Parenting - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Tips on how to transition from breast or bottle to sippy cup

Breast or bottle feeding is about more than just nutrition. For you and your baby, how you’ve been feeding since birth forms an incredible bonding experience. Typically, health professionals recommend breastfeeding to be the best nutritional choice for newborns. It isn’t always possible for all women, however. You may have struggled to breastfeed, or simply find bottle feeding to be the right option for you. Whatever the reasons or method, mothers should never feel judged. The most important thing is to find a way to keep you baby fed, that also works for you. Bonding through feeds Whether it’s breast or bottle, the feeding experience provides an opportunity to bond with your baby. Milk feeds are when a baby needs nutrition, comfort, and on a primal level, survival. They are also segments of time where it’s just you and your baby, sharing a moment together. It could be daytime feeds when your baby snuggles up and falls to sleep once he or she has a full tummy. Perhaps a bottle feed provides the opportunity for daddy to give mummy a rest. Or maybe it’s a time where another member of the family gets to share that togetherness. Therefore, it’s not just about a baby drinking the milk, and it’s also about comfort. Your baby or toddler, will have formed an attachment to whatever they are used to. Breaking the comfort ties For babies, whichever way they’ve been fed is what they will enjoy. Your breastfed baby might look to the breast when they’re feeling anxious, upset, or have been hurt. Similarly, a bottle fed baby probably won’t show any interest in drinking from anything else. As with everything in parenting though, these milestones arrive and pass in the blink of an eye. The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and continuing along with complimentary foods up to 2 years old. You may have breastfed for a shorter or longer time period, however. There is no real right or wrong about when you should wean a baby off the breast. It’s a personal decision. For bottle-fed babies, the Department of health suggests that it’s a good idea to introduce a cup from about six months onwards, fully removing all bottles with teats by the age of one. It is believed that prolonged use of a bottle can delay speech development and also damage a toddler’s teeth. Whichever feeding method your baby is used to though, all babies should be offered water alongside meals. Consequently, the time to introduce a cup comes around before you know it. For any parent that’s gone through this pain however they will know It can be easier said than done. Here are our top tips on how to move on from the breast or bottle to drinking from a cup. Choose the right cup When you select your child’s first cup, have a look at the advisable age. Most brands will suggest a recommended age band. Start with a free-flowing cup or open top cup, or ideally try a range of options. This type of cup avoids sucking, and instead encourages sipping. Sipping is naturally important for the development of muscles used in speech. A sippy cup with handles can also help them to get to grips with the new type of bottle. Be prepared for mess Open cups or free flow, will leak and spill. This is part of the learning process, teaching your baby how to handle a cup properly. It might take a while however, so only offer small amounts of liquid to begin with. Give them time If you’re removing the breast or bottle in line with a specific timeframe e.g. returning to work after maternity leave, the best approach is to do this gradually. Introduce your baby to a cup about a month or so before you officially begin to wean them off. It may take a while to find the right cup, or get them to buy into the idea, so giving them plenty of time for trial and error is key to this process. Likewise, unless you have a very good reason to do so, going cold turkey may not be the best idea either. It’s likely to stress them out, upset them, and in the process you’ll probably cave and revert to the old method. Offer alternative forms of comfort For a lot of babies, a bottle at bedtime is the ultimate comforter. Try to disconnect a nighttime bottle with sleep by offering milk at a different time of the day. For example, bring storytime forward, offering the bottle during a cuddle on the sofa. When it comes to self settling with no bottle therefore, you may need to replace the comforter with something else. Try a teddy or playing some lullabies to start a new routine. Whatever works for you and your baby, it’s important to continue the affection and attention, to maintain the physical closeness that the baby has been used to their whole lives. Tackle it earlier As we’ve already said, it is recommended that a baby drinks water alongside meals as they wean onto solid foods. Therefore, around six months is a good time to offer water in a cup. By doing this, a baby will be used to and hopefully happily use the cup already, and so won’t be overly confused when the cup becomes the norm. Start by offering a drinking cup which helps a baby transition easily from bottle or breast to sipping from a cup, suitable from 4 months. Put yourself in their shoes At whatever point that you wean your baby off the breast or bottle, it is likely to cause upset. You need to be prepared for this, and empathise with how they’re feeling. The breast or bottle might be all they’ve ever known as part of their routines, and therefore it’s probably going to be hard for them to understand this change. Offer lots of reassurance and extra comfort to help them get their heads around

March 3, 2021

Why Choose Catrobatkidz?

We often hear messages in the media that children aren’t getting enough physical activity. But what exactly does “being physically active” mean when you are an infant, toddler or pre-schooler? And is it important for their health now and in the future? When we talk about physical activity for young children we don’t mean going to the gym. These ideas of physical activity aimed at adults, are not suitable for young children. They are still learning to inhabit their bodies. For young children, physical activity is about active play and exploring their environment. They are learning how to manoeuvre themselves physically and how to orient themselves in space. Physical activity is essential for a child’s development. Catrobatkidz exposes children to movement patterns required for physical development, giving them a good start in life. Movement and exercise from a young age have various benefits which reach far beyond only physical development. It is during early childhood that children are more willing to try new activities. Physical activity promotes healthy growth and development. It helps build a healthier body composition, stronger bones and muscles. It also improves the child’s cardiovascular fitness. Children benefit physically, mentally, socially and emotionally by taking part in Catrobatkidz. Catrobatkidz is researched and developed for children ages 2 -9. It is during these fundamental years that window periods open and close during which children have the opportunity to develop each skill (balance, locomotion, gross & fine motor, spatial relationships, co-ordination, rhythm & timing, strength and flexibility) to the best of their ability, in order to build a solid foundation that will allow them to achieve both physically and mentally throughout their life. Children, and most adults, learn best through ‘doing’. How often have you begun to show your child how to perform a new task or skill, and you are barely halfway through when he or she begs, “Let me try.” A growing child constantly tests his or her physical abilities and takes delight in progress: “Look how far I can stretch”, “Look how high I can jump”, and “Look how fast I can run” Catrobatkidz provides a safe, positive, fun-filled forum for children to develop their physical skills and abilities. Because all movement requires exercise and integration of the brain, mental skills and abilities are exercised and developed in direct proportion to physical activity. Maximum learning capacity is achieved when the left and right sides of the brain are working together, or integrated. Specific movements and exercises involving balance and co-ordination, crossing the mid-line of the body and combining the senses (sight, sound and touch) are the core elements of Catrobatkidz lesson plans. Catrobatkidz structured lesson plans incorporating music, mini gymnastics equipment and hand apparatus, teaches movement patterns that allow children to connect concepts to actions which is essential to accomplish a goal, and to learn through trial and error. We not only help children increase physical strength, but also increase memory, perception, language, attention, emotion, self-discipline and decision making. Movement is necessary for children to meet their developmental milestones. Reading and Writing skills require brain integration and physical co-ordination. Children will discover new ways to move and exercise each week in Catrobatkidz class. “Can you touch your wrist to your ear and hop on your right foot?” In that exercise alone children are reinforcing knowledge of body parts, of left and right, practicing balance and following a sequence of verbal information. Imagine the benefits of a full half hour devoted to movement! Rhythm plays an important part in reading skills – each week the lesson also includes creative movement to music. Controlling his or her body and movement is a wonderful way to develop a child’s self-discipline and self-confidence. Basic gymnastics positions, stretches and routines are also taught and practiced throughout the year. Development of eye-hand and eye-foot co-ordination will ensure children are ready to participate in any sport of their choice in Primary School. Any of you who exercise regularly know the benefits associated with it – good physical health, stress release and a general feeling of well-being and a good self-image. Exercising can also put you in a better mood. When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel happier. It’s just another reason why exercise is a good idea! Physical activity should be integrated into young children’s lives to create a foundation of movement and activity which will be carried with them throughout the rest of their lives. At Catrobatkidz we aim to develop a love for physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle in each child who participates in the program. Catrobatkidz, giving your child the power of movement, giving your child a leg up in tomorrow’s world.

March 3, 2021

Chicco Goody Stroller

Chicco, a 63-year old leader in baby products, has tirelessly committed to ensuring that all strollers and prams have optimal comfort and functionality for children. On top of this standard promise, Chicco looks after the needs of parents, allowing mom and dad to #parentmore – the Chicco catchphrase for stress-reduced parenting. The Goody stroller is just another way for parents to stress less whilst providing the best products for baby. A birth – 22kg stroller, the Goody is optimised in the sense that it folds down automatically with the touch of one button and no additional pressure, ensuring parents can comfortably hold children without having to fiddle with the breaking down process of packing away a stroller into the car or at home. With luxury padding, an extendable canopy and a bumper bar for extra safety, the Goody is the stroller of the future for modern moms on the go. A hands-free approach to baby strollers, there is a large storage basket for all of baby’s needs and it fully reclines for when baby wants to take a nap. Hardy wheels make the Goody the perfect urban stroller as you manoeuvre through streets, malls and pavements with ease. Available is a trendy Graphite colour with a beautiful stitching details, the Goody is not only high-functioning, but a real show-stopper in terms of looks too. Look out for the Goody stroller at participating retailers such as Takealot.com, Loot.co.za, Thekidzone.co.za, Babanino.co.za, Brand Hubb, Little Kingdom online and others.

March 2, 2021

Beauty Boosters for Fabulous Skin

Our passion for beauty, our pure joy of life and our innovative sense of trends – that’s what CATRICE is all about. Now we’re taking our experience in decorative cosmetics to a whole new level: to skin care. Because a great look begins with our skin – it offers the perfect canvas for beautiful make-up. Discover our #catricebeautyboosters Our Beauty Boosters are high-quality skin care products. They have been developed with specific skin-friendly ingredients in highly effective dosages with properties that have a positive effect on our skin and our well-being. These include vitamin C + B3 for a healthy glow, hyaluronic acid to replenish and hydrate as well as panthenol to calm stressed skin. They are optimally geared towards meeting the most important skin needs and suitable for various skin types, and their packaging makes them easy to integrate into our beauty routine. Good to know: OUR BEAUTY BOOSTERS ARE: Vegan Free of animal testing Without parabens Without mineral oils Without microplastic particles Without allergenic fragrances Dermatologically confirmed Sneak Peak at our skincare heroes: Hydro Plumping Serum Moisturizing and soothing Has a plumping effect Ideal basis for every make-up look Balance Hydro Spray Moisturizing and soothing Absorbs quickly – even on make-up Natural rose scent and free of artificial fragrances Glo Booster Serum Vitamin complex for a healthy glow As a caring treatment before make-up or on freshly cleansed skin With vitamins C, E and B3 Available at Dis-Chem, Takealot, Zando, Superbalist & House of Cosmetics

March 1, 2021

6 EASY WAYS TO ACE THE SCHOOL YEAR

Settling in to the new school year and a classroom-ready mindset isn’t always easy. Beyond the excitement of physically going back to school full time (after the 2020 restrictions), new classes and even new friends, children and parents alike can get easily overwhelmed by the changes the new school year brings. Here are six tips that will help your family make this year the best school year yet! Stick to a Routine Children benefit from having a steady routine. Setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time will ensure that your children are getting enough sleep. If they don’t, concentration and academic performance will suffer. Likewise, having a well-balanced breakfast each morning will ensure that the day starts off on a positive note. If your children spend a lot of time getting their uniforms out of the cupboard and preparing their school bags in the morning, add these activities to their night-time routine. Create a Distraction Free Study Area Completing homework at the same time each day will help create strong study habits. Establish a location in your home where your children will study and do homework throughout the year. Choose a location where you can keep an eye on them, but still minimize distractions like TV, phone and electronics. Support Homework Independence Once your children are able to read directions on their own, encourage them to complete their homework assignments by themselves. They may continue to ask for help primarily because they enjoy the parental attention, not because they truly need assistance. Support their independence by encouraging them to work through the problems on their own. When your children do their homework without a reminder, acknowledge their independence to reinforce the positive habit. Think Long-Term Children who set long-term goals often have increased motivation in school. Setting long-term goals with your children can help connect the relevancy of their daily activities with the future. It is also never too early to develop time management skills. Using time wisely by completing homework and chores efficiently allows children to have more time for fun activities. Have a Positive Learning Attitude Attitudes are infectious and an integral component to success. Parents who have a positive attitude towards learning and school can excite children with their enthusiasm. Show interest in your children’s studies by asking questions, which can help foster motivation and a positive learning attitude. Remember to reinforce a positive, growth mindset. Children who understand that hard-work is more important than natural intelligence are more likely succeed. Connect with the Teacher Parents who plan an active role in their children’s education make a huge difference in their success. Building a relationship with your children’s teachers can help you understand how your children are doing at school and how you can help your children at home. Try to meet with your children’s teachers at the beginning of the school year and set the expectation of working together as a team. Developing a strong, positive partnership with your children’s teachers can help the school year go more smoothly for you and your children. This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/6-easy-ways-to-ace-the-school-year/

February 26, 2021

What to do while you’re unemployed

One of the most important things you’re probably doing if you don’t have a job at the moment is job hunting. But did you know that aside from sending out your CV, there are some other tasks you should be doing while you’re unemployed? Here’s what you can do in the meantime to make yourself more employable during your job search! Keep your skills current Now is the ideal time to expand your skillset. Take advantage of the extra time you have on your hands and enrol in some classes or online lessons. Research the most in-demand skills that employers are looking for and use your time to work on those skills. Volunteer Volunteering while you’re unemployed can improve your chances of getting hired. Lend your skills and expertise to a non-profit that needs some pro-bono help. This will also help keep your skills current and relevant. Plus, volunteering experience always looks good on your resume and lets potential employers know you give back to the community regardless of your employment status. Build your network Whether you reconnect with old contacts or work on making new ones, networking is a big part of finding a new job. Reach out to your old contacts (old employers and even lecturers) and let them know you’re in the market for a new role. Ask for their advice and whether they know about any opportunities. Keep the contact fresh and regularly follow up. You can expand your network by joining in on industry networking events. These are great opportunities to connect with new people and those that share your interests. Work on your online presence It’s more important to have a strong online presence today than it has ever been. Hiring managers will search for you online to try and get an idea of the kind of employee you will be. You want your social accounts to represent you in the best way possible. You also want your presence to align with what’s currently trending in your industry. Final thoughts There’s no use wasting your time when you’re unemployed or randomly applying for jobs you’re not qualified for. Instead, be specific with your time and focus on what’s important. Do whatever it takes to make yourself more hireable and use this time to build on and refresh your skills. Ready to start applying for roles that correlate with your skills and experience? Start browsing Adzuna’s listings today!

February 26, 2021

Shimmer Cream Bronzing droplets

Shimmer what? Shimmer Cream is a curious product – it’s something that, until you use it, you don’t realise how much you’ve always needed it. Once you’ve used it, it becomes that thing your summer travel bag will never be without. It will be the finishing touch to your everyday – and every night – look. It’ll be the reason people stop and stare. It’ll be the thing you tell your friends they have to try. Here’s why, Magic in a tube Shimmer Cream is the perfect summer beauty product – it takes your natural or at-home self-tan to another level. This bronzing cream immediately deepens your tan by at least one or two levels. Even better – if your tan is uneven, this magical stuff evens it right out, sneakily disguising any imperfections and giving you that catwalk-ready, airbrushed look. Ultra-sparkles As though that wasn’t enough, Shimmer Cream adds a little extra glamour to your skin with extremely fine, ultra-subtle sparkling particles. You’ll be turning heads with barely any effort at all. The secret to a darker tone: For those in the know, Shimmer Cream has another quite useful function. Tan-fans may already have discovered how useful Shimmer Cream is for achieving an even deeper, richer, more intense tan. The trick: add Pure Pigment Darkening Drops mix thoroughly and apply to your skin, making sure to do so in an even, circular motion (skin prep basics are essential, of course, and should be done before this). This is ideal for quick, effective results. Available at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot, Zando, Superbalist, & Caribbeantan.online

February 25, 2021

Tips for starting your new job on the right foot

After months of searching for the perfect role, you’ve hit the jackpot and are amped for starting your new job. But this isn’t where your journey ends. In fact, this is where you’ll set the stage for long-term success. You have loads to learn and even more to prove. Here are some of the most important things you need to do when starting a new job! Get to know the players It’ll take a while to settle into your new role, but while you ease into things, start exploring the inner workings of the company machine. Who is in charge, and who holds the most prominent titles? It’s essential to figure out who to keep at arm’s length and who your potential allies could be. Dig into the company culture Understanding company culture is super important for anyone starting a new job. You need to understand how the organisation operates and what the management and leadership styles within the business look like. When you know how and why your boss leads, you’ll have the foundation for a good working relationship with him or her. Do not engage in water cooler drama Making friends with or just getting along with your colleagues is essential, as long as you don’t get dragged into gossip and office drama. If you happen to hear anything about the receptionist, treat the information as if it is private. Nobody wants to be caught with their hand in the gossip jar. Schedule your 6-month review Make a schedule of what you’d like to achieve and by when and keep on checking in on your own performance. This tactic will ensure that when your 6-month review does come up, you’ll already be ahead of the game. Final thoughts Starting a new job can be an exciting time in young professionals’ lives, but just because you finally landed a job doesn’t mean you need to stop putting in the effort. What you do during the first six months of your first job will ultimately be what sets the stage for the future of your career!

February 25, 2021

Learning to Play Alone

Parents often feel they must occupy their baby’s every waking moment or boredom will set in. Not so. Not only is learning how to play alone an important skill to grasp, but your baby will be more cheerful overall if you don’t play together 100 percent of the time. If your child needs downtime, she may turn away, get restless, or cry. Tune in to baby’s cues. When you respect a wish for independent play (supervised, of course), you show that being alone can be a good thing. Also encourage your child to develop self-entertainment skills. Engage them in a favourite activity. Play for a few minutes, then step back to observe. Once your baby is comfortable with you being some distance away, walk out of sight for a few minutes. (Of course, make sure the area is carefully baby-proofed, and keep your baby within your sight.) When your child first realises you’re gone, they may fuss but will probably settle down in a few minutes and become absorbed in the activity or toy. Wean yourself from being the driving force of play; you’ll help boost your child’s creativity. While learning through play is your baby’s “work,” for you it can be one of the very best perks of parenting. Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. Laugh & Learn™ Smart Stages™ Puppy and Sis Have you already met Smart Stages™ Puppy and Sis? These soft and cuddly pals are entertaining companions for little explorers at the age of 6-36 months. They respond to your baby’s touch with exciting sing-along songs and phrases that introduce more than 100 first words, parts of the body, colours, shapes and more! And because every baby develops at their own pace, Puppy and Sis come with Smart Stages™ technology, so you adjust the level to unlock new content as your child grows. There are a variety of songs, sounds and phrases within each of the three levels of play. And Puppy and Sis’s light-up, multicolour heart even twinkles along to the music! Level 1 – Explore – Baby can press Puppy and Sis’s hands, foot, heart, nose or ear to hear first words, colours, the alphabet, parts of the body and more! Level 2 – Encourage – In this level, fun phrases reward little ones as they’re encouraged to count along, find colours, and identify parts of the body! Level 3 – Pretend – Puppy and Sis are ready to play pretend with fun sing-along songs and phrases that engage toddlers in exciting and imaginative play, all while expanding their vocabulary! By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education

February 25, 2021

33% of gamers in South Africa hide how much they game from their parents

A third (33%) of gamers in South Africa are ashamed of how much they game and hide it from their parents. This is according to global research1 by Kaspersky and was discussed in a recent Mum’s Got Game live panel. This research1, commissioned by Kaspersky and conducted by Savanta in November last year, looks at gaming in 2020 across 17 countries and 5,031 respondents, and considers what dynamics between gamers and their parents have changed and what can be done to break down barriers and stigmas. According to the gamers surveyed, this gaming shame is due to archaic stigmas2 that remain around it, such as “bad for your health” (55%) or “rotting your brain” (56%). The biggest disappointment for gamers is that while parents appreciate many of the positives – creativity (55%), social skills (33%), problem solving (50%) – they are less able to engage with them about their passion, mainly because gameplay and the social elements of gaming are so different to the likes of movies and music. In fact, half (54%) believe that if their parents “got” gaming, their relationship overall would be better. Andrew Winton, Vice President of Marketing at Kaspersky, said,“Gaming has provided huge support to many people this past year; offering solace, relief and friendship in difficult times. But for many families, the negative perceptions of gaming can be very counter-productive in enabling open dialogue and building relationships. We hope that the wise words from these mums will help others start to have better and more positive conversations between gamers and parents.” To read the full report visit our blog.

February 24, 2021

Cheese, full of goodness and a lunchbox fav

Versatile and delicious, it’s incredibly easy to make cheese one of your family’s three-a-day dairy options, every day. Like other dairy, cheese is also a firm favourite with kids. Used as a tasty topping, an essential ingredient and a go-to sandwich filler, cheese also stands alone as a nutritious and satiating snack. Packed with protein, calcium, phosphorus and other essential nutrients, cheese, in all its many varieties, deserves its place as a healthy food item in your family’s diet. Understanding the benefits of cheese, how to choose it and how to use it will help you to plan, shop and enjoy including cheese across breakfast, lunch and supper, and the snacks in between. Natural cheese is a fermented food, and while its exact origins are unknown, there is evidence from Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt that the goodness of cheese has been recognised for thousands of years. Cheesemakers use milk, salt, beneficial bacteria and a natural enzyme known as rennet as the foundations for producing a vast array of cheeses. Different formulae and ageing processes result in different textures, flavours and colours that are all packed with goodness. Maretha Vermaak, the registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy says, “Cheese can make a significant contribution to your daily nutrient requirements – from the protein that supports healthy bone and muscle development and repair of body tissue; to the dental protection we get from the calcium and phosphorus by having cheese directly after a meal. As parents who are concerned about good nutrition for our growing children, it is great that cheese is also so completely delicious.” When it comes to choosing the cheeses we include in our family’s meals and snacks, value for money is often top of mind. Luckily, today’s cheese options range all the way from luxury to everyday prices and there’s something to fit every budget. Proper storage of cheese also impacts on affordability because you want to avoid any food waste. Many cheeses freeze well, enabling you to buy specials or cheaper bulk options and safely freeze for later use. It often works well to buy a big block of a harder cheese such as cheddar or gouda, grate it all before its use-by-date and freeze the surplus for quick and easy use. Processed cheese spreads can be stored in the pantry until they are opened, and some varieties of cheeses, including sliced processed cheese, have longer shelf lives in the fridge. It’s always important to check the labels when it comes to storage and the nutrient content of a food item. Proper meal planning, and shopping for value for money can help you to include more cheese, more often. Another factor for many busy parents is convenience. The reality of our daily lives is that we often need fast solutions and time-savers. It helps to have nutritious options such as cheese on hand so that we can quickly prepare daily meals, snacks and lunchboxes. A good example of this is glass jar cheese spreads which are healthier options than many other bread spreads, or sliced or portioned cheese products that are grab-and-go, and a great way to control portions. When it comes to lunchboxes, cheese is always a winner, some tips include: Plan for lunchboxes – plan before you shop, and pack lunchboxes before the morning rush Involve your children – in preparing their school snacks and lunches. They learn about nutrition and how to share chores, and you can have fun together Keep it different – it may seem easier to keep doing one thing but embracing a variety of lunchbox foods encourages your children to try new foods as they develop and prevents boredom and lack of interest in eating their school lunches Aim for balance – growing children benefit from a variety of nutrients, even when it comes to snacks and lunchbox lunches. Make sure you are including protein sources like cheese, milk and yoghurt as well as carbohydrate sources like bread and crackers. Don’t forget to add fresh fruit and veg too. Hydration is essential – dehydration can have adverse effects on your child’s performance at school. Water and milk are top choices. Rather avoid sugary drinks. For more dairy ideas join the Rediscover Dairy Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RediscoverDAIRY

February 23, 2021

How to reinvent yourself on a professional level

If you’re left feeling a little stagnant and uninspired in your career, rest assured that you are not alone. Thousands of people, just like you, feel the need to reinvent themselves on a professional level, and doing it is easier than you think! Here are some inspirational ideas on how you can get your spark back! Make a list Reflect on what stimulated you in the past and what you felt the most passionate about. Are there any specific kind of projects that get you amped? Write down your career highlights and detail the explanations about why they were so great. In the best-selling book Write it Down, Make it Happen, the author shows how the simple act of writing things down can bring clarity and forward momentum in fulfilling your aspirations and purpose. It doesn’t sound all that powerful but imagining what your life could be and then writing it down is the first and most crucial step to reinvent yourself. Focus on a skill you’d like to master You can reinvent yourself by changing your focus area, investing time to master it, and letting people know about your new skills and insights. Without constant learning and growth, there’s no possibility of career progression. Google Digital Garage and iDEA are two great options for individuals looking to take on short courses. Udemy is also worth mentioning since you can sign up for just about any course that can help you reinvent yourself and your professional persona. Do your homework Start researching new career paths where you can put the skills you have to work. Explore your options. Talk to people. The more you learn about what’s out there and refine your understanding, the more your inspirational juice to feed off. Give your wardrobe a makeover There’s a phrase that says, “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” And the simple truth is that if you want a specific position or want to come across in a certain way, you have to dress for the part. Your appearance determines how people perceive you. This doesn’t mean you have to go corporate unless you want to. But you need to start reflecting the type of person you want to come across as. When you dress the part, the industry will also start taking you more seriously. Final Thoughts Regardless of whether you follow all these steps or not, it might just be the most beneficial thing you’ll ever do for your career progression and personal growth. You can also browse Adzuna’s collection of excellent career advice articles if you’re looking for even more ways to make the most of your career and professional goals.

February 23, 2021

The most indulgent thing you can do for your skin, every day!

The most indulgent thing you can do for your skin, every day! | Caribbeantan Caribbeantan’s Skin Hydrating Body Butter, now in fresh new packaging: This ain’t no ordinary body butter: Caribbeantan’s luscious Skin Hydrating Body Butter is scientifically formulated to significantly prolong the life of your Caribbean Tan, while at the same time nourishing your beautiful skin. Quadruple threat: Tan-prolonging, Non-greasy, Anti-ageing, Ultra-moisturising! Packed full of cranberry fruit seed, this juicy Body Butter is non-greasy, but its ultra-nourishing formula is designed to help improve your skin’s elasticity and fight wrinkles, all at the same time. It’s basically a fountain of youth, in a tube! New look – same smooth, satisfying feeling Yep, you heard right – your favourite body butter now comes in a super easy-to-use tube with a flip lid. Wait, still need to get your tan on? First things first: if you haven’t gotten bronzed up, now’s the time. Summer is creeping up on us, but the good news is that getting a Caribbeantan is easier than whipping up a fresh jug of Margaritas! Our products are diverse, because each goddess is unique in her bronzing needs: 3 different self-tan application methods, designed for three different skin types, and a range of products designed to make your Caribbeantan go the extra mile. What are you waiting for – a heatwave? Unleashing your inner golden goddess has never been this easy, so throw some serious shade at those harmful UV rays this summer with Caribbeantan’s skin-loving, at-home tanning products. Be the first to get the NEW Body butter. PS: Good for you, and good for the planet – Caribbeantan’s products are cruelty free, because we believe that feeling beautiful can be gained without the pain. Available at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot, Zando, Superbalist, & Caribbeantan.online

February 22, 2021

Chicco Chairy Booster Seat

Chicco, one of the world’s most beloved baby products labels, brings you indoor furniture for your baby with the utmost luxury and quality, that is affordable and most importantly, guaranteed for 12 months. Brand new in terms of booster seats is the gorgeous and versatile Chairy. Perfect from babies from 6 months until approximately 3 years of age, the Chairy brings utility with style into every household. Attach to dining room chairs to enjoy a meal with baby at the table, or use when baby is sitting on the floor and playing independently. With a harness to keep younger babies safe, as the child grows and independence is formed, the chair grows with your child and becomes a fully-fledged seat in its own right. With Sweet Dog (Black) and Bunny Grey (light grey) colour options and cute character designs, the booster seats will be a welcome sight for any household décor. The only booster seat your baby will ever need! Chairy is available at Takealot, Loot.co.za, Babanino, Baby Boom, Brand Hubbb, The Kid Zone

February 22, 2021

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MATHEMATICS AND ENGLISH FOR FUTURE SUCCESS?

Studying Mathematics and English can sometimes be so difficult and learners often find it hard to see how they are going to benefit from these or whether it has any relevance for their future lives. In fact, contrary to their feelings of how irrelevant these are, there are many benefits of developing an excellent ability in these two areas, both for their future studies and for their life in general. University admission and study1 First and foremost, in order to be considered for admission to university, a learner needs to obtain good marks in matric, obtaining a complete exemption (as opposed to a conditional exemption) at the end of their matric year. Without a complete exemption a student will in all probability not be eligible to apply to any of our top universities. According to the SA Matriculation Board, one of the criteria to be met in order to obtain a complete exemption is that a learner passes at least two languages, including at least one First Language and one university language of instruction. Most universities in South Africa have English as their language of instruction. The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) require applicants to obtain a higher grade pass in English in order to be considered for admission to these institutions. So, already we can see that doing well in English is essential if a learner wishes to study at one of these universities post matric. Together with a matric exemption, universities in South Africa use a point system to decide whether or not a student is eligible to be admitted to their undergraduate programmes. Learners earn points for each subject that they pass. The better their symbols, the greater number of points they earn, and they will earn more points for subjects taken on higher grade. UCT recommends that ‘applicants writing the South African Senior Certificate are advised to take subjects on higher rather than standard grade. … This is especially true of Mathematics and physical science’. Each faculty has its own subject, symbol and grade requirements for admission to particular degrees or diplomas, so prospective applicants will need to find out what these requirements are for the particular course that they wish to study. However, we (Kumon) conducted some research into the minimum requirements for admission to the various faculties at Wits and UCT. Below is a brief summary, giving one an indication of how important and crucial Maths and English are should one wish to go to university. University Courses that require Maths HG (or a very high SG pass): Commerce Department [e.g. Financial Accounting (HG only), Auditing, Computer Science, Marketing, Politics and Economics (HG only)] Engineering and Built Environment Department [e.g. Architecture, Engineering (HG only), City Planning, Urban Design and Construction Management] Health Science Department (e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, Audiology and Medicine) Science Faculty (e.g. Business Computing, Bachelor of Science (HG only): Atmospheric Science, Zoology, Marine Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Applied Mathematics, and Astronomy) University Courses that require English (First or Second language) HG Law (e.g. Commercial Law, Marine Law, Criminal Justice and Criminology, Human Rights Law and Environmental Law) Humanities (e.g. Drama, Film Studies, Media and Writing, Sociology, Archaeology, Politics, Design, Sculpture and Acting and Theatre Making) For full details, please refer to the admissions department of the respective universities. From all of this it is clear that obtaining excellent results in Mathematics and English can open doors for a learner to study at university so that they can pursue the career of their choice and realise their dreams. Train your brain2 But maybe a learner doesn’t want to go to university. They would rather pursue other dreams and ambitions. Or maybe they’re still a long way from university and right now admission requirements for tertiary institutions aren’t of interest to them. “So why should I study Mathematics and English?” they may ask. Well, a proficiency in these subjects is not only for those who wish to be admitted to university. Did you know that reading and writing, and solving mathematical calculations can exercise your brain and keep it healthy? The brain is a muscle, and like the other muscles in the body, it needs to be exercised and stimulated regularly to stay healthy and keep functioning at its optimum. Dr Ryuta Kawashima is a professor at Tohoku University in Japan and he is a leader in the field of Brain Imaging in Japan. He has conducted numerous experiments and research to discover what activities activate and stimulate the brain and what activities don’t. One activity that Dr Kawashima discovered that is excellent for stimulating the brain is performing mathematical calculations regularly, even simple ones. He conducted research to find out which activity exercised the brain more: playing very complex video games, or solving mathematical calculations of adding one digit numbers to each other e.g. 1 + 2 + 5 + 3 + 6 etc. Although at the outset he was sure that the video games would activate the brain more, when he measured activity using MRI scans, he saw that video games actually stimulated the brain very little, but that the arithmetical calculations had the brain firing on all cylinders. This surprising finding urged Dr Kawashima into further research and he has shown that mathematical calculations stimulate the brain, help to lay down neural pathways and keep the brain from degenerating. Dr Kawashima has this to say, “The prefrontal cortex, the area for thinking and learning, of both hemispheres [of the brain] is active during simple calculation. Dealing with numbers is an important and sophisticated activity for human beings. … From primary school to college, simple calculation triggers brain activity. … Calculation is extremely helpful in training and developing your brain.” (p.34). He goes on to make the following recommendation: ‘Before studying something difficult, do a little calculating for just a minute or two. You will be able to study more efficiently because various parts of your brain

February 19, 2021

You don’t need to be a teacher to homeschool: former teachers share their tips

While most public schools opened this week, many parents are still rightfully concerned about sending their children back to school. Two of these parents, Sophia Saib and Lisa van Rensburg (both former teachers), decided to teach their children at home. They share why you don’t need to be a teacher to homeschool. Why homeschooling? “In this time of COVID-19, the outside world isn’t safe, but that doesn’t mean our children’s education must suffer,” Saib explains. Saib worked in a corporate environment, but her passion for teaching steered her in the direction of a postgraduate degree in education when her second daughter was born ten years ago. “We all want what’s best for our own children. With COVID-19 currently, we decided as a family [that] homeschooling would be the best option. Now I can’t see us ever wanting to go back to mainstream [schooling],” Saib says. Van Rensburg, who has been teaching for the past ten years, adds: “We decided to do homeschooling because I just felt it would be safer and I would be able to give my children the education they needed”. Van Rensburg had grown up in the teaching industry as her mom had been a teacher for over 30 years. “I have always had a passion for teaching,” Van Rensburg explains. Homeschooling vs traditional schooling “An obvious difference between homeschooling and traditional schooling is the available undivided attention,” Van Rensburg says. She explains that she can now give her two boys, aged 7 and 5, the one-on-one attention they need. Saib agrees and says that she can now spend more time with her four daughters, aged 12, 10, 7 and 3. Impaq’s lesson material and lesson plans also help Saib save time. “As a perfectionist, I love the structure and ease of lesson delivery and content – it leaves more time to play and do other fun things,” Saib says. She first came across Impaq’s lesson material when working part-time at a tutor centre. “That’s where I was absolutely impressed with the Impaq material, its content and structure, as well as the fact that it is CAPS aligned – it’s exactly what we use in mainstream schools except better,” Saib explains. She adds: “Impaq is a viable option because if you ever need to place your children in a traditional school again, it will be with ease as it’s the same content and topics.” Why Impaq? You would think that homeschooling would be an easy choice for Saib seeing as she is a qualified teacher, but that wasn’t the case initially. “Homeschooling can be overwhelming. I was filled with fears even though I am a SACE-registered and experienced teacher,” Saib explains. Luckily, Saib’s fears were short-lived. She received confirmation from the Department of Education that her children were successfully registered two weeks after submitting the application. “Impaq offers the lesson plans and schedules for each subject, so the administration for [the] application was super easy,” Saib says. Also read: Impaq: Your guide to homeschooling in 2021 Van Rensburg had no trouble registering either. “I contacted Impaq, and they got back to me the next day, everyone we spoke to was extremely helpful, and we just felt it was the right place for us,” Van Rensburg explains. Saib adds: “Impaq has taken away any concerns about homeschooling, and now we can enjoy our journey.” Teaching at home Van Rensburg says that the Impaq lesson material is user-friendly, fun, and interactive, making it easy to teach at home. “You don’t have to be a teacher to understand the lesson plans,” Van Rensburg explains. Saib agrees and adds: “Impaq’s workbooks, online platform, lesson plans, content, online classes, tasks, assessments, and report creation is so easy – you don’t need to be a teacher to facilitate [teaching].” Saib says that she found the notes and activities to be informative and of an excellent standard. “It doesn’t include unnecessary or invalid information to complicate learning. In fact, it includes opportunities for independent research and challenges curiosity with the fun facts.” Benefits of homeschooling Saib and Van Rensburg are enjoying the many benefits of homeschooling, and listed some of their favourites below: Working at their own pace “I love that we can work at our own pace and in our own time,” Van Rensburg says. Saib says that they follow a time structure for lessons but still work at their own pace. “Each child is unique, so we play around with a schedule that works for us.” Learning from the comfort of home “I love the fact that we can learn in the comfort of our own home,” Van Rensburg says. Saib agrees and adds: “We have watched our daughters grow more relaxed, owning their environment and learning with a smile.” More time Both Saib and Van Rensburg said that they don’t miss the mad morning school rush or sitting in traffic. “We now enjoy a relaxed, calm approach,” says Van Rensburg. “Now we don’t send our children away, they are not overwhelmed with homework, and [they] are released from the pressures of having ‘no time’ to be children,” Saib adds. Homeschooling 101 While they might be new to homeschooling, as former teachers, Saib and Van Rensburg are experts in learning. They share their tips below: Stay organised “Have a schedule and stick to it,” Van Rensburg says. “Being organised is key.” Make it fun “When doing the art activities, have all the art supplies available,” Van Rensburg advises. “Make the outdoor physical activities exciting,” she adds. Reward your kids Saib was worried that her daughters might miss school competitions as her daughters enjoyed winning academic awards, but now they take a different approach. “We teach them to value that you compete with yourself and to try and be your own best – not [to compete with] anyone else’s standards.” Also read: There’s more to life than academic achievement Van Rensburg helps her boys work towards their goals by relying on a tried-and-tested form of reward. “Reward charts work so well with

February 19, 2021

Minimalism – the art of living with less!

My column is going to be a bit different this month as it is all about a topic that I have been thinking about quite a bit lately so I have decided to share it with you – MINIMALISM I have to admit that I tend to be a bit of a hoarder. I blame my mom since she is a HUGE hoarder and keeps everything! Recently she brought me my 1st report card from class 1 to see if I would like to keep it… I am 41! Ok, so I am not as bad as that (yet?) but I do find that sometimes it gets a bit much even for me, so I have been toying with the idea of trying out minimalism. I have been hearing quite a bit about the subject lately, and apparently not only will it help your life, if you do it right you can save money. There are so many blogs, facebook groups, websites and programmes dedicated to this lifestyle so I was wondering if our family should give it a try. Would it be a good fit for us? As with all my ideas (even the wacky ones I have at 3am in the morning) I have been doing a bit of research into the area. Firstly, do you know what minimalism is? I sure didn’t. When I think of minimalism, I have this picture in my head of a house which is practically bare, plain white, with only the very basics, sterile and cold. This is definitely NOT what I want. But after reading even the first article I realised that minimalism can be that, but it can also be something quite different, it all depends on how minimalistic you are wanting your lifestyle to be. So, what is minimalism? This is the definition i found on a website called https://www.theminimalists.com/. “Minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives. By clearing the clutter from life’s path, we can all make room for the most important aspects of life: health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution.” Here is another one I found from www.nosidebar.com/why-minimalism/ “Being a minimalist means you value yourself more than material things. It means making decisions based on what you need instead of getting everything you want. It does not mean the things you buy are cheap. It means they are something you need, regardless of how much they cost.” Just reading those 2 definitions made me want to explore the option even more, but I was wondering at the same time… am I just being crazy? Is this going a bit TOO far in my money saving quest, making such a drastic lifestyle change. Would this new life be worth the money I am supposed to be saving by becoming a minimalist or am I just going to be making yourself and family unhappy? So, I read a few more articles and joined a few more facebook groups on the subject to find out more. I have decided to share 2 articles with you which really resonated with me and made me want to at least give minimalism a try. This first one is taken from www.nosidebar.com/why-minimalism/. 5 REASONS FOR WHY YOU SHOULD MINIMALISM 1. Decluttering helps people breathe. When you start to get rid of stuff from the drawers, closets, and attics, you are going to be opening up more space in your home. There will be more room to move around. More importantly, you will be letting go of things you were holding onto. This will give freedom and will make it easier for you to breathe without the burdens of the past weighing you down. 2. Minimalism allows for refocusing. When you have a lot of material things, your focus can be all over the place. You worry about working enough to pay for all of the stuff and you spend your time trying to look for or put away all of the stuff in your home. When the stuff is gone and the bills of the home are lessened, it becomes possible to focus time and energy on the important things such as the people around you and the things you are doing. 3. Less stuff equals more money. As you get rid of stuff and luxuries in the home, other things are opened up. The money spent buying stuff, maintaining stuff and making sure you have the best stuff will end up in the pocket instead of in the store. When you have fewer things you can use your money to pay off debt and that will eventually free up even more money. The dependency on money in a minimalist lifestyle is much lower. 4. You have more time. When you need less money, you do not have to work as much. That frees up time. You are also not going to spend as much time dealing with all of the extra things in your life. You can focus your time on the things you need and use the extra time that is created on the things you enjoy. 5. You have more energy. Without all of the clutter, all of the energy that is spent dealing with it will be available for other activities. People without the burden of a materialistic lifestyle are healthier and stronger as a result. The great thing about minimalism is that it is a choice. People can choose whether they want to live this lifestyle or not. They can choose how far they want to go. There are no right or wrong ways to downsize a life. Everyone is different. What most people will find is once they begin a journey towards minimalism, the experience will grow and the benefits will get larger and they will want more — and that is one thing a minimalist can want more of. My next question after reading all those benefits is, wow that sounds wonderful and all, but can you become a minimalist if you

February 19, 2021

A FRESH TAKE ON FROZEN

While trying to juggle all of our roles and responsibilities, there is an increased need for convenience, affordability and reduction of waste that aligns with today’s strongest dietary and lifestyle trends. Fortunately, we can call upon the friends in our freezer to meet these needs, and more! However, there are still many misconceptions about the quality and nutritional value of frozen foods. McCain and Sea Harvest, both leaders in the frozen foods category, are here to dispel some of the common misconceptions when it comes to frozen foods: It’s fresh – Fresh produce forms part of a healthy diet as it contains nutrients that are essential for good health. However, there are some disadvantages. The limited shelf life increases the risk of expiring before consumption, which results in more frequent visits to the store and higher expenditure on fresh produce. When cooking with trusted frozen foods brands like McCain and Sea Harvest, you can rest assured that all their produce is harvested at its peak, sustainably sourced and snap frozen within hours to maintain freshness and lock in nutrients. “Freezing is a safe and natural way of preventing bacterial growth and enzyme activity and eliminates the need for undesirable chemical preservatives,” explains Catharina Bester, Marketing Manager: McCain Foodservice & Retail. It’s convenient – There’s no way around it, frozen meals are a win on a busy weeknight. The cleaning, chopping, crumbing and portioning has all been done for you. All you need to do is take it out of your freezer, heat according to the on-pack instructions, and serve. It’s healthy – Contrary to popular belief, freezing causes very little nutrient loss and preserves the vitamins and minerals in food – so all those fantastic nutrients end up on your dinner table, meaning you get a nutritional meal every time. Frozen produce is packed with nutritional value and provides the easiest way for you and your family to get your daily nutrition. It’s affordable – Frozen vegetables and fish have a much longer shelf-life than fresh produce so there’s less wastage, meaning you get more broccoli for your buck. It’s constantly available – Buying frozen food means you can enjoy your favourite vegetables and fish year-round. And, because of its longer shelf life, you can make sure you always have a quick dinner-time solution in the freezer! “You have enough on your plate right now but when it comes to cooking you want a quick and convenient solution that will still offer great nutrition to your family and requires minimal time spent in the kitchen. Sea Harvest and McCain are the friends in your freezer, bringing consumers the fun and creativity back into your kitchen. You get all the health benefits and delicious taste, without the hassle,” says Sea Harvest Marketing Manager, Jared Patel. Reimagine mealtimes with #FriendsInYourFreezer and stand a chance to WIN 1 of 10 PlayStation 5 consoles. T&C’s apply. For more information, visit www.friendsinyourfreezer.co.za, McCain Facebook, McCain Instagram, Sea Harvest Facebook or Sea Harvest Instagram. You can also download this fun activity book to keep the kids busy!

February 19, 2021

Vital Baby’s Colic Soothing Techniques

Usually colic is short-lasting for just a few months, but nevertheless it is an upsetting time for both you and baby. It is commonly believed that colic in young babies can be a result of digestive or feeding problems, which can be linked to swallowing air when feeding. Air can be ingested by baby when it enters the bottle and mixes with the milk, and also when baby ingests air while feeding from the teat. Symptoms of colic to look out for If a baby has an attack of colic, crying generally occurs at the same time every day (usually in the late afternoon or early evening). It seems like your baby is crying for no apparent reason, but they may also pull up their legs, be restless and fidgety, and clench their fists. What you can do to help alleviate colic? If you are bottle feeding your baby, try a bottle with an anti-colic teat, such as vital baby® NURTURE™ breast like feeding bottle. Designed to reduce the risk of baby ingesting air during feeding, our BPA-free bottles has: been expertly designed to mimic mum’s breast an advanced triple anti-colic valve to reduce air intake a silicone easy-latch teat which is soft and smooth against baby’s face a wide neck making them easy to clean and fill Lying baby on his/her back in a quiet room or swaddling may also help, as may sucking on a soother or a bath. Baby massage is a fantastic opportunity for you to not only bond with your baby, but also helps to strengthen the digestive system, so relieving common newborn ailments and discomfort such as wind, constipation and colic. About half an hour before your baby normally has a crying period, begin by lying your baby on a mat. Try to create a soothing, calming, warm environment, with dim lights and as few distractions as possible. Keep any sensory stimulation to a minimum. Undress your baby, but keep a vest on, as you may also have to pick your baby up and carry him or her around. Begin with a soothing tummy massage. Make a few gentle circles around the belly button. Keep noise to a minimum, however, it can help to hum a lullaby. This will help keep you and the baby calm. Find a soothing, gentle pace and try to keep your body language and breathing as relaxed as possible. Next using your hands as paddles, make a gentle flowing movement, gliding down the lower abdomen. Finally, make a gentle peddling movement with your baby’s legs. Repeat this little sequence and the tummy massage a few times during the day, as it will help strengthen the digestive system and so can help prevent the build-up of wind and tension in the baby. If your baby begins to cry and will not be soothed by the massage, you can try and pick him or her up into our miracle baby yoga hold. Kneel with your baby on your lap, facing out. Put one arm across the chest, and the other arm through the legs. Now bring one knee up, then stand. Once you’re standing, gently tilt your baby forward, so her belly and chest are resting across your lower arms. Make sure both her arms are hanging over yours. You can gently rub her tummy. Some babies also find it soothing if you can gently rock your baby back and forth. Make sure your arms and shoulders are relaxed and change sides to prevent straining your shoulders. Walk around the room. Eventually you should feel the tension leave your baby’s body and he or she will relax in your arms. Colic is very distressing for a parent. Take deep calming breaths, throughout and keep telling yourself, that this phase will pass and even though it is very distressing to hear your baby cry, there are no lasting repercussions for your baby. The Vital Baby Soothers Vital Baby Newborn Starterpack

February 19, 2021

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SETTING GOALS WITH YOUR CHILD FOR THIS NEW YEAR

The start of a new school year is a time when resolutions and goals are a trending topic for many — even for kids! Many kids have dreams and ideas on what they want to accomplish, but it can be hard to remember with so many other activities going on. That’s why creating a goals list with your child is a great way to start the new school year. Why create a list of goals with your child for the year? Creating lists in general allows for better structure, accountability, and productivity, regardless of the topic. That’s why for kids to turn their goals into a reality, it helps to have a list in one place to plan and serve as a reminder. To create a list, we put together this step-by-step guide on how to help your child set goals for the year. 1. Have a discussion as a family to learn more about your child’s ideas. Have a discussion as a family to start thinking about the things you’d like to tackle this year. This can be taking a family holiday, donating items around the house to those in need, or reconnecting with friends that you may not have seen in some time. Kids are often eager to add to the conversation, and it might even bring up some new ideas you haven’t considered. It’s also a great place to start as it will get them excited to consider what they want to do on their own. 2. Ask your child specific questions Prompt your child by asking specific questions. For example, if they want to go on holiday, find out where. Somewhere in the bush? A place where they can swim? Although some locations may not be as easy to get to as others, it can spark ideas to include on the list. You can also break down the questions into categories such as learning, giving, health and wellness, personal achievements, academics, or even seasonal. Here are some questions for inspiration: How many books do you want to read this year? What new sport do you want to try? What do you want to be when you grow up? Is there a meal or snack you’ve been wanting to make? Do you have items you don’t use anymore that you want to donate? How can you help someone in need this year? 3. Break down their answers into actionable steps. If your child wants to read 10 books this year, you can break it down to one book each month. You can also incorporate smaller related goals that are related to reading such as researching / drawing up a list of book titles they’d like to read, reading a book on holiday, or even creating a reading nook at home. The items will help make that big goal of reading 10 books achievable and a fun process along the way. This step will show them that there are so many possibilities that stem from one idea! 4. Help your child create the list on paper. Once you have talked through some of your child’s goals for the year, it’s time to create the list. You can have your child write these out, type a list on the computer to print out, or turn it into a vision board to show it in a fun and engaging way. Whichever list method you choose, make sure it can be hung in your home. 5. Hang up the list somewhere it’s seen daily. Now that the list is complete, hang it up in a spot that is seen frequently. Seeing it daily will be a consistent reminder and motivator to achieve these goals. They will be excited to see items that they can check off and work towards more on their list. 6. Revise, add, or remove. A goals list can always be revised. Once your child learns a new instrument, they may want to learn to play a song. Maybe they realize they don’t love swimming but want to try karate. Continue to discuss the list of goals with your child and revise or add to it. Your child’s goals list for the year is simply a tool to help them think more about what they want to achieve and take action to do it! 7. Recognize and reflect on achievements It’s exciting to accomplish goals, big or small! Instill a feeling of success by recognizing and celebrating these achievements with your child. Once the year comes to an end, it will be an amazing experience to reflect on everything that they accomplished and set even more goals moving forward! THE TAKEAWAY Your child has a lot of things they want to accomplish. The start of the new year is a great time to discuss these goals with them and help create a list they can refer to throughout the year. Taking the time to set goals with your child will help them get motivated to take action in all areas of their life. This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/a-step-by-step-guide-to-setting-goals-with-your-child-for-the-new-year/

February 18, 2021

Book your school for a tour at Sugar Bay in 2021

Sugar Bay is the number one holiday destination for children and teens in South Africa. Based on the American Summer Camp model, Sugar Bay stands out head and shoulders above every other South African camp. Our school tours are tailor-made to balance educational study and fun activities, ensuring that learning is done in an interesting and memorable way. Send us your curriculum and our team of creative and academic managers will tailor-make a program just for your school. “From the time we arrived until the time we left, I noticed that this place has such great customer service, we were well taken care of and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Our accommodation was brilliant and it’s been good from when we got here. We would recommend Sugar bay to every school, because it really helped with the kids bonding and getting to know each other”. – Crawford College, Sandton We have luxurious accommodation for both teachers and students. We can cater for up to 200 learners. Teachers stay in their own luxurious 3-star teacher lodge, separate from the students, complete with mini bar, DStv and heated pool. Teachers can chill out on their own private deck, take a stroll on the beach, cruise on the lagoon or join in on the fun camp activities while our professional staff takes care of everything. Students are treated not only to all the great activities we have to offer, but to luxury en-suite stilted log cabins nestled in the tree tops. Our camp counselors are specifically trained and experienced in the growth and developmental needs of the different age groups, as well as Emergency First Aid & CPR. We also have our own qualified lifeguards who accompany the children to the beach, lagoon, and swimming pool. Their first priority is the care, supervision and happiness of every child; and they form an integral part of the Sugar Bay experience. They are also actively involved in teaching activities and ensuring that every child is helped and encouraged to reach their full potential, whatever their capability level. Our 1:5 staff to child ratio is the highest in the country, and 24-hour supervision ensures that the campers are kept extra safe while having the time of their lives. There is something for everyone at Sugar Bay. Our broad selection of activities caters to all interests, hobbies, and current trends. With a full range of the latest equipment and experienced instructors, the choices are continually being innovated. Children may choose to learn anything from stand-up paddle boarding to BMXing, or skateboarding to crafts. Sugar Bay is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences of any young student’s life. Children will discover and transform themselves in a safe and fun-filled environment. They will always take something home with them: a new hobby, a new skill, and memories that will stay with them forever. Sugar Bay’s extensive range of over 100 activities makes us the number one choice for Africa’s top schools. Free choice of these activities encourage children to be independent, exercise their decision-making skills, and reach their highest level of potential, whatever their level of ability. “The American International School of Johannesburg has been bringing students to Sugar Bay Camp in Zinkwazi Beach, KZN for our annual Classroom Without Walls (CWW) week for over a dozen years. I have been the organiser on the school’s end for the past 8 years. From the start Sugar Bay has always been the highlight of the grade eights’ year. A greatly anticipated event that marks the closing of their final middle school year. In a phrase, Sugar Bay Camp is a fantastic educational opportunity that I would unconditionally recommend for kids of all ages”. – American International School Johannesburg Some schools that have attended school tours at Sugar Bay: Crawford Schools, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, American International School of Cape Town and Johannesburg, Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, Ashton International College, Cornwall Hill College, Laerskool Constantia Park, Durban Girls High, Cambridge Academy, Redhill School and SAHETI School. We would love to host your school at Sugar Bay. Please contact us for more information or to book your next school tour: 032 485 3778 | [email protected] | Visit www.sugarbay.co.za for more information.

February 18, 2021

Rejuvenate Your Skin

Take care of your skin With the new season of winter knocking on our door, our skin takes a beating by losing moisture and feeling dry & icky. Don’t despair! We have delectable solutions. You can make winter skin a thing of the past and take control of your skin. Healthy winter skin? “YAAS QUEEN!” We have two amazing products that will rejuvenate your skin, leaving it soft, supple and glowy. Gone are the days of fearing winter. Exfoliation = Rejuvenation Cinnamon & Coconut Skin Smoothing Exfolia R69.95 Exfoliation is a MUST in order to reveal new, vibrant skin. And we have the yummiest exfoliator out there! It’s important to exfoliate your skin at least one-two times a week, to get rid of dead skin cells especially during winter as your skin becomes dehydrated & dull. The natural sugar exfoliators remove dead skin cells so that moisturisers can penetrate the skin properly and jojoba oil restores moisture to ensure your skin is silky-smooth. Cinnamon improves blood flow to the surface of the skin and coconut is fabulous for moisturising the skin and keeping it hydrated. Right away your skin feels healthy, looks glowy and dehydrated winter skin is so yesterday. After exfoliating, you’ll be singing “Yeah, you got that yummy, yum, that yummy, yum, that yummy, yummy…” Hydration = Rejuvenation Milk & Honey Hydrating Body Butter R79.95 Hydration is an important part of the rejuvenation process. It is important to properly care for your skin after exfoliation in order to ensure that your skin stays healthy and glowy. Indulge your skin daily with our luscious Milk & Honey Hydrating Body Butter, especially after your exfoliation routine and after bathing/showering. Remember to moisturise multiple times a day, more often than you would during summer. Our Milk & Honey Hydrating Body Butter seals moisture into the skin and nourishes the skin with a non-greasy formula and anti-ageing ingredients help the skin’s elasticity. Available at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot, Zando, Superbalist, & Caribbeantan.online

February 18, 2021

Job mistakes all newbies make

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about job-hunting out there. The majority of them can mean the difference between landing the job of your dreams and staying unemployed for the foreseeable future. Adzuna rounded up some of the worst job search mistakes in a bid to help you avoid them at all costs. Here’s what you might have been doing wrong all along! #1 Scouring all the job ads Did you know that only a fraction of the available vacancies are ever advertised? In fact, most employers prefer internal hires and recruiting new talent via referrals and recommendations. What this means for you is that you’ll have to work super hard in order to stand out from the crowd. If you want to get noticed out there, your online and offline networks need to work for you and not against you. Make sure your online presence paints a professional picture and that you’re networking like a pro! #2 Responding to as many job ads as possible The quantity of applications you send out and the number of online sites you register with rarely (if ever) corresponds to interest from employers. In order to be a triumphant jobseeker, you need to be proactive. Don’t just pick the opportunities that fit you best. Work hard at tailoring every application and follow up every lead with a call or email. #3 You fear being perceived as a job-hopper Candidates with multiple roles on their CVs aren’t necessarily seen as job-hoppers unable to keep a stable job. If you’ve been employed in various avenues in a short period, all you need is to add solid reasoning to the explanation of your situation. Perhaps you changed jobs often to gain more widespread experience and learn new skills. Really short stints (anything under a year) aren’t favourable though, but there’s no need to be concerned if your work history has several components. #4 Not using a cover letter A well-crafted cover letter doesn’t only tell your prospective employer that you’re interested in a role. It also shows off your skills, work methodology, and enthusiasm. In short: it’s a way for you to shine in a crowd. Your cover letter is your opportunity to tell the employer about what you’ll contribute to their team instead of why you want the job. It’s also extremely specific to the role in question, which will strengthen your chances of being called for an interview. #5 Demanding a lower salary because you think you’ll be a more attractive candidate Offering your services for less than the going rate can actually backfire on you instead of adding to your appeal. It can make you seem desperate, which is definitely not what you want to come across as. As long as you’re demanding a salary within an acceptable range for the position, industry and location, there’s no harm in negotiation. Oh, and remember you don’t want to be the one that brings up the topic of salary first. Your prospective employer should be the one initiating this conversation. Final Thoughts Now that you’re aware of the most common job search mistakes, you can take your game to the next level. This can help you finally land the job of your dreams. Start browsing Adzuna’s listings today. Your future career might be just one click away!

February 17, 2021

VIDEO COMMUNICATION CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO OF TEACHING 

Video communication is now more than ever challenging the status quo of teaching. The value of eLearning or video communication is being recognized by more and more organizations since it can produce significant results, including improved performance and productivity by learners. Using video conferencing for education has made classrooms walls invisible, allowing students to have the entire world as their learning resource.

February 17, 2021

Teen Suicide Prevention during COVID19 – Talk, Listen & Connect

Teen Suicide Prevention Week (14 – 21 February 2021) highlights awareness especially around teen Depression. As the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened across the globe and increased stressors for many, the mental health of children and teens has been affected to a large extent. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in 15 – 19 year olds (WHO, 2020). The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is focusing on creating awareness for Teen Depression and Suicide, as South African teens are at a particularly high risk as the mental health impact of COVID-19 has been immense. South African teens (OUTare especially at riskas they) navigate a new world of online learning or delayed learning, social isolation, loss, grief and trauma, with increased anxiety and depression. Psychiatrist and SADAG Board Chairperson, Dr Frans Korb, says “There is a myth that depression or suicide doesn’t affect teens or children, in fact it is very real and affects more young people than we know, with teens being a particular high risk for suicide. Depression is the leading cause of suicide, it doesn’t discriminate against age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic background.” SADAG has seen an increase in the number of calls to the Suicide Helplines, and we encourage parents, teachers and family members to know the warning signs of depression and to reach out for help as soon as possible. Now more than ever, parents need to connect and engage with their children – ask questions, listen carefully to understand, get to know what is happening in their teens lives and what they are feeling and thinking,connecting to help if you pick up any warning signs for depression or suicide before it is too late – it could save a life. There is still a lot of stigma and fear around suicide, and many parents and teachers are afraid that if they talk about suicide to teens that it would cause them to take their life. SADAG’s Operations Director, Cassey Chambers explains, “Research shows that talking about suicide with a young person DOES NOT cause them to have thoughts of suicide or kill themselves. But NOT talking about it can lead to thoughts of suicide turning into action. Talking about suicide and depression create an opportunity to discuss feelings and thoughts that might have otherwise remain hidden. Most teens who are thinking about suicide are often honest and relieved when asked direct questions about their suicide thoughts or feelings.” But informing and empowering parents and teachers on how to have these conversations with teens is the first step to preventing teen suicide. SADAG will be hosting 2 free online CONNECT Webinars – one for Teachers (24 February, 3:30pm) and for Parents (25 February, 1pm) with experts to unpack how to identify warning signs of teen depression and suicide at home and in the classroom, self-help tips to deal with depression, how to talk about suicide with a teen, developing a suicide safety plan, and how to connect to help. Visit www.sadag.org for more details about these free Connect Webinars and RSVP for your free seat today. Miss SA will be using her Instagram platform to focus on Teen Depression for #MindfulMondays on Monday the 15th February at 7pm. SADAG will also be hosting an online #FacebookFriday expert Q&A on Friday the 19th February at 1pm-2pm and again at 7pm-8pm answering all your questions on teen depression, suicide prevention and how to get help LIVE on @TheSADAG. “Even if you notice 1 warning sign, don’t wait or leave it. Talk today, listen and connect to help – it could save a life,” says SADAG’s, Cassey Chambers. Possible Warning Signs of suicide include: Talking about suicide or death – could be writing or drawing about death and dying, or posting pictures, quotes, or messages on social media Writing or sending goodbye letters or messages or posting goodbye messages on social media Saying things like “Everyone would be better off if I was dead” or “I wish I wasn’t here anymore” or “I don’t want to be here anymore” Giving away prized possessions Signs of depression such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal, drastic change in their appetite and sleep, and loss of interest in usual activities Increased alcohol and/or other drug use Behavioural changes and taking excessive risks SADAG runs the country’s only Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 567 567) which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, sms 31393 and a counsellor will call back or you can visit the online toolkit for teen suicide prevention on www.sadag.org. There is always help!

February 16, 2021

Breastfeeding on the go

Breastfeeding when you’re out is convenient, hygienic and the most natural and healthy way for your baby to feed – so be proud of what you’re doing! It allows you to easily and discreetly feed your baby when you’re outside the home, anytime, without having to pack lots of feeding equipment. It’s natural that you might feel a bit self-conscious at first but there are lots of moms out there enjoying the freedom breastfeeding allows – here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you join them with confidence. Do: Feel proud of yourself – moms who breastfeed their babies in public are doing a huge amount towards making breastfeeding more popular, visible and back to being the ‘norm’ again Practice feeding positions at home first, making it easy to latch your baby on without having to remove layers of clothing or expose more than you would like to! Practice using a shawl or scarf as a cover up if you like. I found that a vest top I could pull up, with a shirt or cardigan unbuttoned which covered my sides worked well for me, and was more discreet than wrestling with a shawl or muslin cloth! Do a bit of research into where you are going. Whether it’s going out for lunch, meeting a friend for coffee or enjoying a little retail therapy, do phone ahead to see what facilities are available for you and your baby. Are there baby-changing, breastfeeding and milk/food warming facilities? Are highchairs available for older babies and toddlers? Make sure any restaurant you are visiting is ‘child-friendly’, so that you can relax and enjoy your meal without having to worry too much about disturbing others .There is nothing worse than feeling that you are being frowned upon by other customers and staff. Choose your seating position or table carefully if you are feeling self-conscious e.g. with your back to the majority of people in a restaurant or café Make it easy to take what you need for a stress-free trip. I have a special bag for when I am out and about with my little one which I top up after each trip so that I don’t need to start from scratch every time I go out. Choose a bag that has been designed with a mom in mind and has all the handy compartments you will need. Essential items for your bag will include breast pads, nipple cream (if using) nappies, wipes, nappy sacks, a change of clothes, bibs, milk (if you are bottle feeding), a feeding cup and some snacks for a baby that is weaned (not recommended before six months). Take along a few favorite toys to keep your baby entertained Consider expressing breast milk if you choose not to breastfeed while you are out. Expressing is the perfect solution for moms that want to continue breastfeeding their babies but are looking for some flexibility outside the home. Take along some expressed milk in a sterilized bottle ready to use. Carry the feed in a specially designed insulated bag with a small cool pack inside to keep it fresh. This way you can give your baby a bottle of milk in the full knowledge that it still has all the wonderful health benefits of breastfeeding. Expressing also means that close relatives and friends can also enjoy the pleasure of feeding your little one Carry plenty of healthy snacks for your older baby or toddler. Rice cakes, pieces of fruit like apples, grapes and strawberries, sticks of carrot and cucumber, raisins and cubes of cheese all make nutritious snacks which your child will thoroughly enjoy. Prepare them at home and then carry them around in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Also, ensure that you always carry fresh, drinkable water in an appropriate feeding cup with you, as once your baby is weaned this will be essential. Don’t: Think you should be out and about too early on. It will depend on how quickly you and your baby get to grips with feeding but there’s no rush. Venture out when you feel ready. Time your trips out between feeds at first Forget to make sure you have a drink to hand – take along some water. Breastfeeding is thirsty work Wait until your baby is properly hungry before finding somewhere to feed. Plan a stop a little while before if you can so you’re not frazzled by those cries of hunger! Pay too much attention to the news – ignore anything you might read about women being told to stop feeding their babies, or who have negative comments thrown at them. This is much more rare than it seems – most people will be oblivious to the fact you are breastfeeding (in fact it’s only once you’re a mom that you start to notice just how many women are breastfeeding out there!) Feel that you have to breastfeed in a room full of people if you’re really not comfortable. It’s increasingly easy now to find somewhere a little more private to feed your baby while you’re out if that’s what you prefer. Many shopping centers, department stores, baby shops and supermarkets have special feeding rooms where you can breastfeed or bottle feed, and change your baby’s nappy You can share your own tips and read advice on breastfeeding away from home from other moms by visiting Philips AVENT on facebook www.facebook.com/philipsavent

February 16, 2021

Online schooling can literally become a pain in the neck!

Lockdown has affected our children in more ways than one. Isolation. Anxiety. Confusion. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Most of these emotions and feelings are beyond our control, and nurturing, understanding and just being there for our kids is all we can do. But some things are in our control, and one is comfort. Online learning and sitting in front of a computer has become the norm. Video games and screen time have replaced sports and outdoor activities with friends. And this has led to a growing trend in back and neck pain in children. In fact, what was once just a problem for adults sitting, at a desk all day, has veered to the younger generation. More children today are sitting for extended periods and the longer they sit, the more they are likely to suffer from lower back pain and become victims to slouching. In fact, studies indicate that by the age of 15 years, 20% to 70% of children will report some back pain while other say 75% of children between the ages of 8 to 12 years complain of back pain. Either way, the stats are alarming and are likely to increase as dining room tables and kitchen counters become desks once again due to the rise in COVID-19 infections. Help them find their comfort zone The significant causes of back pain in children have been found to be triggered by poor posture, sitting for long periods and continuous inactivity. Poor posture can cause the spinal cord to change shape, creating chronic pain and affecting balance. It can also affect the rest of the body. Sitting for extended periods with poor posture compresses the digestive organs, which can harm the entire digestive system. As parents, we want to provide our kids with the right tools in everything they do. The correct size bat for the cricket season, good sturdy boots for the soccer season, so why should paying attention to our kids’ posture be any different? Children will spend an estimated 23 years of their lives sitting in a chair, so the time for good habits is now. And that means providing comfort and correct postures while sitting. When looking for the correct chair for your child, remember that size does matter. A height-adjustable chair is paramount for a growing child. And so is an adjustable backrest angle, height-adjustable armrests, and lumbar support. A foot ring on the chair, or a separate footrest is usually required because the feet have to be anchored, otherwise they land up perching at the edge of the seat. Adjustability, and the ability to be supported in the lower back and under foot will ensure that the time your child spends sitting in front of the computer or doing homework at a desk is painless and productive. The immediate cost should be viewed as an investment in your child’s future and will far outweigh the costs of dealing with future health issues, especially as their spines still have so much growing to do! It is also important to try to regulate all screen time – enforcing regular breaks every hour. Encourage motion – be it a swim, a game of soccer or a walk around the neighbourhood. Create these movement habits daily. And if your child has a hard time sitting still, let them work while standing up. Online schooling is part of our lives and is a critical alternative in the current environment. Even when schools can return, online processes are highly likely to stay in place, in some form so now’s the time to act. It’s a whole new world for them too, so make sure they are sitting right to not only survive online schooling, but thrive! By Gary Arenson, Physio, MD, and Founder of Ergotherapy

February 15, 2021

Chicco Next2Me Magic – Moon Grey

Chicco, one of the world’s most beloved baby products labels, brings you indoor furniture for your baby with the utmost luxury and quality, that is affordable and most importantly, guaranteed for 12 months. The Next2Me original co-sleeper keeps getting better and better. An original concept by Chicco, the bedside co-sleeper has become one of the most valuable pieces of baby Original creators of the bedside co-sleeper, Chicco has improved time and time again upon popular designs to ensure the best for your little one. It goes without saying that the benefits of having baby nearby and comfy at night offers the utmost peace of mind for parents. The Next2Me Magic is the co-sleeper with the one-handed opening and closing options. Made from the finest quality materials, this sturdy and versatile bedside cot has telescopic legs to ensure a perfect fit with every type of bed, pulling it as close as mom would like. With tilting abilities and a clear mesh side, mom can have full view of the sleeping baby, or easy access for night time feeds. In a stunning new colour for 2021 (Moon Grey), the Next2Me Magic goes with all bedroom décor, making it a gorgeous addition to your household. The co sleeper boasts a sturdy and firm mattress and great ventilation, making it the perfect first cot for your little one. Pick up a Next2Me Magic in Moon Grey from Takealot, Loot.co.za, Babanino, Baby Boom, Brand Hubb, The Kid Zone

February 15, 2021

Minimize added sugar in your child’s diet

It’s true. Your baby or toddler was born with a sweet tooth! Children this age naturally prefer sweet tasting foods, including breastmilk. Did you know that babyhood and toddlerhood are critical periods in shaping and influencing your child’s eating habits and taste preferences? Upon introducing solids, it’s important to offer a wide variety of textures and flavors. When it comes to food choices, quality matters most! After all, they have tiny tummies that can only hold so much at one time. Because of this, it’s especially important to offer foods that are rich in nutrients, without any undesirable extras, like added sugar or salt. Some foods naturally contain sugar, such as fruit, some vegetables and dairy products. Added sugar can be in obvious sources like desserts and sugary beverages. But added sugar can also sneak into less obvious sources including flavored yogurts, breakfast foods like cereals and waffles, and even condiments like spaghetti sauce and ketchup. While we want to include good-for-you sources of natural sugars (think fruits, vegetables and yogurts with no added sugar) in our baby or toddler’s diet, we do want to keep out the not so good-for you added sugars. Keeping the added sugars in your child’s diet to a minimum is important in helping reduce the risk of various health conditions. Unhealthy weight gain, tooth decay, and attention/behavioral issues have all been associated with excessive intake of added sugars. Because research shows diets with fewer added sugars are better for our health, there are new laws governing the inclusion of these on our food labels. Moving forward, the government will be requiring food manufacturers to include the amount (in grams) of added sugars on the Nutrition Facts Panel. This will give us a much better idea of what is actually in our foods, in terms of naturally occurring versus added sugar. Here are some other ways to limit your child’s intake of added sugars: Offer mostly whole foods. Serving foods in their natural state, such as fruits and veggies, allows you to know exactly what you are feeding your baby or tot. Processed foods like crackers and other packaged goods can be not- so- obvious harbors for added sugars, check labels and offer no added sugar versions. Be mindful of “kid-friendly” foods. Specific foods aimed towards kids, like yogurts and cereal bars, can still contain too much added sugar. Look for and choose products that don’t include any of these sugars. Be a food label decoder. In addition to seeing the word “sugar” on food labels and ingredients lists, other words can indicate the presence of a sugar that is not naturally occurring in the product. Examples of these include: honey, agave, fructose, dextrose, corn syrup, and molasses. Becoming familiar with the many names of sugar will help you better understand what is in specific products. Meal plan. Preparing meals at home gives you more control over what goes into the foods you make for you and your family. Avoid sugary drinks. Avoid offering your baby or toddler beverages that are high in sugar like fruit beverages, sodas and iced teas. Even though 100% fruit juices do not contain any added sugar, no fruit juice is recommended for infants younger than 12 months. For toddlers 1- 3 years of age the intake for fruit juice should be limited. Limiting your child’s exposure to added sugars will help contribute to a healthy start! We love… Super Smart Pouches: Retail Selling Price: R42,50 Nourish your growing tot with this tasty blend of organic bananas, beets, and strawberries. To help support brain health, each pouch contains 20mg of DHA and 100mg of choline making this pouch perfect for wholesome, on-the-go eating! Stockists: Happy Family Organics products are available at Baby City, Babies R Us, Wellness Warehouse, Clicks, Spar, Pick n Pay, Baby Boom, Dis-Chem, Medicare Pharmacies, Takealot, Babies Africa, Faithful To Nature.

February 12, 2021

INTERNATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER DAY (15 FEBRUARY): EARLY DETECTION CAN SAVE LIVES!

Of the 800 to 1 000 children that are diagnosed with cancer in South Africa each year, more than half tragically go undiagnosed. Dr Charlotte Ingram, Medical Director at the SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) says SA has among the highest childhood cancer mortality rates with two thirds of children never reaching a specialist treatment centre and when they do, their cancer is often at an advanced stage. “Many childhood cancers are treatable with cure rates of between 70% and 80% in well-resourced countries, while in contrast, eight in ten African children with cancer die without access to adequate care. Despite SA having an established oncology healthcare service, its infrastructure is overburdened, which is further impeded by low cancer awareness in the primary healthcare setting and widespread service delivery challenges.” She says unlike adult cancers, childhood cancer is difficult to prevent or screen for because the causative genetic and environmental factors are less understood, but if it is detected early, most children can be treated successfully. “Knowing what the early warning signs are is vital in order for treatment to commence as soon as possible. Unfortunately, among certain local ethnic groups, there is still a lot of stigma and myths that surround childhood cancer. Some of these include: Two of the most common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia and lymphoma. Leukaemia is caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body and accounts for a quarter of all childhood cancer cases in the country. Early symptoms include chronic fatigue, bone and joint pain, weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, recurrent nosebleeds, swollen lymph nodes, fever and unexplained weight-loss. Lymphoma is triggered by tumours that begin in the lymph glands, the spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow and can affect other organs throughout the body as well. Look out for painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, persistent fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight-loss and itchy skin. If any of these signs or symptoms persist, its best to make an appointment with a doctor who will be able to conduct tests to rule out the possibility of blood-related cancers. Dr Ingram explains that in many cases, a bone marrow transplant, which is also referred to as a stem cell transplant is used to treat leukaemia and lymphoma and other blood and immune system diseases that affect the bone marrow. “Childhood cancers are different from those found in adults as most of them occur in developing cells such as bone marrow, blood, the kidneys and nervous system tissues. Chemotherapy kills both cancerous and healthy blood cells inside the bone marrow, which is why transferring a new, healthy set of blood stem cells by way of a bone marrow transplant, helps their immune systems to recover from the intense treatment. Replacing diseased or damaged cells with non-cancerous stem cells will help the body to make healthy cells. “At the moment, SA’s overall childhood cancer survival rate is at an unacceptably low 52%, nearly 30% less than in developed nations. In 2018, the World Health Organisation (WHO) established the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which aims to achieve a global survival rate of at least 50% for all children diagnosed with cancer within the next decade. “To deliver on that promise, policymakers need to prioritise childhood cancer by: Debunking the misconceptions around childhood cancer among a large percentage of our population; Increasing our country’s capacity to deliver quality services for children living with the illness, along with access to care; Whilst also increasing the number of bone marrow donors. Currently, only 73 000 donors are part of the national registry, which is miniscule if you consider that more than 23 million people are eligible.” Do your bit by helping the SABMR spread awareness around childhood cancer this month by sharing its social media posts with family and friends: https://www.facebook.com/sabonemreg/ https://www.instagram.com/sabonemreg If you are between the ages of 16 and 45 and want to become a donor, contact the SABMR on 021 447 8638 or email: [email protected]. Financial donations can also be made via www.sabmr.co.za/donate to help boost funds for their Patient Assistance Programme.

February 12, 2021

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