Parenting - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Top SA literary stars turn out to inspire learners

– Koa Academy to host Online Creative Writing Workshop for Grades 8-11 – Koa Academy, South Africa’s high-engagement online school will be ending the 2023 school year on a high note by hosting an online workshop for grades 8-11, featuring some of the country’s top creative writers. The stellar line-up of presenters includes best-selling novelist Lauren Beukes, beloved musician and lyricist, Majozi, award-winning playwright, Gabriella Pinto, celebrated poet, Diana Ferrus and co-creator of Madam & Eve, Stephen Francis. Koa’s Online Creative Writing Workshop will run each morning from 8:15 to 11:45 on Thursday, 30 November, Friday, 1 December and Monday, 4 December 2023. The virtual event is free and open to all South Africa learners in grades 8-11. Registration for Koa’s Online Creative Workshop is open until 20 November 2023. Koa’s subject specialist educator for English, Elouise Fourie is the organiser of inspirational and educational workshop. She says, “I teach many learners who have a real talent and a passion for creative writing. My initial thought was that I wanted to find a way to give them some real insight into the creative writing industry. I wanted to find a way to inspire them but also give them something practical to use in their writing. I began contacting people who are well-known in the industry and to my surprise and delight, a lot of them were keen to be involved.” The line-up of 10 speakers on the programme over the three mornings also includes working writers in the fields of journalism, publishing, editing and copywriting, showcasing the range of career options for those with a talent for writing. The programme includes Q&A sessions so that learners can engage directly with the presenters to find out more about their writing processes, creative inspirations and become familiar with writing careers that may be of interest to them in the future. In conjunction with the Online Creative Writing Workshop, Koa is also hosting The Koa Academy Blog Writing Competition for all South African learners in grades 8-11. Learners are required to submit an original, 400-600-word blog post on the topic, The best and worst of being a teen in 2023 by 20 November 2023. The winners of the competition will be announced on the last day of the workshop, 4 December 2023. There’s a R1000 Exclusive Books shopping voucher to be won, as well as runner-up prizes, and the winning submissions will be published on Koa Academy’s official website. As we engage more and more with insipid and monotonous AI-generated content, Elouise is determined to maintain the focus on learners developing their writing skills. She says, “We certainly won’t be accepting any AI-generated or otherwise plagiarised blog competition entries! I hope the upcoming creative writing workshop will make it clear to South African learners that human creativity is both essential and thrilling. Writing is a lot like music. The lapses and nuances are what make it beautiful. AI tools can be amazing, but they can’t match what human writers can do. I think there will always be a place for good writing. Creative writing in all its forms gives us a lens through which to view and make sense of the world. We need good writers. Whether they are writing lyrics that put you in a good mood like Majozi or novels that transport you to another world like Lauren Beukes.” Koa Academy invites all SA grades 8-11 learners to the FREE Koa’s Online Creative Writing Workshop Times: 8:15 to 11:45 Dates: Thursday, 30 November; Friday, 1 December & Monday, 4 December 2023. Registration is open now, and closes on 20 November 2023 Register here Grade 8-11 South African learners are also invited to enter The Koa Academy Blog Writing Competition by 20 November 2023. Discover Koa Academy, visit www.koacademy.com

November 16, 2023

Why Organic Is Best For Your Baby And Toddler

In 2019, a study by  Healthy Babies Bright Future, an alliance of NGO’s and scientists, found that 95% of conventional baby foods in the US are contaminated with toxic heavy metals including lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium, which can impact the growth of babies brains, lower IQ, and increase the risk of cancer. It also found that the effects of these toxins are cumulative, and that even low-level exposure in early life was of significant concern.  It’s no coincidence that these poisons are routinely used to produce the chemical fertilizers that are used extensively in conventional farming, and when you add in the toxic pesticides used on these crops, we have a perfect storm which many experts around the world believe is the cause of rising cases of infertility, early puberty in children, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, ADHD, and autism.  A ground-breaking study published in 1993, “Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children”, was the first to focus on the risk of toxic chemicals to this group – prior to this, environmental safety policies had focussed on the assessment of risk to the “average adult”.  The study found that infants and children have a heightened susceptibility to chemicals in the environment. Firstly, children have a greater exposure to toxins compared to adults because they drink and eat more than adults in relation to their body weight. In addition, children’s metabolic pathways and their ability to metabolize chemicals are immature and they lack the enzymes needed to break down and remove these poisons.  Thirdly, children’s early developmental processes are complex and easily disrupted. There are critical periods in early development when exposure to even tiny doses of toxic chemicals—levels that would have no adverse effect on an adult—can disrupt organ formation and cause lifelong functional impairments.  Finally, children have more time than adults to develop chronic diseases. Many diseases triggered by toxic chemicals, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, are now understood to evolve through processes that take many years and that are kicked-off by exposures in infancy.   THE BOTTOM LINE With the current chemical-based system of food production, humans are exposed to increasing levels of toxic chemicals which accumulate in our systems throughout our lives. Early exposure – as infants and children – has been linked to the development of a range of cancers and neurological disorders. By limiting this exposure particularly in the vulnerable early years, through feeding infants and children organically produced food, parents can give their children the best possible chance for a healthy future.

November 16, 2023

How to exercise with baby in tow

For some new moms, the thought of struggling into something lycra on very little sleep, with leaking breasts, to take part in some form of exercise might fill you with horror. Fair enough! But there are those of you who feel trapped by the fact that you can’t take part in sports and activities that you used to now that you have a baby and consequently feel like you are missing out. The good news is that things have moved on a great deal in the last 15 years when it comes to mother and baby exercise. My first piece of advice is that it is important to be sure you are taking part in exercise for the right reasons. There is a lot of pressure on mothers to regain their pre baby figure and this is a worrying trend. While it is great to be fit, healthy and to lose any weight gained during pregnancy, you simply shouldn’t feel pressure to do so on top of the demanding job of caring for a new baby. So assuming you are looking to exercise with your baby to make you feel good, keep up a level of fitness and get out of the house, what is there on offer? There has been an explosion of mother and baby classes that involve meeting in the park with your baby and buggy and getting a sweat on! These classes often involve lunging and strength exercises and fast walking or running. These are great as they give your baby some fresh air and you get a chance to meet other mothers too. What happens in the class is designed to be safe for postnatal mums so you don’t need to worry about doing anything inappropriate. Another popular mother and baby class is yoga. This can be done together with your baby. No one minds if your baby has a bit of a grizzle and I have memories of having a little nap in one the classes I attended, unintentional of course! Water-based classes are another popular choice for mother and baby. Everyone is carrying post baby weight so you are all in it together squeezing your swimsuits on. A word of caution here though, a swimming pool can be a breeding ground for germs so take care when taking a small baby to a public pool. If they are showing any signs of feeling unwell then avoid swimming at all. Chlorine can be harsh on a baby’s skin too so have a think before you make the decision to take your baby swimming if they have sensitive skin. There are of course things you can do with your baby that cost very little. A brisk walk with your baby in the buggy, a cycle with your baby on the back of your bike, and don’t forget the trusty home workout DVD as there are plenty designed for postnatal mums. A word of caution, if you have had a C-section, do check with your doctor before taking part in any exercise as you are recovering from major surgery. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy doing it with your baby! To share your own exercise tips or to read tips from other moms, visit www.facebook.com/philipsavent

November 15, 2023

Surviving the Toddler Years

You’ve heard of the terrible twos and threes. What seems like overnight your sweet, precious baby turns into a willful force of nature that takes every opportunity to test boundaries (and your patience). There’s no doubt that this stage of parenting can leave us feeling unprepared and at war with ourselves – on the one hand we want to enforce boundaries and instill character in our little ones. On the other hand, we just want it to be easy and less like wrestling a drunk elephant. Changes in your toddlers’ behavior at 2 and 3 years old is a necessary developmental stage. This is when their little minds are creating connections at a rapid pace. What might feel like a confusing, frustrating time for parents, is actually an exciting opportunity to develop a strong and well-adjusted human being who has the strength of character to develop to their optimal potential. So, how do we go about parenting in a way that develops strength of character? Your toddler’s role in life Erikson (1959), a revered developmental psychologist, defines the stages or crisis that occur at specific times of our life, the first being Trust vs. Mistrust (0 – 18 months) followed by Autonomy vs. Doubt from 18 months to 3 years. In the first year of your little one’s life, their ‘work’ is to learn trust. They come to learn that they are at the center of your world, and you can be trusted with their whole little being. They are also learning a sense of self and trust in others. This is a wonderful time of bonding and attachment that starts to change at around 18 months. Moving on to the toddler years, a new role emerges – where the primary goal for your toddler is to develop a sense of autonomy. You will probably recognise this shift in priorities as your little one resists help – opting to do things ‘on their own.’ This need for independence, self-sufficiency and self-governance is what drives them. And almost every toddler challenge can be traced back to this one issue – the need for autonomy vs the crisis of doubt that niggles at the back of their minds as they navigate the toddler years. Your role in the toddler years As much as your little one’s role is changing, so is yours. Of course, you are still their source of love, affection and comfort but you now have the responsibility of helping your toddler develop autonomy. Understanding the stage your toddler is in goes a long way in helping you modify your behaviour, and to not see their behaviour as overtly negative. The guiding principle is this: if a toddler is overly controlled or consistently criticised or has no boundaries, he will develop Doubt. Ultimately the way to develop your toddler’s Autonomy is through Supported Independence. This is the secret to parenting that encourages autonomy and the development of character. Supporting independence In the toddler years, you may have the following goals as you support your toddler to develop autonomy: To allow your toddler to take control (autonomy) over feeding themselves and how much they eat To ensure your toddler knows how to read his own sensory load and make adjustments if he is becoming over stimulated To settle himself to sleep at bedtime and resettle in the night To recover from frustrations without resorting to temper tantrums To develop self-control when faced with choices These might sound like crazy, unattainable goals for the toddler years, but be assured that they are possible. The keys to nurturing these goals are: Reflective parenting – or teaching your toddler to read his own cues. Tell your toddler how he is feeling and reflect the state behind the behaviour – for instance if he is having a meltdown because he is tired, don’t say, “You are naughty” rather say, “You are feeling grumpy because you are tired.” This helps him to identify his emotions and will help him monitor his own behaviour later. Less controlling and punitive parenting – If you are consistently trying to control your toddler and punish him as he experiments and learns along the way, he will eventually doubt himself and stop trying to be independent. Or he may end up fighting with you all the time which is not a great emotional start to your lifelong relationship. Firm and clear boundaries – We know that toddlers explore more and develop confidence quicker if the boundary is clear. Get down on your toddler’s level and be clear about what the boundary is and reinforce it. Give your toddler the narrative – Talk to your toddler – a lot. Verbalise what he is doing, how he is feeling, how you are feeling and what the boundaries are. By speaking these thoughts aloud, they will become the words he hears in his own head when you are not there and that is the start of self-regulation through self-talk. Implementing these tools will empower you as a parent to help your little one make the most of their toddler years. Not to mention, make it easier for you to understand their cues and survive the wild, wonderful whirlwind that is toddlerhood!

November 14, 2023

How do I store my Breastmilk

Store your precious breast milk so you don’t lose a drop. Any mum who has expressed her breast milk knows it is the equivalent of liquid gold. Even the tiniest drop spilled is heartbreaking. By knowing how to store it safely, you can reduce the risk of any of this precious liquid going to waste. Here’s how: Breast milk must be stored in a clean, sterilised container. Tommee Tippee Milk storage bottles and pots allows you to collect, and measure your expressed breast milk. They are suitable for freezing, thawing & heating breast milk. The Tommee Tippee Milk Storage Bags are pre-sterilised allowing mum to simply pour expressed milk directly into the bags without the need for sterilising in advance. Always label the container with the date and time the milk was collected, so you can use the oldest milk first. If you are going to freeze the milk, it’s handy to write the amount on here too. Breast milk can be frozen or refrigerated depending on when you are planning to use it. As with every parenting topic, advice varies on this but a great guideline to remember is ‘The Rule of 6’ as breast milk is safely kept: For 6 hours at ambient room temperature For 6 days in the refrigerator For 6 months in the freezer It’s absolutely fine to put milk breast pumped at different times on the same day into the same pot. Don’t be alarmed if you notice that it has separated into layers after being stored for a while – this is just the hindmilk and foremilk. Just give it a shake before you offer it to your baby. When freezing milk, allow space at the top of the container for expansion. It is easiest to freeze milk in individual feed quantities of 60-125ml. Storage – Pouches can be put straight in the fridge or freezer. Likewise, or you can use a specially designed storage case to neatly store pouches and help prevent damage. If you want to take your milk with you when you are out, make sure it stays cold or frozen until needed. A cool bag is perfect for protecting your milk on the move.

November 13, 2023

Toddler Development: The Importance of Play

Play is the occupation of children – a child’s work. Even if you don’t know much about the science behind how play impacts a child’s development, most parents instinctively know that children need to play. In the first three years of a baby’s life, they are learning to master the world through movement, language and other cognitive skills. Developing self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment are also on their to-do list and you will see your little one working very hard to achieve these goals through play. As modern parents, when we think play, we think toys or interaction with other little people. These are both great ways to play but it’ll come as no surprise that you are your child’s favourite toy. Just think of the squeals of delight when you are on the floor playing with your little one, in comparison to when they are left to play with a toy alone. Their joy is a cue that your child’s neurons are firing in a way that stimulates huge amounts of brain development and growth. So, before you rush out and buy expensive toys bear in mind that you are really all your little one needs. Having said that, you might be scratching your head wondering how to play, let alone what to play. Playing is something most of us have forgotten how to do as adults but often it only takes a little nudge before you too experience the benefits of play with your little one: closeness, connection and pride. In short, don’t shy away from play! Here are some ideas of what you toddler needs developmentally and how you can use play to encourage these skills: Make believe play – In the third year of life, your toddler will start testing their understanding of roles, interactions and life through pretend play. Create a make-believe play box filled with pretend play items such as dolls, feeding bottles, spoons, cars, hats of various sorts, bags, old phones, glasses, dress up clothes, etc. Play with your toddler as he goes into different roles. Try to have two of each object (not necessarily identical) so you can follow their play and be part of their game. For example, when he picks up a toy phone, you do too and talk to him through the phone. Social play – Your toddler is ready for cooperative social play with a friend. Set up play dates where your little one can engage with another toddler to discover and play games together. Bear in mind your toddler’s sensory profile, they may be slow to warm up on arrival but won’t want to leave. Other little ones might need a few visits to feel at ease. Read your little one’s cues and offer encouragement when you can. Building forts – Building and construction are a wonderful way to develop spatial awareness and planning. Have a stack of blankets or sheets ready, pile up pillows and stuffed toys, Make a fort or tent with your little one, talking your way through it. Ball skills – Toddlers love games of catch, kick and throw. These games provide the basis for gross motor and hand-eye skills used in all sorts of games and sports. In addition to these ideas, you also have finger painting, simple puzzle building, chasing games (and more) to draw from as a way to spend meaningful time with your toddler. Most of all, have fun with your little one! Play, laugh, be silly and be present – whatever the game or kind of play, you will be doing the best for your toddler’s learning and development. Play Sense are the leaders in play-based learning with the first accredited playschool curriculum in South Africa. They have collaborated with Keller Education to unpack the secret to lifelong success in their upcoming webinar: Lifelong Playing on Thursday 4 March at 15:00. Parents are invited to join this insightful and interactive talk where you can get questions about your child’s education answered by our expert speakers. Bookings are essential. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Elisabeth Yolisa Home for Children. Book your place now!

November 13, 2023

Why Unstructured Play Is Serious Business

The usual advice includes tips on how to help your kids navigate the transition to online learning, how to keep them busy and avoid boredom, and why schedules and routines are important now more than ever. All but one of the bases is covered, and that base is unstructured play. Why Is Unstructured Play Important? Unstructured play, also known as free play, has no specific learning outcome. But don’t let that put you off. Numerous studies show that unstructured play is an important part of your kid’s physical, emotional, mental, and social development. Unstructured play is especially crucial for the development of three skills: Creativity and imagination: The absence of fixed rules allows children to create their own guidelines Problem-solving abilities: During free play, kids work together to solve problems such as who takes the first turn in a game and establishing other rules of play Social skills: Free play encourages kids to take turns, learn to share, and make decisions together How to Encourage Unstructured Play The idea of unstructured play might be completely foreign to parents who value routine. Here are a few tips to help encourage free play among your kids: Don’t Make it Part of a Routine Kids thrive on routine, but extremely rigid schedules and heavy parental control are not always beneficial for their development. A fundamental part of growing up is learning how to tackle new challenges and going beyond predetermined routines. Instead of adding unstructured play to your routine, look for opportunities to incorporate it into your day. For instance, the next time you head out to your favourite burger restaurant, let your kids run wild in the play area. Selected Wimpy Playworlds around the country are open and have all the necessary hygiene protocols in place to let your little one play safely. Let Your Kid Take the Lead If your kid is used to following a set of rules all the time, they never get the chance to think outside the box and practise being in control. If your kid is using their bubble wand as a drum, that’s fine. Stepping in often takes away your kid’s autonomy to create something new. Instead of telling them that their wand is strictly for blowing bubbles, say something encouraging like, ‘I didn’t realise that was a drum. That’s really interesting!’ Bring Playfulness into Everyday Activities Incorporating playfulness into everyday tasks such as clearing the table or cooking dinner turns mundane chores into spontaneous play sessions. You can invite your kids to get creative and add food colouring to their favourite dishes, make square pancakes, or turn the family garden into a pretend farm. In our fast-paced, digitally-enhanced lives, it’s easy to lose sight of an age-old development tool that comes naturally to our kids. You can let your kid learn and thrive by simply giving them the freedom to play – with you, their peers, or on their own.

November 10, 2023

The Screen-Free Sleep Aid Every South African Parent Needs to Know About

In an era marked by rising screen addiction among children, Morphée has introduced an offline innovation designed to mitigate digital dependence and revolutionise sleep. My Little Morphée, an internationally established screen-free sleep aid designed for children aged three to ten, has made its debut in South Africa. Developed in conjunction with a team of international experts including sophrologists, psychologists and hypnotherapists, My Little Morphée has been dubbed an ‘offline oasis,’ shaping the sleep aid landscape by offering a non-digital approach to self-soothing, daytime serenity and peaceful sleep, without the harmful effects of screen exposure. Its key feature being an extensive content library containing 192 audio journeys, spanning eight to twenty minutes, including soothing stories, guided meditations and soft music tracks. Children can choose a travel companion from an array of friendly animals in soothing settings, fostering essential life skills such as boldness, confidence, wisdom and generosity. The product also features nature sounds and white noise, teaching children how to master their emotions and self-regulate. According to Morphée’s South African Brand Manager, Daniella Degens, “We have received numerous positive reviews from our international team regarding the efficacy of My Little Morphée, especially when it comes to children who struggle to self-sooth. Parents also find the safety of its screen-free nature really reassuring, particularly for younger children.” Endorsed by a wide spectrum of international medical professionals including doctors, paediatricians, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, sophrologists, yoga practitioners and teachers, My Little Morphée is a trusted choice for parents seeking to provide their children with a healthier and more wholesome alternative to screen-based products. “Distinguishing itself from traditional story boxes, this beautifully designed product serves as a compelling solution to helping families break free from the modern-day challenge of digital devices. It goes beyond entertainment, inviting children to explore a wide range of creative and calming journeys, without the harmful effects associated with screens. Serving as an introduction to self-regulation and meditation, My Little Morphée alleviates anxiety, enhances concentration skills, boosts self-confidence and sooths children to sleep – all of which contribute positively to their overall health and well-being” says Daniella. Designed with French flair, commitment to quality and an APP-free, WiFi-free and screen-free experience, My Little Morphée has been crafted with modern travellers in mind, offering the added convenience of a three-hour battery life. Since its inception in 2008, the brand has experienced exponential growth across six continents, earning numerous international awards, including ‘Best Sleep Product of the Year’ and the ‘Healthy Sleep Awards,’ cementing My Little Morphée’s prominent position on the global stage. Poised to challenge the conventional notion of child entertainment by providing an enriching alternative that captivates children’s imaginations, My Little Morphée emerges as a much-needed screen-free solution for South African parents. Other products in the collection include My Morphée created for adults featuring a comprehensive selection of sophrology and meditation sessions, cardiac coherence and immersive journeys, along with The Morphée Zen designed to manage stress in an instant. Website: https://sa.morphee.co RRP: R2490 including VAT

November 9, 2023

Parents, which financial lessons are you teaching your daughters?

My parents were instrumental in teaching me the biggest financial lesson of my life. My motivation to be educated, empowered and independent stems from the tough experiences my mom endured as a woman, wife and eventually single mother. Witnessing her hardship of having to raise four kids all on her own, I vowed that I would not be left in a similar position and this is what led to my passion for financial education. As parents, we play a critical role in how our kids turn out as adults. Parenting today has evolved and we have become more involved, more conscious and rightfully so, as we raise our kids in a challenging and complex modern environment. We must equip them with life skills from a young age so that they can survive and thrive as adults in what will become an even more competitive and challenging environment. Women have travelled a difficult journey over the years. Our predecessors have had to fight for gender equality, the right to work, the right to have a seat at the table and as parents of daughters, we must ensure that we provide the foundation for which they believe they can stand tall, that they can stand on their own and that they can stand up for themselves. Our belief and value system is instilled in us from a young age, primarily obtained from our parents. Our attitude and behaviour with money is largely as a result of witnessing how our parents felt and treated money. So it is important that we practice what we preach and use positive language when talking about money. Here are some essential money principles you can use when passing on matters regarding money to your daughters: Money gives you options Follow your passion Have your own money, always Know your rights Be involved, Be aware and Be informed Money gives you options People always refer to money as the root of all-evil. This is not necessarily true as our value system plays a large role in how we earn and spend money. Being in a position where you have financial abundance allows you to live the lifestyle you want and to help others to achieve their goals and dreams too. Our daughters should never be made to feel guilty about earning or spending money if it is done in an ethical way. Follow your passion If you listen to the advice offered by the most successful people in the world, the common advice they all offer, is that if you follow your passion, the money will follow. Finding your passion allows you to live a life of purpose and you end up doing what you love. There is nothing worse than earning an income from a job you dislike. There will be no motivation to grow and succeed. Following one’s passion provides a sense of purpose and joy and when this is rewarded with money it is far more fulfilling than earning money from a job one hates. Have your own money, always. From the time we are little, little girls are led to believe that their knight in shining armor will come along and rescue them (often known as the Cinderella complex). In the financial planning industry, we often witness many women transferring their financial rights to their male spouses. Many women give up their financial power in lieu of raising the kids and managing the household. Their financial value becomes underestimated as a result of not contributing financially to household expenses. Teach your daughters that whilst there is nothing wrong with being a stay at home mom, it is critical to have proper conversations about money and what if scenarios. Having their own money, gives them the option of getting out of potentially harmful situations. Know your rights Women have played the submissive role for far too long and many women have the wool pulled over their eyes because they do not know their legal rights. As a result, they are bullied into situations where they have no control. Know where to go if you need advice. Teach your daughters to know their rights, to not sign contracts they don’t understand or incur debt they can’t afford. Be involved, Be aware and Be informed Many women have taken a back seat when it comes to financial matters of the household. Not being involved can have disastrous consequences especially when there is a major lifestyle change caused by death or divorce. Make sure that your daughters are aware of the importance of saving for the things they want and to plan for the long term. Many of us spend exorbitant amounts on how we look and feel, on things that matter in the short term, yet we haven’t given much thought to put money aside for things like emergencies, education and retirement. Teach your daughters to take control of their financial lives from a young age. As a mom myself, I know how many things we need to juggle. It is sometimes impossible to be in control always. However, we have a duty to make sure that we raise strong independent women so that they can stand tall, stand on their own and stand up when they need to.

November 9, 2023

What is your child’s online maturity?

It may feel strange that we’re talking about online maturity when we are showing children aged 7 to 11 years old the right way to play and learn online. The reality is some children have already had extensive exposure to online platforms by the time they are 8 years old. Online maturity plays a huge role in your child’s digital future. How you behave and engage with technology at a young age will determine how you move forward as you get older. Here are the key elements that determine your child’s online maturity: Access to devices Access to online means they can get online to play games, stream TV, watch YouTube channels or have their own device with internet access. Does your child have the freedom to access technology when and as they please? Is there a time limit already set up with rules and boundaries already in place? Who do they access the internet with? If your child is streaming TV, they can access the profile themselves, but are they playing various games or browsing YouTube channels unmonitored? When they go online, do they do it alone, or with a watchful eye behind every click? Are they allowed to access the internet with older siblings, family, or friends? Do you have privacy settings set up on all devices or child-friendly browsers in place? Whether they have supervised access or not, have you taken the steps to protect all devices in the household? Does your family have regular open conversations about the digital world? Do you discuss the dangers of playing online together? The Codey adventure has been designed to appeal to a wide range of ages, however, a child’s individual online maturity and environment will play a large role in his or her experience of the adventure. If at times, the delivery may seem slow, this is a deliberate action, to ensure there is repetition and reinforcement of key concepts. The content is what is important. If your child does have a high online maturity, use this time together to discuss what they know. Use the opportunity to improve your communication and understanding of each other’s perspectives. By starting the conversations now, you are creating a better relationship moving forward. If there is only one change we can make with our future surfers, it must be to – Think. Before you click! Codey Crawler and the Social Kids team will sleep well at night and you as a parent or guardian can rest easy that you are talking to your children about what they do online. We will have a safer, wiser, and kinder internet in the future. Join us – Make the time or use our supervised classes – Just don’t do nothing!

November 8, 2023

BLIPPI MAKES A SPECIAL STOP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Global sensation Blippi to delight audiences for the first time in South Africa in all-new live show, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour from 1 – 10 December 2023 at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace Blu Blood in association with Round Room Live and Moonbug Entertainment are proud to announce that the new live theatre show, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, will for the first time in South Africa, bring the vivacious, energetic, and educational antics of global sensation Blippi to the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg on the 1st to 10th December 2023. “With new music, characters, monster trucks, and even the Blippi mobile, we’re thrilled to bring Blippi to even more kids and families around the world in a brand-new show,” said Stephen Shaw, founder and co-President of Round Room Live. “Following the success of Blippi The Musical, we’re excited for audiences to create memorable experiences with Blippi, with all the amazing music, production, and energy they expect, but in a way they’ve never seen before.” For Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, the character Blippi will be played by professional stage performers selected specifically for the stage show. “It’s very special to witness the love that our fans have for Blippi and his buddies, and the joy this beloved character brings to families around the world,” said Susan Vargo, Head of Live Events at Moonbug Entertainment. “Our live experiences bring families together to make memories that will last a lifetime. With Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour fans can expect catchy music, lots of dancing and a whole lot of fun!” Blippi is coming to Johannesburg for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour! So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party! Blippi inspires curiosity in preschoolers around the world by creating content and experiences that are relatable, accessible and make learning fun. Blippi has become a worldwide sensation with more than one billion monthly views across platforms including Netflix, HBO Max, Cartoonito, Sky, Amazon and YouTube and millions of fans around the world. The franchise has expanded rapidly since it was acquired by Moonbug Entertainment in 2020. Blippi is available in more than 20 languages, including ASL, and is distributed by more than 30 global broadcast and streaming partners. Blippi’s buddies Meekah and Juca have spun off into their own shows and Blippi lives off the screen as well with sold-out live events, popular music tracks, and in-demand toys available at all major retailers. Tickets for Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour are available via www.ticketpros.co.za and Spar Payzone kiosks. For tickets and additional information, visit https://bit.ly/3E5G2NV. Fans can visit BlippiOnTour.com now for tour dates and ticket information. FOLLOW BLIPPI ON TOUR Official Website: www.BlippiOnTour.com Facebook: @BlippiOnTour Twitter: @BlippiOnTour Instagram: @BlippiOnTour FOLLOW BLIPPI Official Website: www.Blippi.com YouTube: @Blippi Facebook: @Blippi Twitter: @BlippiOfficial Instagram: @BlippiOfficial

November 1, 2023

How to Work Together as a Breastfeeding Team

As the saying goes, bringing up a baby takes a village, and although there’s only one pair of boobs that can feed baby, there are lots of ways others can chip in and help. Dads, partners, friends, siblings, and other family members can all form a breastfeeding team. When mums feel supported and happy, they’re likely to breastfeed for longer. What Partners Can Do to Help Dads and partners are key members of any breastfeeding team. They’re the ones who are there with mum and baby in the middle of the night, when times get tough, and reassurance is needed most. With the right support, mums have the time, energy, and peace of mind to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start. Do your research Begin to research breastfeeding before the baby arrives, and make sure you talk to mum about her feeding plans. Let her know that you understand the difficulties that may crop up, and that you’re there for her whatever happens. Lactation consultants – you can find one closest to you right here at http://salactationconsultants.co.za/wp/find-a-consultant/, and organisations like La Leche League have loads of great information about breastfeeding and also run support groups to help parents find their feet. Offer encouragement Be a breastfeeding cheerleader and offer verbal encouragement and support throughout. This will let mum know that you see and appreciate what a great job she’s doing, and will spur her on to persevere if times get tough. Be sensitive to your partner’s needs It’s important to understand the bond between mum and baby, and to be aware of the rollercoaster of emotions that post-pregnancy hormones can bring. Talk to each other honestly about how you’re both feeling, and encourage openness at every new stage that raising a baby brings. Help around the house To reduce stress and ease the load, make it your job to keep on top of the housework. Encourage mum to put her feet up and enjoy bonding with the little one while you pop to the shops, do the laundry, or rustle up something tasty in the kitchen. Burp the baby Once the baby has finished feeding with mum, you can take on the task of winding them. Remember to have a muslin cloth close by – just in case! Why not check out our live video with Terence Mentor @afrodaddyct and Dr Mike Marinus talk about burping your baby. In this brilliant IGTV session, Dr Mike Marinus (MScPaeds, M.Tech Chiro)@marinuschiro @easybaby_academy and Terence Mentor @afrodaddyct chat about burping babies, winding babies, and just getting all that air out. Check it out right here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPI3r4wpaMF/ Create a calm environment Dealing with a newborn can be chaotic, so try and keep your home as calm as possible. If you have older children, perhaps you take them out for the afternoon? Make sure your house isn’t always filled with visitors, and ask people to call or text to arrange a convenient visiting time. When people do come to visit, look for signs that mum – or baby – is ready for them to leave. Keep her company Breastfeeding can be a lonely time for some mums, so try asking if they’d like some time alone with the baby, or if they want you to stick around and chat. Care for the baby in other ways Caring for your baby during the breastfeeding process teaches them that love comes from interacting with people, as well as from food. You can pitch in with walks, nappy changes and bath or bedtimes – all of which are great opportunities to build a lasting bond, and give mum some time off to enjoy a soak in the bath or a well-deserved snooze! Stand up for her right to breastfeed, whenever, wherever.

November 1, 2023

Common Drowning Myths

Myth: Drowning children will shout for help Drowning children are physiologically unable to call out. The respiratory system is designed for breathing – speech is the secondary function. Drowning children’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface but while their mouth is above the surface, they need to exhale and inhale before they sink again. There is not enough time to cry out. Myth: Drowning children are unsupervised children 50% of all child drownings will occur 25 metres or less from an adult who was distracted for only a few seconds. Myth: Drowning children wave their arms to attract attention or will thrash in the water Drowning children cannot wave for help. Physiologically, a person who is drowning cannot perform voluntary movements such as waving or moving towards a rescuer. Envisage the surface of the water as a platform. Someone who is drowning often presses down on the surface and tries to use it as leverage to get their mouth above the water’s surface to breathe. So what the onlooker sees are arm movements that can appear to be playful swimming. Children will not kick wildly either. They remain upright in the water with no evidence of a supporting kick. They are quiet, focused only on breathing and show no signs of violent struggle. The child’s struggle is quick — 20 seconds, whereas an adult struggles for 60 seconds. Myth: My child has had swimming lessons so he / she won’t drown No child is ever drown-proof, no matter how good their swimming skills. A few swimming lessons are no guarantee when it comes to drowning prevention. Myth: Water wings and flotation aids will prevent drowning Water wings give a dangerous and false sense of security, often making children think they are stronger swimmers than they actually are. Flotation aids can also suddenly deflate. To prevent a tragedy, be vigilant about pool safety and cover your pool with the leading safety cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers – The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover which also complies with local safety regulations. This cover also saves water, power and chemical input, giving you safety as well as savings, and it brings a beautiful finish to the outdoor living area. Learn more and shop online at www.powerplastics.co.za Make this the summer you got safe. The summer you got covered.

October 30, 2023

CHOOSING A PLAY SCHOOL

Your baby reaches 18 months and suddenly there is a little shift in the things you think about – suddenly you may start to wonder if leaving her at home with the nanny or being at home with you all day or attending a creche is ticking all the boxes ITO her development. It’s a fact that most parents start to wonder about a play group and specifically what criteria they need to look out for.

October 30, 2023

The Power of Movement in Raising Healthy Children

Movement is a powerful tool for developing the minds and bodies of young children. As a parent, you looked forward to seeing your baby start crawling, you waited to catch their first step on camera and you’re looking forward to cheering them on at school sports events. Reaching these milestones are all indicators that your child is growing and learning. What you might not know, is that movement contributes to more than a child’s physical development. There are many other areas where movement plays an essential role in developing a well-rounded individual. The Mind-Body Connection Children learn through movement. For example, as your little one crawls towards their favourite toy, they’re engaging in active problem solving. They know what they want and they’ve worked out how to get it – without asking you for help. In a more abstract way, children move their bodies to explore ideas. A little boy running around the garden with his arms outstretched isn’t just mimicking the movements of an airplane; he’s imagining what it’s like to be a pilot. He pictures himself looking down at the earth below and imitates the effect of braking to make a smooth and safe landing. Physical play is how children learn about themselves and the world around them. Giving them the freedom to experiment with movement will stimulate their minds as well as their bodies. Solid Communication Skills Do you remember playing “Peek-a-boo!” with your baby and how they’d smile and giggle when you took your hands away from your eyes? You could tell that they were enjoying the game from the way they reacted – no words necessary. When your baby turned into a toddler, you may have noticed that they would copy your movements. If you were making a cake and stirring the batter, they wanted a bowl and wooden spoon too. Copying a movement or facial expression is one way a child feels closer to you. Children often use movement as a means of communication. Learning to read and understand body language helps children become better non-verbal communicators. Responding to your child’s gestures will give them the confidence that they are effective communicators. Emotional Intelligence Little children haven’t developed the vocabulary they need to explain how they’re feeling, so they rely on physical forms of expression. Sometimes, that means throwing a tantrum in the middle of a store while you’re out grocery shopping! Your little one might jump and down when they’re excited, try and hide behind your legs when they’re scared or snuggle up to you when they need some reassurance. Allowing your children to use movement to express how they feel is important. It also makes it easier for you to recognise their emotions and deal with them constructively. Strong and Healthy Bodies It goes without saying that active children are more likely to be healthy. Study after study has revealed how important it is for young children to be physically active. In an age of cellphones, tablets, video games and the internet all competing for your child’s attention, encouraging them to be active is essential. Physical activity builds gross and fine motor skills in children. Gross motor skills refer to movements that involve the whole body, such as walking, jumping, running and sitting up straight at a desk or table. These activities engage the large muscles of the body and develop core stability. As your child grows older, a strong core will help them cope with the physical activities they’ll encounter every day like carrying a school bag, climbing stairs and paying attention in class. Fine motor skills are just as important and involve the co-ordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers. Drawing, painting, buttoning up a shirt, tying shoe laces, and writing are all activities that rely on well-developed fine motor skills. Movement is the Key Children who are physically active from an early age have an advantage over those who aren’t. They’re more likely to become well-rounded, well-adjusted adults with healthy habits for coping with the stresses of modern life. For a sound, mind, body and spirit, movement is essential. Catrobatkidz offers you an opportunity to involve your child or children in classes that focus on physical activities designed to build strong, healthy bodies and minds. For more information on enrolment, click here or contact us with your questions.

October 24, 2023

Unpacking common myths around child drowning

Whether you have a pool or have small children in your family or social circle, everyone needs to learn about pool safety. Being able to identify a drowning in progress and acting fast can make a real difference to the child making a full recovery after a drowning incident. Most people imagine that picture A is an accurate depiction of a drowning in progress. In reality, B and C are more accurate – mouth at water level, head bobbing, body upright, little to no splashing and sometimes the appearance of doing doggie paddle. Familiarise yourself with these drowning behaviours: Head low in the water, mouth at water level Head tilted back with mouth open Trying to roll over onto the back to float Hair falling over the forehead or eyes Body is vertical/ upright Eyes glassy & empty, unable to focus Eyes open, with fear evident on the face Hyperventilating or gasping Trying to swim in one direction but without progress Common Drowning Myths Myth: Drowning children will shout for help Drowning children are physiologically unable to call out. The respiratory system is designed for breathing – speech is the secondary function. Drowning children’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface but while their mouth is above the surface, they need to exhale and inhale before they sink again. There is not enough time to cry out. Myth: Drowning children are unsupervised children 50% of all child drownings will occur 25 metres or less from an adult who was distracted for only a few seconds. Myth: Drowning children wave their arms to attract attention or will thrash in the water Drowning children cannot wave for help. Physiologically, a person who is drowning cannot perform voluntary movements such as waving or moving towards a rescuer. Envisage the surface of the water as a platform. Someone who is drowning often presses down on the surface and tries to use it as leverage to get their mouth above the water’s surface to breathe. So what the onlooker sees are arm movements that can appear to be playful swimming. Children will not kick wildly either. They remain upright in the water with no evidence of a supporting kick. They are quiet, focused only on breathing and show no signs of violent struggle. The child’s struggle is quick — 20 seconds, whereas an adult struggles for 60 seconds. Myth: My child has had swimming lessons so he / she won’t drown No child is ever drown-proof, no matter how good their swimming skills. A few swimming lessons are no guarantee when it comes to drowning prevention. Myth: Water wings and flotation aids will prevent drowning Water wings give a dangerous and false sense of security, often making children think they are stronger swimmers than they actually are. Flotation aids can also suddenly deflate. To prevent a tragedy, be vigilant about pool safety and cover your pool with the leading safety cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers – The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover which also complies with local safety regulations. This cover also saves water, power and chemical input, giving you safety as well as savings, and it brings a beautiful finish to the outdoor living area. Learn more and shop online at www.powerplastics.co.za

October 23, 2023

Beating heatstroke

Bonitas Medical Fund offers some advice about heatstroke. What the symptoms are, how to avoid it and what to do if someone, child or adult, develops heatstroke.

October 20, 2023

Sibling Room Sharing

Is it possible to have two children share one room? If children share a room do, they not wake each other? Is it possible to have 2 children share one room and sleep through? I get these questions often when clients want their children to share a room because they have the same gender and think it would be good for them or because practically there is only one room available. Yes, it is possible and successful too. My 4.5 year old and 5 month old had to share a room when we moved homes. I have 3 children and personality and sleep patterns are what swayed me to decide who would sleep in the same room together. My oldest child (4.5 years at the time) has always been a good sleeper (she seems to sleep independently, quite easily and not much wakes her up at night, she sleeps through (for 11 hours) and loves her sleep. I thought she would be the least disturbed and would be able to settle herself if/when woken up by her baby sister, as my 5 month old was still having one night feed until around 8 months. What helped with creating the best shared sleep environment: block out curtains and blinds (the darker the better), this helped with bedtime and morning light, putting white noise between the cot and bed, this helped to minimize their sleeping sounds of snoring or even coughing when sick. Placement: placing the cot and bed as far apart from each other as possible, the room isn’t very big and they are about a meter and a half apart. As well as talking to my 4.5 year old child about sharing with her baby sister and that bedtime was for sleep and not talking/playing time, 18 months later and this is becoming more of a regular discussion because the girls seem to think bedtime is choir practice time. Using a sleepy sack on my youngest also ensured she doesn’t wake from the cold morning or winter temperatures. Early wake ups were a bit of a challenge with each season change, my girl’s needs are a little different but using a gro-clock to help my oldest child understand that she needs to stay quiet and, in her bed, until it goes orange. If her baby sister wakes up we have heard her hush and “shhh” her and she has fallen asleep again or remained quiet until wake up time. Different bedtime times has also been a hurdle to overcome as my now 2 year old is exhausted by 6pm while my 6.5 year old is not yet ready to sleep until closer to 7pm. We allow our oldest to read or colour-in in our room until it is her bedtime, while we put our 2 year old down in her cot at 6pm. Once asleep her big sister sneaks in quietly and we tuck her into bed. For my eldest who started expressing fears of darkness or being alone around 5 years of age. We reminded her that she is not alone and her sister is in the room with her, this has bought much comfort and peace. We have used Feather the Owl as a night light facing my eldest while she falls asleep but once asleep we switch it off for the night. Napping was also a challenge as my 6 year old hasn’t napped since she was 3.5 years old, we moved all her toys to a central room where she can play while the baby sleeps. If the family has a ‘holiday nap’, which happens maybe once every 3 months, our oldest will nap on our bed while our 2 year old naps in their room in her cot. One of the biggest pros has been when my oldest child has felt scared and not wanting to be alone she hasn’t been alone as I remind her, her sister is in the room with her throughout the night. The biggest plus for us has been when they wake up in the morning (especially the cold winter mornings) my eldest can safely get her baby sister out of the cot independently and they come through to our room for some morning cuddles without me having to get out of my warm bed! Yes, I do believe room sharing is doable, achievable and hugely successful. My girls love sharing a room and have so much fun when they wake up together, they can be found in the cot together reading stories most mornings. By Megan Heuer – Good Night Consultant

October 19, 2023

When nutrition affects toddler sleep

We don’t often relate bad eating to bad sleeping when it comes to toddlers (12 – 36 months). This is a considered a baby issue, yet it can have a major impact toddlers, and can often lead to very bad habits that are difficult to change. At Good Night we are SLEEP experts and NOT feeding experts BUT with this very intricate relationship, it is something that we can assist with or at least identify issues to ensure healthy sleeping. From my experience, these are the major nutritional factors that can influence your toddler’s sleep: Still drinking milk during the night This is by far the most common nutritional issue we pick up when it comes to toddlers. This can have a large impact not only on their sleep but it can also have a domino effect on the rest of their nutrition and health. For healthy toddlers older than 12 months, solids (normal food) should be their main source of nutrients. Milk becomes secondary to the solids meals and should only be seen as a source of calcium and to quench their thirst. Thus it should be given with a solid meal and rather NOT as a separate meal on its own any longer. It is quite normal though for a toddler to have milk until he’s about 2 years old, especially if you have a milk lover or if you are still breastfeeding. But limit the milk to two feeds a day, one as part of breakfast and one as part of dinner. This also means that your toddler does not need to drink any milk during the night. The reality is that milk during the night can do more harm than good after 12 months for the following reasons: Your toddler is at a higher risk of having iron deficiencies if they drink more than 710 ml of milk during the day. Drinking milk during the night can cause tooth decay. Filling them up with milk at night can fill them up with nutrients that they don’t need and cause them to be picky eaters during the day. Too much sugar Sugary sweets, snacks, and juices should be avoided especially just before bedtime. When toddlers consume sugar, their blood sugar levels will increase and then drop significantly. Their tiny bodies will be hard at work to re-stabilize their blood sugar and, in doing so, will release adrenaline, a stress hormone, which can cause toddlers to experience restlessness. This, in turn, can have a major effect on their sleep. The temptation of sugar is everywhere, but caregivers are in an influential position of introducing kids to more nutritious foods early on. The more healthy foods that toddlers start enjoying while younger, the better. Not weaning your toddler from the bottle Paediatricians recommend that babies be weaned from their bottles by age one, and never later than 18 months for many reasons: Once again because of their teeth! If your toddler spends all day (or worse, all night) drinking from a milk bottle of milk, their teeth (not only the ones you can see) could experience permanent damage and serious decay. Too much bottle time can mean more ear infections. It can have an impact on their development. It can hinder speech as they cannot practice talking if there is a bottle in their mouth. Walking around with a trusty bottle keeps their hands from play and exploration. The reality with toddlers is that they are emotional beings and any changes will be a lot more challenging to administer and champion, but all these changes are for good reason and they will be healthier because of it. Consistency and determination will benefit you and your toddler regarding healthy food choices. By Jolandi Becker – MD of Good Night

October 18, 2023

How can I raise a body positive child?

With media bombarding our children from a very young age with images of what they think a person’s body should be – raising a body positive child is harder than it was 20 years ago.

October 18, 2023

Tips for Breastfeeding Success!

After the birth – Keeping your baby with you after the birth will promote a feeling of closeness and a strong hormonal response that is linked with breastfeeding success. In many cases, it is even possible to have your baby with you immediately after a caesarean birth

October 17, 2023

What does crossing the midline really mean?

There are many terms that teachers, psychologists and other professionals may use that, at times, are perhaps not explained effectively leaving parents at a loss to the significance of these difficulties. It is important to understand what the importance of these conditions are, (especially if they have been mentioned in your child’s school report) what they mean, and the possible consequences and repercussions thereof. The midline is akin to an imaginary line going down the middle of one’s body from head to toe. Midline crossing is important for many skills to develop later on. For example, midline crossing is important for a youngster to develop the ability to use one hand to write across the entire page. This will also determine whether the youngster will have the necessary skills to read the length of the sentence across the page from left to right A child who can’t cross the midline, for instance, would use his/her left hand to write or paint on the left-side of the page and his/her right hand to write or paint on the right-hand side of the page which can hamper the learning process. Crossing the midline is also an indicator of bilateral co-ordination which is the ability to use both sides of the body and brain simultaneously. This is important for gross motor skills such as climbing stairs, walking, riding a bicycle and swimming. In addition, bilateral co-ordination is also important to read, write and learn. In other words, the right and left brain have to work together, for example in reading the left brain’s task is to decode a word whilst the right brain facilitates the understanding and meaning of what was read. Midline crossing is therefore essential for a youngster to develop as it is a very necessary skill for learning in all areas of life.

October 17, 2023

What is your teen telling you…without telling you?

How many of us can truly say they remember just what it was like to be a teenager? Like a severe trauma that lasts years, as we get older, we start to distance ourselves from it out of necessity. It becomes something we remember fondly, yet not fully. Perhaps with good reason… To feel misunderstood, especially by the prior generation, has to be one of the hallmarks of the years between 13 and 18 or 19. The words “you just don’t understand!” or similar are uttered and muttered both verbally and non-verbally the world over and over. These young humans have to change from being a child, to living in limbo, the space between childhood and adulthood for a long period, torn between the need for independence and the confines of being a minor. The teen years are a time when children undergo great changes and transitions; they may want you to think you’re not needed any more, but the reality is you, as a parent are needed more than ever. Teenagers are constantly testing their boundaries, learning what it means to move forward, haltingly and erringly from childhood to adulthood. One of the best ways to maintain connection and communication with your teen is to pay attention to body language and non-verbal cues. This can be so helpful in avoiding unnecessary conflict between you. Aside from the rare exception to the norm, a teen will strongly withhold what they’re really feeling and thinking. It can be seen as challenging to them to try to force answers from them when all we want to know is what’s going on with them. They may feel silly, or not want to admit to their parents that they aren’t as mature and independent as they would like to be. There is a degree of reluctance to let go of something that they are holding dear, something that makes them separate from you as the parent and therefore seemingly independent to a degree. Despite this reluctance to open up and share, their thoughts and feelings often still show through in their body language. Perhaps it’s time we tried to take a closer look at their (and once our own) communication, to try to see if we can help them to navigate these challenging years! Some common body Language of Modernus Teenagerus. Teens generally show most of the same body language as adults, but sometimes the non-verbal cues are less obvious or slightly distorted, since it is less natural and more deliberate for many of them. Let’s try to decipher just some common examples of teenage body language and what they appear to mean… Slumped body posture: A teen that walks with slumped body posture may be feeling self-conscious, unhappy, stressed, or just a bit down. He or she might also feel pretty good, but is just lost in thought about something else. Keep an eye on whether or not this is the go-to posture or just on rare occasion when they are thinking deeply. This will help you determine if it’s necessary to intervene further. Poor eye contact: Teens often struggle to make eye contact, especially with adults. They haven’t yet developed the self-confidence or comfort level of a full blown adult and so sometimes, they just can’t quite look you in the eye. This doesn’t have to have any implications for honesty or whether or not they’re hiding something. Think about how difficult it is to hold eye-contact with someone who seems more competent and confident than you. Now think about learning to do this for the first time and how nerve-wracking it can be! Backgrounding: Teens may have a tough time initiating conversation with their parents, so they sort of hang around in the background. They don’t quite engage you directly, but they also don’t head off and do something else on their own.

October 16, 2023

Sensory Smart Teenagers

The onset of adolescence is a very challenging time for both teens and their parents. It is a time that is marked with rapid changes, and it is also when many expectations are placed onto teenagers – academic and sporting responsibilities, social pressures, the development of self identity and emerging freedoms. With increased independence come increased responsibility and the pressure to fit into social groups. The teenage brain is still growing, and it is different to the brain of an adult. Nancy Mucklow, in her book The Sensory Team Handbook, explains how the pre-frontal cortex of a teenager is still developing higher functions of impulse inhibition, emotional regulation, decision-making, attending, and behavior planning and organisation. The cerebellum, responsible for muscle coordination, is also still changing, as is the Corpus Collosum, a thick cable of nerves that connects the two halves of the brain. Due to this ongoing development happening in the teenage brain, skills such as creativity and problem-solving are not yet what it will be once the brain is fully developed. The brain is an amazing thing and it is teaching itself at all times. Teens need to explore, try things out, look at positives and negatives, and make their own decisions. In addition to all the challenges they face, teenagers also need to be aware of the impact of the environment on their sensory systems. They need to understand how their sensory systems work and why it matters in their day-to-day functioning. Not understanding the effect of sensory overload and responses to sensory overload may result in one or more of the following: Inability to focus Easily irritable Disorganisation Lethargy Impulsivity Risk taking Forgetfulness Adopting bad habits First defined by Patricia Wilbarger, a sensory diet is a carefully planned and personal activity plan that provides the sensory input a person needs to stay focussed and organised throughout the day. Just as you may jiggle your knee or chew gum to stay awake or soak in a hot tub to unwind, teens need to participate in stabilising, focussing activities too. Everyone can benefit from a personalised sensory diet. Each person has their own thresholds to sensory input, but they may not have the insight on how to cope with an overloaded and stressed sensory system. Teens need to determine their own unique sensory needs and preferences to promote body and brain function. Creating a sensory diet for teens will help them to develop healthy habits of self regulation that will help them function optimally as adults. Benefits of creating sensory diets for adolescents include: Increased self-awareness Improved ability to self nurture Increased resilience Increased self-esteem and body image Improved ability to engage in meaningful life roles Improved ability to engage in social activities Improved ability to cope with triggers and stress Improved ability to make informed decisions Engage your teen in identifying the events and occasions that make him or her feel overwhelmed, irritable and lethargic. Parents, teens and teachers can each keep a journal recording what they have seen and how the teen dealt with the situation. Think of the times at home, school and socially where experiences were negative and what the possible triggers could have been. Also note the activities that help with calming and regulation, and that lead to the teen feeling better. The activities or things that lead to regulation are what the teen will place in his or her sensory toolbox or sensory kit. A sensory toolbox or kit is a bag, box or container that holds a variety of sensory tools that can be used to both calm or stimulate a person’s sensory system. A sensory kit is unique to each person as each one is unique in their sensory needs. Trial and error will result in finding the right tools for each person. Sensory diets and toolboxes should include and involve all the senses, and the teen should be encouraged to make use of regular sensory breaks to stay regulated. A sensory break is another way of taking a regular old break from seated activities or sedentary activities. It is a time used to gain the needed sensory input in our bodies to stay alert, on task, and focussed. Sensory breaks for teens should take place at least every 45 minutes. For the thrill-seeking teenager encourage fun, but safe activities such as rock wall climbing, horse riding, running, and martial arts. These activities add intensity to the sensory diet without putting the teen in danger. Sensory tools in all the sensory systems can be used as alerting, calming and organising strategies. Alerting strategies and activities: Alerting activities are used for those who look for sensory input or who are unaware of the sensory experiences in their environment. Sensory seekers often need to be bombarded with sensory input in order to register what is happening around them or to stay alert. Fidget toys – Play with “fidget toy” for hands, such as small stress ball Crunchy, spicy, sour and salty foods – Pretzels, carrots, apples, granola, and other crunchy foods Fast and irregular movements – Spinning on a swing or other equipment (can quickly become over-stimulating – use caution!) Lively music – Dancing to rock, jazz, rap, or fast kids music A brightly lit room (full spectrum or natural light) Rocking quickly in a rocking chair Running, skipping, galloping for at least 1-2 minutes (any type of aerobic exercise, really) Jumping in place (trampoline, jumping jacks, jumping rope, etc.) Motor breaks during school – stand and stretch, run an errand for teacher, walk to bathroom, etc. Push on wall as if to move wall Do “chair push-up” in sitting by lifting bottom off floor or chair, holding self up with arms Carrying a stack of books, laundry, groceries, or something else approx. 5% of body weight Drinking grapefruit, cranberry or other tart juice – try partially freezing it Drinking through a long, thin straw, or reg. straw w/thick liquids (stimulates deeper breathing) Cold shower or cold water on face or arms

October 12, 2023

BUILDING READING SKILLS AT HOME

Reading is an important activity that everyone can be involved in. Not only does it help to expand knowledge, but it can also be a ton of fun! If your child has no interest in reading, there are a variety of ways to help them start building reading skills at home. It may be a challenge to encourage reading with reluctant readers or even ones who are frustrated by reading. We put together a list of tactics that can help build reading skills and inspire children to find enjoyment in doing so. Here are some ways to build reading skills at home: 1. Offer Different Reading Options Be sure to provide your children with a variety of reading options. They may be more inspired to read books about certain topics or genres, as well as books of varying lengths. Having a few to choose from will give them the opportunity to explore their interests and find something they enjoy. 2. Set Aside Time to Read Setting time aside to read is great for anyone, any age! Show your children that it’s important to make time to read for fun by doing so yourself. Seeing you read will help to encourage their own reading and can even become a part of your family routine. 3. Read Aloud Reading aloud can be fun for the reader and the listener. Take turns reading aloud by using different voices and reading in an interesting way. While it may seem silly at first, this can help build excitement and curiosity for the story. It can even make the reading experience more fun and inspire them to read more on their own to get better at their story telling! 4. Use dictionaries (traditional or online) and flashcards If your child is coming across words that are unfamiliar try looking up these words in a traditional dictionary or online to discover the meaning. Online dictionaries usually have the added feature of being able to play a soundbite to hear the correct pronunciation. Your child could then write the definitions onto flashcards to help them remember the meaning. Knowing the meaning and pronunciation will help them read more fluently as they build their vocabulary and spelling skills. (An added benefit of using a traditional dictionary is learning about alphabetical order and how to find words in this way.) 5. Define Reading Goals Whether it’s learning 5 new words, reading a chapter book, or even reading 10 books over a period of time, there are tons of ways you can set your reading goals. Talk with your child about different goals they may have and help them set these. Depending on their age, you could use a star chart or some similar tracking system to recognise and reward achievement. 6. Participate in Reading Challenges or Activities There are a variety of reading challenges available online (for example: https://growingbookbybook.com/reading-challenges-for-kids/). Many of these challenges can be done at home and even incorporated into reading goals. It’s fun for children to have something to follow along with and be encouraged to read. You can also do different activities such as acting out scenes of the book or having them draw their favourite scene to encourage them to think through the story in a new perspective. 7. Ask Questions About the Book It’s beneficial to have discussions about the book before, during and after reading the book. This helps them get interested in the story before reading it and then keeps them engaged as they read the story. After the story concludes, it’s interesting for them to see what they learned or what they found most interesting from the book. Asking questions will keep engagement up and also get them thinking more analytically about what they read. 8. Join a Supplemental Reading Programme Another way to build reading skills is to join a reading programme that is individualized for your child. A programme that considers your child’s comfortable starting point while continuously building their reading and writing skills. The Kumon English Programme does just that and can be incorporated into your daily reading routine. There are also tons of Recommended Reading List options to take away the guesswork of books that accommodate your child’s skills best. The Takeaway – Have Fun! Most importantly, building reading skills at home can be a lot of fun! As your children begin to explore new books, learn new words, and strengthen their skills, they will develop more confidence and be inspired to read independently. The confidence they build from regular reading practice will help your child develop a lifelong love of reading! This article is taken directly from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/building-reading-skills-at-home/

October 12, 2023

The fine line between discipline and punishment

Discipline vs punishment What really helps vulnerable children build confidence and self-control? As a normal part of their development, all children test boundaries and break rules, but how parents respond to these moments has an undeniable effect on their child, whether positive or negative. And this is magnified for vulnerable children who live with foster parents or who have been adopted. Parents are human too, and they have to navigate their own emotions while parenting, but it’s important that they carefully consider their responses to their children when they misbehave. This includes understanding the difference between punishment and discipline. Beverley Beukes, MD of Oasis Haven, a registered Child and Youth Care Centre in Johannesburg, explains that punishment is imposed on a child by their parent, after the fact. “The child misbehaves and the parent reacts to that behaviour, which frequently results in a power struggle and vicious cycle.” Discipline, by contrast, is established before the fact and is based on a child’s needs. A parent provides guidelines for their child and gives them latitude to work within those guidelines, establishing consequences for failing to do so. “The ultimate goal of parental discipline is to wrap just enough structure around a child so that they can begin to develop self-control, the precursor of self-discipline,” says Beukes. So what does healthy discipline look like? Aim for connection over control “An important premise to begin with is that discipline needs to happen in the context of connection. It can’t be about control – without connection, parents will constantly be trying to control behaviour,” explains Simone Oketch, social worker at Oasis Haven. Vulnerable children will often set out to test their parents. They may display aggressive, inappropriate and unkind behaviours to see how far they need to go before their new parents will reject them. Parents need to see beyond those behaviours, and stay focused on the long-term goals of attaching and forming a healthy relationship. “If you help your child calm down and connect with you, even when you are correcting their behaviour, you will create an environment where they can flourish,” says Oketch. Understand your child Parents often think of their child in terms of their chronological age, but it’s important to consider their emotional age too, which may be significantly younger in some cases. Parents need to adjust their expectations and the words they use when talking through boundaries to meet their child’s developmental stage. Approach discipline in small increments Behaviour change takes time. “Seeing the long-term picture can help parents avoid thinking of misbehaviour as failure – as a vulnerable child’s fear lessens, they will not always have an immediate fight, flight, or freeze reaction. During this process the child can learn the cause and effect of their actions,” says Beukes. Rethink more ‘traditional’ consequences Beukes and Oketch’s experience working with vulnerable children has given them unique insights into how to help these children flourish. “Children who have had multiple broken bonds or who have experienced abuse often do not respond well to traditional methods of discipline,” says Beukes. Things such as time out and being grounded, among other approaches, might exacerbate the problem. Many parents can become quite discouraged and confused when this happens. Hidings are one of the most unhelpful approaches adoptive and foster parents can use. It is also illegal to spank children in South Africa, so it’s important that parents avoid any physical punishment. Some practical tools parents can rather use include earning or losing privileges, charting children’s behaviour so they can see their own progress and stay motivated over the long term, providing choices, talking to their child about their feelings, having weekly family meetings, and getting professional support through a therapist. If a child is provided with consistent and effective discipline, not only will their behaviour improve, but so will their relationship with their parents. “All children need to know is that their parent’s love for them is unconditional,” says Oketch. Oketch and Beukes have written a guide called Strengthening Families in a South African Context, sponsored by Ambassadors for Good, which provides an overview of foster care, adoption and family preservation, as well as guidance for statutory and adoption social workers on supporting families. For more information, visit www.oasishaven.org. About Oasis Haven Oasis Haven is a registered Child and Youth Care Centre with two family homes in Robin Hills, Johannesburg, with capacity for 10 children in each home. But we are more than that – we are a big, loving, messy family made up of children, house parents, staff, volunteers, donors and the community we live and work in. Our vision is for every vulnerable child to be in a loving, forever family. Our mission is to break the cycle of vulnerable children by loving them as our own and working to provide family through adoption or in our Family Homes. We focus on quality care, education and therapy, rooted in faith.

October 5, 2023

The best products for healthy babies and children

Babies and children require seemingly few products to stay healthy, but as they age, most parents realise that there are some essentials that do not only boost and improve their child’s health, but also makes the parents’ lives easier. While requirements vary from family to family, there are a few basics that are considered beneficial for young ones. Here are a few products we recommend: Health care products Every household needs quick and easy access to a first aid kit or health care kit. When you need it, it’s usually to attend to an immediate problem, meaning there’s no time to search around. First-time parents sometimes aren’t sure what exactly they’ll need for baby’s first aid kit, which is why it’s will be handy if you have a pre-packed kit filled with the basics. We recommend the Safety First Healthcare Kit (R289.99), an 11-piece kit containing all the basics you’ll need for baby’s basic health needs. From a nasal aspirator, to a digital thermometer, medicine dropper and soft grip toothbrush, this handy kit covers all the basics. Grooming products Babies might not need much grooming to start off with, but as soon as they’re a little bit older you’ll need to look into nail clippers, hairbrushes, and other basic grooming items. Like with a health care kit, it might be difficult for first-time parents to know exactly which items to buy. The Safety First Essential Grooming Kit (R229.95) is a handy 10-piece kit containing all the good quality basics you’ll need, such as a comb, hairbrush, nail clippers, nail files and more. Breast pump Breastfeeding moms know that there comes a time – be it when you return to work, or when you need to pop out – that a good quality breast pump becomes a lifesaver. Whether you pump because you can’t physically be with your baby to breastfeed, or whether it’s to allow dad and other family members to help out with feeding, many women find pumping easy and convenient – with the right pump, of course. Medela Harmony Essentials Pack (R999.95) combines everything moms need for breast milk pumping in one breast pump set. It comes complete with a silicone teat, four milk storage bags to store and freeze your milk, and four ultra-thin nursing pads: everything you need to express and store your breast milk and feed it to your baby. This single manual breast pump is perfect for moms who want to try out pumping, moms who express occasionally and need a lightweight travel companion, or moms who want a handy backup to their electric pump. Quality bottles On the days that you’re pumping, you’ll need some quality bottles with which to store your baby’s milk. It’s important to choose a brand that makes use of materials safe for baby, that’s convenient and durable. Medela Milk Storage Bottles 2-Pack (R339.99) are free from Bisphenol (BPA) for your baby’s health, dishwasher and microwave safe for your convenience and ideal for expressing, storing, freezing, and feeding breastmilk. A good quality multivitamin Let’s face it – most parents struggle to get their children to eat vegetables, and picky eaters often end up lacking many of the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. This is where multivitamins come in. A good quality supplement contributes to the normal function of the immune systems and the normal function of many other systems in the body contributing to general wellbeing. We recommend: NutriPure Kids Multi-Vitamin Complete (R126.95) which is specially formulated in a tasty, soft, and chewy gummy, making taking vitamins fun and easy for children aged three and older. Each NutriPure Multi-Vitamin Complete gummy contains 11 essential vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D, B6, B12, C, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid and Niacin to help metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. An effective probiotic Probiotics are an essential supplement for all ages. A balanced intestinal micro-flora is highly important in keeping the body in healthy working order and is a key element in overall well-being. Plus, it helps us to better metabolize all the healthy nutrients we consume in foods. We recommend: NutriPure Kids Pro-Biotics (R139.95), which is formulated with Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, two scientifically tested bacteria strains. Each NutriPure bear contains one billion live cultures to help your child boost his daily culture intake.

October 4, 2023

Boys and girls play differently

When observing a playground full of children, it is typical of the boys to be running and chasing each other noisily in large groups whilst the girls prefer to sit one on one, chatting and engaging in make believe games. When given the choice of toys the girls tend to gravitate towards dolls and soft toys, whereas the boys choose cars and blocks to build. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but it begs the question- are boys and girls brains ‘wired’ differently?

September 29, 2023

The importance of baking

Spending time in the kitchen and baking using new recipes helps children to develop a positive connection to all different types of foods. Children will also learn basic cooking skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

September 28, 2023

How to help your child build resilience

our children face many challenges and obstacles as they grow and are faced with what life has to offer. She adds, “Children who have been taught the skill of resilience, are able to bounce back from stress, challenges, tragedy, trauma and adversity in more effective ways than children who do not know how to be resilient. Resilient children are more adaptable, have greater courage and are more curious when facing the world around them.”

September 28, 2023

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	1 year	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid	1 day	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_gat_gtag_UA_18530557_4	1 minute	No description
pron_ip	session	No description
pvc_visits[0]	1 day	This cookie is created by post-views-counter. This cookie is used to count the number of visits to a post. It also helps in preventing repeat views of a post by a visitor.
tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.