Advice from the experts
Parenting Hub

Help! My Child is in the wrong crowd

‘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.’

Good Night Baby

TO CO-SLEEP OR NOT TO CO-SLEEP

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.

EcoEgg South Africa

Make your wash more eco-friendly

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.

Parenting Hub

The Surprising Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverages for Moms

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

Parenting Hub

When your teen wants out of summer camp

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.

Abbotts Colleges

Choosing Life Sciences in High School

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.

Parenting Hub

A well-balanced child : Raising children who treat others with respect

Kindness is no easy task. In an attempt to facilitate their social and emotional development, we, as adults must stop thinking of the discomfort these discussions cause and become proactive in educating the youth.  Peer socialization and valuing each other’s space.  Children begin to form their gender identity around the age of three. Friendships between boys and girls are imperative in their social development. Girls inherently are more compliant and accepting during interactions, whereas boys are more active and physical. These relationships are valuable as they teach respect between the two genders and help form healthy attitudes towards each other. Children will encounter many challenging situations during their years at school.  Teach your child phrases to use during unfavorable situations at school. Such as “I don’t like what you’re doing. Please stop. ”  Perpetuating stereotypes and ideals of inequality  Adults often unintentionally teach children gender stereotypes. Even teachers, at some point in their careers have told their class to “ask mum to pack your picnic lunch” or “get dad to fix your bike”.  Stereotypes even appear at birthday rings when girls get pink cupcakes and boys get blue.  Have a look through your son’s or daughter’s toy collection. Do their cars and dolls outweigh their gender-neutral toys?  Teaching our little boys to “toughen up” and hide their feelings is no longer the approach to masculinity. Speak to them about what it means to be respectful and why it’s wrong to view others in preconceived ways. Be mindful of what you say. Our words leave lasting impressions on children.  Model good behavior Children learn through mimicking the behavior of the adults around them. When we convey manners and use good coping skills, so to do our children. Avoid emotional reactions, explain your decisions and admit your mistakes. Our actions leave indelible marks on children, make sure the ones you chose to leave are positive ones.  Foster Empathy Talk openly and honestly about feelings and how to identify them. Teach children that there are emotions other than “happy”, “sad” and “angry”. Children need to feel comfortable discussing things that bother them and to know that they can express themselves in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Reiterate that there is value in showing vulnerability and in communicating with those around them. Empathy is not a fixed trait and takes time to develop so ask questions and allow your child to open up to you from a young age.  Stand up for friends  As impressionable as our little kids are, they do have an understanding between right and wrong. Teaching them to discern between situations which constitute an emergency and situations which they can influence is a great starting point. We need to teach them how to be brave and defend their peers. During their early years, they can be taught to remove their friend from a situation and play elsewhere. Identify inappropriate behaviour and teach children problem solving skills and solutions to counter this behaviour.  Help us to raise kind, compassionate, respectful and capable little human beings. They need our guidance and we need them to be confident, strong and proud.  By Areeva Mahabir, Grade 00 Teacher at Crawford Village 

Prima Baby

Chicco anti-mosquito lotion and roll-on

100% natural protection for your little ones when they need it most. With Spring upon us, insects are back in full force – mosquitos in particular.

Parenting Hub

Review: nu me cake in a cup mix

Nu Me cake in a cup mix is a revolutionary product for the tasteful health industry, making homemade goods not only delicious, but bring well nutritional value.

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Medical Aid – making the right choice

Private and public healthcare has been in the news lately and will continue to be a topic of discussion around the Department of Health’s proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill as well as the current socioeconomic landscape.  Traditionally in September, private medical aids present their products, plans and pricing for 2020 to existing members, or potential members, so that they can make informed choices. ‘It is imperative that the decision you make regarding you and your family’s health and wellness is balanced against affordability,’ explains Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘For existing medical aid members, it’s the time to analyse the plan they are on, whether it meets their health needs and compare it to the various options available.  If you’re joining a scheme for the first time, you need to consider your specific healthcare needs and spend time investigating which plan will be best suited to deliver on this.’ However, medical aid plans can be confusing which is why it’s important to compare the various options and schemes to ensure you find a medical aid that works for you and your family’s health and that is within your budget. For people who have a broker, that should be the first point of call to help you can make an informed decision. Here are some steps to help simplify the decision.  Analyse your healthcare needs Completing a quick personal healthcare needs’ analysis will help you determine what level of cover you need. If you have dependants, you need to factor in their healthcare needs too.  Consider how much you and your family spent on medical expenses over the past year as a guide and then ask the following: How often did your family visit a doctor Do you require medicine often Did you or the family need to visit a specialist Are any of you in need extra cover for cancer, HIV, renal failure or any other specific conditions How much did you spend on dentistry, optometry and over-the-counter medicine Then consider which of the expenses were once-off and won’t come up again soon (like childbirth) and which are likely to come up again and again (such as flu) as well as chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.  Check how much cover you require If you find you hardly claimed (if you are on a medical aid) or have very a few medical expenses, then you will need a lower level of cover. However, if you have a large number of medical expenses, you will require one of the more comprehensive plans.   Once you’ve established this you can decide whether you require a full medical aid or a hospital plan.  Are you happy to use a network Some plans require you to use a specific GP, hospital network and have a list of preferred providers. This helps to keep costs as low as possible because the Scheme will have negotiated special rates with these services providers. Check whether there is a wide enough network in your area to cover your specific needs. Check your budget Once you have an idea of what you might need for the year ahead in terms of healthcare, then it’s time to look at your budget. Decide what you can afford and remember that the rule of thumb is that contributions should not exceed 10% of your monthly income.  Read the small print  Make sure you read all the details including the benefits. These vary from plan to plan so establish what is covered and look at whether it offers additional risk benefits which can potentially save on the day-to-date expenses. These could include anything from free wellness screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI measurements) through to maternity benefits, flu vaccinations, mammograms, pap smears and HIV tests. All of these are costly if you have to pay for them yourself. What about savings Medical savings are a fixed amount medical scheme gives you at the beginning of the year.  You can use your savings for daily out-of-hospital medical expenses, such as GP and specialist consultations and over the counter medicine. There are ways to maximise your savings but first you need to know what you annual allocation is.  Age can influence the decision If you have young children, ensure that the medical aid option you select provides sufficient child illness benefits. For young couples looking to start a family, ensure the option provides sufficient cover for maternity benefits. However, if you aging then you need an option that covers chronic conditions and provides sufficient in-hospital cover in the event of hospitalisation. Some additional advice Remember to be honest on your application form, disclose all information about you and your dependents’ health. Membership can be suspended or cancelled if you fail to do so Any waiting period or exclusions? Schemes may impose certain waiting periods for new members joining or for a pre-existing medical condition. This is based on the guidelines of the Medical Schemes Act and the specific scheme’s rules. Finally, get expert advice ‘Your health and that of your family is important so it is vital that you are comfortable with the choice you make and are confident your healthcare needs will be taken care of,’ says Callakoppen. ‘My advice is to make sure you are informed. Read the information and fine print and compare what the different plans are offering before you commit. If you are still unsure, phone the scheme and ask questions or check with your broker or financial advisor.’

Abbotts Colleges

Choosing Engineering Graphics and Design in High School

Choosing Engineering Graphics and Design as a subject for Grade 10 provides fundamental knowledge and drawing skills required for several career opportunities, namely architecture, engineering, medical technician, industrial designer, interior designer, city planner, graphic illustrator and artisan.

Parenting Hub

Review: EcoEgg Laundry Egg

A busy house always leads to loads and loads of washing so I can always get excited when someone can take the load off and make this task more economical and shorten the entire process.  This easy to use device requires little to no attention at all. After unpacking you simply fill the egg up with the pellets that come in the box.  The EcoEgg is an all natural detergent that sits within a plastic egg that you simply place on top of your wash-load.  With 210 washes at a cost of R345 and you can choose between the following fragrances: 100% Fragrance free Fresh linen Spring blossom Supported by Allergy UK and the National Eczema Society, the Laundry Egg is dermatologically tested and perfect for even the most sensitive skin. EcoEgg have a full range of eco-friendly products available on their website www.ecoegg.co.za – be sure to check them out and place your order today!

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Addiction – a dangerous trend gripping the nation

It is estimated that around 10 million – or 20% – of South Africans are abusing substances. This is according to the South African Society of Psychiatrists. Whether it is alcohol, codeine, dagga, heroin or other drugs it’s a very worrying statistic that costs the private and public healthcare industry millions annually in rehabilitation and recovery.

Abbotts Colleges

Choosing Hospitality in High School

If you’re a people’s person and thrive in environments that are geared towards customer satisfaction, then choosing hospitality studies in high school is great opportunity to consider various career paths in the entertainment, recreation, food service and hotel management industries.

Parenting Hub

The Best Gear for Family Picnics

The weather is getting warmer and it’s time to get outdoors.  One of the most exciting outings is to gather the family for a picnic. You can picnic in your own garden or venture to some of the great picnic spots around South Africa.  Here are some tips to have a fuss free picnic: 1. Pack light Make sure you pack smart and light. You never know how far you are going to need to walk to find the perfect spot. Picnic Baskets are great but can be clumsy if you are balancing a toddler on your hip as well. Backpacks make the best picnic bags. Don’t forget a good lightweight foldable picnic blanket try not weigh yourself down with heavy blankets that get damp and dirty.  2. Stay Hydrated  Keep a bottle of frozen water in your bag in summer, this will slowly melt and keep the water cold. For something sweeter for the kids the new Miracle 360° Fruit infuser cup from Munchkin makes for a healthy choice. Add your child’s favourite fruit like strawberries, oranges, or blueberries into the fruit basket, twist it into the bottom, then fill the cup with water. The twist-on fruit extractor breaks up the fruit allowing it to infuse into the water and make a fun flavourful drink! Bye, bye juice and unhealthy cooldrinks! Hello, healthy flavoured water! Plus, your kids stay hydrated and clean (or at least cleaner!) while playing at parks and scenic areas. 3. Keep the hunger at bay When packing for a picnic, it seems like there are never enough bowls to accommodate all the different snacks everyone wants.  Once again Munchkin have an answer Munchkin Love-a-Bowl comes in a set of four bowls with interchangeable lids, these come in handy when your little ones have not finished all the snacks and want to eat later. With all the tossing around in your picnic bag the lids need to be leak proof. Munchkin Love-a-Bowl are 100% guaranteed to be spill proof, leak proof and break- proof. Now that’s the kind of bowl I need on a picnic. 4. Keep the Insects away Flies and bees can be a pest on a picnic! Our top tip for this is take along your Camp Cot Mozzi net. It can come in handy if baby falls asleep in a pram or for just keeping those bugs off the food. 5. Snacks on the go If your kids enjoy food on the run, consider the Munchkin Deluxe Snack Catcher. It is designed to keep up with your toddler’s active lifestyle. This cleaver little bowl teaches self-feeding with a bit more dexterity and a lot less mess. It’s a multitasking bowl with soft flaps that are gentle enough for fingers to get through but sturdy enough to keep messes at bay (and insects out.) 6. No Stress  Picnics with kids need not be a challenge so stick to what you know your kids like to eat and drink and don’t forget something special for Mom and Dad Picnics can be a cost-effective outing, so go out and enjoy a bonding time with your family. Don’t forget to enter the picnic hamper competition on the competition page. Thank you to Munchkin for generously donating our favourite products for the prize. 

Prima Baby

Chicco anti-mosquito wet wipes

Keep your baby bite and sting free in the gentlest, yet most effective way possible, as well as the most convenient – the Chicco Anti-mosquito wet wipes.

Parenting Hub

Introducing: NuMe Cake in a Cup

When kids have a sweet tooth and time is in short supply – moms need an immediate remedy – and one that hits the sweet spot without all the negative effects of sugar! A healthy alternative.

Parenting Hub

Review: Slumber Melodies Lamb

The Summer Infant Slumber Melodies Lamb is the perfect sleep time companion. The lamb is super soft and features 6 lullabies, nature sounds and womb / heart beat sounds.

Good Night Baby

WHY DAYTIME SLEEP IS IMPORTANT AND WAYS TO IMPROVE IT

The smaller your baby, the more sleep he or she would need during the day and it is suggested that newborns should for between 6 and 9 hours per day. As your baby grows older, the need for daytime sleep gradually becomes less and it is only at the age of 2.5 years that a select few toddlers are ready to drop their daytime sleep (and even then, some quiet time is recommended). Naturally, children differ, and some toddlers may even have to take naps until they are 5 years old.

Parenting Hub

The importance of music in preschool

Music has been made and enjoyed throughout history, it is a powerful and effective way to spread a message, tell a story or express your feelings.

Abbotts Colleges

Choosing Visual Arts in High School

Visual Arts at high school level offers a multi-disciplinary programme that trains the hand and the eye, while engaging the intellect and the imagination in conceptualising and creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. This subject is about self-expression and helps students to engage meaningfully with, and respond to, their world in a non-verbal way. Students come into the art lessons often with a sense of relief, where they can be themselves, talk about all sorts of things and feel safe to do so.

Parenting Hub

The dark side of apps

In fact, according to recent reports, 6 Android apps that were downloaded a staggering 90 million times from the Google Play Store were found to have been loaded with the PreAMo malware, while another recent threat saw 50 malware-filled apps on the Google Play Store infect over 30 million Android devices. Surveillance malware was also loaded onto fake versions of Android apps such as Evernote, Google Play and Skype.

Parenting Hub

Choosing History in High School

History helps one understand the world by examining the struggles, failures and successes of our predecessors. Through this we learn how to examine ourselves and improve the world we live in. Studying History, equips us with all the qualities we require in a modern society: understanding, compassion & tolerance.

Natralogic

SAFE SKINCARE FOR MOM

Natralogic is South Africa’s first all-natural and safety approved range of skincare products designed for use during pregnancy. Now, looking and feeling good doesn’t have to mean exposing your baby to toxic chemicals! Clinically and Dermatologically certified, our products are formulated to maximize effectiveness against common pregnancy skincare concerns such as stretch marks, cellulite, swollen legs/feet and nipple pain from breastfeeding. With Natralogic skincare, you can give your body the best care and address all your pregnancy skincare concerns without worrying about the effects on your unborn baby.

Good Night Baby

ADJUSTING TO LIFE WITH TWO CHILDREN

The moment I found out I was pregnant with my second child I was in tears. These were tears of a combination of emotions: joy, happiness, fulfilment and panic. My husband and I always wanted two children, but we didn’t expect them to be 18 months apart. I knew it was going to be tough and that nothing can fully prepare you for a new human in your life, but being thrown into the deep end, for me, was the best preparation.

Prima Baby

Chicco anti-mosquito spray

100% natural protection for your little ones when they need it most. With Spring upon us, insects are back in full force – mosquitos in particular.

Parenting Hub

Teaching our children to have an attitude of gratitude

Have you noticed that we may be bringing up a generation of young people who feel so entitled to gifts, devices and whatever they desire, that gratitude is becoming a lost art? How often do you feel uncomfortable in choosing gifts for yours or other’s children because you know that the more affordable, ‘little’ things may result in a forced ‘thank-you’, or worse, a temper tantrum?

Parenting Hub

DESERT MILK

There’s a milk alternative that tastes amazing. It has a superior nutrient profile, is non-allergenic and an ethical replacement for conventionally farmed milk.  You’ve just never heard of it. After human milk, this milk most closely meets our nutritional requirements, and has numerous health-enhancing benefits that far outstrip dairy and its more common alternatives.  With an estimated 5% of the world’s population allergic to cow’s milk, and with many showing reactivity to sheep and goat’s milk and even plant-based nut milks, what’s left?  It’s a surprising answer and while it may be new to you, it’s certainly not new to North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia.  Camel milk has been consumed by nomadic and Bedouin cultures for hundreds of years, and is rapidly gaining popularity in Germany, The Netherlands and is available in supermarkets in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Dubai, Australia and the USA. POWERFUL NUTRIENTS & ANTIOXIDANTS  Camel milk is free from Beta-lactoglobulin, the main allergen in cow’s milk. It has more Vitamin C, B6, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium than cow’s milk with a far greater protein content.  It also has low milk sugar lactose along with a superior fat content and the natural antibiotics in camel milk keeps the milk fresher for a longer period.  Camel milk is also much easier to digest as it contains A2 casein which the human body can break down much more easily than the difficult-to-digest A1 casein protein.  Many of the health advantages are due to the  immunoglobulins present in camel’s milk, contributing to strengthening and building immune health.   THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS Lactoferrin is the main ingredient in camel milk, preventing microbial growth in the gut, lowering inflammation and supporting immune health. Considerable research is revealing the medical benefits of regular camel milk consumption, and some of the most important includes its ability to manage diabetes, improve the immune system, stimulate circulation, assist in the treatment of autism, lessen allergic reactions, promote growth and development, protect against certain autoimmune diseases and boost heart health. SOUNDS FANTASTIC, BUT WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE? It’s delicious! Slightly sweet, rich and creamy, it’s very comparable to cow’s milk.   IS IT AVAILABLE IN SOUTH AFRICA? Yes! Camel Milk South Africa, established in March 2015, produces fresh organic camel milk that’s frozen.  Some of the milk is pasteurised and then spray dried so it’s also available in powdered form in 100g tubs.   The camels are free roaming in a remote farm location in the Kalahari where the dry climate is ideal for the camels.  There, they are able to forage naturally on over 50 different varieties of trees, shrubs and wild grasses.  Unlike with cows, which are fed fodder and routinely treated with antibiotics and growth hormones, these camels have naturally robust immune systems which keep them healthy requiring no veterinary interventions. Nor are the calves separated from their mothers at birth; baby camels stays with their mothers for the first month and then spend time with them twice daily at milking times.   Happy, healthy camels produce the best nutritious milk!  Recommended retail price is R220 for 100g Products can be purchased online at www.camelmilksaouthafrica.co.za or www.takealot.com Products can also be purchased at various stores listed here https://camelmilksouthafrica.co.za/online-shop/fresh-milk/

Parenting Hub

CELLPHONE FREEDOM

We have become addicted to and slaves to our phones. Liberate yourself and your children from the chains of cellphone dictatorship.

Impaq

To be, or not to be a homeschooling family: Our experience

Dené worked hard and obtained her National Senior Certificate through Impaq at the end of 2012. She got accepted to the University of Pretoria and started her BA Drama in 2013. Dené has passed her master’s degree in Drama and Film Studies from UP with distinction – with the feedback that she achieved the highest mark in the department’s history! She shares her advice to current and future Impaq learners, parents, guardians, and tutors:

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