Tween & Teen - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

3 POWERFUL METHODS FOR HANDLING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR

When I deliver a live parent lecture, I sometimes ask my audience to raise their hand if their parents used punishment when they misbehaved. Most hands go up, revealing that punishment was a common parenting tool back in the day. Since that time, society has determined that punitive treatment of our children is no longer acceptable. Researchers have also determined that children who are punished are more likely to have low self-esteem and experience depression or even suicidal thoughts as adults. Many of today’s parents also understand how important the experience during the early years of childhood contribute to the success of their children in their adult years. This includes how happy they are, how well they seek out healthy living habits, and how well they are able to select other healthy adults into their lives. So if you want to set your child up for success, here are just a few suggestions on how to handle challenging behaviors with your children. This does not serve as a complete list, but simply a few suggestions to get you started. FIND A FUN WAY TO GET YOUR NEEDS MET. Sometimes a parent is on a mission to accomplish some task and his children are making it difficult by demonstrating uncooperative behavior. Ask yourself, “What fun can I add to this moment that will provide some cooperation. One day I was bound and determined to get the leaves raked up in the yard and my kids did not want to help. Instead of getting angry, yelling and punishing them, I issued a challenge to my three kids: WHOEVER COULD RAKE UP THE LARGES PILE OF LEAVES WOULD GET THROWN INTO IT. The kids immediately ran out into the yard to begin raking. My goal was accomplished GIVE YOUR CHILD A SENSE OF VALUE. A woman shared with me that her son would act out and misbehave whenever she was busy in the kitchen preparing for a big meal for a family gathering. Perhaps the boy felt as if he was competing with the kitchen activities for his mom’s attention. I told her to make a list of all the guests who will be coming to dinner, and have the boy create a drawing on a large 8.5″ x 17″ piece of paper, specifically for each of those individuals. Those drawing will be the placemats placed at each place setting. After the dinner is completed and the dishes are cleared, the little boy gets to explain what each drawing means to the person he drew it for. GIVE YOUR CHILD A CHOICE. Demanding a child to do something immediately doesn’t work in this modern age. It did back when we were young because it was a different time with a different style of parenting. Most of us were raised by autocratic parents who issued demands regularly and we were expected to comply. So instead of issuing commands to your child, give them a choice related to completing the task. Instead of saying, “Go brush your teeth!”, say, “Would you like me to brush your teeth or would you like to do it yourself?”

May 11, 2023

WHAT IS SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER?

Adequate awareness, interpretation and use of sensory information is the cornerstone of all learning and behaviour. Some sensory deficits are easy to recognise, such as poor vision or hearing. Other difficulties are less easy to interpret, as they may result from difficulty with processing stimuli through movement, touch, pressure, position and gravity receptors. Some children may have adequate hearing, smell and eyesight but have trouble with using visual, auditory and olfactory information for function. Sensory Integration is the organisation of sensations for use. The brain locates, sorts and orders sensations- somewhat as a traffic officer directs moving cars. This enables interpretation of our surroundings and helps us form adaptive responses that form the foundation for behaviour and learning. When the flow of sensations is disorganised every second of one’s life can be like a rush hour traffic jam! Messages get jumbled and some don’t reach their destination at all. Improving sensory integrative functioning is like inserting traffic lights that order and control streams of traffic, organising the tangle of cars and roads, and helping the child predict what to do when the traffic gets really bad. School environments can be overwhelming to children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) due to the enormous quantity and variability of incoming sensations. Common difficulties experienced by children with SPD include delayed development of activities of daily living (such as going to the toilet, putting on shoes), delayed milestones, poor fine motor coordination, poor gross motor coordination, poor posture, restlessness, clumsiness, difficulty socialising, anxiety and low self confidence, poor concentration and attention, poor impulse control, avoidance of play ground, very rough play, very active, very labile, slow work speed, difficulty learning letters and numbers, poor handwriting, difficulty with spatial orientation, difficulty following instructions, distractibility. These are only some of the problems that are most frequently experienced by children with minor or major sensory integrative difficulties. Each child’s symptoms, behaviour and academic ability is different. A closer look at how our senses process information: Vision Organ-Eyes Must be able to detect light and movement Must be able to follow moving objects Must be able to focus on one object Must be able to work together or separately (usually 1 eye dominant Visual processing Transmission of visual input to Occipital lobe in brain where information is interpreted. Manipulate visual concepts (figure ground, visual closure, spatial relations, position in space, form constancy) Integrate visual information with movement (Eye hand coordination, visual motor speed, copying) Filter and ignore non-pertinent, non-threatening information. Hearing Organ- Outer ear, middle ear (ear drum, ossicles), inner ear (Cochlear) Must be able to detect sound Must be able to interpret sound into meaningful information Must be able to accommodate according to noise Auditory processing Transmission of sound to Temporal Lobe and formation of adaptive response Discrimination between loud and soft/high and low/far and near Speech and language reception and expression Filter and ignore non-pertinent, non-threatening information Integration with movement impulses (semi-circular canals in inner ear) Connection with arousal and attention levels Position and movement Organ- muscles & joints Proprioceptive processing Transmission of information about position and movement of our bodies to the brain stem and cerebellum Automatic adjustment of posture and appropriate contraction/relaxation of muscles Enables subconscious awareness of the position of our limbs in space, and therefore provides foundation for any coordinated movement for function. Predicts self-orientation, self-awareness and in many cases interest and satisfaction in tasks. Gravity, Head Movement & Balance Organ- Semi-circular canals and otoliths in inner ear Vestibular processing Transmission of information about vibration and gravity (Otoliths), movement, acceleration and position of the head (Semicircular canals) to the brain stem, cerebellum and cerebrum. Interpretation of exactly where we are in relation to gravity, how fast we are going, and in what direction. Enable subconscious adjustments needed for balance, posture and movement Interaction and integration with all other impulses travelling up and down the spinal cord. Major influence on emotional and social responses, self regulation, arousal and concentration, self esteem, anxiety etc Types of sensory responses High threshold- need more sensory information than others to experience the same sensation. Child may present as lethargic, disinterested, weak, and spaced out (low registration). Child may present as very active, have poor motor planning, touches things, moves/spins/jumps etc., likes heavy blankets/tight clothing, inattentive, restless, rough during play. Both types are associated with poor body concept, difficulty with fine and gross motor skills, poor self-confidence. Low threshold- are more easily stimulated by sensory stimuli, need less input than others to experience same sensations. Child may present as anxious, avoidant, difficulty eating, poor motor planning, dislike of being messy, behaviour deteriorates in noisy environments, dislike of change, difficulty with attention and concentration, tantrums Common categories of SPD Dyspraxia Bilateral Integration and Sequencing Visual Praxis Modulation (Over-responsive/Under-responsive) What to do for kids with SI difficulties: Be patient. Kids with SPD take longer to develop thing even though their cognitive function may be normal. Allow more time for individuals with SPD to complete tasks (including going to the toilet, understanding a new concept etc.,) within appropriate classroom boundaries. Help them deal with frustrations and difficulties experienced as a result of SPD. Children with SPD often appear naughty, aggressive, oppositional and disengaged and are often associated with hyperactivity. These behaviours are the outcome of deregulation on an electro-chemical level in the brain. Use positive reinforcement for desired behaviours, and accommodations to make the environment more user-friendly’ to the SPD child. Provide a space that is quiet, dark and uncluttered for SPD kids to utilise as a regulatory tool. Explain that this is not a time-out space which is associated with bad behaviour, but a way to help our brains organise themselves again. Tents work well or you can use a desk with a blanket over it or a quiet room. Provide ample opportunity for movement. Engage SPD kids in taking messages, moving furniture, handing out books etc. Encourage SPD kids to engage in active play during break times. Seat SPD kids in the least distracting place in the classroom.

May 9, 2023

Cellphones, social media and your child’s mental wellbeing

Smartphones and tablets are here to stay. In fact, these devices are becoming an integral part of our future and the careers our children will eventually choose. We don’t want to deprive them from participating in the digital world, but as parents, we are concerned about the impact of cell phones, social media, and their online interactions on our children’s mental wellbeing. Also, parents sometimes get stuck thinking about our children as the innocent toddlers and kids they were. The harder reality that we are faced with is that, even when we think they are ‘innocence impersonated’, they are subjected to an amount of peer-pressure and they participate in an online world that we cannot fully comprehend. Our children are exposed to an environment where they are constantly inundated with new apps, new online friends (who they have or have not met), new information and a new way of balancing their digital activity and reality. Although we believe we can relate, we still talk about their “digital” and their “real” lives. The fact is that growing up in this age, children don’t have this distinction. To them, digital is part of their real lives. Let’s sit with that for a bit… Most tweens and teenagers go through a phase of getting stuck in their minds rather than talk about everything. When they encounter events that bother them, whether in person or online, their first port of call may not be their parents. They fear that when they speak up about difficult situations and their parents try to intervene (or interfere), that the situation will get worse. This could happen when they are being bullied or cyberbullied or when they have seen content that their minds can’t really deal with at that age. They may also encounter content such as pornography or sexting that cause them to feel guilt and shame, but remaining curious to engage even more. A significant number of children who are being cyberbullied or are exposed to inappropriate content online unfortunately turn to self-harm as a coping technique. At their age, we can not expect them to have all the emotional tools to help them open up a conversation about how they are feeling and reaching out to someone who can help them. Especially when they are feeling vulnerable and afraid. Sometimes self-harm could lead to suicidal ideation, which is the most scary thought for us, as their parents. When our children are exposed to these situations, they need our help more than ever. They need advice from parents or caregivers to guide them on this journey. But for parents, not knowing when or how this happens means that we can’t protect their minds or their thoughts and unless they talk to us about it, we seldom have any way of knowing. Some parents keep a close eye on all the devices in the home, but with all our time constraints, it is so easy to miss something small that could lead to a bigger issue. Now, more than ever, we have to spend time building better and closer relationships with our children, to ensure they know that we are their safe space. We have to create a space to have conversations about the difficult topics like pornography, sexting, self-harm and bullying, to name a few. We also have to ensure that we have the information at hand to discuss actual difficult situations they encounter, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Where our guidance actively influences the content they search for, post and like on social media. Where we have the opportunity to guide them on who they accept as friends or which messages on chats they react to and more importantly, how they respond. If you are a parent who would really like to know what’s going on in your child’s online conversations, without invading their privacy, join FYI play it safe today. FYI play it safe will send you an alert when your child is exposed to potentially harmful situations. Go to www.fyiplayitsafe.com and start your 7-day free trial.

May 8, 2023

Developing the skill of empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Developing a sense of empathy is an important life skill. Young children are naturally ego–centric and tend to think only of themselves and their immediate needs. There are various benefits of being empathetic such as having a greater sense of security and, developing stronger relationships with peers and teachers. It fosters tolerance of others as well as promotes good mental health and social harmony. An empathetic adult displays greater success in professional and personal endeavours, overall happier, develop strong leadership qualities and experiences lower levels of stress.

April 28, 2023

Teach your Teenager to work wisely with money

Children and teenagers have to be shown and taught how to deal with money. We are advised that, ‘The love of money is the root of all evil’. The source of this wisdom is the Book of Timothy in the Bible. This well-known adage is often misquoted as, ‘Money is the root of all
evil’, which does not mean the same at all. It is greed and corruption and the misuse of money which can cause trouble for us, not the
cold, hard cash or credit cards in your wallet

April 28, 2023

Are we doing too much for our children?

As parents, many of us do things for our kids that we were able and expected to do for ourselves as kids. Our parents didn’t feel the need to negotiate with our sports coach, solve our every problem, or entertain us in our free time. A big difference from today, when all too often we are over-involved in many areas of our children’s lives. Sounds funny, I know. How can a parent be too involved or do too much for their child? Isn’t that just being a good parent? But when we don’t expect our kids to take responsibility for chores or their behaviour, and we attempt to smooth away all the bumps and bruises that are a natural part of childhood, we aren’t doing our kids a favour. Instead, we’re bringing them up to avoid taking personal responsibility and to expect that others will take care of things for them – even when they are really able to take care of it themselves. We’re teaching our kids that life is full of unmanageable problems, when what we actually want them to learn are the basic skills to manage those problems. Stepping back and taking on the role of coach and teacher instead of “do-er” and “fixer” was one of the hardest things I had to do as a parent. But it is also one of the best things you can do to help your child build their social and problem-solving skills and at the same time learn responsibility.

April 28, 2023

Child drownings are not seasonal and are almost always preventable

Child drownings happen year-round and PowerPlastics Pool Covers is on a drive to remind parents that these drownings are entirely preventable with multiple layers of safety applied to the pool. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover and adult supervision at all times should be included in these layers of safety at all times. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover offers parental peace of mind as it completely seals off the entire pool. The PVC cover is drawn over strong aluminium batons that rest on the coping, and a tamperproof ratchet fastening system makes it impossible for a small child to access the water. Small drainage holes prevent rain or sprinkler water from collecting on the cover as just a few millimetres of water can be fatal to a curious child. The cover withstands up to 220kg and is easily deployed by two people, or it can be semi-automated for single person usage. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is available in a range of colours, allowing it to blend into the outdoor area. Importantly, the cover complies with the recommended guidelines (SANS 10134) for pool safety, set by the SABS who oversees pool safety compliance in SA. Thermal pool covers or ‘bubble’ covers that lie directly on the water should never be considered as child safety pool covers as they do not bear weight. Aside from covering the pool, every adult in the home needs to know what a drowning in progress actually looks like as TV has created many misconceptions around this. There is no noise or splashing nor calls for help. Drowning is quick and silent. Even if one doesn’t have children, it is still necessary to consider safety for visitors. Families living in residential complexes with a communal pool should insist that their body corporate install a solid safety pool cover. PowerPlastics Pool Covers has also created a Safety Monitor system. Based on the principle that adult supervision is key to avoiding drownings, it allows children to quickly identify the adult in charge should there be a safety issue among the children in the pool. When there’s a larger number of children in the pool, e.g at pool parties, it is advisable to have two or more supervisors each wearing a tag. A busy pool is high risk. You can download it here and print at home. Laminate it if possible (to prevent water damage) and then add a lanyard or tie it on a loop of string and wear around the neck. The bottom line is that children need to be supervised around pools, and as long as the pool is covered and other layers of safety are in place, the likelihood of a tragedy occurring in your pool is greatly reduced. Practical tips for pool safety Don’t let your pool’s water levels drop. Keeping the pool topped up allows for small arms to easily grab the edge if needed. For every two children in the pool, have one adult supervising and use the Saefty Monitor tag system. The more children, the more supervisors needed. Be aware that children’s pool parties are high-risk events. Turn off fountains and water features. Not only do they waste water and power, they can cause ripples and splashing, making it harder to see when a child has encountered difficulty in the pool or has sunk to the bottom. Ensure that every adult in the home knows CPR, including domestic workers. Never hire a baby sitter or au pair who can’t swim. Don’t let anyone who has been drinking or on sedative medication supervise children in a pool. Don’t leave toys in or near an open pool as children will be tempted to retrieve them. Teach your child to swim fully clothed and with shoes on. If your child develops a fear of water, don’t ignore this – a child who panics is at greater risk of drowning. Never allow swimming after dark. Discourage your dogs from swimming. Children and pets in a pool are not a good mix. Never leave the pool without securing it with your PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover. Never design / build a pool that cannot be secured for child safety. The Vektor Rollup Station brings semi-automation to the PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover. Learn more.

April 18, 2023

The best study snacks and why they work

There are so many things that can distract you from studying. Maybe you have low energy and can’t concentrate. Maybe you’re hungry and that’s pulling focus away from your work. Maybe you’re even struggling with your memory right now due to stress or depression. Food is a good and sustainable way to address all of these factors, alongside daily physical activity and quality sleep. In this article, however, we’re talking about the best study snacks and why they can work for you, in addition to being delicious. 1. Coffee with milk You probably already know that coffee can help increase your energy levels and keep you awake, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to tell you to drink coffee when you have to study late at night (more on that later). Another great thing coffee does is increase the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine lifts your mood, making coffee a great option for the beginning of the study session, when you may not feel like getting stuck in. This neurotransmitter also improves focus and boosts concentration, helping you take in more information when you’re learning. Limit your coffee intake to two cups per day and don’t drink any coffee at all after lunchtime. This will prevent caffeine-related anxiety and poor sleep later on. 2. Trail mix Toss together a big bowl of mixed nuts, your favourite dried fruits and small pieces of chopped dark chocolate. Carbohydrates are our brain’s preferred source of energy, so you’re definitely going to want to include them when you’re planning your study snacks. Fruit contains plenty of carbs in the form of sugar, as does dark chocolate, and this often results in a spike in blood sugar (and energy), followed by an energy crash. We use fat to counteract this effect, and that’s where nuts come in. Nuts contain plenty of the good fats, which force the body to digest carbohydrates more slowly when the two are eaten together. This will give you a steady flow of energy for the next couple of hours. And remember, a portion of trail mix is about a quarter cup, so try to stick to that amount at snack time. 3. Popcorn There are so many things to love about popcorn. It’s high in protein, wholegrain carbohydrates and fibre. All of these nutrients work towards sustainable slow-release energy to help you concentrate. They also work together to keep you fuller for longer, so you won’t be distracted by hunger 30 minutes into your study session. Popcorn is also extremely low in calories considering the nutritional value it serves, but only if you prepare it correctly. Stay away from ready-to-microwave popcorn or cooking it on the stove with heaps of butter and oil. Instead, buy a bag of kernels and mix a portion with one or two tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Pop them into a brown paper bag and then microwave the popcorn until it’s done. 4. Smoothies Do you want a wholesome filling snack that includes lots of brain foods plus energy-boosting nutrients? A smoothie is the best way to do this. Remember, our brains need carbs for energy, and healthy fats to help our bodies absorb and use that energy more slowly rather than all at once. So we’ll start with those as a base. We love the idea of oats as your main carb option. They blend easily, give smoothies a nice texture and they have a neutral flavour. Milk offers the same smoothie-making benefits, while offering protein and fat. Now that you have your base, it’s time to add brain food! Blueberries have been found to support memory and cognition. The omega fatty acids found in chia seeds, nuts and seeds are great for concentration and overall brain health. L-theanine is a compound found in green tea that increases focus while decreasing anxiety at the same time! Greens like spinach, broccoli and lettuce are about the long game. Eat them regularly for long-term cognitive health throughout your studies, working life and beyond. Dark chocolate (in small amounts) because it’s another food that naturally contains caffeine. 5. Apples and celery with peanut butter We know it sounds weird, especially the celery part, but celery and apples are an amazing combo, and celery and peanut butter are an amazing combo (try it before you deny it). Apples are packed with nutrients and energy in the form of carbs, making it a well-rounded snack when paired with a healthy fat protein like peanut butter. When it comes to celery, recent studies have shown that it can improve memory. The evidence also points towards helping people with depression. If you suffer from depression and find that it is affecting your memory (as it commonly does), adding celery to your diet could help to counter this symptom. We’re excited to see where this research leads! When it comes to peanut butter, you can benefit from all the brain boosting effects its omega fatty acids offer. These include improved memory, cognition, concentration and mood. 6. Veggies and hummus If you’re not a sweet tooth and prefer savoury snacks, what about veggies and hummus? Choose a wide range of veggies in different colours for your energy and nutrients. Serve them with some hummus on the side for dipping to act as your protein and fat source. If you’re a slow snacker, carrots, cucumber, sliced peppers and celery keep (and travel) well, and they all pair well with hummus and each other. 7. Fruit yoghurt ice lollies Have you ever been in a test or an exam, and a teacher pulls out a bag of Fizz Pops or chewy sweets for the class writing? If you have, you’ll probably remember forever how good your memory and concentration were that day. If you look around, you’ll see this everywhere. People chew gum to increase focus during the work day, they bite their nails to concentrate on something they’re reading, snacking on small nibbles throughout a movie feels

April 14, 2023

Cramming versus scheduled studying: What’s happening in your brain?

Have you ever found yourself sitting in an exam or test, knowing how hard you studied the night before, with a question in front of you that you simply just can’t remember the answer to? This happens to everyone, and it has nothing to do with how hard you did or didn’t prepare. What it’s actually all about is how far along the process of encoding memory you had time for. This is why cramming the day before an exam or test can only get you so far. For true mastery that’s about more than passing on the day, you need to learn how to encode the information you’re learning into your long-term memory, and that’s going to take a bit more time. In this article, we’re going to discuss cramming versus long-term study, and what’s going on in your brain along the way. Step 1 – Sensory memory This is the very first stage when it comes to successfully encoding and storing information. When it comes to studying information, the two most common senses we usually use are vision and sound. We see the written or diagrammatic information, we hear it being explained to us, or both at the same time. Sensory memory is tricky because it is mostly there to use and lose information. Let’s think about a maths equation. You see the first line of the equation before you. Your sensory memory holds it in your mind only as long as it takes you to process it and move onto the next step of the equation. Then, it immediately deletes it from your brain. It is normal for sensory memories to last for split seconds before disappearing. Unless something special happens, that is. If you’re driving and see a stop sign, your sensory memory will hold the stop sign in your mind until you have stopped and then moved on. It will then delete that moment. But if you have a car accident at that stop sign, your sensory memory will pass it on to short-term memory, and your brain will hold onto the memory of that stop sign at that time for a longer period. The same goes for studying. Cramming is detrimental to sensory memory firstly because it’s tedious, boring and can be stressful. These are not the kinds of conditions your brain looks for when it wants to make something last. You need time and effort to truly move beyond this first step. Repetition and using multiple senses to learn the same information is your goal. And by repetition, we don’t mean sitting in one spot repeating a sentence over and over until you think you’ll be able to remember it through tomorrow and beyond. When we say repetition, we mean repeated learning of the same subject or topic using different stimuli. Yes, revise your notes from class, but also read blog posts, listen to podcasts, watch videos and (of course) practise past papers. This kind of revision is diverse and makes use of multiple senses, a winning formula for moving what you’re learning into the short-term memory! Step 2 – Short-term memory Short really does mean short here. On average, your short-term memory can only hold information for about 15 seconds. Your brain is always trying to optimise, and that means constantly discarding information it doesn’t think it needs. Short-term memory is often what is used when you are cramming for a test. If you’re trying to remember a list of facts, you’ll probably have found that when you repeat them to yourself later or tomorrow, you’re more likely to remember items from the beginning and end of your study session, but that your recall only gets worse and worse when it comes to what you studied in the middle. This is a sign that the information wasn’t encoded correctly during the short-term memory phase. Information will stay in your short-term memory as long as you’re consciously holding onto it. From there, it will either be moved to working or long-term memory, or deleted. At the beginning of your cramming session, you will be more alert and more energetic. This will better enable you to encode what you’re learning in a meaningful way with practice, using the senses and being able to connect what you’re learning with what’s already stored in your long-term memory. This information is often successfully stored in long-term memory. Towards the end, when you’re tired, you might just begin repeating the information over and over, keeping it in short-term and working memory until you’re done with it after your exam. And whatever was in the middle, well, that’s probably mostly gone by the time you sit down to write. In order to move on from short-term memory, you need to allow yourself the time for not only meaningful and sensory stimulation like in the previous step, but you also need the time to build meaningful connections with what’s already in your long-term memory. This involves starting with the basics, and only moving on once you have something solid in your long-term memory to build upon. Step 4 – Long-term memory EXPLICIT LONG-TERM MEMORY – SEMANTIC When you think of long-term memory, you probably think of all the things you can remember that have happened personally to you in your life. But that’s only one small part (albeit an important one). Semantic memory is a form of explicit long-term memory that is based around factual information. And it is explicit because you make the effort to learn it on purpose (unlike biographical memories). When you are studying, you are successful if what you are learning moves from short-term memory into explicit semantic long-term memory. There is a clue here. For a long time, neuroscientists have been trying to pin down exactly where in the brain semantic long-term memories are stored. And the answer seems to be all over. This has led scientists to believe that within our brains there is a semantic network. And they believe that this is

March 22, 2023

ABOUT TEEN PREGNANCY

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, highlights ways to prevent and address teen pregnancy. Teen Pregnancy Rates in South Africa Teen pregnancy is a significant issue in South Africa, with rates of teen pregnancy remaining high. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy globally, with nearly one in four girls becoming pregnant before age 20. Various factors such as lack of access to sexual education and contraception, cultural and societal attitudes towards sex, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare increase teenage pregnancy rates. “The latest adolescent pregnancy data from Statistics South Africa shows that 90 037 girls aged 10 to 19 years gave birth from March 2021 to April 2022 across all provinces,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Addressing teen pregnancy in South Africa will require a multifaceted approach that addresses these underlying issues and supports pregnant and parenting teens.” By implementing these ten strategies suggested by Affinity Health, we can all work towards reducing teen pregnancy rates and improving outcomes for teens and their children. Provide Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools Studies have shown that comprehensive sex education can help reduce teen pregnancy rates. According to a review of sex education programmes by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), programmes that include information on both contraception and abstinence can help reduce rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among teens. Improve Access to Contraception Improved access to contraception can help reduce teen pregnancy rates. This can include increasing funding for family planning clinics and ensuring that teens have access to affordable and effective methods of contraception. Increase Awareness of The Risks of STIs According to the CDC, teens are at increased risk of STIs, including HIV. By raising awareness of the dangers of STIs, teens may be more likely to use contraception to reduce their risk of infection. Address Poverty and Lack of Access to Healthcare Teens who live in poverty or lack access to healthcare are at increased risk of unintended pregnancy. By addressing these socioeconomic concerns, we can help reduce teen pregnancy rates. Promote Healthy Relationships and Communication Teenagers with healthy relationships and good communication skills are less likely to become pregnant. Essentially, we can help reduce rates of teen pregnancy when we improve healthy relationships and communication amongst teens. Support Parenting Teens Teens who become parents are at increased risk of poor outcomes, including dropping out of school and living in poverty. By supporting parenting teens, we can help improve outcomes for both teens and their children. Encourage Father Involvement Father involvement can positively impact both the child and the mother. When we encourage father involvement, we improve future outcomes for both teens and their children. Address Societal Attitudes and Stereotypes Societal attitudes and stereotypes about teen pregnancy can contribute to the problem. By addressing these attitudes and stereotypes, we can help reduce teen pregnancy rates. Provide Support for Pregnant and Parenting Teens Pregnant and parenting teens need support, such as access to healthcare, education, and other services. Encourage Community Involvement Community involvement can be an effective way to prevent teen pregnancy. By encouraging community involvement, we can help reduce rates of teen pregnancy.

March 3, 2023

Tackle adult & teen acne effectively to stay in the clear

Tackling acne effectively means finding a skincare solution that keeps skin healthy, and spot free, naturally. From teen through to adulthood, acne can mar our skin, plague our thoughts and push us to develop bad habits that lead us to squeeze ‘just a little bit’ at the most untimorous moments, such as when we are about to leave for an important event. The stress induced habits of squeezing and popping acne only leads to the breaking of your delicate facial skin surface, causing bleeding and swelling and turning spots and blemishes into angry irritated welts, that make matters worse. It is especially important we don’t touch, poke or fiddle with our face as our fingers carry on average 3 200 different germs belonging to more than 150 species according to Pfizer regarding the importance of clean hands. What to do to manage that irritating acne? #1 Hydrate: Acne responds well to regular and deep hydration. It’s important to keep a healthy regular schedule of cleansing your body and problem acne areas twice a day and after sweating. Follow up with applying hydration to your skin that is not greasy but instead soothing and natural. #2 Natural Effect: Any hydrating solution applied to acne should be 100% natural, without the additives and chemicals of treatments and lotions. Blemish busting BaoCare CLEAR is a gentle, yet effective serum for skin flare-ups of all kinds, including adult acne. A light, non-oily serum made from the baobab tree, it is free of artificial additives and helpful for both teens and more mature skins, formulated with a synergistic combination of tea tree and evening primrose for their anti-microbial properties, which not only heals acne but lightens dark spots as well. #3 Food Friendly: Be mindful of the type of foods you are fuelling your body with, listen to your body’s language and become aware of foods that cause allergies and reactions. Reach for leafy greens and water high-content foods such as watermelons (just in time to be enjoyed on warm Spring days), snack on a cucumber, add tomatoes to stews, and crunch your way through celery, apples and oranges wherever possible. #4 Hydrate again on the inside: Drink clear water daily to help your body’s systems function and flow, flushing toxins out the bowel so your body does not have to send toxins out though the skin dermis. EVE OF THE PARTY ACNE NIGHTMARE: If you are faced with an angry blemish on your face on the eve of a special event, do not touch the blemish, bump or spot as this will induce further swelling. Apply BaoCare CLEAR Baobab oil serum to hydrate and soothe the acne and then cover up with a light dab in the area with a naturally matched cosmetic base to camouflage the red, angry welt. And yes, it’s okay for guys to do this too. After your night out remember to do your evening clean and hydration routine adding BaoCare CLEAR Skincare once again onto your clean skin as a rapidly absorbed moisturizer that will not block pores and help to soothe any flare ups. #6 Facial Trims: Shaving rash can be treated in the same way, as BaoCare CLEAR leaves your face soft and deeply saturated through natural baobab serum moisturisation. #7 Zen Skincare Moments: We could all do with a little less stress, and it is usually when we are stressed and out of our cleaning routine that acne makes its appearance. Make a point of stressing less by adding a simple breathing routine to calm and centre you as you do your cleaning regime and apply hydration to your skin’s acne. Try the 5-5-5 routine of breathing in through your nose for the count of 5, holding you breathe for the count of 5 and releasing your breath through the mouth to the count of 5 to calm mind and body. See your self-care routine each morning and night as an act of self-love for taking action and addressing your acne problem so you can go out and shine in the world with a clear, blemish and acne free skin once again. #BeBaocareWise Available for online purchase at www.baocare.co.za , Faithful to Nature and Wellness Warehouse. Baocare 50ml R187 Baocare 10ml R48 BaoCare Skin Rescue Kit R220.00

November 17, 2022

Handling Childhood Illness Effectively

Most parents know that during the course of raising a child you will have to deal with different bouts of illness. Here is some information, from Bonitas Medical Fund, which should help you to manage common early childhood illnesses successfully.

October 24, 2022

PUTTING YOUR KIDS ON A PATH TO GOOD NUTRITION

For many parents, nothing is as stressful as getting your kids to eat all the food on their plate, especially when it comes to veggies. Eating a variety of healthy foods is essential for your children’s wellbeing. Here are some tips on how to get your kids to eat better.

October 17, 2022

Mental barriers to studying

Studying is tough and many learners see it as one of the worst aspects of their lives. Most learners have the potential to excel at school, but most do not because of how unpleasant they find studying. For this reason, it is not enough to equip your child with the resources they need to study, but to also identify and address their state of mind. Below are three common psychological barriers that a learner may face. They are presented in the order that they are likely to unfold. Lacking Focus “I struggle to get my child to sit down and study.” This is very common and very natural. The benefits of studying and doing well at school are still a long way off from their point of view, or not even apparent. Socialising and entertainment are typically more appealing for a high school teenager. How this becomes an issue is not that they won’t start studying, but rather that they become discouraged easily. Often the phrase, “I’m bored of this”, is actually covering up, “I don’t know how to do this, so I’d rather be doing something else.” At this point, they will quickly turn to something that they know they will enjoy. To mitigate this, you need to have a plan in place to help your child each time they get stuck. This could include hiring a private tutor or using Paper Video. Feeling lost “My child doesn’t know where to start, they are so lost.” This is a common feeling of hopelessness in learners. The feeling that so much has rushed past them that there is no hope left for a recovery. I recall feeling this many times when I was in school and university, and you may as well. The truth is that they are never as lost as what they think they are. The reality is that it is not about finding a starting point but committing to daily revision over the course of months, not 2 weeks before the final exams. Then, your child must not start off by trying to go through whole past papers. This will only worsen the situation. What they must do is start out by identifying the topic that they are most familiar with and start working on easy questions under this topic. The Paper Video platform allows your child to search on a topic name and set the difficulty of question they want to practice. Once they are confident in that section, they can move to the next most familiar section. It is a slow and steady process, but it works. It is like the saying goes; how do you eat an elephant?… One bite at a time. Giving up “My child has given up because they are too far behind.” This is not an easy situation to deal with as it comes with a spectrum of severity. The worst-case scenario is that they need to repeat a year. However, while a high percentage of children feel this way, only a very small percentage are actually this far behind. More often, immediate daily revision can turn this situation around within a month (daily intensive revision is not sustainable in the long run but is required over a few weeks to turn a bad situation around). The challenge now, however, is where to start? The best approach is to start with easy practice questions within each section. Divide past exam papers up into their different sections and spend one day on each section doing the easy questions. On Paper Video, this can be done via our search functionality and by selecting the difficulty level 1 filter. The next step might sound counter-intuitive, but after your child has gone through all sections, get them to spend some more time on the section for which they felt strongest. However, this time they should attempt difficulty level 2 questions. The reason for this is to build confidence as quickly as possible. Once your child is confident taking on level 2 questions in one section, they will have a strong foundation for that section and feel more confident to head into more uncertain territory. They should now move on to their next strongest section and repeat. As this process continues, they should not worry about moving up to difficulty level 3 questions. These represent a relatively small portion of the exam and are best practiced once your child feels like they have mastered most of the subject. Each one of these barriers is challenging to overcome. There is a good chance that your child may have to overcome all three before regaining control of their studying. This in itself will be exhausting for them and adds a fourth ‘meta-barrier’ to the process. Speak to your child about these barriers, preparing them for each sinking feeling they may encounter, and what to do. Reassure them that if they stick to a consistent studying routine, they will get on top of their work. The reward for them mastering their studies goes beyond good grades, it will develop their confidence to face seemingly insurmountable challenges. This achievement will stay with them for life.

September 29, 2022

SEXTING, PORN & PREDATORS – UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS CAN MAKE KIDS SAFER ONLINE

When it comes to keeping your children safe online, solutions such as parental controls certainly can help. However, there’s widespread agreement that parents need more than one strategy, and all online safety efforts will be more effective if they are underpinned by open communications between parent and child. It’s not hard for parents to have ongoing discussions with their child if they are about a topic like cyberbullying, which spans the physical and digital realms. However, a number of the online dangers for children and youth are far more sensitive topics for conversation that will test most parents’ levels of comfort, especially when it comes to talking about sex and pornography or suicide and suicide ideation. Rachelle Best, the CEO and Founder of FYI play it safe, an AI-powered monitoring app used by families across the world to keep kids safer online, spends a large portion of her working time engaging with parents, teachers, children and youth about the online dangers facing young internet, gaming and mobile app users. She has a wide-ranging view of how South African parents and their children are either currently tackling or avoiding difficult topics. Rachelle says, “Parents have different levels of personal comfort with certain sensitive topics that can inhibit them from starting these conversations or responding appropriately if their children initiate them. In these cases, the ‘not my child’ syndrome is commonly used to deflect from the need to have a conversation about a topic that is uncomfortable for the parent. Typically, I come across those who will insist their child is ‘too young and innocent or naïve’ to have a conversation that is related to sexting or online pornography or child grooming by predators. Others will say such conversations aren’t necessary because they trust their child to never look at sexually inappropriate content or engage with a stranger or potential predator.” Parents with ‘not my child’ syndrome’ are at risk of being blind to the ubiquity of online pornography and other content depicting overt adult sexuality. For instance, latest research shows that while 75% of parents say that they believe their child has never been exposed to pornography, while 53% of children were comfortable admitting that they have been. It’s likely many more would prefer to deny any engagement with pornography. Inappropriate online sexual content is not the only concern; children and teens are also vulnerable when it comes to stumbling across or seeking out content around suicide, suicide ideation, self-harm and violence. Furthermore, social media channels are not only online spaces where children and teens may encounter predators. They could meet potentially dangerous strangers in gaming chatrooms or on other communication app platforms as well. This ever-evolving landscape, where new apps and games are launched daily, makes it difficult for parents to keep up and keep track of all the digital spaces where their children may be active. Rachelle says, “This is why open communications forms the bedrock of child online safety. Parental controls, and advanced monitoring and alert apps such as FYI play it safe are part of the layers of security needed, but one solution alone is unlikely to prevent your child from encountering harmful content. You have a strong foundation to help keep your children safer online when you are taking an interest in your child’s digital life, talking to them openly about the risks and keeping a conversation going about how best to handle or avoid risks.” Why some parents avoid conversations about difficult topics with children Counselling Psychologist, Lekha Daya says, “There are topics that may trigger shame or a level of discomfort which a parent may not know how to tolerate, causing them to avoid a conversation. There may also be a gap in parents’ understanding of their teenager’s world because it differs so much from their own experience of youth. Some parents may feel inadequate at facilitating conversations about difficult topics and prefer just not to have them. Others may be resistant to learning about and fully understanding the online world, especially when it comes to grappling with both the positives and negatives of gaming and social media. There are parents who have an authoritarian and critical parenting style that does not create room for ease in difficult conversations. In these cases, both teens and parents go into a defensive fight or flight mode where having an honest and open conversation becomes challenging, if not impossible.” Top tips for having hard conversations with your tweens and teens Start by being aware of yourself – Reflect on your own feelings of discomfort and/or shame that might be causing resistance and avoidance when it comes to dealing with important online safety topics. It helps to be aware of your own anxiety in your body when the topic is brought up – such as a tightening in the chest, quickening of the pulse or an urge to fidget. Lekha says, “Self-awareness is a lifelong process but one that requires commitment from all parents to equip themselves in having difficult conversations. Building self-awareness for yourself as a parent and for your teen starts with understanding that your responses are often from your own childhood experiences and exposure.” Adjust your expectations – A conversation about a hard topic is a challenge, but you don’t have to be ‘perfect’. Lekha says, “Self-compassion and allowing for one’s own feelings of vulnerability is important. Know that you will not always get it ‘right’ in difficult conversations, and that’s okay. Sometimes, your teen might seem to have a knack of bringing up a difficult conversation when you feel unprepared. Sometimes, you won’t know the answers to their questions. Take the pressure off yourself to have the conversation ‘perfectly’, and forge ahead with it rather than avoid it. You don’t need to know it all, you can acknowledge what you’re not sure of or don’t know, and then open the conversation up again at a later stage when you’ve found out more. It’s important to be able

September 26, 2022

Why learning to fail sets children up for success later in life

The question of examinations and gaining or losing marks looms large at this time of year, as school students get down to the business of making the most of their academics in 2022. But what if the way we traditionally look at the role of school and learning is outdated and unnecessarily anxiety-inducing? “The common understanding that most people have about school is that it is a place where students go to learn facts and move from one grade to the next by passing examinations where they regurgitate those facts,” says Colin Northmore, Principal at Evolve Online School, a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. “However, that is an obsolete approach, given the fact that anyone can find a fact at the click of an online button. So, the role of education has evolved, and that schools must bring more to the education table than transferring facts from the teacher at the front of the class to the minds of students.” Northmore says the role of school and learning in today’s age, is about teaching children where the boundaries are – that is, the sum of what we think they need to know or be able to do, about any subject, and then expecting them to adventure beyond that. “This idea does not mean that what they learn in traditional education is not essential. This idea is more about how we teach children and what we expect them to do with what they have learned. Critically, this idea is about how we measure a child’s success.” Many schools generally do not treat failure as worth celebrating, Northmore notes. “Instead, many if not most schools interpret so-called failure as a lack of effort (sometimes correctly) or a lack of ability on the part of the child. It is a reason for punishment, and children are taught to avoid failure at all costs. This approach has often been linked in research to cheating in exams and even teenage self-harm and suicide.” In her article on toxic achievement culture, educational researcher Dr Beth Cooper Benjamin says: “If we want students to be successful in their schoolwork and tackle thorny real-world problems, then tolerating and learning from imperfection is a muscle we must help them build.” Children are better served if we teach them that failure is just the first step in a learning process. Next should come reflection, says Northmore. “We should not be giving children the correct answers, but rather teach them to ask better questions like: What did I not understand; what could I have spent more time practising; who can I ask for help with this; what could I do differently next time; and when do I have an opportunity to try again? “Therefore, an assessment system that shows students where the gaps in their knowledge or skills are, coupled with information about how often they try again after not achieving mastery; how much time they devote to improving; and if the children are addressing their gaps, provides them with the tools that they can positively and productively use when encountering problems and challenges in later life.” The biggest challenge is always the gap between theory and action, says Northmore. “So for instance, schools must consider how much opportunity is provided for ‘failing forward’ and adventure on the path towards discovery? Schools using a mastery-based approach are ideally positioned for this new age of learning, based not on memorising facts and passing rote tests and exams, but confidence-building and mastery.” With this approach, children get multiple opportunities to complete tasks and tests. And the space between their completion of a task and when they get feedback on their degree of mastery is kept as short as possible, by way of a live reporting system based on the learning goals. Children and their parents should have a live view of their areas of strength and places for development. And they should also be able to easily keep track of the pace their child is achieving in completing their work. “So as the year kicks into high gear, let us help our children to explore, investigate and learn the power of ‘I have not mastered this yet’, while giving them the space to fail with confidence and without rebuke, as we light the flame of lifelong learning in their hearts.” Learn more about Evolve Online School by clicking here. Are you ready to enrol at Evolve Online School? Apply Now!

September 22, 2022

Matrics – it’s not too late to apply to study overseas

Overseas university application deadlines are less than four months away. Matrics wanting to study overseas, often only start thinking about their applications towards the end of their final school year. With universities like Harvard setting record-low acceptance rates in 2022, Grade 12’s have no time to delay on getting started with their applications. “When it comes to applying to study abroad, especially to competitive universities, you should ideally give your application at least an 18-month lead time. Matrics who are only getting started now can still apply but they haven’t left much room for error,” says Rebecca Pretorius, Country Manager at Crimson Education, who specialise in assisting local students with the process of applying to the world’s top-ranked universities. In addition to a tight timeline, local students need to consider the competitiveness of international universities and applicants. Around the world, application numbers are on the rise, while admissions rates are dropping every year. At Harvard, a record number of applicants applied for spots in the class of 2026, while the acceptance rate fell to 3.19% – the lowest since it was founded in 1636. To unpack international admissions for local matric students, Crimson Education hosted a free online event earlier this month – with the aim of helping matrics on their application journey. As part of the event, they covered application deadlines, strategies for essay writing, preparing for standardised tests, and university and course selection. The event also outlined some of the most common mistakes made by local students when it comes to applying abroad. “Students generally apply to too few schools, or to the wrong schools for their profile. Many top, competitive schools are missed, because students and families don’t have the insight that domestic students do into the university landscape, the choices available to them, or even the how they stack up against other applicants in the areas that count – including extracurriculars, subject choice, standardised test scores and more,” says Pretorius. Getting help with the basics is the best place to start when it comes to getting started this late in the year; “The application process to overseas universities is complex and time-consuming. While you can ask a friend, parent or teacher to check your personal statement, for example, they likely won’t know how to evaluate your work to the standard of admissions officers at these top institutions. This is even more true for more nuanced parts of the admission process, such as declaring a major or applying for financial aid,” says Pretorius. “To give yourself the best chance of getting into your dream university, make sure you give yourself enough time and get the right support. Realistically, you only get one shot, so do it right the first time around,” says Pretorius. Through a team mentorship model, Crimson connects learners with admission strategists and tutors to assist with the application process for top-ranked universities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. The global company offers a range of application year programmes, designed to address specific aspects within the process of applying abroad. Crimson also offers regular information evenings and weekly SAT workshops around the country. For more information, visit www.crimsoneducation.org/za.

August 18, 2022

Engineering 101 : How to choose a degree programme for 2023

Engineering has long been a popular field of study for school leavers because of the high demand for qualified and experienced professionals in this field, the diversity of options within the field, and the interesting and varied nature of life as an engineer. However, contrary to the road to career success for prospective engineers of the past, study options have increased dramatically from the historically limited public university offering, and those who are interested in this field should ensure they consider all their options so as to align their chosen branch of engineering with their personal goals, as well as their ability to make an immediate and positive contribution in the workplace, beyond mere academic and theoretical knowledge, an education expert says. “The specifics of admission requirements for various institutions vary, but it’s safe to say that if you are great at maths, physics and chemistry and have a good command of English or the language of instruction of the institution, engineering is an excellent and sustainable choice of study,” says Neil Manson, Head of School: Engineering, Science and Health at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. Manson notes that perceptions of a career in engineering can be quite limited, but that it is worth noting that the day-to-day life of an engineer – whether in public or private sector – incorporates many different facets depending on specialisation, which can include: Designing materials, components, systems or processes, Planning the capacity and location of infrastructure, Investigating, advising and reporting on engineering problems, Improvement of materials, components, systems or processes, Managing or operating plants and processes, Managing implementation or construction projects, Implementing designs or solutions, Research, development and commercialisation of products, Education, training and development of engineering personnel, Postgraduate studies, research and teaching. “Furthermore, students who graduate with an Engineering degree have valuable and sought-after knowledge, skills and attributes that enable them to work and excel in multi-disciplinary projects and easily expand into other industries, such as banking, insurance, ICT and many others,” Manson says. Manson says the non-negotiable boxes that need to be checked when investigating which engineering degree to pursue and where, is to ensure that accreditation with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is in place and that the institution is accredited with the Council for Higher Education (CHE). “It is also then important, after those matters have been dealt with, to find an institution that has a close link with industry and that the curriculum is contemporary and updated. While engineers are in high demand, companies are also careful to scrutinise the quality of qualifications, an institution’s reputation for producing work-ready graduates, and the likely ability of a graduate to consistently perform at the highest level. “Engineering is a complex field and engineers carry a lot of responsibility – sometimes life and death responsibilities – on their shoulders. So it is important not only for satisfying employer demands, but also for developing and empowering yourself to be able to fulfil your duties with confidence, that you find an institution and qualification where the classes are small and you can receive individual attention that goes beyond just covering the theory. “Ask prospective higher education institutions for a tour of their campus facilities, and look out for up-to-date facilities and laboratories, inspiring campus grounds, and modern programme design.” Prospective students should also enquire about a faculty’s focus on sustainability, its level of industry engagement, its focus on real-life communities in its curriculum, its focus on entrepreneurial development and the extent to which it provides its students with collaborative research opportunities and industry interaction. “Engineering is a tremendously rewarding career and opportunities will continue to grow locally and globally even during tough economic times. Matriculants with the academic ability to be successful, and a keen interest in the field, would do well to investigate their opportunities and find the perfect fit within the field for them, as well as the right institution to develop them holistically and help them get ready to contribute upon graduation.”

August 17, 2022

Education Vs Teaching – What is the difference?

In this article, we explore these differences and how both play a role in moulding our children’s learning experience. “A child educated only at school is an uneducated child” – George Santayana 1863 – 1952, philosopher and Harvard Professor. Ponder that for a while. What about this one – attributed to Albert Einstein (who?) but in fact, its true origins are unknown. “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school”. These are rather deep statements, and the reason I say this is as follows. I find that many parents often think that if their child is not actively working i.e. reading or writing or learning things off by heart, then they cannot possibly be learning. We ourselves are products of a schooling system that was one size fits all. Everybody sat in a classroom, which had been arranged neatly in rows, and the teacher Presented material, and we Practiced the material until it was Perfect. There is so much more to an education than what a child is taught in the classroom or the space inside your home that you have dedicated to home schooling. The opportunities for an education are endless and present themselves on a daily basis. An education is something whereby a child is offered far more than only content and material. An education is also about common sense (although I don’t know why it’s called common sense. If it was indeed common, more people would have it). Having self-awareness and awareness of others, being kind to one another. Having empathy, compassion and respect – that’s an education. Teaching is the imparting of facts, the transference of subject matter from a teacher to a student after which the student is tested to see how well the teacher delivered the subject matter and whether the student retained it. We need to break out of this traditional mould and review what we value more – our kids simply being taught, or the education they receive. Both have their place, indeed, but I’ll leave you with one more quote from the already-mentioned Mr. Einstein. “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think”. Disclaimer – The views expressed are that of the author C. Wickham Interested in homeschooling your child? Feel free to Mindscape Education, e-mail info@mindscapeeducation.co.za or call (+27) 11-704-0687. Visit the Mindscape Education website to find out more about our curriculum options.

July 28, 2022

Internet safety tips for kids of all ages

During school holidays your children’s social media or interactive game time online may kick up a notch. As a parent, you want to make sure that they have a safe experience. Though the Internet can be a wonderful place to play and socialise, parents need to be aware of what their children see and hear on the Internet, who they meet, and what they share about themselves. Every age group – from toddlers to teens – comes with its own parental concerns. But there are some general guidelines that are good to keep in mind for children of all ages. Keep usernames and passwords safe Many of the websites your kids use require usernames and passwords. Make sure they know not to give this information to anyone – even their friends. Teach them to keep usernames and passwords private and change their passwords if you suspect they’ve been compromised. In fact, it’s best to change passwords intermittently as a matter of online hygiene. Every 3-6 months, or if accounts or platforms report hacking or data breaches, is a good habit for children to get into. Don’t give out personal information Children should never tell anyone their full real name, address, neighbourhood, or phone number online. They should never share any information that could lead a predator to find them. Even small details like their school’s name or sports team are enough to give away their identity. Be discerning on social media The Internet is vast, yes. But embarrassing pictures, rude comments, and personal information can leave a lasting, even permanent, mark. Remind your children that anything they post online immediately becomes public property and anyone can view it. Check age requirements Many apps and websites have age restrictions to set up accounts, browse, or join them. But they seldom actually have age verification in place. For instance, Facebook and Snapchat only allow users 13 and up, but signing up is as simple as filling in a false age. Explain location sharing Most apps and websites these days have some kind of geo-tagging or location-sharing feature. Children need to know the dangers of sharing their location – from online predators who can find them to identity theft – so they don’t agree to it or unknowingly click the pop-up boxes that allow it. Create a list of Internet rules Sit with your children and make a list of Internet rules together. You can introduce them to kid- and teen-friendly sites, talk about why Internet rules are important, and encourage them to tell you if they feel uncomfortable or threatened by anything they find on the Internet. Set boundaries but be realistic. Use the golden rule online, too Teach your children that the golden rule applies just as much online as it does face-to-face. Children should be kind and polite to people online and should say nothing over text they wouldn’t say to someone’s face, even if they are posting anonymously. Explain fake ads Talk to your children about Adware and similar scams they might encounter on the Internet. Often, these look like real offers to entice children to download a fake app, sign up for a sweepstake, or offer personal information in exchange for free products. They can be links to share with friends or post on social networks. If children know that these scams exist, they’ll be less likely to fall for them. Educate children about meeting strangers in person Children should never meet up with strangers they met online unless you are there to supervise the meeting. Teach them not to interact with people they don’t know offline. Online predators or cyberbullies can disguise themselves so your children might not know they are talking to someone who found them online. Monitor Internet history For all ages, it’s a good idea to spot-check your browser history to get a sense of what sites your children are visiting. Be completely transparent about checking their usage so they don’t feel spied on. Enable history tracking and check it across all Internet-enabled devices. If you come across any untoward sites, ask your children about them. Set parental controls Set up and review parental controls on all your devices at age-appropriate levels to protect children from accessing inappropriate content online. You can also use them to set usage times, monitor activity, and prevent the sharing of personal information. Run antivirus program Run antivirus software on all your devices to protect them from incoming threats. It can also seek out, destroy, and warn of threats to the system. Antivirus software keeps up with the latest threats and stays on top of new viruses, which come out all the time. Use a trusted cybersecurity solution Cybersecurity tools, like Kaspersky Safe Kids, help you safeguard your children’s activities, monitor their behaviour and protect them when they are online. Choose one you can use on all your child’s devices, and that is flexible enough to change with them as their needs change and as they get older. Most importantly, talk with your children about how to use the Internet safely, the tools you use to protect them, and how and why you monitor their online activities. To support parents and guardians in keeping their children safe online, Kaspersky and Parenting Hub are giving 5 lucky readers a chance to win a license code to Kaspersky Safe Kids – a parental control software that helps to safeguard children’s activities online. You can enter this amazing give-away when you click here By Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Sales Manager at Kaspersky in Africa

July 14, 2022

Effective Study Techniques and Methods

Yes, there are in fact effective study techniques that can help learners retain information better and they’re not based on fiction or chance, but years of scientific research. Study smarter not harder. We’ve all heard or read the saying at some point in our lives, but what does “studying smart” actually look and is there, in fact, a science to prepping for your exams. Studying comes naturally for some while others find it challenging. Regardless of your love or hate for the books, effective techniques that help absorb info is a different concept entirely, and it’s one that educators and psychologists have researched for years. Studying “right” starts with understanding There’s a small obsession amongst educators, phycologist and physicists to understand the concept of absorbing information quickly and keeping it locked away for as long as possible. While there has been an endless debate, one thing they can all agree on is that the work should be understood first and foremost. If learners aren’t understating the material, they’ll find it difficult to retain it which is why tutoring platforms have been becoming increasingly popular, helping learners understand over and above simply studying the material. Paper Video’s is one such platform where learners from grade 8 to 12 can unpack challenging subjects like Maths, Physical Science, Life Science and Accounting through video lessons, past exam papers and teachers that help explain the work. Studying effectively is not just about getting information into our brains to pass an exam, it about saving time and effort, and remembering the work well-beyond that final paper. Plus, once you understand what you’re learning studying will feel like a breeze. Find study techniques that work for you. There are no one-size-fits-all approaches when it comes to a study technique that works, and “Learning Styles” is a concept that is slowly but surely being taken off the table. For those who don’t know, “Learning Styles” is a theory that indicates whether or not people are Visual, Auditory, Read & Write or Kinaesthetic learners. New research published by the American Psychological Association stated that there is no scientific evidence to support this concept. In an article published by the Atlantic in 2018, Daniel Willingham, a psychologist at the University of Virginia made a compelling case whereby he stated: “People have different abilities, not styles. Some people read better than others; some people hear worse than others. You can’t visualize a perfect French accent, for example.” He went on to say that people should not think of themselves as visual, verbal or some kind of learner, “Everyone is able to think in words; everyone is able to think in mental images. It’s much better to think of everyone having a toolbox of ways to think, and think to yourself, which tool is best?” So, how do you know what study technique works? With no clear recipe to success amid all the mind maps, rhymes, notes and re-reading, and if not for a “learning style” how can we tell what works and what doesn’t? Luckily there is science and proven research that tells us what techniques should do and how they should affect learners. Ask yourself: Does the technique help me engage with the material (not just reading)? Does the technique help me track my progress, (a test of some sort)? Does it involve repetition? Does it make me more efficient? Am I retaining/remembering information? Scientifically backed Study Techniques Remembering or retaining information is a challenge that can be traced back to when German Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus first identified the “the forgetting curve” in 1885. It was and still is, a hypothesis that highlights how information or knowledge that gets stored in the brain is lost over time if the individual does not attempt to retain it. Now, to us in the 21st Century, it might not sound so ground-breaking, people forget things. But back then, Ebbinghaus identified a problem and gave it a name and scientists love nothing more than to solve a good problem. That’s why they dedicated their careers to finding ways that can help humans study better and retain information successfully and here are a few of our favourites. 1. Interval studying Call it what you may: the spacing effect, distributed practice, spaced repetition or interval studying, it’s a method that was identified by Hermann Ebbinghaus in his book: Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology. While Ebbinghaus identified the forgetting curve he also gave us a snapshot on how to overcome it: Spaced out repetition. A study by the American Psychological Association showed that the method was 96% more effective than massed repetition, otherwise known as cramming (Cepeda 2006). Conclusion? Spacing out your studies over several short periods helps you remember better, so stick to short bursts, but keep them focussed. It’s not about how much time you have, but what you do with your time that counts. 2. The Leitner technique The technique was created by German science journalist Sebastian Leitner and is a learning technique based on flashcards. The technique also adopts interval studying as part of the method, so learners will be studying in short spaced-out bursts. The technique uses several boxes to help track the flashcards you need to study, and each box represents the amount of time and effort learners would need to spend on certain cards. Here’s how: Every card starts in Box 1 If you get a card right it moves to the next If you get a card wrong, you move it down a box How many boxes you have is up to you, but most educators vouch for three or four. 3. Pomodoro study technique If you’re prone to distractions or if you lose focus easily, the Pomodoro method is used universally not just as a study hack, but as a way to help people increase their productivity. It’s a time management system that encourages short, intense bursts of work for about 25 – 30 minutes. Once the time is up, you stop working and take a 5- or 10-minute break. The technique

July 6, 2022

My son wants to quit an activity…. Should I force him to play?

This was the question I received from a mother who told me that her son suddenly wanted to quit the sports team he was on, right in the middle of the season. She asked me if she should allow him to quit or force him to continue. I suggested that she have him finish out the season by attending the games to support his team, but not force him to play. After sitting on the bench for a few games, he suddenly wanted back on the team. Understanding why your child’s sudden decision is important but is not always easy to figure out. Asking him why may only result in the response “I don’t Know.” A child’s or teen’s sudden desire to quit a team can be a result of a number of things; a peer relationship issue, bullying, a fear of failing, competition, a lack of confidence or sights set on another activity that he or she likes better. It can even be a result of a change in the family dynamics, such as the loss of a parent or other family member, or even divorce. It’s not always best to force a child to participate, but instead, find out what he or she is willing to do within the activity for the remainder of the season. Take notice of when your child is in a great mood and ask open ended questions about the situation to get him or her to open up and talk about it. Give them some space and time to mull it over and avoid drilling them to find out why. One day my tween-age son announced that he wanted to quit the school marching band (he had been playing since third grade and had held first chair for the past few years). He came in, tossed his trumpet in the case into the closet, and declared that he didn’t want to play in the band anymore and marched off. I was not happy about this since we had recently upgraded his trumpet to a much more expensive SILVER trumpet, at his request. I did not respond to his declaration but later that day tried to engage him in conversation about why he had made that decision. His response with full disdain was that the trumpet was a stupid instrument. He then asked if he could get a set of drums. I told him that I was into the silver trumpet for quite a bit of money and because of what I paid out for it, I might be willing to consider buying a different instrument in about two years. That response got him mad. So for the next few days he left for school without taking his trumpet to school. I said nothing about it, but on a few occasions I again tried to engage him in conversation about why he was no longer playing his trumpet. On each of those occasions he offered up a different excuse; the teacher was stupid, the trumpet was dumb, etc. Then, on the last day that he could not bring his trumpet to school without being removed from the band, he took the trumpet to school. I was relieved that he was back playing the trumpet in the school band. What I later found out as the reason for this sudden dislike for an instrument he loved so much, was that he become careless and lost first chair. If I had forced him to bring the trumpet to school, he might have retaliated in other ways and may have never owned up to the real problem. If I had been one of those parents that did go out and buy him the drums, again, he may have been unable to learn what he needed to learn about himself and the consequences of not working hard. Giving children space and time to learn from experiences is key to their emotional development.

June 28, 2022

Why we made the switch from brick-and-mortar to online homeschooling

The following account is the story of a parent, Engela Janse van Rensburg, who decided to make the switch from a brick-and-mortar school to online homeschooling and she has never looked back! “Here’s a riddle for you: What is the most in-demand occupation – no, let me rephrase – profession, in the entire existence of the human race? Which profession needs no qualification, has the lowest monetary reward yet has the highest impact on the human race, and the highest emotional reward? Parenting! Any parent will tell you that the privilege of having a child and the joy that it accompanies, is something very special. But, with this privilege comes a number of choices you have to make. At the birth of your child, you are given a clean slate and you as the parent have to decide what is written on that slate, since this will form the foundations of that little human being entrusted to you. I call these choices the three C’s: Choice of morals and values; Choice of religious beliefs and Choice of education. And it is in this third choice, Education, that many parents faced a new challenge the last couple of years since the global pandemic struck. Three years ago parents who decided to homeschool their children were seen by many as the ‘different’ ones. Two years ago parents who never thought of homeschooling their children, were suddenly faced with a challenge: how do I ensure continuous education for my child, how do I keep my child safe and healthy and protected against an enemy no one can see (Covid-19)? And just like many other families, we were faced with the same questions. When we started to do research, we realised that education entered its own “industrial revolution” phase. We were standing in front of three options: homeschooling where the support from the school was only administrative and I will have to teach my child; a school where classes were presented on a set timetable and the only difference between the online school and a brick-and-mortar school, was that he was at home and did his lessons online; and the third option was a combination of the first two: online lessons combined with self-study. We realised that with both parents also in education and working long hours, there was no time for us to teach our son, although we had the knowledge. It was also for our son a much easier transition from what he knew to something totally different. Two years later we have settled into our new lifestyle and in the process we have learned a lot of lessons. Time management became very important and it was a skill that I had to teach my son. I had to show him how to plan his term, his week and his day. I had to show him how to plan when to start with an assignment to make sure it is completed and submitted on time. He had to learn how to take responsibility and attend classes, even though he has the freedom to make that choice. In a brick-and-mortar school, parents are so much less involved in the day-to-day activities of their children. With an online school, I became involved in what happened in my child’s education on a daily basis. I check on his daily classes, I look at his performance and results when assessment results are released and I assist with his revision planning. Then there is of course the technical side – make sure he has access to Wi-Fi during load-shedding, make sure the printer is working, make sure the laptop is still on standard. The biggest change in our lives was that we became so much more involved in our child’s education. But it also brought another concern with it – we had to make sure that the social development of our son was still taken care of. It is so important to remember that your child still needs contact with his peers and that he can still interact with them outside the academic sphere. It is very easy for a child to become totally isolated and if both parents are working, this can happen very easily. Whether your choice is homeschooling or an online school, any parent will have to remember that your view about your child’s education will have to change. You need to become more involved in the education and social development of your child. Both you and your child will have to focus on time management, your communication about his education will have to be daily and maybe the most important before you even venture into this new adventure is that you have to make sure your child has the right personality to make a success of it. We are very fortunate. Our son is a self-starter, a self-motivator, and can work independently. Our transition was very easy. In the first year, both of us had to get used to the technical aspects and he had to learn time management skills – which learners do not learn in brick-and-mortar schools. But after 9 months at an online school, I did not need to create his calendar anymore or remind him about tasks. Today, two years later, we have an independent 14-year-old who is far above many first-year university students when it comes to planning his academics and taking responsibility for it. Do I recommend it? Absolutely! Why? I wrote on that slate given to me the following objectives to instil in my son: independence, responsibility, work ethic, confidence, self-trust, and high-quality education. What is the downside? Social interaction in the form of sport or cultural activities takes a lot more effort, planning and involvement with the homeschooling/online schooling community. When should you not do it? When you think it is an easy way out of “school” or when your child is not yet emotionally mature enough to take responsibility for engaging with their schoolwork. It is not an easy way out – it will take commitment from both you as a parent as well as your

June 15, 2022

HOW TO APPLY TO UNIVERSITY WITH CAMBRIDGE QUALIFICATIONS

This is an exciting time for South African matriculants as they complete the final stage of their school career and prepare to enter the next phase of their academic life. We are delighted to see how our students have excelled academically and are now submitting their applications for a place at university next year. GUIDELINES We share here some guidelines to help students and parents with the process of applying for university entrance. 1. Choose a course of study The first step is to select your preferred course of study, and to have a second or third option to include in your application. 2. Choose your university You will need to check which universities offer your preferred undergraduate degree. It is a good idea to apply to more than one university to keep your options open and to improve your chances for a successful application. 3. Check the admission requirements 3.1 Check the conditions and requirements to gain exemption for entry to South African public universities and make sure that you meet the requirements. The Cambridge University Recognition South Africa document provides a summary of the Universities South Africa (USAf) minimum admission requirements for exemption for Bachelor Degree purposes. You can download this document from: https://globalvillageint.com/index.php/academics/university-admission. The exemption requirements are also generally stated in the university’s undergraduate prospectus or undergraduate admissions requirements document. 3.2 You also need to check the minimum requirements for your specific degree and make sure that you will meet these minimum requirements. Each university faculty has different subject and grade requirements. Cambridge students should check the university’s faculty requirements for international schools/applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications. Contact the university Admissions Office or search the university’s website for admission requirements for undergraduate international curricula/admission criteria for applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications. These requirements are set out in the Undergraduate Prospectus by some universities. You can view available university faculty requirements for 2023 at: https://globalvillageint.com/index.php/academics/university-admission 3.3 Certain universities require that students write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT). Check the requirements of your selected university and faculty to see what is required for your application. For more information about the National Benchmark Tests: Visit: https://www.nbt.ac.za/ Call 021 650 3523 4. Apply for admission Applications for admissions have opened. It is important that you check the application closing dates and that you apply as early as possible. The closing dates for applications vary for each university and for different courses. You should consult your university of choice to find out the closing date for applications. Applications for some courses and universities close as early as 30th June, so we suggest that you complete your application as soon as possible. Admission to non selection programmes in some university faculties is based on the availability of places and when the available number of places for a specific programme have been filled, the programme is closed for further applications. You will need to submit your GCSE certificates (and AS certificates if already completed) in the application process and should have these available to scan and upload according to the university’s requirements. You will also be required to give the university an indication of the subjects for which you are still expecting results, by uploading some form of official proof of these subjects. Each university has their own requirements, but this can generally be a report, a letter from the school or a Statement of Entry, with the level (GCSE, AS or A-level) on which each subject is taken, clearly indicated. Once your application has been registered, the university will advise you of the next steps. 5. Apply for financial assistance, scholarships and bursaries You can search your preferred university’s website for funding/financial assistance/aid or call them to find out about available financial assistance, scholarships and bursaries. Check the application opening and closing dates and the documents required, to allow enough time to get all the documents ready to submit your application in time. NSFAS Students who wish to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college and come from a family with an income of R350 000 or less, qualify for a government bursary offered via the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The bursary covers amounts for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials, aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines. All South African citizens, SASSA grant recipients, applicants whose combined household income is R350 000 or less per annum, persons with disabilities whose household income is R600 000 or less per annum and students who started studying before 2018 whose household income is R122 000 or less per annum, qualify. Applications for 2023 are open 1 September to 30 November 2022. For more information: Visit: www.nsfas.org.za Call the toll free number:0860 0067 327 Email:Info@NSFAS.org.za You can also search the university’s website for funding/financial assistance for more information. University Financial Assistance, Scholarships and Bursaries Each university has additional funding programmes to assist students. Merit, sport and other bursaries are administered by each university. Search the university’s website for university managed student funding/financial assistance and university administered bursaries or scholarships or contact the university to find out more. External Funding Funding is also available from companies and organisations outside of the university. Information can be obtained through a google search. Try these websites: 6. Find accommodation Each university offers a variety of housing options such as university residences, rooms, apartments, etc. Contact the university’s Student Accommodation Office to find out more. Private accommodation is another option. Students can consider staying in a privately run student housing centre, a student house, an apartment or in a room in a private residence. Most universities assist students to find private accommodation. Students should contact the university’s Student Accommodation Office for assistance. Students can also search the internet for private accommodation options or contact local student accommodation agents or estate agents. MATRIC EXEMPTION Students who intend to register at a South African University, need to apply for exemption for degree studies upon receiving their final results. For

June 8, 2022

STUDYING FROM HOME: HOW TO STAY FOCUSED

Technology and easy access to resources have made studying from anywhere a breeze but choosing a space to bunker down at can be subjective. So, think carefully about the variables involved when considering the library, café a friend’s house or your room. The right space can make all the difference. How does your environment affect your studying? Learning environments play a crucial role and different factors can affect learner’s learning ability. Things like seating, light, sounds and even colour have an impact on the way we study, how much we remember and how efficient we are. Positive environments help learners stay engaged, motivated and give learners an overall higher learning ability. So, when it comes to different environments think of the variables and whether or not they work for you. The best and worst places to study? What works for some may not work for others and while some learners thrive in a busy café other require the quiet of a library or the comforts of home. Make sure that the spots you settle on are conducive to your method of learning, allow you to concentrate, and are free of distractions. Collaborative learning: you’ll settle for spots like libraries, study groups or revision groups. While effective, be strict when it comes to organising your time and get don’t beat around the bush – it can become easy to lo lose focus if you’re not intentional, especially when you’re a group of friends. Independent: If you prefer making the most of your own study time, spaces that are comfortable and designed for you are more your speed. Places to avoid: Spots that are known and associated with socializing always tend to make students work harder than they need to because they’re so focussed on trying to stay focussed. Your bed (or the couch) are spots that your brain associates with relaxation and can make it incredibly difficult for you to get into the groove of studying. Benefits of studying at home Benefit 1: Your space Being in your space, surrounded by familiar things and being able to set up your routine can be both freeing and comforting at the same time. A more relaxed environment decreases stress levels which means you absorb information more effectively. Benefit 2: Everything you need Along with comforts, home can come with everything you need; food, pens, papers (thanks mom) and when you have everything at your disposal you spend less time scrambling to find ods and ends and more time behind books. Benefit 3: You can be you The solitude of your room allows you to read aloud, repeat the material constantly, and listen to the music you want to listen to. Plus, you avoid hearing someone’s music escape through their headphones altogether. Your space gives you the freedom to absorb information your way. Benefit 4: On your own time Regardless of the various tell tales that highlight which times are the best for studying, you can implement what your best study time is when you’re in your own space. Unlike a library with closing hours, your home is open any time of day. So being an early bird or night owl can work whenever you want. Benefit 5: Productive Your study breaks can be productive, two birds with one stone as they say. You can complete a few house chores and task an exercise circuit or tick something off of your own to-do list. Sure, going for a run mid-library session is doable, but that might mean getting back to the books in sweaty gym attire – when you’re home you can at least freshen up! Being in your own space and having your own time may require some structure or help and learning and revision platforms can be a great way to help learners stay the course. Paper Video is an online revision platform that focusses on helping grade 8 to 12 learners improve their Maths, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Accounting. Learners can access past exam papers and work through the different subject with step-by-step video guides. Try Paper Video for yourself or find out more by visiting www.papervideo.co.za Stay focussed while studying at home Now we’ve managed to build a strong case for studying at home, or at least we’d like to think we did, and while it seems convenient, the home comes with its own set of challenges. Procrastination, distraction, lack of organisation and sharing the space with family members – things can get pretty loud and in your face. So here are a few things to bear in mind when choosing your home as your study safe haven. Tip 1: Remove distractions Homey comforts bring distractions like television, iPads and cell phones. Avoid devices at all cost and find a designated study spot that puts you out of harm’s way. If you know family members are going to be up and about, avoid common areas like the lounge or open dining room areas. Tip 2: Dedicate a space to study in Our brains need structure and a designates study space works as a notice board for your brain that says “hey, we’re sitting down in this spot, which means it must be time to study.” It’s not a good idea to work in your bed or sofa, spots where your body is known to tune out. Check out how you can set up your study space here: Tips for your at home study space. Tip 3: A change of pace Create breaks in your routine and make things interesting for yourself. Go for a run, take a break and play a memory game or get a few chores out of the way. If you give your brain a break it will reward you by working more efficiently. Tip 4: Manage your time Set a timetable for yourself, block out your time and set timers if you have to. Studying at home takes self-discipline and you need to keep yourself accountable. Set reasonable limits for how much time you spend studying each day and break your

June 6, 2022

MATRICS: 3 CRUCIAL MID-YEAR FACTS TO KEEP IN MIND

As Matric mid-year exams kick into high gear this week, it is important for students to get an eagle’s eye view of the significance and importance of these exams – to provide them with perspective regarding the assessment’s role in the greater scheme of their final year, as well as their prospects post-Matric, an education expert says. “Matric students often tend to look at final NSC exams and think that is the big one on which all attention should be focused, but that is only part of the story,” says Nola Payne, Senior Head of Programme at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. “In fact, Matric mid-year exams have a unique significance in the big picture and should not be viewed as merely a trial run for final exams, because it plays its own medium to long term role – in various ways – in the outcomes and prospects for Grade 12,” Payne says. She says the mid-year exams will be more demanding than any exams written before in one’s school career, and provide a good indication of what will be expected from students in their finals, while also providing valuable insights into how they should approach the rest of the year. “The mid-year exams allow students to hone their skills as well as identify gaps in their knowledge and understanding,” says Payne. She adds that in addition to serving as a dry-run for finals, students writing mid-year exams should also keep the following in mind: 1. YOUR MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE IS IMPORTANT Mid-year marks are important primarily for two reasons: firstly, because they contribute to a student’s year mark and secondly, because they can use these marks to get provisional acceptance when they apply to a university. This means learners must do as well as they possibly can in these exams, to hedge their bets should they face unexpected challenges later in the year. Learners who did well in Grade 11 can already use those marks to apply for higher education, but ultimately an institution will only give final admission based on final marks, and Matric mid-year exam marks contribute to these. Performing well in your mid-years also gives you a confidence boost as you move into the final stretch of the year, because you can focus your effort where it is really needed, rather than having to keep working on parts of the curricula that you should already have mastered. 2. BUT… YOUR MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE IS NOT THE FINAL WORD ON YOUR PROSPECTS Although a good mid-year performance is undoubtedly tremendously beneficial, not doing as well as you hoped does not signal the end of the road. It should be kept in mind that after the mid-years, you still have several months to throw everything at your studies and that with focus and a concerted effort, you can substantially improve your performance towards the end of the year. In this respect, your mid-years will provide valuable insights for you to use when strategising the rest of the year. With the help of your teachers, tutors and school support systems, you can use your performance to develop a framework for the rest of the year to ensure that you address those areas you found challenging and which impacted negatively on your performance. It might also be that your mid-years show definitively that your plans for next year might need some additional consideration. If, for instance, you wanted to do a qualification at an institution for which you are most definitely not going to qualify no matter how much time and effort you put in, you are now able to objectively consider your plans and devise a new strategy by researching your options and speaking to student support services at higher education institutions. This will allow you to take the pressure off yourself if your vision was not aligned with reality, and help you to find a path better suited to your unique skills and strengths. 3. YOUR MID-YEAR EXAM SIGNALS THAT YOUR STUDY APPLICATION DEADLINE IS TICKING With the increased competition for tertiary study space, particularly for popular and respected institutions and qualifications, it is important that learners apply for higher education opportunities as soon as possible. This might not seem like a priority when studying for your exams, but if you are serious about pursuing studies after school it must not be left for much longer. Thousands of Matrics have already applied for higher education, and if you have not yet joined their ranks, you need to do so sooner rather than later. As the year progresses and the final exams start to loom, you will be even less inclined to spend time and energy on investigating your study options. It is therefore ideal for those who have not yet done so, to use their June holidays to go visit higher education institutions – whether online or in person by appointment – to discuss various offerings and their related career paths. When doing so, remember that it is also important to ask institutions about their post-graduate support and work-integrated learning components in their curricula. “This is a really exciting time in the educational journeys of students. Yes, it is challenging and the cause of much nervous excitement at times, but you are truly now putting the finishing touches on your school career as you prepare for the next part of your life and entering adulthood,” says Payne. “As the saying goes, we need to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, and this holds true for Matrics right now. You need to do your absolute best and focus right to the end during your mid-year exams, but at the same time you need to constantly review your strategy and adjust your path as necessary. You also need to consider how you are now walking towards your future, and put in place the building blocks to get there.”

June 3, 2022

Raising future-proof children with the rise of EduTech

“In 1951 we witnessed the birth of television. In 1981, Acorn IBM’s first personal computer was released and in 1999 Wi-Fi, the abbreviated term for “wireless fidelity” was developed. But life as we know it today doesn’t change every 20 – 30 years anymore. It now changes every 20-30 minutes…perhaps without us even knowing it. Traditional Schooling as we knew it If you are reading this there is a 99% chance that you were in a “traditional brick-and-mortar” school. We were dropped off in the morning by a parent, or took the bus to school, or for some of us, even walked to school. Then we joined our friends in a classroom with a teacher, the bell rang for break, we all had our lunch, and then we went back to class. We were lucky if we had a Computer Centre at school that we were exposed to. After school, some of us attended social or sport events. And most of you would agree with me that we did not turn out too bad. Times have changed Today, every child is exposed to some type of technological device and likely, even more than one. They are exposed to technology at home and at school, and when visiting their friends’ houses. Students in the 21st century need technology to do their schoolwork, their sport activities, and events and even when organising social events. We as adults must raise children with technology as it is the key to their future. Modern universities make use of online assessment tasks, computer-based assignments, software tools and in all careers, a basic computer skill is a requirement. We have the privilege to raise children with the necessary future-focused skills to adapt to a fast-growing technological world. Forced to online schooling COVID-19 forced the global community to experience “home-schooling” or “online-schooling”. What a blessing in disguise for many of us. Parents and students had their worlds changed by this. Many of us realised what our children were being taught at school, and in many cases left us with a lot to be desired. We also realised that we could do school from literally anywhere in the world by using web-based tools and online schooling platforms. Together with this, a whole new world opened for children. Students can be managed by an online educator under the supervision of their parents to do research, to write their own coding programme, to experience learning in an immersive way, and be engaged by a variety of tools that bring joy into learning. The possibilities are endless. Pros and Cons of raising the next generation by use of EduTech solutions such as online schools. This debate can go on for days, but in fact, it all comes down to two main considerations. If my child goes to an online school, how will their social development be impacted? The reality is that social skills can be fostered outside of a brick-and-mortar school. Online schooling and homeschooling families have vibrant communities that have rich social experiences, build lifelong friendships, and have the benefit that it can be forged around your own family values, choosing friends, and avoiding bullying and exposure to bad influences. This does take parental effort and can be a task without tapping into the communities available. Most online schools, such as Wingu Academy have vibrant programmes where students are given a choice of different clubs to be part of. The clubs foster social interaction, connect friends that can meet up in person, build leadership skills, and get exposure to other potential interests. Students who attend an online school know all the ins and outs of technology and how to use it in everyday life, school, and work. Children today are more comfortable with social interactions online than other generations and are developing the crucial skills to safely interact in a connected world. It is important to leverage off the opportunities available to ensure socialisation in person. Globally there are vibrant communities on social media for homeschooling, and veteran homeschooling families that can offer guidance. As an educator, teaching online changed my whole life. I realised that there was a whole new world outside of my comfort zone waiting for me to discover. When I first started teaching online, I was terrified of using the technology, but now I can’t think of going back to my old way of teaching, experiencing all the possibilities online teaching holds for me and my students. I also can’t wait to see how my son develops using all the technological skills he is about to learn. He has the best of both worlds. I can raise him on a farm in the outdoors with the peace of mind that when entering the workforce of the future he wouldn’t have to stand back for anyone or anything, because of an online school like Wingu Academy he will have all the skills to have a technological advantage in whatever career path he chooses to pursue.” Madeline Kruger, is a wife, mother of a five-year old, and a language teacher at Wingu Academy with true Wingulian blood flowing through her veins. She holds a B.Ed Intermediate Degree from North West University in South Africa. She also received an award from the Golden Key International Society. Madeline is passionate about teaching and believes that all children are special in their own way and should have the opportunity to develop at their own pace.

June 3, 2022

Relationship building with home education providers is a priority for the Gauteng Department of Education – Wingu Academy’s invite for in-depth collaboration

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) conducted a meeting with homeschooling and online school providers on the 2nd of June 2022. This is the first meeting where the GDE reached out to service providers in the home education sector as part of stakeholder engagement and relationship building. Chriselda Mosibudi-Makhubela, the Director for Independent Schools at the Gauteng Department of Education, expressed the objective of amplifying the voices of learners that are home educated, as well as those of the key stakeholders to work towards turning around the prior views on home education. South Africa has seen a surge of online schools opening in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some online schools were already established pre-pandemic due to a natural growth in the home education market inherent in the country, whilst others developed in response to the perceived demand in the market for online schooling. In the US, online schools have been well attended for a few decades already and have seen mature and well-developed online schools emerge as viable and important alternatives for numerous students across the states. Pre-pandemic there were over 375 000 students between the ages of 6 and 18 attending state-wide full-time online school programmes, a number that has almost doubled for the 2021-2022 school year in the US. In South Africa, the numbers are not that clear and pre-pandemic estimates of 100 000 homeschoolers have increased dramatically to more than 300 000 according to the Department of Education. Chriselda Mosibudi-Makhubela has previously indicated that up to 4% of learners can be home educated in South Africa. The director also expressed that the GDE is very interested in doing research to learn more about home-based education and to improve on assessment and curriculum provision in Gauteng, especially for home education. With the growth in the interest in home-based education, accelerated by the pandemic, many online schools have emerged. At the meeting on the 2nd of June it became evident that clearer guidelines and frameworks are required to establish a minimum standard to ensure that all learners get the best possible education from homeschooling providers and online schools. The different curriculum providers and homeschooling providers present at the meeting had varying levels of maturity of internal processes, curriculum delivery, and assessment structures. Wingu Academy was encouraged to see that our processes and standards are high and aligned to policy and guidelines available and we are excited to share what we have found to be effective in our approach to online distance learning. Wingu Academy is formally inviting collaboration with national and local departments of education and wishes to support the core values that Director Chriselda Mosibudi-Makhubela shared at the meeting of “excellence, compliance and relationship building”. Wingu Academy is optimistic and welcomes the pending regulatory framework to be approved by the end of October 2022, and the opportunity to forge a strong relationship with the GDE. “At the meeting Wingu Academy extended an offer to support the Gauteng Department of Education with our in-house expertise in curriculum mapping to assist with smoother transitioning of students between International and the CAPS curriculum to make it more accessible for students to transfer between home education and public or independent schools where needed.” explains Ian Strydom, Managing Director of Wingu Academy. “Wingu Academy has been applying the policy on home education and has simultaneously aligned all internal processes and quality assurance measures with the local and international requirements of traditional independent schools, and are ready to adopt any further recommendations by the Department of Education. The Academy is registered with the South African Comprehensive Assessments Institute (SACAI) as a distance education provider for the CAPS programme it is currently offering, and is a registered Pearson Online Centre for the International British Curriculum. The Academy is also finalising the registration of an independent school in its network awaiting final feedback from the local department of education and as such has comprehensive alignment with the available guidelines from the Department of Basic Education.” Strydom concludes.

June 3, 2022

THE RISKS AND REWARDS FOR KIDS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

Most of our children are online every day. The number of mobile devices in the hands of South African children rises year on year at almost every age point between 8 and 18 years of age. None of this is surprising; the digital component of all our lives is ever-increasing and expanding – from work and school to leisure and socialising. This powerful wave of digitalisation brings enormous potential for improving lives and opening up opportunities; but it is also ushering in significant risks. As parents, the risks presented to our children can feel overwhelming to manage. One of the greatest challenges of keeping our children safe online is how quickly the digital landscape changes. There are new games, new apps, new social media platforms targeted at children constantly coming and going. There are always new ways around parental controls and new trends emerging. It’s as easy as typing in a false birth year to sign up to any social media account under the parental radar. Parents cannot rely on age limits on sites and apps anyway, as they are there to ensure the developers are compliant with privacy laws, not to protect children. Yet, the rewards of digital exposure and interactions are great, and parents want to balance protecting their children with giving them space to explore an incredible realm that’s packed with learning, supportive connections and endless opportunities to gain digital experience and proficiency, which is so important to their future. How to find the sweet spot amidst the risks and rewards is the subject of an upcoming FYI play it safe webinar for parents on 9 June 2022 from 11:00 to 12:00; or 19:30 to 20:30. FYI play it safe is a South African-developed app for families that’s gone global. It’s not a parental control but adds an extra layer of security to children’s devices through AI-powered monitoring of all their screens and generating alerts for parents if their children are engaging with inappropriate content or threatening contacts. Mother of a teen daughter and the CEO/Founder of FYI play it safe, Rachelle Best will be updating South African parents on the latest data regarding children’s use of the internet and social media; their exposure to harmful and inappropriate content, and she will be demonstrating some of the dangerous apps families need to avoid. Rachelle says, “As parents, we need information and tools to help us enable our kids to build online resilience while they are developing their essential digital skills. There’s no one single action that we can take to keep our kids safe online while they do this. Parents need up-to-date information, use the resources in the ecosystem of online safety and have open, trusting relationships with their children so that they can help them safely navigate the risks.” All too often, when it comes to risks, parents can unknowingly fall into the trap that’s dubbed the ‘not my child syndrome’. An example of this is when a parent sees the data showing that sexting has become alarmingly ‘normal’ and super-trendy for teens, and even tweens; they might believe it about other children but assert that their child is ‘more naïve’ or ‘less developed’ or ‘still not interested or even curious’. “Unfortunately, this kind of knee-jerk denial and disbelief that ‘my child would never do this’, actually raises the risks for the child,” says Rachelle. “As parents today, more than ever, we have to confront our blind spots when it comes to our beloved children and realise that they are engaging in a world where sexting is pervasive, and pornography is everywhere. Latest research shows that while 75% of parents say that they believe their child has never been exposed to pornography, 53% of children admit they have. We can expect there’s a sizeable percentage who also have, but don’t admit it, which is a significant reality check for all parents.” On the positive side, the increasing focus on online safety for kids is igniting the development of improved tools such as the FYI play it safe app. “What’s important is that parents are active in understanding online risks and the digital spaces that are threats to children’s safety, mental health and well-being,” Rachelle concludes. “It certainly is the case that knowledge is power, and there are solutions that enable our kids to gain the rewards from their digital explorations and connections while mitigating the risks.” Join Rachelle Best for the FYI play it safe webinar – Our Youth and Social Media; Uncensored – What your child is really exposed to online. Thursday, 9 June 2022 from 11:00 to 12:00 or 19:30 to 20:30. Tickets are R80 and can be booked via Quicket here

May 31, 2022

HOW TO PREVENT EMOTIONAL DAMAGE DURING SEPARATION?

There may come a time in your marriage where you realise that your partner’s negative behaviour is becoming detrimental to both you and your children. What do you do in a situation like this? What if your partner won’t accept getting divorced? What if you are not working or are afraid to work longer hours because you’ll lose quality time with your kids? How do you prevent emotional damage to yourself and your children? Here are some practical guidelines to navigating this very difficult and stressful situation… Firstly, our law does make allowances for one person in the marriage to insist on a divorce proceeding. I’m not a lawyer, but I do know that you can go ahead with a divorce proceeding from your side whether your partner wants it or not, particularly if you can show that you have real grounds for wanting this – if your partner had an affair, if you have a report from a psychologist regarding any abuse etc. It might help to get some professional advice and there are companies like The Family Law Clinics who offer free legal advice. It is definitely important, for both you and your children, for you to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Please be aware that it is absolutely normal for children to act up in situations like this. They will tend to play out the aggression and negativity they experience at home, but also an aggression and negativity that is repressed in the home. Think of their behaviour as a barometer for the emotional environment that they come from. You or your child’s teacher may even notice some aggressive play and pictures. Please remember that kids process their worlds through play and creativity. It might look negative right now, but they are actually working through their issues and helping to resolve them in their own mind through these actions. This is healthy and necessary and will subside once things settle down. When wondering how to deal with any aggressive behaviour please keep in mind that all emotions are acceptable, but some behaviours may need to be addressed. First allow your child the space to feel the intensity of the emotion and once calm you can discuss different ways to express this that don’t hurt others. You don’t need to worry that they will be permanently like this though. Children adapt very quickly and they respond well to improvements in their situation and environment. What you can do in the meantime is to give them lots of space and support to express their emotions. There is a saying that goes “for the good feelings to come in, the bad feelings first have to come out”. They act out their negative state because they either don’t have the capacity yet to express themselves verbally and have someone understand what they are going through, or because they feel they are not allowed to express it in a safe way. Sometimes, as the parent, we are not the best person for them to chat to, as they are also trying to protect us and our emotions, or they may be angry with us or have some other emotion that they feel they’re not supposed to have. It can be very helpful to have somebody else involved in their lives that they can trust, but who is removed from the situation. Ideally, this would be in a play therapy environment, where they are taught not only that it is safe to express whatever they are feeling (and so don’t have to express it behaviourally) but also coping techniques that they can use throughout their lives when some challenge comes along. Often in divorce proceedings you are already finically stretched. If you have medical aid or the financial resources to manage it, find a great play therapist that you trust. Alternatively, you can contact an organisation like FAMSA who offer reduced rate or free therapy for kids depending on your situation. The next thing to look at is the kids’ routine. If you’re having to start a new job or work longer hours you may need to make arrangement for your kids like aftercare or lift schemes. If at all possible, try to get some of their homework, bathing etc done before you get home. Perhaps even chat to the teacher about helping with this during school time to alleviate some of the pressure on you. I wouldn’t worry about playtime with the kids in the evening. It is more important for them to have a good routine (this helps kids particularly in times of change to feel that the whole world is not falling apart) and sleep is essential for anyone trying to deal with stress. Of course you will want some quality time with the kids in the day, and if you can manage this it will definitely help. Keep in mind, though, that quality time doesn’t need to be a lot of time. It can be five minutes of connecting at bedtime, it can be the conversation you have over dinner, or the wet hug as they get out of the bath. You can also make sure that you maximise on the weekends in terms of fun things that you do together. Just be careful of alleviating any guilt you may have by keeping them up later so that you can spend time with them. That evening time may actually add additional stress, in which case they would be better off with a bit more sleep. The one other thing that you can do to help while this situation gets resolved is to manage your own stress levels. Focus on deep breathing, make sure you connect with people and experiences that support and nurture you, get enough sleep yourself, and be patient and kind to yourself. You are in a very intense situation, and you need to give yourself some credit for where you are handling it well. Also give yourself some credit for what you know

May 23, 2022

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