The development of language is a big milestone for children. Language is the foundation for all social interactions, having problems to communicate can cause frustration both for you as a parent, but more importantly for your child.
Bullying has three defining characteristics – it is deliberate (a bully intends to hurt someone), it is repeated (the behaviour continues over time), and it is power imbalanced (bullies pick on those they perceive as weaker). While bullying takes many forms – verbal, physical, emotional – the results are always destructive. Recognising the warning signs is an important first step in taking action. The following signs may point to bullying: Unexplainable injuries. Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics or other valuables. Feeling sick or faking an illness, and frequent head or stomach aches. Changes in eating habits, such as binge eating or suddenly skipping meals. Being unusually anxious, nervous, upset, teary, angry and withdrawn. Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares or bedwetting. A sudden and significant drop in marks, loss of interest in schoolwork or not wanting to go to school. Avoidance of social situations and other activities. Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem. Running away from home, self-harming or talking about suicide. What to do if you’re being bullied Tell someone If you or someone you know is being bullied the first thing you need to do is tell someone you trust (a parent, sibling, friend, uncle/aunt or a teacher) about the bullying. Tell them to stop Bullies often prey on individuals they perceive as weaker. Try acting confident and assertive and tell the bully to stop. Bullies might also be caught off guard if you brush their comments off with humour or say nothing and walk away. Find safety in numbers Keep yourself surrounded by people and always find a friend to walk with or to eat lunch with. To read more about what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied, click here. Remember that home education allows parents to offer their children emotional reinforcement, to help boost their confidence and self-esteem so they can learn and grow in a safe, supportive and loving environment. By Danielle Barfoot
This beautiful range by Natralogic is a must buy for pregnant ladies. There are so many products on the market that it sometimes makes it hard for moms-to-be to select the very best. Natralogic is a a range worth purchasing. We sent our range to one of our readers and she really enjoyed using the products. The product range comprises of the following: Tummy Cremè Exfoliating Cremè Toning Massage Gel Cooling Leg Gel Nipple Cream The Tummy Cremè helps with the elasticity of the skin using natural ingredients leaving your skin feeling great after use. On their website they recommend that you use this in conjunction with the Exfoliating Cremè and we can see why. Our pregnant mommy loved not only feeling pampered but how her skin felt afterward especially when using the Toning Massage Gel. Certainly the best part of these products is that you can use them while your are pregnant and after to keep your skin looking great! Katherine really enjoyed the Cooling Leg Gel. As they were travelling this last stretch of her pregnancy the heat was really taking its toll on her legs. This really helped her soothe her legs and she was happy that she remembered to pack it in. She also reported that the gel is non-sticky and that she loved that their were all natural ingredients ensuring that not only was she safe but that no harmful ingredients or toxins would come into contact with her unborn baby. The Nipple Cream noted on their website that it is 100% ultra pure medical grade lanolin. Katherine has already been using this during her pregnancy and already felt a difference in just a few applications. She did not want to use it all because she really is looking forward to seeing the true effect when she starts breastfeeding in a month’s time. Not only is every care taken to ensure that these products are effective but their ethos is one to be admired. Their ingredients are certified by Beauty without Cruelty and only tested on themselves and never on animals. Their products are accredited by the International Vegan Society as well. The only exception they note is the Natralogic Nipple Cremè which contains lanolin however notes that no harm comes to the sheep during extractions (lanolin is a product derived from the fleece of sheep) Be sure to visit www.natralogic.co.za to read more about this range and to order online!
If there’s anything that a parent would nod their head yes to, it’s the fact that their children would rather have them rip the hair off their heads, than to eat healthy and nutritious food.
“Computer games don’t affect kids, I mean if pac-man affected us as kids, we’d all be running around in darkened rooms, munching magic pink pills and listening to repetitive music.” Unknown According to research, middle and upper class South African children spend about five hours a day in front of a television, computer or smartphone screen. That makes screen time the leading activity for young people after sleep. Due to the limited South African research available. I used the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) research. They have found that too much screen time negatively affects child development. They recommend no screen time at all for children under the age two, and no more than two hours per day of high-quality programming for older children. The AAP also recommends keeping televisions, computers and video games out of children’s bedrooms. How does this screen time affect your child on a day to day basis? Obesity, Advertising and Body Image Studies have shown a link between childhood obesity and media exposure. Watching television and playing video games are passive activities that take time away from the exercise children should get from active play. Additionally, the more television a child watches, the more junk food commercials that child is exposed to. Children are more easily influenced by advertisements than adults because children don’t always understand their persuasive intent. Media consumption can also contribute to negative body image in children and adolescents. Movies, television and magazines depict unrealistic standards of beauty that can encourage eating disorders and other unhealthy behaviors in both males and females. Media and Violence Violence is pervasive in television, movies and video games; even the nightly news and children’s cartoons can contain violence. Children with emotional difficulties might be especially affected by violent images. Playing video games is a popular pastime among children and adolescents, but parents should be aware that many of the bestselling games are violent, and often feature killing as their primary focus. Media and Sexuality Children are easily influenced by what they see and hear, and studies have found that children who see sexual material in the media tend to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age. Parents of primary school children are urged to keep all sexual content out of their children’s media diet. Parents should also take care to set up search filters on their internet search engine so that children do not accidentally stumble across sexually explicit images. Tips for parents If your child is not old enough to watch a programme or play a game due to age restrictions, don’t give in! This could harm your child. Be sensitive to each child’s emotional state. Teach your child that it is okay to leave a movie or to turn the TV off, if they become uncomfortable. Be careful of the advertisements when watching sport, or in between children’s programmes. They often play trailers of programmes or movies you would not want your child to watch. Children are more easily influenced by advertisements than adults because children don’t always understand the persuasive intent of adverts. Advert can be scary! Giving a child too many options can be as negative as allowing them none. A child thrives in an environment that has boundaries, structure and consequences. This can be proven by the games they play, television they watch and even their interaction with their peers. The same rule should be applied at home. The bottom line is to power off regularly to help your child understand the clear boundaries between the virtual world and the real one. By Ben McCarthy, Principal of Pinnacle College Copperleaf
An adorable bedtime buddy, the hi-tech elephant plays calming music and sounds as well as nature sounds to send baby off to sleep easily. A glowing star-shaped tummy button provides a soft diffused night light. Tactile stimulation is also encouraged through expressions such as ‘Hug Me’. The elephant surface is even machine washable. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play.
Safe sleep should be one of the first things parents are concerned about when creating their child’s sleep environment. It is vitally important and often neglected. Forget about décor and theme (for now!), here’s my top tips for safe sleep:
Covering a wriggling child in sun cream is tricky enough, but when your little one has sensitive skin it can be even trickier– you don’t want to use anything that’s going to irritate. That’s why Childs Farm sun protection products don’t containparabens, SLSs, mineral oils, artificial colours or anything that might make sensitive skin flare up. Plus if you have a super-wriggler on your hands, our spray and roll-on sun lotions make everything easier.
For a parent, nothing eliminates the burden of entertaining your child more than handing them your smartphone.
This post is a little different to my others because it is personal. I want to share more of my momlife journey with you so where better to start than at the beginning, with one of the first challenges I had to deal with when becoming a mom.
Not only is constructive play fun and entertaining for children, offering them endless hours of creative play. It has great benefits to early childhood development. Constructive play can start from a young age and as the child’s confidence grows, more blocks and shapes can be added.
“We all want to leave a better and safer world for our children and for future generations. This is a realistic goal that is achievable, provided that we stand up and get involved.”
V-Tech Baby Sleepy Glow Bear is a 25cm plush bear with a soft glowing tummy that provides the ultimate comfort to your little one during nap time. With advanced tech features, Sleepy Glow Bear introduces loving phrases and plays melodies and sing-along songs. There is also a nature sounds button that helps children learn the sounds of the natural world they live in. Timer plays up to 30 minutes of music. Over 70 songs, melodies and phrases are available in this one-of-a-kind toy. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play. All V-Tech Baby toys are available at Babies R Us, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone and selected Kids Emporium stores.
So, you want to know what a typical day is like for a homeschooling family? That’s one of the best things about home education (also known as homeschooling) – there are no typical days! When educating your children at home, a “typical day” is as unique as each of the families choosing this education option.
Do you have a growing family and love an active lifestyle? Then the new Thule Urban Glide 2 Double needs to be the new member of your family. This all terrain stroller with a sleek, lightweight design is perfect for active familes who enjoy the great outdoors, as well as getting around town.
Sunday, 6 October marks Grandparents Day – a day that is often overlooked while Mother’s and Father’s Day takes centre stage. While Grandparent’s Day is celebrated globally, in South Africa this is usually on the first Sunday in October and is the ideal opportunity to recognise the significant role, grandparents play in the family.
Potty training does not have a season, but summer is a great time to give it a go. Warm weather encourages more fluid intake that in turn helps for extra potty practice.
A growth in membership, an increased emphasis on Managed Care, a range of enhancements for members and added value, are just some of the highlights from the Bonitas 2020 Product Launch.
Learners in the Foundation Phase (Grade R to 3) should be introduced to reading in a fun and engaging way. And, that’s exactly what the Impaq readers do. The books accommodate different levels of reading and allow young learners to join in the adventures of Ben, Lebo and Hanna. The main characters are from different ethnic backgrounds and genders, which ensures that learners relate to one or more of the characters and help them grow with the stories. The books start with basic sight words to help learners recognise words earlier. Phonics are engraved at the learner’s own pace as the readers help learners spend enough time on each phonic before moving onto the next one. Reading structure The reading structure is divided into three groups: Phonics Here the learners learn each letter of the alphabet and they learn how to spell words. High-frequency words This includes words such as this, the, that, etc. These words are written on flashcards and learners practise them daily so that they can easily recognise them while they read. Sight words These are longer words that learners will not learn off by heart and that should be placed where learners can see them every day, i.e. up on the wall so that they will eventually start to recognise the words. Sight words can be used along with the theme of the week, e.g. if the theme of the week is careers, sight words can include firefighter, policeman, nurse, etc. Learning to read is fun Impaq learner, Sindisiwe Rangaza, attended a rural pre-school and struggled to adjust in Grade 1. She particularly struggled with learning English and Afrikaans. Her mother, Patricia, bought Impaq’s reading books to help her daughter develop her reading skills. “The Impaq books made learning fun and easy,” Patricia says. Sindisiwe has since developed a love for reading and writing and is doing well in learning to speak English and Afrikaans. Before buying the Impaq readers Patricia struggled to keep Sindisiwe busy during the school holidays but, as you can see in the photo below, she is now reading up a storm. The Impaq readers are unique: Broadens the learners’ vocabulary. Teaches learners how to read longer sentences and develops peripheral view. Consists of 12 phases that stretch from Grade 1 to 3. Can be used independently or as part of an integrated language or phonics programme. Learners are taught to think, talk and become familiar with basic language rules while exercising their knowledge of English/Afrikaans. The Impaq readers are aligned with the CAPS curriculum. As learners progress through the phases, they will follow Ben, Lebo and Hanna and experience thrilling adventures. Click here to learn more about the Impaq readers or to order yours online.
And a unique curriculum, influenced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which encourages the holistic development of every learner towards their purposeful and impactful future
SACAP (the South African College of Applied Psychology) will be hosting a special parent morning at its Durban Campus on Saturday, 12October. Aimed at promoting family well-being, the theme of the event is ‘Resilient Parenting’ and the programme features Mom & Author, Gabi Lowe who will be giving a compelling, inspirational talk after the release of her memoir ‘Get Me to 21’. A tour de force when it comes to authentic resilience, the book rocketed to number 3 on the Exclusive Books Bestseller Chat within three weeks of its launch. In times of deep uncertainty and relentless change, resilience is one of the most important qualities we can nurture in our children, but not many of us know what this is and how to do it. Gabi Lowe’s experience of raising a beloved daughter, Jenna Lowe, who developed a rare lung condition and became a unique champion of organ donation in South Africa, has been at the harshest coal-face of resilient parenting. As a Life Coach, Gabi expertly makes the lessons she has learnt accessible and relatable for everyone no matter what situation they are facing. The SACAP ‘Resilient Parenting’ event also includes an important session with Psychologist, Elizabeth Campos whose work is focused on how young adults can increase their resilience through attitudes and skills to impact positively on academic, social and emotional functioning. Elizabeth helps parents understand their children’s behaviour as communication. She will present the steps that young people can take to improve their resilience and share practical advice for parents on how they can support their child’s journey. The SACAP ‘Resilient Parenting’ event will take place from 09h00 to 13h00 at the Durban Campus on the 5th Floor, 199-203 Peter Mokaba Road, Morningside on 12 of October 2019. Durban parents can RSVP online at https://www.sacap.edu.za/events/resilient-parenting/
Learn and discover with the V-Tech Baby Little Friendlies Magical Discovery Mirror. Press the star button to magically see a lion and monkey appear on the mirror – almost like a TV. Enjoy music and nature sounds as well as expressions and songs while developing motor skills with the hanging star, butterfly and roller ball. An all-round engaging and fun experience from newborn upwards. Hangs on the side of cot or can be held by baby during playtime. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play. All V-Tech Baby toys are available at Babies R Us, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone and selected Kids Emporium stores.
You reluctantly open your eyes. It’s still dark outside, but something very familiar called you out of dreamland – it’s your little one’s voice calling for his Mommy. You glance over at the clock just to realize that, yet again, your child has woken up way too early for you to start your day.
Moms love it when their little ones come home from school buzzing with knowledge. Sometimes though, the activity isn’t inside their heads but on top! Head lice populations rise in summer, and girls with longer hair pick them up easier than boys.
It is common misconception that if you want your child to sleep, they need to sleep in their own room. I am here to tell you sleep can happen either way, BUT if you choose to co-sleep you need to do it safely. The reality is that new research shows that co-sleeping with younger babies is associated with higher risk of Sudden Infant Death.
The issue we face with laundry, is not just having to do it on average 5-7 times a week, but also its impact on the environment. Mainstream laundry detergents and fabric softeners contain harsh chemicals that end up down our drains, polluting our water systems and bleaches, enzymes, strong perfumes and colourants found in many mainstream detergents and conditioners are irritants and contain toxic chemicals linked to allergies.
‘All negative behaviours stem from fears rooted in negative self-belief. We cannot control the behavioural choices of others but we can do something to assist our children in making better friendship choices.’
The study of the Life Sciences gives important insight into disease processes and allows the development of novel therapeutic and innovative medical devices, thereby directly improving human health. Life Sciences also enables an understanding of the environment and the other living species with which we share the earth. This knowledge guides conservation efforts and helps us to save our shared planet.
With World Breastfeeding Week recently celebrated and the focus placed on the importance of breastfeeding to improve the health of babies, it is an ideal time to consider the risks of alcohol for pregnant and/or breastfeeding mothers – and the delicious alternative beverage options that are now available in the market. Today, one of the major risks to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is alcohol consumption. While many women do limit their intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding, they may not be doing enough. The health risks associated with consuming alcohol during pregnancy, breastfeeding and even conception mean that there are now an increasing variety of alcohol-free beverages for moms and moms-to-be in order to have safer (and healthier) choices. In fact, it turns out that 0.0% non-alcoholic malt beverages can even boost breastmilk supply by stimulating prolactin levels. It also has some other surprising – and quite remarkable – health benefits… Without going into the technical details, the barley malt contains lactogenic beta-glucan. This not only makes it highly nutritious, but when enjoyed 90 minutes prior to breastfeeding, can see an increase in the mom’s milk production. This makes sense, considering that barley is a starchy food that contains complex carbohydrates. The soluble fibre (essentially slowing glucose absorption) contained in the barley can lower cholesterol and even reduce the risk of heart disease. Malt drinks are well known to be both wholesome and highly nutritious, while providing some protein, sugar, essential minerals and levels of vitamins A and B vitamins. It also provides the all-important folic acid that is beneficial during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. The Risks of Alcohol During Pregnancy Here’s how it works, in a nutshell. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. This can result in miscarriages, stillbirth, or a range of disabilities that are classified under the term foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Sadly, South Africa has the highest prevalence of these disorders than anywhere else in the world with 111.1 instances per 1 000 children (the global average is 7.7). The Consumption of Alcohol During Breastfeeding & Alternative Options Conventional wisdom used to state that drinking a beer before nursing could help with the milk ejection reflex. However, more recent studies have shown that infants who are fed milk by mothers who have consumed alcohol tend to take in less milk than those who did not. Startlingly, consuming alcohol while breastfeeding can lead to a multitude of ill effects: disturbed sleep cycles, extreme drowsiness, weakness, decreased growth in the infant, the possibility of decreased milk-ejection reflex and milk quality in the mother, not to mention the impairment of a mother’s natural reflexes that are needed in taking proper care of her child! On the other hand, consuming a non-alcoholic beverage or two means that you get all the benefits without any of the disadvantages – whether pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, modern 0.0% non-alcoholic beverage now has the same taste, while being devoid of the negative health side-effects associated with alcohol. Additional benefits include the hangover-free lifestyle and reduced calorie consumption. A win for South African mothers, and mothers all around the world! To celebrate women as everyday heroes, Bavaria threw a surprise baby shower for Itumeleng Nyathi, a Zimbabwean woman who left her country to pursue a brighter future in South Africa. In doing so, she had to walk away from her family and existing support systems. While in South Africa, Itumeleng met her husband Larry and they are now expecting their first child together, a baby girl arriving in September. Itumeleng received a bumper supply of gifts at the event, courtesy of Bavaria and a Johannesburg Mom’s Group – who banded together to provide her with a stroller, car seat, cot, feeding chair, baby bath, bouncer, booster seat, and more. An extra special surprise awaited Itumeleng as she was reunited with her mother, whom she hadn’t seen in several years. This heart-warming story has been turned into a special, shareable video: Please click here to watch By Oliver Wills, Marketing Manager at Bavaria
Teenagers have different reasons for not wanting to go to camp anymore, from feeling like they have grown out of the annual excursion to wanting to invest time in things that interest them outside of camp.
