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Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 14 of your pregnancy

Week 14 of your pregnancy and you’re in month four of your pregnancy with five to go – almost half way already. Trimester two of pregnancy means you should be feeling renewed levels of energy and you may even notice that your appetite has increased thanks to morning sickness slowly easing up. Your baby in week 14 Your baby is now the size of a peach, and now often moves her arms and legs – but you won’t be able to feel this yet. If you could see into your belly, you may even notice your little one sucking their thumb! Around this time the grasp reflex is evolving, and hair growth is starting as follicle under the skin, so that when they’re born your baby should have silky strands of hair. Your little one’s genitals are now also fully developed, but it’ll still be difficult to tell their gender on ultrasound. Your body in week 14 Luckily during your second trimester you’ll be feeling more yourself, with rising energy levels, breasts that are less tender and dissipating nausea. You’ll also probably starting to show a bit as well, however, some moms, especially those expecting multiples, may start showing sooner. This is because your uterus is rising out of the pelvic region and into your lower abdomen. During the second trimester you’ll also notice that you’ll start to put on weight, don’t be alarmed by this as it’s completely normal and healthy during a pregnancy. Things to take note of If you found that during your first trimester your pregnancy symptoms meant that you generally stayed away from exercise, embrace your renewed energy levels and start doing gentle exercises such as water aerobics, prenatal exercise classes and gentle walks. This’ll be beneficial to both you and your growing little one.

April 15, 2024

Sleepless Nights: Understanding and Addressing Pain and Fever in Children

There’s no “right” moment for pain and fever to strike. Yet, when they jolt your child awake in the wee hours, the challenge often feels magnified. Understanding the symptoms of pain and fever and knowing how to address them can make the experience less daunting for everyone involved. Why Do Children Experience Fever? Fever in children is defined as a temperature of 37.8°C or higher.1a It’s essential to understand that a fever is not an illness. Instead, it’s like the body’s alarm system, indicating that it’s actively confronting an illness or infection.1b This natural response serves a crucial purpose; it kickstarts the immune system, mobilising it to fend off invaders. In essence, when the body’s temperature rises, it’s creating an environment that’s less hospitable to germs.1c However, as beneficial as this might be internally, it’s not always a comfortable experience for our young ones. The elevated temperatures can lead to feelings of unease, discomfort, and restlessness, which can be concerning for parents and caregivers.1d Why Do Children Experience Pain? Pain in children can stem from multiple causes. Some of the straightforward causes include the usual bumps and scrapes that come with active play2a or the common headaches that might stem from a long day2b. There are also those tummy troubles which can range from a simple upset stomach to more severe aches2c. Various infectious illnesses can also be culprits, such as ear infections, strep throat, pesky stomach bugs, skin infections, and even pneumonia2d. Don’t forget the short-lived but often sharp pain that accompanies immunisations2e, and for our littlest ones, the discomfort of teething 2f. How Pain and Fever Can Impact Your Child’s Sleep We all know that a child’s sleep is crucial for their physical growth, mental development, and overall well-being.3 However, when they’re unwell, their sleep can get disrupted. The goal is about reducing your kiddo’s distress and increasing their comfort so they can get a better night’s sleep. How to Help Your Child If pain or fever is bothering your child, it’s crucial to address it promptly and appropriately. Here are a few ways to provide relief: Fluids: Keep the juice and water coming! A fever can lead to dehydration, so make sure they’re drinking often and staying hydrated.4a Bathing: A tepid bath can do wonders to cool a feverish child down. Just remember, cold water or rubbing alcohol are no-nos. They can be harmful!4b Dress Code: Think summer vibes. Toss out the heavy PJs and let them wear something breezy and light.4c Snuggle Essentials: If they’re feeling a bit chilly, drape them with a light sheet. It’s all about keeping them cozy!4d The Power of Panado®: Always choose a pain and fever medication that is suitable for your child’s age and weight and measure the dose accurately: Always check the label or call your paediatrician for the correct dosage for your child.4e Dosage details for the Panado® range of products can be found at https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child’s age and weight. A fever should naturally break on its own in one to three days, but you will want to seek out your paediatrician if your child’s fever persists.4f Turn to the Power of Panado® Paediatric Range of Products Panado® contains paracetamol, which boasts over 150 years of clinical experience.5 It’s fast-acting6 and gentle on sensitive tummies.7 Panado® paediatric range of products includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry,8 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free,9 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets10, Panado® Infant Drops11 and recently launched Panado® Grape flavour which colourant-free, tartrazine-free, alcohol-free, and sugar-free.13 Parents trust12 Panado® for the power to fight their little one’s pain and provide fast6 relief when needed most. Panado® products are available at Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers, including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Independent Pharmacies. For more information, visit visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook. 2023083110309095 References: University of Rochester Medical Center. Fever in children. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=P02512. Last accessed August 2023. UPMC Health Beat. Types of pain in children and how to treat it. Available from: https://share.upmc.com/2017/02/pain-in-children/. Last accessed August 2023. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The importance of sleep for kids. Available from: https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/The-importance-of-sleep-for-kids. Last accessed August 2023. Children’s Health. What to do when your child has a fever. Available from: https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/what-to-do-when-your-child-has-a-fever. Last accessed August 2023. 150 years of paracetamol. GP Pharma Update Mar/Apr 2019 Moller PL, Sindet-Pedersen S, Petersen CT, et al. Onset of acetaminophen analgesia: Comparison of oral and intravenous routes after third molar surgery. Br J Anaesth 2005;94(5):642-8. doi:10.1093/bja/aei109. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15790675/. Last accessed August 2023. Goodman & Gilman’s.The pharmacological basis of therapeutics, 13th ed. Acetaminophen. p696 Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Syrup approved package insert, March 2002. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free professional information, May 2022. Panado® Paediatric Syrup professional information, May 2022. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops) approved professional information, August 1990. Circana, MT, October 2023 MAT. Panado ® Paediatric Alcohol Free – Grape Flavour. Approved package insert. October 2022.

April 11, 2024

Cord Blood- and Tissue-Derived Stem Cells: Can Autism be treated?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition that usually develops in childhood. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interactions and communication and the presence of repetitive and restricted behaviours. As awareness about the condition has grown, so has the recognition that autism isn’t an intellectual disability and can occur in people with average and above-average IQs. Autism diagnosis rates have tripled in less than two decades. Approximately 1 in 44 children are identified as having ASD. Boys are four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism. Autism affects all ethnic and socio-economic groups. Most ASD cases are idiopathic (a disease or condition which arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown). Approximately 15% to 20% of ASD cases are caused by specific genetic mutations. Some of the genes involved in ASD include ADNP, ARID1B, ASH1L, CHD2, CHD8, DYRK1A, POGZ, SHANK3, and SYNGAP1. In most individuals with ASD caused by rare gene mutations, the mutations occur in only a single gene. Both, 16p11. 2 deletion and duplication have been associated with the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Other deletions that are associated with ASD are 3q29 deletion and 1q21.1 deletion. There is no cure for Autism, however, various treatments and therapies assist with the day-to-day lives of people with ASD. Currently, several clinical trials are investigating the use of stem cells derived from cord blood and/or cord tissue. These trials are designed to ease or decrease the symptoms of ASD and are not cures. In future, there remains a strong need to generate supporting scientific data on stem cell therapy for use in ASD. The studies that have been conducted thus far, showing proof of clinical improvement, have not been standardised, there is therefore a need to collect further data. Various stem cell types have been used, and different routes of administration (intravenous/intrathecal), dosage levels, and duration of treatment were used. Additionally, the time to follow-up needs to be more standardised, and only then will it allow for the accurate assessment of long-term outcomes and comparisons of different choices and procedures of transplantations with respect to ASD treatment. Clinical studies have been undertaken using different sources of stem cells, i.e. bone-marrow, umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells, and cord tissue-derived stem cells. These studies focused on alleviating ASD symptoms by modulating inflammatory processes in the brain. In most of these studies, significant improvements were reported in the first few month’s post-infusion. These were also sustained and measurable after 12 months. Children with higher baseline nonverbal intelligence percentages showed greater improvement. The clinical studies mentioned above reported no severe adverse events after cell transplantation and encountered only minor adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain at the site of injection. These preliminary clinical trials provide us with an encouraging opportunity for the application of stem cell therapy in the treatment of ASD. However, only with additional neuro-rehabilitation such as behavioural and speech therapy, sensory integration, or psychological intervention, etc., which will support the efficacy of stem cell therapy, will the full potential of this type of treatment of ASD be realised. Breaking news (2022): Rutgers scientists studied neural precursor cells (NPCs) – of patients with ASD. They discovered the NPCs – that create the three main kinds of brain cells: neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes – either overproduced or underproduced the number of permanent brain cells. These NPCs are formed prenatally during a period that stretches from the end of the first trimester through the second, about weeks eight to 24 of the 40-week gestation period of a human fetus. The scientists say this data might in the future assist in identifying a “biomarker, which could signal when to introduce therapy or to identify signalling pathways for drug targeting in future.” References Lord C, Risi S, DiLavore PS, Shulman C, Thurm A, Pickles A. Autism from 2 to 9 years of age. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Jun;63(6):694-701. Hyman, S.L., Levy, S.E., Myers, S.M., & AAP Council on Children with Disabilities, Section on developmental and behavioural paediatrics. (2020). Identification, evaluation, and management of children with autism spectrum disorder. Paediatrics, 145(1), e20193447. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/stem-cells-either-overproduce-or-underproduce-brain-cells-autistic-patients

April 9, 2024

Curro appoints new Curriculum Executive

South Africa’s leading independent school group, Curro Holdings, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Anthony Edwards as the company’s new Curriculum Executive. This senior leadership role will see Edwards taking the helm of all matters related to the group’s curriculum and leading a team of seasoned education experts. Outlining his vision for Curro, Edwards emphasises the importance of curriculum innovation and excellence, stating, “An innovative Curriculum is at the heart of Curro’s purpose, and our curriculum must continue to reflect our core values, whilst connecting learners to real life events and developing their character skills.” Edwards boasts an impressive track record encompassing more than 33 years in the education sector. He holds a BA Degree in Mathematics and a Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Education from the University of Potchefstroom, where he graduated cum laude. Concentrating on his passion for mathematics and history, Edwards taught at Grade 12 level in several independent schools across South Africa, gaining extensive experience in curriculum development and school operational management. He is no stranger to the Curro family, having begun his journey within the group in 2011 when he joined as the Executive Head of Curro Serengeti in Gauteng. Progressing into the realm of curriculum quality assurance in 2015, Edwards was appointed as General Manager of Schools at Curro in 2016, overseeing a diverse portfolio of schools across the group’s education offering including the Curro, Meridian, Curro Academy as well as Curro Select Schools. His tenure has also seen him manage new school acquisitions and expand Curro’s footprint beyond South Africa, with schools in Botswana and Namibia under his purview. Since 2023, Edwards has served as the Business Manager for Curro Select Schools, standalone preschools, and standalone primary schools, a role that prepared him well for his appointment to the position of Curriculum Executive. In his new role, Anthony will integrate all models and curriculum offerings across the group, including Independent Examination Board (IEB), National Senior Certificate (NSC) (DBE), DigiEd, and Cambridge, ensuring that the Curro curriculum remains innovative and aligned with the group’s core values. “I am excited to continue developing our team’s growth mindset, and using our curriculum to help develop the ability of our learners to think critically and make empowering decisions that ensure they make meaningful contributions to society,” states Edwards. Curro Holdings Deputy CEO, Mari Lategan, expressed her excitement about Edwards’ appointment, stating, “Anthony’s passion for education and his extensive experience within Curro make him the perfect fit for this crucial role. We are confident that with Anthony leading our curriculum team, we can look forward to further enrichment of our curriculum offerings, ensuring that our learners receive a comprehensive and dynamic education”.

April 9, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 13 of your pregnancy

At week 13 of your pregnancy you are now in your second trimester. This trimester is often nicknamed the honeymoon period, as your pregnancy symptoms should have started easing up, and your baby is still small enough that you don’t feel uncomfortable. Your body at week 13 At week 13 your energy levels should start increasing, but if your nausea and fatigue don’t disappear just yet – don’t despair, some moms experience these for longer than others. This increase in energy won’t stick around forever, so make the most of this time while you can and tick important to-dos off your list. Your blood flow will also increase during this time, and because of this you may see blue streaks under your skin from your veins and experience an increase in libido. Your baby at week 13 Your baby is now the size of a lemon and her body proportion is slowly starting to change, although the head is still the biggest part of the body. Your baby is growing rapidly, and during this time, her intestines are moving from the umbilical cord into the stomach. Her eyelids are shut to protect the eyes as they develop and her vocal cords are also developing, so that when your baby is born she’ll be able to cry and laugh and eventually say her first word. Things to remember in this week Around this time is when some people choose to tell family, friends and employers that they’re expecting. You should pick when you feel most comfortable to tell everyone, however, this time is often chosen, as your risk of miscarriage will have decreased and you’ll have had your first pregnancy ultrasound, which should confirm that your baby is healthy.

April 8, 2024

EFFECTIVE PRAISE: HOW TO USE PRAISE TO ENCOURAGE & EMPOWER CHILDREN

Praise is a powerful tool that can shape how a child thinks about themselves and ultimately impacts on their behaviour, motivation and self-actualization. When used mindfully, praise can help to create an affirmative, enabling learning environment and the development of a growth mindset. An education expert says it is important to understand the dynamics of effective praise, to ensure it has the intended impact. “As a parent/guardian or teacher, understanding the nuances of praise and the significant impact that it has on a child’s development and psyche is paramount. While praise is essential, it is equally important to encourage effort, resilience, and the development of a love of learning in the child. Combining this with a supportive environment means empowering the child and enabling them to thrive and be successful,” says Lynda Eagle, Academic Advisor at ADvTECH schools. Eagle says effective praise should be specific, celebrate effort, and emphasise practise. “Praise should focus on the actions, rather than the innate characteristics of a child,” she says. BE SPECIFIC AND DESCRIPTIVE Being specific helps children understand what they did well, and how they can build on or extend their skills, understandings and knowledge. “Instead of using a generic praise such as ‘good job’ it would be more impactful acknowledging the work that has been done and the effort applied – ‘I noticed how carefully you arranged those blocks when creating your pattern. Would you like to explain to me your thinking?’,” advises Eagle. When praising a child, it is important that the adult is fully present and shows genuine interest. This fosters connections and helps build reciprocal relationships. It is an opportunity to engage with the child to share in their experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the child’s thinking. CELEBRATE EFFORT AND PROGRESS Where a child is working towards a goal, then it is important to provide support and encouragement over time. Adults can offer praise and acknowledgement of the work that has been put into achieving the result. This highlights the fact that the effort and process in achieving the goal is as, if not more, important than the outcome. Acknowledging that learning through our mistakes is a valid part of the learning process removes performance paralysis and inculcates a growth mindset. “Mistakes and setbacks are seen as important learning opportunities. Praise children when they manage disappointments well and encourage them to keep trying and moving forward.” Eagle says body language is also important. “Using an enthusiastic tone, adopting a relaxed posture, while smiling and acknowledging the child, drives the message of support home and gives children the psychological boosts they need to continue doing their best. Take care to be sincere however, as children can sense inauthenticity and fake praise.” BALANCE AND REFLECTIVE PRACTICE It is important to remember that excess praise or praise that is not sincere, may undermine the child’s intrinsic motivation and the development of a strong internal sense of accomplishment. Further, as noted by Carol Dweck, this may lead to the “development of a false perception regarding their true abilities and skills”. By offering praise when warranted, and providing constructive and mindful feedback when necessary, the child builds trust in the process and the support provided as they navigate their way through the various learning experiences. Eagle says encouraging and engaging in reflective processes aids children with the recognition of what went well, what they may do differently and the next steps. This helps foster the development of self-motivation and self-assessment, and ultimately the transferring of knowledge, skills and understandings, to new and unfamiliar settings – now and in their future. Mindful and specific praise builds trust and will have a profound impact on a child’s development. “By mastering the art of praise, parents and teachers can inspire confidence, resilience, a growth mindset and most importantly, a love of learning in their children,” says Eagle.

April 5, 2024

A Helpful Guide to Keeping Your Child Safe on the Internet

Educate yourself, stay informed about the internet, social media platforms, and the latest online trends. Understand how they work, the potential risks involved, and the privacy settings available. This knowledge will help you guide your child effectively. Establish clear rules and boundaries and set clear guidelines for internet usage at home. Discuss the appropriate amount of time they can spend online and the types of websites, apps, and content they are allowed to access. Communicate openly and create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences, concerns, or any uncomfortable encounters. Encourage open conversations about the internet and address any questions or issues they may have. Teach responsible behaviour and educate your child about online behaviour. Teach them the importance of treating others with respect, avoiding cyberbullying, and not sharing personal information online. Teach them about the potential consequences of their actions. Use parental controls. Utilise parental control tools and filtering software to monitor and restrict your child’s access to inappropriate content. These tools can block specific websites, set time limits, and provide you with insight into your child’s online activities. Set privacy settings. Help your child configure privacy settings on their social media accounts and other online platforms. Teach them to keep their profiles private and only accept friend requests from people they know in real life. Teach online safety. Educate your child about online safety measures, such as creating strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links or downloads, and reporting any inappropriate behaviour or content they encounter. Encourage critical thinking. Teach your child to think critically about the information they find online. Help them evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources and recognise potential scams or misinformation. Monitor online activity. Regularly check your child’s online activities, including their social media profiles, chat logs, and browsing history. Be vigilant without invading their privacy. Let them know you are monitoring their online presence to ensure safety. Foster trust. Build trust with your child by respecting their privacy within reasonable limits. Let them know they can come to you if they encounter any problems or concerns about their online experiences. Avoid overreacting to minor issues, which may discourage them from seeking help in the future. Encourage offline activities. Promote a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Encourage your child to engage in hobbies, sports, and face-to-face interactions with friends and family. Stay engaged and involved in your child’s online world. Engage in their interests, ask questions about their online experiences, and show genuine interest in their online activities. This involvement helps you understand their online behaviours and identify potential risks. Remember, maintaining open lines of communication, educating your child, and actively monitoring their online activities are key to keeping them safe on the internet. By implementing these strategies, you can help your child navigate the digital landscape with confidence and security. At Kip McGrath, we understand the importance of ensuring your child’s safety and well-being, both online and offline. That’s why we offer FREE assessments to help identify their unique learning needs and provide personalised tutoring programs tailored to their academic growth. Visit our website today to book a free assessment and discover how Kip McGrath’s qualified teachers can empower your child’s learning journey. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for your child’s educational success. Let’s work hand in hand to keep your child safe and thriving in the digital world and beyond. Schedule a free assessment now and equip them with the skills they need to navigate the internet confidently and responsibly. Choose Kip McGrath for expert guidance and a safe space to nurture your child’s potential. Book a free assessment today and embark on a learning adventure that leads to a brighter future. Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects. A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.

April 4, 2024

Children and nutrition

Adequate baby and child nutrition is imperative in order to achieve appropriate growth & development, build defence against infections and to decrease the overall incidence of life-threatening disease in childhood. Approximate energy, protein, iron, and folate requirements during childhood Age Energy kJ/day Protein g/day Iron mg/day Folate mcg/day 0-6 months 2700 13 6 65 7-12 months 3500 14 10 80 1-3 years 5500 23 10 150 4-8 years 7000 30 10 200 9-13 years 10000 45 18 300 (Adapted from the National Academy of Sciences- USA) Baby nutrition (0-6 months) During the first 6 months of life most nutrient requirements are met by exclusive breastfeeding. Babies should thereafter be weaned onto solid foods such as vegetable feeds and cereals. It is important to view weaning as both a nutritional and developmental experience as babies explore various tastes and textures. Breastmilk is advantageous because it contains several active enzymes, hormones, and growth factors. Breastmilk also has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Research has also shown that breastfeeding can delay the onset of allergy. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization to support breastfeeding mothers. Infant and toddler nutrition (1-3 years) This age group requires a good balance between breastfeeding and complementary feeds. It is recommended to start with a few teaspoons of nutrient dense food prepared hygienically. It is important to track the weight of the child during this crucial period of weaning. Food fortification is another implementation that helps prevent iron deficiency and nutritional anaemia. Child and teenager nutrition (5-12 years) Eating habits developed during this stage of development sets the scene for the approach to food well into adulthood. Encouraging three healthy meals a day is recommended but appetite may decrease during this phase which may worry parents. However, the incidence of childhood obesity is on the rise in South Africa which can put children and teenagers at significant risk for chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Malnutrition Malnutrition may present as an abnormally high or low body mass, poor growth, failure to thrive, swelling of soft tissue (oedema) and recurrent infections due to a compromised immune system. Inappropriate intake of energy and protein may lead to malnutrition. Furthermore, certain micronutrient deficiencies may lead to unique signs & symptoms, such as Vitamin A deficiency or iron deficiency. Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) This type of malnutrition depends on how long protein and energy has been insufficient for the child. Other factors that impact the severity of PEM include age of the child and other associated vitamin, mineral and trace element deficiencies. It is vital to keep track of a child’s weight for height which can be a useful indicator of protein and energy intake. Vitamin A deficiency Vitamin A is found in milk, egg yolk, fish oils, some vegetables and fruits. The diets of children with Vitamin A deficiency are often deficient in other nutrients. A deficiency in Vitamin A can cause dry eyes, night blindness and an increase in the severity of serious infections. Research has shown that Vitamin A supplementation during complicated measles decreases the duration of complications. If Vitamin A deficiency is suspected, a dose of Vitamin A should be given immediately. Vitamin A should be made easily available for children at local clinics and hospitals. Diets rich in Vitamin A containing foods should be encouraged such as green leafy vegetables, pumpkin, squash and carrots. Vitamin B complex deficiency Vitamin B complex can protect against disease and is essential for metabolic processes. Some signs of Vitamin B complex deficiency include dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia, mood instability and anaemia. Good food sources of B vitamins include, meat (especially liver), seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, legumes, leafy greens and seeds. Vitamin C deficiency Vitamin C facilitates the absorption of iron. Interestingly, cow’s milk is low in Vitamin C and breastmilk is rich in Vitamin C. Other sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli, berries, melons, potatoes, papaya, guava and tomatoes. Vitamin C deficiency results in poor collagen, poor wound healing, bleeding and haemorrhage. Iron deficiency This can occur commonly in especially the first year of life because milk is low in iron. Iron deficiency can lead to a poor immune system causing an increase in infections, gastrointestinal symptoms, impaired effective absorption of food and vitamins, impaired thermoregulation, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. Zinc deficiency Zinc is a trace element which aids in metabolic processes and immunity. It also helps maintain epithelial integrity and growth. Zinc deficiency is associated with growth faltering, low birth weight babies and skin lesions. Zinc supplementation is widely available for those children who may require it. Prevention of nutritional disorders Good health education as early as during and after pregnancy, at clinics and schools is critical. The use of Road to health booklets, growth and weight charts should be easily accessible in order to prevent malnutrition. “My plate” is one tool accessible on www.myplate.gov. This resource will allow children to explore food ideas and serves as a visual reminder to make healthy food choices. Conclusion My hope is for all children to grow up healthily while cultivating a positive attitude towards food. Food is vital fuel providing energy that can allow our children to thrive if chosen appropriately and in the correct portion sizes. The caregiver is the most important individual in a child’s life. You can make it easier for your kids to choose healthy options by keeping fruits and vegetables on hand and nutrient-dense foods easily available in the home. Sit down as a family and indulge in nutritious, wholesome meals together. A balanced diet is a balanced body. Dr Candice Shah Specialist Paediatrician Netcare- N1 City Hospital, Cape Town

April 3, 2024

A Journey of Hope: Xander Vermeulen’s Remarkable Path with CryoSave

In the intricate tapestry of medical advancements and human resilience, few stories resonated as deeply as that of Xander Vermeulen. Born a decade ago, Xander’s life took an unexpected turn when a severe open fracture left his left arm impaired. Yet, amidst the challenges, a glimmer of hope emerged through CryoSave—a decision made by his parents at his birth that would prove to be transformative. A Decade of Preparation – Xander’s journey with CryoSave began at birth, a decision by his parents to bank his stem cells—an investment in his future health. Little did they know, those tiny cells would one day hold the key to his rehabilitation. November 2020: A Turning Point – Tragedy struck in November 2020 when Xander suffered a severe open fracture on his left arm. The subsequent surgeries and skin grafts failed to restore full functionality, leaving Xander grappling with a disability that profoundly impacted his daily life. CryoSave Steps In – Amidst the uncertainty, CryoSave emerged as a beacon of hope. Through partnerships with surgeons and stem cell experts, CryoSave embarked on a mission to assist Xander in his journey towards rehabilitation. This collaboration marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in Xander’s life. October 4, 2024: A Collective Effort – A significant update to Xander’s story unfolded as a team of medical professionals stepped forward to offer their expertise and resources pro bono. Dr. Deon Weyers, a specialised Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, led the charge in reconstructing Xander’s arm. Supported by Dr. Giancarlo Cavedon, a specialized Anesthetist, Kelly Glazebrook, an Occupational Therapist specialized in hand therapy, Paula MacClarin, along with her team of Physiotherapists, Adrian Singh, an Orthotist, and Cure Day Clinic, this collective effort underscored the power of collaboration in transforming lives. November 30, 2023: A Milestone Achieved – On this day, a significant milestone was reached as the first procedure—the placement of a tissue expander—took place. This pivotal moment symbolized a step forward in Xander’s journey towards arm rehabilitation, with stem cells poised to play a crucial role in his healing process. March 12, 2024: Progress and Optimism – As the expansion neared completion, optimism filled the air. With each passing day, Xander’s unwavering resilience served as a testament to the human spirit. The impending second procedure held the promise of further enhancing Xander’s quality of life, thanks to the dedication of CryoSave and its partners. March 20, 2024: A Moment of Triumph – The second procedure unfolded with precision and skill, as Dr. Deon Weyers conducted flap reconstruction on Xander’s arm. Enriched with Xander’s own stem cells, this innovative approach marked a triumph of science and compassion—a testament to the remarkable strides made in medical technology. As expectant parents prepare to welcome a new life into the world, the option of stem cell banking presents a unique opportunity to safeguard their child’s future health. This procedure, conducted directly after birth, is risk-free and painless for both mother and baby. By banking their child’s stem cells, parents are investing in a potential lifeline—a resource that may hold the key to unforeseen medical challenges down the road. As Xander’s story illustrates, the decision to bank stem cells is not merely a precautionary measure but a tangible expression of hope—a gift that has the power to shape the course of a child’s life for years to come.

April 2, 2024

How to care for children during divorce

Parents going through a divorce/separation are mostly always concerned about what it is going to do to the children and how to minimise the impact it will have on them. If you want to minimise the negative impact of your relationship breakup on your children, you must first take care of yourself. When going onto a plane, we are always given some safety instructions at first and one of them, in case of cabin de-pressurisation, is to first put on the oxygen mask yourself and then help the person next to you, because in all logic, if you are wanting to help someone else but you are not getting the oxygen yourself, you will struggle and possibly not even be able to help the person next to you. You will end up being the one needing help. Same goes with a relationship breakup. Such an event brings a lot of emotions. Emotions which you may not have been prepared to deal with. Without taking care of yourself first, you will not be a prepared parent to assist your children. Many parents send their children to therapists at this time of high stress, and it is an avenue that is wise to take when you recognise some symptoms which you don’t know how to handle, but truth is, your children need their parents first and foremost at this critical point in their life. Not a stranger. So in order to properly be there for your children and take care of them during and after the divorce/separation, first you must take care of yourself. Here are some recommended steps, specifics for parents going through a divorce. Divorce & Co-Parenting Coaching Divorce & Co-Parenting Coaching is highly recommended for parents concerned about their children’s well-being at this challenging time in their lives. It will allow you to make sense and process your emotions and receive help to help your children. Divorce Mediation Once you have your “oxygen mask” on, i.e, you are working through your own emotions, engaging into Mediation is the best way forward in finalising the details of your ending relationship while keeping an amicable environment for your children. If you think going to court and fighting a legal dispute is scary, imagine how your children must feel! Parenting Plan Equip yourselves with a good parenting plan. There is only so much that one can think of and manage by themselves. A Parenting Plan will assist you to have an overview of what your children need and how it can fit with your needs, now that you have two households to consider.

March 29, 2024

Taking “Me” Time Without The Guilt

We can only give in relation to how much we have. If we are drained, our needs are not being met, and we are emotionally taxed, we have less to give to our children. Everyone needs a break and if we continue to push ourselves and not nurture ourselves and our needs, the chances of us falling apart or breaking down are high. A mother who falls apart will not be there for either her kids or her partner. As mothers, we tend to have our priorities upside down. We tend to put our children first, then our partners, and only then ourselves. This is an inversion of the correct order, which would be: To place ourselves first (just like on an airplane we would put the oxygen mask on ourselves before our kids because if we’ve passed out we can’t help them anyway!). To place our relationship second (other than single moms) – most mothers will place their children before their partners, but we need to remember that the two of you came before the kids, and will remain after they have left. A solid partnership helps the mother to cope, and provides a strong family base for the children to flourish. If your relationship is troubled or falling apart this will impact on all members of the family. Then come the children. We are so conditioned by society, the media, and well meaning friends and family that the children should come first – that we should give up everything and make sure the kids are ok. I’m not saying at all that their needs should be neglected, but that in order to provide for their needs we need a solid foundation. Mothers tend to confuse self-love with selfishness, however self-love is the only way to extend love to others. We forget that our needs and desires don’t just disappear when we have children, and if we are unfulfilled we will be more irritable, resentful and will enjoy our parenting experience less, not to mention giving an unconscious message to our children in the long run that our own dreams and needs do not matter. The best way that we can inspire our children to live fulfilling, enriched lives is to live that ourselves. I explained this to my kids one day by making a pyramid of plastic drinking cups. “Look here”, I said, “this cup on top, that’s me. Now what happens when I’ve had time to myself to do the things I love and I’ve had enough rest and I’m feeling happy and relaxed” (and as I do this I’m filling up the cup with a jug of water). “Can you see how my happiness and love and wellbeing flows down into the second layer of cups? Now that layer is me and dad – and can you see how when we’ve had time together and we’re happy and full of love that all that love and happiness flows down into the third layer? And that third layer is you two. So for me to be the best, happiest, most fun mom that I can be can you see that I need to fill myself up first?” Now every time I need some time to myself to recharge my batteries or to see a friend, I simply remind them that I am the cup on top and I’m filling myself up so that I can be a better mom for them.

March 28, 2024

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREASTFEEDING AND RETURNING TO WORK

Returning to work need not be cause for anxiety or a reason to abandon breastfeeding. Carefully managed you can make the transition seamlessly. Here are 4 tips to make breastfeeding whilst going back to work easier: Consider when you are going back to work The age of your baby when you return to work will determine the urgency with which you need to pursue getting her to take to bottles. If you know you are returning to work before your baby is 6 months old, you will need to prioritize establishing bottle-feeding. The reason is that milk is the priority food under 6 months of age and your baby will not be deriving much (if any) nutrition from solids at this stage. Expecting your baby to go all day without a feed is not realistic so you need to work on establishing the bottle – preferably with expressed breast milk If you are returning to work between 6 and 8 months, your baby should still have a mid morning and mid afternoon feed so it is preferable to have them on a bottle for these two feeds. That said, priorities are changing and you can be more flexible – not giving these feeds or using a sippy cup. If you are returning to work from 8 months on, it is not essential to get your baby onto a bottle as your little one only has the need for either a mid afternoon or mid morning milk feed (other than the waking feed and bedtime – which you will be there for anyway). So rather skip the bottle stage altogether and move towards a cup or sippy cup. Expressing successfully The best advice you will probably get if you are returning to work when your baby is young is to invest in a good quality electric breast pump. Take it with you to work. At around the time of your baby’s feed, go to a quiet space, put your feet up if you can and express. Once you have expressed, refrigerate the milk or place it in a cooler box until you get home. Understand your baby’s sensory personality Some babies alternate between bottle and breast-feeding as easily as can be. While others resist bottles and give their moms a tough time when they return to work – even going on a starvation diet for the hours when mom is at work and feeding all night. The reason babies respond differently to the transition to bottles, is related to their sensory personality. Some babies are more sensory sensitive than others and battle with change. If your baby is more sensory sensitive, she may find the novel texture of the teat and the new flavor of the milk a real problem to tolerate. Slow to warm up and sensitive babies in particular find the transition a challenge. For these babies, you do need to plan ahead and work at exposing them to bottle feeds ahead of time. It is worth determining your baby’s sensory personality as this will help you be more empathetic and plan ahead to ensure a smoother route. When your baby won’t take the bottle If your baby refuses the bottle and yet needs the feeds while you are away, you will need to keep persisting. In the month leading up to your return to work, try to get her to have 1 bottlefeed a week and closer to D-day, one feed a day from bottle until she accepts it. To do this – offer expressed breastmilk – this is best for her and is a taste she is used to, so she is more likely to take to it. Then choose a feed when she is rested and not fractious – eg mid morning feed. The ask someone else to give it to her, not you. Try a few different teats until you find one she likes. Good luck with your journey back to work. It can be tough but often the trauma is more for mom than for baby, so take heart.

March 28, 2024

Age restrictions, are they purely suggestions when it comes to social media?

It may feel at times that age restrictions are simply suggestions, however when it comes to the safety of our children online, it’s probably best to pay attention. Age restrictions are in place for a reason, every parent or guardian knows their child best, pushing the limits within reason with your consent. Every parent has the right to decide for their own child. You know your child better than anyone. However, when it comes to social media, you can’t control the world. We’ve all experienced it. Social media can send you to strange and wonderful places. The videos can entertain and memorise you. We’ve all fallen victim to the social media scroll. When it comes to our children, the average age restriction for social media is 13. Legally it is 16 for WhatsApp, a channel frequently used by younger children to communicate. This also happens to be a platform where cyberbullying is gaining momentum. No, we can’t rely on the actual platforms to enforce this at log-in. Although it can be argued that it is their responsibility. This age limit comes from US legislation from 1998 which banned the collection of children’s personal data without parental consent. For many parents, schools and cyber safety experts, this minimum age has become a benchmark. The truth is social media can be toxic. Young children have not yet developed their emotional intelligence to filter out certain content, to read between the lines and to interpret information with a critical eye. Allowing children to access these platforms exposes them to an array of people, places, and situations. All of which you cannot control. The risks are real. The University of Syndey has cited the below to be major risks. Risks include being exposed to online bullying and harassment. They can be exposed to misinformation and inappropriate content. Master manipulators can set into gear their sexual grooming. Youngsters are the most vulnerable to privacy breaches. Children enjoy the freedom that social sites give them, making them feel older than they are, this leads to excessive use, leading to addictive tendencies. Academic studies claim there are links between social media and poor mental health and low self-esteem. Despite there being no correlation between excessive social media use and poor self-esteem, we cannot ascertain a direct causation. It’s important to note that should a young person already experience low self-esteem and depression they will tend to use social media significantly more than others. Emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence is not the ability to understand the difference between happy or sad, like or angry! It’s the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you. There are five key elements to consider before you ignore that age restriction: Self-awareness Self-regulation Motivation Empathy Social skills Every year we see significant changes to our children’s behaviour, and in the blink of an eye, we start to notice a big change that has happened in front of our eyes. Let’s give them the time they need to be kids. We’re not saying social media is all bad, it’s a great place to deepen relationships, learn and grow and can be used for positive reinforcement offering great well-being insights and motivation. We’re saying, our children should explore this space when they are ready and equipped to face this world. Refer: https://www.kubbco.com/blog/13-positive-effects-of-social-media-on-our-society-today https://www.facebook.com/share/p/eCCSreSzMCsd8758/?mibextid=2JQ9oc https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/02/10/is-13-too-young-to-have-a-tiktok-or-instagram-account-.html#:~:text=This%20minimum%20age%20requirement%20stems,become%20something%20of%20a%20benchmark.

March 27, 2024

HOW TO KEEP A RECORD OF YOUR BREASTFEEDING

Keeping a record of your breastfeeding may seem a little time consuming. Not only do you need to feed your baby, but then document the entire process as well! However, there is huge merit to the art of keeping a successful breastfeeding log book. Believe it or not, a record of your feeds holds many, helpful secrets for you. The most important one being you will be able to track your little one’s over all health progression. Within this article, we will highlight what metrics you should be keeping track of, and how they will benefit you and your baby in the long run. Read on below now and get acquainted with the art of keeping a record of your breastfeeding and unlock the secrets it holds for you today. Why You Need To Record Your Breastfeeding As a parent, any information you can keep on your child’s development is pure gold. This is where a breastfeeding log book comes in incredibly handy. Within its pages you will be able to document vital statistics of your baby’s feeding habits. These will help you recognize any problems, should they arise, as you will be familiar with your child’s eating habits. Furthermore, a breastfeeding record wont only help you, but others who may eventually become responsible for your child as well. When you eventually return to work, this log book will be able to provide either your nanny or day care centre with crucial information on your baby’s eating habits. They will know roughly when to feed your little one, how much to feed them and knowing how many times they should change your child throughout the day. Criteria To Document In Your Breastfeed Record Here are the top five criteria you should be keeping track of when you begin to record your breastfeeding patterns: #1: How Often Your Child Feeds Keeping a record of feeding frequency helps you in two areas: you will know how often your baby feeds throughout the day. You will also be able to start creating a feeding schedule off of this data. Knowing how much your baby feeds will give you a good indication as to how much milk you will need to have available. Your body is a wonderful thing. During your breastfeeding journey, it should produce the exact right amounts of milk for your little one to feed comfortably. However, keeping a breastfeeding log book will help you understand how much milk you should express and store for times you may not be around to feed your baby. **Top Tip: remember, your breast milk can be frozen without compromising its nutritional value. It can then be used at a later stage. Another wonderful thing about keeping track of feeding habits is that you will begin to be able to build a feeding schedule. You will know exactly when your little one begins to get niggly and be able to swiftly go into feeding mode! Having a schedule will also help you plan your own life. You will be able to schedule event and outings around that precious tie with your baby. As mentioned above, you will also be able to provide other care takers with useful information on when your child should be fed throughout the day. #2: How Long Your Baby Feeds For Knowing how long your little one feeds for is another snippet of useful information. It will help you establish how many minutes need to set aside per feed. You will also be able to track how many minutes is spent on either breast. Once again, this will help you establish an accurate feeding schedule. It will also help you familiarise yourself with how long you should be pumping each breast when you begin to express your milk when going back to the office. #3: When Nature Calls In your feeding log book, you should also track how many soiled nappies your baby produces throughout the day. This is incredible information to have because should your child become ill, and either produce too many or too few soiled nappies, you will be able to pick up on it immediately. Monitor both the wet nappies, as well as the dirty ones. This will allow you to keep track of your child’s digestive health on an ongoing basis. #4: The Weigh In Make a note to also keep track of your baby’s weight within your feeding records. The general rule of thumb stipulates that within the first two week’s of your baby’s life, they should be weighed every five days. Between two weeks to six months, you should weigh your baby once a month. Don’t weigh your baby at home. Rather, take him or her to your doctor and get accurate results! Keeping track of your baby’s weight gain (or loss) will allow you to monitor their growth. Should their weight fluctuate dramatically from one month to the next, you will be able to notice it instantly, and seek the correct help going forward. #5: How Do You Feel Another important metric to take note of is how you feel post feeding. Particularly, monitor how each of your breasts feel after this time. Should one feel particularly full, you will know you need to express that one after each feed. In the same right, should both still feel full, you will know to express both. By doing this, you will also be able to keep track of what feels normal and what doesn’t for you. Should your breasts begin to feel different, keep track of these changes and consult your doctor about them. How To Keep A Record Of Your Breastfeeding Cycles Documenting your breastfeeds sounds simple enough. And truth be told, it is. As such, there is no reason you should be tracking your breastfeeding cycles. You can keep track of your feeds in the following ways: Write them into a note book Make digital notes on your phone Keep a record in a feeding log book We find it

March 26, 2024

Fanciful Faces Inc.: A Magical Wonderland for Your Celebrations!

Step into the enchanting world of Fanciful Faces Inc., where joy takes center stage, and every celebration becomes a canvas of laughter and delight. Known for their extraordinary entertainment services, this company is not just a party planner; it’s an architect of unforgettable moments and a creator of magical memories. A Kaleidoscope of Services Imagine a world where face painting isn’t just an art form but a transformative experience. Fanciful Faces Inc. turns faces into living masterpieces, thanks to their skilled artists who are more like dream-weavers than painters. And when it comes to clowns, these jesters of joy are the heartbeat of any event, spreading infectious laughter and whimsy wherever they go. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Balloon sculpting turns ordinary balloons into intricate wonders, while jumping castles become portals to a gravity-defying kingdom of pure delight. It’s not just about services; it’s about crafting an experience that lingers long after the confetti settles. A Sprinkle of their Signature Spectaculars: Face Painting: Where smiles become masterpieces. Clowns: Masters of mirth and laughter engineers. Balloon Sculpting: Ordinary balloons transformed into extraordinary wonders. Jumping Castles: Bouncy kingdoms where gravity takes a backseat. Water Slides: Splashy aquatic adventures for sun-soaked celebrations. Magicians: Illusionists turning events into enchanting experiences. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to Fanciful Faces Inc., and they’ll happily tailor the perfect entertainment for your event! A Symphony of Joy and Fun Picture the sound of children’s laughter harmonizing with the playful melodies of Fanciful Faces Inc.’s entertainers. Their events are not just about services; they’re an orchestrated symphony of joy. Each celebration becomes a crescendo of laughter, a dance of delight, and a parade of unforgettable moments. A Haven of Happiness for Every Child Beyond creating magical moments, Fanciful Faces Inc. is committed to fostering a haven of joy for every child. In their belief, childhood is a treasure trove of enchantment, and no child should miss out on the magic. With Fanciful Faces Inc., every celebration becomes a treasure hunt for joy. Looking to the Future As Fanciful Faces Inc. spreads joy today, the dream is to paint even larger canvases of happiness in the future. Envisioning more laughter, more celebrations, and more magical adventures on the horizon, Fanciful Faces Inc. goes beyond being a part of your celebration; it’s a dedicated partner in shaping a future where joy knows no bounds. With plans for community outreach and exciting collaborations on the horizon, fuelled by the unwavering desire to spread love and happiness far and wide. Closing Note – Choose the Canvas of Joy In the grand tapestry of life, Fanciful Faces Inc. is the brushstroke that adds vibrancy, the burst of confetti that creates magic. Choosing them isn’t just about getting a service; it’s embracing an experience where every smile, every giggle, and every moment becomes a stroke on the canvas of joy. Choose Fanciful Faces Inc. – where every event is a masterpiece of merriment!

March 21, 2024

Babies R Us Premium Parenting Event is Back

Calling all new, seasoned, and soon-to-be moms and dads to join the Real Mama Club Events The annual Babies R Us Real Mama Club event series is back this year, bigger and with more events than ever. Calling on all moms and dads – whether you’re new to parenthood, a seasoned pro, or eagerly awaiting your bundle of joy – join Babies R Us at one of the eight nationwide events taking place from April to November. The event series provides an opportunity to discover the secrets to successfully navigating the journey of parenthood. Spanning across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, and Gauteng, are set to be the highlight of your parenting journey. The lineup is packed with real insights to help you navigate both the highs and lows of parenthood. Everything from baby milestones to introducing solids, navigating relationships to car safety, postnatal depression, sex after birth and securing your baby’s financial future are combined with an entertaining morning full of spoils, a fabulous goodie bag, delicious lunch, stunning venues, and opportunities to engage with both baby and brand experts. Among many childcare experts some of the speakers will feature renowned professionals such as Kath Megaw, a Pediatric Dietitian and author of ‘Weaning Sense,’ Ayanda Mkhwanzani, a fund and investment specialist from Old Mutual; and Spicey Madlalose, one of South Africa’s leading experts in car seat safety and a product specialist for Joie. “Parenting is an adventure unlike any other, filled with countless challenges and endless moments of joy,” says Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Babies R Us. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and these events are exactly that – a space for mothers to connect, learn, and grow together as part of the Real Mama Club community.” She adds: “We’re once again providing a space for all mamas to connect with each other and gain solid advice on what to expect and how to overcome some of the challenges of parenting.” “This event series has grown over the last three years to become a much-anticipated calendar event annually,” she adds. “It’s for this reason we have increased the number of events and included other regions to give mamas the opportunity to meet new mama friends, share insights, get advice and enjoy a perfect day out.” What’s more, it’s not limited to mamas. We have seen many soon-to-be dads joining their partners at these events. “We also have baby care on hand so parents attending can be rest assured their little ones are taken care of by the Super Nannies team,” she adds. Tickets are on sale via the Babies R Us website at a cost of R250 and the ticket includes: a goodie bag packed with mom and baby essentials, an opportunity to engage with our baby and brand experts, a free lunch, and a chance at winning one of many exciting prizes. “We are including some of our most popular brands at the events with a full expo area where parents will have the opportunity to learn from over twenty brands including, Tommee Tippee, Joie, Bounce, Old Mutual, LOVA, Fisher Price and Pampers to name a few,” adds Jacoby. “We know parenting is hard, but it is incredibly rewarding. The aim of these events is to remind parents they are not alone and that we are here to support them through the reality of parenting,” she explains. “Babies R Us is more than just a baby retail store, we offer free antenatal care, wellness checks for mom and baby, a family wellness department and the best products at all stages of parenting, all curated by professional moms, the Real Mama club events are an extension of this.” “We’re looking forward to sharing our attendees’ parenting journey with our mama’s as we parent together,” she concludes. Event Calendar: April: Western Cape/Waterfront (5th April) May: Eastern Cape/PE (3rd May) June: Gauteng/Menlyn (7th June) July: Gauteng/Sandton (5th July) Aug: KZN/Gateway (2nd Aug) Sept: Gauteng/Hyde Park (6th Sept) Oct: Western Cape/Waterfront (4th October) Nov: KZN/Gateway (1st Nov) For more information and tickets visit: https://www.babiesrus.co.za/mama-club or on social media @BabiesRUs_za #RealMamaClub

March 21, 2024

Is there a superior parenting style?

There are many trends in parenting styles that change from decade to decade or even year to year – helicopter parenting, tiger parenting, respectful parenting, attachment parenting… So which one is best? Is there one that is better than others or does it depend on your personal preference? The jury is in on this one and research confirms over and over again that there is a style of parenting that comes up on top. Parenting styles and trends can basically be divided into three broad categories – Permissive, Authoritative, and Authoritarian. I like to think of them as political systems within the home. Permissive is anarchy, Authoritative is democracy, and Authoritarian is dictatorship. Nobody is parenting in one style all the time – we tend to swing between different styles at different times of day (we all know which style comes out at around 5pm!) and we change depending on what we’re dealing with and how much we value compliance in that area. But most people have a predominant parenting style and that’s the one that matters. Permissive parents have (to a greater or lesser degree) no rules, no boundaries, no structure. The kids rule the roost and the parents find their way in amongst the chaos. Kids needs come first, parents’ needs come last. Authoritarian parents are the “my way or the highway” parents. They have strict rules, which are punishable if broken; there is no discussion and no back chat. They run their home more like an army barracks where stepping out of line is simply unacceptable. Here adults come first and kids must fit in. Authoritative parents have the goldilocks balance. Here kids’ and parents’ needs are equal and are both considered before a decision is made. Everyone is involved in deciding the rules and structure of the home and agrees to abide by this out of respect for each other not out of fear of punishment – like the kind of boundaries we’d create with friends if we lived with a roommate. Expectations are realistic and interactions (even for transgressing a boundary) are kind, respectful and caring. No great prizes for guessing which parenting style leads to the best outcomes. Again and again, research into parenting styles shows that Authoritative parenting leads to increased prosocial behaviour, success, self worth and cooperation, and leads to decreased drug use, violence and behavioural problems. Why? Because an Authoritative parent is primarily concerned with the relationship between themselves and their children. They are modelling acceptable ways of interacting with other human beings, of resolving conflict, of finding ways to get past disagreement. They are showing what it looks like to be respectful and kind and caring and authentic. They are not letting their kids walk all over them, but they are not bullying them into compliance either. They are seeing their children as whole, capable, decent human beings, and children always live up (or down) to our expectations of them. Would you like to live in an anarchistic society? Or under the rule of a dictator? Or would you rather opt for democracy? Your home is a microcosm of the world and helping to train your children to live in the greater society. Let your home and parenting style reflect what you would choose for yourself in the world.

March 20, 2024

Epigenetics and Motherhood

What does Epigenetics mean? Gene expression is the process of how often or when proteins are produced from the blueprint within your genes. While genetic changes can alter which protein is made, epigenetic changes affect gene expression to turn genes “on” and “off.” Since your environment and behaviour, such as diet and exercise, can result in epigenetic changes, it is easy to see the relationship between your genes and your behaviour and environment. The study of epigenetics looks at how actions and the environment can influence your genes. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change DNA sequences, but they may affect how your body reads DNA sequences. How does epigenetics relate to Nature Vs Nurture? Epigenetics explains how early experiences can have permanent effects. The genes children inherit from their biological parents provide information that guides their development. For example, how tall they could eventually become or the kind of temperament they could have. How does epigenetics affect us before birth? Environmental factors may alter the epigenetic profile of a fetus during early life, specifically in the prenatal period, which may increase vulnerability to diseases later in life, such as obesity, cardiovascular, diabetes, etc. Donor Eggs Epigenetics and Birth Mother. Birth mothers using donor eggs have a significant impact on the development and future health of their babies. Since the baby’s DNA only comes from the egg donor and the sperm donor, many women using egg donation worry that they will not share any genetic information with their child. However, the switches that turn our genes on and off may play an even greater role in health and development. These switches are known as epigenetic controls. Abundant research has shown us that the prenatal uterine environment plays a crucial role in fetal brain development, childhood metabolism, immune health, and numerous other factors. Given our limited understanding of the processes that affect fetal development, what can a pregnant woman do to improve her prenatal environment? Following the common practice most women use during pregnancy might be the best approach in order to foster a healthy uterine environment for your baby, it is essential that you maintain a good weight, follow healthy diet habits, refrain from drinking alcohol, limit caffeine intake, and take prenatal vitamins. Stress management and maintaining stress-reducing activities during pregnancy are equally important for creating a healthy uterus for your baby. An emerging concept, fetal adaptation, explains how epigenetic regulation impacts development later on in development, in contrast to embryogenesis and implantation early on in development. Epigenetic modifications allow the fetal genotype to respond to a variety of developmental environmental factors. Even though early gestation is the most susceptible period for the fetus, environmental stimulation in late embryonic development, infancy, and early childhood can also have long-term health effects in later life. It has been shown that a high-fat diet supplemented in adulthood induced large-scale methylation changes in skeletal muscles, as did folic acid supplementation during the peri-pubertal period. All these studies suggest that plasticity of the human epigenome may also persist into adulthood and epigenetic mechanisms are involved in life-long adaptation. In conclusion: In contrast to conception, which begins when an egg cell meets a sperm cell, motherhood begins in the womb. The factors influencing childhood begin in the mother’s body long before she becomes pregnant. Your uterine environment will influence your baby’s development in various ways. When you begin taking care of yourself before you become pregnant, and continue doing so as your baby develops inside you, you’ll be able to pass on health benefits to your child, ensuring they have the best possible future.

March 19, 2024

A bad marriage doesn’t have to be a bad divorce

Divorce is more often than not a dreaded life event. High emotions are involved creating conflicts which in turn interfere with the process of moving on. People find themselves stuck in a situation from which they initially wanted to move away from but the unpleasantness of dealing with a person they no longer get along with is remaining a painful present occurrence. I like to stress that if you are in a bad marriage, you don’t have to be in a bad divorce. On the contrary. A divorce, for most parties, is a solution to a life they no longer want to live together. So how do you divorce well when you no longer get along? Here are 5 principles to a good Divorce: Respect each other and agree to disagree. You are no longer getting along to a point that you want to divorce. Agree that whatever has caused your relationship to come to this point needs to be acknowledged. Mutual non aggression. Whether verbal or physical, rudeness or aggression is only a weak imitation of strength. Acknowledge that your situation is what it is. Fighting it or the other person is not going to change the circumstance, only the outcome. Ask yourself then if fighting is going to result in a better or worst outcome. Mutual non interference in each other’s lives. It is important to be at peace with the fact that you both now have separate lives. New places to live, possibly new friends and perhaps a new love interest. What your ex does is no longer of your business. Be interested in your life and all the exciting things that are waiting to happen. Win-Win. To end a bad marriage is to result in a happy separation. Making a divorce difficult to try and get back at each other for whatever hurt was caused will not result in anyone winning and most likely make the person creating most of the chaos more unhappy after than before. Amicable coexistence. Why live in constant hostility when you can live in peace? This is especially of value for divorcing parents whose hostility will affect their children. No matter what you do, you both exist at the same time and, especially as co-parents, are more likely to remain in each other’s lives. It’s your choice to make it a good or bad experience. Nadia Thonnard Founder SADSA | The South African Divorce Support Association

March 19, 2024

“Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps” – Planning for Newborn Sleep Bliss

I am the mother of two beautiful boys and have experienced two polar opposite newborn phases; one pure undisturbed bliss (even with a three-year old running around) and the other where the wheels completely fell off around eight weeks postpartum. After my first, very wobbly experience, I am here to share how I fought for and set myself up for the most wonderful, enjoyable, relaxing and sleep-filled (yes, I really am using those words!) postpartum with my little Leo, our baby lion (named by my firstborn, Max). Both my babies were born into my arms at home, in births I had manifested and dreamed of. I won’t go into too much detail about what I did wrong when Max was brand new. But as a first-time mom, most of it was due to being uninformed, taking bad advice, not listening to my intuition and not giving myself, the most important part of the mother-baby dyad, the care, quiet and nurturing I needed to look after my tiny newborn. I have since learned that our babies and children feed directly from our nervous systems; they physically need us to regulate themselves. I knew that with Leo I had to plan very carefully and put the necessary support, boundaries and expectations from those around me in place very securely before he was born to allow myself the space and time I needed to be able to stay in a calm, happy, ventral vagal state while having a newborn in my arms and a three‑year-old to tend to as well. I knew that this would mean that my newborn would be calm and happy too, as he was feeding off my nervous system. So, for me, there were a few very important things I planned so I could rest and sleep once he was born: I made sure that my three-year-old would be looked after and his needs met by my parents during the day. I still did his bedtime every night, even the day Leo was born, which is a blessing one has when birthing at home. I made sure my fridge was stocked with all the right postpartum foods to help nourish me after birth and give me all the energy I needed to establish breastfeeding. A great book I read was The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou with Amely Greeven and Marisa Belger. I followed a forty-day confinement/resting period after giving birth, where I stayed in my home for this special time. I didn’t leave my bedroom for the first seven days and slowly made my way into the rest of the house only when I felt I was ready. This tradition is followed in many cultures; however, in our own fast-paced Western culture, it has been largely overlooked. In my opinion, this is why so many mothers have difficult newborn phases filled with the social pressure to get back to normal life way too quickly. All they should be doing is looking after their baby while others care for them. Some of you reading this may be thinking, how the hell would I even do that? And that is why I said I had to ‘fight’ for my postpartum bliss. It doesn’t just happen, I promise you! I took a Chinese herb called Calm Shen and an incredible amino acid called L‑theanine, which I wish more mothers knew about. These aided me in restful sleep and calming the anxious mind, so I found it easy to drift back to sleep at night after feeding and to lay down for a nap with my baby and actually sleep. I made sure I lay down to rest and sleep whenever Leo was napping. Because I felt so calm, so held by those around me and so safe, I was actually able to nap with my teeny one in my arms and not just lay there wide eyed and wired, wondering if he would wake up the next time he stirred. I also became very comfortable with newborn active sleep patterns, where they are fast asleep but moving around and making noise like crazy (enter me sleeping with ear plugs day and night!). With Max, I used to jump up to rock and feed him the moment he moved, which meant that most of the time, I was actually waking him up and being the reason for his short naps and poor nighttime sleep. I went to bed super early. Now when I say early, I mean like 7:30 pm, latest 8:00 pm. My three-year-old goes to bed at 6:00 pm and sleeps through the night, so Leo and I would follow close after him. This meant I had 12 hours in which to get as much sleep as I could, taking the edge off feeling anxious about how much sleep I got. For most nights, this ended up being a good eight hours for me (obviously interrupted by feeding). BLISS! I used a Love to Dream swaddle, Sleepyhead pod, soft white noise and a Lulla Doll as a lovey from day one and made sure there was some light for our day naps and that nighttime was completely dark. For the first 16 weeks, I co-slept with Leo and had him next to me either in my arms or in a co-sleeper. I mastered the art of breastfeeding while side-laying, which meant I often fell asleep while feeding him. This was another way we had our long blissful naps during the day, always laying together. Something I used to dread with Max became something I truly miss now that Leo is eight months old and sleeping happily through the night in his own room. I seriously loved my postpartum journey, from my empowering one-hour-long unassisted homebirth in our beautiful new home by the sea in Cape St Francis (where the midwives arrived five minutes before he was born – but that’s a story for another day!) to my dreamy newborn cuddles and sleep-filled days and

March 18, 2024

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

The origin of this proverb is unknown. Some believe that it is an African proverb; others believe that it originated from Native American tribes. Either way, we know that these communities have mastered the art of communal living and raising their children as a shared responsibility. Even in today’s individualistic world, it is almost impossible to raise children without the help of family members, friends, schools and professionals. Soon-to-be parents discover the value of their “village” when they attend antenatal classes and rely on this support after their child’s birth. As a child grows older, their teachers and school environment start to play a more important role in their development. Most mothers will remember countless times when her child started a sentence with, “But my teacher said…” The influence of the “village” can be comforting and overwhelming at the same time. It is reassuring to know that other parents experience the same frustrations or fears and that other children face the same challenges as yours. However, too many cooks spoil the broth! Sometimes, conflicting advice can leave a parent disheartened. Where should you begin when your child’s teacher and speech therapist have different views on what is best for your child? What should you do when the teacher tells you that she does not have time to implement the OT’s recommendations in the classroom? In a recent conversation with a psychologist, we came to the conclusion that most children need a “case manager” who can help to prioritise therapies and interventions when multiple interventions are needed. For example, a child on the autistic spectrum could need academic support, behaviour and speech therapy and occupational therapy for sensory stimulation. In reality, reading assessment reports, attending feedback meetings and deciding on the best course of action is ultimately the parents’ choice and responsibility. Prolonging the decision-making process hampers the success of intervention, especially when a problem is identified early. Parents should consider their budget and what could possibly be covered by their medical aid. Start with baby steps and avoid overwhelming your child with too many assessments and therapies. Ask your child’s teacher and therapist to communicate to get everyone on the same page. Simply put, don’t isolate yourself when making decisions about your child’s development. Rely on your village! Chrizelle Prinsloo is the owner of Kip McGrath Education Centres, Walmer. She has a background in psychology and has taught in mainstream and special-needs schools both locally and abroad. Chrizelle is passionate about helping children gain confidence in their own abilities and about finding different ways to help them learn.

March 18, 2024

How to Teach Kids to Care

I hear parents complain that their kids don’t appreciate what they have. So much is available to our kids today that it’s hard for them to imagine being without. Then when they push their parents for more, it triggers a feeling of resentment for the parents as they think about all they’ve done and provided for their kids so far. My own kids occasionally threw in the, “All my friends have an (insert anyone of these here: iPhone, TV, Xbox, Six Flags pass, etc.), why can’t I have one?” It’s common for them to think that every other child has what they want, even though it may not be true. Remain calm when they make these claims and stand firm in your position to not cave at their demands. Instead of reminding your children of all that you’ve bought or done for them, let their cries for more stuff be your reminder to get them involved in something that gives to others. From food banks, to pet adoption groups, to the Salvation Army and churches, all communities have opportunities for individuals, families and even children to volunteer in service to others. There is no better way to teach your children the act of giving then to do it right alongside them. Avoid dropping your kids off with an organization for them to volunteer, unless it’s an organization that is specific to youth participation. You are the primary and most important teacher for your children so roll your sleeves up and get in there with them to participate. I read a news story recently, featuring a 16-year-old boy in Rhode Island who started a project of providing brand new donated shoes to homeless children. In the four years it’s been running, he’s provided 16,000 pairs across 32 states. The article in People magazine included testimony from recipients of this giving organization’s gifts to families. And where did this admirable young man get the notion to start such a wonderful organization? His parents took him to a homeless shelter when he was five years old. When he realized that his light-up sneakers did not compare to the shoes worn by the homeless children, which were falling apart, that experience remained with him and influenced his actions as he approached the teen years. As the story supports, telling your children about those who are less fortunate than they are, may not be enough to matter. When I was a child, I remember my elders warning me about all the children that were starving in foreign countries, in hopes of getting me to eat my dinner. Providing an experience for your children in seeing and hearing from those less fortunate can make all the difference. One final thought on this matter of teaching children and teens to care. Suppose there are some things that you do want to provide for them. Instead of running out and making an instant purchase, consider a dollar-for-dollar matching initiative if they have the means to earn money. Or at the very least, put limitations on when and how long they can use the item. Delayed gratification is something more children need to experience to appreciate what they do and do not have.

March 15, 2024

Parental Alienation

Parental Alienation is a term which has become synonym with acrimonious divorces and seems to become an increasing and concerning problem. Angry parents, through the power of manipulation and control, turn their child/ren against their other parent in a manner that it looks like it is the child/ren’s choice to cut all ties with that one parent. It is particularly destructive to the child/ren who are acting under total trust of the toxic parent and when, eventually, mature enough to start questioning why they are disconnected from that one parent, they will read into the manipulations of the “loved” parent at a cost of now possibly damaging that relationship too. There is no denying that some separations are particularly hurtful and hard to overcome, but nothing, apart for the obvious sexual abuse or criminal behaviour by a parent, accounts for a parent to set the children up as a means to gratify their hurt and anger. Some call it a criminal act, others children abuse and others a mental disorder. Regardless of the label it holds, the bottom line is, it is seriously hurting children and robbing them of a childhood in which they should have enjoyed a relationship with both their parents. The law seems to be powerless against this situation or ill manages it, which further tears down any chances for that family to heal. There is unfortunately presently no clear solution or remedy, but what is evident is that separating parents who find themselves overwhelmed with negative feelings need to prioritise their emotional state with the wellbeing of their children in mind. People overwhelmed by their feelings, who are left unsupported or ill-advised in this life changing transition will struggle to move forward and resort to hurtful behaviour. In some countries, like the USA, divorcing parents are mandated to take a parenting class prior to their divorce and have to Mediate before they choose to Litigate. It may not be the solution for all, as Parental Alienation is still thrive in the USA too, despite these measures, but understanding that this is, first and foremost, an emotional process which needs to be given necessary attention before the legal divorce is tackled. Also, the targeted parent needs to take responsibility for their role in the conflict and how they are feeding it. When at a loss it is understandable that being the recipient of such vile anger will trigger an equal aggressive reaction, but if anything needs to be learned from this cycle of conflict, is that no conflict ever get resolved by throwing more fuel onto the fire. Understanding the level and origin of anger of your ex is important to tone down the conflict and offer an alternative to save the children from a childhood which will permanently wound them.

March 14, 2024

Sensory Defensiveness

Mary’s little boy was not doing anything by the book. He did not give her the usual two week honeymoon period after he was born. He just screamed from day1. He would not latch and within three weeks was being bottle fed, even though breastfeeding was so important to Mary. He cried all day every day – not colic hour – it was colic twelve hours! Then everyone said the crying would stop at 3 months, but it just got worse. By the time William was 6 months old, he had had every test under the sun. Mary was exhausted and was sick of the screaming – no one had said it would be so bad and she just felt like a useless mom. William suffers from what we call sensory defensiveness. He has an aversion to touch, even when it is nurturing. He recoils from smells and screams whenever a door bangs or a dog barks. By understanding what is at the root of his fussiness, his mom will have a much easier time managing his behaviour. We all have a specific threshold for sensory information, just as we have a pain threshold. If your baby’s threshold is high, he will be able to deal with a lot of sensory input and be happy and interactive without becoming over stimulated. However if your baby’s threshold is low, he will have a very low tolerance for sensory input. Soft and gentle touch may then seem threatening and painful. If all touch is threatening, being hugged, stroked and massage will not be pleasurable. Breastfeeding will be an intolerable event because it is fraught with tactile experiences, being skin to skin. Likewise if your baby has a low tolerance for sounds, he will stir very easily and wake at the slightest sound. Furthermore, a door banging or an unexpected dog bark will over stimulate your baby, causing him to cry. Being sensitive to smells is particularly overwhelming because the world is so full of odours and we battle to predict or control them. For a baby who is oversensitive to smells, an uncle who smokes or the smell of cooking in the kitchen may be totally unnerving. If you think your baby is an oversensitive baby, go to the checklist on this site to determine whether he suffers from sensory defensiveness. If your baby is sensory defensive, you should: Approach him with firm deep touch as opposed to light fluttery touch Schedule baby massage for the morning rather later in the day when he is already over stimulated Swaddle him for breast feeds to help him be calmer for feed times Not wear any perfume for the first year as he will probably be sensitive to it Wear your baby in a sling or pouch to calm him Play white noise or quiet lulling music to block out the effect of sudden loud sounds Speak to him before touching him so he is able to predict that your touch is coming If you suspect sensory defensiveness is at the route of your baby’s fussing, it is worth getting hold of an occupational therapist to determine whether he is sensory defensive and the extent to which the sensitivity will impact on his daily function. Being the parent of a sensory defensive baby is not easy and you may find he has a harder time settling than other babies. The support of a therapist will help you with ideas for daily life and keeping your baby happy.

March 13, 2024

What To Expect When Expecting Multiples

Taking care of yourself during a multiple pregnancy starts with eating well – except that little research has been done on what that means for a mother carrying multiples. In the absence of any real science, it’s probably best to aim for healthy, balanced meals. You will need to drink plenty of fluid, ideally eight large glasses of water a day as a minimum. It’s worth bearing in mind that sugary snacks can give you highs and lows which may be unpleasant. Slow-burning foods such as whole grain breads and crackers, vegetables, beans, oats, brown rice and whole grain pasta will tend to keep your blood sugar more stable and may satisfy you for longer. You will need more protein, calcium, iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 than in a singleton pregnancy, so make sure you have a varied diet. Try to eat little and often. Fresh foods are likely to give your body more of what it needs nutritionally than foods that have been processed. Taking a pregnancy supplement is also a good idea. How big will I get? Expectant mothers vary in size as in any pregnancy, but you can certainly expect to gain more weight than women carrying a singleton. In addition to the extra baby or babies, multiples mums carry extra placentas, amniotic fluid and maternal body fluid. As the babies grow, keeping physically comfortable can be a challenge. It’s probably best not to plan a huge amount of activity for the last few weeks of pregnancy – getting in and out of cars as well as negotiating seatbelts can become difficult, and you will probably be more tired with all the extra work your body is doing. It can help to swap tips with other pregnant mums (as well as share experiences and get a little sisterly support) Boring but important, pelvic floor exercises do minimise the risk of a prolapsed uterus later in life, as well as help your pelvic floor return to normal after the babies are born. To do them, tighten the muscles around your vagina and anus (it feels like stopping the flow of urine) and count to five before relaxing the muscles. Do this ten times, repeating the whole routine five times a day. It can help if you put a discreet note somewhere you’ll see it regularly (such as inside your purse) reminding you to do a set. No one need know… Gentle exercise during pregnancy can ease tension and help your muscle tone. Don’t do anything where balance is key as your centre of gravity will be changing as your belly grows. Low-impact sports like walking and swimming suit many people. Whatever you choose, start slowly and stop if you feel any cramping, pain or shortness of breath. Try to look after your emotional wellbeing as well as physical health. The extra hormones can sometimes make you feel emotional and overwhelmed. This is normal, even though it may surprise or upset you when it happens, especially if it isn’t how you usually react. If you feel stressed or anxious, talk to a health professional or family member. Preparing for the arrival of your twins, triplets or more! The prospect of birth can be such a daunting one that many parents find it hard to think beyond that miraculous and improbable event. Try to bear in mind that once your babies are here, you will be very busy. The time before they arrive is a great opportunity to research some of the practical issues ahead of you, reading up on everything from what happens in a multiple birth to twin/triplet sleep routines. Go out to teas in your area and meet other multiple parents. There is nothing like meeting other parents who already have young twins, triplets or more for finding out what you really need to know – such as which equipment you will need extra sets of. You may even be able to pick up some useful items second-hand. SAMBA has a fantastic second hand Facebook page, Moms of Multiples Resale JHB. Attend Expectant Parents seminar hosted by SAMBA. These seminars will prepare you for the birth of your multiples and give you tips on how to breastfeed, sleep routines, a dads perspective and more. Bonding All mothers respond to their babies in different ways, whether they have one baby or four. Some are immediately besotted with them, others initially indifferent. Both of these responses are normal. Some mothers worry that they will not be able to bond with more than one baby at a time – or that they will have a favourite. And some babies appear more loveable than others. However you feel at the beginning, your babies will grow on you. Try to make time to cuddle and get to know each of them individually. Bonding with higher multiples can be especially difficult as you have proportionately less time with each baby. Try roping in some help. Even if it is only once a week, ask a trusted family member or friend to take one or more babies out for a stroll in the pram while you have some special time with just one. Switch babies each time so they all get a turn. If you are separated from one or more babies – for example, if they are in neonatal care – you may find it hard to believe that the babies are really yours. This can make you feel a little detached, but try not to worry. When you start to look after the babies yourself it will begin to feel real. In the meantime, display photographs of the babies in your home and show photographs to friends. Common Symptoms Your body will go on an incredible journey as you nurture the babies developing in your uterus to the point where they can exist outside. Inevitably, there are aches, pains and discomforts along the way because of the sheer scale of the task you are accomplishing. If any symptoms worry you, talk

March 12, 2024

WHERE SHOULD YOUR BABY SLEEP?

Deciding where your baby should be sleeping is a very personal decision by you as a family. You know your family best! Even when assisting clients, this is a discussion as a team (us and the parents). Discuss the pros and cons of why you want to do it or why it might not be best for your family. I am here to tell you that your baby/toddler/child can sleep well no matter WHERE they sleep. Another thing to keep in mind is that when you decide where your baby sleeps, this is NOT a permanent choice. You can change your mind if your initial choice did not work out and change where your child sleeps as they grow up or your circumstances change. There are some important things to consider, though. We are here to give you some options and considerations: 1. CO-SLEEPING Co-sleeping is when you share a sleep space with your child and can be divided into what is known as bedsharing and room sharing: Bedsharing: This is when parents and babies sleep together in a bed, couch or chair. If you choose to bedshare, you need to do it safely. The reality, however, as new research shows, is that bedsharing with younger babies is associated with higher risk of SIDS. For newborns, the safest option is to use a co-sleeper. But once your baby can sit up at around five months, this is no longer a safe option, as the open sides of the co‑sleeper are quite low and your baby is top heavy. If your baby looks over the side of the co-sleeper, they can fall out. It’s also the reason why you should move your cot to a lower level at around the same time. Room sharing: This is when parents sleep in the same room as their babies but not in the same bed. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) continues to recommend that parents room share with their baby for at least the first six months, preferably a year, because it is associated with lower rates of SIDS. You can influence each other’s sleep, however – white noise throughout the night can possibly assist with this. Babies need 11 to 12 hours of sleep per night, you don’t; so you will go to bed later than your baby. When you come in later, it could wake them. The same could happen if you go to the bathroom at night or if you wake up early. Babies are noisy sleepers and their general night noises could keep you out of sleep. Similarly, some baby cots are noisy and just your baby moving around, which they do, could wake you up. 2. OWN ROOM AND OWN COT Creating a safe and beautiful baby room is often one of the top things moms do while pregnant. If you have created a beautiful, safe baby room, it might just be time to use it! As mentioned before, you can influence each other’s sleep in a negative way when sharing a room. The reality, though, is that the move can often be worse for us as parents. HOW to do the move out of the room: Moving them one shot. Not wasting time and just having them settle can especially help when your baby is close to 12 months or already a toddler. Gradually moving the cot further away from you in the room and then out. This gives baby and parents time to adjust. First having baby sleep in their own room and cot for naps, and once you all get used to the idea, then also moving them to their own room at night. 3. SHARING A ROOM WITH A SIBLING We want your baby to be in your room or a separate space until they sleep through the night. This reduces the potential for your children to disturb each other at bedtime or wake each other at night. Many parents are worried about the kids waking each other throughout the night. We have found this to be a very unfounded fear, as children are pretty good at blocking out sounds. Some things that can help to create a comfortable shared sleeping environment: Block out curtains to help with bedtime and morning light. White noise placed between the cot and bed to minimise their sleeping sounds. Placing the cot and bed as far apart from each other as possible. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to where your little one sleeps. Inevitably, you might use all the options at one point in your parenting journey. To BETTER sleep!

March 11, 2024

Mindfulness Matters, For Ourselves and Our Communities

Mindfulness. A word that is thrown about on a regular basis and a concept I thought I was utilising with success on a regular basis. I had read Eckhart Tolle’s “Power of Now” and was deeply committed to my inner peace throughout my day. I had just begun to read Rick Hanson’s “Neuro Dharma” prompting the release of my bias that meditation practices were reserved for the yoga studio. As fate would have it, I then received an email inviting me to join the international “Search Inside Yourself” educator training for improved emotional intelligence. What a game changer! When not juggling my home commitments (as many of us do), I currently work part-time as a speech therapist and as a transformational life coach. Three years ago, I began to incorporate my coaching content centred around self-awareness, self-management and the pursuit of intent and purpose into my speech therapy practice with teenagers who stutter. Specifically, I now begin each session (or meeting when possible) with three breaths. The first is for us to release where we have been prior to our time together. The second is to just “be” in the new space together. The third is for setting our “highest intention” for what we hope to achieve individually in our time together. In doing so, I have felt a deeper sense of peace, availability, and connection with all my client interactions. Many of my clients have expressed a similar effect, teenagers included! I believe we can all benefit from a few of these “three extra breaths” throughout our day. It may not be practical in some circumstances to do this out loud. Take those moments and improve your individual experience. Whether we are active in a parenting role, walking into a work-related meeting or just standing in a queue, taking three breaths, and focusing on being present sets a new standard for positive outcomes. There are plenty of opportunities to connect to our devices, let’s be the change and improve our human connectivity, one exchange at a time.

March 7, 2024

Digital Safety: developing healthy digital habits at a young age

Digital is a fundamental part of our everyday lives including the lives of primary school children. It has become an extension of ways of learning and creativity; however, it also presents risks such as cyberbullying, sexual extortion and risks to privacy. According to the Unicef SA Kids Online Study, 95% of children in South Africa use the internet regularly but are not aware of these risks and how to handle them. An even more shocking 70% of children do not share what they are exposed to. Social Kids South Africa is a programme dedicated to guide and protect children under 11 years old as they navigate the online world. This digital adventure is essential training that children need to ensure they know what information they should share online, how to protect their privacy, understand how an algorithm works and how to deal with cyberbullies. They learn good manners online and how to spot fake news and ensure the site they are on is secure. “The reality is children are being exposed to the digital world from a young age. But what are we doing to show them the right way to surf the net, know their rights and how to handle situations they may find themselves in? We can monitor their online behaviour and try being online 24/ 7 but ensuring a child is aware of the threats, comfortable to communicate and empowered with knowledge, the more likely they are to steer away from dangerous situations”, says Cheryl Barnett, Co-founder of Social Kids ZA. Building digital literacy at a young age empowers your child with the right tools and knowledge to help them when they are older and in the infamous teenage years. Rather than letting your child learn from their peers or through trial and error, Social Kids mascot, Codey Crawler shows children how to be safe when they go online and to think before they click. If your child is playing games on the phone or watching YouTube, they are vulnerable to master manipulators online. The program has 5 adventure levels, each ending in an activity that must be submitted to earn a digital badge. Codey Crawler and his bestie Miss Nadie take little adventurers on a journey with the purpose to upskill them via fun and age-appropriate pre-recorded lessons. Adventure level 1– the adventure begins with the dos and don’ts of digital safety. Children are taught about their digital fingerprint and the trial they leave online. Adventure level 2– teaches the little adventurer what cyberbullying is, how to navigate and stop it by sharing with their circle of trust. This adventure level teaches them to safeguard their information and understand what details are safe to share. Adventure level 3– in this lesson, Codey and Miss Nadie focus on how to spot fake stories, the importance of asking questions and how to fact-check and always ask permission from parents before sharing. Adventure level 4– Codey describes online manners, what certain messages and symbols on the internet mean and how to interpret them. He goes into detail on how to play games safely and when to show your true colours or when not to! Adventure level 5– The last level, Codey reinforces the main topics covered to ensure the brave adventurers can confidently connect with the world. It ensures they understand the dangers that could be out there and highlights the positives that the digital world has to offer. Parents have access to in-depth parent guides; these were created to add value to parents. Showing them step by step how to protect their privacy, educating them on the best ways to set boundaries from a young age and improving their relationships as they grow and learn online. The program can be taken together or via a Jump in- Jump out online class with Miss Nadie in the afternoons, every weekday. Social Kids is a great resource to future proof your kids against online dangers. Not only does it educate them, it also provides parent guides to help set boundaries in place. I found the course useful because it opened up conversations with my son about online bullies and how he would handle them. Creating a safe family space (which Cody teaches us are people we can trust) is a good grounding for kids for that online world out there. Heather Step https://samomblogs.co.za/ Cheryl and Bryan Barnett developed this program to protect their son, “We have seen how fast this digital world is changing and how our children are being exposed to this world, with little to no guidance. The focus only comes into place after they are well into their teens, the bad habits have already been formed. Hence our focus is on the younger generation.” Join Codey Crawler and his friends, for a once-off price of R 425 to access all 5 adventures and parental guides. (Normal price R500)

March 6, 2024

Don’t get “nap trapped”

More and more in recent times have I been hearing the word ‘nap trapped’. Nap trapped is when parents feel ‘trapped’ at home because their little one can sleep well only in the cot or in a specific area for naps. This can even mean that because of the timing of naps, moms don’t want to join friends, go to classes or join groups. There is an added level to being nap trapped, as it could also mean that your baby can sleep only on you or next to you. I KNOW I was nap trapped with my babies. For such a long time, my children were sleeping horribly, and once I found something that worked, I was so petrified that if I changed something they would go back to the horrible sleeping. We could never go out for dinner, because my little ones had to sleep at home. Outings during the day or during holiday caused me so much anxiety in the end that I did not want to do anything outside the house as it just made me stress. One holiday in Cape Town (by this time, my kids were already four and two years old), we had some friends over for an early afternoon braai. I had finally stopped breast feeding, so I could drink some wine again (of course, after not drinking for years, one glass was enough). We had a fantastic time; their kids were a similar age than ours and all were enjoying themselves. Because the sun goes down later in summer in the Cape, with a shock, at 20:00, I realised that my kids were not even close to getting into bed (they had a very strict 19:00 bedtime). And there they were, running around, swimming, playing and having a great time… I had never even given them the opportunity before… And I was fine, they were fine. I was actually the only one who realised what time it was. Because they normally slept really well, they could cope really well with one night of going to bed later. And that is the reality most of the time. Even the most social couple I have helped had something on three times a week over bedtime (that is really social, I can’t remember ever being that social, even before kids!). AND even for that social couple, it was still the exception. For four out of seven nights, they were at home, could follow the bedtime routine and make sure that their baby got proper sleep. Don’t try to create your life according to the exception and also don’t be afraid of the exception. Most of the time, you will be at home, and when you are at home, make sure that your baby gets the best sleep that they can. So that when those exceptions happen (they have a short nap or skip the nap or go to bed later), they will be ready and deal with it and will be fine. There are, of course, some additional things that you can try for naps or bedtime when you do go out for dinner to at least hope you have a good time: Try to relax. In the end, if you are going to be anxious, your baby will feel it and this can make the whole situation much worse. This might mean that you need to plan a bit. This might mean that you need to allow other people to help when they offer. Or, this might just mean that you need to know that whatever you do for those couple of hours will not alter everything that you have done before. If your little one can sleep in the car, well, use it. If you are traveling during time that falls over the nap time, extend the drive a little if you have to (I know petrol is expensive!) to just ensure your baby gets a bit of sleep before you get to your activity. If your little one can sleep in a stroller, use it! Even if it is a short nap, it is better than nothing. Try using a portable white noise machine or white noise app in the stroller as well as closing it and moving it around to see if this helps to get your little one to sleep in the stroller. Some babies sleep great in a stroller when they are small, but might not sleep so well anymore as they get bigger. BUT, then, they might get into it again. If you go to a braai/dinner at someone else’s house, ask them if they have an extra cot or take your camp cot with. Do a short bedtime routine as you would at home. Instead of bathing, you can just wipe your baby’s face and feet with a warm cloth. They will survive one night of not bathing. Try to put them down even if it means helping a bit to get them there. BUT, if they don’t sleep after 10 to 20 minutes, call it. Take them with you to friends and try to enjoy yourself. You can take turns holding the baby with your partner and friends. It is one night. Too many times, I have heard moms say that they want a baby that can sleep anywhere. These moms would say things like: “I can remember falling asleep under the table at weddings!” My response: First, how many weddings do you attend? Second, sleeping anywhere has a lot to do with your baby’s personality and age, but most importantly, lastly, why create rules for the exception? By Jolandi Becker – MD of Good Night

March 5, 2024

Global Recycling Day

Global Recycling Day is on the 18th of March, it teaches us to reflect on the impact of our daily actions on the planet. Recycling is a simple but powerful way to reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment. Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about the importance of recycling and encourage them to take an active role in preserving the planet for future generations. In this blog, we’ll share some tips on how you can make recycling a fun and engaging activity for your children. Why is Recycling Important? Before we explore the practical tips, let’s first understand why recycling is so important. Recycling helps to: Save resources: Recycling reduces the need to extract new raw materials from the earth, conserving precious natural resources such as water, trees and minerals. Reduce waste: By recycling, we divert waste from landfills, reducing the amount of pollution and greenhouse gases that are generated. Protect the environment: Recycling helps to conserve biodiversity, prevent habitat destruction, and reduce the overall impact of human activities on the environment. Look after marine life: At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. By reducing plastics we can protect marine life from ingesting or getting entangled by plastic debris. Study The Cambridge Primary Review Trust conducted a study on Primary Education for Global Learning and Sustainability, which highlights the importance of teaching children about environmental sustainability from an early age. The study found that those who had learned about recycling and sustainability in primary school were more likely to recycle, conserve energy, and reduce their carbon footprint as adults. The study also found that children taught about sustainability were more likely to engage in environmental behaviours, such as turning off lights, using public transport, and buying eco-friendly products. These behaviours were more likely to be sustained over time, indicating that early education can have a lasting impact on environmental attitudes. By teaching our children about the importance of recycling, we can help them develop a sense of environmental responsibility and inspire them to protect the planet. Tips for Teaching Children About Recycling Start small: Encourage your children to start recycling by setting up a small recycling station in your home. Provide separate bins for different types of waste, such as paper and plastic. Then teach your children how to sort and recycle their waste safely. Make it fun: Recycling doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative and make recycling a fun and engaging activity for your children. For example, you could create a recycling-themed art project or a point-based system on how much recycling they can do with rewards. Lead by example: Children learn by example, so make sure to demonstrate recycling practices. Show your children that recycling is important by making it a regular part of your daily routine. Talk about the impact: Take the time to explain to your children why recycling is important and the benefits it can have on the environment. Global Recycling Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting the planet. As parents, we can help our children develop a lifelong love and respect for the environment by teaching them the importance of recycling. By starting small, making it fun, leading by example, and talking about the impact, we can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards to take action and make a difference. At Kip McGrath Education Centres, we believe in the power of education to change the world. As we celebrate Global Recycling Day, we encourage parents to teach their children about the importance of recycling and taking action to protect the planet. By instilling environmental values in our children, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future. If you’re looking for ways to help your child achieve their full potential, Kip McGrath can help. Our qualified tutors can provide personalised lessons and give the attention your child deserves, helping them build confidence, improve their skills, and reach their goals. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for our children and the planet. So, take the first step towards building your child’s confidence by booking a free assessment. Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects. A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.

March 4, 2024

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