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Advice from the experts

How To Get Your Kids To Go To The Dentist

We’ve all been there as a child—apprehensive, maybe even afraid of the dentist. Now as a parent, you face the other side, helping your child beat their fear of the dentist. The good news is, there are many things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for them so that the next time they need a checkup, they go with a lot less fuss. Here are some of the things you can do to get your kids to go to the dentist. Start Dental Visits Early Many kids fear the things they don’t know. If you take them to the dentist early enough, they will be used to it long before many of their friends are. As soon as they get their first teeth, you can introduce them to the fact that there is nothing to worry about. Let Them Talk to a Dentist There is nothing wrong with calling your dentist and informing them of your child’s apprehensions. A lot of the time, they will welcome a visit so they can discuss the process with your child. Even if they don’t end up being treated that day, it can go a long way towards helping future visits. Use a Family-Friendly Dentist. Some Dentists will be friendlier than others. Given this, you want to make sure you find one that specializes in family treatments, so you know your kids are in good hands. In terms of being family friendly, North Pointe dental options are abundant. Enquire before you visit your office of choice and see how they can make your child more comfortable. Do Not Use Bribery It can be tempting to offer a reward for visiting the dentist. This can add to the tension they are feeling. If you tell them that if they don’t cry, they can have X, then they will think about why they might cry just as much as the reward. Also, any offer of a sugary reward isn’t a great idea, for obvious reasons. Give the Dentist Space There is nothing wrong with holding your child’s hand if they ask, or even if you feel like you want to. What you shouldn’t be doing is interfere if they make a fuss about the situation. The dentist will be well versed in how to help your child feel more relaxed. It will be easier for them to do so if they are given the room to. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene If you encourage your child to develop good teeth care habits, then they will better understand why a trip to the dentist is necessary. Help your child to see that a dentist will work to keep their teeth healthy. Although it can be a stressful time for both parent and child, a few simple steps can go a long way. Your future trips to the dentist will run a lot smoother when you know how to help.

April 18, 2019

Listening to Learn

Even though we use the words hearing and listening interchangeably, the difference in meaning is significant. Hearing is a sense. Listening is a learned skill. Hearing is the process, function, or power of perceiving sound. Listening is paying attention to a message in order to hear it, understand it, and physically or verbally respond to it. SEVERAL THINGS MUST HAPPEN FOR US TO LISTEN EFFECTIVELY: Sound waves carry spoken words to our ears. Sound travels through the outer ear canals (without obstruction) and then through the eardrum and middle ear without being distorted by fluid from colds, infection, or allergies. Sound then travels from the middle ear through the inner ear (which must be functioning properly as well) along the auditory nerve to the brain. Finally, the brain compares what it hears to previously stored sounds and words in order to make sense of the message and respond accordingly. “Listening is a crucial skill for young children to acquire. Listening is one of the basic building blocks of language and communication and particularly in the early years of education, one of the main vehicles for a child’s learning.” Eleanor Johnson Auditory processing disorder (also known as central auditory processing disorder or CAPD) is a condition that makes it hard for kids to recognize subtle differences between sounds in words. It affects their ability to process what other people are saying. DEFINING AN AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER: Your child passes a hearing test but is diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder. Children with auditory processing disorders typically have normal hearing. But they struggle to process and make meaning of sounds. This is especially true when there are background noises. Researchers don’t fully understand where things break down between what the ear hears and what the brain processes. But the result is clear: children with auditory processing disorder can have trouble making sense of what other people say. Typically, the brain processes sounds seamlessly and almost instantly. Most people can quickly interpret what they hear. But with an auditory processing disorder, a glitch delays or “scrambles” that process. To a child with CAPD, “Tell me how the chair and the couch are alike” might sound like “Tell me how a cow and hair are like.” The problem lies with understanding the sounds of spoken language, not the meaning of what’s being said. Some educators and other professionals’ question or doubt a diagnosis of CAPD. Not all professionals see it as a specific disorder. The medical profession didn’t start seriously studying CAPD in children until 1977. Four decades later, there’s still confusion about CAPD. The number of children with CAPD is estimated to be between 2 – 7 percent. Some experts estimate that boys are twice as likely as girls to have auditory processing disorder, but there’s no solid research to prove that. WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF AN AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER? “The kids we see are having difficulty following directions,” explains Rachel Cortese, a speech-language pathologist at the Child Mind Institute. “They ask for repetition a lot. They seem to just kind of miss things in conversations. From testing we know that their ear is hearing the signal. It’s attending to the auditory information. But they have glitches when the brain is not assigning meaning—or the right meaning—to that signal.” The term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening. Although researchers do not agree on the exact hierarchy of skills, they generally agree on what skills are essential for auditory processing success (Cochlear Americas, 2009; Johnson et al., 1997; Nevins & Garber, 2006; Roeser & Downs, 2004; Stredler-Brown & Johnson, 2004). Children with CAPD can have weaknesses in one, some or all of these areas: AUDITORY AWARENESS • Auditory Awareness – the ability to detect sound • Sound Localization – the ability to locate the sound source • Auditory Attention / Auditory Figure-Ground – the ability to attend to important auditory information including attending amid competing background noise. It would be like sitting at a party and not being able to hear the person next to you because there’s so much background chatter AUDITORY DISCRIMINATION • Auditory Discrimination of Segmentals – the ability to detect differences between specific speech sounds. The words seventy and seventeen may sound alike, for instance • Auditory Discrimination of Environmental Sounds – the ability to detect differences between sounds in the environment • Auditory Discrimination of Suprasegmentals – the ability to detect differences in non-phoneme (sound) aspects of speech including rate, intensity, duration, pitch, and overall prosody AUDITORY IDENTIFICATION • Auditory Identification (Auditory Association) – the ability to attach meaning to sounds and speech • Auditory Feedback/Self-Monitoring – the ability to change speech production based on information you get from hearing yourself speak • Auditory Discrimination of Segmentals – the ability to detect differences between specific speech sounds. The words seventy and seventeen may sound alike, for instance • Phonological Awareness (Auditory Analysis) – the ability to identify, blend, segment, and manipulate oral language structure AUDITORY COMPREHENSION • Auditory Comprehension – the ability to understand longer auditory messages, including engaging in conversation, following directions, and understanding stories • Auditory Closure – the ability to make sense of auditory messages when a piece of auditory information is missing; filling in the blanks • Auditory Memory – the ability to retain auditory information both immediately and after a delay • Linguistic Auditory Processing – the ability to interpret, retain, organize, and manipulate spoken language for higher level learning and communication CHILDREN WITH APD USUALLY HAVE AT LEAST SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: Find it hard to follow spoken directions, especially multi-step instructions Ask speakers to repeat what they’ve said, or saying, “huh?” or “what?” Be easily distracted, especially by background noise or loud and sudden noises Have trouble with reading and spelling, which require the ability to process and interpret sounds Struggle with oral (word) math problems Find it hard to follow

April 17, 2019

Motivating your teenager in preparations for examinations

Parents are often just as stressed, as their teenagers are when it comes to preparing for and writing examinations. Books and articles on the subject are limitless and easily accessible – try Googling it. The problem is, that there is just so much to read, that by the time you are done, your child would have finished schooling. The advice given in these articles is very much the same. They all speak about planning, goal setting, study methods, working environment, nutrition, rest and communication. You are bound to pick up handy hints from any article you read. You will soon realise that the advice in most articles is relatively obvious and is probably something that you would have figured out for yourself anyway. Sedhoorajan Padayachee, Principal at Abbotts Colleges Northcliff believe that it would be more helpful for parents to understand how their teenage children think and what they want during this challenging phase of growing up. If this is better understood, then motivating teenagers to study becomes a far easier task. Like all subjects in the technologically advanced world we live in, literature on understanding teenage behaviour is also exhaustive. I can however, refer you to a short and very informative article on the subject by Dr Debmita Dutta (30 December 2018) Dr Dutta reminds us that the three things teenagers want most are freedom, independence and respect. She goes on to explain that most teenagers are not motivated to study because they see studying as an unending drudgery; they believe that even if they study they will not have freedom or independence and still risk the chance of being reprimanded and not respected. Dr Dutta further proposes that parents: 1. Motivate their children to learn rather than perform 2. Don’t bribe or punish their children to learn 3. Be patient sensitive and understanding 4. Allow and encourage lots of physical activity 5. Explain the “why” behind what teenagers are studying 6. Don’t compare their child to others 7. Encourage the company of adults other than the parents 8. Give their teenagers mental challenges 9. Do not try to control 10. Allow friendships 11. Do not criticise 12. Do not be grumpy and complain 13. Show their passion not their worry 14. Do not pressurise teenagers with praise 15. Stop panicking and looking disappointed. All of the above recommendations are substantiated in the article, which is a must-read. Parents are advised to always be around, if possible, when their children are studying. Leaving them alone is strongly discouraged as this could be interpreted as neglect and indifference. Just be around for moral support without creating the sense that you are policing them. Besides, by just being around, the temptation for your teenager to do something else during study time will be discouraged. You may feel that it is premature to offer this kind of advice now, considering that it is so long before the June examination. Parents and students have become accustomed to receiving guidance on examination preparation three or four weeks before the examination. This is probably why students do not do as well as they are capable of. Examination preparation should not start a few weeks before the examination. It should start at the beginning of the year in the classroom from day one. Students must listen to their teachers with intent all day, every day. Encourage your children to pay attention in class ensuring that nothing distracts them. More than half the battle is won in the classroom. Absence must be discouraged at all cost, unless it is unavoidable. Students believe that they will make up for lessons missed on their own – this is not the same as receiving instruction from the teacher. This is the first step to successfully preparing for the examinations. Stress and anxiety can be avoided if preparation is constant and not crammed just before an examination. Inculcate these good habits in your teenager and you will pave the way for their success. Written by: Sedhoorajan Padayachee, Principal at Abbotts College Northcliff

April 16, 2019

Chicco Bottle warmer and milk containers

With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item. We all want convenience when it comes to feeding times, yet it’s not always easy when working, or bringing up other children. Chicco has a great solution for moms of newborn and younger babies when it comes to storing and warming food. The Chicco bottle warmer is a simple, fast and safe way to warm up feeding containers in a convenient and speedy fashion. The warmer keeps food warm for up to an hour and even comes with its own internal support system to help elevate smaller bottles and feeding containers. Another way to store food, especially milk, is with the simple Chicco 150ml milk container. With tight seal lids, food can be stored by expressing directly into the containers. Pureed foods are also easily store and frozen in these little jars. They come in packs of 4. Together this combo of convenience makes heating, storing and freezing food one less stress in a busy mom’s life. Available at Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.

April 15, 2019

How mindfulness can improve parent well-being

It’s the nature of parenting that the many delights and joys we find in our children are interwoven with stresses, anxieties and frustrations that can drain from us, enormous amounts of physical, mental and emotional energy. Somatic psychologist and best-selling author of The Mindful Body, Noa Belling points out that finding ways to top up our energy can make all the difference to our well-being and how we treat our children. Noa describes a zone of well-being that we aspire to be living in. It’s also referred to as a zone of resilience or a window of tolerance. “In this zone we feel well and happy,’ she says. “We feel cool, calm, collected and connected to others. We feel like we can cope with life’s ups, downs and busy-ness. At these times we’re effective at getting things done; we are well-attuned to our children; we rebound quickly from setbacks and if things get tough, we can more easily find creative ways to address our challenges. In the zone of well-being, we are best version of ourselves.” The reason for this increased capacity is that our brain is actually functioning better when we’re relaxed and feeling well. We have better access to the more evolved parts of our brains which helps us think intelligently and creatively, and make better choices. By contrast, when we’re outside our zone of well-being, feeling overwhelmed, out of control or really angry or upset; we are flooded with stress hormones and the primitive brain parts take over to offer urgent survival responses such as fight or flight. Noa says: “Parents can recognise this in outbursts shouted with full fury, such as: “I have had enough of this! Go to your room! Stop or there is no iPad for a week! Or even perhaps, smacking your child or lashing out with insults. From our brain’s point of view, when we feel this way it overrides our rational intelligence as well as our ability to think creatively, to see the bigger picture and to come from a place of love. Sometimes our angry reaction does help to make things happen or get our message across. But all too often, when we feel pushed over the edge, parents can be left feeling shaken, helpless and regretful of their actions. Quite simply when we have a strong relationship with our zone of well-being, we become better parents and healthier of mind and body.” Unfortunately the rigours, not just of parenting, but of demanding, fast-paced modern life as well, result in many of us finding ourselves outside the zone of well-being more often than not. However, Noa points out that we do not need to be at the mercy of this. “We can deliberately connect with and strengthen our zone of well-being and resilience by making time for things that help us feel well,” she says. “These include well-known strategies like healthy eating, regular exercise, quality time with family and friends, feeling purposeful in life, and getting enough sleep. There are also simple, mindful strategies that we can use on-the-spot and weave into our days to help us plug back into this zone when we have spun out of control. By making a regular practice and developing mindful habits, benefits accumulate to strengthen our zone of well-being, literally rewiring our brains for the long term. Then we become less likely to spin out of control and if we do, we bounce back more quickly.” Parents can use these on-the-spot strategies adapted from Noa Belling’s The Mindful Body to connect with and strengthen their zone of well-being: Hand to chest – Place a hand on your chest to remind you to come from love. This is a great one to use in the midst of chaotic moments. Soon as you realise you are all worked up, pause for a few seconds, place a hand on your chest where it feels best and allow a good deep breath. Touch releases oxytocin, our cuddle and intimacy hormone, quickly lowering our stress hormone levels and helping us think more clearly. This helps us feel kinder and more compassionate towards ourselves and those around us. Soon as you feel a shift, release your hand and carry on with your day from this more connected, kinder place. Make this a family practice by teaching this simple strategy to your children and take a moment to do it together when they are stressed and overwhelmed. Remember to breathe! Pausing to take a few deep breaths now and again can help oxygenate both body and brain. This can give us a boost of energy and remind us to release pent up tension. Using a body scan with this can help, pausing now and again through your day to scan your body for tension and breathing nice fresh air through your body and being. This can be a quick reset that can help you feel more in control. Again, it’s a valuable strategy for children too. Mark transitions lovingly through good eye contact and a habit of a hello and goodbye hug for those in your family. This is a suggestion by relationship expert Stan Tatkin that has mutual benefit to both people involved in the hug. The body contact stimulates oxytocin to help us feel calmer in ourselves and more connected with each other. It also can help us change gears into our zone of well-being in just a few seconds, which can go on to last for a while after especially if we savour the feelings for as long as possible. Orient to the present moment. The more we live in the moment instead of in our thoughts about the moment, the less we can complicate our lives with unnecessary worries. If you are feeling overwhelmed or mentally frenetic, pause for a few seconds to notice your surroundings through your five senses. Notice the sights, sounds and smells as well as the taste in your mouth. Touch a couple of objects in your vicinity and place

April 15, 2019

First Aid Tips Every Mom Should Know

I was recently asked by All4Women to put together my top 10 first aid tips for moms. I wanted to share these with all of you in this blog post. You can find more tips in my MiniKit Pocket Guide (https://www.oneaid.co.za/product/minikit/). Keep emergency numbers on speed dial: Every parent should know who to call in an emergency. You should also teach this to your children. Write the numbers down and stick them on your fridge or somewhere near the phone. Cuts and scrapes: Stop any bleeding by pressing firmly on the wound with a gauze or cloth. Then rinse the wound under cool running water before applying a dressing such as a plaster. Tap water is perfectly fine, you don’t need fancy antiseptic solutions. Burns: Rinse burns under cool running water for up to 20 minutes. This will prevent any further damage and reduce pain. Do not use freezing cold water or ice Bee stings: Remove the stinger if still attached and apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. Don’t use tweezers as this may squeeze out more poison. Rather scrape the stinger off with a flat-edged object such as a bankcard. Nosebleed: Lean your child forward so they don’t swallow any blood and pinch the nose closed just below the bony part. Blood can irritate the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting. Broken bones: If you suspect a broken bone don’t move the limb or apply any weight. Splint the injured limb to prevent any movement before going to the emergency room. Seizures: Never put anything into the mouth of a child who is having a seizure. This includes medicines for fever if your child is having a febrile convulsion. Roll your child onto his or her side and wait for the seizure to stop. Heat exhaustion: Get your child out of the heat and elevate his or her legs. Prevention is key so make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids before and during any activity in hot weather. Poisoning: If you suspect your child has swallowed a potentially harmful substance do not make them vomit or give them anything to eat or drink unless told to do so by emergency services. Here are 10 essential tips to prevent poisoning in your home (https://www.oneaid.co.za/10-essential-tips-to-prevent-poisoning-inyour-home/). Be prepared: Always have a well stocked first aid kit on hand so you can manage minor injuries without delay and reduce the risk of infection or severity of injury. Be sure to follow me on Instagram @oneaidsa

April 15, 2019

Review: Chicco Natural Feeling Bottle Range

Finding the perfect bottle that easily transitions between breastfeeding and bottle feeding is hard, to say the least. The Chicco bottles are not only the wide neck and have a soft nipple-like teat but have the perfect flow depending on the stage of feeding that your baby is at. The uniquely designed teat sits on the side of the silicon base rather than the middle of the bottle which improves comfort all round for your baby and it is what aids in baby switching so easily from breast to bottle. Most importantly the angled teat aids in reducing colic significantly. Each bottle comes with a drip proof cap and uniquely angled teat which is supported by 96% of baby’s. Their range accommodates for: O Months 2 Months 4 Months 6”Plus Once your baby reaches the 6 month plus bottle, the teat is then swopped to an elongated teat which accommodates for a stronger latch from your little one. You are able to purchase between with the: 150ml – 0+ months 250ml – 2 + months 330ml – 6 + months The bottles themselves are made from high quality plastic which is free from harmful chemicals . They are shaped in a way that really makes it easier for mom to hold and feed baby. Due to the wide neck, the bottles are also easier to clean than most other bottles on the market. The Variable Flow Teat which is made from 100% soft silicon, helps reduce side mouth leakage when feeding and ensures that baby drinks comfortably at all times. Best of all, the variable flow teat can increase as you change your baby’s bottles as they grow. Available at Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers. Disclaimer: Breastfeeding is always recommended

April 12, 2019

Can Mom Drink Coffee When Breastfeeding?

Food and drink restrictions while pregnant are normal and expected. But how about after the little one arrives? After 9 good months of deprivation and caution, can you actually go back to your normal eating/drinking life? Most pregnant women pay attention to anything they take; wondering if that tiny bite of sushi or soft cheese will affect their little ones. The worry continues even for any breastfeeding mom. Just as you were restricted to taking certain foods/drinks when pregnant, the same restrictions still prevail even when breastfeeding. You might have heard some mom say that taking in cabbage made their baby gassy. Others say taking in coffee kept their little ones awake all night. The major question here is can mom drink coffee when breastfeeding? Does the baby sip some coffee through the breast milk? If so, is it safe for her/him? Well, to some degree, it is safe, mostly when the little one is more than 3 months old. Here is what happens when you take a cup of coffee when breastfeeding. Factors Determining The Caffeine Effects On A Baby There are several factors that determine how caffeine will affect a baby. Though it is not recommended for mom to take caffeine when pregnant, some still do it. Well, such babies are likely to have less caffeine reaction after birth. This means that if you are hundred percent sure you did not take caffeine when pregnant, your baby will have more reaction to caffeine after birth. Besides coffee intake, while pregnant, another factor that determines the effects of caffeine is the age of your little one. Babies below six months tend to react more to caffeine than older ones. So, you can skip taking coffee or other caffeine-rich drinks for these first 6 months. This will allow the baby to have a better excreting and processing of caffeine as they grow. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, newborn kids take around 160 hours to process caffeine. Those are 6 good days! On the other hand, when a baby is 6 months old, it should take them almost 3 to 7 hours. So, How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Just 1% of caffeine intake goes into the breast milk through the bloodstream. The caffeine in your breast milk starts to peak almost one hour after consumption. On to the issue of how much caffeine is too much, that really depends on the mother and their little one. Some babies might process caffeine efficiently and quickly. Such a baby will have fewer effects of caffeine. Usually, pregnant or breastfeeding moms should not take more than 300mg of caffeine each day. Those are about two cups of coffee – based on the brew. According to Healthychildren.org, taking three cups of coffee or less throughout the day might show some or no caffeine in the kid’s urine. Can A Baby Be Sensitive To Caffeine Intake? If you consume over 300 mg of caffeine every day, then, the answer to this question is yes. Your baby will show symptoms of caffeine stimulation such as being fussy, irritable and fails to sleep for long. In such a case, a breastfeeding mom should substitute coffee with caffeine-free drinks at least for one or two weeks. Within these two weeks or after, you should notice a significant difference in how your baby behaves. If indeed caffeine stimulation was the cause, your baby will become less fussy after a few days – that is – when you eliminate caffeine. Can Caffeine Decrease The Supply Of Breast Milk? Fortunately, there is no research pointing out that caffeine can lower milk supply. However, the myth about caffeine and milk decrease is widespread. Most new moms take caffeine and none has stated any diverse impacts of caffeine on breast milk supply. In the light of this, no clinical observation or study that proves caffeine can reduce the supply of breast milk. In fact, a Nehlig & Debry study (1994) shows that caffeine intake can indeed stimulate the production of breast milk. Nonetheless, caffeine stimulation might make a baby jittery and fussy baby. Such a baby might not nurse properly. As a result, your milk supply can decrease with time. Take note, the mom’s intake of caffeine did not cause a decrease in milk supply. Rather it was caused by the decrease in nursing. Other Caffeine Sources Though coffee is a source of caffeine, it is not the only one. According to Dailycupo.com, Energy/sports drinks, soft drinks, and tea also contain caffeine. More so, some prescription and over-the-counter medications, any food containing chocolate or coffee also have caffeine. Further, green tea, herbal products that have Paullina/guarana cupana and yerba mate are sources of caffeine. Therefore, any mother worried about the caffeine the take should take note of these other caffeine-rich drinks and foods. The Takeaway There is no scientific study that states you should avoid taking a coffee when breastfeeding. However, it would be wise if you enjoyed your cup of hot coffee in moderation. Some of the strategies you can use to control your caffeine intake are: Paying close attention to your baby: some little babies are highly sensitive to caffeine. Thus, they may become restless or fussy in case your breast milk has excessive caffeine. Monitor how any other dietary option affects your baby; not just caffeine. A drink with high sugar concentration, for instance, can have similar effects to the baby as caffeine does. Acknowledge that your health, as a breastfeeding mom, matters as well. Here you should evaluate why you need caffeine in the first place. Do you want it to help you deal with regular nighttime wakeups? Or you want coffee to boosting or maintain your energy level?If your answer to either of these two questions, then you should take coffee in moderation. Take coffee immediately after a pumping session or nursing. This strategy becomes successful when you know how frequent your baby nurses. In doing so, the caffeine in your baby milk will have enough time to drop before your

April 12, 2019

Understanding your baby better through Sensory Intelligence®

How often have you heard parents say: “My kids differ like day and night.” A detailed elaboration usually follows on the afore-mentioned statement, highlighting not only differences in appearance, but also in personality, behaviour and reactions to the world. Why is it that children from the same biological mother and father can be so different and unique? To answer this question, we need to go back to the very beginning of development. During infancy, it is all about the senses! Development, maturation and integration of a baby’s sensory systems is a major building block towards future development, learning and acquisition of skills. A baby experiences the world around them through their seven senses, consisting of the five familiar “visible” senses i.e. sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch; and the two less-familiar “hidden” senses that relate to movement i.e. the vestibular sense and proprioception. The vestibular sense tells them when their bodies are displaced and helps to orient movement for them. The proprioceptive or body sense gives them feedback from muscle movement and joint position. The information they receive through their senses becomes their first awareness of the outside world. As human beings, our brains are constantly flooded with information from our senses. This information gets filtered and organized to enable us to focus only on important input and ignore irrelevant information. Thankfully this happens on a subconscious level. Had it not been for this filtering process, we would be aware of each and every sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and movement, every second of every waking day. That is quite an exhausting thought, isn’t it! When a sensory stimulus is relevant and important to the brain, it gets registered on a conscious level and a reaction is elicited. Think of a baby in its mother’s arms, hearing its mother’s voice, smelling its mother’s scent, seeing the outlines of its mother’s face… and then the heart-warming reaction, making up for countless sleepless nights: a big, bright baby smile. This process happens on an ongoing basis in all of us: newborns, infants, toddlers, school-going children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Our differences and uniqueness in reaction and behaviour is a result of each individual’s neurological threshold. A neurological threshold is the amount of stimuli required for a nerve cell or neuron to respond. An individual with a high threshold, requires more stimulation to trigger a reaction, while low thresholds, on the other side of the continuum, requires less stimulation to trigger a reaction. Think of a newborn baby going home for the first time: some of these little humans are happy being held and passed on from relative to relative, while others will soon let you know, in no uncertain terms, that they want to be laid down in a quiet space with minimal contact from the outside world. Same age, same scenario, same sensory input… but very different behaviour. In her ground-breaking book, “Sensory Intelligence®, why it matters more than IQ and EQ”, Dr Annemarie Lombard use the analogy of a Sensory Tree™ to help explain these individual differences. Individuals with high thresholds are like the leaves of a tree. They seek sensory input, and enjoy activity, variety and change, just like leaves enjoy sunlight and blowing in the wind. On the other hand, the low threshold individuals resemble the roots of a tree, avoiding sensory input. They need less stimulation, more quiet space, clear expectations and prefer predictable routine, just like roots prefer the quiet calmness underground. And then we have the typical thresholds who are neither high nor low thresholds. They can be described as the trunk of the tree. These individuals usually cope well in all kinds of life situations and are not bothered by too little or too much sensory input. This applies to little human beings as well, since sensory thresholds are mainly part of your genetic make-up. It’s important to keep in my mind that there is no right or wrong. Their (and our) profiles are merely a reflection of who we are, and nothing needs to be fixed… just understood. Let’s now look at characteristics of a typical little leaf and a typical little root. We will not be going into detail about our little trunks, since they will mostly not be overly affected by too little or too much sensory stimuli. A typical little baby leaf might: enjoy being amongst people be very active throughout the day enjoy making sounds with his/her mouth enjoy looking at moving objects such as ceiling fans enjoy looking at shiny objects not be bothered by wet or dirty diapers enjoy finger foods and not be bothered by the messiness that comes along with it enjoy swinging, rocking and being lifted into the air seek opportunities to feel vibrations such as stereo speakers, tumble dryer mouth all kinds of objects On the other side of the continuum, a typical baby root might: enjoy having regular quiet time have difficulty getting to sleep and easily be awakened startle at sound, compared to other babies of the same age be fussy feeders resist being held get fussy when exposed to bright lights become agitated when having hair washed, nails trimmed, and face wiped become upset when placed on back to change his/her diaper become agitated when crawling on certain surfaces such as grass, sand, carpet, tiles not cope well when their daily schedule change As adults, we self-regulate to maintain our optimal level of focus, attention and comfort. An adult leaf can add sensory input to his/her life, just as an adult root can structure their environment to avoid unnecessary sensory input. Our little infant leaves and roots does not always have the ability to self-regulate and cannot adapt their environments according to their individual needs. When this happens, they can easily go into a state of sensory overload, which I’m sure most people in this room will be familiar with. Typical signs of sensory overload might include: gaze aversion, or staring irritability inconsolable crying frantic, disorganised, jerky movements tongue

April 11, 2019

Tips To Using A Manual Breast Pump

Using a manual breast pump is not as arduous as some moms think it should be. The beauty of manual pumping is that it is actually really simple to master. However, if you are feeling reservations to this type of pump and are unsure of how you will manage to operate it, read on below now. We will give you an easy, step by step guide to using a manual breast pump. Using A Manual Breast Pump – The Steps Every Mom Needs To Know Before pumping, ensure you have thoroughly washed the pump as well as your hands Read the provided instruction manual carefully to familiarize yourself with your pump Always pump in a room which is secluded and leaves you in a state of relaxation Have a picture of your baby on hand – this helps stimulate milk production in most moms Gently begin to pump and find a rhythm which suites you – if you do not express immediately, do not worry, it may take you a few minutes before let down occurs Once you do begin to produce milk, try different pumping tempos to try and best match your baby’s suckle Try to switch breasts consistently to allow each to express – ensure each breast has been pumped for 15 minutes minimum Tips For Using A Manual Pump Know What You’re Looking For: before investing in a breast pump, know what it is you are looking for. Research thoroughly into whether you want an electronic pump, a manual pump or would prefer to rent a hospital grade pump in the beginning. See which will best suit both your lifestyle and your budget. Practice Makes Perfect: try practicing with your pump for a while before you actually plan on pumping regularly. For instance, if you are planning on going back to work, and have mainly been breastfeeding, begin to pump two weeks before you plan on making it a regular routine. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the machine and how long it will take you to express. Dress For The Occasion – make sure that what you wear is suited to pumping. Generally, more flowy pieces which button down in the front are ideal.

April 11, 2019

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHILD’S ACADEMICS

Believe in yourself. Assess your current academic performance and set appropriate academic goals. Make a commitment to your goals by creating a dream board and displaying it on your mirror. Get organised. Set up a study schedule/timetable and keep to it. You should study in a well-equipped area (proper desk and chair) with sufficient light and ventilation. Avoid distractions, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, computer games, game consoles and TV. Ensure that your workbooks for each subject is as neat (as possible), organised, dated and up to date. Do not fall behind. File all extra notes, papers and memo’s immediately by pasting them into your workbook. Drafting a schedule/timetable. It is important to allocate time for Homework time. Study breaks – Rule of thumb is a break of 10 – 15 minutes after each 45-minute study session. However, everyone has a different attention span. Do not use this as an excuse to procrastinate. Do not “cram” – you will probably soon forget the content. Your goal. should be to study for long term memory effect throughout the year. Allocate time for relaxation, family and friends. Preparation for ANY subject includes: Completing your homework, yourself. If possible, try to mark it before you go to class. This way you already know what to ask the teacher. Do complete corrections during class discussions. Albert Einstein (is broadly credited to have) exclaimed: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results” .Learn from your mistakes. If you are still confused, make sure to visit the teacher during compulsory homework. Then try it on your own, until you are proficient. Studying is not a spectator sport. To become the best, you need to partake and practice. How to get better at Math If you struggle with a specific calculation, try to break it down into simpler more manageable concepts. Memorise the theory, such as formulas, theorems, properties, definitions, proves, rules, sketches etc. You should know all of these by heart. If you struggle to remember these, try to connect the new unfamiliar concept to something that is already familiar to you, for example a rhyme, a parody or sketch. When revising/preparing for exams and tests, return to worked examples and activities in your workbook. Practise these before you move on to past papers. Practice past papers. Not one or two, but as many as you can lay your hands on!! Use a search engine, such as Google to download past papers. If you can only find a few past papers, practice these until you are completely proficient in the calculations and time management. Humans are complex. Memory includes visual, auditory and tactile memory. When studying you should SAY it, WRITE it and SKETCH it. Practice to complete a task against a time limit to ensure that you will be able to finish in time during exams and tests. Revise, revise, revise… DO NOT rewrite the textbook. Use effective tools such as mind maps, flow diagrams or mnemonic devices (memory games). You need to find a tool or tools that work for you. Revise the previous day’s work before you go to class the next day. You should PRACTICE and REVISE subject content on a CONTINUOUS and DAILY basis! How to prepare for practical subjects such as CAT, IT, Drama, Visual Arts and Design? PRACTICING new skills daily. You will not become proficient if you do not practice. REVISE your theory by breaking it up into smaller, manageable sections and spreading it over time. Pay attention to the glossary in the back of the textbook and summaries at the end of each chapter. Pay attention to new trends and technology features in the daily news. Practice to complete a task against a time limit to ensure that you will be able to finish in time during exams. Keep to deadlines for Practical Assessment Tasks. Do not procrastinate. These need time to develop, grow on you and take shape. The teacher cannot help you, if you are not at school! To do your best, you must get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals and drink water. DO NOT drink caffeine laden energy drinks. It is bad for your health and your brain! Do not work into the early hours of the morning, you will not be able to concentrate in class or perform well in tests – sleep enough. Reward yourself between study breaks with activities you love. Get your priorities in order – what is your dream for your future? (If you do not have a dream it is high time you get one!) Implement the plan – do not procrastinate. Eat little bits of the elephant (a big task) by prioritising, setting goals and rewarding yourself for completing steps. Written by: Sanet van Rensburg, Principal at Abbotts College Centurion

April 10, 2019

Surviving the newborn stage – 6 top tips

Becoming a parent fills you with so many emotions – joy, happiness, love, apprehension, fear…you name it. When you are in hospital though, you (and baby) are looked after 24/7 by the wonderful nursing staff. They help you feed your baby, swaddle your baby, bath your baby and even put your baby to sleep. Then just as you think you can handle your baby…you get discharged and you, your spouse and baby have to fend for yourselves. The key is not to panic – you will panic – but try not to. The below are some of the tips that I have learnt along the way in this journey of motherhood. Have everything prepared Being pregnant is a walk in the park compared to brining your baby home. Your baby has everything it needs in your womb; now that you have given birth you need to actively look after this tiny human. Being prepared is having all your basics ready at home – the cot, baby clothes washed and packed, the nursery all set up, formula and sterilisers (if you are bottle feeding) or nursing pads (if you are breast feeding) and mommy supplies (snacks, magazines, movies etc) to occupy yourself during those first few weeks when baby just seems to sleep and feed. Have a support network Whether it is your spouse, your mom, your mom-in-law or friends – use them. Use your people to your advantage, it might be to help with the housework, hold the baby so you can take a shower and eat a proper meal or just someone to talk you. Don’t hold in your emotions You have just had a baby; your hormones are going to be all over the place. This doesn’t mean you are crazy or you don’t love your baby. If you are having feelings of self doubt and worry, express them. If you need to scream into a pillow, do it. If you need to cry, cry. Letting your emotions out into the open is natural and healthy. Sleep when you can Many people say “sleep when the baby sleeps”, I was not one of those people, when the baby slept I was worry that she wasn’t breathing so I would check on her every 10 minutes, or I had that 20 minutes to shower and eat a meal. My advice is bringing sleep when you can even if you sleep upright holding your baby. Put down the baby books You invested in all the literature, you read all the baby books but now that your newborn is home you wonder “is she sleeping too much?”, “is she awake past the recommended time?” The baby books are great and are fantastic reference tools, but you are the only person that truly knows your baby, so use and trust your instincts. Enjoy every day This is the tough one, as each day presents a new challenge. You will be tired, you will be anxious, you will doubt yourself, but try to enjoy your newborn. My favourite moment is when I put my little girl to sleep, singing her a lullaby and she falls asleep in my arms. Time is too precious to wish this phase away, it will be difficult, but before you know it, your newborn will be a toddler. Contributed by Kathy Cowell of Little Ashford Preschool

April 10, 2019

Everything You Need To Know About The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

The Medela Harmony is a manual breast pump perfect for every mom. This little breast pump is packed with pros for every woman. Read on below now for everything you need to know about the Medela Harmony pump. About The Medela Harmony The Medela Harmony pump is one of the most innovative manual breast pumps on the market. This can be attributed largely to its 2-phase expression technology. This mimics a baby’s feeding pattern with two different pumping phases: Stimulation – this phase is dedicated to stimulate the breast to begin milk production. Expression – this phase is when you expresss the let down and you begin to express milk. Above this, the Medela Harmony has been designed in a way to be comfortable, safe and easy to use. This pump is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport for all moms on the go. Furthermore, the pump is free from any BPAs, making it safe for you and your baby to use! Features Of The Medela Harmony Breast Pump BPA Free: every part of this pump which come into contact with your breastmilk are completely free from BPAs Swivel Handle: this innovative handle is great for all moms, as it allows you to position the handle in a comfortable position whilst pumping 2-Phase Expression Technology: this incredible type of pumping technology ensures that you get more milk in less time during the expression phase Spill Less: the set comes with a bottle stand, allowing you to easily store your expressed milk upright once pumped to avoid spills Win The Medela Harmony Today! This month, we are bringing you the Medela Harmony as our monthly give away. Be sure to check out our competition page now. You could be walking away with this great, innovative little breast pump so don’t miss out!

April 10, 2019

Autism: What is it, what are the signs and who can help?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of conditions that affect a person’s social communication, sensory processing, thinking and emotional regulation. It is a lifelong condition that has a spectrum of difficulties. Savannah Senior, Clamber Club Expert and Speech-Language therapist, sheds some light on Autism, the signs and how you can help your little one. This means that a child with ASD will have small to significant difficulties in each area of the spectrum. Although many people describe a spectrum as a line, a circle can also be used. This can sometimes give one a better idea that a child may function better in one area and less so in another. Sensory Processing: The ability to process and integrate all your senses and use them in a functional way. For example, to hear the teacher’s voice, seeing her writing on the board, feeling the pen in your hand = processing this information and understanding that you need to copy the teacher’s writing = motor movements of you writing. Children with ASD frequently struggle to process and integrate the sensory information that they receive from their environment. Social Communication: Communicating with others and sharing joy in social relationships. Children with ASD are impacted in this area of communication as they struggle to understand others facial expressions and body language; are more literal than figurative; struggle to make eye contact; find it difficult to share attention together with someone else etc. Thinking: Children with ASD may think in a rigid manner meaning that they cannot understand or accept alternatives when they were not expected. Thinking ahead may be difficult and new unexpected situations may be difficult. Routines often help with this. They frequently have fixed interests. Emotional Regulation: This is being able to monitor and modify emotional reactions to situations that may distress you. If one cannot emotionally regulate, behavioural difficulties can often be observed. When you are well regulated, you can recognise when you need to implement a regulation strategy such as talking to our friends, taking a break when you need it, sleeping enough, exercising etc. Children with ASD find regulating their emotions difficult and this can often result in self-harm, physical aggression, or inconsolable children. Behavioural difficulties are frequently associated with children who have ASD. It is important to remember that every behaviour is a communication. The cause of ASD is unknown but it is thought that it is a combination of genetic and environmental components. At one point it was thought that MMR vaccinations caused ASD, but this has been extensively researched and has shown that there are no links between ASD and MMR vaccinations. What to look for: ASD comes in all shapes and sizes, in other words, every child is different! Not every child will present with the same signs. Here are a few signs to look out for, but remember that a child usually has a few or many of these signs and may have ones that are not mentioned here: Struggling with non-verbal communication including: eye-contact (receiving and using); understanding and using facial expressions and body language Delayed understanding and use of language. Difficulties understanding figurative language. Children with ASD will frequently take phrases literally i.e. It’s raining cats and dogs. A child with ASD will look up to see where the cats and dogs are. Lack of interest in other children. They frequently prefer to play alone or alongside children. Difficulty understanding their own and other people’s emotions and feeling. Echolalia: repeating words, phrases or sentences (immediately or later) without fully understanding their meaning. Oversensitive to touch, light, textures or sounds. Lack of imaginative or pretend play. Children on the spectrum will frequently play with toys in an unusual way such as lining them up, spinning or opening/closing a toy instead of playing with it as a whole. Enjoying routine and structure. Difficulty moving from one activity to the next or difficulty getting them to engage in an activity (seems as if they have poor attention). Preference for repetitive activities and games such as lining things up, opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, putting things in something and taking them out etc. Arm flapping, self-harm, uncontrollable temper tantrums and other behavioural difficulties. What to do? If you are concerned that your child is presenting with signs of Autism, seek help. It is best to contact your child’s Paediatrician who will be able complete a developmental assessment and either diagnose your child or refer your child for further assessments. Autism South Africa can also help you on your quest of answers! They can be contacted through their website: http://aut2know.co.za/. Some General Tips: Make things visual! Children on the spectrum are usually visual learners. Use pictures to help improve your child’s understanding of up-coming events and situations. This can include photographs, line drawing, visual schedules, showing your child an object/action while speaking etc. When communicating, break things into smaller phrases i.e. instead of saying, ‘Put your coat on and go to the car,’ rather say, ‘Put your coat on’ child puts coat on ‘Go to the car.’ Remember that all behaviour is a communication. You can try deciphering what your child is saying by keeping a log of: the behaviour that occurred, what happened before this and how you helped your child become regulated again. Look through them to try find patterns. Avoid figurative language. Copy your child’s actions and play routines to enter their world.

April 10, 2019

Keeping Your Children Safe During Bath time

I’m sure many of you will agree that bath time is loads of fun for our kids. Whilst the bathroom is a fun place, it can also be a scary place with a number of dangerous hazards such as the drowning, burns and poisoning. It’s important that you are always in the bathroom with your children before, during and after bath time. Drowning is a major cause of death in children under five years. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commision in the United States, 80% of the 87 children, under five years who drown at home each year, have drowned in the bathtub. Young children are top heavy and can slip suddenly and drown in very little water. Infants and toddlers also don’t have the upper body and core strength to lift themselves up if that slip under the water. HOW TO RUN A BATH Keep your child away from the bath until the water is the right temperature. The safe temperature of bath water should be between 37oC and 38oC (36OC for a newborn). Children have thinner skin than adults so they can burn much more quickly. Even if the bath feels warm to you it may be hot to your little one. Your plumber can also set the thermostat of your geyser to a maximum of 50oC. Always fill your bath with cold water first. Your child could put his hand or foot in the water before the bath is ready and get burnt. If you have a mixer tap, run hot and cold together but start with the cold and slowly increase the amount of hot. Run cold water through the tap before your child gets into the bath to cool the tap and prevent them from getting burnt if they touch it. If you have a mixer tap, point the lever on the cold setting when you are finished running the bath to ensure the hot water does not get accidentally turned on in the bath. Do not overfill the bath. Fill the bath water to just over your little one’s knees. HOW TO HAVE A S-A-F-E BATH S: Supervision is key! Always supervise babies, toddlers and children less than six years in the bath and when you run the water. Never leave an older child to supervise. A: Arrange everything you will need for bath time in advance for e.g. towel, soap, shampoo, nappy, clean clothes and any medications.F: Feel the water with your elbow first. It should feel warm but not hot. You can also use a water thermometer. Remember to swirl the water around to ensure an even temperature with no hot pockets. E: Empty the bath as soon as bath time is over. SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS Slips, trips and falls in the bathtub and shower are a common cause of injury in young children and according to statistics more common than tub drownings. Use a non-slip mat in the bath. If you are using a bath seat or ring, your child will still need to be supervised. A bath seat is not a safety device. These seats are actually associated with an increasing number of reported drownings. This is because the device gives parents a false sense of security and they are therefore more likely to leave their baby alone in the bath. Infants should be bathed in the bathroom basin or a smaller infant bathtub. This way they can’t roll over or ever be completely covered by the water. Wipe up any splashes before your kids get out the bath so that nobody, including you, can slip and hit their head. As your kids get older you should also teach them to remain seated in the bath and not to stand up and jump. Be sure to keep a MiniKit in your bathroom for peace of mind. Each kit contains a range of thoughtfully selected first aid items geared towards common childhood injuries. You can purchase one here: https://www.oneaid.co.za/product/minikit/ WHEN CAN YOU STOP SUPERVISING YOUR CHILD IN THE BATH? This is a difficult question to answer as children mature at different ages. Since most children who drown in bathtubs are under the age of five, the general consensus is children under the age of six should never be allowed to bath alone and even those over six should be closely monitored. Even if your child knows how to swim you should never be too far away. OTHER BATHROOM HAZARDS Toilet: luckily my daughter has never been interested in exploring the toilet bowl but I have had moms tell me how their child likes to play with the water in the toilet. Keep the toilet lids closed at all times and if your little one is particularly curious install a toilet-lid lock. Appliances: make sure any electrical appliances in the bathroom are unplugged and out of reach when your child is having a bath. Regular plug sockets may actually not be fitted in bathrooms for safety reasons so rather keep extension cords out. Medicines: many of us keep medication in the bathroom. Make sure they are all locked away, out of sight and out of reach. Dangerous items: make sure you keep cosmetics, razor blades, nail scissors, cleaning products and other dangerous items away. Don’t get distracted during bath time. Keep your phone on silent or rather keep it out of the bathroom and join in on the fun. You could also try having a shower with your child instead for some extra fun. My daughter loves this and the best part is that I manage to get cleaned up as well freeing up some time later in the evening for something else. Just make sure you get a slip-proof mat for the shower first. RESOURCES https://www.aappublications.org/news/2015/11/11/PPBath111115 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000154.htm http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19596735 https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/124/2/541.long https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/100/4/e1.long?utm_source=TrendMD&utm_medium=TrendMD&utm_campaign=Pediatrics_TrendMD_0

April 9, 2019

Chicco Electric & Microwave Sterilizers

With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item. Whether breast or bottle feeding, there’s no messing around when it comes to germs – and there comes a time when all moms will need to deep clean and sterilize feeding utensils and containers. Whether using the SteriNatural electric sterilizer or the conventional microwave sterilizer, Chicco has the solution with economical, practical and safe items. Both sterilizers use the properties of steam to thoroughly penetrate all nooks and crannies of your baby feeding items and obliterate germs. The electric sterilizer not only cleans feeding jars and containers, but can also sterilize items such as teethers, pacifiers and plastic toys. If it goes in your baby’s mouth, you can give it the ultimate clean. Both items have capacity and space for sterilization of several products simultaneously. Whether you’re expecting a newborn or already have a large family, sterilization is vital. Grab one today from Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.

April 9, 2019

The Value of Performance Arts in Healthy Child Development

Although some might view arts education as a luxury, creative expression is in fact a prime basic building block of healthy, well-rounded education in the early years. Learning to create & express is greatly beneficial to all children. Benefits of Performance Arts Motor skills: Many of the motions involved in dancing and gymnastics constitutes the foundation of gross motor development. It incorporates balance, weight distribution, strength, coordination and awareness of our bodies. And while these physical benefits are convincing in themselves, the mental and emotional effects of an environment where you are both challenged and encouraged, are of unparalleled value to a child’s development. Not many achievements are more rewarding to a child than learning and creating something, working hard and successfully mastering skills. Language, social & emotional development: Drama has long been used by childcare therapists; the benefits are countless. When exploring movement and emotion, children learn to appropriately express themselves with both verbal and non-verbal communication. This in turn gives them a head start when it comes to social interaction and interpersonal relationships. With poetry and speech, as teachers, we’re given the opportunity to lay a foundation for speech, the way it should be. During pretend play and improvisation, children learn about decision-making and responding to situations as they arise. They get the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, improve articulation and intonation and develop breath control, to name just a few advantages; all of this whilst building self-confidence and healthy self-esteem. Visual, audio and cognitive development: Playing a musical instrument, drawing, sculpting, threading beads and painting all develop fine motor and visual-spatial skills, which are more important than ever in treating and avoiding sensory processing disorders, as well as holistically raising a well-rounded, expressive, creative and happy child. For more information on our school’s arts powered offerings, please contact Capriccio! Arts Powered Schools for more information, be it our extra-mural programs in the afternoons, or arts powered pre-school & primary education.

April 5, 2019

Pre-authorisation and payment: Do you know the difference?

Medical aid members know that pre-authorisation ahead of a medical procedure is always required but does pre-authorisation mean it’s an agreement to pay in full? No, not necessarily. This is the cause of a great deal of confusion and unhappiness from medical aid members as well as doctors and hospitals. Gerhard Van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Funds says, ‘Pre-authorisation is required for all hospital admissions, including emergencies. However, it is not an agreement to pay all the costs and expenses in full.’ Why not? Let’s take you through the Ts and Cs. Why do they differ? Most medical aid plans have varying hospital benefits according the level of cover you have chosen. Van Emmenis says, ‘All of our plans provide hospital cover for major medical events when you or your dependant is admitted to hospital. But, each plan has different hospital benefits available. We encourage you to use the healthcare providers on our network and to get pre-authorisation for your hospital stay so the providers of your treatment or procedure are paid to the full extent of what your plan offers.’ Understanding your medical aid rate of payment‘ For example’, says Van Emmenis, ‘The Bonitas Rate is the rate at which we reimburse healthcare providers. Where we pay 100% of the Bonitas Rate, this is NOT necessarily what the healthcare provider charges. They may charge 200% of your medical aid rate which means you are responsible for half the payment. Each plan has a different rate according to the premium you pay. If you visit a healthcare provider that charges the Bonitas Rate, we will pay the bill in full (provided that you have benefits available). For this reason it is important to use designated service providers with whom Bonitas has negotiated rates.’ How much will your plan cover? If it is not an emergency the best way to find out how much your medical aid will cover is by asking the hospital and medical practitioners for a detailed quote. Submit this to your medical aid to check what they will cover and how much the shortfall, if there is one, will be. Co-payments The shortfall will be in the form of a co-payment. These co-payments differ from one medical aid scheme to another, and are often higher than anticipated, mostly due to medical practitioners and hospital charging higher than the medical aid rate. Minding the gap When there is this shortfall between what the medical scheme pays and what the hospital or specialist charges, it helps if you have taken out gap cover. Even if you have a top of the range medical aid plan, it doesn’t mean there will not be ‘gaps’ between the tariffs your scheme is prepared to pay and the amount your specialist charges. GAP cover is not a medical aid product but an insurance policy taken out to reduce or eliminate co-payments. Again the amount you receive depends on your GAP policy It is important to note that Gap Cover is an insurance ‘policy’ and is regulated under the Long and Short Term Insurance Act (1998). Medical schemes, on the other hand, are overseen by the Council for Medical Schemes Act (1998) and are not for profit. Ensuring you are covered 1. Make sure you get a quote. Medical aid members are advised to not only obtain pre-authorisation but a quote from the hospital and medical practitioners prior to being admitted to hospital (if it’s not an emergency). Submit this to your medical aid to find out if there are any co-payments and if so, how much they are. 2. Find a hospital on your medical fund’s preferred network in order to ensure maximum payment 3. Make sure you fill in provide all information required for pre-authorisation correctly: Have your correct membership number and the details of the member who the request is for The date you are going into hospital and the date of the treatment or procedure The name of the doctor who will be treating the member, their telephone number and practice number The name of the hospital where you will receive treatment, their telephone number and practice number The relevant procedure and diagnosis (ICD-10) codes for the treatment (ask your doctor for these) If your request for authorisation does not include all the information listed above, your request will not be approved. If your pre-authorisation is declined the reasons for doing so will be listed on the correspondence. If it is approved, you will receive a pre-authorisation number and this will also outline the approved length of your hospital stay and the status of all codes. However remember the pre-authorisation is not a commitment to pay the full amount. 4. Gap cover If you have Gap Cover, notify them of the co-payment required prior to being admitted to hospital as there are limits to the amount they will pay. What about emergencies? Emergencies must be pre-authorised within 48 hours of going into hospital or on the first working day after a weekend or public holiday. If you don’t get pre-authorisation, your account won’t be paid by the Scheme. ‘The most important thing’, says Van Emmenis, ‘is to find out, prior to being admitted, what your medical aid will pay and what payment you are responsible for. It will save a great deal of stress when you are recovering from surgery.’

April 5, 2019

Helping your teen to have a positive body image

A happy home environment can help your child to develop an internal sense of control and a positive sense of self that will equip them to avoid eating disorders. Teen body image refers to how adolescents perceive their bodies. It includes their feelings about their body and how they take care of it, and is an essential part of adolescent development. Teen body image is also closely linked to self-esteem, largely because society and the media place so much importance on the way we look. This focus on appearance contributes to teenage body image issues and teen eating disorders. “An important challenge faced by teenagers is internal versus external locus of control,” says Linda Swanepoel, therapeutic manager and occupational therapist at Akeso Montrose Manor. “This means the extent to which a person believes they have the power over events in their lives. A person with an internal locus of control believes that they can influence events and their outcomes, while someone with an external locus of control blames outside forces for everything and seeks external approval and validation to feel good about themselves.” A healthy, confident child will learn to have an internal locus of control, but if the child is raised in a household where there is instability and chaos, and at times a lack of safety, they may learn an external locus of control. “When a child is too young to have the resources to cope they soon learn that ‘if I can help mommy and daddy to feel better, I will feel better’. As they grow older, face more stress and carry the weight of expectations, their focus turns to pleasing or impressing others, rather than developing a sense of self.” Teenagers experience increased school and societal pressures at a time when significant changes are taking place in their bodies. Thus, if they have not learned to believe in their own resources to cope with life, their focus will be on what other people expect or think of them, rather than on how they feel about themselves. “Eventually, everything they choose to do in their lives is dependent on assumptions they make about how they will be perceived by others,” Swanepoel adds. “Body image plays an important role in this too.” Why body positivity is important “Teenagers tend to see the concept of a ’middle path’ as average and boring, and Western society reinforces this all or nothing thinking. This leads to beliefs like you must have the perfect body, you must go to university and you must make money,” Swanepoel says. “This is why body positivity is important,” Swanepoel explains. “If we can get our society to be more middle path thinkers, teenagers with an external locus of control may be able to be more realistic and accepting of themselves. With less stress and pressure, it is easier to listen to your own voice and develop your own sense of self.” Body image and weight risk factors Maintaining a weight lower than your natural set point, or trying to lose weight, immediately activates “all or nothing” thinking. It takes motivation, discipline and determination to restrict food intake, so teens develop strict rules and often the rewards are external (for example, praise from others). “If you break a rule you’ve set for yourself, you feel weak and like a failure, and believe you are a greedy person,” says Swanepoel. “Greed, indulgence and selfishness are bad words in Western society, and can lead to guilt. Once the rules are broken, at risk teens tend to go off the rails and binge on forbidden foods. This may lead to secret eating rituals, comfort eating and avoidance of life, which may in turn lead to obesity.” According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, people need to meet basic needs like food, sleep, water, health and safety before they can strive for self-esteem and self-actualisation. “People who diet are depriving themselves of these needs in a drive for self-actualisation,” Swanepoel says. “They compromise their health, their relationships and their goals and aspirations as they become preoccupied by food, exercise and weight, becoming prisoners to their own habits. They end up lonely, exhausted and feeling like a failure – and they hate their bodies no matter what size they are as perfection is unattainable. This is where depression, self-harm and suicide become possibilities.” Look out for these warning signs Loss or gain of weight or fluctuating weight – often from bulimia – are the most common symptoms of eating disorder among teenagers Increased exercise and keeping busy all the time, as fear of boredom may lead to binge urges Avoiding social situations, as they have too many secrets to keep and need to stay in control Rigid thinking and ‘all or nothing’ thinking – judgemental, critical and catastrophising Isolation Spending many hours on social media Spending time preparing food and baking for others, but not eating themselves Making excuses at meal times (I’m going to work in the library, I’ll get a take away lunch) Many demands at restaurants – food rules become important (I’m gluten/lactose intolerant, I’m a vegetarian/vegan. I’m banting. No carbs, no sauce and no salad dressing) Becoming angry and defensive when help is offered Wearing baggy clothes, usually in neutral colours – black, white, grey Spending time with people who are not matched to the teenager’s personality Depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. How can you help? Children need to feel safe so that they can focus on self rather than feeling responsible for others. Swanepoel points out that it’s important to avoid the ‘drama triangle’ – perpetrator, victim and rescuer. “This is when one parent complains to the child about the other parent. The child will feel the need to take sides and rescue, immediately starting the external locus of control cycle. This leads to low self-esteem, which can lead to body image problems, such as restricting (trying to be perfect) or binging (as a result of avoidance). Parents need to work as a team

April 5, 2019

Is homework still relevant

A student’s high school career is far more than mastering subjects. The goal is to facilitate the development and transformation of adolescents into independent young adults, prepared to deal with the 21st century challenges. The adult world demands self-study, discipline and independent thought. Entrenched behavioural patterns are difficult to change; hence, instilling a good work routine whilst at school is essential for future success. • It teaches a student to work independently. Engaging with the content on their own allows them to find solutions and formulate opinions without the prompts or cues from teachers, peers or parents. • It teaches a student to take responsibility for his or her work. The student must be an active participant: it is conducive to confidence building and encourages self-reliance. • It allows a student to review and practise what has been covered during the lesson. Extensive research has been done on the memory retention of information over a period. Regular reviewing allows a broader knowledge base when applying the minds to new content. Any potential misunderstandings or lack of comprehension can be addressed far sooner. • It helps a student to get ready for the next day’s lesson. Being prepared for the lessons allows the student to feel more in control and this in turn boosts their confidence and aids the development of a positive self-image. • It encourages a student to explore the subject content far more thoroughly than class time permits. This is vital for giving depth to the work they are grappling with and leads to discoveries, making connections and problem solving. • It allows a student to extend learning by applying skills to new situations. Doing their homework properly establishes a strong foundation. Successful attempts to solving higher order questions are only possible once the content has clearly crystallised in their mind. • It is part of the revision and consolidation process in adequately preparing for tests and examinations. Practice makes perfect! Clichés are clichés because they hold a lot of truth. Author: Andre Moolman, Principal at Abbotts College Century City.

April 4, 2019

Top Choking Hazards For Babies and Toddlers

We recently went to a very popular restaurant for lunch and to my astonishment there were vending machines with gumballs and other small toys, right next to the jungle gym. This is a disaster waiting to happen! Children under 3 are at the highest risk of choking because their airways are so small. Plus, chewing and swallowing is a lot more difficult for them. They also love to put foreign objects in their mouths. There is a cylindrical tool in the US used to measure toy parts that is the same size as a young child’s throat. If a toy part fits into this cylinder it’s a choking hazard and a warning label has to appear on the toy packaging. Therefore any object smaller than 3 cm wide is a choking hazard for small children. WHAT IS A CHOKING HAZARD? Any object that can get caught in a child’s throat and block the airway is a choking hazard. TOP 10 HOUSEHOLD CHOKING HAZARDS Once your baby starts to crawl and explore, choking hazards are all of a sudden everywhere. Coins Small caps of bottles e.g. juice and water bottles Small round batteries Jewellery Buttons Toys and toy parts Balloons (uninflated or popped) Garden pebbles Nails and screws Stationary e.g. staples, paper clips and pen lids If you have older kids too, you should keep their toys separate and make sure they learn to pack their toys away. There are countless more choking hazards. You should probably get down on your knees and have a look at your child’s eye level. How many more choking hazards can you find? TOP 10 FOOD CHOKING HAZARDS Hotdogs, grapes and popcorn are the top 3 causes of choking in children under the age of 3. Young children have a hard time chewing their food since they lack the proper dentition (canines for tearing and molars for grinding). They are still trying to coordinate chewing, and as a result, often just swallow their food whole. This makes smooth, slippery, round and hard foods especially dangerous. The foods in the list below are not recommended for children under 4 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) goes even further and recommends that hotdogs, grapes and popcorn not be given to children until they are at least 5 years old. If you do however want to give your children some of these foods, then cut them in such a way that you change their round shape. Hotdogs should be cut lengthwise before slicing and skins of other sausages removed. Grapes and other round fruit should be cut into quarters. Whole grapes, cherry tomatoes and other round balls of fruit (blueberries are ok for toddlers as they are soft to chew) Hot dogs and other sausages Popcorn Tough, large pieces of meat Fruit pips and stones Nuts and seeds Hard round sweets and caramels Raw vegetables, especially carrots Marshmallows Chewing gum BE CAREFUL Children can trip and choke more easily if playing and eating at the same time. Your child should not walk, run or lie down while eating. Children should not be distracted whilst eating. They must sit upright and concentrate on what they are doing. It is also not advisable to have your young child eat in their car seat whilst you’re driving. You might not even notice if they’re choking. You should always supervise your child when they are eating. It’s important that all parents and caregivers learn first aid for choking and CPR. There are many training academies that offer such courses around the country that are usually done over one day and will make you feel more confident when dealing with childhood emergencies. RESOURCES Altkorn, R. et al. (2008) Fatal and non-fatal food injuries among children (aged 0–14 years). International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, [online] 72 pp. 1041—1046. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165587608001298[Accessed 24 October 2018]. CDC (2018) Choking Hazards [online]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/choking-hazards.html [Accessed 24 October 2018].

April 4, 2019

GRADE 11s: WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW TO ACE MATRIC NEXT YEAR

Grade 11s who are serious about bringing their best game to their Matric finals next year should, like performance athletes, start their preparation now so that they enter the home straight in pole position when 2020 arrives, an education expert says. “The temptation will be there to put off thinking about Grade 12 until next year, but Grade 11s have the most powerful weapon in their arsenal right now – that of time,” says Natasha Madhav, Senior Head of Programme: Faculty of ICT at The Independent Institute of Education, South Africa’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. “As a Grade 11 learner, you need to understand how competitive the landscape will be after school, and that it is not in your best interest to wait until exam prep starts next year to start exercising your academic muscles. You have to train, prepare and lay the groundwork now, so that you can build on your performance next year, rather than try and get the basics in place while the clock is ticking,” she says. Madhav says learners must also approach each assessment this year as if it is going to be the deciding one, and learn from and correct their approach when problems are identified. “Doing well now could also pay off pre-emptively, as many higher education institutions will allow provisional placement based on your Grade 11 marks, which will dramatically lift the pressure next year,” she says. DRAFT A 2-YEAR PLANNING OVERVIEW Senior learners should look at their last two years of school holistically, rather than as two distinct years, Madhav says. “Take some time to draft a two-year global overview of key dates that will arise this year and next,” she advises, adding that this calendar will include actual or estimated dates for all assignments, tests and exams. “You may think you have a lot of time ahead of you, but when drafting this calendar, you’ll quickly see the reality of how demanding and time-intensive these next two years will be. The good news accompanying the realisation of the challenge ahead, is that you can now accurately determine how much time you’ll have to prepare for each assessment, and not be tempted to procrastinate.” USE ANY “DOWNTIME” WISELY TO MAKE LIFE EASIER DOWN THE LINE While there won’t be much free time going around in the run-up to Matric, Grade 11s should use any time they do have on their hands wisely. “So we are not saying you should be sitting in front of your books 24/7,” says Madhav. “But when you do have time to spare, say during the holidays or weekends, do a little bit every day to strengthen your actual ability to handle the workload which will progressively increase not only this year and next, but also when you enter higher education.” Madhav says learners can use the time they have to watch YouTube videos of cool study hacks, different ways of learning and revising, learning to touch type or even doing some volunteer or internship work. “These are all fun activities which, when compounded, can make a notable difference to your academic performance as well as the strength of your study or work applications in relation to those of your peers. “Now is a great time to make a commitment to lifelong learning, and vowing to yourself to do something every day that makes you stronger, wiser and more resilient. These are skills that you need to craft and hone on an ongoing basis, as you can’t summon them out of the blue when needed.” UNDERSTAND YOUR SUBJECT CHOICES & THEIR IMPACT ON POST-SCHOOL OPTIONS Madhav advises Grade 11s to take some time to look closely at what they intend to do after school, and particularly to investigate their options broadly and thoroughly, and then ensure that the subjects will allow them to pursue their chosen path. “There are a number of reasons why you should consider where you are now compared to where you were when you first decided on your current subjects, as well as where you are going to go in future,” says Madhav. “Maybe when you made your choice you did so based on the idea that you might go into communication or design. Perhaps now you are more inclined to pursue a career in accounting or law. Whatever it is, ensure that your subject choices are still aligned to your current vision for your future, and the entry requirements at your higher education institution of choice.” She says where students see they are going to fall short of entry requirements based on their subject selection, they could consider taking an additional subject, or should circumstances allow, change subjects – although this should not be done without serious consideration of consequences and discussion with the school. But apart from ensuring you are on the right path, the exercise of considering how your subjects support further study has the added benefit of reminding you of how your subjects will enable you to realise your dreams after school. “This is likely to provide you with fresh motivation to tackle even those ones you’ve been finding dreary or challenging,” says Madhav, “and help you not only understand your work, but also get to grips with it in such a way that you can apply what you’ve learned.” Madhav says that next year, when learners enter their final year of school, it will no longer only be about the amount of time they spend in front of their books, but also about the quality of that time. “You are in a position right now to influence the quality of that time, and effectively the trajectory of your post-school education and career. So use this time wisely to get in the right frame of mind so that you will be able to perform to the very best of your ability next year and beyond.”

April 4, 2019

Are headphones damaging your hearing

If it’s too loud, you’re too old? No, more like too sensible… Headphones and earphones are the accessory of our times. They are affixed to our ears to deliver music or podcasts, to conduct telephone calls, to accompany a workout routine, or to drown out the conversation of colleagues in open-plan offices. But is all this in-ear noise safe? The answer, unfortunately, is “not really”, but you can take steps to prevent or reduce the harm of being plugged in all day. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 1.1 billion teenagers worldwide are at risk of hearing loss from unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues. Of course, it’s not just teenagers who are at risk – anyone who is exposed to harmful noise levels can suffer the same hearing damage. The WHO points out that hearing loss has potentially devastating consequences for physical and mental health, education and employment. How headphones damage your hearing Sound waves travel into your ears and cause the eardrum to vibrate. This vibration is then transmitted to the inner ear via several small bones. In the inner ear, the vibrations reach the cochlea, a fluid-filled chamber that has thousands of small hairs that are moved by the vibrations. It is the movement of these hairs that enables us to hear sound. If you listen to loud sounds, the hairs move more, and if you listen to loud sounds for too long, the hairs can lose their sensitivity to vibration, or become damaged. While it is possible for the hairs to recover over time from a single instance of loud noise, repeatedly listening to sounds that are too loud and for too long can result in permanent damage and hearing loss. Preventing damage To avoid headphone-related hearing damage, the WHO strongly recommends the following: Restrict the daily use of personal audio devices to less than one hour. Limit the time spent on noisy activities by taking short listening breaks (a time when you listen to nothing). Audiologists also recommend: Turn down the volume. If you are listening through headphones and you can’t hear any of the noise around you, then your volume is too loud and is damaging your ears. Use over-the-ear headphones rather than in-ear earphones, as they increase the distance between the source of the noise and your eardrums, reducing the chance of damage. Even better, if you are listening at home or in the car, play your music or other media over a speaker, at moderate volume. If you are planning to be in a loud-noise environment, take a headphone break for most of the day so that your ears haven’t already been damaged by sound. How do I know if there’s hearing damage? If you experience any of the warning signs of hearing loss, visit a doctor or audiologist immediately, and get regular hearing check-ups so that if hearing is being lost, action can be taken. The signs of hearing loss include: the muffling of some sounds, difficulty understanding words especially when there is background noise, trouble hearing consonants, increasingly asking people to repeat themselves, needing to turn up the volume on the television, radio or device, withdrawing from conversations, or avoiding social situations. Safeguard your hearing While listening to music at loud volumes may be cool and fun and being permanently plugged into a set of phones is just the way life is, a permanent loss of hearing can affect your quality of life forever. Rather take the steps to prevent hearing damage and enjoy existing in a hearing world for as long as possible. How long to listen It’s not just volume but time spent listening to sound that is damaging to your ears. Here is a useful guide to how long you can listen to noises at certain volumes: By 1Life

April 3, 2019

Electronic vs. Manual Breast Pumps: Which Works For You?

Many people debate over whether they need an electric or manual breast pump. Truth be told, there is no right side to this discussion. Both manual and electronic breast pumps have their purpose within the breastfeeding world. Knowing which best suits your lifestyle is the key question one should be asking. We shall discuss this below, so read on ow to see which pump best suits your needs. Electric Breast Pumps The electric breast pump has been in production since 1991. This was introduced to the world by the Swiss company, Medela, who managed to produce the first ever electric-powered, vacuum operated breast pump. From then on, the electronic pump has grown exponentially, with hundred of suppliers and models available. But what are the advantages to having an electronic pump? The Pros Of The Electronic Breast Pump It is time efficient – taking less time than a manual pump to express This type of pump requires less effort to use than a manual pump There is a wider variety of models to choose from, including hospital grade pumps Offer you the option of hiring – please note however, only hospital grade pumps can be rented from a professional supplier The Cons Of The Electronic Breast Pump These types of pumps are a lot pricier than any manual The electronic pump is far nosier than a manual pump Some electric models can be intricate to sterilize Generally, these pumps are more difficult to transport than a manual If you buy a mains operated pump, you will be reliant on a plug outlet to do your pumping Manual Breast Pumps The manual pump has been around since the late 19th century, first being patented in the States. There is a reason this magical little appliance has endured through the century – even with the introduction of the electronic breast pump. The Pros Of The Manual Breast Pump Cost effective – this type of pup is far more affordable for the everyday mum The manual pump is light weight and compact, making it easy to carry on the go The manual pump is incredibly quiet to use The pump is also really simple to operate This pump requires no electricity, meaning you can use it any time, any where The Cons Of The Manual Breast Pump This type of pump operates slower than the electronic counterpart Sometimes finding a regular pumping rhythm can be challenging Manual pumping can tire your hands In Conclusion As you can see, both electronic and manual breast pumps have their pros and cons. If you are a mom pressed for time with a bust schedule, your best bet would be to invest in an electronic pump. However, if you’re looking for an affordable, easy t use and transport breast pump, the manual version will serve you just fine! Stand a chance to win a Medela Harmony Manual Pump this month! See our competition page for more now.

April 2, 2019

Chicco PhysioSoft Pacifiers

With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item – and with soothers and pacifiers, moms can’t get much better than the PhysioSoft. Made from 100% silicone, the PhysioSoft has been crafted carefully in the Chicco Observatory in Italy, a laboratory that focuses on the study and perfection of all their baby products. Paediatricians, dentists, gynaecologists and parents alike impart with scientific and anecdotal advice to create the best possible product. The results include a smaller neck than most teats, ensuring mouths do not sit unduly open and create muscular imbalance in the baby. The air holes are situated just right to avoid saliva stagnation, and the placement of the orthodontic teat ensures just the right amount of pressure is applied to the palette to discourage movement in the mouth and ensure a snug fit. One of the best-selling aspects of the PhysioSoft is that the entire pacifier is made from one soft mould that will not leave marks, or cut baby’s face whilst sleeping. In fact the pacifier is so soft the child could literally sleep on their face and not be disturbed. When it comes to soothing, the PhysioSoft is in a class of its own. Available from 0 months upwards. Available at Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.

April 1, 2019

How to teach children to respect their teachers

It is common knowledge that teachers are some of the most stressed professionals in our country. They face abuse of various kinds on a daily basis and one cannot deny that this is having a profound impact on an education system that is already struggling. In addition, and perhaps even more worrying is the steady increase in incidents of verbal and emotional disrespect shown toward teachers by the learners in their care. Education in South Africa is being compromised and it is time for parents to step in and step up to help rectify the problem before it becomes completely unmanageable. According to Cindy Glass, Owner and Founder of Step Up Education Centres, “Education is the root of success. It is an essential tool which, when delivered and received correctly, could change the face of poverty and other challenges that face our country at this time. The benefits of a good education can never be underestimated and ensuring that learners respect their teachers is an essential and most necessary step if we are to make positive progress in learning”. She gives the following things to consider when teaching your child to respect their teachers: You are your child’s first and longest-lasting teacher. Your child needs your guidance and assistance in learning the value of respecting self and others. It is important to remember that our children are likely to do what we do, rather than what we say. Encourage respect of teachers by respecting your child’s teachers. Avoid teacher-bashing conversations and seek to find positive solutions to challenges that present themselves. Teach your child that, no matter the circumstance, there is always a way to find a solution. Teachers are human too. They have an enormous responsibility to assist your child in becoming the best version of themselves. Teachers make mistakes. Disrespectful comments and abusive behaviors are not the solution. Open communication is needed to find ways of assisting both parties in achieving the desired outcomes in learning. Every choice that we make defines the path of our lives. All negative behaviours are based on fear, low self-esteem, self-defeating and destructive self-talk and low self-value. We need to teach our children to own their mistakes and choices and to avoid blaming others for their shortfalls. Taking frustrations out on their teachers only exasperates their difficulties whereas they could find wisdom and assistance with their teacher instead. Learners need to recognise and acknowledge that challenges are a part of growth and learning. There are always ways to seek and receive the help that they need, without a show of disrespect to anyone. Disrespect reflects their character, not the teachers. Teach your children that disrespecting & abusing teachers is an indication of who THEY are, not of who their teachers are. Negative behavioural choices reflect on the giver, not the receiver. It is a clear indication that the person does not respect and honour themselves. It certainly does not engender admiration from his peers. Seek to develop positive self-respect and self-value in your children and this will ensure that they give the same to others.

April 1, 2019

Why You Need The Twistshake Mini Click Mat

The Twistshake Mini Click Mat is a revolutionary piece of feeding equipment every parent simply needs to own. This is attributed to its brilliant design and baby friendly features. Read on below now to find out everything you need to know about the Twistshake Mini Click Mat and why you should make this a part of your baby’s meal plan now! Features Of The Twistshake Mini Click Mat No harmful products have been used in production of this product as it contains no BPF, BPS or BPA Designed to work in perfectly conjunction with other Twistshake feeding plates Adhesive bottom allows the mat to stick to the table surface it is placed on, avoiding spills and falls Made from quality silicone Can be easily washed in the dish washer as it is dish washer safe 31x17cm A Bit More About The Twistshake Mini Click Mat Now you know the ins and outs of the product, here is why this is such an innovative mat. The Twistshake Click Mat has been designed to minimalize mess made during meal times. This is achieved by the adhesive underlayer of the mat which secures it to any table surface it is placed on to. From there, additional Twistshake feeding products such as the divide plate can easily be clicked into place. this hinders your baby from picking up their plate or bowl and sending it flying across the room. The mat will still allow your little one the freedom to feed themselves, however, it lessens their chances of making a colossal mess around their feeding area. Furthermore the mat is a breeze to clean. Since it is made from premium silicone, it can easily be wiped down or placed into the dish washer. However, please note that this product is NOT suitable for the microwave.

March 29, 2019

Review: The Chicco Easy Lunch Booster Seat

The Chicco Easy Lunch Booster Seat is a simple yet effectively designed mobile feeding solution. When dining out or simply put at the dinner table, you can quickly have your little one right next to you in no time! This chair is easy to use and has a double hook on system ensures that baby is safely secured to the table at all times. The screw on legs attach directly to the table so to ensure that the chair is extra secure. We however would stress that this should not be used on a glass table but any other surface is perfectly fine provided there is a thickness of surface of between 19 and 35cm. The seat and backrest, however, so that baby is nice and comfy at dinner time. The seat has a 3 point safety belt attaches so that baby cant simply hop out. When you attach all you need is a quick wipe down or a simple hand wash to keep it clean. Then fold it away and place it back in the carry bag. BRAND: Chicco MODEL: Easy Lunch Booster Seat APPROX AGE: From 6 months to around 3 years or 15kgs DIMENSIONS WHEN FOLDED: 35 x 12,5 x 43cm AVAILABLE FROM: All leading retailers

March 29, 2019

SPECIAL NEEDS OR NEEDING SOMETHING SPECIAL

My children simply did not fit into the mainstream schooling system. They’re both very bright and along with that come some eccentricities that often get labelled as problems within a very structured environment where children are expected to be alike, fit within the system and not stand out or cause waves. My ten year old once explained it like this: “I’m like a puzzle piece that’s been put in the wrong box… I don’t fit anywhere. There’s no place for me.” That’s quite a tough feeling for a small child to bear. And it isn’t that there’s something wrong with her, although within that system that was exactly the message she was getting. There are many children struggling in school who don’t need to be placed in remedial classes. They need something special, but they’re not exactly special needs. They would thrive in a different environment but not that one. I have nothing against remedial education. It is fantastic in the right circumstances. But a child who is simply in the wrong place and is then moved to a remedial class where there are really special needs kids can look around and label themselves. They end up thinking there is something wrong with them. These kids will generally fly if homeschooled or placed in a good cottage school or Montessori or within the Cambridge system where they have the freedom to work at their own pace and fill in the gaps they missed by being in the wrong environment. For some, the box is simply too small to contain them. For others, it’s the noise levels. Some children are visual or kinesthetic learners and don’t respond to lectures. Most children don’t learn at the predetermined pace of the SA education system. Every child is unique – the exact reason that standardized education is failing. Nobody is standard. The trouble is if kids keep being pushed to move onto the next thing without mastering the previous stage then they end up with huge gaps in their foundational knowledge which will cause the whole structure to come crashing down at some point. That’s the point they pick up the label. Or if they learn faster than the system they get bored and restless and get labelled as ADHD or ODD (Oppositional Defiant that is, not odd – although they can be labelled as odd too!) If there is a problem with learning don’t necessarily assume that the problem is with your child. It might be. But it might not. And you are their advocate until they can stand up for themselves. You need to question and explore alternatives and not necessarily take the word of those in educational authority as fact. Only a few children really thrive within the schooling system. Most do not. Your child may genuinely be a special needs child – with Autism or dyslexia or serious processing difficulties and for these children the special needs schools and classrooms can make a huge difference to their ability to learn and develop with the appropriate assistance. But if your child is simply in need of something special – a smaller class, a more nurturing environment, a faster or slower pace, or a different style of teaching – then you need to look beyond the special needs class to any of the amazing alternatives that exist. Every child deserves to feel that there is a puzzle that they will fit in to!

March 28, 2019

MIGHT MY CHILD HAVE ADHD?

If you are wondering about the answer to this question, then it’s most likely that your child is in preschool and not primary school because by the time children are in a more formal school setting with all the demands of sitting at a desk, having a school structure etc., issues of ADHD have already started to present themselves or been diagnosed. Nearly all preschool-aged children display the core behaviours or symptoms of ADHD – inattention, distractibility, impulsivity and hyperactivity – as part of their normal development. However, as other children gradually begin to grow out of such behaviours, children with ADHD do not and this difference becomes clearer the older the child gets. So, when looking at the preschool child (three/four-year-olds), it’s easy for parents to feel confused about whether their child’s pattern of activity and behaviour is typical or whether it’s atypical. The signs and symptoms of ADHD are the same for preschoolers as they are for older children with ADHD – struggling to pay attention, getting bored and distracted quickly, being fidgety, restless or very active, having difficulty waiting and taking their turn, and engaging in risk-taking behaviour. The difference for ADHD is the degree of the symptoms. The key is to discover whether the child’s behaviour is developmentally age appropriate or not. For instance, one parent observed her child in free play at the end of the school day. She noted that her son ran around wildly and didn’t listen to the teacher’s instructions to “play safe”; when the other children were settling down after activities her son couldn’t and seemed to get more hyped up; when other children were listening to a story being read, her son was rolling around and playing with toys. Although diagnostically children with ADHD may be diagnosed as young as four years old, usually from teacher reports, assessment on the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales™, and collateral evidence from parents, the following questions may help a parent to develop some answers. Is the behaviour I observe in my child similar to that of other children he encounters; is the behaviour I expect of my child developmentally appropriate for his/her age, do I see a pattern of behaviour when my child engages in various activities, do I see a pattern of behaviour in various settings? To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have a specified number of symptoms for at least six months that occur in more than one area of life, e.g. at home AND at school. However, diagnosed or not, until the age of five, medication cannot be prescribed. The best treatment plan is behavioural therapy/play therapy for the child as well as parent training to help parents understand ADHD and best manage the ADHD child so that they can function optimally at home and at school. Lorian Phillips is a clinical psychologist and has been in private practice for the last 21 years. She also parents two ADD/ADHD sons and due to her challenges with her boys, she was motivated to find more constructive ways of dealing with them. This led to her parenting her boys differently and when she saw the results of her alternative parenting style, she developed a parenting course for parents of ADD/ADHD children. The successful course has been running for the past six years. In addition, Lorian also consults with parents in her private practice to offer guidance and support in working with ADHD children. She has spoken at various schools to help teachers manage the ADHD child in the classroom and has given many talks on parenting the ADHD child including an appearance on 5FM’s Weekend Play Date where she spoke about ADHD management. You can read her parenting blog called ADHD Parenting on her Facebook page. Lorian Phillipa writes for Impaq. Impaq provides innovative and accessible education solutions.

March 27, 2019

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