Parenting - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Junior IT career options for tech graduates

We live in a world that seems to thrive on technological advancements. Because the emphasis on IT jobs is greater than it has ever been, isn’t it time to rethink the future of your career? Adzuna did some research and uncovered some of the best junior IT career choices for tech pros of the future. From support to programming, these opportunities can equip you with all the right skills you’ll need to excel in our rapidly growing digital world. Read on to find out just how far you can leap! Top junior IT career picks for 2021 Desktop Support Technician Opportunities from here: Systems Administrator Network Management Specialist Business Analyst Data Centre Operator How to get started: A good foundation to have for becoming a desktop support technician is a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. You can also get in with a minimum of 5 C-grade GCSEs and a deep passion for solving problems within a fast-paced environment. After that, it’s good to equip yourself with certifications like a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) and CompTIA A+ so you’ll gain insights to the different facets of the business and take the leap to a role like a business analyst. Average salary: R190,000 per year Junior Systems Administrator Opportunities from here: Senior Systems Administrator Technical Lead IT Management How to get started: A good start for a systems administrator is a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering. You also need to show a keen interest in network technology and have a passion for keeping up to date with new tech trends. Moreover, a drive to figure things out will ensure that you keep learning from your mistakes to help you prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Keep equipping yourself with skills like Cisco’s CCNA and administrative languages like Python, Ruby, Windows PowerShell and Perl, and you’ll be able to take the leap to Technical Lead Roles within IT management. Average salary: R210,000 per year Junior Software Engineer Opportunities from here: Java Developer Information Technology Consultant Information Technology Architect How to get started: Firstly, you’ll need a Computer Science or Mathematics bachelor degree to get started as a software engineer. Secondly, a great understanding of computer languages like, for instance, Java, C++, Oracle, .NET and a passion for creating new technologies are great to have. The opportunities for growth here are endless as long as you’re able to master a multitude of programming languages and get certified for it. Once you’re into the swing of things and have a few years of experience, you can take the leap to bigger roles like that of an IT Architect or Java Developer. Average salary: R300,000 per year Junior Business Analyst Opportunities from here: Business Architect Business Analyst Consultant How to get started: A bachelor’s degree in Business Analysis, Business Management or Computer Science can help you get one foot in the door to become a business analyst. Also, you need a varied set of skills like communication, problem-solving, negotiating skills and a hunger for accepting new challenges. With some experience and in-job training, you can take the leap and become a Business Architect or Business Analyst Consultant. Average salary: R310,000 per year Final Thoughts It is essential to arm yourself with a few basic skills if you want to kick off a junior IT career. The four options we’ve listed here today are just a few picks that can pave the way to a long and successful IT career. But it is important to always keep upskilling yourself so you’ll stay relevant in your field of work! If you’re ready to show the world of IT what you’re made of, head over to Adzuna’s listings right now and start browsing vacancies that match your skills and experience!

January 26, 2021

Helping your child set goals for the new year

It’s a new year and, for many, that means New Year’s resolutions. Children don’t necessarily need resolutions – after all, they are unlikely to have many of the same vices and bad habits adults need to break – but it is a good idea to help children set goals for the year, both academic and personal. The ability to set goals – and create a game plan for achieving them – is a lifelong skill that is vital for success, whether that be at the office, on the sporting field, or even within the home. And like all lifelong skills, it is imperative to begin practising setting and working towards goals from a young age. Here are some notes on goal setting, and some tips on how to go about it. Read more: A successful start to your (home) school year! Why do children need goals? Regardless of their age, children are autonomous beings and, as such, they need to be able to make some decisions for themselves and take responsibility for their actions. Having goals and figuring out how to stick to them is a great way to teach children self-discipline and self-motivation. By having something to work towards, children are more inclined to focus and make productive decisions. Having a clear set of goals will also give children a sense of autonomy, which is important as they get older and want to feel less like babies and more like the adults into which they are growing. For these reasons, having goals (and attempting to achieve them) can also help build children’s confidence and self-esteem as they watch their own progress, which is very important for a child’s holistic development. Determine realistic goals for your child Before you and your child can set goals, it is essential to ascertain what can be realistically thought of as a goal. Do not take it in yourself to decide what a realistic goal is – this is a conversation you must have with your child. Help them think about what goals they might set by asking the following questions: What would you like to accomplish? What would you want to try this year? What would make you feel proud? Perhaps they want to increase their grade in a subject by a letter or wish to be in a higher-up team in their sport. Use this input as a springboard for making those goals concrete. Read more: Homeschooling in 2021? Here’s how to prepare Help your child understand the concept of goals To make the notion of goals make sense to kids, ask them what the purpose of their newfound goal is. Ask questions like “How do you think that will help you?” or “What are the benefits of doing this?” By helping them to dig a little deeper into what they want to achieve, your child will start to understand goals, not as merely something to accomplish, but something that has personal value and meaning for them. This is what will help drive their self-discipline and self-motivation. Make the goal(s) actionable It’s all well and good to have a specific goal, without a plan to achieve it, it’s pretty useless. Break down the ‘big goal’ into a series of smaller goals through which your child will work. Sit down with your child and decide together how your child is going to work towards that goal. It’s useful to decide on a (realistic!) timeframe, whether that be a month or a year. For example, if your child wants to increase their grade from a C to a B, that’s a 10% increase, so you could focus on increasing the grade by a couple of percentage points with every test or assignment. It’s also a good idea to set up a monitoring system to help ascertain your child’s progress. Charts are usually a useful way of doing this: have one column for the date, and one column for the progress update. That way, at a glance, you can see whether the goal is being achieved. Read more: Teaching kids how to plan Plan for failure or setbacks While no one likes to think about it, it is simply a fact of life that none of us will ever achieve every single goal without encountering an obstacle or challenge. Children are very sensitive and, as such, you need to sit with your child and discuss what both of you will do in the case of the goal not going to plan. Read more: How to foster resilience in children It’s important to try to predict possible hurdles in advance because they can knock the wind out of a child’s sails, especially a younger child. Plan in advance how you and your child will work together to overcome an obstacle, should it appear. For example, if your child wants to improve their grades but performs worse on a particular assessment, decide ahead of time that the two of you will sit together and go through the work to see where they went wrong and focus on that area in the future. Setbacks like these can be very demotivating, but it’s essential to help your child focus on the bigger picture and help them understand that failure is a normal part of life. The important thing is overcoming it and working even harder to achieve those goals. by Jacqui Smit

January 22, 2021

SACAP’S HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS HELPS BRIDGE PANDEMIC DISRUPTION

As we move into the second year of life upended by the global pandemic, SA’s school leavers are weighing their limited options. While some will forge onto their chosen tertiary education path, others may be set back by not achieving a bachelor’s pass or be uncertain about what they want to study. Travelling and gaining world experience before you make up your mind is off the cards for the time being, and probably for most of 2021. The challenge for these school leavers is how to make the best of these tough circumstances. There’s currently an increasing focus on short programmes offered by tertiary institutions. The best of these are typically one-year programmes offering an accredited Higher Certificate qualification that can improve a student’s readiness for tertiary education, make up for a Matric without a bachelor’s pass and enhance critical skills for success not only in their studies to come, but in their future work lives. Dr Jaclyn Lotter, SACAP’s (The South African College of Applied Psychology) Academic Dean, points out that parents and young people are anxious that 2021 ‘doesn’t go to waste’ as the education sector continues to grapple with how to master continuity during the pandemic. “After the disruptions of last year, which certainly did result in some SA school leavers underperforming, through no fault of their own, there’s a strong urge to move forward this year and overcome the disadvantage of the pandemic,” she says. “There will be close scrutiny of options such as Higher Certificate programmes to not just keep students busy, but to ensure that they have a meaningful education experience that helps them leapfrog over the pandemic years.” In line with its focus on Social Sciences education, SACAP offers a popular Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills. The one-year, nine-module programme, which is available online or on-campus (subject to COVID-19 restrictions), offers practical, work-related skills training set in an Applied Psychology framework that is relevant to students anticipating careers across all sectors. While it’s a notable gateway into the Social Sciences field, the application of interpersonal skills is equally critical in business, academia, education, medical, tech, science, government and non-government fields. As Dr Lotter puts it: “There isn’t an industry in which having a better understanding of human behaviour or the ability to communicate more effectively with others isn’t useful.” Is the Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills right for you? If you passed matric without exemption in 2021 You may have set your heart on studying for a degree but matric didn’t turn out how you hoped it would. You’re not alone. The pandemic wreaked havoc on the education system last year, and the Matrics faced the toughest challenges of any generation since World War 2. “Graduating from SACAP’s Higher Certificate this year can not only help you get back on track, but set you off with some important advantages,” says Dr Lotter. “You will not only meet the minimum entrance requirements for degree studies around the country, but you will lay the foundations for good academic literacy, setting you up for success in your further studies. You will also gain critical skills if you rather decide to enter the workforce in 2022. If you don’t feel sure you will be able to succeed at university Many school leavers might not feel confident with their ability to cope at a university level given the very disruptive matric year they experienced. Engaging in the Higher Certificate will give you this year to build confidence and empower you to continue your journey into higher education. If you wanted a gap year and really don’t want to start long-term tertiary studies instead Dreams of a gap year, especially for those who planned on travelling for self-exploration, are very compelling and hard to let go. It’s not easy to just set this aside and dive into tertiary education when you believe you need time and experience before committing to a study/career path. “The Higher Certificate is a one-year programme that introduces students to psychology and the Social Sciences,” says Dr Lotter. “It gives students a taste for the field of study without a long-term commitment and provides them with a registered qualification and practical skills at the end. Along with SACAP’s student-centred approach, it is also a voyage of self-discovery enabling greater awareness and understanding in relation to others as well as a deeper relationship with self”. If you’re interested in Social Sciences but not ready for degree studies The Higher Certificate is a gateway to further studies in Social Sciences, and some credits can even be carried over to SACAP’s Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences degrees when majoring in Psychology and Counselling, Business Management or Human Resource Management. If you need to improve your communications and interactions with others “The Higher Certificate is a great qualification for anyone who wants to develop their communication skills and improve their ability to interact and work with others,” says Dr Lotter. “There are key features of this qualification that offer invaluable knowledge and insight to graduates, including communication skills, counselling skills, academic literacy , as well as insight into human behaviour and better understanding of human diversity. Together these areas of focus lay the foundation for better understanding and insight into how people think and behave on an individual level as well as within society at large. The Higher Certificate develops relevant, useful and practical skills that are both transferrable and invaluable for a graduate’s personal and working life, as well as future studies they may choose to pursue.” Webinar: What you can do with a Higher Certificate Pass Not getting a matric exemption may be disappointing, but it is definitely not the end of the road. Join Dr Jaclyn Lotter, Claire Chester and Praneetha Jugdeo in a live webinar where they will discuss the many advantages that SACAP’s Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills has to offer matrics. This vocational programme is an excellent bridge to wherever students want to go next. It

January 22, 2021

Second Interview: How to make the most of it

Congrats! After making it through the job hunt and nailing your first interview, you got invited back for the elusive second interview! Now, how do you prepare yourself for Round 2? Adzuna headquarters has a few tips and pointers to help you make the most of the next stage of interviewing! What to expect during the second interview Round 2 focuses on ore in-depth discussions about how you’ll operate in the role. By now, you’ve already passed the initial screening and probably met the employer. This time around, you’ll need to solidify your stance as a strong candidate by giving them proof of your experience, skills, and knowledge about the business and the problems they might be facing. To do this, take the following steps before your second interview: Be Assertive In the second interview, you are likely to be grilled a little bit harder which is your perfect opportunity to be more assertive. Show conviction in your capabilities and that your experience is exactly what they are looking for. A good second interviewer will question the suitability of some of your experience for the role in question. Here’s a question that might come up: “In this position, you will be responsible for managing a large team. But you only have experience managing up to 6 people. How will you rise to this challenge?” Whether or not you have the necessary experience, the second interview is your chance to illustrate how you plan to approach this task. Ask Your Own Questions This is the perfect time to ask the kind of questions you’d like the HR manager to answer. Topics that you are unlikely to cover in your first interview, such as compensation and benefits, are important to bring up to make sure they meet your expectations. Also, another good idea is to ask for a tour of the company so you can get an idea for the working conditions and the type of people you will end up working with. Ask for more information on the available training and development schemes or possible growth opportunities within the company. Be confident use your body language and voice to illustrate that you’re confident and excited about the second interview. Answer the interviewer’s questions loud and clear and look them in the eye when responding to their questions. Make it clear that you really want the job and that you’d be an excellent fit for the role. At the end of the day, it’s often the most confident and motivated candidates that have the edge and land the jobs! Remember you have made it past the first interview! So you have already impressed them enough to secure a second. Therefore, this is just as much you interviewing them as it is them interviewing you. You have to be sure that this role is everything you hoped it would be. But as always, practice makes perfect!

January 21, 2021

Midline Crossing

Crossing the midline is very important to a child’s learning development. It’s a key element to helping children flourish and learn in the classroom as they get older. Our ability to reach over our midline with our arms and legs to perform tasks on the opposite side of our body plays a huge role in our day-to-day functioning. Brain Development Helping your child cross the midline as they grow is very important for their brain’s development. Midline crossing activities are often tied to higher learning skills such as speech, language, handwriting, reading, tracking objects, math sequencing, sensory integration, body awareness and other important skills for critical thinking. It’s also important for helping children retain information, improves attention and focus and allows them to listen to the teacher as they give directions (auditory processing). Crossing the midline helps the right and left sides of the brain work together. If we only work one side of the brain, the other side may become weaker, which could cause gaps in learning. Learning tools that come naturally for some children (organizing thoughts on paper, executive functioning, writing, comprehension and sitting still in a chair) may not come so easily to others who can’t cross their midline. When a child crosses their midline, new connections are made between the right side and the left side of the brain, and both sides are then working together, rather than independently of each other. It integrates the two sides of the brain, and organizes the brain for better concentration and problem solving. This is needed for reading and writing, as well as sports activities and other daily skills. What is Midline Crossing? Crossing midline simply means that a child reaches across their body with either hand or foot. Think of it as if there is an imaginary vertical line down the center of the body. Crossing the midline would mean having the ability to reach over this imaginary line with an arm or leg, and perform a task on the opposite side of the body. The ability to cross midline develops as bilateral coordination skills develop. The child learns to coordinate their stronger hand (used for specialized skill) with their helper hand (the hand that they use to assist the dominant hand). Crossing the midline is a developmental ability that is important for so many gross motor tasks. When a child has difficulty with crossing their midline, they will demonstrate difficulty with fine motor skills, too. Signs a Child can’t Cross their Midline 1. Appears ambidextrous. Children who have difficulty crossing the midline may use their right hand to perform tasks on the right side of their body, and their left hand to perform tasks on the left side of their body. They may seem ambidextrous, but what’s actually happening is that they aren’t properly developing the fine motor skills in their dominant hand. Instead, they are essentially developing average skills in both hands which can have significant implications in the long-run. 2. Has poor handwriting and often changes hands repeatedly while writing, drawing, colouring, etc. Handwriting may be more challenging, and their school work may be sloppy and messy. 3. Has difficulty performing basic life skills, like brushing teeth and hair, doing up buttons, zipping up zippers, putting on socks and shoes, etc. 4. Demonstrates poor gross motor skills. A child who can’t cross the midline will likely struggle with gross motor activities. For example, they may struggle to kick a ball with two feet instead of fine-tuning this skill with only their dominant foot. 5. Appears uncoordinated and struggles with more complex gross motor activities that require greater coordination, like jumping with a skip rope or doing jumping jacks. 6. Has difficulty with reading. Kids who can’t cross the midline may find it more difficult to visually track something from left to right, which can result in delayed reading skills. For more information, and videos for activities to do at home with your child to improve midline crossing, check out Catrobatkidz ON TV

January 19, 2021

Going back to work, tips on how to keep you milk supply up

The thought of going back to work when you have a little baby can be very stressful for a mom. There are so many things to consider the main two are: who will look after your baby while you are at work and how can I keep breastfeeding when I am away? We chatted to Carey Haupt a lactation consultant about ways to balance work and breast feeding. Here are some tips she shared with us. Tip 1: Talk to the HR department of your employer before you go on maternity leave. Ask them for the breastfeeding or expressing policy for mothers. The policy should be inline with The South African Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child which forms part of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (NO. 75 of 1997). Give them time to be able to find a safe, hygienic space for you to express your milk in. You can also give them some information around the benefits of assisting you to continue to breast feed once you are back in the office. Explain to them that by having an expressing room and encouraging your breastfeeding mothers to express for 30 minutes, twice a day it can help to improve your productivity in the following ways Healthier for baby When a baby is healthy, mom can focus on work. A healthy baby is what we all want. Breast milk has many benefits for baby and mom. One of the best-known benefits is the improved health for the baby. Breast milk provides the baby with added immunity from the mother’s immune system and it is much more easily absorbed than formula. Reduction of medical cost Babies that are fed breast milk have reduced risk of: diarrhea, respiratory tract infection, ear infections, constipation, asthma, and allergy (to name the most common). This will reduce the need for a mother to take time off work to visit a doctor or hospital if needed. When a baby is sick, and the mother returns to work she may be worried about her baby and less productive. Less absenteeism With less need to take baby to the doctor or clinic, you mother will be at work more. There will be less need for staying at home to care for her sick infant and less need for family responsibility leave. Better staff retention If a mother knows that her company is willing to invest in her and her families family’s well-being by providing a safe, hygienic and comfortable space where she has the time needed to express her breast milk for her infant, she will be more willing to invest back into the company. Staff satisfaction and loyalty If a company can show that your company cares and puts the needs of women who are looking after their children as a priority, staff start to see their value and become start to promote your companies’ brand. Mother will not want to leave a company that has supported them and their families. Tip2: Get a good quality Double electric breast pump. You will need a fast and efficient breast pump. When you are at work you will need to be able to set up your pump (washing hands) pump and clean your pumping area in 30 minutes. Make sure that the pump you are using will be strong enough to pump quickly and that the motor will be able to handle pumping often. A double electric pump like the Ameda Finesse is an ideal example. The finesse is a double electric pump that has hospital grade technology. This means that the motor is strong and can be uses for exclusive pumpers. The pump’s motor also has a 2-year warranty. Tip 3: Build a stash You only need to start building a breast milk stash about 2 weeks before you go back to work. You can store your milk in Breast milk storage bags or feeding bottles. With the Ameda Store ‘n Pour bags (Link: https://www.mybreastpump.co.za/product/store-pour-milk-bags-20pc) you can pump directly into the bag, saving you time and the need to clean less. While you are still direct feeding your baby the amount of milk that you express will be less than when you skip a feed. Do not panic in the beginning when you get half feeds from expressing. Remember this is extra milk that you body is starting to make. Once you start skipping direct feeds and pumping the volume per pump will increase. Remember to date the milk so that you use the older milk first. Tip 4: Get your mind onto pumping and your baby We know that stress and worry are things that inhibit your let down (when your milk starts to flow) so move your mind to happier thoughts like that of your baby. Even better have a video or picture of your baby so that you can focus on your baby. Your mind is amazing because you focus on your baby your mind will tell you breasts to make more milk. Tip 5: Use heat and massage to wake your breast up. Your breast responds positively to heat and message. This is called hands on pumping and is recommend to get the maximum volume of milk expressed. Before you start pumping apply heat in the form of a bean bag or warm water in a bottle and massage your breasts from the base towards the nipple. Use your pump and keep a few minutes for heat and massage after you have pumped, and hand express the last few drops of milk out. Tip 6: Plan how you are going to store your milk. Breast milk should be stored in a fridge or freezer as soon as possible after it has been expressed. This just makes sure that you can keep it for longer. If your office does not have a fridge that you can use, use a good quality cooler bag with ice pack. Milk can stay

January 19, 2021

Playschool startup achieves government accreditation on top of international funding

Play Sense becomes one of the first programmes of its kind in SA to be registered by the Department of Social Development as demand booms for innovative online and home-based schools The South African edutech startup Play Sense, which recently raised more than R8-million in international investment from an Africa-focused, gender-lensed venture capital fund, has now also become one of the first registered play-focused preschool franchises in the country. The digitally-enabled micro-playschool programme is a first for South Africa and enables teachers to set up their own playschools at home under the Play Sense banner, with its award-winning imaginative play-centred curriculum for preschoolers as its primary drawcard. It has now become one of the first programmes of its kind to be accredited by the Department of Social Development as a registered early childhood development (ECD) programme in terms of the Children’s Act. The business was founded by early childhood expert and author Meg Faure, who also founded the well-known Baby Sense brand, and fellow occupational therapist and educator Lara Schoenfeld, who also founded the successful Nanny ‘n Me franchise. Faure is CEO and Melissa Cumming, previously the MD of ecommerce business Bloomable, is COO. “Our evidence-based curriculum follows the Vygotskian theory of development which says that guided imagination-based play is the best way to equip kids with the core capacities they need to thrive in a changing world, including self-regulation, executive function, creativity, collaboration and learning readiness,” said Faure. “Our accreditation by the department is an important validation of the quality of both our educational programme and the innovative business model that underpins it. We’re excited about expanding the programme across South Africa this year and globally in the near future – and in the process bringing the ECD space into the sharing economy as a solution to some of the most pressing challenges faced by children, parents and teachers in the world today. This kind of schooling really is the way of the future.” The Play Sense team raised R8.25-million in early-stage funding from USA-based Enygma Ventures in April. The private investment fund focuses on investing in women-led social impact businesses in Southern Africa. The Africa Trust Group is its local implementation partner. The Play Sense franchise model was founded to provide high quality, cost-effective ECD business opportunities for teachers and qualified caregivers who want to run world-class preschools from homes. The model is designed for groups of up to six children between the ages of two to four to come together to play and learn in a safe home-based environment for three to five days of the week. The franchise stable currently accommodates more than 30 groups in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KZN and online, but it is gearing to scale to 200 in-home groups and 15 online groups, as well as to have its global expansion playbook bedded down by the end of 2021. The startup successfully pivoted at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa to offer parents and teachers an online learning environment as well. It was this online move that ensured its funding from Enygma, whose investors wanted to see Play Sense scale and roll out its new tech platform in response to the boom in demand for online, independent home-based schools during the pandemic, and empower women entrepreneurs in the process. With the online model, the teacher undergoes the same training but can run an online school for up to 12 families who check in virtually twice a day while teaching their own children at home. “All our teachers are trained in both online and in-home education so that they can adapt as situations change. We just don’t know what 2021 holds, so we have to be flexible,” said Faure. “What makes Play Sense unique is that it is such a cost-effective and scalable model for highly progressive preschool education – something that the market has been asking for and that will empower lots of women who are passionate about ECD to become entrepreneurs who make an impact in their communities. They can now set up schools that offer exceptional education to learners, without the high overheads of a school building because they can use their existing and under-utilised assets, their homes, instead. The fact that they work with a fully developed curriculum and fully equipped starter kit also saves them time and money, and ensures that a specific standard of education can be upheld,” said Faure. The Play Sense curriculum is aligned with UNICEF’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Early Learning Developmental Areas (ELDAS), National Early Learning Development Standards (NELDs) and Operational Norms and Standards for preschool education.

January 15, 2021

Impaq: Your guide to homeschooling in 2021

The continued surge of coronavirus cases in South Africa has many parents rightfully concerned about sending their children back to school. Parents are looking for a safer alternative, and many may now consider homeschooling as a permanent option. Homeschooling allows you to tailor your child’s learning to suit their individual needs and foster a love of learning in a safe environment. Impaq is South Africa’s largest home education curriculum provider, and last year they helped nearly 25 000 learners study at home. Whether you are a homeschooling veteran or a nervous newcomer, Impaq is your guide to homeschooling in 2021. Why homeschooling may be the best choice for your child Before embarking on the homeschooling journey, it is important to consider whether it is the best option for your child. Below are some of the reasons why homeschooling may be a good fit for your family: Children can study at their own pace, anytime, anywhere. Children can continue their schooling at home in a clean, safe, and nurturing learning environment. Children can follow a flexible study schedule. Children can spend more time on difficult subjects. Parents can instil personal beliefs, values, and ethics in their children. What to expect from Impaq in 2021 If you are convinced the pros of homeschooling outweigh the cons, the next step is choosing a curriculum provider to guide you on your learning journey. Impaq has more than 19 years’ experience and provides you with everything you need to complete Grades R to 12 at home, including: Lesson material (printed books, e-books, videos, and more) Impaq’s lesson material is aligned with the national curriculum (CAPS). Most public and independent schools in South Africa follow CAPS. Impaq learners who write and pass the NSC examination in Grade 12 are issued the same National Senior Certificate (NSC) by Umalusi as learners attending public schools. The difference between CAPS material used in schools and CAPS material used at home is that Optimi Publishing develops learning material for Impaq that provides learners and facilitators with the tools to guide and track individualised learning, allowing learners to work at their own pace. Our benchmark study and facilitator guides are created by a team of subject experts, teachers, moderators, editors, and designers, based on the latest insights from the learning sciences. Facilitator guides (printed books and e-books) Facilitator guides are the cornerstones of homeschooling. These thorough guides empower parents to become their children’s primary educators. The Impaq facilitator guides include year plans, suggested timetables, daily lessons, lesson guidance, and step-by-step calculations and answers for Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy. Live online classes Impaq’s education specialists host weekly online classes to assist Grade R to 12 learners in various subjects. The classes are presented as monolingual classes in English or Afrikaans, or as bilingual classes in both languages. Learners can also catch up on previous classes to ensure they stay up to date with their work. Access to education specialists Impaq learners have access to our team of experienced education specialists who provide additional subject support. If you were concerned about teaching subjects you are unfamiliar with, you can rest assured that support is only an email away. Downloadable assessments and support services Impaq provides a full set of assessment components and services and a pathway to obtain an NSC in Grade 12 (through an independent assessment body). Impaq’s online portal enables parents and tutors to easily capture marks, generate reports, and monitor learners’ progress. Optimi Learning Portal The Optimi Learning Portal offers additional guidance and support (in selected subjects and grades) including quizzes, notes, previous examination papers, and more than 900 educational videos. Supplementary products and additional resources But that is not all – Impaq also offers a comprehensive range of supplementary products and additional resources: isiZulu isiZulu is offered as a First Additional Language for Grades 1 to 4. The learning material includes a CD to guide parents and learners on the correct pronunciation of words. The language of instruction is English but systematically changes to isiZulu as learners progress through the grades. Bible Education Bible Education is offered as a non-examinable additional subject for Grades R to 9. The lesson material is based on the Christian religion and guides parents, teachers, and facilitators to help children discover their unique identity and God-given gifts, talents and blessings. Cami Education Software Cami offers a collection of fun and interactive educational software programs that are available both online and offline. The practice software includes unique programs for mathematics, mathematics for special needs, perceptual skills, reading, and literacy. All the programs are available in English and Afrikaans. Robotics Robotics is the perfect tool to introduce children to robotics, engineering, and programming. Children will learn how to solve real-life problems through engaging projects such as building their own robot, an automated hand sanitiser, and an autonomous line-following car. Impaq offers LEGO® Robotics and Coding for Grades 1 – 5 and Resolute Robotics for Grades 7 – 12. With Impaq as your guide, homeschooling has never been easier. Ready to get started? All you need to do is pick your child’s grade, and Impaq will provide you with everything you need to complete an academic year at home. Register online for 2021. If you need more information about the registration process, read Impaq’s how-to guide for step-by-step instructions. By Elmien Ackerman

January 15, 2021

Its PLAY time!

We hear time and again how critical play is for the healthy development of our children. Play enables children to learn through their senses, to develop their motor skills and to activate their imaginations. This tree analogy helps us to recognise the importance of play, and the difference we can make to our children’s well-being when we are responsive, nurturing parents.

January 14, 2021

Global Comparison: SA still one of the most affordable countries to live and work in

Three of South Africa’s major cities rank among the top 20 most affordable cities to live and work in on global scale Despite recent downgrade of South Africa’s economy, costs of living in the country are still among the lowest in the world Global data comparison highlights Canada as a better alternative for South Africans looking to relocate South Africa still one of the most cost effective destinations across the world, according to new research from job search engine Adzuna. Online job aggregator Adzuna, who has a presence in more than 16 countries across the world, recently compared salary data with that of jobs on offer and average rental costs for the world’s most prominent cities. South Arica came in as one of the most affordable destinations to live and work in with Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Durban all falling under the top 20 countries offering the best value for money as far as rent versus salaries is concerned. Despite its economy being downgraded by Moodys again in recent weeks, South Africans spend anything between 17% and 24% of their salaries on rent. Compared to popular expat destinations like New Zealand (where rental costs can be as high as 58% of the average salary), SA still offers a very affordable general cost of living. Most affordable cities to live and work in According to the latest data released by Adzuna, the city of Palermo in Italy currently offers the most affordable cost of housing. On average, residents of Palermo contribute just 15.1% of their salaries toward their rental expenses every month. The Canadian city of Edmonton, South Africa’s Port Elizabeth, and Calgary (Canada) all offer incredibly competitive costs of accommodation with rent accounting for less than 18% of average salaries. Country City SALARY vs RENT IT Palermo 15,1% CA Edmonton 17,3% ZA Port Elizabeth 17,9% CA Calgary 17,9% AT Vienna 19,1% AU Adelaide 19,2% ZA Pretoria 19,7% AU Perth 19,7% AT Innsbruck 20,2% AT Graz 20,6% IT Torino 20,9% ZA Johannesburg 21,6% UK Birmingham 21,7% AU Brisbane 21,9% FR Toulouse 22,4% AU Melbourne 23,2% NL Eindhoven 24,0% UK Manchester 24,0% ZA Durban 24,2% On the opposite side of the scale, accommodation costs in Salvador (Brazil), Los Angeles (USA), and Fortaleza (Brazil) are among the highest in the world with renters spending as much as 74% of their salaries on rent. Country City SALARY vs RENT RU Moscow 54,5% US San Francisco 56,1% US New York 56,2% PL Warszawa (Warsaw) 57,6% IN Mumbai 66,1% BR Rio de Janeiro 67,8% BR São Paulo 68,9% BR Fortaleza 71,9% US Los Angeles 73,1% BR Salvador 74,2% Jesse Green, country manager for Adzuna South Africa, comments: “It is reassuring to see that SA ranks among the most affordable cities to live and work in. With so many South Africans now considering the idea of immigrating to popular expat destinations like New Zealand or Australia, it’s imperative to consider how one’s living expenses might change once you relocate.” Best paying cities across the world For job seekers looking to relocate with the sole intention of earning a higher salary, Canada, Austria, Australia, and the USA currently offer the best options. However, it is essential to keep in mind that even though some of these cities are the best-paying destinations in the world, other factors such as the cost of living and available jobs play a detrimental role in how much a person is actually able to earn at the end of the day. Country City Av salary EUR CA Edmonton €4 426,67 CA Calgary €5 013,33 AT Vienna €5 218,00 AU Perth €4 565,06 AT Innsbruck €5 150,00 AT Graz €4 293,75 AU Sydney €4 336,90 US Chicago €4 849,60 US San Francisco €5 522,37 US New York €4 335,24 Adzuna compared average salary data in Euros (€) to make the data easy to work with on a global scale. Edmonton, one of the most popular expat cities in Canada, not only offers some of the highest salaries, but it also ranked 2nd in Adzuna’s comparison of salaries versus rent. Even though South Africa provides exceptional value for money as far as accommodation is considered, it didn’t make it into the top 10 in terms of average salaries. Destinations with the most job opportunities South Africa is experiencing one of its highest unemployment figures in decades, which means that SA is not the best country to consider as far as job security and employment opportunities go. Country City City population Vacancies POP vs JOBS FR Toulouse 479 553 9 967 2,08% NL Eindhoven 234 000 5539 2,37% NL Rotterdam 624 000 12942 2,07% NL Utrecht 358 000 10640 2,97% FR Lyon 516 092 24 078 4,67% DE Frankfurt 650 000 13586 2,09% RU Saint Petersburg 5 398 000 114759 2,13% DE Munich 1 260 391 28563 2,27% FR Paris 2 187 526 51 035 2,33% US New York 9 107 525 203442 2,23% France has a much less competitive job market than most other countries, and at the time of writing, Lyon had four jobs on offer for every active job seeker in the city. The higher the percentage of employment opportunities per population, the higher your chances of finding a job within that city. Lyon was the only city in the world that had this many active opportunities on offer. The Netherlands and Germany also tend to offer great employment opportunities with some of their major cities boasting two jobs per active job seeker. Final Thoughts Even though South Africa does not provide the most job opportunities or the highest salaries, it is still one of the most affordable countries to live and work in based on the average cost of living and accommodation expenses. Unlike destinations such as New Zealand’s Auckland and Wellington (where rent is between 45% and 47% of the average salary), South Africans still only spend between 17% and 24% of their income on housing. For South Africans considering the idea of immigration, it might be

January 14, 2021

Coping with stress while waiting for your matric exam results

You’ve written your final paper and now the long wait for the results begins. This is true for thousands of learners, especially the Class of 2020 who have finished their final exams on 15 December. Whilst most matriculates are celebrating the end of more than a decade of studying, others are nervous, anxious or afraid whilst waiting in anticipation for their final Matric Results to be released in January. Home Education Provider, Brainline, says many students struggle with the idea of disappointing their family and friends. ‘At this point you have done everything possible to ensure success; all the late night study sessions, extra classes and missed social events have to be worth the sacrifice. However, there’s about a month to get through before you know whether you’ve made the grade and those weeks can be even more stressful than the entire year that preceded it,’ says Liezel Bruwer, Brainline Mentor Bruwer says the build-up to the results can prove too much for many. ‘So many matriculants are worried about low results, a missed distinction or not getting enough points to further their studies. Newspapers are gearing up to publish all the matric results nationwide and all eyes are on the matrics, which makes the process very overwhelming and creates a lot of anticipation waiting for the dreaded unknown results,’ Bruwer explains. Bruwer has a number of tips for both students and parents during these coming weeks leading up to receiving the final results: For students: Over the next few weeks, try to occupy your time by catching up on lost sleep, exercise, eat well, take up a new hobby or a holiday job, get ready for the festive season, have fun and think about your future options. Remember that success looks different for everyone. It does not need to mean all ‘A’s’. If you are working towards a goal for yourself, you are on the right path. Talk about your fears and feelings with your parents or trusted advisor. The most important thing is to remain calm. Once you have received your report, take a deep breath, and don’t let a bad grade or two hold you back. If you did not receive the report you wanted, it may feel like the end of the world, however, it is important to remember that some of the world’s most successful people experienced setbacks. For parents: There are many ways to cope after receiving the results, parents need to be there for their children before and after exam result. Offer support and make an effort to show them that it is not the end and that there is so much that can be done after a bad result, missed distinction or points too low for University exemption. As a parent, one needs to validate a child on the importance of trying again, or striving to do better. We can only learn from our downfalls. Stay calm Plan the discussion Sit down together as a family, without distractions. Let your child share their thoughts, comments and worries Help to rephrase complaints and end up with more positive outlook ‘It is also important that student and parent work together to set goals, identify areas to focus on and to track future progress. Learners must also know that failing matric isn’t the end of the road. They can apply for remarking, write supplementary exams or redo matric via a college,’ Bruwer says.

January 13, 2021

The Importance of Catrobatkidz – ages 2 to 6

Infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers grow quickly, both physically and cognitively. During these childhood years they develop the physical skills needed for their adult lives. Physical development experiences and activities are one of the prime areas of learning and development, influencing changes in the child’s brain and gross and fine motor skills. Therefore, it is very important that children are given the opportunities to be active and interactive to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. Catrobatkidz programme is jammed packed full of all the essential building blocks covering all the important physical skill areas that children need to master. Physical changes Children begin to lose their baby fat, or chubbiness, from around three years old. Toddlers soon acquire the leaner, more athletic look associated with childhood. Brain development The brain is comprised of two halves, the right and left cerebral hemispheres. Specifically, language, writing, logic, and mathematical skills seem to be located in the left hemisphere, while creativity, fantasy, artistic, and musical skills seem to be located in the right hemisphere. Although the hemispheres may have separate functions, these brain masses almost always coordinate their functions and work together. Motor skills Motor skills are physical abilities or capacities. Gross motor skills, which include running, jumping, hopping, turning, skipping, throwing, balancing, and dancing, involve the use of large bodily movements. Fine motor skills, which include drawing, writing, and tying shoelaces, involve the use of small bodily movements. Both gross and fine motor skills develop and are refined during early childhood. How Children Learn 1. Observe the behaviour in others. 2. Form a mental image of the behaviour. 3. Imitate the behaviour. 4. Practice the behaviour. 5. Be motivated to repeat the behaviour. The Catrobatkidz programme is designed to teach children physical skills and improve brain integration while having fun. Where do you Want Your Catrobatkidz? ON TV @School @Home There is really nothing else quite like Catrobatkidz, please let your child exercise, learn, laugh and grow in self-confidence with us.

January 12, 2021

Chicco Seat4Fix Car Seat

The stunning Chicco Seat4Fix Group 0/1/2/3 infant car seat provides complete seating for your little one during all four stages – from birth up to 36 kg. It enables comfortable and secured seating in the rear (0-18 kg) and front-facing position, thanks to its rotating base, making going from baby to big kid one easy step. A durable shell equipped with an additional removable Side Safety System ensures exceptional protection in a case of the side impact and the recline feature with 3 available positions offers maximum support and comfort during long trips. Seat 4 Fix is outfitted with soft padded headrest and a 5-point harness, which adjust simultaneously. as well as an additional removable mini cushion to embrace little passengers in a snug hug. Harness and cushion can be easily detached and hide away while your child grows enough to use a 3-point vehicle seat belt. The belt positioner in the 2/3 Group provides the best lap belt settings to protect the child’s abdominals. This car seat offers safer, easier and faster installation with Isofix system and top tether strap. It can be also fitted with a 3-point car belt, which makes this seat more versatile in use. The only car seat you will ever need – the Chicco Seat4Fix is without a doubt one of the best all-rounders in the car seat market. As well as being beautiful to look at in a beautiful Graphite colouring, it is economical and has a full year guarantee. The Seat4Fix is available now at leading retailers including Baby City, Baby Club by Clicks, Takealot, Loot, Babanino, Baby Boom and The Kid Zone. Prices vary per retailer.

January 11, 2021

9 signs you may have Postpartum depression

Also known as Postnatal depression, this condition can often be mistaken for something referred to as the ‘ Baby Blues ’. Both of these conditions involve feeling depressed, horrible mood swings and start a few days after giving birth. The difference between Baby Blues and Postpartum depression As a new mom , the combination of a lifestyle change, lack of sleep and rapidly fluctuatinghormones can result in the Baby Blues within two weeks of giving birth. However, these feelings should start to go away after around two weeks – when your body starts to adjust as do your hormones. It is important to be kind to yourself during this time. Although many women have gone through labour and birth, it does not make the process easy. Feeling out of sorts, overwhelmed and down are understandable. Sometimes Baby Blues turns into something more, and that is something that you need to look out for. Symptoms of postpartum depression According to the American Psychiatric Association, here is a basic checklist to watch out for: Sadness Fatigue, or a decrease of energy Impaired concentration and decision making The inability to feel pleasure A tendency to blame yourself, to feel guilty or worthless Sleep disturbances Agitation or restlessness Appetite disturbances or weight loss Recurring thoughts of self-harm If you read through this list and found yourself identifying with a few or all of these symptoms -it is very possible that you have Postpartum Depression . Again, this is a physical condition that is treatable. It is not your fault and you are not a bad mother for having it. In fact, between 10 to 15% of mothers worldwide suffer from Postnatal depression , with many more in countries with higher poverty levels. Without intervention, Postnatal depression can last for years. Getting help Regardless of your personal support system, there are support structures out there that can help you through this difficult time. If your Postnatal depression is compromising your ability to look after your child, or you have any thoughts of self-harm, it is important to know that there is something you can do if you reach out to the right places. The following organisations offer assistance, and are trained to help you. Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline 0800 70 80 90 SADAG Mental Health Line 011 234 4837 Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567 You can also speak to your GP, Gynaecologist or midwife about what you are feeling. Joining a support group, or a mother and child class can help with feelings of isolation – you will be surprised how many other mom’s may be going through the same thing as you.

January 7, 2021

Effective job-hunting: 5 Tips to help you up your ante

Did you know that there are at least 100 people with the same skills, education, and experience you have? All of them are looking for jobs too. Differentiating and making yourself stand out to employers will probably always be a challenge, but there are ways in which you can be more effective at job hunting. Follow Adzuna’s tips to make yourself more appealing to recruiters, hiring manager, and companies out there! Job-hunting strategies everyone should be using Deploy some enthusiasm The first thing you need to do is get excited about the idea of landing a new job. And to do that, you’ll need to shoot for something you’re passionate about. Perhaps its time to take on some bigger responsibilities so you can apply for a more senior role. Not all of us can make a living by doing what we love. But we can try and grow towards something we’re interested in rather than going with the flow. When you’re passionate about your career, you’ll have the power to influence people and further develop your career. If this means you have to make a few big changes, do them ASAP so you can start working towards the job of your dreams. Stay up to date with industry news The internet enables every one of us to stay updated and in tune with global news and industry developments. If you’re set on starting fresh in a new sector, start researching the conversations that are hot topics in that industry. Staying updated will help you learn the lingo of the trade and make it easier for you to adapt to your new role. By speaking the industry’s language, you’ll make a better first impression during initial interviews. It’ll also boost your confidence, and confidence is one of the key factors for bagging a job! Sort out your online presence Social media can make or break your job-hunting efforts. You have to ensure that your online presence highlights your best aspects and showcases your skills and experience. You also have to optimize your profiles, especially your LinkedIn account, for SEO – search engine optimization. Hiring managers search for certain types and concepts on LinkedIn, so make sure you refine your profile to match keywords related to your industry. Final thoughts Effective job-hunting isn’t just centered around landing a job. It’s about finding the right fit, applying at the right time, and ensuring your online presence is just right. It’s about highlighting yourself as the kind of candidate you’d want to hire. Ready to start searching for your ideal role? Browse Adzuna’s listings today!

January 7, 2021

The month of love with kids & some date night glam

The festive season is behind us and we are focusing on conquering those new year’s resolutions. Now it’s time to focus on the month of love. It’s always a little different with kids and for so long Valentine’s Day has always been about celebrating it with your romantic partner, but when you are parents, there are so many adorable ways to celebrate with the biggest love of all…our kids. They are always coming home from school with the cutest little cards and gifts that they’ve made themselves. They always make us feel so special, so why not celebrate the day by showing them how extra loved they are. Here are a few budget friendly “safe” ways to do so: Choose a section in your home & let them decorate it. Cut out hearts on coloured paper and thread string through it to hang it up. Let them draw Valentine’s Day pictures and stick it up in that section. I promise, they will feel very proud to see their handy work up for all to admire. Dressing in red might seem cheesy, but for them it’s dress up day and time to partake in all the little festivities at school. Let them pick out their own red and white outfits the night before. I can almost guarantee you that there won’t be any complaints to go to school that morning. In the morning cut their sandwiches in heart shapes and only give them red snacks. Stick little love notes in their lunch box and all around the house for them to find; it’s also a great Valentine’s Day game to play. Let’s see how many love notes you can find and then receive that amount of little heart sweets or chocolates. Spend the weekend before or an evening in the week baking cookies together for them to take to school to hand out to their friends and teacher and include a card from them. If your kids are anything like mine, they love taking little gifts for their teachers and friends. On Valentine’s Day, you could plan to have a special early movie night with them and watch their favourite movie. Make popcorn and hot chocolate and just snuggle up on the couch in a bubble of love. Lastly, remember to take lots of pictures. Nothing fancy, just to document the day and make special memories you can look back on. On the other hand, if you are planning a late date night with your partner once the kids have gone to bed, then here’s some quick and easy date night glam tips to make you look awake and put together: Apply orange or peach concealer under the eyes before foundation to conceal and neutralize darkness or blueness. The CATRICE Cosmetics colour correcting concealer works perfectly for this. Apply yellow concealer over the orange or peach concealer as it acts as an eye brightener and helps you look more awake. Mix your favourite foundation with your daily moisturizer and apply it all over your face for a dewier finish – less is more. For a quicker and easier brow method, simply apply a brow mascara to fill out your brows and make it more defined. I love the CATRICE Cosmetics Brow Colorist Mascara as it also tints your brows. Whip out your bronzer and apply bronzer in the crease of your eye to define it. Use the same bronzer to carve out the cheekbones, use along the forehead, sweep it under the jawline and down the sides of nose. This will help warm up and sculpt the face. I am obsessed with the CATRICE Cosmetics 3 Step Contour Palette. Dab some blush on the apples of the cheek and across the nose area. I love the CATRICE Cosmetics Blush Box; there are a variety of shades to choose from. A lick or 2 of mascara on the eyelashes (top & bottom). Tip: curl your upper eyelashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara to really open the eyes and make those eyelashes pop. I love the CATRICE Cosmetics Glam & Doll Waterproof Mascara. CATRICE also has a great eyelash curler. For that instant radiant glow, apply highlighter on your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, inner corners of your eyes, under the brow bone and on the centre of the chin. This will really accentuate your features. The CATRICE Cosmetics High Glow Highlighter is great. Finish off with a lip pencil to line the lips. Fill your lips in with your favourite lip colour and add a dash of gloss to the cupids bow for that pouty lip finish. If you are feeling brave, why not try a sultry red lip. The CATRICE Cosmetics Demi Matt Lipstick in shade number 60 is the most beautiful red which will suit all skin tones. Lastly, do not forget your skin. Use the Caribbeantan Body Shimmer to create that flawless glowing skin for your special night. I love to mix in a little baby oil at night for that extra glow.

January 6, 2021

A Star is Born

As we ring in 2021 with no end in sight yet to the Covid-19 pandemic that has forever changed our world, it’s worth taking a look at how Wrapistry has evolved to help couples – and their loved ones – celebrate their most important moments. Wrapistry is a local online registry and gift store aimed at making happy couples (and their guests) even happier by creating the ultimate registry experience. They’ve already proven themselves market leaders in the wedding gift registry space and now they’ve evolved, just like the couples they help celebrate do, by creating baby registries to welcome new bundles of joy to the world. “Weddings are just one part of a couple’s journey together. We want to be a part of every chapter. So, it makes sense for reimagining the baby registry to be our next adventure,” comments CEO, Jed Shein. Brick-and-mortar shopping has quite rightly developed into the click-and-mortar variety: you order online and have it delivered to your home. Wrapistry uses design and technology combined with exceptional customer service to help couples – and their loved ones – browse through a curated selection of everything that new parents and the new arrival may need. Couples can choose from an amazing range of products. From stylish cots and sleek strollers to everyday essentials (think cutlery sets and vests), Wrapistry has created the ultimate baby registry. Plus, new, beautiful items are added to the online store each week. Let’s face it, traditional gift registries don’t leave much room for creativity. With Wrapistry, though, couples can ask for what they actually want. They can register for gifts and cash funds – all in one place – so their loved ones have options. And when they really desire a big-ticket item (a baby stroller or bassinet, for example), simply turn on group gifting and give guests the opportunity to contribute what they can. No stress, no hassle and no fuss of keeping tallies of who gave what – Wrapistry does that all for you. “Creating a gift registry should be one of the most fun experiences,” says co-founders Pat Berman and Linda Shein. Family and friends may not always be able to celebrate a baby’s arrival in person during a pandemic, and that makes giving them the option of gifting something special that they know the couple chose themselves so much more special. For the couple, the Wrapistry team is on hand to help. The team has learnt much over the years: from the most popular gifts to the average amount people spend. Answer a few questions and they’ll recommend how many gifts to add to the registry, based on price point and category. This way not only will the new parents get a variety of items, but also accommodate different budgets. Each Wrapistry registry includes: The option to play around with photos, background images and customise the welcome message. Notifications every time guests shop the registry. Free delivery. Plus, the option to choose when to have gifts delivered. Free exchanges before closing the registry. A 10% registry completion discount. Support for the couple and their guests. Visit wrapistry.shop today to create the perfect registry for the new chapter you’re about to enter as parents.

January 5, 2021

Raising Kids With 21st Century Skills

Going to camp is more than just an adventure away from home. Camp is an investment in your child’s character, personal growth, skill sets, and future. In our time of rapid development of artificial intelligence and a booming digital world, it has become of utmost importance to teach and implement 21st-century skills in our children. The outcome of putting 21st-century skills into practice results in key competencies that are preparation for workforce training programs, careers, and socializing, just to name a few. With the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, our next generation is will be well equipped for the new age of flying cars. When children come to Sugar Bay, we want them to leave with a greater sense of personal efficiency, a broader outlook on life, and skills to succeed in the world. Here are some of the 21st-century skills we practice at Sugar Bay. Critical thinking Creativity Communication Social skills Flexibility Productivity Accountability With these skills, kids should be conditioned to constant learning and approach life as self-sufficient human beings. Let’s take a look at the benefits of practicing some of our 21st-century skills. Relating to others Children need to grow into social beings. When they relate to others, they have the capacity to form and maintain relationships resulting in them building a foundation of how they function in society. It is a key component in being mentally healthy and having a positive sense of wellbeing. As the old adage goes: the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. Flexibility The world is capable of changing at a moment’s notice, more so in different careers and industries. Proving that flexibility is important as nothing is guaranteed. Children need to gradually learn how to maneuver through the change that will be constant throughout their lives. Or know how to react to it at the very least. With this skill, your child will have adaptive qualities they need to keep up in the ever-changing world. Critical thinking This skill empowers children to see different concepts in a different light, leading to innovation and growth. From their academia to baking a birthday cake, critical thinking is essential to improvement. It’s the mechanism that weeds out problems and finds solutions, assisting kids to ‘figure things out for themselves’ without a teacher or parent. What 21st-century skill is your child developing? Visit our website to view our upcoming themed holiday camps. Wondering what our holiday camps are all about? Visit our YouTube channel to view our playlists that feature all our highlights.

January 5, 2021

Chicco Sirio Car Seat

The Sirio is the brand new car seat from Chicco that will take care of your baby’s travel needs from birth to 25kgs. Starting in a rear-facing position, the seat is installed with seat belts. As the child grows, the seat rotates to face the world, and Isofix installation clicks into place to safely keep the seat attached to the car. With a mini cushion for extra snug fits on even the smallest of newborns, the seat then gradually grows with your child, extending upwards and outwards alongside them. Based on the model of the legendary Chicco car seat Seat Up 012, the Sirio takes all the best features and enhances them with extra comfort and style. Baby can recline and relax in 3 positions while parents can rest in the knowledge they have given their child the safest option on the road. Covers are removable and washable. The Seat4Fix is available now at leading retailers including Baby City, Baby Club by Clicks, Takealot, Loot, Babanino, Baby Boom and The Kid Zone. Prices vary per retailer.

January 4, 2021

Considering a gap year? Here’s a quick guide on what you need to know

The popularity of gap year programs has been on a steady rise in South Africa, and it’s not only popular with graduates any longer, but professionals are also leveraging the power of these ‘sabbaticals’ as well. Whether you’re planning on taking on an Au Pair job in the UK or a TEFL program in Asia, the opportunities for living and working abroad are virtually endless. In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the benefits of taking a gap year, the disadvantages that may come from taking a year off, and finally, discuss what you should be focusing on during your gap year experience. What are the benefits of taking a gap year? According to the American Gap Association, taking a gap year can be beneficial to your career. When you take some time off to re-centre yourself, you’re better able to concentrate on your interests and hobbies, which also helps boost that inspirational mindset you’ll need to develop your career in the long run. Because you’re not just loafing around – but actually working – during your gap year, you’ll get to add some valuable experience to your CV, which might boost your chances of getting employed once you get back home. According to US Gap’s data and statistics, students that take a gap year before they enter the workforce gain a lot of valuable life experience, something which their non-gap counterparts might not have. Since they spend most of their time travelling during their gap year, students tend to mature much faster, find their independence, and learn responsibility much sooner in life when compared to students that enter the workforce straight after graduating. If you’re considering the idea of taking a gap year, you’ll probably find that you’ll be developing new skills at a fast-paced rate since you’ll be challenged on a daily basis while working and living abroad. Not only does a gap year provide you with the opportunity to meet new friends, but it also helps connect you with others, boosting your networking skills. What are the drawbacks of taking a gap year? Obviously, one of the first and most noteworthy disadvantages of gap years is that they are often accompanied by homesickness. Missing your loved ones back home is one of the most significant drawbacks of the gap year experience, and for some, taking a full year off from their studies or their careers can seem like yet another massive risk. Gap years aren’t exactly the best option for individuals that prefer more structured routines. What to do with your gap year? A lot of students (and professionals) that consider gap years aren’t sure about where they need to start looking for gap year jobs. The good news is that there are plenty of great opportunities out there; you just need to find one that meets your personal needs and interests. You could try teaching English in Asia, or perhaps the idea of becoming an Au Pair in Italy or America sounds more appealing to you. Maybe you’re a world traveller who prefers the finer things in life, in which case a job onboard a luxury yacht might be your ideal fit. Australia is where you should be looking to find a job if you feel up for the challenge of an agricultural career, but if the Outback isn’t your ideal scene; you might also want to consider the USA or New Zealand for farming jobs. Are you considering the idea of going into the hospitality industry after your gap year? Why not take up a gap-year job in the USA or Mauritius, which are well-known for their impeccable offerings across their hospitality sectors. This post should have cleared up any fog that might have been clouding your mind as far as gap years go. Now that you know the basics of taking a gap year, all that’s left for you to do is to find an opportunity that matches your preferences and then, it’s time to embark on a working holiday you’ll never forget!

December 23, 2020

Working and pregnancy – when to stop and how much is enough

As an expecting mom with a career you may be wondering when the best time would be to stop working and how you can stay comfy and productive when you are still in the workplace. Morning sickness, back pain, frequent bathroom breaks and other pregnancy related symptoms can make working as you used to a more challenging task for you. It’s important that you calculate the risks that your job could possibly have to you and your baby. For instance if you are working with chemicals, heavy metals or radiation you’ll need to either stop working or take extra precautions. Heavy lifting or labour intensive jobs and lots of travel for work are also jobs that’ll become more difficult as your pregnancy progresses. Desk work and computer work are generally regarded as safe, whereas jobs that require lots of standing will become more difficult in later pregnancy. Dealing with work and pregnancy Working can be stressful without having a growing baby in your belly. The physical and emotional changes that you experience can make meeting your body’s and workplaces’s demands a challenging task. However, some moms with healthy pregnancies are able to work almost until they go into labour, how much you can do will depend on your pregnancy. Morning sickness is something many moms have to deal with. There are ways you can help manage nausea at work. Avoiding dining areas, packing mouthwash and a toothbrush and packing in soothing lemon and ginger are all things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Eating and drinking little and often can also help keep the nausea at bay. Be sure to dress comfortably, and try to take frequent breaks and walks, as this’ll also help you stay more comfortable. What rights am I entitled to as an expecting mom in South Africa? As a pregnant employee, you are probably wondering what rights you’re entitled to. It is a good idea to inform your employee as soon as you can, so that your employer can manage the situation as best as they can (for both of you) – they are required by law to maintain a work environment that is safe for their employees. As an expecting mom, you will be glad to hear that you’re well protected under South African law – you may not be discriminated against or dismissed due to your pregnancy. You also have the right to four consecutive months unpaid maternity leave, anytime from four weeks before your expected birth date. Unfortunately employees are not obligated to pay you during this period, however, your job will be kept open for you until your return to work after maternity leave.

December 21, 2020

7 Inspiring career podcasts you need to check out ASAP

We all love a good podcast. They’re entertaining and often serve as great ways of productively passing the time on your morning commute to the office. Here are some of the best career podcasts that offer free job advice; perfect for keeping you motivated and inspired to fine-tune your skills. A roundup of the best career podcasts Get What You Want If you’re a woman in the world of business, we highly suggest this podcast hosted by Baroness Karren Brady. Karren frequently interviews influential women in the world of business, and her guests include the likes of Dame Helena Morrissey as well as Jo Malone. Hearing the stories of how these women overcame challenges to get to where they are is truly inspiring. Switch, Pivot, Quit For employees considering a career shift, Switch, Pivot, Quit offers useful advice on making the transition between job as smooth as possible. Switching from working as a publicist to an author takes serious commitment, and the show’s host, Ahviana Angel, knows what it takes. Safe for Work In need of some advice on staying positive in the workplace? Liz Dolan, the former head of marketing at Nike and contributor to The Wall Street Journal, shares weekly snippets of advice on various issues like office gossip and exit interviews. The Future of Work Jacob Morgan, a futurologist, is the host of this podcast that identifies what we should expect from the future of work. The host invites new business leaders and HR experts every week to share their insights on how we can all start future-proofing our careers. Squiggly Careers With career-coaches Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper at the lead of this podcast, Squiggly Careers aims to help its subscribers have happier careers. They share their abundance of tips and tricks that’ll help you take control of your career and make better choices going forward. Ctrl Alt Delete As the title might imply, this is one of those career podcasts more focused on all things digital. If you’re employed in the tech sector and need some fresh inspiration, Emma Gannon and her variety of guests will help set the inspirational stage for you. Eat Sleep Work Repeat This podcast is focused on helping us all make our work environments better. The hosts of the show talk to experts in each episode with the aim of identifying ways to drive change in workplace culture. Need some more inspiring career advice? Adzuna, an online job aggregator, not only lists all the online job ads in one place, but they also offer weekly career advice aimed at helping South Africans make the most of their professional lives.

December 18, 2020

Travel tips during Covid-19

With the increasing number of local Covid-19 cases – over 10 000 in the past 24 hours – we need to be mindful that the pandemic is not on vacation. The statistics are worrying. South Africans need to shake off their Covid-fatigue and get back to making informed choices about their wellbeing and adhering to the protocols: Wear a mask when you leave your home, sanitise and socially distance – if we want to flatten the second wave curve, especially over the holiday season. We have also been asked to remember the 3 Cs: Avoid crowds, confined spaces and close contact. Bonitas Medical Fund, says, ‘Internationally many countries are reinforcing lockdown rules as the cases spiral, with reports too of coronavirus symptoms changing. Some medical practitioners are also saying the second wave is even more dangerous than the first. ‘Over the past month, within our membership community, we have seen an increase in the number of tests, the percentage of positive results, people requiring treatment and those being hospitalised. Through our free virtual consultations we have noted an increase in non-members consulting with doctors around the pandemic, with our call centre load having also increased.’ Here are some tips for travel during the festive season whether within our borders, to neighbouring states or abroad. Medical aid card Remember to carry your medical aid card and details with you. In the case of an emergency, it will streamline the process of getting care quickly or being admitted to hospital. Bonitas also advises that you put the Covid-19 emergency hotline (0800 029 999) or call centre number (0860 002 108) into your mobile phone so it is at hand. Virtual consultations Bonitas continues to offer free virtual consultations to all South Africans – not just its members – until 31 December 2020. If you are on holiday and concerned about your health, download the Bonitas Virtual Care App and make an appointment. The doctor will engage with you in a virtual video consultation wherever you are. The consultation includes any medical issue, Covid-19 or unrelated and advice on the most clinically appropriate steps for further care. These consults are available 24/7. Sanitise, sanitise, sanitise Pack your own soap and sanitiser. The hospitality industry has stringent health and safety protocols in place and most establishments have enhanced their deep cleaning regimes. However, it is still recommended that you keep your sanitiser with you always. If you are taking a road trip, make sure you have waterless soap and sanitiser in the car and limit your pit stops without compromising on taking the necessary rest breaks. Perhaps pack a picnic, to avoid crowded fast food outlets and restaurants on the main routes. Travelling internationally Remember that if you are leaving the country and crossing a border you will need to produce proof of a negative Covid-19 test and will also complete a travel health questionnaire. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has warned South Africans travelling abroad to make sure they know what the respective countries’ Covid-19 protocols are to avoid being stranded – various countries have different protocols and some have also introduced new stricter lockdown measures. She has urged travellers to familiarise themselves with the immigration and health entry requirements of the country they are visiting, as well as South Africa’s re-entry health requirement upon their return. If you are uncertain, contact the local embassy for clarification or the Department of Health. Alert your medical aid It is important that you notify your medical aid scheme ahead of any international travel. Firstly, to check what medical conditions will be covered and, secondly to activate the international medical travel cover. Travel insurance policies Medical expenses that you might encounter when travelling in Africa or other international destinations can be prohibitively expensive. To avoid having your holiday and finances totally ruined, look at what your current medical aid scheme offers in terms of medical travel cover and, if necessary, top this up with additional travel insurance. Carry your policies Travel insurance policies give detailed information about what to do in an emergency situation and have international call centres to assist you. Make sure everyone in the family has these numbers handy. The claiming process Most medical insurance requires an invoice as well as the proof of payment or receipt in order for them to reimburse you. Make sure you are familiar with the claim process. ‘One thing 2020 has taught us, is that life is unpredictable. And although additional, tougher lockdown regulations were recently announced in an effort to curb the second wave of Covid-19 infections, the burden of responsibility remains with each and every one of us,’ says Bonitas. ‘There are real concerns around the current rate of transmission, not only in South Africa but globally. In order to minimise your risks and to stay healthy and safe these holidays we all need to do our bit and stick to the protocols.’

December 18, 2020

How to combat hair loss and increase hair growth

Many of us get startled by the amount of hair in our hairbrushes, but in reality, most of us have absolutely nothing to worry about. The average person loses about 100 hairs per day. These hairs grow back, and with constant hair loss and regrowth, daily shedding isn’t noticeable at all. However, when these hairs do not grow back, or when a person experiences shedding that far exceeds 100 hairs per day, they are believed to be experiencing hair loss. Earlier this year, John Hopkins Medicine reported that almost half of African women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. This is a staggering statistic, which has led to a lot of research and investigation as to why hair loss is so prevalent. There are various reasons as to why you may suffer from hair loss, and some are more complicated to treat than others. Genetics Certain types of hair loss is genetic, and unfortunately there is very little (or nothing) that can be done about it. This is commonly known as alopecia areata and female pattern hair loss. Lifestyle Did you know that stress and an unhealthy diet can lead to hair loss? Many women report experiencing hair loss during severely stressful periods of their lives. Luckily, in most cases, hair grows back after the stressful period ends. Many illnesses and medical conditions can also lead to hair loss. Tension hairstyles Have you heard of the term ‘traction alopecia’? Traction alopecia refers to a type of hair loss that occurs when the hair is repeatedly pulled at. This can result from high-tension hairstyles such as braids and dreadlocks, and is also prevalent among women who use chemicals to treat or straighten their hair. The South African Hair Foundation explains: Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by tight braiding or pulling on the hair, and is temporary if the traction is short term but becomes permanent with prolonged trauma. Usually the situation that we see is a bald area at the very front of the hairline, and this is commonly seen in African woman where the hair has been tightly braided. (https://www.sahairfoundation.co.za/woman_hairloss.htm) The chronic pulling of the hair associated with high tension hairstyles may cause too much tension and traction on the hair follicles, which may cause them to permanently dislodge from the scalp. While there are some instances in which medical intervention may be necessary, there are many things that can be done to avoid hair loss from happening, and to help hair grow back. Lead a healthy lifestyle A healthy lifestyle is essential for a healthy body that functions optimally. Low levels of iron and vitamin D may contribute to hair loss, so it’s important to maintain sufficient levels of those nutrients, even if by means of supplementation. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid processed foods as much as possible. Reconsider your hairstyle If you wear your hair in a high tension style, it might be time to reconsider. Ask your hairstylist to create looser braids or dreads to prevent traction alopecia, and try to remove your braids every couple of months and alternate them with other styles. Minimise heat styling and if you want to relax your hair, make sure that this treatment is done by a professional. If you start to experience hair loss, avoid relaxers completely. Invest in a healthy hair care routine Using the right hair care products go a long way in assisting a healthy scalp and hair growth as well as strengthening the hair. When selecting your hair care products, be sure to find treatments that not only protect and nourish your hair, but also your scalp. The Perfect Hair’s Grow on the Go range is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to improve the health of their scalp and encourage healthy hair growth. The Perfect Hair Grow on the Go Hairline Repair (R129.99) is a nourishing growth serum that promotes hair growth and a healthy scalp. It contains coconut and grapeseed oils, which deliver moisture to your scalp and hair. The Perfect Hair Grow on the Go Treatment Hair Growth Oil (R149.99) provides intense treatment for a dry scalp and stimulates hair growth. Cantu’s Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil (R159.95) is another great option. This oil conditions and soothes the scalp while moisturising strands and promoting healthy growth. Made with pure shea butter, tea tree and jojoba oil to replace vital oils revealing stronger, healthier hair with a natural shine while conditioning the scalp. Crème of Nature’s Argan Oil Perfect 7™ (RSP R199, 95) is a 7-in-1 miracle leave-in treatment mask for beautiful, healthy hair with shine. This product is perfect for all hair textures, giving hair instant health and beauty, while reducing the need for multiple hair care products. This innovative rich, creamy formula contains both Argan Oil and conditioning agents such as Pro-Vitamin B-5, Silk Amino Acids so you can achieve shinier, smoother and silkier hair. 7 Amazing Benefits: Detangles and conditions Heat protection Breakage defense Controls frizz Moisturises dry hair Prevents split ends Adds Exotic Shine™ Replenish moisture, strengthen hair to prevent breakage, and tame and control frizz and tangles with Crème of Nature’s Moisture Replenish & Strength Hair Mask (R199.95) infused with Pure Honey, Certified Natural Coconut Oil and Shea Butter.

December 18, 2020

“Dad, do you have a spare R1.5m for me?”

As a parent, one of the best gifts you can give your child is a solid education but do you have any idea about how much it will cost to fund this education down the line and can you start setting aside money for it? Here is a quick example using the OUTvest Education Calculator, which is a popular tool with forward-thinking parents who want to ensure that they have set something aside for when their children need it. If you have a child today and you want them to start a 4-year University degree on the 1st of January 2041, you will need to have saved up R1 586 000 to fund this degree. The assumptions here would be that you would start with a lumpsum of R10 000 and inflation was running at about 6%. It is also working on the assumption that you would not be setting aside any money for residence and your child would be living at home. When you start seeing numbers like R1.5m, it can be incredibly daunting but a key message when it comes to saving is that compounding is one of the most powerful forces around and real wealth gets built when you stick to a plan. Let’s break it down and assume that you start with R10 000. You will need to save roughly R1483 per month up-front. If we assume that you will be generating an average investment return each year and you will be increasing your monthly premium by 7% per annum in line with inflation, suddenly R1.5m doesn’t seem that far away. The problem with theoretical calculations like this is that life invariably gets in the way and keeping up monthly contributions may not always be practical and this is where the OUTvest team have something quite novel to bring to young parents in the form of its Crowdvest functionality. The Crowdvest offering allows people to contribute toward specific savings goals that other people have started. Taking advantage of the power of the crowd, you can then have friends and family contribute toward your savings goals and share the responsibility of helping your child get ready for university. Giving your child the gift of a high quality education is one of the best ways you can set them up for success in the future and adopting a structured plan will take a big number like R1.5m and break it down into a bite-sized goal. OUTvest is an authorised FSP. All investments are exposed to risk, not guaranteed and dependent on the performance of the underlying assets. The examples used are for illustrative purposes only and depend on various factors. T’s & C’s apply.

December 18, 2020

WORKATION: 5 tips for working while on holiday

Can you imagine working whilst on holiday? The idea seems absolutely ludicrous but this year, working on holiday may be unavoidable. COVID-19 has hit both employees and employers hard and so the likelihood of most of us having to work over the festive season is a reality we are going to have to face. Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, says COVID-19 has given us the gift of being able to work remotely, thus making room for much-needed flexibility, especially over December. “You do not have to be confined to the four walls of your dining room whilst your kids run riot this festive season! Instead, you can book a holiday and choose to work from some of South Africa’s most beautiful spots and be surrounded by nature or have a sea view — the choice is completely yours. After all, if you’re going to work this holiday, why not make it the best of it,” Lamont adds. Lamont also offers these 5 tips for working from your hotel or resort: 1. Ensure there is reliable WiFi: Although free access to the internet has become a standard feature at most travel destinations, there may be limitations on daily usage. If you’re planning to work whilst on holiday, it’s best to check with the resort or hotel whether the WiFi is uncapped and if not, ensure that you are aware of the extra costs. Alternatively, consider purchasing data for your mobile phone or modem so that you can effectively work while on holiday. 2. Check on activities and child care: One of the benefits of spending time away from home, is to reconnect with your family but now, you will have to ensure you make time for work and play. Younger children may need childcare so that you can work, take part in activities without them or spend time with your partner. Before you book your holiday, make sure that your chosen resort has provision to look after the little ones. Also, make sure to check the schedule so that you can plan all your activities accordingly. For the older children, ensure that your destination has ample activities like horse riding, walking trails or paintball to keep them busy. 3. Choose places with great views: Working over the festive season is not ideal, but a view might make it worth your while and keep you inspired. The last thing you want when on holiday is to be stuck in a hotel overlooking the next building. Do some research before making a final decision on where to go so that you can secure the right room or chalet. 4. Schedule non-negotiable family time: Work has a way of taking over our lives, but we need a different kind of discipline to ensure that we still spend time resting and of course, bonding with our families. As hard as it may be to stay away from the emails and deadlines, you can set a daily alarm to remind you to stop working for an hour or two and ensure to spend allocated time with your loved ones. They will appreciate it, and you will return to your workstation more refreshed after enjoying a break. 5. Enjoy at least one activity by yourself: You don’t want to feel like you need a holiday from your holiday. One trick you can try is to book some activities alone or with your partner, like a round of golf or a spa treatment. You will have the chance to recoup, even if it’s for a short while. “Don’t let the idea of working through the holiday season get you down. With some preparation, you can still enjoy some much-needed downtime and end off the work year on a good note,” Lamont concludes.

December 17, 2020

Weaning your baby with Vital Baby

Weaning your baby may seem like a daunting experience but there’s no need to worry. Meal times should be fun affairs. With a little preparation and patience you’ll find it as rewarding as your baby will. . When should I start weaning? You will need to think about weaning your baby off breast or infant milk after around 6 months. There are no hard and fast rules as to when you should start but it is generally agreed at 26 weeks your baby will start to need additional nourishment from that provided by just breast or infant milk alone. Of course it will differ from child to child, but should not be left any later than 8 months or you may hamper your baby’s development of normal eating and chewing behaviour. Solid foods should not normally be introduced to your baby before 17 weeks. If you do need to introduce foods before this time, avoid wheat, gluten, eggs, fish and shellfish, liver, citrus fruits, soft and unpasteurised cheeses. How will I know? As with many cases during weaning, let your baby tell you if he’s ready. All babies are different, but there are three clear signs which, together, show your baby is ready for solid foods along side breastmilk or infant formula. They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady. They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves. They can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will push their food back out, so they get more round their face than they do in their mouths. What will I need? The vital baby NOURISH power suction bowl has been designed with powerful super suction and scooped sides to help prevent tipping and spills! This baby feeding bowl sticks to your baby’s highchair or kitchen table and has been proven to have the strongest suction pad. Simply place it on a table or baby’s highchair tray and twist for less mealtime mess! The Vital Baby NOURISH Power Suction Bowl(R124.99) When it’s time to wean your baby, the Vital Baby® NOURISH™ start weaning spoons are perfect for your baby. Designed for the 1st stage of weaning, the spoons have a narrow soft tip that is designed to fit easily into baby’s mouth. They are shallow to allow for small amounts of food only, to ease them gently into their weaning journey. Vital Baby® NOURISH™ start weaning spoons 5pk (R69,36) Vital Baby products are available at: Clicks, Babies R Us, Baby City and online at Babies Africa, Loot and Takealot. Learn more about Vital Baby on www.vitalbaby.co.za or follow them on social media @vitalbabysa.

December 17, 2020

Guide on how to express breast milk

One of the beautiful things about breastfeeding is that breastfeeding is a relationship between you and your baby. Breast feeding is not only about nutrition but also bonding and getting to know eat other. The dynamics and how you feed can change overtime as both of you grow in your knowledge of breastfeeding and of each other. Breastfeeding is so intimate that your experience will be so different from other mothers. And that can be so beautiful! Mothers need to talk about their breastfeeding experiences because although there may be a similar themes all the moms have their own unique story. There are so many ways to breast feed a baby. Did you know that over 85% of breast-feeding mothers also express their breast milk? There are so many reasons for mothers wanting the express like prematurity, separation from baby, illness, pain, low milk supply, fast letdown or even engorgement. Some mothers see this as their ideal feeding method while other mothers have had to raise up to a challenge and finding a way in which they still can provide breast milk for their little one. As an exclusive pumper (while my babies were in NICU) and then a part time pumper (while learning how to breastfeed and then later going back to work), I can say that expressing is a wonderful way to still supply breast milk to your baby but that it is also a lot of work. The time it takes to express plus the sterilisation of the equipment is valuable time for any mother. My private goal for breastfeeding my children was the “standard” 6 months exclusive and 2 years or longer. I can confidently say that without the initial expressing and then part time expressing, I would never have reached my goals. As I mentioned earlier expressing breast milk takes time and effort. Here are some hacks to help you make the most of your time: Learn how to hand express. This is an important skill that all breast-feeding moms need to know. You just never know when you will need it. Use the correct pump for your needs and affordability. Find a good quality double electric pump that can help you to express in less time with higher milk out comes. This may be the defining reason for being successful or not The key to a good milk supply is emptying of your breast. If you are exclusively pumping, you need to remove your breastmilk as often as your baby would have fed. This can be 8 or more times a day. Massage and use warmth before you start expressing to help with your let down and milk supply. If using a breast pump, you can use hands on expressing and finish with hand expression. This way you are able to completely empty your breasts which helps with increasing your milk supply. Store your breast milk safely. If you are planning to continue to breastfeed once you go back to work, inform your company before you go on maternity leave. If they do not have a room and policies to help you with breastfeeding this will allow them time to find a space that is appropriate for you. Ask them for the policy on breastfeeding and enquire about your two 30-minute breastfeeding break that you will be taking in order to express for your baby. Here are some tips on how to practically express for your baby while at work Step 1: Build a stash You only really need to start to store up a supply of breast milk about 2-4 weeks before you go back to work. You can expect to express the following amounts: If you are expressing in between feeds while direct feeding expect to express about half a feed. If you are expressing to replace a direct feed expect to express a full feed Women have different storage capacities so some women will be able to express more than what is expected. All women are different and try not to compare yourself with others. For some great storage solution have a look at the Ameda store n pour storage bags and bottles Step 2: Find your work expression spot Make it as comfortable as possible for you. Check to see if you can lock the door, or bring a sign for the door that indicates that you are expressing and that you should not be disturbed Step 3: Make the place clean and hygienic as possible If needed clean the surfaces. Wash your hands before your start expressing. Bring sterilised equipment to the office. This way you can avoid the need to sterilise at work. Step 4: Prepare for expressing Use a few minutes to disconnect from the hustle and stress of work. Focus on your baby, you can even watch a short video or look at pictures of your child. Use heat pads and/or massage your breast to help with the let-down. Step 5: Express your milk Express in your preferred method. Step 6: Store your milk safely Once you have finished, store your breast milk into the contain that you will be freezing it in. Make sure it is closed tightly and will not leak during transportation. Depending on the facilities that you have at your workplace. You can store your milk in a fridge or cooler bag with ice packs for the rest of the day. Once you are home you can freeze or get the milk ready for the next day. Remember to label the bottle with baby’s name and date of expression so that you can identify your milk and how old it is. Step 7: Clean up Make sure that you leave the area clean and ready for the next mom to use. Step 8: Prepare for the next day Once you are home wash and sterilise your equipment. Once your equipment is dry pack it away ready for you to take to work. This way you are less likely to forget it

December 16, 2020

How to up your computer skills even if you’re 40+

Google seems like a word cemented into the modern vocabulary, but not everyone is as savvy with tech terms (or usage of the actual tech) as Bill Gates, the guy that founded Google. The truth is that older employees, in particular, might feel left behind by their lack of computer skills. In almost all sectors and industries, computer literacy as an absolute must-have for office staff all the way from receptionists to top executives. While most of the workforce has embraced the computer revolution, some haven’t acquired these skills yet. But the good news is that computer skills are easier to pick up than you think. Computers are also more user-friendly these days and training is widely available. Also, you don’t need to become a computer pro in order to thrive in the modern office environment. How to improve your computer skills Get over you fear The first point of action should be to get rid of the fear factor. Your attitude toward acquiring skills can quickly become a stumbling block. Keep in mind that keeping your skills updated and relevant is your OWN responsibility. Nobody is going to pave the way for you. If you want to make it in the modern workforce, you’ll have to ensure you’re staying as proactive as possible. Understand the skills you’ll need If you want to work on your computer skills, you should focus on basic computer skills like navigating file systems and menus. You also want to get comfortable with Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Essential internet skills like web browsing, searching, and email will also do you a world of good. Get started on the right foot One of the best ways to get started is by sitting down with a friend or family member and using their computer to test which skills you have and which ones you need to work on. You can also make use of community colleges or learning centres if you’re battling with gaining access to a computer. Once you begin to learn, the key to success lies in continued practise. Let the world know about your new skills You really have to think about obtaining experience and work samples. You can start volunteering at your church or community organisation. Do some data capturing or help with their monthly newsletter. This will help boost your confidence and give you that experience to showcase on your resume. Improving your computer skills won’t necessarily see you changing jobs to something like a programmer, but it can significantly benefit your career by proving that you’re resilient and adaptable.

December 16, 2020

Summer safety tips for parents

Most accidents that put children in the emergency room during the summer and festive season are preventable, says leading paediatrician and Paed-IQ BabyLine CEO Dr Iqbal Karbanee. “Unfortunately, many common and fun family activities during the summer months can quickly take a turn for the worst and end in injury. Others can have lasting and traumatic consequences for families,” says Karbanee. Examples of such activities include a trip to the beach or the local swimming pool (drowning), a home-based braai where there is a wood fire or paraffin burner that can fall over and cause a fire (burn wounds), or even bicycle or scooter rides (traffic accidents). The ChildSafe Initiative in South Africa suggests that 80% of child injuries occur in or around the home and while many children are hospitalised, hundreds more end up visiting the emergency room and thousands more go to clinics and doctors. Karbanee says that it is difficult to count the cost of treating preventable accidents in children, whether as once-off hospital visits or the longer-term costs of prolonged treatment and rehabilitation. It can cost up to as R500,000 when skin grafting or plastic surgery is required, which can be as a result of a burn. The Child Gauge Report 2019 suggests that more than 8,000 children die every year as a result of injuries. About 5,000 of these are accidental or unintentional, with leading causes being road traffic injuries, burns and drownings. Globally, it is estimated that one million families lose a child to a preventable injury every year. “Reducing the number of preventable accidents is therefore a healthcare priority that should be observed by all parents and caregivers, especially during the summer months,” says Karbanee. Below Karbanee discusses the top summer risks that are preventable and how parents can keep their children safe. 1. Trampolines are great ways for kids to use up excess energy, but they are simply too dangerous. Children’s bones are still developing and experiencing an injury whether through a broken or fractured bone can set them back developmentally. Serious injuries related to the brain or spine can occur. If you are gifting your child or children a trampoline over the festive season, or if you already have a trampoline at home, there are ways you can lessen the risks associated with the equipment. Always make sure there is adult supervision and only one child at a time should be on the trampoline. No children under the age of six should be allowed to jump and it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that strict rules are enforced. 2. Shopping centres, amusement parks or even the beach are fun outings for families to enjoy. However, it can be easy for a parent to be separated from a child especially if these places are busy. Make sure you and your child have a plan should they become separated from you and how they can look for help. Older children should be able to memorise your cell number. 3. Drownings are known as silent killers because children are unable to shout for help and they are amongst the most common preventable accidents that can happen in seconds. A drowning can happen in a few centimetres of water. Life jackets are a must if you want to boat, canoe, jet ski, SUP with your kids or even just spend time near a body of water. Never leave a child unattended near water and consider hiring a lifeguard to keep watch over the kids in the pool if you are having a gathering or party with several children in attendance. 4. Dog bites are a major cause of preventable traumatic injury in children. Too often what starts as a peaceful or exciting family day out turns into a horror story involving a dog attack, with the victims mostly being children who can sustain severe injuries. Teach your children to not go near a dog who is off leash or without a muzzle, and to not put their face close to the dog’s, even if it is a trusted family pet. If the dog runs up to the child or a family on the beach or elsewhere, children should not reach out to pat the dog, even if it looks cute. 5. Wood fires are common in South Africa during summer. They are dangerous to children if unattended, as children are naturally curious and may want to see what happens when they throw things in the fire. The smoke also poses a danger to young respiratory systems as they are still developing, even more so if the children suffer from asthma or allergies. Put fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child’s reach and keep a fire extinguisher on hand. It may seem obvious, but never leave children unsupervised with candles, paraffin burners or outdoor wood fires. Always ensure children are in the company of trustworthy responsible caregivers and ensure paraffin stoves are out of reach and on safe work areas. If an accident does happen, never apply any butter or other food onto a burn. 6. Playgrounds and parks are good to get kids to play outdoors, but be careful of hot slides and poorly maintained equipment that may have rusty nails or sharp hooks. Hot equipment can burn bodies and sharp objects can tear skin, which may require tetanus shots. Also remember to put sunscreen on your child of no less than SPF 50 when spending time outdoors. The CANSA association of South Africa suggests that exposure to UV radiation received as a child increases the risk of melanoma later in life. 7. Bikes, scooters, skateboards and other wheelie toys are fun for children but should not used near moving traffic. Traffic-related accidents are amongst the highest preventable accidents for children. Protective gear like helmets or shin or knee pads can go a long way in preventing injuries, whether only scrapes and bruises or more severe. If you live in a neighbourhood that does not have a bike line where kids are less at risk, then make the effort to go

December 16, 2020

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	1 year	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid	1 day	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_gat_gtag_UA_18530557_4	1 minute	No description
pron_ip	session	No description
pvc_visits[0]	1 day	This cookie is created by post-views-counter. This cookie is used to count the number of visits to a post. It also helps in preventing repeat views of a post by a visitor.
tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.