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Advice from the experts

Tips for keeping coughs and colds away

Winter is an incredibly beautiful season. Apart from the inconvenience that the seasonal weather can bring, in a country where drinking water is often scarce, the rain is always welcome! Less welcome, however are the germs and nasties that creep into our homes. With people coughing and spluttering all around us during winter, it’s important to step up our own personal hygiene. This rings particularly true in the current circumstances we find ourselves in. With Covid-19 still very much a part of our daily lives, keeping germs at bay, is now more important than ever. What can you do to prevent catching a cold or flu this winter? Wash hands religiously With the number of people catching the flu virus at an all-time high, it’s important to keep the spread of germs to a minimum. Wash your hands regularly – particularly after a cough or sneeze, with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Also, keep hand sanitiser gel and wipes within easy reach if necessary. Vital Baby’s Hygiene Hand & Face Wipes (R35.00) are great to keep in the car, at home and in your handbag. They’re gentle enough to use on baby’s face, and effective at removing germs and dirt. Cough into elbows This is one that both adults and kids can adopt. Encourage coughing and sneezing into the elbow crease rather than hands. Sneezing into hands can spread germs even more as we use them to do so much. Make up a silly song If your child doesn’t like washing their hands for long, or with soap, make it fun. Make up a silly song or find one on the internet that encourages them to do it thoroughly. For example, make up words to the tune of ‘Row your boat’ such as: Wash, wash, wash your hands, make them nice and clean, scrub the germs and wash them off, dry them in between. Get rid of the snot Help to clear little noses using a nasal decongester. This handy little device helps to remove snot quickly, efficiently when they are sniffling and unable to do it themselves. Sterilise after use to make sure it remains hygienic. Stay active Staying active and taking regular exercise can also boost your immune system. Encourage your child to play outside, take them to a park, or head to an activity centre where they can tear around without worrying about the weather. Watch out for fevers If your child has caught a cold, keep an eye on their general health. Take their temperature regularly and their body temperature seems hotter than normal, offer the correct dosage of children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen to keep their temperature under control. Try to focus on fruit and veg We all know that eating a balanced diet packed full of fruit and veggies can give our immune system a boost. During the winter months, try to sneak even more into your child’s diet. If they reject it, hide them in their favourite meals or sauces. Get enough rest Ok, ok, so if you’re a parent, don’t laugh at this suggestion! We know that sleep might be something that you struggle to get enough of, but it really does affect wellbeing. If you think your child is coming down with something, cancel some plans and encourage them to get plenty of downtime. Take the idea on board for yourself too; switch off your phone and try to get an early night. Even an hour extra can really help with your own energy levels. We hope that you manage to stay healthy this winter! Follow Vital Baby on social media: @vitalbabysa Vital Baby products are available at Clicks, Babies R Us, Loot, Baby City, Takealot and at www.babiesafrica.com.

July 23, 2020

Mental strength when you need it

The pandemic has shown us we are more resilient than we think Covid-19 has had devastating effects on the people of South Africa and the world over. As the rate of infection continues to skyrocket, especially in our urban centres, people are starting to grow more fearful of what the future holds. This is on the backdrop of an already ailing economy where our country’s official unemployment rate surpassed 30% in June. Despite the government’s Covid-19 economic stimulus and relief package, the unemployment rate is projected to peak anywhere between 41% and 54% as a result of the lockdown. Projections by the International Monetary Fund suggest that debt repayments will account for more than 80% of our GDP by the end of next year. These statistics paint a gloomy portrait. At the start of 2020, we never thought we’d be forced to retreat into our homes in an attempt to survive this ruthless virus, and social distancing wasn’t even a part of our lexicon. We didn’t anticipate such a sudden, severe threat to our lives and livelihoods. Adjusting to this new way of life and pervading sense of uncertainty has been challenging. It’s easy to lose perspective, to forget what we’re trying to accomplish, to feel scared and alone. The irony, however, is that the physical distancing forced us into a space of introspection, and we were able to connect on a deeper level with not just ourselves but each other. This sense of connection is what drew us closer together, because we were able to see that we might not physically be with one another, but we’re in this together, united in a common cause to overcome an invisible enemy. Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed – whether it’s about our health, children, finances or broader social issues – it helps to have a friendly reminder that adversity is a test of strength, and that we are much stronger than we think. Metropolitan’s Three Word Stories campaign did just that. The radio and social media campaign ran on Ukhozi FM, Thobela FM, Lesedi FM, Umhlobo Wenene and Motsweding FM, which have a combined listenership of around 22 million people, and hundreds of thousands of followers on Facebook and Twitter. By encouraging listeners to speak openly about their concerns, Metropolitan’s Three Word Stories sought to build resilience and inspire mental strength to help us cope with the stresses of a new and uncertain world. It created a much-needed platform for us to share our experiences and gain wisdom through our collective knowledge. The conversations emphasised that mental health is essential for our wellbeing. It eased our anxiety about the future by helping us find ways to navigate new challenges. Sharing our stories reminded us that we already have the fortitude to handle whatever life throws at us, especially when we’re there for one another. The voices we heard during the campaign spoke to our resilience, our shared humanity, our deep connection to everyone in South Africa and the world. We needed reminding. Jane Mokoena from Limpopo shared how – amidst the difficulties presented by the pandemic – she was able to use the time at home to reconnect with her children. Anna Maake from the Free State said that the turbulent past few months were reminiscent of her humble beginnings. She was reminded of her innate strength and resilience, which helped her get through dark times before – and reminded her that she will again get through this. Financial concerns featured prominently in stories such as: ‘Smart Money Goals” Should we be trying to save more? How should we restructure our finances? How can we pull ourselves out of debt? What can we do to help others while we wait out the storm? How do we balance the need to stay safe with the need to earn a living? Hearing these fears articulated let us know that there are thousands of people in similar situations who are willing to listen and help. So is Metropolitan. Take comfort: we’re here for you and will continue to be for the long run. But more importantly, we hope the insight we were able to share into the hearts and minds of ordinary South Africans during this campaign helped remind them just how strong, capable and resilient they are. Post-Covid our lives are likely to be forever changed, but what will remain is our ability to overcome whatever challenges we encounter. We’re all strong, but we’re stronger together, and even though we can’t always be with one another, we have more friends than we realise. Continue to stay safe and strong, South Africa, and remember that the only thing we should be spreading right now is our love for our country, one another, our families and ourselves. By Nontokozo Madonsela, Chief Marketing Officer for Momentum Metropolitan

July 22, 2020

Beating the COVID-19 Blues

We have all been cooped up in our homes for weeks, so cabin fever is real! For most people, there is nothing better than getting together with family and friends and when these interactions are taken away, it is natural to feel off.

July 20, 2020

COVID-19 Immune Boosting Claims Debunked

A happy immune system is an important component of wellness. In light of the recent flu outbreak associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the task associated with supporting immune health has become increasingly significant. Avoiding illness is not always possible, but there are several steps one could put in place to support immune health and reduce the risk of getting sick, as well as minimise duration and complications if they do. However, across social media we’ve heard that a variety of methods including taking large numbers of supplements and strange diets can “boost our immune system” and combat against COVID-19. Immune supportive ingredients are actually very individual and differ from person to person. There is no blanket advice when it comes to so-called ‘immune boosting’ advice. Factors involved in supporting the immune support depends very much on an individual’s genetic composition, current diet and lifestyle e.g. stress and sleep. This article will explain why there are no single foods or supplements that will prevent or cure COVID-19, and debunk recent diet claims related to this. How does the immune system work? Before we dive into the details surrounding the immune system and the specific foods as well as supplements, we first need to consider how does our immune system defend our body? People have this idea that the immune system is some kind of internal force field that can be boosted or patched up. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As the name suggests it’s not a single thing and has no central organ of control BUT is a system that involves many organs and biological functions. Their interactions defend the body against foreign invaders such as pathogens. Each day, the body confronts an environment teeming with disease-causing organisms. The immune system is designed to implement rapid, specific, and protective responses against these organisms. The immune system can be broadly split into two parts, the innate and the acquired response. On detection of infection, it’s the innate response that acts first. Though fast, it lacks in finesse, and deals with an invading pathogen in much the same way that the Ghostbusters might try to remove a ghost from a haunted hotel. It gunges the halls and doorways to try to flush it out (that’s why you fill up with phlegm and snot), it yanks up the thermostat to try to boil it (why you run a fever), and it shuts down the building until the problem is solved (it makes you lethargic so you don’t go out and pick up another infection while your immune system is at work). What the innate response doesn’t do is eliminate the intruder from the body. That is the job of the acquired system, a specialised SWAT team by comparison that identifies the enemy and makes the specific weapons, or antibodies, needed to destroy it. It can takes round about 5 to 10 days for the acquired system to identify the antibodies needed and clone them up to sufficient numbers to make a meaningful attack. DID YOU KNOW? Our immune system’s response varies over the course of 24-hours. At certain times, we may be more resilient to fighting off viruses and at other times of the day, we may be more susceptible to pathogens. For example sleep is vital for your body’s immune function the next day, so if you haven’t slept well your immune defences may be compromised. “Immune boosting” claims are flawed The term “boosted immune system” is unscientific and is often used in headlines and marketing of diets, potions and dietary supplements. Dietary choices and supplements don’t boost the immune system; rather it can allow the immune system to function adequately and more efficiently. According to experts the only way to ‘boost your immunity’ is through vaccination. Getting vaccinated against the flu and other diseases stimulates the immune system to protect against illness. Vaccines teach the immune system to recognise specific pathogens and prepare them to mount a defence if they are encountered. Therefore, our current goal (considering the COVID-19 pandemic) is to SUPPORT and OPTIMISE our current immune system with an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. For example, a balanced diet provides a range of nutrients which play an important role in our immune system. How to optimise the immune system? COVID-19 is a scary time for most individuals. Largely because we don’t have much data on the disease as it is brand new. Before we can make any reliable claims during this pandemic, we need repeated, robust, human clinical evidence. However, until more research is available, we want to do our best in optimising our immune system. So, what can we do to keep the immune system functioning optimally? I would suggest the following: Immune supportive nutrients. A good starting point is a healthy balanced diet and to take a comprehensive, high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. We should be very cautious of just taking supplements that has been touted as ‘immune boosting’. Correct nutritional deficiencies. Consider having nutrient levels checked by means of a blood tests in order to identify any deficiencies in key nutrients that are important to a healthy immune system activation. Supplementation can then take place according to underlying nutrient deficiencies. Identify and address ways to reduce inflammation. Initially we believed that anti-viral supplements were the way forward for prevention of COVID-19 and more and more evidence is emerging that the secondary focus needs to be on reducing inflammation. In fact controlling the local and systemic inflammatory response in COVID–19 may be as important as the anti-viral therapies. Taking an Omega-3 supplement is sensible since it is anti-inflammatory. Know your genes. Consider DNA testing. Knowing more about your genes can help your healthcare practitioner make positive changes through nutrition to improve and optimise cellular defence mechanisms. Immune supportive nutrients: Vitamin C There is no question that vitamin C plays a role in the immune system, however the research has found that vitamin C supplementation does not reduce the risk of the common

July 20, 2020

How to help a child struggling with (Corona Virus) anxiety

We’re all on edge because of the coronavirus. Our daily lives have been disrupted, we aren’t sure what tomorrow may bring, and, for many of us, the nonstop news and social media coverage are overwhelming. Therefore, it is not uncommon to feel anxious or worried during this time. If you or your children are feeling worried, learning how to deal with anxiety in a healthy way can help the whole family be more resilient, both now and when the pandemic is finally over. What is anxiety? Anxiety can be described as feelings of uneasiness or being worried when there is not necessarily any imminent danger present. It is often accompanied by intrusive and often unrealistic “What if” types of thoughts, experienced in the body as stress that continues even after the cause of the stress is gone. What can parents do to support their children? Many parents are experiencing a more difficult time dealing with COVID-19 than their children and some of the anxiety that kids are experiencing may be unintentionally passed on by worried parents. As parents, it is important to be a positive role model for your children and this includes showing them how to deal with anxiety during stressful events. You can create a positive and safe atmosphere in the home environment by doing the following: Living in the “here and now” by focusing on, and staying in touch with, what is actually happening and not getting carried away with worst-case scenarios. Identifying and getting help for your own anxieties first. Being smart about what you read. Make sure your information comes from trustworthy and credible sources. While it is important that we are informed about how best to keep our families safe, we should be mindful about what we are reading online to make sure it’s actually helpful and not making our anxiety worse. It is easy to get sucked into clicking on “fake news” inadvertently or forwarding social media posts to your family group without verifying them or applying common sense. Being aware of feel-good news and sharing these stories with your children to facilitate a more positive mindset and create awareness of the “silver lining” despite the crisis. Sticking to an established routine that involves exercise, regular meals, and healthy amounts of sleep – this is crucial for regulating our moods and our worries. It can be hard to accept that our old routines are no longer possible because of COVID-19 precautions. Looking for ways to be flexible and starting new routines can help you and your family create a more productive and healthier lifestyle that can help to lower the amount of anxiety you experience. Monitor your children Parents do not always recognise signs of anxiety in their children. Identifying anxiety in your child can be tricky because it involves a pattern of behaviours that is unique to each child. The following behaviours could indicate anxiety: Reassurance-seeking (“Are we going to be okay? Is Grandpa going to be okay?”) Reluctance to separate from parents Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches Moodiness and irritability Tantrums or meltdowns Trouble sleeping Talk about their anxiety Younger Learners – Younger children may not always be able to express how they are feeling. For younger children, use a “feelings chart” with pictures describing emotions instead of saying “Tell me how anxious you are”. With a feelings chart, which you can find on the internet, you can ask your child to point to the feeling and/or picture representing an emotion that they are currently experiencing. They can also draw pictures about things they feel happy or sad about. Older learners – For children who are more aware of, and able to articulate, how they are feeling, it is better to ask what psychologists call “forced-choice questions.” If you ask a vague question, you’re going to get a vague answer. So instead of asking “How was your day?” which is pretty vague, maybe ask “Did your anxiety get in the way of you having a good day today?”. Teenagers – If you have teenagers, start talking about yourself first. You can start the conversation with something like, “I saw this article today and it made me wonder about this and that. Did you experience something like that? What’s your reaction to it?”. Do not force your teenager to talk about their feelings unwillingly as this can create tension and cause them to feel hostility towards you. Wait a bit first and then attempt to discuss the matter with them at a later stage when they are calm and more willing to talk. If this still does not work, they can use a journal or art activities to express their feelings and experiences. Also read: Five tips on how to motivate your teen during lockdown How to help your anxious child Structure their day. As parents, we often think that setting boundaries for a child is a way to make our lives easier, but kids benefit from boundaries, too. It is easy for children to get bored or fretful if they are facing a day without structure and anxiety can thrive under those circumstances. Make sure that you are structuring their days when they are “cooped up” at home. Alternate chores or schoolwork with more fun activities that your children enjoy and periods of free time. As restrictions lift, be sure to incorporate safe, outdoor activities that comply with social distancing principles as well. Make sure children are still getting the chance to exercise. Encourage your child to socialise with friends via video chats and social media if they have access to these platforms. This is especially important for teenagers who thrive on social interaction with their peers. Avoid giving too much reassurance. Avoid getting into a cycle of providing too much reassurance. Children of all ages can become too reliant on reassurance and want to hear it more and more often, and when a parent isn’t able to give them complete reassurance, their anxiety can worsen. Instead, try the following: Remind kids of the things they are

July 17, 2020

Maintenance for Children

Maintenance orders are directed at the enforcement of the common law duty to support a child and provide for a proper living and upbringing. In terms of Section 15 of the Maintenance Act 99 of 1998 parents have a duty to maintain and support children who are “unable to support themselves.” In terms of the definition of “child” in the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, a child attains majority at 18. Does this mean that once a child turns 18, a parent is no longer obligated to support him? In modern economic times jobs are hard to come by and tertiary education seems to be a pre-requisite to stand a chance at entering the job market, so where do you draw the line and cut the proverbial apron strings to let your children fend for themselves? The duty to support generally does extend beyond the age of majority and depends more on whether a child is self-supporting, however there are two ways this obligation comes into being: Firstly, the interpretation of an existing order for maintenance will be interpreted by the court to determine whether the parent should continue paying the monthly contributions after the child has attained majority. Secondly, a major child in need of financial support can bring an application to court for maintenance. Should an existing divorce order not specify an age upon which the obligation to pay maintenance will cease, the court will have the authority to interpret the order as it deems fit. In various matters the court held that where an order does not specify an age it will continue post majority if the child is not yet self-supporting. It therefore seems to be the general consensus of the courts that the attainment of majority does not per say terminate the duty of support, it is the child’s ability to maintain himself that is important. The definition of “self-supporting” is interpreted by the courts on a case-to-case basis and will take into consideration the financial circumstances and social status of the family concerned. Furthermore, just because a child is working does not necessarily mean he or she can be classified as self-supporting either. This is why it is important to be specific in the terms of any maintenance order. The maintenance clause should contain an explicit termination date and/or review option should a child wish to undertake tertiary education and display aptitude for such. If divorce proceedings have already been concluded and there is no order in place securing support for the major child, he/she has a right to bring an application to the Maintenance Court to claim support from his parent(s). The obligation to pay maintenance for a major is dependent on two factors, the need for assistance and the parent’s ability to assist. The obligation will only arise once the major child has proven to the court how much he reasonably requires the parent to pay, in Hoffman v Herden NO and Another 1982 (2) SA 274 (T) the court confirmed that “a claim for support by a child who has become of age, the onus would be on the claimant to show that she needs the support and the quantum of support required.” In the same case Theron J clarified that a “parent’s obligation to pay maintenance to a major child arises only once the child has discharged the onus of proving such obligation”. When a court decides how much maintenance the major is entitled to, the scale is far less generous than what is determined for minor children and is confined to necessities. E x parte Jacobs 1982 (3) SA 276 (O)held that“a major child is not entitled to support on as lavish a scale as minor children. The court will consider the parents financial circumstances, social status, standard of living as well as the child’s aptitude and achievements when determining to what extent the duty to pay maintenance will be ordered.” Enforcing the payment of maintenance is the same whether it is an order for maintenance which was made at the time of divorce, or one which was made upon the major child approaching the court for an order for support. Enforcement of any maintenance order is regulated by Section 26 of the Maintenance Act, where a parent fails to make payment in accordance with a maintenance order it can be enforced by execution against the defaulters moveable property, attachment of any emoluments or attachment of any debt owing to the defaulter. For more information please contact [email protected]

July 17, 2020

Keeping children safe from burn this winter

Winter is the time when children are most at risk to burns. Again, now, during Lockdown families are mostly at home and parents, grandparents and adults in the family will need to take special care of the children to prevent burns and other injuries. There is a lot hotter food and drink around and generally trying to stay warm with heaters and fires. All potential risks for burns in children. Young children can be burned very quickly, and this often happens when an adult is present, so it is important to be alert. Last year, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital alone, treated 880 children for burns, the most common (715 children) was caused by hot liquids (such as hot water, drinks and food), followed by flames (55 cases), which are caused by fires. A further 57 children were treated for touching or coming into contact with very hot surfaces such as heaters and hotplates on stoves. “Most burn injuries can be avoided. Most of the burns happen in the home, specifically the kitchen. A first step to preventing burns is to make sure that the home environment is safe. Children are not always able to know when something is dangerous, so parents can start by checking every room in the house for possible burn risks to children. In the kitchen eg making sure that hanging kettle cords are properly secured and out of a child’s reach. Kettles are a major cause of hot water burns, which is traumatic and can be debilitating for the child.” said Yolande Baker, Executive Director of ChildSafe. Here are a few safety tips to keep ourselves and our children safe while staying warm during the winter season. Kitchen area The family kitchen is a high risk area for child injuries, where hot drinks and food are prepared. Kettles need special attention and should be placed at the back of the counter, with kettle cords behind the kettle, close to the electricity socket. The kettle cord should not be left hanging over the edge of the counter top. Pulled kettle cords and fallen kettles with boiling water are the cause of up to 12 child burn admissions per month to Burns Unit. A Kettle Strap can be used to prevent pulled kettle cords. Also, we discourage holding a child while cooking. Instead, we urge you to rather move a high chair in the kitchen within reach or sight before you start or place them in a playpen. Then talk to your children so they know what is going on. It is a great way to spend time together. Matches and lighters are not toys; please place them out of children’s reach. Most hot water burns occur when toddlers grab hot tea and coffee mugs, especially when sitting on mother’s lap, or when sitting at the table. To prevent hot water burns from tea/coffee mugs, parents should not drink hot liquids and hold a child on their laps at the same time. These injuries happen in a flash and should be anticipated to be prevented. Test the temperature of food heated in microwave before feeding children. The stove and electrical hot plates are high risk areas – hands and little fingers are easily burnt if children are given access to stoves in use. Pots on the stove should have handles turned to the back at all times to prevent being pulled over. Toasters are potentially dangerous, and should only be used by adults. Recently, a 12year old boy was burnt when he stuck a knife in a toaster to release bread. Put clothes irons out of reach after use – we cannot see when the iron is hot – rather shake the creases from your washing than use an iron. Never leave children unsupervised in the kitchen. Living room Plugs should not be overloaded; heaters and open grate fires need to be guarded. Electrical burns and electrocution can occur whenever exposed wires and open plugs are accessible. To prevent electrical burns, electrical installations must follow legal guidelines. Illegal connections and exposed electricity wires can be hazardous. Bathroom Baby bath and buckets used for washing are also high risk for burns. Most toddlers enjoy bathing and may climb into the bath ahead of mother being ready for bath time. To prepare a bath, cold water should be poured into the bath first, and then hot water added to comfort level. The water temperature can be tested with an elbow to indicate safety of the water. Children should never be left unsupervised in the bath, drowning can occur in shallow water. Teach children which taps are for hot water, and which for cold. The bath, baby bath tub and buckets should be emptied immediately after use. Outside The braai area is the most common at risk area for burns. After cooking is finished, the braai fire should be put out with water. Frequent burn injuries of the feet occur from ground-level fires, which are extinguished with sand, when coals remain hot but flames have died down – now children play in the area and run over the coals without recognizing the danger. Also outside, storage of swimming pool chemicals, paraffin and paint thinners, all need lock-up space for safety. Petrol, paraffin and oil fires can be put out with sand, or a fire extinguisher. Teach your children to stop, drop and roll if their clothes have caught alight. Fireworks can be hazardous and should only be lighted in a designated controlled area under adult supervision. Finally, always use candles safely. We recommend using a recycled large glass, with dry sand and a household candle cut in half. Never leave candles burning when you go to bed, or leave the room. When there is a fire inside your home: Warn people inside the house to get out safely. Help people to get out and stay out of harm’s way. If there is a lot of smoke, crawl out below the smoke to escape the fire. Where possible,

July 17, 2020

Plastic-free July: get rid of the “Big Four”

It’s plastic-free July, which means that for the month of July, the challenge is to eliminate single-use plastics and to use as little plastic as possible. Knowing where to start can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be: start small by getting rid of single-use plastics and work your way towards using less plastic overall. Single-use plastic Single-use plastic, as the name suggests, is plastic that is used only once and then thrown away. And while many of us remember the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle”, the truth is that a whopping 91% of plastic isn’t recycled. We need to rethink our plastic use and change the mantra to “rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse and, only then, recycle”. The Big Four Here’s how you can eliminate the “Big Four” and be part of the solution to plastic pollution: Plastic straws Rethink your use of plastic straws. These lightweight straws can easily blow into rivers and oceans where they get stuck in the airways of animals, or mistaken for food and ingested. Alternative option: say “no” to straws. If you’re visiting a restaurant, make sure to let the waiter know that you do not want a straw with your drink. If you must use a straw, choose alternatives made from metal, bamboo, or paper. Plastic bags It seems like the easiest option is to say “yes” when the cashier at the supermarket asks if you want a bag. But rethink your use of plastic bags, as they are fatal for animals who mistake them for food. Alternative option: choose paper bags at checkout or buy reusable shopping bags. Most supermarkets sell canvas or cotton shopping bags in a variety of shapes and colours. Water bottles Having water at hand wherever we go is convenient but has led to us throwing away the bottle minutes or hours after using it, where it then stays in the environment for hundreds of years, clogging our waterways, polluting the oceans, and filling up landfills. Refuse to use single-use water bottles. Alternative option: buy a reusable bottle made from stainless steel, glass, or safe aluminium. Remember to take your water bottle with you when you are out and about. Coffee cups While we all enjoy a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate (especially during the cold winter months), switching to a reusable cup will help you save not only the environment but also money – many coffee shops and restaurants offer a discount when you use your own cup. Alternative option: buy a reusable ceramic, BPA-free plastic, or stainless-steel cup. Using your own insulated cup will eliminate the unwelcome taste of plastic in your morning coffee, and keep your coffee warmer for longer. It’s a win-win. More plastic-free alternatives Now that you have the basics down and have eliminated the “Big Four”, you might want to reduce your plastic use even more. Here are some tips on how to use less plastic during plastic-free July and beyond: Avoid buying any new plastic storage containers. While you might already have a cupboard full of plastic containers (some undoubtedly without their lids), avoid adding to your collection. Go for glass instead. And, if you are a coffee lover, why not save the glass containers your coffee comes in and use them as storage containers? Swap cling wrap for beeswax covers. Need to wrap a sandwich and save it for later? Don’t reach for the cling wrap – choose beeswax covers instead or save it in a container with a lid. Use bamboo. Swap your plastic toothbrush for one made from sustainable, compostable materials, such as bamboo. You can also consider switching to an electric toothbrush to avoid having to buy a new plastic one every few months. Give up on gum. Did you know that chewing gum is made from plastic? Rather opt for plastic-free gum or chew on some healthy carrot or celery sticks. Say no to plastic bottles. While you might have already made the switch to reusable water bottles, what about soda bottles? Rather make your own fruit juice at home or use a soda stream to avoid buying two-litre plastic bottles for your refreshments. You can also consider switching to glass bottles, as these can be recycled. Wrap with love. Instead of choosing wrapping paper from the store, get creative and wrap birthday gifts with newspaper. Your wrapping paper doesn’t have to be boring, get creative with some paint and stencils to create a unique design. Be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Focus on living a sustainable lifestyle so we can stabilise and protect the earth’s natural resources for now and for future generations. Read more about how you can protect the environment and work towards a world free of plastic waste on the Plastic Free Foundation’s website. by Elmien Ackerman

July 17, 2020

Do’s and Don’ts to keep the weight off this winter

Longer nights, shorter days, colder weather and decreased exercise can all contribute to winter weight gain. Add the temptation of rich comfort food and it’s easy to see why so many of us battle to keep to our health goals during winter. According to Dr Riekie Smit, an aesthetic medicine practitioner from Pretoria with a special interest in weight management, women tend to gain an average of between two and four kilograms every winter and generally only lose half of what they gained in the upcoming summer. Unless it’s stopped, this pattern will result in gaining more weight every year. We feel sorry for ourselves when it is cold outside and opt for comfort food, and then regret it when summer arrives. However, Dr Smit recommends that we should all make an effort to eat healthier food and increase our intake of vegetables, especially green ones. “This will not only keep the weight off, but also keep your immunity levels high,” she says. Dr Rosetta Guidozzi, a general practitioner from Johannesburg, says that in order to boost immunity during winter it is important to follow a healthy diet, including lots of vegetables and citrus fruits. Foods should be enhanced with herbs such as sage, rosemary, oreganum and coriander as they have powerful antioxidant effects and are flavour enhancers, which can help you to eat less. The same applies to spices such as curry and peri-peri, which flavour foods and induce a decrease in consumption. Clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioural therapist, Dr Colinda Linde from Randburg, Johannesburg, also agrees that eating for immunity is important. “Winter tends to be when we get sick, so make sure to include immune boosting foods like citrus, garlic, herbs, mushrooms and a dose of probiotics. Winter is also a great time for ‘slow food’—casseroles, soups and stews that are easy to put together, warm and hearty to counter the cold,” she says. Although it can be more difficult to exercise in winter, Dr Smit says that if the cold is putting you off your walk or cycle, opt rather for indoor exercise programmes, either at the gym or at home. She says that there are now multiple apps to help you with this. Dr Guidozzi reiterates that continuing exercise and eating correctly in winter is a priority. This includes the preparation of healthy stews and soups using lots of herbs and spices. “The trick is to remain motivated during winter,” she says. Even if you change the type of exercise you do during the winter months, it is important to at least continue with activity. Dr Linde says that while she would definitely recommend including exercise in winter, it is also important to be realistic about it. She recommends possibly starting the day with stretches, which warm you up and can be done on a yoga mat in your bedroom at home. She says in this way you consciously include exercise in your daily routine, with the option to also add something outside of home such as the gym, a walk or a run. Dr Guidozzi says that winter can also trigger the “winter blues” in some people, an onset of lowered moods. “To prevent this, it is necessary to exercise and also to spend time outdoors, and absorb the sunlight when one can,” she says, and reiterates the importance of maintaining good sleeping habits. She says that sleep deprivation will lower immunity and can lead to making less favourable food choices. While healthy eating and exercise is important, so too is taking time for yourself. Dr Linde, who is launching the second edition of her book entitled Get the balance right—Coping tips for working moms, which was first published in 2005, says that winter is associated with hibernation in nature, where animals and many plants slow down, and renew themselves by spring. “We have a short winter here, only three months really, so it could become an annual stocktake, going inward by meditating quietly or journaling for a few minutes daily”, she says. The time saved by putting a stew in the slow cooker can be used to curl up on the couch with a magazine. Another tip to remember in winter is to care for your skin, which can become dry and irritated during the winter months, leading to loss of collagen and wrinkling. Dr Smit recommends using a milk cleanser and rich moisturiser to stay hydrated. Keeping up an adequate intake of water is also essential. “In winter you could opt for hot herbal teas or hot water with lemon or mint leaves,” she suggests. Some healthcare practitioners suggest taking a supplement with added vitamin C and zinc in winter, although this should not replace a healthy diet, especially a diet which includes fruit and vegetables with adequate vitamin C. Adding probiotics to your daily routine can also help your immunity to resist viral infections. Remember also that hand hygiene is vital to avoid germs. Instead of associating winter with comfort eating, hibernation and a bowl of creamy pasta on the couch, be proactive. Spice up your winter menu with healthy vegetable soup, download an app to start getting more active in the comfort of your home and remember that while summer bodies can be made in winter, eating healthy foods, exercising and upping your immunity can help you to enjoy a healthier winter. Whether in winter or summer, some people trying to lose weight will struggle too much with hunger, especially at the start of their weight loss journey. These people might benefit from a prescription medication which, together with appropriate lifestyle adjustments, can help kick-start a weight loss journey, or can help someone get back on track. If you are worried about your weight, speak to your doctor for advice about how to lose or manage your weight. Visit www.ilivelite.co.za for tips, support and further information about weight loss.

July 17, 2020

Six Good Reasons to Move Your Toddler from a Cot to a Bed

Moving your baby over to a big bed can seem daunting but check out some good reasons as to why it could just be the right move for you and your precious!

July 16, 2020

The wonders of breast milk

We’ve been told it’s the most nutritious fluid on Earth. Some even refer to it as “liquid gold.” But what is it about breast milk that makes it so unique and special? We take a deeper look. The first 1000 days of your baby’s life, from the first day of your pregnancy up to two years of life, represent a critical period of growth and development. It gives us parents an opportunity to provide an environment that will help support life-long health. This includes the nutrition a baby receives during this period, which can have a resounding impact. The most complete form of nutrition for infants – breast milk – offers a range of benefits for health, growth, immunity, and development. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months (and even up to two years and beyond) because of the long-lasting benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby. Many studies, whether focusing on the properties of the milk itself or its effects on babies’ short and long-term health, confirm the significance of these recommendations. Breast not only is the “best” for both you and baby, but it’s also the norm – it’s how our babies have been fed since the beginning of time. One of the most important decisions you can make during these first 1000 days of your baby’s life is to choose to breastfeed your baby. What exactly is in breastmilk? It’s a unique nutritional source that is easy to digest and provides the perfect balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and nutrients to promote the growth and development of your baby. In the first few days after giving birth, the body produces a special kind of breastmilk known as “colostrum.” Thick and yellowish in colour, colostrum is very nutritious and is rich in antibodies that help baby fight off infections and bacteria. It also helps baby’s digestive tract develop, helping it prepare to digest breast milk. After a few days, mom’s breast milk comes through, which is runnier than colostrum, and whiter in colour. Breastmilk contains hundreds of invaluable substances in human milk – probably more that have yet to be identified – including: Antibodies and white blood cells Probiotics (as many as 600 different species!) Hormones Growth factors Antibacterial properties Oligosaccharides (special carbohydrates that encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive system) Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (important for the development of their brain, eyes and nervous system) Cytokines (special proteins involved in cell communication and immune system formation) and many, many more. Breastfeeding not only provides your baby with tailored nutrition, but it’s available on demand, day or night, and it’s free of charge! The health benefits go well beyond convenience and cost, however, and will have a far-reaching impact on both you and your baby long after the breastfeeding journey has ended. Health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby Scientific research suggests a substantial number of potential health benefits from breastfeeding. These benefits include: Decreased rates of sudden infant death syndrome in the first year of life (an effect that becomes even stronger when breastfeeding is exclusive). Lower post neonatal infant mortality rates (a reduction of approximately 21% in the U.S.). Decreased risk of baby developing eczema, asthma, and food allergies later in life. Slightly enhanced performance on tests of cognitive development. Lower incidence of infectious diseases, such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, ear infections, respiratory tract illness bacterial meningitis, urinary tract infection, bacteraemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and late onset sepsis in preterm infants. Improved dental health with less risk of tooth decay. Reduction of the risk of obesity later in life when exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months. Decreased rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, lymphoma, leukaemia and Hodgkin disease in older children and adults. And if this wasn’t enough, breastfeeding also exposes your baby – through the milk you’re producing – to the varying tastes and flavour profiles of the foods you eat, which can influence food acceptance and preferences when they themselves begin to eat food, and throughout their lifetime as well. Are there any circumstances in which breast milk can be harmful to your baby? Yes, there are a few circumstances in which breast milk may pose a danger to a baby, but these are directly related to the health of the mother. If a mother is taking prescription medication, for example, the medication may affect the baby via the mom’s breast milk. Illegal drugs are extremely harmful to babies, and if a mom is taking them, they can be transmitted to baby via breast milk too. Certain health conditions in the mother may also make her breast milk unsuitable for her baby. These include: HIV / AIDS, active tuberculosis, certain cancers and chemotherapy. Regular colds, flus or minor health problems should not pose any risks. If you are taking medication, or have any serious health conditions, chat to your doctor about the possibility of breastfeeding to ensure the safety of your baby. Health benefits of breastfeeding for you Your baby isn’t the only one who benefits from breastfeeding. The health benefits for the mama (you!) are also significant and include: A unique and powerful physical and emotional connection between you and your baby – breastfeeding is the one parenting behaviour only the mother can do. A non-verbal communication and bond with your baby that only grows to support an ever more intimate and effortless mutual exchange, especially if you stay present while nursing with lots of touching, talking, singing, and eye contact. Stimulation of your body to produce antibodies in your milk which in turn helps your baby stay well or recover faster if sick. Help with your return to your pre-pregnancy weight by increasing your energy requirements, promoting the mobilization of fat stores, and quickens your uterus to contract to its pre-pregnancy size. Decreased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Possibly decreased risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis in the post-menopausal period. Delay the return of your menstrual

July 16, 2020

Chicco Warmy Plate

Chicco, global leaders in all things baby for over 62 years, continue to bring innovation and convenience to parenting. A full 360 degree approach to parenting, Chicco continues to provide quality products from Italy to all corners of the globe, including South Africa.

July 15, 2020

Vegan – Is it healthier?

As popular campaigns like ‘Veganuary’ fuel New Year’s pledges to cut back on meat, MANY people has been asking my opinion on vegan diets and on documentaries such as ‘The Game Changers’. If you are intrigued – keep reading.

July 13, 2020

Nutrient Enhancers: my kind of food additives!

This is an excerpt from my book ‘Mila’s Meals: The Beginning & The Basics’ I’m talking about egg yolk, ghee, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, sauerkraut liquid, kefir, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, ginger, cardamom, allspice, turmeric, broth, dulse, liver, blackstrap molasses, baobab, cacao, hemp, lucuma, maca, moringa. It is important for me to make every mouthful of food that Mila swallows as nutritious as possible because: Good nutrition is so important at this stage of life Only a small amount of food is going to go in (at the beginning for some, or forever like with Mila) And because a lot of food is going to be turned away or spat out when the toddler emerges… So I developed a list of ‘nutrient enhancers’ – nutrient-dense foods which can be added to almost any purée or meal without significantly changing the taste, texture or appearance… because trust me… there is no greater food detective than an 18-month old! An excellent example of where nutrient enhancers shine their bright light is in the preparation of plain noodles. “Plain noodles?” I can hear you exclaim! Trust me, there will come a time when your toddler will only want to eat plain noodles, repeatedly, for months on end – and you will make them for her… because you need to choose your battles wisely, because it is the end of a long day, because you have another baby to take care of or because you are tired! So this is as plain as Mila’s plain noodles got: I cooked the gluten-free noodles in bone broth with some seaweed (wakame or kombu). Once cooked, I stirred in a raw egg yolk, some coconut oil, a pinch of sea salt and a sprinkle of dulse. Ta da! Plain noodles… that were eaten with glee! Get creative… there is no end to how sneaky you can be! Nutrient Enhancer: Why is it valuable? Eggs Eggs are a source of high-quality protein and have all the B vitamins (including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), as well as choline, biotin, folate and cholesterol, selenium, iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E. Avoid the egg whites for your little one’s first year as these contain difficult-to-digest proteins and are what usually cause an allergic reaction. Egg yolks should be softly cooked in the beginning, but from 1 year of age you can add them in raw. They can be blended into all plant-based purées to add fat and protein. GheeFlaxseed oilCoconut oilHemp seed oilOlive oil Adding some healthy fats to your little one’s plant-based purées and meals will aid the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Healthy fats are essential for your little one’s brain development Sauerkraut liquidKefir These will supply probiotics – vital friendly gut bacteria that complete the digestion process, produce vitamins, keep pathogenic (‘bad’) bacteria in check, and support the immune system. Get my sauerkraut recipe here CinnamonNutmegCloveVanillaGingerCardamomAllSpiceTurmeric Spices are a great way to develop your little one’s flavour palette. They also have medicinal qualities and are a source of nutrients. Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fibre, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin A. It is known to have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antiseptic, local anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory, warming and anti-flatulent properties. Nutmeg is a good source of potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, vitamins A, B’s and C. It is a useful remedy for: insomnia, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, indigestion (gas) and diarrhoea as well as being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Cloves are a great source of manganese, vitamin K, dietary fibre, iron, magnesium and calcium. They are well known for their ability to relieve tooth and gum pain, aid digestion and provide relief from asthma and bronchitis. Vanilla has antioxidant, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. It is a remedy for headaches, motion sickness, nausea, indigestion, wind, colic, cold, flu, bronchitis. Ginger tea is a useful remedy for morning sickness. It boosts the immune system and protects against bacteria and fungi. Cardamom is a great source of iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, magnesium, dietary fibre, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. It is used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and tonic. It is a remedy for sore throats, constipation, indigestion and colic. Allspice has a good amounts of potassium, manganese, iron, copper, selenium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. It has antiinflammatory, warming and soothing and anti-flatulent properties and is known to aid digestion. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and an excellent source of iron, manganese, vitamin B6, dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin C and magnesium Broth Instead of using water to thin a purée or to cook the vegetables in, use bone broth. Bone broth: builds a healthy gut and digestion aids muscle repair and growth fights inflammation creates a balanced nervous system and a strong immune system inhibits infection caused by cold and flu viruses helps protein and mineral absorption promotes strong, healthy bones It is a source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur, boron, zinc, peptides (healing amino acids and natural antibiotics), collagen, omega-9s, iron, vitamin B6 and B12. All the nutrients are easily absorbed by your little one’s body (bio-available). Get the bone broth recipe here Dulse Dulse is an excellent source of calcium, potassium and vitamin B12 – making it a useful addition to any dairy-free or vegan diet. It is also a great source of protein, vitamins B6 and A, iron, phosphorus, manganese and iodine. Sprinkle dulse flakes into purées, or other meals. Liver Liver is an excellent source of high quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex (including choline, B12 and folate), a highly bio-available form of iron, vitamin D, vitamin E, pre-formed vitamin A (retinol), vitamin K2, various amino acids and trace minerals such as copper, zinc, chromium and cholesterol. A small amount (1 teaspoon) of raw liver can be grated into any purée. The liver must be frozen for 2 weeks before using it raw (fourteen days will ensure the elimination of pathogens and parasites). Alternatively add some Chicken Liver pâté into purées of other meals. Blackstrap molasses Blackstrap molasses is one way to boost your little one’s iron intake. Its other nutrients include manganese,

July 13, 2020

The very happy story of Grady Mondo

Grady Mondo remained missing since the 15th July 2019, and then Missing Children South Africa received a call from Lettie Motsitsi, a nurse from Steve Biko hospital. She had fortunately seen MCSA’s ‘Missing Flyer’ on Facebook, and realised that it was Grady, who was in the hospital and unidentified until then! Grady is mentally disabled and cannot speak, and as a result of this they had no idea who he was and was not able to identify him. They tried contacting the authorities, but had no feedback from them and he remained a patient at the hospital. Grady had been hit by a car just after going missing. He was in ICU, and when he was moved to the normal ward, he ended up with Lettie who took care of him, and tried to help identify him. Lisa Marie Venter, a student nurse from Pretoria University, also assisted in helping. After Lettie contacted MCSA, we made contact with Grady’s mother and informed her of the good news. She was overjoyed, and beyond grateful to hear that her son was found alive and that she would finally be reunited with Grady, who was delighted to see his mom. Missing Children South Africa is privileged to have been a part of this happy ending, and being able to reunite mother and child. Grady’s mother could not thank us enough and the relief of having found her son brought tears to our eyes. She sent us this personal message: ‘Thank you for the great job you do of helping people, it was not going to be possible without you’. Our website www.missingchildren.org.za acts as an emergency report facility, as well as being MCSA’s platform for informational and educational material with regards to Child Safety. The service MCSA offers to the community and government is invaluable and as you can imagine we certainly have our work cut out for us. We provide our services free of charge to anyone who needs us. Sadly we don’t necessarily enjoy the same privilege for our needs and our financial requirements quite often outweigh our resources! We rely solely on the goodwill of individuals and corporations for financial support – funding remains MCSA’s biggest challenge. The Covid-19 has had an absolutely dreadful and devastating impact on donations and funding for Missing Children South Africa, which is completely understandable as everybody is experiencing their own crisis’ and trying to navigate through these unchartered waters. You can assist us now by clicking here https://missingchildren.org.za/donate/ and donating – this will be deeply appreciated and is much needed. Education plays an incredibly vital role in the life of Missing Children South Africa, and all funds received is utilised to further MCSA’s educational program; ‘Tips for Children’ and ‘Tips for Parents’ which promotes Child Safety. The education is targeted to all the vulnerable and orphaned children, and also children with disabilities. The education is also shared with parents, guardians and the families who take care of these children. The education focuses on not only the dangers, but also the solutions with regards to what to do to keep children safe, and especially what not do. What To Do When A Child Goes Missing Try not to panic and DO NOT WAIT 24 hours to report your missing child. Get a responsible person to stay at your house while you’re at the police station or searching for your child. This person can take messages if someone calls about the child’s disappearance or if the child returns home. Go to your nearest police station and take a recent photograph of your child with you. Make sure that the photograph is of good quality so that your child will be easily identifiable. Give a good description of what your child was wearing, their last whereabouts and any information that may help the police. Complete a SAPS 55 (A) form which safeguards the police against false or hoax reports. This form also gives the Police permission to distribute the photos and information of the missing child. Make sure the police give you a reference number and a contact name and number of the SAPS officer(s) assigned to the investigation. Click on our Report Now button, and complete the form: https://missingchildren.org.za/report/. Remember that if your child returns home, you should go to the Police station to report that your child is safe and let MSCA know that your child has returned home safely. Missing Children South Africa’s social media platforms are: FB: https://www.facebook.com/MissingChildrenSouthAfrica/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/072MISSING Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missingchildrensa/

July 10, 2020

Babywearing is NOT an alternative to a car seat

I am a huge advocate of babywearing. Be absolutely clear though – babywearing is not an alternative to using a car seat. While babywearing brands and consultants are very clear that wearing a baby in a car isn’t safe, there are those that don’t know this. So I am adding my voice to theirs in getting this message across. The benefits for baby and the baby wearer are numerous. Keeping baby close and secure is the best thing for baby’s development and babywearing allows you to carry on with normal day to day life. Kangaroo care, babywearing, in public hospitals has proven to help premature babies to thrive. I can understand the temptation to keep baby wrapped close to you at all times because of these benefits. But the dynamics of a car accident don’t change. A baby or child between an adult body and a seatbelt will be crushed to death. Most parents understand that it is never safe to hold a baby or child in your arms or on your lap in a car. Physics research has shown that passengers have less than half a second to react in a crash or even if the driver has to slam on brakes. When a car crashes or suddenly stops, the body takes on the weight of the speed you were travelling multiplied by the actual weight. So while anybody could hold onto something weighing 5kgs… If your baby weighs 5 kg, and you crash at only 60km per hour, your baby weighs 300kg. Nobody can hold onto something weighing 300kgs. Some people believe that wearing a seatbelt over them and their child solves this. The sad fact is… In a crash, your baby or child would be crushed to death between the seatbelt and your body. The force against your baby is roughly that of 30 adults, each weighing 50 kgs, standing on top of your child. 1500kgs… An entire rugby team or the weight of your average car… The wrap or sling won’t make a difference at all in this equation. It will be holding your baby in place between you and that seat belt. Car seats are expensive. They are a pain to move in and out of a car. Car seats are awkward to carry. They can wreak havoc on your back, neck and shoulders. Unwrapping a finally-sleeping baby from babywearing and transferring them into a car seat… Easily equated with disarming a bomb… On a rollercoaster… With both arms tied behind your back. It is a pain. You are tired and sore and you just want to get yourself and your baby… and probably your other kids too… home in the fastest, least traumatic way possible. I feel you mommy. Really I do. I know that overwhelmed feeling oh so well. I’m a mommy. I am a mommy of a toddler. Who still rear-faces, and will until her car seat doesnt’ allow it anymore around 25kgs. I have had to transfer her sleep-heavy little body to her car seat http://www.health4life.net/ drugstore in the rain after a month of sleepless nights. I have faced the consequences of that transfer waking her… Her screaming while the tears pour down my face as I drove home. What I haven’t had to do is face the consequences of not making that choice. I have talked to and listened to and cried with mommies who have though. This mommy lost her baby in a 2 block car trip. It isn’t worth it. Babywearing is wonderful. It is a tradition that has been around for thousands of years. African mommies have been wearing babies for as long as we have records. Daddies, grandparents, even older siblings can now use babywearing to bond with the babies in their world. Wear your baby! Keep them close to you, safe and warm. You are doing the best you can for your baby. And when it comes time to get into the car, transfer them to their car seat. Just as you are designed to hold and support your baby; a car seat is designed to hold and support your baby in a car. The materials used are chosen and tested to make sure that your little one is completely surrounded by protection in the case of a crash. #CarseatFullstop. Every child. Every time. No matter what. One share, seen by one person, who straps in one child, saves a life.

July 10, 2020

Improving the Skill of Visualisation

In a previous article, the importance of the ability to visualise – a reading method which strengthens reading comprehension – was emphasised. Being able to visualise allows readers to gain a more thorough understanding of the text and content they are reading by creating pictures in their minds as they read. What is visualisation? Explained simply, visualisation is the process of creating a mental picture based on any given information. This mental picture isn’t just visual – it can include other sensory details like sounds, smells, and tastes. Being able to create this mental picture is vital for absorbing and processing information. Students who visualise as they read have a richer reading experience and they can recall what they have read for longer periods of time (Harvey & Goudvis, 2000). Readers who can identify with the characters in the text find reading to be a more pleasurable and meaningful experience, and this promotes continued reading (that is, lifelong reading). How to improve your child’s ability to visualise Children are, by nature, very imaginative and very good at playing make-believe. This capacity for creating fictional worlds and scenarios lends itself to the skill of visualisation. And while most people can visualise intuitively, visualisation – like any skill – needs to be practised to be improved. So, how can the ability to visualise be improved? Although the ability starts early with parents reading to their toddlers, or with teaching early readers, older readers can also benefit from practising the skill. A series of lessons will be required to practise visualising, described below. Start small: choose a short sentence/paragraph/passage that contains descriptive language. This can provide a good starting point for forming a mental image and sparking discussions. Use a sentence like: “The girl who was taken in for Christmas by foster parents couldn’t believe her eyes. There was a Christmas tree, beautifully decorated with fairy lights, ribbons, and stars. She had never, ever seen such a beautiful tree, with packages and gifts below. She burst into tears of pure joy.” Discuss the mental images created by the story individually or in a group setting. Although descriptions will vary, it will stimulate the formation of a mental picture. Use different passages rich in information to stimulate image formation. Group activities: read a picture book to small groups, sharing only limited portions of the illustrations. Learners then create their own illustrations based on the text they heard. Alternatively, provide a written description of a character in the story. In addition, only the beginning of a story can be read, and the learners can then write or imagine and tell what happened next or how the story ended. More advanced techniques: follow up to independent reading. Ask specific questions about the content, like “What could the main character have done differently to save the princess?”, “Does the main character remind you of anyone you know?”, or “How would you have changed the setting of the story if you were the author?”. Practising visualisation If children are struggling with the early stages of practising visualisation, it might be helpful to guide them by asking them to think about different components of a mental image, such as colours, shapes, movement, and numbers. Also read: Raising readers: tips for parents Practising the skill of visualising will improve learners’ reading comprehension and, eventually, also their academic achievement, because visualisation helps learners improve their concentration by focusing on specific details, as well as improving their memory by keeping those details in mind. Good concentration and memory are key factors in academic success. By practising visualisation while reading, learners set themselves up for success very early on – and throughout – life. Sources: Harvey, Stephanie, and Anne Goudvis (2000). Strategies That works: Teaching Comprehension to Enhance Understanding. Portland, Maine: Sten house. by Dr Ronelle Venter – Educational Psychologist

July 10, 2020

Language Stimulation is a Piece of Cake!

Fun, easy and practical ways to stimulate your child’s language development by a speech therapist and mother. We find ourselves in a situation, where our children are with us for a longer duration than the school holidays. In discussion with other mums, many are making the best of the current situation. We need to focus on the positives with an attitude of gratitude. Children learn a great amount from observing others and is especially true when it comes to language learning. Your child’s vocabulary increases at a rapid rate. An average 2-year-old has a vocabulary of 50 words while a 4-year-old has a vocabulary of over 1000 words. Your child may use phrases which you or other family members commonly say – even if it is not in the correct context. For example, my husband and I switch from speaking English to Afrikaans when we don’t want our 4-year-old to understand what we are say. When she recognizes that we are speaking a different language, she says “Asseblief!” with great excitement. This is most likely due to “Asseblief” being the most common Afrikaans word that we use. If the thought has crossed your mind, “I wonder how I can stimulate my child’s language development without going bananas”, we present to you a recipe for success. Read until the end where we share with you a detailed explanation how to incorporate language stimulation while making a quick, simple and easy chocolate cake. This recipe is tried and tested – a definite winner in many homes. In the end, you may also say that language stimulation is indeed a piece of cake! Each child may not have the same morning routine but we all do the same activities daily. These include waking up, brushing teeth, having breakfast, taking a shower and getting dressed. Let’s examine each routine activity in greater depth. The main idea is to incorporate language stimulation in your routine so that you do not need to set aside specific time in the day. Let’s be honest, many of us don’t have free time or extra mental energy to add on to our daily routine. This does not mean that you need to be talking to your child the whole day. Use meaningful and language – rich sentences with a goal in mind. If you aim to teach your child their colours, let learning occur without making the process seem like a chore. Read further for fun, easy and practical ways to stimulate your child’s language while going about your normal daily routine. Waking up Upon awakening, your child may come out of his or her room in a range of moods. A typical child aged 4 years old may not remember exactly what day it is hence it would be beneficial to speak about the day, date etc. If your child is anticipating a certain date – explain how many sleeps / days more to go before a particular date or day of the week is reached e.g. Today is Wednesday, 4th September, tomorrow is Thursday 5th September and then it will be Friday 6th September and the day after will be Saturday 7th September. Use your fingers to count how many days away the anticipated date is – you can count forwards (Saturday is 3 days away) and backwards (tomorrow will be 2 days away and Friday will be 1 day away). For your child/ren to visualize the days of the week, a better option is to make your own monthly calendar and change the date each morning with your child/ren. Basics to include are days of the week, dates of the month, name of the month, year, season and weather. A ready-made DIY magnetic calendar is available online from www.thespeechbubbleco.co.za There are innumerable benefits of using a calendar or visual schedule which include: Understanding concepts before, after and sequence of events. Enhance mathematics skills (counting forwards, backwards, addition, subtraction). Learning days of the week and months of the year in a practical manner has great meaning and will be remembered easily. Note – some experts believe that the ability to understand how many days there are from now until an event in future will only be fully understood when a child is between the ages of 7 and 10 years. Brushing teeth From personal experience with my 4-year-old daughter, getting her to brush her teeth is a hard nut to crack. I often need to butter her up by making teeth brushing seem exciting or explaining to her the consequences of not brushing teeth. While in the bathroom with toddlers, the concept of colours can be taught in a meaningful way. A basic colour chart can be stuck on the mirror. The adult chooses a particular colour and the child says what other items in the bathroom match the chosen colour. Since the child’s mouth, the toothbrush and the toothpaste are essential components of teeth brushing – colours related to these can be emphasized first e.g. your teeth are white, what else can you see on your body that is white, what else in the bathroom is white. Having breakfast Mealtimes are exciting for many reasons – many people are together which means food & fun. The excitement can begin before everyone is seated. Ask your child/ren to assist in preparing meals, setting the table etc. Duties can be assigned according to their ages. For fussy eaters, studies have shown that if children participate in the preparing of food, they are more likely to eat it. While chocolate cake isn’t a common daily breakfast menu, our 6 Minute Microwave Cake at the end of this article will provide much fun for the whole family – many husbands have made it independently too! The concept of time can be paired with meals and visibility of the sun. By this we mean, breakfast is associated with the beginning of the cake, lunch in the middle of the day and dinner after the sun has set (i.e. when it is dark). Taking a shower / having a bath During summer months, we may shower twice a day, while in winter – once a day is sufficient. With children, they may often require

July 10, 2020

The no makeup makeup look for moms on the go

I think that most of us have experienced the wrath of COVID -19 and the havoc it has caused in our everyday lives and like most people, we have all grown quite tired of hearing about it. Ever since COVID-19 hit I think it has worn us down and caused us such anxiety that we now have COVID -19 burnout. When the Pandemic first arose, I like most, was consumed by it. We watched the news and followed the stats closely and had so many sleepless nights. Although COVID -19 is still very much a relevant topic, I think we are all yearning for a little bit of normalcy and wants things to look forward to and have conversations about things other than this cumbersome virus. We still want to stay in the loop with things that pertain to us like kids, school, updates, breakthroughs etc but we want to consume it at our own pace; not every time we open a social media app. We have all been feeling a bit down and I don’t know about you, but I haven’t found the need to dress up or even put on makeup. Now that most of us are back at the office or bracing ourselves to go back to work, I wanted to share my tips on how to achieve the “no makeup”, makeup look. Wearing a mask is also mandatory, so this look means we will look office-ready without the hassle, seeing as we are all still running our households and seeing to the kids schooling under the “new normal” circumstances. The “no makeup”, makeup look These days the makeup trend is all about the “no makeup, makeup look.” We are seeing a lot less makeup than before. Makeup is not ‘plonked’ on but rather more natural looking, letting your natural features come through. Here are our tips to achieve the ‘no makeup, makeup look’ Minimal foundation. Try mixing your foundation in with moisturizer so coverage is less. Don’t skip the sunblock. Wrinkles are the last thing we want to add to our already long list of worries. Conceal properly. Colour correct and conceal any discoloration or redness. Use the CATRICE colour correcting palette. Peach concealer underneath your foundation cancels outside blueness or darkness. Green concealer underneath your foundation cancels out redness. For shadow you want to choose a cream shimmer colour for eyes. You could even use a shimmer colour on the inside of your eyes to open it up. If you are not a fan of shimmer, then try using a single shade of eyeshadow all over the lid like a warm brown or orange. Use the CATRICE nude palette. Groom your brows and for a more natural look you could use brow gel. Use the CATRICE clear brow gel. Apply a coat of mascara and for a more subtle look you could also use brown mascara instead of black. Use the CATRICE glam & doll mascara. Bronzer and blush to warm up the cheeks and create definition. Use the CATRICE matt bronzing powder and luminice highlighter palette. Sweep of highlighter and a dash of gloss on the lips. Use the CATRICE volumizing lip gloss. As moms on the go, we all need a little pick me up and confidence boost even if it is a little makeup to help us feel normal again. Feeling good about ourselves is an instant energy boost and mood enhancer. Transitioning your summer closet to winter on a budget Life is expensive – period! Finding smart ways to recycle my summer clothes to winter is something I love doing because it gives me an opportunity to wear my summer clothes in different ways and make it feel like a whole new outfit. Here are my tips: Maxi dresses – throw on a long sleeve top underneath, a blazer or leather jacket, a pair of boots and we have a whole new outfit. Layering – I love layering my white shirts and throwing on a chunky knit or taking a dress and throwing over a knit. Invest in thick winter stockings. Recycle those summer skirts by pairing them up with winter stockings and boots. Add richer, deeper colours – most people will think neon colours should be tucked away for Summer but pairing it up with earth tones will make it perfect for Winter. For example, a neon bodysuit paired with a camel blazer makes it very wearable for Winter. Accessories are life changing and it is a less expensive way to change up an outfit. Layering up necklaces and adding a different earring can really breathe new life into an old outfit. When I do have extra cash I can spend, I like to invest in statement pieces that will last me for years to come. I invest in leather jackets, a few coloured winter scarfs, a few chunky knits, boots, sneakers or loafers, scarfs and hats or beanies. My favourite past time is buying vintage items. You can pick up amazing steals and some name brand items too for a fraction of the cost. I love that the pieces you find are unique and no one else will have the same. Sitting in my closet while the kids are asleep, and hubby is playing Fifa (yes this happens in my household too) and thinking up outfits is something I find so relaxing. Plus, it saves me time in the morning having to decide what to wear. CATRICE Cosmetics is available at Dis-Chem pharmacies and online at Takealot, Zando, Superbalist & House of Cosmetics.

July 9, 2020

The truth about sterilising and hygiene

Health and hygiene are two issues all parents really care about and they’re top of our list too. Let’s face it, caring for a baby and creating a hygienic environment can feel never-ending. With the right equipment, some common sense and a routine, these tasks become second nature and you can feel confident that baby will be safe at home or when out and about. Cleaning & cleansing – regularly wiping surfaces and washing baby equipment is a great habit to get into once baby has arrived. In particular, make sure that any areas used to prepare bottles or food are clean. Sterilising – baby feeding equipment, breast pumps and soothers should all be sterilised until your baby is 12 months, as milk can harbour harmful bacteria which could make your little one sick. There are many different sterilising options out there, from cold water, microwave and electric to new UV sterilisation, which can even clean soothers, teethers and small toys. It’s really important to sterilise baby’s feeding equipment to protect your baby’s developing immune system from potentially harmful bacteria. To sterilise effectively, ensure that all bottles, teats and accessories are disassembled and washed thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinsed clean before sterilising. Ensure you re-assemble items with clean hands or sterilised tongs if you can and always on a clean surface too. As a general rule, as soon as a steriliser is opened, the contents inside are no longer sterile. The Vital Baby Nurture 2 In 1 Combination Steriliser (R390.00) has been designed to give you ultimate convenience and peace of mind, killing 99.9% bacteria to keep your baby healthy and happy. This microwave and cold water steriliser combination offers total flexibility depending on your needs. It keeps contents sterile for a full 24 hours when the lid is kept closed. This is really useful, so you can always have a sterile bottle close to hand. You can choose to sterilise in either the microwave with only water using steam for a chemical free clean, or using the cold water method with sterilising solution added. The large capacity holds up to four wide neck bottles, teats, collars, caps and tongs. This steriliser is also suitable for standard neck bottles and accessories such as breast pumps and their components, soothers and teethers. It can be easily stored in the microwave when not in use and can be easily transported when travelling with baby. Sterilising time is just four minutes in the microwave (based on an 850W microwave). Changing time – always make sure baby is changed on a wipe-clean mat where possible and remember good hand hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly after each change and dispose of dirty nappies using secured nappy bags or a special nappy bin. Germs – germs are all around and as baby grows he/she will want to chew most things! While exposure to germs can be a good thing (and is also completely inevitable!), you don’t want your baby to be exposed to the really harmful ones. Limit their exposure by maintaining a high standard of hygiene in the home. Follow Vital Baby on social media: @vitalbabysa Vital Baby products are available at Clicks, Babies R Us, Loot, Baby City, Takealot and at www.babiesafrica.com.

July 9, 2020

Smart Money Goals

As Metropolitan’s Three Word Stories campaign draws to a close, consumers are given tips to help with their finances during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond Nobody could have predicted the turmoil the coronavirus pandemic would cause for the financial lives of most South Africans. Many people’s income has been significantly reduced, and thousands of others are facing the prospect of unemployment. As a result, the economy is contracting. The pandemic has forced all of us to consider critical questions about our financial security. According to a DebtBusters report from the first quarter of 2020, South Africans were under severe financial strain even before the Covid-19 outbreak and are now increasingly cashing in their long -term investments for immediate survival. The pandemic is likely to continue to affect household finances for years to come. TransUnion recently reported that 79% of South Africans’ household income has been negatively impacted. Therefore, being mentally strong, having a plan, prioritising spending and using resources efficiently is imperative to the financial stability for many families. Now in its final week, Metropolitan’s Three Word Story campaign seeks to build resilience among South Africans by sparking conversations about real-life financial concerns, and ease their anxiety about the future by finding ways to deal with the challenges they face. “Access to money has a great impact on how people experience the pandemic. Our food security, personal safety, health and so many other essentials depend on access to money. The questions consumers are asking themselves about their finances have never been more significant. How do I ensure my financial survival? Should I be saving more aggressively? How do I restructure my finances or my debt? How do I pull myself out of debt? Our tips this week aim to help South Africans deal with tremendous financial challenges we are all facing and how to navigate through these unchartered waters,” says Llewellyn Allen, Head of Marketing: Metropolitan, “My hope is that these tips will assist people find a way to not become overwhelmed, but to dig deep to find their strength. The only way to conquer fear is through action, and that starts with reminding ourselves that we have the mental strength and resilience to deal with whatever financial challenges we face,” adds Allen. Reassess your finances and budget accordingly: Many financial experts have predicted that the value of the rand is likely to fall. Consumers will be forced to spend more Rands to buy the usual items they bought before the pandemic. It is important to be realistic about where you stand financially. Honest budgeting and keeping track of expenses serve as a great reality check. Be honest with yourself; the first step is to understand where and how you spend money. To do this properly, draw up a detailed, accurate account of everything your household spends money on in a normal month. Start by listing all fixed monthly expenses that help you maintain a basic standard of living. Then draw up a second list of variable expenses, including discretionary spending. Once you have both lists, compare them with your income and cut out any unnecessary items so that your expenses are less than your income. Even though removing luxuries from a monthly budget might be painful, the ‘new normal’ of social distancing and staying at home might make it easier to cut out the out of home luxuries. Plus, it will reduce stress if you manage to reduce your expenses to be less than your income. Involve the whole family: This is an opportune time for parents to talk to their children about where money comes from, why budgeting is so important, and how everyone in the family can contribute to lowering household spending by making compromises. Parents may want to consider reducing their children’s allowances now that most children are at home and not able to spend money on excursions. Set savings targets for the whole family and make it fun and practical. Seeing money accumulate in a glass jar in the kitchen and later depositing it into a bank account for safety can be highly motivating, and it can be the start of learning about investments and earning interest. Depositing the money in a bank account, not only keeps the money safe but also helps with fighting the temptation of spending the money when in sight. Make smart financial decisions: A crisis such as the Covid-19 presents new opportunities for scammers and fraudsters to steal money by preying on people’s anxieties. Now is the time to make considered financial decisions and avoid the temptation of investing in and losing your money to get-rich-quick schemes. Speak to an accredited financial adviser if you need help with making smart financial decisions during this time. If the household’s financial standing has changed during this difficult time, calm nerves are required to take stock of the finances and make adjustments if required. Information from credible sources as well as speaking to an accredited financial advisor can help to make sense of things.

July 8, 2020

Nattou Buddiez

Nattou is one of the softest, most luxurious plush labels in the world. Known for being as cuddly as it can get, their range of newborn toys are without a doubt, pure joy for any baby.

July 8, 2020

Communication is key to helping your child navigate the new normal at school

With more grades returning to school in coming weeks, in line with South Africa’s phased back-to-school approach, parents and guardians should keep the lines of communication open through frank conversations and feedback, an education expert says.

July 3, 2020

Saving money on groceries and meals during Covid-19 pandemic 

I thought although this was not in my original “money saving” ideas it is very pertinent to what is happening at the moment and as such I have decided to write about ways to save money during this period of Lockdown/Covid-19 pandemic.

July 3, 2020

Studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips (part 2)

While some schools in some provinces have recently opened, many learners are still learning at home. Some learners have taken to homeschooling like a duck to water, but others are finding it a bit more challenging, even after a couple of months. Impaq’s learners are always home-based, so we asked them, their parents, and tutors to share their tips on how to study from home on Impaq’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

July 3, 2020

How far would you go for a child’s safety?

In the same way that I hate being told what to do, I hate telling other people what to do. Parenting is hard enough without people making judgements about our parenting choices. BUT, there is one notable exception, and that’s when it comes to a child’s safety. If you choose to feed your kid from the boob or with formula, I don’t care because either way your little one is getting fed. If you choose to have a nanny or send your kid to creche, that’s also your choice and I have nothing to add to the conversation. However, if a child is in danger, we all have a responsibility to speak up. The world is full of scary things that threaten your child’s safety I recently saw a video where a little one was almost taken, just a couple steps away from her mom… Or how about the uproar about the Stanford rape case? Babies can get sick and end up in the NICU, a place I hope Harley never ends up in again. Sometimes, there’s nothing we can do to prevent the horrors – it comes down to luck. However, when you get in a car, there is something you can do for your child’s safety… And a frighteningly small percentage of parents do it. I remember the weeks leading up to when we brought Harley home. I kept hoping for her to gain the weight, to be ready to come home, but it didn’t feel quite real. Because she had come so early, Dean and I hadn’t even gotten around to getting her two most important things – her cot and her car seat. I had done my research and I knew exactly what I wanted; the car seat we ended up purchasing is so safe that it claims our car can roll (knock on wood that never happens) and she would still be totally fine and protected. It was only when we bought both her travel system and her camping cot that it felt real that she’d be coming home. We had a way to transport her and a place for her to sleep. South African Statistics around your child’s safety The hospital had a rule that you couldn’t take a baby home without a car seat. I sort of laughed at the time – I mean, obviously, right? Well, not so obviously. According to some scary statistics, less than 7% of babies are in car seats in South Africa. That means a whopping 93% aren’t. When you consider that car seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% in infants and 54% in toddlers… Those are some scary, scary numbers. Thinking of the ridiculous number of accidents that occur every day on our roads, in particular over long weekends or major holidays, it’s actually terrifying to think how many tiny lives are in danger for absolutely no reason. The cost of a car seat Yes, I know, some of you will tell me that there are people who can’t afford car seats, and you’re absolutely right. That’s why there are organizations like Wheel Well which runs a campaign around car seats. That’s right, any old car seat you have can be refurbished and donated to a family in need… Helping them take care of their child’s safety even if they don’t have the funds. But sadly, those aren’t the babies I see most often unrestrained. No, I’m talking about the little ones I see, being dropped off at the nearby schools and creches, the ones driving in Polos or Subarus or Land Rovers or Porsche Cayennes. I see their children standing on the back seats, hanging limbs out of windows, or even climbing into the front of the car. It isn’t due to hardship that these parents aren’t restraining their tiny people, it’s out of negligence. Maybe the kid screams in the car seat, or maybe they figure it’s just a quick trip and everything will be fine. How devastating would it be, then, if that quick trip ended in tragedy, a tragedy that could be avoided. I’m lucky – Harley adores her car seat. She happily goes into it, sometimes just giving a wriggle when I strap her in, and then usually falls asleep during the drive – even if it’s just down the road. She faces backwards, and I’m starting to notice her feet are actually touching the backrest of the backseat. Cool for her, she’s getting taller. But that doesn’t mean she’s getting turned around anytime soon. The reality is, we never know when we could be in an accident It could be a distracted driver on his phone in rush hour traffic while we go fetch Dean in the afternoon, it could be a still-drunk driver on a Saturday morning when we head to Pretoria to see my beautician, it could be due to random glare from headlights late at night driving back from a braai with friends. I consider myself a careful driver; I have never been in an accident. But that doesn’t mean I never will. It’s scary and awful to imagine. Maybe you don’t have a kid, or maybe you always strap yours in. But based on the stats, you know at least one person who doesn’t. You don’t have to explain to them how horrifying it is when a baby is thrown from a car. You don’t have to be “that” friend who lectures them. Simply share these #CarseatFullstop posts when you see them and think more about a child’s safety. Are you following? To make sure you don’t miss any of these posts, be sure to join the #CarseatFullstop Facebook group or follow #CarseatFullstop on Facebook, twitter and Instagram. And a huge shoutout to local mom, blogger, brain and words behind Pregnant in Cape Town and Tums 2 Tots Online, and generally awesome lady Mandy Lee Miller, for campaigning for your child’s safety. She has so much passion for the project and truly puts it in the best words: About the Author Zoe is a rockstar geeky mom to a gorgeous

July 3, 2020

Four healthy money habits to teach your kids

Beyond getting your child’s own savings started, teaching your children age appropriate lessons about handling money is important. It better equips them, and you, to accumulate and maintain a steady growth on investments, particularly if everyone is on the same page about the family’s long-term saving goals. A good example is education. Though online education opportunities have become quite popular recently, school fees remain a reality, and they can really add up over time. Although COVID-19 brings up a lot of uncertainty, now is a great time to teach your kids some valuable financial lessons, so here are four healthy money habits to pass along. Make money child friendly As your children get older, explore ways to teach them ‘adult’ money lessons in practical and memorable ways. One way could be to pay them ‘performance bonuses’ for spotting opportunities that save money in the home and in their schooling. When you do annual uniform shopping and they find a cheaper deal on school shoes elsewhere, invest the difference into savings. You might consider opening a tax-free savings account on behalf of your child, or a unit trust account if your investment horizon is a little shorter. A formal way to save can make your children cognisant of the cause you are saving towards, and aware that their efforts are actively making a difference. You can also mimic the discipline of saving by paying pocket money on a specific date each month. This demonstrates that money isn’t available on tap and things, just like their education, need to be planned and saved for. Allow trial and error Talk to your children about questions that they may have about money. By helping them understand what’s confusing them, it opens their mind to creative ways to work with it. Once your teenagers understand the concept of compound interest, the excitement and devotion to growing the initial amount might kick in. Additionally, although the (weekly or monthly) pocket money you give them might be the same, their personal expenses will change. One month, your child might ask for an early withdrawal to buy a camera for photography class, and the month after, a book. By providing ‘statements’, your child will be less intimidated by personal financial planning and have a realistic idea of what it looks like to budget, review expenses and be conscious about using their money. More importantly, they will learn to plan ahead for what they need and want. In this time, allow for mistakes so that they know not to panic when the environment or costs change. Intuition combined with your lessons are key to them navigating their newfound financial responsibility. Check twice before clicking once The newer generation is growing up with the internet, but it is never a bad idea to teach them to shop safely and wisely while online. Begin by teaching your kids the difference between a credit and debit card and which one you will be allowing for the online buying responsibilities you might give them from time to time. Emphasise that transactions should only be made on trusted sites and to make it easier, provide a list of places where you will allow the card to be used. You can also suggest they place an item in their virtual shopping cart for a day or two before buying, as this could result in realising the item isn’t necessary to buy, or some retailers may even send a discount for that item, hoping it will conclude the sale. By giving older children the occasional responsibility of doing their own stationery shopping (with your supervision) not only will they learn how to compare prices and stick to the budget, but they will also learn to become familiar with the cost of things (and how they can change over time). Hopefully, your child will learn that financial planning is based on needs first, then wants. Textbooks? Need. New PlayStation? Want. Play the role of an adviser Financial advisers are qualified professionals who commit to evaluating your current situation and help you build a realistic strategy toward reaching your ideal financial goals. As your children gain more understanding, find out their financial goals. You want them to understand the role of a financial adviser in their personal financial planning journey when the time comes, but more importantly, to be honest with their adviser. You might consider including them in conversations you have with your adviser. Small lessons amount to big, well-informed decisions and as a parent, the ongoing lesson of being financially prepared is a gift that will reap many rewards in the future. Ronald King, Head: Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at PSG

July 3, 2020

Back to school with a difference

As the lockdown curtain slowly begins to rise, endless thoughts and emotions engulf our minds. There is an overwhelming urge to return to life as we know it, coupled with the uncertainty and disappointment in our minds regarding the rhetorical question, ‘Is this how it’s always going to be from now on?’ ‘For how long will we continue having to wear masks?’ ‘When will social distancing end?’ There is an overwhelming need to feel the certainty of safety, from that which we cannot see and cannot feel. The terms Covid 19 and Corona virus seems to remain on our minds all the time as we all try to create a life as normal as abnormally possible for ourselves and our children under extremely abnormal circumstances. Some have already begun re-exploring the outdoors; malls are starting to fill up once again. Although it can be understood that being under lockdown has affected all of us in so many ways. This includes having a natural need to enjoy the outdoors and start doing ‘normal’ activities of daily living once again which excludes being at home. With the South African regulations of level 3 of lockdown settling in, there seems to be a slight sense of excitement yet an undertone of fear and loss. This is coupled with a stronger sense of understanding and acceptance of the notion and magnitude of the fact that we are living within a pandemic. Is this advisable though to start going out again? Whilst the need for nature’s best source of vitamin D is long overdue for all of us, it still is not safe for us to go out to public spaces where we are among so many people gathering. Social distancing and physical distancing will still be a compulsory requirement for months to come. Regardless of whether others are doing it or not, hospital wards are filling up, infection rates continue to be on the rise and more and more deaths are being reported daily. We live in an era of self-gratification, where we want what we want and we make sure that we get it. Now that we do not have control, it is so important that we do not let our feelings of frustration and helplessness result in us losing sight of the bigger picture, which is that we have to continue to practice short term sacrifices for our very own long term benefit. New Zealand has managed to combat the virus by maintaining adequate social distancing and isolation. If they can do it, so can we South Africa! This needs to be regarded for ourselves and especially for the sake of our most vulnerable ones, namely our elderly and our children especially as we prepare them for the next phase, school reintegration. Some schools have recently begun with the phasing in of children getting back to school for the first time since lockdown, much to the dismay of parents. Although studies in China and Russia have shown that children are at low risk of fatalities of this disease. How do we know that our kids will be safe and will not contract the virus? The sad reality is that we do not know. Therefore we can only ensure that we maintain the regulations of social distancing and required precautions so that we are able to enjoy a meaningful quality of life with our children as well as our parents and grandparents long term, as opposed to short term gains and possibly not being around long enough to live a fulfilling life due to a virus. So how do we protect our kids who will have to go to school? Here are a few tips I have put together to enable as far as possible comfort and safety for our children: Begin with the mental state of mind: It is vital to ensure that one’s children remain calm and collected. This can only be achieved by parents remaining calm, despite how difficult this may be. Ensure that children are able to express their fears and emotions about returning to school and be there to comfort them Knowledge is power: Parents have to ensure that children are adequately informed and educated regarding the necessary precautionary measures to help them feel in control and more at ease regarding being at school. These measures include the constant wearing of masks, not touching their faces, constantly sanitising and maintaining a constant 1.8 metre distance between them and other children. A good suggestion is taking double precaution with a regular mask as well as a shield mask, as children can easily forget not to touch their face and that is where the shield mask being worn over the regular mouth and nose mask comes in handy. It is also important to remember that the Covid19 virus is also spread through touching the eyes, nose and mouth with a contaminated hand as well as should saliva droplets simply through conversation enter the eyes. Hence enabling your child to wear the face shield is important. If possible, single seated desks are extremely important to enable distancing between children. If not possible, then it is imperative where possible that partitioning be placed between children in double desk seating. Ensure that your child has a pocket sized sanitizer with them to ensure that they are constantly sanitising themselves. Limit the handling of money for your children by ensuring that you have packed adequate lunch and healthy snacks for your children in their lunch bags. It is important to remember that should you or your child touch a surface which has been previously been handled by a virus carrier or even sneezed upon by a virus carrier, it can result in you or them contracting the virus. If your child or a member of your family has tested Covid19 positive, please ensure that they remain at home in isolation for at least 2 full weeks or more. Try to arrange with teachers for work to be typed and handed in online, thereby

July 2, 2020

Make the most of mealtime with your tot

Meal times should be enjoyable, but when you’ve got a stubborn little one to feed, they can be stressful. For some parents, meal times may seem like a battlefield. Yes, it’s bound to get a bit (or a lot!) messy, especially when your tot starts feeding themselves. There may be tantrums over the type of food being served, and they may even resist your help in the feeding process. Don’t despair if this sounds all too familiar – there are lots of things you can do to bring the joy back to meal times. Toddlers, in many ways, are like teenagers. They are learning to navigate their world, they are extremely inquisitive and they are trying to gain more control over some parts of their lives. The major difference is, unlike teens, toddlers have had zero control – up until now. Eating is the first thing they learn to control, and in many cases, they will try take advantage of the situation. And to be fair, who can blame them? They are learning to master their independence. The key to mastering meal times is to give your tot an appropriate amount of control. It is your responsibility to prepare and serve them healthy, appropriate meals, but leave it up to them to decide how much they want to eat, and which parts of the meal they want to eat. Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters and may select one or two meals they love, and seemingly refuse to eat anything else. Many parents offer those same meals every day out of pure desperation to get their tot to eat. This, however, is not the answer to a healthy diet, and parents should not fall into this habit. Your tot won’t starve, and if given other foods, will rather become flexible with their eating habits than eat nothing at all. Variety is key when it comes to getting your little one to eat. Try offer them a few different foods on their plate at each meal time. This doesn’t mean cooking various meals – simply add a few pieces of chopped fruit or veggies, or even some yoghurt to whatever food you have prepared. The more variety you can introduce, the better. Don’t give up on a food first time round. If your child won’t try something, don’t force them to eat it, but introduce it again a few days later. Children can be slow to accept new flavours and textures, and studies have shown it can take up to 20 times before they’ll accept something new! As difficult as it may be, don’t negotiate with your tot. Offering them dessert as a reward for a few more bites is not sustainable, and may create an expectation of this happening after every meal. Have family meals together as often as possible. Set a place at the table for your tot. It’s good for them to see their parents are siblings eating healthy meals together and enjoying the time together. Your tot’s “crockery” and cutlery can go a long way in making meal times less messy. Vital Baby’s Power Suction Plate and Bowl are a game-changer! With super suction power, the Vital Baby NOURISH™ power™ suction plate has been designed to help prevent tipping and spills. It sticks to your baby’s highchair or a table with super suction power and has been proven to have the strongest suction pad available. Easy to use, simply place this baby plate on a table or highchair tray and twist for less mess and less stress at meal times! With powerful super suction, the Vital Baby NOURISH™ power™ suction bowl has been designed with scooped sides to help prevent tipping, spills and splats. This baby feeding bowl sticks to your baby’s highchair or your kitchen table and has been proven to have the strongest suction pad. Simply place it on a table or baby’s highchair tray, flip and twist for less mealtime mess and stress! Follow Vital Baby on social media: @vitalbabysa Vital Baby products are available at Clicks, Babies R Us, Loot, Baby City, Takealot and at www.babiesafrica.com.

July 2, 2020

I am overwhelmed: Parenting in a time of COVID-19 

Metropolitan’s Three Word Stories campaign provides support to parents Parenting stretches you at the best of times, but the ‘new normal’ asks parents to do the splits, adapt and maintain routine – all at the same time. This public juggling act is taking place every minute of the day, with parents facing increased pressure in their roles of care-giver, role model and individual. Each week, Metropolitan facilitates open conversations on a variety of topics, through its Three Word Stories campaign. “We aim to connect South Africans as they deal with the challenges this virus is causing. In sharing our experiences, we start to feel less overwhelmed by what we are going through. “And with the help of our team of experts, we hope to offer people the tools they need to lighten the load,” says Nontokozo Madonsela, mother of two and Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Metropolitan. The changes to the normal work/school routine posed by the pandemic sees parents having to navigate and juggle multiple roles. In response, the campaign’s identified story for the past week was ‘I am overwhelmed’, recognising that parents are facing added pressure with their families now based at home. The following steps were provided in answer to this pain point: If it feels like it’s all too much, acknowledge it. “Admit that things have changed – and don’t beat yourself up if you feel that you are not handling it perfectly. We need to adapt to our new situation, and the only way we can do this is through dropping our former expectations and acknowledging that it is going to take time to find our new rhythm,” says Madonsela. Reach out to other parents. During this time of uncertainty, reaching out to friends or family members with children can become that much-needed lifeline. A regular phone call with people going through a similar journey can help build your mental resilience. “Through sharing our experiences, parents gain better coping skills,” Madonsela adds. Be honest with your children about what is going on. In an article for Psychology Today, Rebecca Schrag Hershberg Ph.D states, ‘It’s on us to start conversations with our kids. Continue to ask them what new things they’ve heard about the virus, to correct misinformation, and to answer their questions honestly and using short sentences. Kids get bogged down in words.’ “I found that this helped my kids adapt to their new routines that much more quickly, bringing some normality back into daily life. They knew that if they wanted to know something they could ask, but life had to carry on; schoolwork needs to be done, teeth need be brushed and the rules around screen time still exist,” says Madonsela. “As a parent, it is normal to feel that balls are being dropped. Accept that this is okay; your main priority is that your kids are safe and healthy. Remember to encourage them and let them know they’re doing well, rather than reprimanding them for the occasional missed homework deadline. “Other tasks can be allowed to fall behind for a moment, but the wellbeing of your children is the most important thing,” concludes Madonsela.

July 2, 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.