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Beloved SA muso, Majozi, joins Koa Academy as Head of Culture

High engagement online school, Koa Academy has announced the appointment of proudly South African creative, Majozi as their new Head of Culture. The SAMA-nominated musician is well-known for ‘wearing his heart on his sleeve’ and for crafting hit songs conveying his inspiring perspectives on life. Learners at Koa Academy, who engage with their teachers in small 8-person Pods, will get to interact with Majozi in a range of experiential arts and culture projects that aim to develop real-life skills. Koa Academy CEO and Principal, Mark Anderson says, “We’re delighted to warmly welcome Majozi into the Koa family. As a professional musician, he’s walked the artist’s road himself and has incredible insight into how young people in South Africa can grow life passions, develop meaningful interests and pursue careers in arts and culture fields. As a successful working creative, Majozi’s appointment as Koa’s Head of Culture represents the unbundling of education and enables Koa to focus on giving our kids more opportunities to discover their talents and pursue future careers which may typically have fallen outside the usual scope of traditional schooling.” For many years, traditional schools have been seen as a sort of ‘one-stop-shop’ for all things related to a child’s learning and future opportunities, often leading to limited resources being stretched thin and a steep rise in school fees. The emergence of online learning has largely enabled the unbundling of education, with parents able to leverage the best options available for each element of their child’s learning. Koa guides parents to take full advantage of those options, with Majozi leading the charge in the creative arts. In his role on the Koa leadership team, Majozi will be responsible for providing strategic and practical direction when it comes to Koa’s approach to arts and culture. From January 2022, Majozi will feature at parent webinars and give school assembly presentations. He will provide coaching to Koa staff on how best to identify and grow individual kid’s talents and artistic interests. Majozi will also be hands-on involved in the design of more Koa Clubs and courses with an arts and culture focus. Majozi says, “Ever since I found my talent in music and started my career, I wished that my education around arts and culture started at an earlier age. When I was growing up, I think arts and culture were misunderstood and often just a side thought in South Africa. I’d love to help change that mind-set and help learners to embrace and value their creativity in whatever form it takes. Even if a future career in arts and culture is not for them, all learners can gain so much by engaging with experiential arts and culture education. They can learn appreciation, understanding, creativity, teamwork, history, and so much more. That’s the beauty of arts and culture, it really has many fascinating subjects that can be explored within it. I want the Koa learners to feel like they are enough and their ideas matter. I’d like to boost their confidence and let them know they can do anything they put their mind to. We’re going to break the ceiling that the world may already have put on their creativity.”

December 20, 2021

THE JOY OF SCHOOLING FROM HOME

As we reflect on this academic period, we are delighted with the amazing successes of children who are learning from home. While there has been significant frustration with school systems around the world, where schools were opened and closed, curricula were reduced, tests and examinations were adapted, school was online and offline, and mask wearing, social distancing and sanitising was enforced, children who are learning from home have continued their education as normal. And they have flourished. They have excelled academically. Some have accelerated significantly on their academic pathway. Their creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills have developed, and their research and technological skills have been enhanced. They have become more confident and motivated. It gives me joy to see children playing, socialising, finding new interests and trying new sports. There is no anxiety, as they are not being pressurised to perform in a system which does not value each child’s unique character, interests, and abilities. I delight in seeing children playing with their pets and spending quality time with their families. I hear the calm in parents’ voices as their children take responsibility for their learning and they see their improved development. THINKING ABOUT SCHOOLING FROM HOME? At this time, you might be reflecting on your child’s schooling, and, like many other parents, you might be considering the best way forward for your child. I would like to encourage you to consider embarking on the exciting journey of schooling from home. It might look daunting, but with guidance and support, it is a lot easier than you think. There are many options available to support parents and children to learn from home. Take the time to carefully consider your child’s interests, passions, talents, and ambitions, and, also consider your family situation, so that you can find the best solution for your child. It is important to thoroughly research the many methodologies and curricula before you decide on an educational solution. In my experience and with the research I have done in education and development, I have found Cambridge International qualifications to be an excellent option for students to obtain a matric and to have the choice of further study. CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is part of the University of Cambridge and provides international education qualifications for children worldwide. Reasons to obtain a Cambridge International qualification Internationally recognised Cambridge International qualifications are accepted by South African and international universities and by employers across the world and are recognised to prepare and equip students with the skills they need to succeed at university and beyond. Develops attributes for future success Learners develop a deep understanding of their subject and learn to apply their knowledge. They develop the ability to solve problems creatively, to think for themselves and to do their own research and to communicate what they have learned. Students are encouraged to be confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged. Challenging and inspiring Students are challenged to develop their potential and are encouraged to utilise their strengths and to pursue their interests. They learn in depth and develop higher order thinking skills. The approach encourages students to draw on local context and culture so that their learning is relevant. Prepares students for life Students develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. They develop thinking and learning skills which prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow’s world and to shape a better future world. Matric and university exemption with Cambridge International qualifications The Cambridge AS Level qualification is a matric qualification that is internationally recognized as one of the best in the world. The incredible resources and methodical delivery of the curricula ensure that your child is getting the best education available. For matriculants, Cambridge offers an international qualification that is a less stressful option than the South African National Senior Certificate. Instead of writing all exams in one sitting, Cambridge offers IGCSE and AS Level exams (Grade 11 and 12) over different sittings. Your child could write some subjects in November, others the following June and still have a third opportunity to write subjects the following November. Fewer subjects are required and there is a range of subject choices and qualification combinations. In addition, once your child has written and passed a subject, the certificate is issued by Cambridge Assessment International Education (UK) and your child will not need to write the subject again, unless they choose to. This means they can concentrate on their remaining subjects. There is no age limit to write subjects with Cambridge International. Why our children and parents love the Cambridge way “It is organised.” “We know what to expect. When we start, we know what is in the syllabus, which textbooks to use and what the exams look like. It is easy to find past papers and answers, so we can do as many past papers as we need, to practice for exams.” “We can set our own pace, work when we like, and do as much work as we need to. We don’t have to sit in a class all day and wait for everyone to catch up. We don’t need to listen to a teacher reading from the textbook.” “It is a lot less stressful.” “It is a much better way to learn than school.” “Exam marking is unbiased.” GLOBAL VILLAGE COLLEGE The delivery of the Cambridge curriculum by Global Village College is a complete educational solution for students and parents to school from home. Global Village College provides it all at your fingertips 24 hours a day. We introduce your child to the Cambridge curriculum so that the transition from other curricula is seamless. We offer Academic Pathway consultations to help your child choose subjects for IGCSE and AS Levels and to plan their pathway to write exams. We provide course material and subject specialist tutoring. We have a variety of options and can recommend the one that best suits your child and your involvement as a parent.

December 17, 2021

PLAY IT SAFE THESE HOLIDAYS

It’s the long school holiday season again, a time when we enjoy long days with family and friends and listen to squeals of delight as our children run around and enjoy the warm weather. It is also a time which brings a harvest of injuries to our children. “Bored children are more likely to investigate new ‘risky’ objects and areas. Children like to explore ‘new territory’, therefore this holiday season we encourage all parents and caregivers to actively supervise their children and be extra be vigilant”, Thilda Nel, Executive Director, ChildSafe. To help ensure your children have fun and stay safe this holiday, here are a few tips from ChildSafe to remember. Be a mindful driver Always keep within the speed limit Keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially now with children home and playing outside Check that there are no children playing around your car before you drive off Remember that children are safer in the back seat Check Your Child’s Car Seat Before Holiday Travel Seventy-three percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly, so before you hit the road, check your car seat. Also ensure that all passengers are buckled up, even for short trips. Use Booster Seats Safety in the car goes beyond your little ones. Kids who have outgrown a forward-facing harness seat are not ready for a seat belt or front seat yet. They are safest in a booster seat that enables the adult seat belt to fit properly. Even when children have graduated from booster seats, they should remain in the back seat (firmly buckled up) until they reach the age of 12. At the Beach and Swimming Pools Never leave children unsupervised near or around water. Actively keep an eye on your child near water, even if they can swim or wear safety gear Stay close to your child near water, in case they will need help Restrict children’s access to pools; use a fence with a locking gate On the beach always have children swim where there is a lifeguard Even good swimmers can be swept out to sea by currents. Check warning signs near water before entering the water Consumption of alcohol Parents and caregivers to be responsible when consuming alcohol because numerous injuries to children occur when caregivers are under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol consumption impairs self-control and adequate supervision of children cannot take place. Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic drinks. Most traffic fatalities are alcohol-related, therefore, please use designated drivers, people who do not drink, to drive other guests home after a party. Preventing burns Kids love to reach, so to prevent burns from hot holiday food or liquid spills, simply use the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from the edge. Do not hold small children while drinking hot beverages. Always start with cold water first when running a bath and remember to test the temperature with your elbow and never leave a child unattended to in the bathroom. Put our braai fires with cold water and not sand. Blow Out Candles and Store Matches Out of Reach Keep holiday candles at least 30cm away from anything that can burn, and don’t forget to blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep. Make a habit of placing matches and lighters in a safe place, out of children’s reach. Avoid novelty lighters or lighters that look like toys. Keep Harmful Plants Out of Reach Plants can spruce up your holiday decorating but keep those that may be poisonous out of reach of children or pets. This includes berries, plants and mushrooms. In a poison emergency, call the Poisons Information Helpline – 0861 555 777. Find the Perfect Toy for the Right Age Consider your child’s age when purchasing a toy or game this holiday season. It’s worth a second to read the instructions and warning labels to make sure the gift is just right. Before you’ve settled on the perfect toy, check to make sure there aren’t any small parts or other potential choking hazards. Keep Button Batteries Away from Young Kids Keep a special eye on small pieces, including button batteries that may be included in electronic toys. While these kinds of games are great for older kids, they can pose a potential danger for younger, curious siblings. Don’t Forget a Helmet for New Bikes or Other Toys If your child’s heart is set on a bike, skateboard or scooter this holiday season, be sure to include a helmet to keep them safe while they’re having fun. Decorate Your Tree With Your children in Mind Children are curious and will want to play with the ornaments on the tree, so you might as well prepare. Move the ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks towards the top of the tree. That makes room at the bottom for the ones that are safer for young children. Check the Lights Lights are one of the best parts of holiday decorating. Look at the ones on your tree and in and around your home for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. Keep yourself and your children entertained, keep them safe, and have a happy, enjoyable summer holiday! In case of an emergency call 10177 or 112.

December 15, 2021

Child kidnapping prevention tips for all ages

News headlines across the country were dominated recently by the kidnapping of four young boys from Polokwane. They were thankfully returned with their family a few days ago, but available crime statistics seem to indicate there is a growing trend of kidnappings across our country and many of these never make the front pages. The figure for reported kidnappings in 2010/2011 was 2,839 and the upward trajectory of this particular crime by 133% by 2019/2020 places South Africa at risk of being placed on a “consolidated watch list” of countries viewed as kidnapping hotspots. According to Missing Children South Africa, a child goes missing every five hours in our country. “Parents need to empower their children, teenagers, and varsity-going young adults with all the information necessary to prevent kidnappings,” says Charnel Hattingh, Head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity ADT. She says there are several tips for parents and family members to consider, and it starts with these safety tips to teach your kids: Children must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take shortcuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots and never walk with cell phones and iPads in full view. If they get picked up at school, they should never leave the premises but always wait inside the school grounds for their lift to arrive. Younger children particularly must never get into a stranger’s car– even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and that they have been sent to pick them up. Remind them that you would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them. Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect you from school cannot repeat the password that you and your child agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately ask for help. If a stranger approaches your child, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and shout. If your child does encounter any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise their physical details and clothing, as well as the vehicle they are in. Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later. Make sure your children memorise their full names, address, and phone number. Using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111. If they are older they should have some emergency numbers programmed into their phone or consider having a safety App on their phone. Hattingh says there are also tips for older children, such as those of varsity age: Older children should be reminded to keep their valuables out of sight at all times and not to use headphones because this will dampen their ability to sense their surroundings. The more you cut your senses off the easier it is for someone to take you by surprise. Stay alert! Alter their route: If they are walking home or to public transport, they need to alter their route. Even if it takes longer, always use a route that is well lit and populated with houses and other walkers instead of taking shortcuts through less-friendly areas. If you feel threatened, you can at least knock on someone’s door for help if you’re walking through a familiar neighbourhood. If you are using a taxi service, ensure that it is a bona fide service provider. Be extra cautious to go and meet anyone who befriends you on social media. Always meet in a public space with two or three friends as backup. Be cautious to be lured by people offering you a job or modelling contract. Remember safety in numbers. “When it comes to kidnapping, the more knowledge both the parent and child have, the better their chances of identifying kidnappers and preventing the unthinkable from happening. As parents, we don’t want our children to live in fear. Still, we live in a world where bad things happen,” says Hattingh.

December 10, 2021

7 Ways You Can Be An Eco Friendly Parent

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

December 9, 2021

The best defence is a multi-defence

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

December 9, 2021

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

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

December 8, 2021

Boston Online Home Education to extend its academic support and services

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

December 8, 2021

Water Safety

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

November 30, 2021

Yogi Bear, Cindy, Huckleberry Hound, and a Universe of Hanna-Barbara Characters Welcome You to Jellystone! on Cartoon Network Africa

Original animated ensemble comedy series from Chowder’s C.H. Greenblatt and Warner Bros. Animation marks anticipated return of legendary characters to television after 30-year hiatus Cartoon Network’s young audience won’t be the only ones delighting in the brand-new, animated series, Jellystone! – there’s something nostalgic for baby boomers and millennials in there too! From 15th of November, Africa’s #1 kids’ channel is bringing on the whacky, wonderful, and absolutely hilarious epic ensemble cast of Hanna-Barbera characters, created by acclaimed showrunner and executive producer C.H. Greenblatt (Chowder, Harvey Beaks) and produced by Warner Bros. Animation. The series presents a reimagined take on these beloved characters, modernising them for today’s family audience and introducing them to a new generation of fans. Set in the charming town of the same name, Jellystone! follows the Hanna-Barbera characters as they live, work, play, and (often the case) destroy the town in some silly way together. Huckleberry Hound proudly serves as the town’s mayor; Cindy, Boo Boo and Yogi are the town’s medical staff; Jabberjaw works at Magilla’s clothing store where they supply all the bow ties and hats to the town’s citizens. Every character has a specific role in the community, and their paths cross in fun and ridiculous ways, turning everyday activities into hilarious pandemonium. “I grew up watching tons of Hanna-Barbera cartoons and have a deep love for these characters,” said Greenblatt. “The massive amount of both classic and not-so-classic characters we were able to use from the Hanna-Barbera library is what really makes the Jellystone! universe special. Rather than recreate the feeling of cartoons of the past, we wanted to have silly, weird fun with these characters and expand their personalities to give them more depth. Chances are, if there’s a character you love, you’ll see them somewhere in this world eventually. We hope long-time fans appreciate our take on this world, and we’re excited that parents get to introduce and enjoy their favourite Hanna-Barbera characters with their kids.” We’re re-writing history at Cartoon Network, so take a trip to Jellystone! from Monday, 15 November, on Cartoon Network Africa.

November 16, 2021

R20 million in bursaries available at The Knowledge Trust Education and Career Expo on WhatsApp

South African matriculants, school leavers and students can register now to attend The Knowledge Trust Career Expo, hosted for the first time entirely on the WhatsApp platform. Expo visitors who have completed the expo’s career guidance journey, unlock access to apply for the more than 140 bursaries, valued at over R20 million. They also have access to more than 20 education institutions, who will be hosting stands at the expo, as well as a wide variety of career guidance, learnership and job opportunities. The expo, which runs for three months focusing on different topics each month, can be accessed for free by South African youth. For November, the theme is Education and participants can register to connect with educators, training providers and organisations who sponsor young talent. The expo features a variety of pathways across six different expo halls: business and management; media and communication; science, technology, engineering and maths; health and wellness; tourism and hospitality; and arts, humanities and education. For the current Matric cohort, the event’s ground-breaking use of the WhatsApp platform enables them to easily co-ordinate browsing the virtual education and employment expo halls with their study and exam timetables, from home, simply via their devices. For school-leavers and students, it enables them to scout for serious study opportunities, bursaries and sponsorships without incurring any travel spend or major data costs. In addition to accessing the bounty of bursaries, participants have the option to apply for Standard Bank student loans via the WhatsApp bot. Young South Africans can register here to access The Knowledge Trust Career Expo on WhatsApp. Jaryd Raizon, Africa Director of The Knowledge Trust says, “This expo was designed for youth as a free tool they can explore within the comfort of their homes. At a time when so many other events have been disrupted due to the pandemic, it was vital to provide youth with access to career guidance, education and job opportunities, at scale through affordable technology. At the same time, ensuring Matrics and school-leavers are not further compromised due to COVID-19.” JobStarter, a career coaching platform, is one of the partners at The Knowledge Trust Career Expo. Executive Director, Marguerite van Niekerk highlights why learners and students should participate: Learners and Matrics – “Taking the first step to planning for your future can feel rather daunting, even frightening. To know what your next step should be, you need to know what options are available to you because it is important to match your skills, interests and values to study and career pathways that work well for you. Career Expos like this one are important tools for you to use to discover what’s out there in the world of work and to explore options that suit you. You are likely to gain insights into careers you haven’t known about or considered.” School-leavers and Students – “The job market is constantly and rapidly changing, and so are the skills-sets that employers need. The Knowledge Trust Career Expo will provide you with wonderful opportunities to gain insights into different industries and a deeper understanding about your interests, skills and values. It’s an experience that helps you understand who you are and what you have to offer, which is a crucial first step in your job-seeking journey. This, in turn, helps you create a better CV and stand out in interviews.” Van Niekerk concludes, “My top tip is to explore every booth in every hall. Don’t follow your preconceived ideas about study or work that might interest you. Keep an open mind and check out all the options. You never know what you might learn about yourself or the world of work that could shift your career trajectory in more fulfilling and rewarding ways.” Unilever’s LevelUp initiative is an exciting feature of the expo this November. The youth empowerment programme will give expo participants access to training modules that will enable them to strengthen their CV as well as build their skills and experience. LevelUp teaches the basics of personal branding, helps to develop digital skills and offers a range of activities that promote work-readiness. Lisa Andrews, HR Director Talent & Organisation at Unilever says, “Collaborations and partnerships are critical in growing and developing Africa’s youth and we are proud to partner with The Knowledge Trust on such an innovative and purpose driven initiative” Registration for The Knowledge Trust Career Expo via WhatsApp is free here

November 12, 2021

A holiday could be just what the doctor ordered

After enduring three waves of COVID-19, the vaccine programme now rolling out and the travel and hospitality industry re-opening, now might be the ideal time to plan a de-stressing, year-end family holiday. Many families are still getting over cabin fever, the stress and anxiety associated with the disruptions to work, education, anticipated social events that were cancelled, or at worst, the loss of someone close. A Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) study in 2020 found that during the first lockdown period 33% of South Africans were depressed. This is double the level of depression and anxiety that a 2018 study found. The HSRC also reported that 45% of respondents were fearful and 29% experienced loneliness. Research supports the benefits of taking a holiday to counter depressive symptoms, with one study finding that getting away is far more effective than passive leisure activity. Scientists have also found that the psychological benefits of a holiday can last for up to a month after returning home. Besides finally having something to look forward to and the mental health benefits of a holiday, another consideration is the deals that are available as the hard-hit travel and hospitality sectors try to lure back customers. Personal loan specialists, DirectAxis, canvassed some industry experts to find out how you might regain some sanity while getting the best value for your holiday budget. Be an early bird If you’re planning to fly to your destination, the good news is that with British Airways (operated by Comair), kulula.com and South African Airways all flying again, there’s increased competition and more seats to fill, which should keep airfares in check. Even so, don’t wait too long before booking. Airlines sell different fare types within each cabin. Typically, the cheapest fares have conditions attached to them, such as penalties for changes to the booking or a limited baggage allowance. The more restrictions there are, the less you’ll pay. Airlines know these cheaper fares will sell quickly. To discourage customers from changing their minds at the last minute and leaving the airline with an unsold seat, they charge hefty fees for cancellations or changes. If you’re sure about your arrangements and book early, you can snap up these lower fares. The other tip is to try to fly during periods of lower demand. Although the year-end break is always going to be busier and fares are likely to be slightly higher than during quieter periods, most people want to be on morning or evening flights so they can make the most of their day. You may be able to save some money if you choose less popular flights during the day or fly on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve when demand is typically low. Avoid popular flights at the start or end of school holidays which are likely to be more expensive. Expand your horizons The successive lockdowns meant that international tourism all but dried up. While there is now some interest from North America and some European markets with less stringent travel restrictions, industry insiders think the international market won’t recover until after 2023. This means that some top-end hotels, guest houses and private game lodges which had previously depended on international tourism over the South African summer peak season have had to re-think their sales and marketing strategy to attract local guests. The result is that some of these experiences which domestic travellers may have previously not considered are now much more affordable. With not all international flights having returned and some countries still restricting international travel, now could be the time you could enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, world-class experience in your own country at a fraction of what you would have paid pre-pandemic. Do your homework Shafeeqah Isaacs, head of financial education at DirectAxis, says the travel experts also provided some sound travel tips: Do some research before you commit. Compare airfares, hospitality rates and understand what is included and what the penalties are for changes or cancellations. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices double check that you’ll get what the website promises on review sites such as TripAdvisor. The internet is a valuable tool, but there’s no substitute for first-hand experience. If you know someone who has visited your destination find out everything you can, good and bad. That way you’ll know what not to miss and can avoid repeating any mistakes they made. Once you’ve booked your trip, plan what you’re going to do when you get there. If you can, pre-book. It could save you money and also avoid disappointment if popular activities are booked up on the day. It will also help you stick to your travel budget. Doing things on a whim can be expensive. When you’ve finalised your plans and booked your trip, consider what you have left of your budget to spend on your holiday. That way you’ll be able to savour the memories as you ease back into daily life, rather than anxiously waiting for January’s paycheque because you’ve over-spent. “A family holiday may not be as costly as you think and will help put the anxieties and stresses of the past 18 months behind you. You’ll also be supporting the recovering domestic travel and hospitality sector,” says Shafeeqah.

November 11, 2021

WHY EDUCATION SHOULD BE DESIGNED FOR THE INDIVIDUAL, NOT THE AVERAGE

Whenever we design one thing for many users, we rationalise that if we ‘design it for the average’, we’ll have a good fit for most users. An example of this was in 1926, when the US Air Force was coming up with a design for their first fleet of fighter planes. They constructed the cockpits based on the average measurements of over 100 of their prospective Top Gun pilots. After around 25 years of inexplicable crashes involving highly trained pilots, they decided to revise their cockpit design. They doubled down on their assumption about designing it for the average pilot, and this time they took many more measurements from over 4000 pilots, hoping to have ‘a better average’. But the plane crashes they put down to ‘human error’ only increased. As Koa Academy CEO and Principal, Mark Anderson tells the story: “Then along came Lieutenant Gilbert S Daniels, a Harvard graduate who had studied the law of averages. He had a firm belief that if you wanted to design something for an individual human being, the average was useless. He went on to prove this by studying the data of the 4000 pilots and showing that not one of them fell into the ten most basic average measurements, even with a generous 30% margin of error. In other words, not one of the individual pilots was average in every way, and so none of them fitted into the cockpit with optimal access to all the aircraft’s controls.” Daniels concluded that in designing a cockpit for the average, they had effectively designed ‘a cockpit for no one’. Anderson maintains that the same is true for our traditional education system. “Teaching to the middle is simply not a good way to educate individual human beings; it’s not a good way for any child to learn. We’ve known this for a long time, and school leaders, teachers and parents have been yearning for a shift from teaching to the middle to teaching the individual child.” Finding the ways to individualise learning has been a passion for Anderson since his early days of teaching. Technology has been a key to unlocking how one education system can individualise learning for many. “We’ve finally solved the dilemma of teaching to the middle, where some are frustrated and bored, and others are frustrated and confused,” he says. At Koa Academy, a high engagement online school, learners in close-knit Pods are working at their own pace on personalised pathways and engaging with content that is delivered optimally for them. Their progress is tracked and measured against targets that each individual child has set under the guidance of their teacher. When the US Air Force finally introduced adaptable features in their cockpits and each pilot could fit optimally, crashes due to ‘human error’ became very rare. In the same way, no child gets left behind, or gets left unattended out ahead, because their learning path is highly adaptable to their unique learning needs. Discover Koa Academy here

November 10, 2021

Saving Can Be Child’s Play

As South Africans, our experience with money is probably as diverse as our population. Unfortunately, the significant gaps in understanding basic financial concepts continue to be a barrier to living the lives we deserve. This makes taking a one-size-fits-all approach to financial education as effective as trying to build a house using only a hammer. While access to financial infrastructure is one way to broaden socio-economic inclusion, another is addressing the knowledge gap in ways that work. This needs to be a nuanced approach that’s sensitive, sustainable, and accessible. It needs to empower people to live with confidence, go after their goals and believe they can build a better life. Ideally, it should start in childhood, but be an ongoing journey. In fact, the earlier in childhood we can start, the better. Starting Young It has long been known that play is one of the most powerful ways in which children learn. This is what makes the Sanlam Savings Jar app such an innovative and apt solution to the question of how to teach children sound financial lessons. In the app, which essentially gamifies the idea of saving, players become young dragon masters embarking on a fantastical quest. The more they save, the more their mystical dragon grows. Mariska Oosthuizen, Head of Brand at Sanlam, says, “We know that gamification is a powerful means to educate young people. The Sanlam Savings Jar breaks down basic financial concepts, like planning, goal setting, needs versus wants, and appreciation of money and how to earn it. It’s critical to teach children these concepts early on as habits are formed from as young as seven.” By making the idea of saving fun, whether for a rainy day or a sunny one, much of the stigma and discomfort is removed from conversations about money. A key first step in closing the financial literacy gap in South Africa involves families being able to talk freely about the subject. Turning it around An alarming finding comes from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which ranked South Africa the worst of 30 countries for financial competency in 2018. This worrying reality need to be addressed urgently and head-on. Teaching children how to plan, especially where money is involved, starts to empower them to live with confidence. Upskilling their financial literacy will do exactly this and help South Africa as a nation, move away from some of the troubling tendency toward over indebtedness. Here are a few ways you can help improve your child’s financial literacy: Teach them about managing debt: Debt is a tricky one to teach little people about. Offer to ‘advance’ your child the money they need for a desperately desired toy, but make sure they understand the ‘conditions’ upfront. Talk about what the toy is worth. Now, show them the impact of interest. By taking your loan now, they’ll have to ‘pay’ more for the toy in total. Work out a roster of chores they can do to ‘pay back’ the money. And make sure they know that if they don’t do the chores, they could lose their cherished toy! It sounds harsh, but it’s wise to teach these lessons to older children in the safe space of your home. Practice saving and investing for different goals: Ponies and Playstations don’t grow on trees but the money you need to buy them can be grown in a bank account. Through games like the Sanlam Savings Jar app your little one can take their first steps to becoming Baby Bezos. Give them financial confidence: Few things are as gratifying as the hands-on-hips confidence your mini me displays when they do something well. That confidence can be built with financial literacy too. Give them little savings tasks and reward them when they do these well. If it all goes according to plan then, in a few years’ time, they’ll have the financial confidence to start to build their best, independent lives.

November 9, 2021

Why does reading matter?

Why do we tell children to read? Why do we always tell children that reading is beneficial for them? And is it even true in this digital age? Does reading novels actually help older children in any way? Does reading to younger children have identifiable benefits? And, finally, does reading really matter in any way? Yes – reading is vital, life-changing and stimulating for some very important reasons. Let’s take a look at how reading assists children in their everyday lives, and then look further to see how it can give them an overall fulfilling, rewarding life. Books help children develop vital language skills. In children, reading skills do exist, but they need to be developed. Learning in school, and later on at university requires advanced levels of reading. No reading SKILL equals no advancement in the university of life. Whatever path you want to follow in life, be it academia, sciences or even entrepreneurship and the arts, you need reading skills. And to cope with life as a normal functioning adult, reading skills are of utmost importance for everyday use. People studying futurology have hailed the death of the written word as imminent. However, the exact opposite has happened. With the advent of the internet and the overload of information that we are bombarded with every day, reading a vital skill that everyone wants to acquire as fast as possible. Skimming and searching through copious amounts of information as fast and as accurately as possible is a valued skill. Paperless does not mean without the written word. You can read the same report in many different ways, formats and presentations at the click of a button. A couple of written words today can cause an international uproar in minutes. In order to understand what you read, other skills are also necessary, such as critical thinking, evaluation, anticipation, and moderation. Without these skills, reading would not mean much at all. The more children read, the better they become at reading. Yes, it’s true. If children enjoy what is being read to them, the more interested they will become in doing as much as possible to fine tune and develop their reading skills. This means they will be fully capable adults with access to all information anywhere they choose. It is also important to enjoy the activity of reading. If it takes you out of your life and introduces you to other worlds, thoughts, places, and things, then you are the richer for it. When a child struggles to read, it will continuously be an emotional obstacle. So, it is important to forge a positive attitude towards reading as early as possible. Children who read frequently will develop enquiring minds and become more interested in becoming avid readers themselves. If you read out loud to children, they become familiar with grammatical styles and expression. Through this, they learn to speak better and develop a greater understanding of how to express themselves verbally. Through this they are also able to pick up on empathy as they read stories through the eyes of different characters. They learn to identify similarities and differences between themselves and various characters. The list goes on. Children who read a lot regardless of whether it is newspapers, the internet, books or magazines are exposed to a greater range of new and interesting vocabulary. They do not have to understand the actual word as most times they can work it out from the context of the sentence and next time they see it, they will have learned something without even realising it. Reading aloud also helps children with the pronunciation of words as they link the word on the page to the word that is being spoken – this is true even if they cannot yet sound out the word themselves. Reading is an amazing experience. It can open up a whole new world to children, enhancing their lives with places, things, and descriptions they have never heard of before. Reading also brings a completely new world to a child – whether it is factual, scientific or simply for self-interest. There are so many resources available from which children can read, that if they take to it and realize how useful it can be, then, literally, the world is their oyster – there is no end to what they can read and access. It would be a magical experience for them. Reading will open up a whole new understanding of humanity, and its history from all over the world. And nowhere is it more obvious that we live in a “global village” than when thinking of this in relation to children growing and developing their hungry minds. Aspects such as peaceful coexistence throughout the world and concern for humanity are all by-products of reading. Children will learn these things through the reading of non-fiction books, and other materials that are set in other periods of time, in other countries and cultures. Books bring a real live world into the life of a child. Through their imagination, they can go places and feel things without any consequences. They don’t have to answer to anyone. They can travel with their minds and meet all sorts of unsavory or popular characters who they can revisit, whenever they feel the need, by simply rereading the book. Discovering a sequel or other stories by the same author is even more exciting. Lessons in life skills such as problem-solving, cause and effect as well as conflict resolution and learning about accepting responsibility for your own actions are all explained and contained between the exciting pages of novels. Mystery stories or investigations into plots can all challenge young minds to solve theories – and then feeling terribly pleased when they do it correctly as it unfolds in the book. Furthermore, their confidence is given a great boost. Everybody knows that children copy what they see and hear from the world around them. There are plenty of children’s TV programs that leave much to be desired

November 9, 2021

Are You Walking Away or Being Left Behind?

How do you feel about your divorce – are you ready to get on with it or are you resisting the process? Upon his return from a business trip, Sean greets Rachel with a nonchalant brush on the cheek. “We have to talk” he whispers in her ear as he pushes past her to tuck the kids into bed. While she listens to the laughter from the bedrooms, Rachel wonders whether his work will take him away from home again soon. She boils the kettle and starts to prepare his coffee, just like she has always done for the past twelve years that they have been together. “Leave the coffee. Let’s sit down.” he says. He is going away again soon, she sighs. “Rachel, I am not happy. I want a divorce.” What? It seldom happens that two people agree to get divorced at the same time, for the same reasons. What normally happens is that one spouse announces the wish to get divorced, to the surprise and devastation of the other. We go through a lengthy process of weighing our expectations, emotions and fears before making such a life-changing decision. By the time we make up our minds, we have mourned the loss of our marriage to a degree and come to terms with the reasons why the union did not last. When Sean was ready to announce his intentions to Rachel, he had a fairly clear picture of the way he wanted to go forward. Rachel, however, literally has the carpet pulled out from under her and has to deal with an overwhelming array of emotions – utter surprise, disappointment, feelings of rejection, fear, anger etc. It is little wonder that conflict ensues. Traditionally, Sean, who is eager to dissolve the marriage and get on with his life, would employ an attorney to start litigating the process of divorce. On the other hand, Rachel, might consult a counselor in an effort to figure out what went wrong and appeal to Sean to join her, in a desperate attempt to save her marriage. All the while, because they find themselves in two completely different places in their lives, they are drifting further apart and the situation becomes untenable for both of them. If they opted for a mediation process, they would be able to get together with a skilled professional and ascertain their individual needs, which are quite different at this stage, as well as the needs of their children. Getting a clear picture of what everybody wants and needs, helps to establish empathy and insight while laying a safe foundation for negotiating the specifics of a divorce settlement. If, however, it becomes apparent that one or more parties involved need support such as therapy for Rachel and/or Sean or play-therapy for the children, decisions and arrangements can be made to ensure the well-being of the whole family. In some cases, couples might even realise that they would rather make an effort to resolve their differences and reconcile, which could also be facilitated by mediation. Furthermore, if Rachel and Sean discover that they require some legal or financial input, it can be acquired as part of a collaborative process. This applies to any assistance or service relevant to a civilised separation. Read this article for more information about the Ownership and Collaborative Management of your Divorce. In order to reach an amicable and fair divorce agreement, everybody has to be satisfied that they are being heard and their interests are being protected. Where litigation is designed to argue and win the fight, mediation is designed to communicate and compromise. That is why it is of the utmost importance that both Rachel and Sean not only grasp where the other person is at in their divorce process, but also have compassion for each other’s perspective on the situation, depending on who is walking away and who is being left behind. It reminds me of that Kenny Rogers song “I’m running and she wants to walk…” If you’ve had it and want out pronto like Sean, be patient with your partner who desperately needs to make sense of what is happening first. On the other hand, if you’re devastated and wish that you could wake up from this nightmare, try to understand that your partner might be way beyond any desire to make amends.

November 4, 2021

Keep little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Spray and Anti-Mosquito Roll On

Summer brings lots of fun, warm nights and days spent in nature – unfortunately, it also comes with insects. Keep your little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Spray and Anti-Mosquito Roll On and get the gentlest, most natural solution to all-round cover. Made with naturally effective ingredients such as Eucalyptus and Citrodiora, the lotion is available in either a convenient spray and rub or a roll-on. Unlike most mosquito repellents the Chicco Anti-Mosquito range leaves a great smelling, natural fragrance, reminding you that every time you protect your baby you are doing the least possible harm to their gentle skin. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Loot, Takealot and other participating retailers.

November 3, 2021

Style, function, exclusivity: new luxury bag range launches online in South Africa

Born in South Africa in 2020 – Luxury Neoprene Bags. For fashionistas, workaholics, party girls, super moms, sweat addicts, baby mammas & YOU! The Lily Rose Collection was created to allow fashion-savvy women to easily switch between casual weekend style and glam working executive mode, without having to swap out her handbag. Crafted for stylish women who value practicality and convenience, every bag in the Lily Rose Collection is made from neoprene – a hardworking material offering no-snag protective cushioning that’s also weather-, water- and heat-resistant so it will last for ages. The added bonus? The entire bag is plastic- and latex-free. The Lily Rose Collection bags are washing machine-friendly, extremely durable yet lightweight and with just the right amount of stretch to fit in that little something extra – because you can never have enough space in your handbag. With limited signature prints – photographed in Cape Town using locally-grown blooms – reminiscent of luxe Victorian fabrics, it’s apt that the brand name is the Lily Rose Collection. With lilies representing devotion to oneself, family or career, and roses known to signify love and passion, who better to turn to for a statement piece to carry all your daily essentials? But you’ll love your Lily Rose Collection bag for more than just its good looks, because the designers really have thought of everything. A wide opening with a roomy main compartment, two zipped pockets, colour-matched canvas hand- and shoulder straps for ease of use, built-in elasticated mesh storage pouches for a water bottle or your wallet – plus, there are thoughtful details like zip stoppers, protective feet and a gorgeous, branded puller to secure everything inside. Whether you opt for a soft, neutral colour palette like the Tranquillity bag, something bold like the Passion bag or attention-grabbing like Abundance, there’s a feminine print to suit every taste because a Lily Rose Collection bag is a style statement. What’s new?? The Lily Rose Collection will be launching an all-new range of Neoprene beach bags just in time for the December holidays. Locally designed, locally manufactured in gorgeous new prints. Every beach bag will come included with a PC lotion bag to store your sunblock and the like – so keep your eyes peeled for the Launch! Currently available in South Africa, visit www.lilyrosecollection.co.za for more information or to start your collection today.

November 2, 2021

Keep your kids moving

Winter is here and with it comes colder weather, making getting outside to play and exercise more of a challenge. But it’s still important. Bonitas Medical Fund suggests you try and keep your child active throughout the year and provides some suggestions to get them moving, exercising and having fun.

November 1, 2021

Good news for concerned parents using iPhones – FYI play it safe now available in web browser

FYI play it safe, the app that alerts parents when their children are in potential online danger can now also be used by parents with iPhones. “In our first release of FYI play it safe, we had the ability to provide the application only to Android-families. We have received many requests from parents who use iPhones to develop a version that can be accessed from their devices. We are excited to announce the release of FYI safe web, making the monitoring of children’s activities available to parents from any web browser on any device. This means that parents with iPhones or iPads will now also benefit from the protection of FYI play it safe for their children,” said Rachelle Best, CEO and Founder of FYI play it safe. “Although we are continuously updating the words, phrases and emojis we include in our monitoring mechanisms, this release also includes a significant expansion in any drug-related activity, which we believe strengthens the level of comfort FYI play it safe gives to our parents,” continued Best. Privacy remains a top priority and the relevant measures have been put in place and are continuously strengthened for both parents and their children who subscribe to the app. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather a complementary layer of added security for parents of children between the ages of 8 and 16. “While tweens and teenagers are focused on having fun and meeting new friends online, parents need to balance the tension between respecting their children’s privacy and navigating the risks presented by social media platforms, gaming, anonymous chat rooms and search engine content.” concluded Best. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial.

October 22, 2021

Chicco Polly Progres5 highchair

Welcome to the world of stylish baby feeding. The champion of all highchairs is back with the brand new, most versatile option yet – the Polly Progres5. As advanced as a highchair can get, this bold and daring red polka dotted high-fashion baby product is designed with convenience in mind so you can #parentmore as you give them the best possible feeding and weaning experience. Allowing you to start feeding with ease from newborn, the Polly Progres5 grows with your child until they are ready to join their family at the big table. And even then, the Polly can come along. The fully-reclining seat is a first for Chicco highchairs. Bottle feed from newborn and allow the chair to continue supporting as your child grows. The Polly Progres5 has all the convenience of an everyday highchair with superior adjustability and functionality. 4 recline positions with one-hand adjustment and 8 height positions make it easy to bring growing children up to the table. Snap-on highchair with booster tray includes removable liner and stores on rear legs. The highchair seat easily detaches from frame to create the booster and stool configurations. When it’s time to grow up the fold-away foot rest swings out of the way to create stool configuration. Highly space-saving, the highchair is only 11.5 inches when folded for storage in between meals. And with an extra padded cushion, the Polly Progres5 is the most comfortable seat in the house. Modes: Baby: Reclining seat mode and fully upright mode for baby feeds. Toddler Booster: Highchair seat detaches from frame to create high-back booster. Big Kid Booster: Zip-off extension panel and fold-away arm rests convert booster to a more portable seat. Youth Stool: Highchair frame converts to height-adjustable stool with snap-on seat. With a 12-month guarantee you can rest assured that the Polly Progres5 is the only highchair you will ever use again. Grab them on special for a limited time at www.shopchicco.co.za for R4499.

October 15, 2021

Through the eyes of a parent

There are very few parents that embark on the sleep training journey without some level of fear, misconception, nervousness, or uncertainty. The whole concept of sleep training and possibly imagining your child in distress can often paralyse a parent from acting. I have seen it either delay or prevent sleep coaching or interfere in the process once it has already begun. One thing that is vividly apparent to me as a parent, is how hard it is for me to watch my children struggle through challenges that I know I could easily step in and fix for them. I sleep trained my firstborn son when he was a little over a year old, prior to my journey as a sleep consultant. I got up to feed him back to sleep, every hour on the hour and I did this for many months, feeling as though it was my rightful duty as a mother. I wore the badge with honour, and it took me a full year to realise that my self-sacrificial attitude was not benefiting anybody in our home. Once my second child was born, I was far more knowledgeable and determined to do things right from the start, yet this dream was crushed as she suffered with unmanageable colic. Here I was in the optimal position, having an abundance of knowledge at my disposal. Yet here I sat, feeling and thinking the thoughts I so commonly hear expressed from my clients- that they are not sure their child is ready, or that they know the process has worked for many children, but they are just doubtful it will work for their child. Sometimes as parents I think we are too close to the situation and our children, to see the situation from a neutral perspective. When it came to my daughter, I constantly delayed implementing sleep training fundamentals because I continually told myself that she could not possibly do it. She was not ready and I had the ultimate excuse: colic. I knew something needed to change. The day she turned 16 weeks I had finally built up the courage to try and she responded immediately. On night two she slept straight through the night for 13 hours. Miraculously, the following day her colic instantly disappeared. I do not think that was coincidental. For months I was bouncing her, rocking her, using either the dummy or breast to appease the crying and yet none of it worked. Looking back, I think my daughter was crying, telling me to just stop what I was doing. But the more she cried, the less I stopped. The moment I chose to pursue sleep training, was the first time I actually did stop. I stopped doing everything I had been doing up until that point and she breathed a huge baby sigh of relief. My daughter just wanted to soothe herself. I do not think that this is an uncommon scenario. As parents we are often too close to the problem and this narrows our thinking. I want to believe my child is different, that he is not ready, he is genuinely hungry at night, or that he will crumble under the notion of being put in his cot to put himself to sleep? Yet have you ever stopped, simply taken a step back and wondered whether your child might just surprise you? There is an expression “you can’t see the forest for the trees”. It suggests that when you are too close to a situation, it is difficult to see it as it is. If you have been uncertain, or have been delaying the process, I encourage you to step back and think of where you want your family to be in 2 years from now. When you are able to build up the courage to see the bigger picture, you will be in the position to gift your child with something invaluable, the gift of independent sleep. The guidance of a sleep trainer can be a wonderful way to gain an unbiased and a new perspective on your sleep issues. This is a valuable way to gain a fresh set of eyes and a clear mind. We have worked with many children and know what they are capable of, we have worked with countless nervous moms and walked them through the process. We not only support you through the journey, but we also empower you with knowledge. Give it a shot, you will be grateful that you did. By Tammy Buitendach – Good Night Consultant References: www.cnbc.com www.linkedin.com www.mentalhealthandhappiness.com

October 14, 2021

The Power of Play for children with special needs

“It’s a happy talent to know how to play” – Ralf Waldo Emerson Why play? As therapists we are often asked by parents, “What can we do at home to support our child’s learning?” Without a doubt, play is one of the most effective learning and therapy tools available to children and their families, and it is the “homework” we are the happiest to prescribe. Play is of benefit to not only the children in a family, but to the adults too, with the result that it is a win-win situation all round and it leads to happier children and families. When one considers the following quote from Dr Karyn Purvis it is difficult to think of any valid reasons not to be playing with our children: Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain. Unless it is done with play, in which case it takes 10-20 repetitions. Physical and mental health benefits In our current state of uncertainty and world-wide stresses, physical and mental health are our primary concerns. Healthy brain development and maintenance relies on stimulating the brain to make efficient and effective connections between nerve cells. These connections apply to ‘visible’ skills (such as motor skills) and more abstract skills for language, cognition, social and emotional development. Play is a ‘safe’ way to experience the world and test our skills. Games that require movement are excellent for stimulating physical health and motor skill development. This may be through the use of large movement e.g. jungle gyms, trees and open spaces like parks, or through the use of small movements with hands and fingers e.g. moving pieces on a board or building Lego. Cognitive benefits While all play facilitates brain development, some activities are more directed towards cognitive skills like reasoning and planning. These activities are not limited to board games. The child who enjoys re-enacting Star Wars or My Little Pony uses imagination, memory, reasoning and planning but perhaps to a different degree than the child playing Checkers or Monopoly. Social and communication benefits Games like 30 Seconds, Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary require cognitive skills but focus the ability to communicate clearly using memory, recall, understanding and explaining. Again, imitation and re-enactment activities develop similar communication skills but also have a greater element of socialisation opportunities, including a different type of trial-and-error problem solving, negotiating and understanding social cues. All play requires an element of impulse control which is developed through experience but social play also requires a higher degree of emotional regulation and empathy, leading to a safe place to practice life lessons. Playmates teach each other skills needed for game play and learn to use direction and explanations. A vital role of social play is the development of interpersonal relationships. Friendships and positive experiences relieve stress and provide pleasure. What to play? Many things influence the play chosen by children and adults – some practical and others adapted from traditional rules and experiences. The number of players and their ages are important for appropriate game selection, as is the need for teams or individual play. Will the play be structured (rule-bound and directive) or unstructured and creative? What interests the players and is the necessary equipment available? Remember that games needn’t be bought and creating a game can be fun in itself. Play is only fun if it is appropriate for the players, so it is sometimes necessary to adapt games for physical, cognitive, linguistic and social differences. Developing skills mentioned before, occur during the pleasure of play, so forcing a child with extremely diverse needs to play in the same ways as others in order to ‘teach’ them, is neither productive nor pleasurable. How can I adapt games? If mobility is a challenge e.g. cerebral palsy affecting movement or the use of a wheelchair or crutches: Size up by using bigger balls for ball games e.g. a plastic soccer ball to play tennis. Lighten up by using lighter balls for ball games e.g. volleyball with a balloon. Adjust rules e.g. if a child in a wheelchair is playing basketball that child can carry the ball in his/her lap instead of dribbling. Adjust pace e.g. balloon volleyball. Use accessible areas e.g. flat, open spaces. Buddy up – find a friend to push the wheelchair or assist with mobility – it’s ok to ask for help. If fine motor control is a challenge e.g. hand grips: Use a universal cuff – usually for holding eating utensils, but can be used for play as well. Use a card holder for card games. Non-slip mats under game boards (from most hardware stores). Prestik under game tokens/pieces. Size up e.g. use larger playing pieces or garden size games; build up tools and playing pieces with foam. If vision is a challenge: Texture components using velcro, glitter glue or craft foam from stationery stores. Use games with sounds/sound activated. Include as many senses as possible. Use garden size games. Prestik under game pieces. If language, speech or literacy is a challenge: One-on-one play initially. Subjects of interest with predictable language. Use clear, short sentences/explanations. Emphasise important words e.g. nouns, verbs, prepositions. Slow down and use repetition Model correct responses for your child at just above your child’s current language level. Allow the child to lead too. Use signs, gestures or pictures if they are effective. Shorten the duration of the game. Help if necessary. Remove some steps of the game if it is too complex. Types of play Understanding play may be limited to our own experiences, but the diversity of play activities is massive, from something like a stick imagined as a wand, sword or conductor’s baton, to a complex and strategic game of Risk or Chess played for days. Different types of play develop different skill sets and variety provides more holistic development and more opportunities to develop interests and sources of pleasure. Play can be unstructured and creative or rule

October 6, 2021

12 Reasons Not to Change Your Last Name After Divorce

Traditionally, women used to take their husbands’ last names when they got married and children born from these unions, got the father’s last name. In certain parts of the world it has been customary for generations to use both parents’ last names in hyphenated form for children. Another growing trend is for women to keep their birth names, especially when they are established professionals or business people. Lately, there have been instances where men even took their wives’ last names for various sensible reasons. In any event, name-changing for the sake of marriage seems to be a rather common occurrence and because our chances of divorce are so high these days, multiple name-changes are in the cards for many. Here are 12 valid reasons to re-consider your desire for a change of name: 1. Too much With divorce comes many traumatic changes apart from the loss of the marriage and family dynamics, such as moving house, scaling down to a lower standard of living, re-entering the work force etc. You might not be ready to lose your identity on top of all that, just yet. However, you might want to get it all over and done with as quickly as possible, so that you can move on and build a new life. 2. Privacy Changing your name will turn a private event which you could choose to share at your own discretion, into public knowledge as colleagues, clients and acquaintances will notice and conclude that you are divorced. Although you might feel the need to control who knows what and how much, people talk and everybody is bound to find out at some stage anyway, so perhaps you might as well go ahead and change your name. 3. Children It makes perfect sense for you to keep your married name if you want continuity and avoid confusing your children, although basic concepts like these are fairly easy to explain on an age appropriate level to most children. If you find yourself wishing that your ex would change back to her birth name, consider for a moment, how you would feel if your children’s names were also changed and they no longer had the same last name as you? Read Don’t Burn Your Wedding Photographs 4. Professionalism Women form a substantial part of the workforce and many build their careers and reputations on their names. It would be detrimental for you to suddenly change your last name and literally disappear from your industry because you have become a stranger. On the other hand, some women might be returning to work after years of absence because of raising a family. In that case, it would be wise to have the same last name that you had when you were still working. 5. Identity The longer you were married, the more accustomed you would have become to being called by a certain name and the stronger you would have developed your identity around that. It would be very unpleasant to lose that suddenly. You can actually call yourself whatever you wish. Decide whether the name means anything to you? Whether you keep it, rid yourself of it or reclaim a previous name, is entirely up to you. 6. Motives What are your reasons for wanting to change names? If your need for a different name from your ex is fueled by anger and resentment, rather take some time to come to terms with those emotions. You might find that your last name holds a lot less significance when your wounds have healed. If you think changing your last name and pretending to be someone else would be a brilliant way to avoid paying debt or bankruptcy, think again because you’ll be guilty of fraudulent intent. 7. Effort Spending hours filling in paperwork and queuing to get your new identification documents, might not be worth the effort, just to get rid of your last name. Especially if the numerous phone calls, e-mails and online updating of your personal details prove to be time-consuming and frustrating. However, getting a new photograph taken and the chance to update your profile everywhere, might be an exciting ritual for new beginnings. The lengthy list of important updates to be done include your identity document, passport, driver’s licence, voter registration, ownership of all movable and immovable property, banks, health services, schools, employers, insurance, tv licensing, utility accounts, loyalty cards, memberships, subscriptions, tax authorities, all internet login details, friends, family and colleagues – everyone you know. 8. Grammar If you grew up with a last name that evoked ridicule or a spelling challenge which took you years to overcome and a pronunciation that still requires pulling funny faces to demonstrate to every new person you meet, you might not be keen to revert back to it after divorce. Some difficulties might also arise with hyphenated or double-barrel names, when it comes to online registrations which do not allow special characters or symbols and filing systems which cannot accommodate two last names. Bonus points to the weird and wonderful among us who persevere and just love standing out from the crowd, though. 9. Travelling Having made travel arrangements prior to your separation, might pose several problems, as names cannot always be changed on flight bookings and refunds are not necessarily paid out for cancellations. Ensure that the name on the flight booking corresponds with the name on your passport. Come to think of it, making reservations for accommodation in one or the other could either cause havoc or priceless amusement… 10. Financial Changing your last name on bonds, hire-purchases and leases, might very well impact your credit ratings and interest rates, because a divorced person is apparently regarded as a higher actuarial risk than a married person. The benefit of such changes would still be new-found independence and privacy. 11. Social Networks Not all social networks allow you to change your last name without having to re-create your profile and re-invite all your connections, but it could be an easy

October 6, 2021

Emotional Intelligence: The most important gift you can give your child in this post-pandemic world

EQ. Two simple letters that wield such a determining influence in our children’s lives. Emotional Intelligence (or EQ as it’s more commonly known) is not a novel concept. For years the importance of developing children’s EQ and IQ in tandem, has been discussed and promoted in scholarly articles and mainstream media alike. The question being asked now (and louder than it’s ever been asked before) is – were we paying attention? The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the calling upon of resilience, empathy, confidence, adaptability to unpredictability, embracing of change and countless other skills that the emotionally intelligent child possesses. And in doing so, it has shone a spotlight on the vast difference in the coping capacity of the high-EQ child versus the not-so-high. But does this matter? Yes. Yes it does. It matters because the pandemic has demonstrated that being emotionally intelligent is an outlook, an approach to life and a determinant of success that will be more important than ever in the aftermath of multiple levels of lockdown and the severe restrictions that were and still are being placed on our children’s complex socialisation needs. The socio-emotional consequences of 2020’s school closures and mandatory isolation are manifesting fast and furiously. Increased cases of childhood anxiety, depression, peer-related issues and behavioural challenges are presenting at schools and in homes…And it’s only through increased efforts in EQ Education that we can hope to offset these consequences for our children in the long-run. But where do we even begin? At the very beginning, ofcourse. Much like learning the basics of reading and writing requires first learning the alphabet – children should be taught emotional awareness and expression (the basic principles of EQ) by first being taught to identify their feelings accurately. Too few children are able to differentiate their feelings and the feelings of others beyond “happy”, “sad”, “scared” or “angry”. But “sad” is not the same as “guilty” and “angry” is not the same as “rejected”. Storybooks like those in the “Game Ranger Grace & The Big 5 Feelings” series have been specifically created to expand the emotional vocabulary of young children. To expand a child’s emotional vocabulary is to help them take their first step on the road to emotional intelligence, because the ability to accurately identify an emotion directly impacts the ability to effectively regulate and express it. And the good news is that the younger the child when EQ Education efforts start, the greater the long-term benefits will be. So start at the very beginning…it’s a very good place to start! Visit www.tjtrainingsolutions.co.za to order copies of the first book in the “Game Ranger Grace & The Big 5 Feelings” series or email [email protected] to query available EQ resources and workshops.

October 5, 2021

Boomerang lives it up in New York with Tom and Jerry!

Brand-new show launching this October… Winning the hearts of millions is no easy feat, but after more than 80 years and countless accolades, the iconic duo, Tom and Jerry, are back, better than ever, leaving the suburbs behind for new escapades in New York City. To say Tom and Jerry have been around the block would be the understatement of the century! This pair, who love to hate each other, have been around the globe, gone through time travel, into outer space, down every nook and cranny imaginable, and are now running wild in Manhattan. From Monday, 04th of October, Boomerang Africa will premiere Tom and Jerry in New York, the show parents have been waiting for to introduce their kids to. Follow our favourite cat and mouse as they settle into their new digs at the Royal Gate Hotel and unleash mayhem across The Big Apple, inciting hilarious chaos uptown, downtown, and everywhere their manic escapades take them. So, best believe, Central Park, giant museums, department stores, and even subway cars will be turned upside down, inside out or just be totally annihilated in this brand-new Tom and Jerry series! All these chases and games have not been in vain; in fact, with their lengthy history on the small and big screen, Tom and Jerrycontinue to bring on the childhood nostalgia and fresh memories with equal measure. The two have also been over-achievers in their own unique way, having garnered 13 Oscar nominations for best short subject cartoon and winning seven of them in the franchise’s history. Plus, they did all that without even saying much; legend has it that the first time Tom and Jerry spoke at length was in their 1992 feature film. It does not get any more iconic than that! Get excited for the hilarious return of everyone’s favourite frenemies, as Tom and Jerry in New York premieres on Monday, 4 October at 07:25 CAT on Boomerang Africa! Watch. Play. Laugh.

October 4, 2021

How to handle angry feelings

Once there was a red balloon that lived in a house with a family. Every day the red balloon got bigger and bigger without anyone noticing. One day the balloon popped with a loud bang and everyone in the house got a nasty fright. Anger is often like the red balloon in that it builds up slowly over time until it explodes over a seemingly small incident/event. Aggressive behaviour is learned through the modelling of significant others. If you handle your anger like the red balloon, your children might learn that aggression is the best way to deal with uncomfortable emotions. Eventually these emotions could cause school difficulties, anxiety and relationship problems. Emotional control, however, creates a feeling of security and peace within a family. It is thus important for us as parents to ensure that our emotions and our reactions in response to our emotions are equal. For example, when you are angry, you do not have to express that anger by yelling or throwing things. Feeling angry is not wrong, but the way you express it might be wrong. As parents we have the responsibility to teach our children how to deal with their emotions in effective and appropriate ways. The following tools can help you manage your emotions more effectively: If you realise that there are often outbursts among family members, write down your emotions and thoughts. Keeping a journal will help you gain perspective. Humour can help you feel more in control over stressful circumstances. Take deep breaths. This will help to not only relieve some of the tension but will also give you a few moments to think more clearly. Focus all your attention on something in your environment or something on yourself, like the garden outside your window or the pattern on your dress or shirt. This technique can help you gain control over your emotions. Research has shown that there is a close link between a healthy marriage and successful parenting. It is therefore a good idea to invest in building a healthy relationship with your wife/husband. A good way to do this is by going away for a weekend or having planned date nights, to help you reconnect with your partner. Build your self-knowledge. Who am I? What is my personality like? Self-knowledge can help you gain insight into your own behaviour and emotions. Be mindful of external factors that could contribute to your emotions. For example, are you eating healthy foods, exercising, getting enough sleep? Are you stressed and worried?

September 29, 2021

Tips to help make breastfeeding a breeze

If you have decided to breastfeed, it is a great way to give your baby the exact nutrients they need. But it’s not always easy. Here are a few tips and tricks that may help transition you into this new way of life. Breastfeeding stations Being comfortable is a big part of successful breastfeeding. And being stuck in the same room every time you feed may do damage to your mental health. Try making breastfeeding stations around the house so you can join your family in experiencing life at home. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, a little table, a water bottle, wipes, burp cloths, and nipple cream available to you. Include your partner If you find that you need help, or your partner wants to be more a part of the feeding experience than they are, get them to position baby, help burp, change and dress them. These can be bonding experiences themselves. Check if baby is getting enough milk Have a peak in their nappy. By day 5 they should have 6 or more wet nappies every 24 hours. You should also see about 3 to 4 stools a day by day 4. The colour of these stools should be transitioning from the dark, thick meconium poops right after birth to what is usually a yellow, seedy poop. Also make sure that they are back to their birth weight by no later than 14 days birth. After that, you’ll want to see them steadily putting on weight. Hold your baby skin-to-skin Holding your baby skin-to-skin will help your body to start making milk and will wake up your baby’s feeding reflexes. This means that your baby will start looking for your breast sooner and your body will make more milk. Know the signs of a hungry baby: Besides crying, your baby may start rooting, licking their lips and putting their hands to their mouths.Babies need to eat often in the first few weeks: at least 8 or more times in 24 hours. This will help you to make more milk and will help your baby to gain back any weight they lose in their first few days. Some babies prefer many short feeds while others like fewer, longer feeds. Do not rush your baby – take your time. Keep up the night feeds Even though they are tough, know that these are important. Your body produces more prolactin (the hormone that promotes milk production) when you breastfeed at night, so night feedings help to keep up milk production. Also, mothers vary in the amount of milk they can store in their breasts, so for many women night feedings are essential to meeting their babies’ needs. What to wear PJs that open down the front (rather than one you have to pull up or down) will give your baby easier access, while keeping you warm during the night. This applies for day wear as well, try wearing breastfeeding tops (that can be easily pulled down) or button up ones.

September 28, 2021

How to parent a strong-willed Toddler

If you find yourself with a toddler who is outspoken, demanding and opinionated – you are probably trying to parent a strong-willed toddler. While this may not be the easiest job in the world, it is not only possible but having a strong-willed toddler is a blessing. Firstly, most toddlers are defiant. It’s pretty normal. It is their way of exploring their boundaries and the world around them. If you have a toddler that is showing signs of stubbornness, it’s likely that they will grow up to be adults that know their own minds and can set their own boundaries – great, right? Let’s get you there first! Give them choices. The one thing that will set a stubborn toddler to dig their heels in is when they are completely controlled. Yes, as their parent, it is your job to tell your child what to do at such a young age. But you know what you can also do? Give them choices. Perhaps eating vegetables is the war in your house. Instead of forcing your child to eat broccoli, give them the choice between broccoli or butternut. Let them learn by doing As long as their health and well-being are not at risk, let your strong-willed toddler learn by doing. This allows them to explore their world and learn from experience instead of things being told to them. The next time they demand to bite into a lemon, hand it on over. Set rules for strong-willed toddlers Yup, strong-willed children are also in need of set rules and boundaries. The vital thing is to lay out all the rules from the start and stick to them no matter what. This gives your toddler a strong framework to work within and knowing the rules upfront will make it feel like you are ‘bossing’ them around at every point. Dial down the punishment Trying to punish a strong-willed child almost never works. No matter what you do, they will not give in. Sound familiar? That doesn’t mean your toddler mustn’t experience consequences, just that you may have to tailor the experience for them. The best way to do this is through using your words and trying to understand them. Saying something like, “that lemon wasn’t nice, was it – that’s why I said it wasn’t a good idea to eat it”. Meeting your stubborn toddler halfway by using empathy will help immensely. Be kind Often, strong-willed children will mirror the emotions that you are showing. If you are angry, so they will be too. If you are kind and understanding, you will find they mimic those emotions from you. Next time you are at your wits-end, take a breath and try to approach your child with kindness and see how they respond to you.

September 27, 2021

Why extra classes online can be the smarter option right now

There’s no doubt that “online” has become the new norm for almost everything. From business meetings and work to entertainment and socialising. School curriculums are also no exception to the rule and extra school lessons have had to move from in-person tutoring to a more digital realm. But here’s why extra classes online aren’t all bad, in fact with Paper Video you might even find them more engaging and favourable compared to traditional tutoring. You decide when and where Flexibility has become one of the most important factors. Busy schedules can make it difficult to stick to set tutoring times and we’ve had to tailor our lives around them. Travelling around from one extracurricular to the next has also become a thing of the past, especially in our current climate. Online tutoring allows learners to catch up in the comfort of their own homes at convenient times that suit an entire household. Paper Video gives learners instant at-home-access to the ultimate collection of revision resources with thousands of embedded video lessons, taught by experienced and engaging teachers. As a result, learners can simply log in, whenever, wherever, to get access to an extra teacher. It’s not just one expert teacher on the line Traditionally, personal tutors specialise in one or two subjects and learners might find that they would like to excel in or need help with more than one subject. Signing up for Paper Video gives learners access to Maths, Physical Sciences*, Life Sciences* and Accounting all on one platform (*covered in Natural Sciences for grade 8 and 9 learners). Not only that, an exceptional list of teachers from a selection of some of the top schools in the country, means that one platform gives you access to specialised experts in each subject. You still get your one-on-one time Many digital learning platforms do come with the perception that there’s not much room for one-on-one interaction. This may be a deal-breaker from some, but many e-learning, online tutoring and online schooling platforms are adapting and making sure their lessons are as engaging, animated and in-depth as possible to accommodate learners who need that extra personal touch. To ensure this, Paper Video has created over 11,000 video lessons that cover everything from individual past exam questions to entire topics in the syllabus. Each video follows a step-by-step approach to explain the required concepts, so the platform ensures that the resources cover any question learners might have. Find what you’re looking for, faster Convenience has become a key driver in the modern world and digital tutoring platforms are making it easier to not only get down to the specifics, but also finding answers fasters. Paper Video helps learners find what they’re looking for with their past exam questions and topics in each subject linked to searchable keywords. Learners can simply type in a word in the platforms’ search box and find a list of all related past exam questions and topic video lessons. Less pressure, more learning While participation is encouraged in many classes, it can often place a lot of pressure on learners and cultivate a competitive environment. Learners all engage and study differently, so while the typical classroom environment is stimulating for some, it does not work as well for others. Today, digital resources can give learners the option to study in a way that’s comfortable for them, and the more comfortable they are, the easier it is to retain information. With Paper Video, learners can study online in their own time and track their own progress. The platform also gives learners the freedom to study at their own pace and revisit concepts they might not have understood, all without the pressure of feeling left behind. Whether you’re a parent or a learner that’s still getting used to the idea of the online migration, the fact remains that online technologies have blown digital education and tutoring opportunities right open. It’s not only saving time but money. Its accessibility, individuality and flexibility are what’s making it more appealing by the day, especially with the unprecedented challenges being faced by learners at the moment. Visit www.papervideo.co.za or contact Paper Video on 061 357 2304 for more information on how to get started.

September 24, 2021

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