign-in MiVoice’s GPS-enabled sign-in and sign-out feature is not only invaluable when pay day rolls around, but lets you raise an early alarm if someone you rely on doesn’t arrive as expected. Keep Covid compliant It is now law for all employers, even domestic, to screen workers for Covid-19 symptoms on arrival at work. MiVoice ensures you’re Covid-compliant, with screening questions built into the app’s sign-in feature. Get smart with task management No more scrawling notes on scraps of paper and taping them to the fridge. With MiVoice’s daily task lists, you can plan tasks in advance and clearly communicate what you expect from your domestic helpers.  Employees check off tasks as they do them, leave comments where needed, and alert you if anything is preventing a task’s completion. Help when they need it most With a quick tap of a button, your child-minder and domestic employees get immediate medical and security help when they need it. MiVoice instantly connects with Response24’s control room which coordinates ambulance and armed response dispatch if required.  Less critical situations like a child-minder running out of fuel on the school run can also be handled through the emergency function, connecting your staff to a chatroom of contacts for quick and easy problem resolution. Leave the leave calculations to MiVoice No more forgetting who’s on leave when or scrambling to find a fill-in at short notice. MiVoice’s leave application feature lets your employees formally request leave in advance, covering you legally and making future-planning that much easier. Formal records also ensure your employees get the full quota of leave they’re entitled to. Take the hassle out of month-end Pay day is a breeze with MiVoice. Thanks to the sign-in feature, MiVoice knows exactly when and for how long your employees worked. It automatically calculates and generates compliant pay slips for each employee, based on their specific remuneration package and structure. Safe, effortless payments Top up your MiVoice account, and the app seamlessly deposits the wages into your employees’ MiVoice wallets, keeping appropriate records of course. All MiVoice’s systems are protected by the same security measures already audited by its sponsoring bank and as required under its Third-Party Payment Processer license; so you can rest assured that your employees’ wages are in secure hands. Easy, secure, zero-cost wallet With their MiVoice wallet, your domestic employees can make five free transfers per employer to their bank account, free payments to any account, and withdraw cash from selected major retailers (charges are levied for this by retailers). The MiVoice wallet also offers charge-free airtime, data and electricity purchases, as well as digital vouchers for everywhere from Boxer to Wimpy that they can use themselves or send via text message to a child or caregiver back home. Keeping employees covered A MiVoice subscription includes commuter accident insurance that pays out R10 000 to your employee’s beneficiaries in the event of accidental death. Accidents leading to a hospital stay pay out R250 daily for up to 20 days to both employee and employer, to cover expenses like transport costs for family visits, or temporary help while a carer is out of action. So download MiVoice today and make the way you manage your household employees easier, better, safer and legally compliant. Because sometimes, the best thing and the right thing are the same thing.

Mums Support Network

The silent victims of PND

One in three women suffer from Perinatal Distress (PND) in our country, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). But the terrifying truth is that it’s not just the women who suffer; it’s often their partners who take strain, even to the point of being diagnosed with PND themselves.  Hubby’s hormones Women’s hormones undergo major changes during and after pregnancy, but they’re not the only ones. The lack of sleep and increased stress that new fathers experience can also take a toll on their bodies, creating real hormonal shifts that are often overlooked. Craig*, whose wife Claire* was diagnosed with PND soon after the birth of their first child, began to feel off kilter around the same time, but “everyone was so concerned with Claire, nobody even asked me how I was doing.” Because Claire wasn’t coping, Craig felt added pressure to take on extra duties with the baby and around the house – on top of maintaining a full-time job. He “somehow muscled through” those first few difficult weeks, which turned into months before he realised how severely it had affected him.  Real men do cry At the end of his rope, Craig realised he had to do something about his situation. He reached out to a friend, who suggested he see a doctor. Through a combination of medical support, psychological therapy, and practical assistance (in the form of family, friends and a night nurse), Craig made a full recovery and is the happy husband and father he always dreamed of being. “It was the darkest and scariest period of my life,” he confesses. “Sometimes I’m not even sure how I made it through, but I am so glad that I did.” Not only is it unhelpful to bottle up emotions instead of working through them in a healthy way, it also sets an unrealistic and unhealthy example for older children and others who look up to you as a male role model. Like all humans, men experience a range of feelings triggered by both hormones and environmental factors, and by reaching out for help, you are doing the best thing for yourself, your family, and for society in general.  Risk factors Each father is an individual, but there are broad factors that may place someone at added risk of developing PND. These include a personal or family history of mental illness, a strained relationship with the mother of the child, or difficulties with the child – this could be anything from colic to serious medical conditions that induce additional stress and/or concern. Financial pressure, problems at work and feeling unsupported (not having a circle of family or friends to confide in) can also increase the risk. Single fathers are also at added risk.  However, perhaps the biggest risk factor is that so many cases of paternal PND go undiagnosed (or are diagnosed too late, once major damage has already been done) because the condition is not acknowledged or accepted as a legitimate illness. “Let me tell you, it is real!” implores Craig.  It’s essential that every new and expectant dad ensure he has the support of at least a few key friends or family members who can be a shoulder to lean on and, occasionally, a pair of hands to hold the baby. Further, we as a society need to update our mindset when it comes to supporting new and growing families. “People always ask how the baby is,” Craig points out. “Sometimes they ask how the mother is doing. But nobody ever asks the dad.” A family affair Treatment of the mother is important but should not be in isolation from treatment of the family as a unit. Some doctors are reluctant to include fathers in the treatment plan for PND or even to talk to them about it, because of concerns about breeching doctor-patient confidentiality. This further disempowers fathers from helping to heal the family unit as a whole. It’s crucial to find a healthcare practitioner that sees and treats new and expectant families together (this, of course, includes a broad range of family structures including unmarried partners, same-sex families, adoptive parents and single-parents with their own unique support structures).   Don’t live in denial  Craig’s advice for dads struggling with PND? “It doesn’t matter how you got here. It doesn’t matter what you think of mental illness. It does matter that you are here. It does matter that your partner needs kindness and the way to provide that is to accept that you are here. Then act.” You heard the man! Make that call. Take that first step. You – and your family – deserve it.  *Names have been changed to protect identities.

Nintendo

Which Switch is which?

I’m hoping by now that most parents have heard about the Nintendo Switch. If you haven’t, here’s your chance to find out why this is one of the most family-friendly consoles around, or if you have it’s your chance to figure out which one would be the best fit for your family.   Launched in 2017, the Switch took the gaming world by storm as it launched a year or so after its competitors, primarily based on its versatile nature. Small and already portable in nature, players can dock the console so the game is transmitted to their television where they are able to play it on a big screen, then reattach the controllers or Joy-Cons, and take it with them as the ultimate gaming system.  Unlike previous handheld consoles, from any manufacturer, the transmutable nature of the Switch garnered it a great deal of attention as well as a solid fan base from gamers everywhere.  An updated version with better hardware was released in 2019, increasing the power of the console and making it even more attractive to gamers.  Later the same year, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch Lite. Unlike its companion, the Switch Lite is a single, handheld unit unable to dock to a television, and so functions entirely as a portable console.  It is slightly smaller than its big brother, but with an extended battery life that makes travelling that much easier, and comes in a range of colours to suit every taste. The games you’re able to purchase are the same as for the standard Switch, but you’re limited to those you can play only in handheld mode as opposed to one where you detach the Joy-Cons as the Switch Lite is an all-in-one.  If you’re considering buying a Switch for your family (I’m not going to limit this to your kids as they are equally attractive to adult gamers!), you’ll want to think about a couple of things.  The first is how you’re planning on using it and what types of games you want to play. Certain Switch games that require Joy-Cons to be removed to function with the motion sensors, will be difficult with the Lite because it’s a single unit. You’re not able to dock it with a television, so if you had to pair an extra set of Joy-Cons you’d struggle to see the smaller screen from a distance. If you’re looking for a small, portable console that you can pop in your bag easily for a trip, with a wide range of first party and third party games then the Switch Lite, which comes in at a lower price point than its counterpart is probably what you’re looking for.  If you’ve jumped on the gaming exercise bandwagon, or you like the idea of getting up and moving a little more than what you’ve traditionally come to expect from video games, then you might want to go with the classic Switch instead. Games like Ring Fit, which gamifies exercise and really works up a sweat, will need the Joy-Cons to work and you really need to dock it on the TV to get the best experience there.  It’s definitely still small enough to fit into your bag if you’re travelling, but being able to play on a bigger television screen is something you do much more than you might expect. It also comes with the full range of games. One of the biggest draw cards of the Switch for me, is the fact that it really does do what it says on the box. Set it up, play, network it with other friends and play together, then undock it and take it with you when you leave the house. It’s really that simple.  Pricing might be your biggest consideration when making your purchase. The classic Nintendo Switch currently retails at R7999, while the Nintendo Switch Lite retails at R4999.  Both are excellent consoles, and which once you make a part of your life, should ultimately depend on the experience you’re looking for out of it.  By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf of Nintendo Distributor SA

Prima Baby

Chicco Multiride Travel System

Chicco has been a trail-blazer in the world of baby products for over 63 years, with a strong focus on travel products that has seen them remain industry leaders with every new item released onto the market. One of the current highlights of the travel gear collection is the awesome Chicco Multiride Travel System. A travel system built for longevity that stretches way into your child’s toddlerhood, this newborn-ready stroller comes equipped with the Kaily car seat – the perfect companion for this sturdy and versatile stroller. The two items together work perfect for your baby’s travel solutions until approximately 9kgs, where baby may require a front-facing car seat. The Multiride stroller however, will stay your little one’s best friend until they are 22kgs in weight – being the only stroller they will ever need.  With a compact fold-down solution, suspension, all-terrain wheels, a large storage basket, extendable handles and weather canopy on the stroller as well as an easy-to-install car seat, the Multiride travel system is a strong, sturdy and convenient ally in your parenting journey. See www.chicco.co.za for more details.

Impaq

Homeschooled celebrities who found success


There is a lot of stigma surrounding homeschooling, with many people considering homeschooled children to be strange, anti-social outcasts. However, these wildly successful homeschooled celebrities prove that is not the case! Across all fields and industries – from acting to athletics – many celebrities have shown that homeschooling does not impede achievement but is a contributing factor to it. Simone Biles At only 24 years old, Olympic artistic gymnast Simone Biles has over 30 Olympic and World Championship medals combined! She is the most decorated (awarded) gymnast in American history and the third most decorated gymnast in the world. One of four siblings, she grew up in the foster care system until she was adopted in 2003. In 2012, at 15 years old, she switched from mainstream schooling to homeschooling to allow her to focus on her career. She graduated in 2015 and was accepted into the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), but decided to focus on gymnastics full-time instead. Read more: Can homeschoolers take part in extracurricular activities?  Emma Watson Actress Emma Watson is perhaps best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film franchise. At only nine years old, she was cast for the franchise, which broke records for opening-day sales and opening-weekend takings and was the highest-grossing film of 2001. Since then, she has starred in multiple award-winning and high-grossing films such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  In addition to acting, she does advocacy work for women’s rights and gender equality and was appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador in 2014 at only 24 years old. Only one year later, she was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world.  In 2003, she switched to homeschooling, studying for up to five hours a day while on set. In June 2006, she took GCSE school examinations in ten subjects, achieving 8 A+ marks and 2 A marks. She went on to graduate from the prestigious Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Read more: How to help a learner prepare for university Misty Copeland In 2015, ballerina Misty Copeland was the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history, despite having started ballet quite late at 13 years old. She began homeschooling with her dance teacher, Cynthia Bradley, two years later in the summer before her 15th birthday.  Despite a difficult childhood – multiple custody battles and legal proceedings were instituted while she was a teenager – she rose to fame and has since gone on to write two successful autobiographical books and continues to dance professionally. She is also a public speaker and celebrity spokesperson for multiple brands. In the same year as her selection as a principal dancer, she was also named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world.  Read more: How to foster resilience in children Thomas Edison Inventor and businessman Thomas Edison gained fame in December of 1879 when he made the first public demonstration of the incandescent light bulb, a revolutionary invention that would change the course of history.  Edison was a difficult child, causing trouble at the public school he attended. So, at seven years old, his mother decided to teach him at home. He was taught reading, writing, and arithmetic in this way.  Apart from his work on the humble but ground-breaking lightbulb, he also worked on developing the phonograph (also known as a gramophone) and the motion picture camera, more colloquially known as a video camera. Read more: A homeschool mom shares the 10 best things about homeschooling The Williams sisters  Tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams were homeschooled from elementary school right through high school by their parents Richard Williams and Oracene Price, who were also their tennis coaches. Between 2000 and 2016, over 17 years, together they won 12 Wimbledon singles titles, with Venus winning five and Serena winning seven.  The Women’s Tennis Association has ranked both sisters at the world number 1 position in singles and doubles. Both players have won four gold medals each at the Summer Olympics, one each in singles and three in doubles — the most of any players in the history of the sport. by Jacqui Smit

The My Story Tribe

Journaling – a mental-wellness tool for tweens

Children’s social-emotional needs increase tremendously between the ages of six and thirteen. With our children facing more and more mental-wellness issues than ever before, and the effects of Covid-19 not yet prominent, it has become increasingly important to provide children with socio-emotional tools to be able to deal with the adversity they are facing today. Unfortunately, we as parents are so focused on the “early childhood development” phase, that we spend all our energy there. When we drop our six-year-olds at school, we sit back and sigh a sigh of relief. We’ve made it! Only to wake up a few years later with a screaming teenager staring us in the face! By then our child is in the middle of their childhood story and the script has Tarantino written all over it. According to Erik Erickson, when children start attending school, their social worlds widen. They enter a phase called Industry vs Inferiority. Joan Berzoff explains in the book Inside Out and Outside In (Berzoff, Flanagan, Hertz, 2016) that children at this age become invested in “making things and making them well”. However, if their efforts during this stage are thwarted, by inhospitable social conditions, trauma, a learning disability or failing ecological systems, it may threaten family, peer and community relationships, therefore creating a sense of inferiority which could very well become part of a child’s identity.  Why journaling? Research in Developmental Psychology has suggested that children between the ages of six and twelve years have the ability to learn from experience through self-reflection as a self-continued activity (Valkanova, 2004). However, it’s often not a spontaneous process and can be directly threatening for the developing ego. It is therefore important to create an environment or tool which could provide children with a non-threatening ability to self-reflect. Children learn emotional language from two years of age (Louis Bloom, 1998). Bloom (1998) mentions that neither speech development nor emotional expression happens in isolation. However, we communicate less and less with our children through the use of emotional language as they get older. We tend to use deductive, logical and processed language. As a result, our children struggle more and more to express themselves emotionally.  The My Story Journal is one example of a reflection tool that was developed with this in mind. This journal uses the Story Narrative approach, to allow children to reflect on themselves and their lives in an attempt to strengthen their ego-development, while using simple, recognisable emotional terms and language. How the narrative approach helps with reflection Children associate with stories. “Story” as a mechanism in journaling helps guide them through a process of self-exploration. It facilitates the identification with the “self” (Me and My Story), whilst identifying their significant others (The Characters in my Story). It reflects on their story so far (My Story Today), and looks into the future to possibly facilitate positive change (My Story Tomorrow). By using a thumbprint character as a theme throughout this book, the My Story Journal creates a strong sense of self-identification, leading the writer to relate and connect with their own narrative on a journey towards self-acceptance. Brene Brown (2017) defines true belonging this way: “True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being part of something and standing alone in the wilderness.” Writing vs drawing Not all children like to write. Thoughtful prompts that result in reflective activities (such as doodling and drawing) form part of journaling as a tool for self-reflection. As long as these activities guide children to process their feelings and behaviour in a non-threatening way, it will result in greater emotional resilience and a general increase in mental health. Journals like The My Story Journal make room for both linguistically and artistically inclined children. Children with learning difficulties who find language a restrictive method to express their emotions might find other ways to express themselves in their journal. Self-expression is the key. Whether you scribble or draw or write a paragraph, looking back over your story at the end of a day is a valuable habit.  To find out more about the benefits of journaling for tweens, contact Occupational Therapist Chantel Griesel at [email protected], or visit the My Story website www.themystorytribe.com 

Syllabis Learning

Tips on How to Ease your Transition from School to Homeschool

Thinking about homeschooling your kids? Or perhaps you have already made the decision to homeschool? This could be due to various reasons, some of which may include wanting to remove your kids from a negative school environment, to protect them from bullying or giving them the freedom to learn in a progressive way that may be more appropriate for them. An environment where creativity is nurtured and celebrated, a method of schooling that better prepares your child for his or her future. Let us offer you peace of mind as you transition to what we believe to be a brilliant way to educate your kids. Here are some valuable tips to ease the transition from school to homeschool: Include your kids in the conversation Talk about this decision with your whole family, share your goals with your children and listen to their excitement and concerns. Identify what your education goals are, and the endless possibilities you can achieve by homeschooling. Legalities Homeschooling is legal in South Africa and only grade1 to 9 are required to be registered for homeschooling with the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Withdrawing your child from school and registering him or her as a homeschooler with the DBE is a relatively easy process and a Syllabis consultant will guide and help you with all the necessary steps once you have purchased a Syllabis curriculum. Try not to mimic school at home Trying to recreate the school environment for your child is a trap that many parents easily fall into. Consider this in your schedule or approach and try not to separate your role of teacher and parent. It helps to integrate your learning and teaching into your parenting and lifestyle. Give yourself time to adjust and de-school Realize that it may take some time for your children to find their feet so give them some room to breathe. Every child is different so make decisions and schedules that fit with your child’s needs. Some kids take a few weeks to adjust, and some may take a few months, try enjoying being together as a family again and work slowly into new routines. Set up a daily schedule You will want to create a basic schedule for your new homeschool day. Having a basic plan in writing will aid in the transition process. It will also help you stay on track and feel like you are getting necessary things accomplished. Even if you do not stick to your schedule like glue, having something basic in writing will greatly aid in your organization.  Decrease the time spent in “official” school Mainstream school requires 6-8 hours of schooling while if your child focuses, he or she will soon realize that school can be done in 2-3 hours a day, leaving hours to be spent doing extra-curricular activities or spending time on hobbies or playing. Increase the breaks in-between subjects Who says school must take place in 8 hours? A lot of homeschoolers have found shorter study times, interspersed by frequent breaks, can boost productivity.  Adapt as you go Observe your family as you go and continue to adjust to what works best for you. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn about your children’s personalities and abilities and how best they learn.  Take advantage of a support network While you are transitioning from traditional school to homeschool you may have questions, take advantage of the support your curriculum provider provides. Syllabis will guide you through the full transition and provide in-depth support and guidance. Sign up for extra-curricular activities Sign up to sporting and extra-curricular activities, to stay active and social. We can aid with extra-curricular activities like Online Music School, Life Coaching, English Pronunciation and Reading Skills program, Golf instruction, Marshall Arts, video Gaming, 3D Printing, Medical School and Driving School. Homeschooling teaches learners to become independent and allows them the space to become more creative thinkers and doers. It gives them the freedom to learn by their own rules and work by their own schedule, as well as the freedom to soar ahead academically! Hear from Syllabis clients:

Kairos School of Inquiry

Choosing a school — does size matter?

At this time of year, many parents are considering which school is the best fit for their child as they move from pre-primary into their primary school years. Ultimately, it is about the right fit for your child, as well as your personal views on educational methods, differences in ethos from school to school, and differences in facilities and services provided by the school. Covid19 has seen an increase in homeschooling and cottage schools as some parents opt for a smaller school environment. Some children thrive in a more intimate space, while others prefer the more traditional school system. Kairos School of Inquiry believes that, when life at school is happy and meaningful, children are able to go out and have a positive impact into the world. Based in Parkview, Gauteng, Kairos is a proud member of “small school movement”. They provide a full primary school service from Grade R to Grade7, and graduates flourish in a wide variety of mainstream, upmarket high schools around Joburg. Currently accommodating 42 children, Kairos will always be a small school, growing gradually to 80 in the future.  Along with its ideals around its unique mix of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), inquiry based learning, integrated studies and whole-brain learning, Kairos enjoys the advantage of being small.  Kairos head teacher ,Marc Loon , offers some insight into choosing a small school for your child. “Choosing a small school comes with advantages and disadvantages. Certainly, the economy of scale of a large school creates more choices of in-house extramural activities, and a small school requires more involvement from parents compared to larger schools. Fortunately, there are many significant advantages to compensate for the disadvantages,” says Marc.  He offers four advantages of sending a child to a small school. 1. Relationships between children Small schools create closer relationships between people. When everyone knows everyone, the consequent emotional safety nurtures self-assurance. There is an inevitable friendliness in the social atmosphere. Also, in a small school, children are obliged to befriend children different to themselves, improving social skills such as tact and awareness of difference (unlike the norm of grade-specific friendships and social cliques in large schools). “At Kairos, friendships between grades are the norm, since everyone is implicitly pressed to get along with everyone else,” says Marc. “Moreover, tensions and conflicts are more easily addressed and resolved in a small school. This in turn brings about improved self-awareness in individuals and deep social harmony in the school community.” 2. Teacher-pupil relationships A similar principle applies with teacher-pupil relationships. Every child knows each staff member, and sees them as full human beings, not merely a repository of knowledge and test results. Teachers know each child in the school, the implications of which are educationally significant: all teachers can contribute collaboratively to a deep understanding of each pupil — including their whole school experience as well as their biographical background and home context. “Although some parents prefer the anonymity of the latter, this deeper knowledge of our children’s lives invariably enhances the educational effectiveness of the classroom,” continues Marc. 3. Systemic innovativeness and flexibility  A small school means sudden changes are more possible than in a large school, for any change will affect fewer people. Taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves at short notice has huge educational value. “Our flexibility has been essential to much of our educational success in general, for innovations such as, inter alia, our ‘Rosses’ school currency and the associated weekly Market Day, our annual Cardboard Challenge, Partner Projects, our Pop-Up School days, our whole school birthday blessings and many other incidental experiences. These types of innovations would normally need to be planned long in advance in larger schools, but we can adapt easily to the need at the time. A small school enables us to be open to opportunities at hand, and maintains innovativeness as a sustained aspect of our small school,” says Marc. 4. Greater individual agency  Linked closely with our innovativeness and flexibility, a small school also implies greater agency for individuals — both teachers and pupils. From a purely statistical perspective, each individual is a more significant member of the community than in a larger school community. Kairos’s size (combined with our particular ethos) allows teachers and pupils to consider new possibilities for innovation. The self-confidence, initiative and personal sense of agency children are encouraged to acquire in a small school such as ours has profound educational value for their futures. Acquiring such qualities are intrinsic to a small school, and such qualities are particularly relevant to the future requirements of society. In 2016, the  World Economic Forum embarked on a study of what competencies and character qualities will be important for students to acquire in preparation for the rapidly changing society of their adulthoods. The “competencies” and “character qualities” are more likely acquired in a small school environment than a large one.  “Certainly, it is not guaranteed that all small schools will achieve these educational objectives, but a small school community makes it more likely. In a large school, certain individuals will shine above the rest for reasons related to their academic and sports performance, or their innate capacity for social leadership. In a small school, everyone tends to shine — the particular “genius” in each individual child tends to be more noticeable in a small school community. And when the community values qualities in an individual, those individuals tend to value those qualities in themselves too,” concluded Marc. Admissions for 2022 are open. If you would like a tour, or more information, please contact Kairos on 011 646 6221 or  [email protected].

Parenting Hub

Youth Month: Tackle Illiteracy One Book At A Time

With June being Youth Month, READ Educational Trust encourages all South Africans not to turn the page on our children’s fundamental freedom to learn and access to reading and literacy.   For READ Educational Trust, a non-profit organisation that has spent nearly four decades promoting literacy among the poorest of the poor, this month is all about sharing in the love and value of books and empowering Early Childhood Development  (ECD) caregivers with the tools required to teach little ones how to read with confidence. 1 Children who have never been exposed to the magic of books might perceive reading as boring, mundane, and futile. They don’t realise the beautiful impact that reading has on their brains, lifestyle, and future. READ is determined to change that. While you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can play a tangible role in shaping a child’s success by teaching them how to read and, in turn, cultivating a deep love for literature and books. And this starts at grassroots. Learning to decipher the code of how we use symbols to represent spoken language is a big part of why children go to school. They learn the distinctions between “b” and “d,” or “p” and “q.” They read about pirates, pigs, and pixies, as well as earthquakes and igloos, as they advance from letters and syllables to words and sentences. The possibilities are endless once children have “cracked the code”. This is the delight of being initiated into the world of literacy.2 As famed children author, Dr. Seuss so simply put it, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”   Whether you were a fan of Alexander And The Terrible, Frog And Toad Are Friends, or Fantastic Mr. Fox, when you were a child, there’s no doubt that your favourite book helped to shape your creativity and imagination in some form or another. Books open doors into dreams of a world without limitations, and those dreams can inspire action to change the world as it is. Aside from magic in the act of reading itself, benefits of early reading habits for children include :3 Supported cognitive development Improved language skills Preparation for academic success Increased concentration and discipline Improved imagination and creativity Cultivating a lifelong love of reading While one would think that being able to read and write in today’s modern world is little more than being able to breathe, this is sadly far from the truth. More than half (58%) of South African children do not learn to read fluently and with comprehension in any language by the end of grade four, according to nationally representative surveys. A staggering 29% are completely illiterate.4 READ has successfully addressed some of these issues over the years, thanks to the implementation of ECD Programmes that assist caregivers, educators, and principals of ECD Centres in overcoming our country’s challenges. READ also provides practical training, hands-on support, and valuable resources that have been highly effective.  The need, however, is both dire and vast. It takes time, dedication, a well-designed formula, and creative resources to instil a reading culture. A collective effort can change the face of South Africa. The only way to succeed is for governments, non-profit organisations, big businesses, and private individuals to stand together and do all they can to combat illiteracy by actively promoting and funding reading and educational incentives. What better time to act than during Youth Month? The message is loud and clear: Reading is fun, relevant, exciting, and has the power to transform lives!  If you give a child a book and gift them with the skills to read it, you are giving them not just the world, but the universe, which is infinite in possibilities. Visit http://www.read.org.za/ to find out more and join the conversations on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/READEduTrust/, Twitter: https://twitter.com/READEduTrust, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read_educational_trust/.

RediscoverDairy

World Milk Day reminds us why milk is great for busy parents and families

There’s little doubt that our pandemic experience over the past year, has increased our focus on our family’s health and well-being.  The trend towards ‘functional foods’, those with benefits beyond simple nutrition, has been accelerated and is likely to carry through into our post-Covid lifestyles. In this quest for healthier eating, many of us are discovering more about some of the foods that have been our favourites since childhood.  Milk is a good example.  It’s a whole food with a unique combination of nutrients that contribute to health at all stages of life. 1 June is the celebration of World Milk Day, and it highlights that dairy offers the family multiple benefits, from meeting our daily energy requirements and promoting gut health, to helping us get a good night’s sleep and strengthening our immune systems.  As a parent, dairy has your back Dairy gives everyone in your family nutritional support to help cope with busy and demanding days. Always delicious and amazingly versatile, it’s a favourite kids’ food. That’s such a blessing because dairy is a powerful daily nutritional boost, ideal for growing bodies.  Registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy, Maretha Vermaak says, “Milk is a source of valuable nutrients such as good quality protein, naturally occurring sugars, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals and an array of different fats. This one-of-its-kind nutritional profile offers a range of benefits from building bones and strengthening teeth, to supporting digestion and the immune system.” It’s so convenient to use, any time of the day, and in so many different ways. Dairy can easily be part of every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks and lunchboxes.  Including milk, maas, yoghurt or cheese in your family’s diet three times a day will help to ensure that your body gets what it needs.  Check out these family-focused dairy ideas from Rediscover Dairy.   Energy to get your family through the day – Dairy foods deliver a package of naturally occurring nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body while also providing energy. Vitamin B12 helps with energy metabolism and also keeps both adults and kids mentally alert throughout the day.  The protein in dairy is complete, which means it provides all the essential amino acids needed to build and repair body tissues. Essential amino acids cannot be made by our bodies and need to be taken in from protein-rich foods. Milk protein also makes you feel fuller for longer and can help to prevent unnecessary snacking. For the active family, milk and flavoured milk also offers a good rehydration option after high energy games, sports and outdoor family fun, while also helping with muscle recovery and repair.  Gut health for overall wellbeing – Young or older, a healthy gut microbiome – your intestinal community of microorganisms – supports overall health and wellbeing. Fermented dairy foods such as yoghurt, maas and kefir provide probiotics, which are active bacterial cultures that benefit the gut microbiome and impact on overall health. Adequate, daily portions of yoghurt, maas and kefir in your family’s eating regime helps to promote the diversity of the gut microbiota.  Strong immunity supports a productive and active lifestyle – We are all concerned about keeping healthy and warding off infections and illnesses that may impact on our family’s wellbeing. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods from all the different food groups will help build a strong immune system, so that each member of the family can lead a productive and active lifestyle. The protein, vitamin A and zinc provided by milk are especially beneficial in keeping immune systems strong, and the probiotics provided by fermented dairy products give extra support. A good night’s sleep – It’s true, a glass of warm milk at night will help you and your children sleep more peacefully. Elevated stress levels often interfere with our ability to get a good night’s rest. Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan and our bodies use tryptophan to produce the ‘feel-good’ hormone serotonin, which aids relaxation.  Dairy is affordable all-round nutrition Milk and dairy are nutrient rich, packed with many essential nutrients, and are definite nutritional value for money. By just adding milk, maas or yoghurt to a meal, you can make healthy food choices and give your family much-needed nutrients to stay strong and healthy.  Celebrate World Milk Day  Milk and dairy are worth celebrating indeed! Join in on 1 June this year and be part of World Milk Day. Connect with Rediscover Dairy on Facebook and Instagram and tap into all the great ways to include dairy in your family’s healthy lifestyle.

Parenting Hub

Helping our Little People® have big adventures

Parents have had a rough year with families still being encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. This however does not assist in bringing real life experiences to your little one’s.   With many parents battling to find ideas to keep their littles ones entertained whilst still stimulating and providing early childhood development, we felt that we would introduce your family to the Fisher-Price®  Little People®  Range. The Fisher-Price®  Little People®  Range not only provides time to play but time to learn and grow.  The Fisher-Price®  Little People®  Characters Before getting to the fun, we have to point out that we loved the characters themselves. From school children to doctors and pilots these characters really provide a great start for you to begin introducing different jobs that people have. The Fisher-Price®  Little People®  Big Yellow School Bus Recommended Ages 1-5 years A bus ride of fun awaits. We really do enjoy toys that stimulate young little children whilst still delivering a way to open up conversations from a young age.  With the 3 Smart Ages function your child will be able to imagine, discover and experience motor transport. With over 40 songs, sounds and phrases, you will be able to switch up the learning fun as and when they are ready. From learning about how many wheels there are, counting to 10, shapes, the alphabet and so much more, this really is a great purchase.  The bus itself comes with 4 characters, however, one is able to purchase more separately and The Little People®  Big Yellow School Bus can hold up to 12 characters. Our favourite was the little boy in the wheelchair.   We found it incredibly thoughtful to consider children with disabilities so that they too had a character to relate to (he is standard in The Big Yellow School Bus).  As parents we always try to encourage our children to not only learn about children with disabilities but to be considerate toward them as well. This is the perfect tool to start this small and yet powerful conversation off with your little one.  The Fisher-Price®  Little People®  Travel Together Airplane Recommended Ages 1 -5 years Travel around the world and throw in an adventure for your child. Go on an imaginary trip with your child to your dream destination and make the experience even more fun with The Little People®  Travel Together Airplane. You see anything can be fun when more Little People®  join in. Songs, sounds and phrases will most certainly delight.  The Fisher-Price®  Little People®  Range Encourages: Grasping and movement Strengthens dexterity and hand eye co-ordination  Stimulates auditory and tactile senses  Discovering cause and effect  Some of our favourites out of the range included: Launch & Loop Raceway Caring for Animals Farm Sit with Me School Bus Cuddle & Play Nursery Share & Care Safari™ Playset Snack & Snooze Helpful Neighbor’s Garage Wash & Go Pirate Ship Big Helpers™ Home Noah’s Ark Travel Together Airplane Surprise & Sounds Home Farm Animal Friends

Mums Support Network

Matrescence – The Birth of a Mother

“Do you remember a time when you felt hormonal and moody? Your skin was breaking out and your body was growing in strange places and very fast? And at the same time people were expecting you to be grown up in this new way.”  This is the beginning a TED talk by New York-based psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks. In answer to her questions, I immediately thought about my teenage years: adolescence. She continues, “These same changes happen to a woman when she’s having a baby. We know that it’s normal for teenagers to feel all over the place, so why don’t we talk about pregnancy in the same way?” After running a support group for mothers for several years, it has become apparent to me that while not all mothers develop Peri-Natal Distress (previously known as Postnatal Depression), all mothers do seem to battle in one way or another with the transition from woman to mother.  This transition, and all the idiosyncrasies that go with it, was not something I had ever consciously considered. There are hundreds of books about the transition from child to adult. Adolescence is talked about in our culture; it is recognised as an awkward time in one’s life. Despite the obvious similarities, the same cannot be said for the transition from woman to mother. Even in the medical community, most of the focus is on a baby’s health rather than a mother’s, even less so her mental health.  Unrealistic Expectations Many women post birth or adoption will seek psychiatric help, thinking that they might have PND.  Dr Sacks has spoken with countless new mothers who tell her that they are battling. This is what she hears repeatedly from her patients: The women thought motherhood would make them feel whole and happy; they thought a maternal instinct would tell them what to do; they expected to want to put the baby first. These mothers did not know that these expectations were unrealistic. Because they were not living up to these expectations, they thought something was wrong with them. They thought that their feelings were unnatural, and that perhaps it was PND. The women were experiencing a sort of cognitive discomfort, but not the clinical signs of mental illness. They did not have PND. Dr Sacks struggled to put a name to what this phenomenon was. Then she found an old academic paper from 1973. Anthropologist Dana Raphael (who created the profession of a mother supporter: the doula) had coined the term ‘Matrescence’. Yes, this word sounds like adolescence. Both are times when the body changes and hormones shift, leading to emotional upheaval.  Matrescence is not a disease, but doctors are not educated about the impact of matrescence on a woman’s life, and it consequently becomes confused with PND. In reality, it is not a simple case of either you have PND, or you feel absolutely perfect. Most mothers will struggle through the transition. Identity Shift Matrescence is not only about the physical changes that happen to a woman’s body whilst becoming a mother. This is how ALL mothers, both natural and adoptive, go through matrescence. Psychiatrist Dr Daniel Stern describes becoming a mother as a massive identity shift. Being aware of this is important because a mother who understands it will have more control over her behaviours, which in turn leads to better parenting. In addition, if a mum is in touch with her own emotions, then she can be more empathetic to her children’s emotions. What is it that makes matrescence so uncomfortable? Dr Sacks describes it as an emotional tug-of-war; a push and pull on a woman’s feelings. Human babies are very dependent on their mothers, and the hormone oxytocin helps a mother’s brain to ‘pull in’ to her baby. However, her mind is pushing away. There are other parts to her identity, such as relationships, work, hobbies, intellectual pursuits, etc. Then there are her physical needs: sleeping, eating, exercise, sex, and going to the toilet alone!   This feeling of ambivalence, of wanting their child close but also craving space – is uncomfortable. Mothers are experiencing two opposing feelings at the same time.  Realistically the experiences of motherhood are a mix of good and bad. Women have the unattainable image of “the ideal mother” in their minds. It sets them up to feel shame and guilt for not meeting this impossible standard. Mothers are too ashamed to speak about their ambivalent feelings for fear of being judged. That can be a trigger for developing PND.  Let’s talk  Motherhood is a natural progression. Most mothers find it hard. Ambivalence is normal and there is no reason to feel ashamed. If this were more widely talked about, mothers would feel less alone and stigmatised. It may even reduce the prevalence of PND. Women need to talk to each other to change the way our cultures understand this complex transition. Talk to other mothers, friends, other women! There is nothing wrong with a woman keeping a part of herself separate to being a mother. In fact, it is healthy and normal. Dr Sacks wrote in a New York Times article in 2017: “Knowing the causes of distress and feeling comfortable talking about them with others is critical to growing into a well-adjusted mother.” This, she says, will help new mothers and those around them to acknowledge that while PND is an extreme manifestation of the transition to motherhood, even those who do not experience it undergo a significant transformation. “When a baby is born,” she says, “so too is a mother; each unsteady in their own way.”

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Boosting your immune system

The global pandemic has highlighted more than ever the need to stay healthy and keep our immune systems as strong as possible.  It is well documented that people with  co-morbidities and poorly functioning immune systems are at the highest risk of getting really ill from Covid-19.  Although you cannot suddenly reverse a co-morbidity or instantly boost your immune system, now is a good time to make your health and natural defences a priority.  Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund offers some input as to how to boost our immune system and keep it that way.  What is the immune system? The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defend the body against infection.  It also keeps a record of every germ (microbe) it has ever defeated, so it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again. Dr Mkhatshwa stresses the fact that Covid-19 is a novel (new) pathogen which means our bodies don’t have any existing antibodies to mount a defence. For that reason, it remains imperative to continue wearing masks and practising social distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Can over-the-counter vitamins and supplements help?   There is no magic pill that will instantly boost your immune system. However, together with a healthy lifestyle habits, various supplements can boost your immune system and give you a fighting chance.  What are considered useful vitamins and supplements to take? The recommendation for general health is a combination of 5 essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy. These include: Vitamin C:  Supplementing with Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. This vitamin can also be found in oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, strawberries, red bell peppers and tomato juice. Vitamin D: Also fights off infections and maintains strong bones. Vitamin D has been highly researched in connection with Covid-19 because of its effect on the immune system. – it is found in salmon, mushrooms, milk, cereals and breads. Studies have shown that Vitamin D can expedite healing and stall inflammation in the respiratory system but there has not been robust clinical evidence to prove its use against Covid-19. Vitamin A:Helps regulate the immune system and protects against infections by keeping your tissues and skin healthy – it can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots and spinach. Vitamin E: Is an essential antioxidant that helps fight cell damage. Nuts and peanut butter are filled with Vitamin E. Zinc: Works as an antioxidant and boost the metabolism along with healing wounds.  Meat, shellfish, beans/legumes and nuts/seeds are high zinc foods. Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response. A deficiency in this nutrient significantly affects your immune system’s ability to function properly, resulting in an increased risk of infection and disease. It has also been highly researched in the fight against Covid-19 but sadly has not shown any proven clinical results. Taking a deep breath – the science behind breathing and the immune function Your mental state influences your physical health. Our immune and lymphatic systems are chemical based so we are essentially a collection of chemicals, from our brains to our bones.  The air we breathe converts into chemicals that we need to fuel our cells. The way we breathe matters and even impacts our body chemistry. The physiological responses to deep, controlled, mindful breathing is so profound that if we could bottle them and sell them as drugs, they’d be worth a fortune.  Learn to exhale, activate your diaphragm, breathe deeply and work on fixing your posture. Simply thinking about better breathing will trigger positive immune responses. Breathing slowly and deeply is one of the most effective things you can do right now for your wellbeing. The immune function and auto-immune disease are complex topics. The state of our health is not black and white, nor can it be affected by one-stop solutions. A holistic approach to health will always win against quick fixes. Once we understand that, improvements in these essential body systems can happen naturally.  Will the flu vaccine help your immunity?  Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of influenza illness, hospitalisation and death. Not only will flu vaccinations reduce the risk of getting flu but are an important conservation measure for scarce health care resources. This remains a concern with the ongoing the Covid-19 pandemic.  A protective antibody response takes about 2 weeks to develop so should be taken early.  The third wave of Covid-19 in South Africa, as predicted by The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), has begun and Dr Mkhatshwa recommends doing everything you can to boost your immune system, according to your personal preference.   In terms of Covid-19, it’s especially important to understand that no supplement, diet or other lifestyle modification, other than social distancing and proper hygiene practices can protect you. 

Parenting Hub

Be a part of the Jurassic World Adventure

A Jurassic World Adventure awaits! If you have a dinosaur crazy kid, these action figures provide hours of fun and adventure.  These Movie-inspired dinosaur action figures have realistic sculpting, movable joints, authentic colour and realistic texture that make the figure come alive! Stygimoloch, the plant eating dinosaur comes with movable joints and watch out for her tail whipping action!  That is not even the best part. If you download the Jurassic World Facts App (Andriod and iOS) and scan under your Jurassic Creatures Foot, whole world opens up even more. Once your Dino is scanned, interesting facts become available. Not only will your child be able to learn more about these prehistoric creatures and hear them roar, but they will be able to watch a short clip from Jurassic World showing where their dinosaur appeared in the movie! The App allows for your child to rotate the dinosaur to be able to see a 365 view of them and their habitat. Move up the ranks using the App and unlock facts, making this a really enjoyable interactive experience for your child.  Whilst you cannot see all the features of the other Jurassic World Dinosaurs in the App, you are able to hear their various noises. But, of course, as your child adds more to their collection, this will certainly change.  Dinosaur of the week allows players to view a dinosaur clearly in its habitat. Your child will be able to rotate the dinosaur and to hear them roar even if the dinosaur is unowned. However, no clip of them is provided.  You can watch Camp Cretaceous on Netflix to extend the hours of fun! Follow six teenagers who stay at the camp and go through various experiences to help them better understand the dinosaurs and to get to know the other campers. Each Jurassic World Dinosaur Action Figure is sold separately, subject to availability. Colours and decorations may vary. For ages 4 and up. RSP: R399,99 Jurassic World is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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