Toddler - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Tolo Baby Gripper Rattle, Tolo Baby Triangle Rattle and Tolo Baby Abacus Rattle

Tolo Baby is a gorgeous new range of gifting and baby toys that will not only entertain your little one, but educate and assist with development during play. Perfect for baby showers, these beautiful, simple toys bring a touch of class into your little ones life. Tolo Baby has a stunning selection of rattles to assist in early motor development. Gripper Rattle – Let baby watch the sherbet coloured beads cascade from one end of the rattle to the other – a colourful, easy-grasp rattle. Triangle Rattle – Let baby have great fun exploring this beautiful rattle. Easy-grasp from as young as 3 months. Lots of noisy fun. Abacus rattle – Encourage gripping and shaking and moving the abacus pieces side to side from as young as 3 months. Spin the pieces and get their motor skills working. Encourage lots of free play and noise with the simple, yet effective development of a rattle. Beautiful soft colour palettes make Tolo Baby toys suitable for all baby nursery décor and genders. Tolo Baby is available at selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot, Babanino, Clicks Baby Club, Hamleys and The Kid Zone.

April 19, 2021

Benefits of playing games with kids

Children of all ages learn through engaging with many different forms of media, including games. Games include board games, video games, and even online games, despite what you may have heard! Playing games help children develop many core skills like mathematical or language skills, social skills and healthy interaction, and logic and problem-solving skills. We all know playing is fundamental for young children’s development, but this is true for pre-teens and adolescents, too! Of course, the type of games children play at different ages will differ depending on their cognitive ability and interests. Still, play and games remain fundamental for a child’s development regardless of their age. Infants: 0 – 18 months Babies respond to visual and audio stimuli, including bright colours, movement, and sounds. Consequently, they respond best to singing and other music, holding and playing with bright toys, and looking at colourful pictures. Games recommended for this age group include: ‘peek-a-boo’ (visual stimulation), and singing rhymes and songs (auditory stimulation). Imitate the noises your baby makes to engage in a ‘conversation’ and let them crawl to discover their world. Of course, at this age, the parent or caretaker is doing most of the playing! Toddlers: 18 months – 3 years Children of these ages can usually talk and move by themselves to some degree, meaning the complexity of games caregivers can play with them increases a bit. Toddlers love exploring their physical environment, so touch becomes a big factor in how they learn. They also begin using their imagination and combine their cognitive skills with their knowledge of the external world to create a world of their own. Caregivers can encourage children’s use of their imagination by pretending to drink out of an empty cup or offering toys that enable pretend play. Read to them and develop games based on stories. At this age, recommended games include: building blocks and stacking toys, easy puzzles, and basic art and crafts activities like finger painting. Pre-schoolers: 3 – 6 years By now, children are starting to socialise with each other a lot more, so they need to start developing their social skills. Many children of this age play fantasy games with one another, like ‘cops and robbers’. This kind of ‘pretend play’ is highly recommended for this age group as it allows them to develop: muscle coordination, fine motor skills, language skills, and cooperation skills. Story time remains important – read your child a story and ask them questions about the plot and characters. Because they can now read and write to a certain degree, even simple card games like ‘snap’ are recommended. Other recommended games include incorporating objects like balls in games such as ‘catch’. Read more: Raising Readers: Tips for Parents Middle childhood: 6 – 12 years At this age, children are increasingly verbal and literate and can communicate with one another and adults. They interact with each other to a much greater degree, and their interests become more pronounced. By this stage, many children have started playing online and video games. While these certainly have their benefits, children must continue to play with one another outside of more formal activities like sports and cultural pursuits. It is recommended that caregivers continue to facilitate play among children indoors and outdoors, like playing ‘dress-up’ and hide-and-seek. It is also recommended that children now begin playing more mentally challenging games such as: more advanced puzzles, chess and other board games, and slightly more difficult card games like ‘go fish’. Arts and crafts continue to be encouraged. Read more: Video games: good, bad, or both? Teenagers: 12 – 18 years We all know teen years are difficult ones. Teenagers face many obstacles like changing bodies and moods and discovering who they are as independent and autonomous beings. Many teens can become reclusive or even self-isolate due to bullying, so it’s important to encourage them – very gently – to continue socialising with other teens who are kind and caring. Recommended games for teens now veer from traditional games to: sports, cultural activities, and social events like music concerts and parties. Teens are also encouraged to join clubs that align with their interests, like debate or ‘glee’ club, or outdoor adventures like hikes or rock-climbing if that is more to their taste. Remember, every child is different – nurture their passions through the activities in which they engage. By Jacqui Smit Sources: ACTP Southern Africa manual; healthychildren.org

April 16, 2021

Win the war against picky-eating toddlers

Getting a toddler to try different foods can be a challenge for many parents, coupled with that, the swinging pendulum of likes and dislikes can be frustrating at best; a firm food favourite one day can be snubbed at the next. Bianca Tromp, a FUTURELIFE® dietician, says that picky eating is a common challenge among small children that often causes considerable parental anxiety. “Worried parents may find themselves rushing to the doctor as they navigate what can become cause for daily conflict and concern.” She adds that although toddlers are known for their picky eating, most of them are likely to grow out of it, “In fact, the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development in which 1498 children aged 2.5 to 4 years were assessed at three intervals, found that 30% were picky eaters at some time during the 18-months of the study, although only 5.5% were picky eaters across all three intervals.” So, regardless of whether your toddler falls into the first 30% (the ‘here-today-gone-tomorrow picky eater) or the last 5.5% (the picky eater die-hards), Bianca has some sound tips to help win them over: 1. Perseverance is key As frustrated as you may be, don’t give up on offering your child new foods. Toddlers are notoriously resistant to anything new, but the problem is that as parents we simply give up too easily. In fact, according to a 2004 study, more than 90% of caregivers offered kids food they did not like only three to five times before giving up. Studies however show that it takes offering your child new foods 10-15 times before they begin to enjoy them. 2. Don’t force them to eat This doesn’t mean that you throw caution to the wind and avoid regular mealtimes altogether. Routine is essential and regular meal and snack times (at the same time every day!) is important to give your child a sense of security and stability. Most toddlers are able to regulate their own appetite, so you needn’t force them to eat if they are not hungry. Simply try again at the next snack time/meal. It will eliminate so much unnecessary stress for both of you. 3. Say no to sugary treats This is a toughie because so many parents struggle with it – as good as your intentions are, you often just give in to your toddlers demands because in your mind, “Some food is better than no food.” You’re not alone. Research by Safefood shows that many parents describe how hard it is resisting the pester power of children who are constantly demanding sweets, sugary drinks and foods throughout the day. In an effort to get your child to start enjoying healthy alternatives, you are going to have to be prepared to say “no”, hold your ground and sit out tantrums if need be. They will quickly learn how serious you are, hunger will set in and they’ll try what’s on offer. This doesn’t mean no sugary treats ever – it simply means limiting their intake to weekends or special occasions. 4. Add flavour, texture and variety The key to getting your fussy toddler to eat different foods is to introduce variety and flavour. By introducing new things, you will slowly train your child’s taste buds to enjoy more complex flavours. For example, if your kid likes plain wholegrain pasta, try adding a little olive oil. Once that’s accepted, add some vegetables, then some chicken and so forth. Also, play around with textures. For instance, if you tried mashed vegetables one day, next time, try offering them the same vegetables roasted or even raw. You can also spread out different textured food throughout the day. For example, you can serve a bowl of cereal, like the FUTURELIFE® Tots range (which is soft-textured) for breakfast followed by roasted vegetables for lunch, and crunchy textured fruits like an apple for snack time. “The first few years of your child’s life are a crucial time to establish healthy eating behaviours. Use mealtimes to bond with your child and support their overall development with nutritious and balanced meals and snacks. And, remember, feeding a picky toddler is a marathon and not a sprint. Try to keep it fun and lighthearted so that they develop a healthy relationship with food, and if you are concerned about your child’s growth or development, seek help from a healthcare professional,” Bianca concludes.

April 14, 2021

Tolo Baby Spinning Bunnies and Tolo Baby Bunnies Gift Set

Tolo Baby is a gorgeous new range of gifting and baby toys that will not only entertain your little one, but educate and assist with development during play. Perfect for baby showers, these beautiful, simple toys bring a touch of class into your little ones life. The Spinning Bunnies toy is perfect from 6 months upwards. Use the suction cup to attach to flat surfaces such as high chairs or tables and let your child explore and play during meal times by spinning, somersaulting and rattling the bunny characters. Suitable from 3 months upwards, attach the Spinning Bunnies toy across strollers, cribs or play areas and show baby how to spin, rattle and bounce the bunnies. As they grow older they can engage independently as they grasp and spin the toy. If the toys gravitates towards the mouth, no need to worry as it is designed for teething too. Beautiful soft colour palettes make Tolo Baby toys suitable for all baby nursery décor and genders. Tolo Baby is available at selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot, Babanino, Clicks Baby Club, Hamleys and The Kid Zone.

April 12, 2021

The puzzle that is Autism

Autism, is currently referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) although people with ASD themselves consider Autism a neurodiversity rather than a disorder. Almost 2% of the world’s population is diagnosed as being on the Autistic spectrum. “Spectrum” because some people appear to be mildly affected and others profoundly so. Since each person is an individual and presents differently, the diagnostic process involves a number of professional assessments to identify strengths and areas of difficulty. Neurodiversity is not anyone’s fault and the causes of Autism are continuously being researched. There is no link whatsoever with vaccine treatments and the diagnosis of ASD. There does appear to be a genetic link, but the genes are not necessarily passed down from parents, since some genetic differences occur spontaneously. Autism can be understood from a medical perspective, as a condition with symptoms that can be improved but not cured, or from a more relevant social perspective, as an alternate way in which the world is experienced. It is not a sign that a person is ‘stupid’, defiant, sick, selfish, crazy, flawed or weird. All people are unique and that is why there are a number of professionals involved in the diagnosis. Paediatricians are perfectly positioned to follow a child’s developmental progress and although Autism isn’t fixed and changes over time, they may be the first professionals who detect neurodiversity in a child. Often paediatricians will refer their patients to other professionals if they detect a difference or delay in the child’s development. Parents can be overwhelmed by the process and feel isolated, but it’s important to remember that this team of professionals is there to support the entire family. Parents may also benefit from speaking to other parents in similar situations. A psychiatrist may assist with high levels of anxiety, attention difficulties, poor sleeping patterns, worries and extreme emotional fluctuations commonly experienced in Autism. There is no medical cure for Autism however prescribed medication is often helpful in reducing these difficulties. A psychiatrist will often refer their patients with Autism to a psychologist, to facilitate an understanding of Autism with the whole family and assist them to address difficulties with acceptance, emotional responses, behaviour and self-expression. People with Autism DO feel emotion and empathy but may battle to communicate those feelings. Psychologists are often also responsible for administering educational testing, to determine existing academic levels and potentials, for correct school placement. Success at school is largely dependent on the learner’s innate cognitive ability boosted by a support team and up-skilled educators. People with Autism often experience the sensory information in their environments differently to the way in which neurotypical people do. This has an impact on the way they behave in different environments and situations, as well as on their emotional resilience and well-being. This is why extremely picky eating; a strong need for predictability and structure; and specific skill sets and interests are often associated with Autism. Occupational therapists are a vital element in the team supporting children with Autism in this regard. The way in which sensory information is processed can fluctuate throughout the day, as well as from one situation to the next. Common responses for children with Autism include either “shutting down” and withdrawing from or avoiding engagement, or “melting down” and having temper tantrums or emotional outbursts and parents and teachers should understand and support this necessary ‘escape’. Neither of these is misbehaviour, but rather an instinctive response to the environment and the way in which sensory stimuli are being perceived. e.g. in a noisy chaotic place, noise reducing earphones may minimise the overload The use of Ayres Sensory Integration® in occupational therapy sessions goes a long way to helping children and adults with their ability to process the sensory information in their environments, thereby facilitating optimal function in daily activities whether they be daily hygiene activities, learning/work activities and/or social activities. A visual schedule at home and school is helpful for the child to anticipate what is coming during the day since people with Autism like predictability and structure and are thrown by unexpected changes in their routine. Occupational therapists can also provide support with motor and visual-perceptual development should this be required. Communication is another significant aspect to consider in the diagnosis of Autism. A speech therapist will support the development of communication skills for developing and maintaining relationships. Often more subtle aspects of communication are missed by a communication partner with Autism e.g sarcasm, facial expression, body language and tone of voice, leaving the person with ASD confused and excluded. While they may be able to define sarcasm for example, they may not realise when it is being used. Parents and teachers may need to point out social cues that have been missed. Fluctuating auditory perception and difficulty starting, maintaining and following a conversation can lead to communication breakdown. This is not necessarily related to the child’s understanding of the topic of conversation so rewording may be necessary. Learners with Autism favour facts and brevity over figurative and inferential information, impacting on academic comprehension and output, and social interaction. People with Autism are not deliberately rude but are to the point, often without an awareness of how their communication is perceived so it may be beneficial to discuss the effect of their own communication on others. Social norms are not always innate in neurodivergent children and adults. They may incessantly discuss a subject of their own interest and pay no attention to their conversation partner’s interest or disinterest in what is being said. Reciprocity in conversation may also be limited, leaving the listener with a sense of frustration and annoyance, shutting down opportunities for socialisation and relationship building. A speech therapist would encourage awareness and understanding of communication behaviours to minimise linguistic, social and emotional misunderstandings. Academic support teachers are the touchstone between learners with Autism, their specialist team and the school setting. They facilitate recommendations from the team to the school and vice versa to maximise the learning potential and happiness of the

April 7, 2021

Tolo Baby Chime Ball and Tolo Baby Roly Poly Teddy Bear

Tolo Baby is a gorgeous new range of gifting and baby toys that will not only entertain your little one, but educate and assist with development during play. Perfect for baby showers, these beautiful, simple toys bring a touch of class into your little ones life. Let your baby explore and discover the sounds and features of the awesome Spinning Chime Ball. Spin the moon and stars to hear full chiming effect. encourage spinning shaking and rolling. Perfect from 6 months upwards, show your baby how the Roly Poly Teddy Bear rolls, spins and wobbles on a flat surface. Press the squeaker and encourage your little one to play independently. Beautiful soft colour palettes make Tolo Baby toys suitable for all baby nursery décor and genders. Tolo Baby is available at selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot, Babanino, Clicks Baby Club, Hamleys and The Kid Zone.

April 6, 2021

How to support a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: tips and strategies

After receiving an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, it can be overwhelming for the parents or caregivers of an autistic child to cope with the various challenges ASD may present. However, with the appropriate support structures and strategies in place, caring for an autistic child can become more manageable. Also read: Autism 101 – what is it and what should you look for? Support strategies for managing ASD Many autistic people are likely to experience communication difficulties, especially difficulties with social communication and understanding other people. Autistic children are also easily frustrated and made upset by unexpected events. Often, these feelings of frustration lead to intense meltdowns, and parents can help alleviate such feelings and prevent breakdowns by having support strategies in place. Prepare for future events Autistic children may become easily overwhelmed by minor changes in routine. Parents and children can benefit from preparation for the day’s or week’s events. Parents also need to ensure that structure and routine are upheld in the household so that the child knows exactly what to expect. Make use of visual aids Visual aids can assist autistic children in improving their skills in processing information, understanding and using language, and becoming more interactive within their environments. Visual aids can be used to communicate with autistic children to inform them of what is happening at present, what will happen during the day, and what will happen during the coming days. Examples of how to use visual aids include: Showing the child a picture of relatives who may visit Showing them photos of the dentist or doctor before a visit Creating a picture chart with the steps to follow when using the bathroom or getting dressed in the morning Not only are visual aids helpful for communicating information to autistic children, but they also help ensure that autistic children are well-informed of daily events. When children are informed, the likelihood of intense meltdowns is significantly reduced. Avoid sensory overload Sensory overload is commonly found in autistic children and is a contributing factor to meltdowns. Sensory overload means that autistic children may sometimes experience certain sounds, textures, tastes, lights, and sensations as painful and intolerable, which may lead to a meltdown. Parents can try to prevent a sensory overload by identifying their child’s specific trigger(s) and reducing the number of triggering stimuli in the environment. It may be helpful to reduce loud noise and avoid bright lights. Ease children into public spaces Trying to reduce noise and avoid bright lights is often impossible in public spaces like shopping malls or grocery stores. That is why it is essential to ease a child into visiting public spaces by starting with preparation using visual aids and very short visits. Once a child can manage a short trip, gradually increase the time of the visit. The same strategy can be used when visiting friends, family, or relatives. Autistic children may develop an attachment to a particular item, for example, a toy or a blanket. It may help to bring this item along when going into public spaces because it gives the child a sense of familiarity and comfort, which may help keep the child calm for the duration of the trip. Plan ahead when eating at restaurants Visiting a restaurant can be challenging for an autistic child. To make the outing manageable for a child, it may be helpful to do the following: Make a reservation at the restaurant ahead of time Visit restaurants during their quieter hours Request seating in a booth away from the play areas or bathrooms to reduce sensory stimulation Pre-order meals Request the bill before dessert to prevent the child from getting frustrated with waiting Additionally, parents should request permission to bring the child’s favourite food along, as some autistic children have very specific dietary preferences. Try rewards charts Some autistic children exhibit defiant behaviour, and, therefore, it is crucial to utilise strategies to encourage compliance. One strategy that can be used at home and at school to achieve cooperation is a rewards chart. Also read: How to reward your kids the right way Since many autistic children often have very particular interests, it is vital to ensure that the rewards chart is meaningful and appealing. For example, if a child has an intense obsession with a particular superhero, the rewards chart should incorporate that infatuation to gain a child’s interest and, consequently, compliance. When trying to encourage compliance from autistic children, parents are advised to provide as much praise as necessary and to reduce such praise gradually as children exhibit increased cooperation. Take care of yourself Lastly, parents are very often the primary caregivers of autistic children. To be able to give to others, your cup cannot be empty. It is, therefore, crucial that parents attend to their needs and mental wellbeing such that they are well-equipped to face the challenges that accompany caring for an autistic child. Parents should make time for self-care and join support groups to draw social support to prevent feelings of isolation they sometimes experience. Although the challenges are present, they do not make parenting any less rewarding. By implementing tips and tricks in your daily life, caring for an autistic child may become more manageable. by Dr Jeanné Roux – educational psychologist

April 1, 2021

Autism 101 – what is it and what should you look for?

What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of developmental disorders that impair a person’s ability to communicate and interact with other people. As the name suggests, ASD refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by a person’s challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech, and nonverbal communication. Despite ASD consisting of a range of conditions, there are no subtypes since ASD may present very differently from person to person, along with differences in presentation among genders. How does autism present? Every person will have a different set of strengths and challenges but still fall under ASD. People diagnosed with ASD may present with more mild symptoms, while others may present with more severe symptoms – such individuals require significant support to function in their daily lives. As aforementioned, the presentation of ASD may differ between people in both severity and characteristics. People with ASD may also differ in their level of intelligence, as some have average or above-average intelligence while others may have a learning disability and require assistance with daily functioning. Common characteristics of ASD Characteristics that have been noted with some typicality include: Challenges with communication and interaction with others; Difficulties in reading social cues (i.e. how others may think or feel); Challenges in expressing their thoughts and feelings; Sensory sensitivity (e.g. bright lights, loud noises, etc.) which causes these individuals to become overwhelmed, stressed, or uncomfortable; Repetitive behaviours; Becoming anxious, upset, or angered by unfamiliar situations or changes in routine; Taking additional time to process information. Verbal ASD challenges It is common for roughly 40% of ASD individuals not to speak at all, while between 25 – 30% of others will develop language skills. Some language and speech challenges may include: Delayed speech development; Using a flat, robotic voice or speaking in a sing-song manner; Echolalia; Difficulties with pronouns, i.e. using I/me/he/she/they incorrectly; Rarely using physical gestures; An inability to stay on topic. Behavioural ASD challenges Autistic people may also display or engage in behaviours such as: Repetitive behaviours; Specific rituals; Fixation on certain activities, objects, or topics; Constant pacing back and forth; Fussy eating habits (many ASD individuals have textural issues); Not participating in pretend play; Impulsiveness; Aggression; An inability to pay attention or a short attention span; Clumsiness. What causes ASD? Several factors may influence the development of ASD, but there is no known singular cause. There have been rumoured causes of ASD such as diet, infections, or vaccines; however, each of these has not been conclusively proven to cause ASD. Typical comorbidities include medical challenges such as gastrointestinal disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties. How to identify autism Signs of ASD typically appear by the age of two to three years. Some children present with developmental delays as early as 18 months. In other rarer cases, ASD may be picked up by caregivers and teachers only later in the person’s life. Typically, when making a diagnosis of ASD, it will either have been identified by a doctor during early check-ups or when a parent becomes concerned and consults a multidisciplinary team of teachers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and doctors. Also read: Might my child have ADHD? Signs of ASD Signs of ASD to which a parent/teacher may want to pay special attention include: Preference for solitary time; Avoidance of eye contact; No response to their given name by their first birthday; Lack of response to the emotions of others or appearing not to understand the emotions of others; An unwillingness to be comforted when upset; Avoidance or rejection of physical contact; Meeting of some developmental milestones but later losing them; Appearing to have a lack of facial expressions (i.e. smiling); Challenges with abstract thinking; Fixation on or a very clear preference for certain subjects; Challenges in making friends or maintaining friendships. Also read: Parental self-care If your child is experiencing one or a combination of these signs or symptoms, they may need professional help. Consult a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the correct treatment and course of action for your child. by Dr Jeanné Roux – educational psychologist

March 26, 2021

What you should know about your baby’s naps and their bedtime routine from a sleep expert

At Brave Little baby we believe in predictability and consistency which underpin a foundation of safety, security and calmness in a child’s life. Following the same steps and setting up sleepy cues are the key to creating the ideal bedtime routine for your little one. These steps we suggest can aid your little one in sleeping well at night, too. Having a great bedtime routine is where you build your relationship with one-on-one quality time, without any interruptions, and you convey the message, “You are important to me” to your small child. Babies will soon become accustomed to their bedtime routine, and some may even show you signs that they are ready for it. “I had a mom who said her toddler would grab his lovey and start saying goodbye and walking her to his room to start their wind-down time.” How wonderful! Setting the stage with a consistent nap and bedtime routine is good for healthy sleep habits and may help your little one to start forming healthy sleep associations. So how would one go about finding the perfect bedtime routine for one’s baby? I’m almost sure that when you go to bed at night, you have a sleep routine. Jumping into bed with your shoes and work clothes on, will lead to a night of poor sleep. A probable sleep routine may be that you brush your teeth, wash your face, change into pajamas and maybe read for a little while before you switch the lights off. This is the same for babies or toddlers. They need consistent recurring events to help set them up for a good night. It will signal and play out as a sleepy cue that baby will recognise and know what to do next. It is also applicable to their day time naps. This may lead to the most special moments you may have with your little one as it is quality time spent with mom or dad. Moreover, both feelings of love and security will become the norm. This is also a lovely time to include dad if he has been away for work commitments. When would be a good time to implement a naptime routine for baby? A naptime routine or a wind down is a good idea from 6 weeks on, it can be 10-15 minutes for small babies and then range to 20-30 minutes for older children. It all depends on the activity that took place before the nap. One would want to help their little bodies and brain realize that they are tired and need to sleep. Plan this wind down before their awake window is over so that you can help them fall asleep on time. When would be a good time to implement a bedtime routine for baby? When you have a newborn at home, enjoy the precious moments with the new little person without any pressure from schedules and routines. It is best to get to recognise your infant’s hunger and sleepy cues, and fulfilling their needs by responding appropriately. You may want to start implementing a bedtime routine at around 6-8 weeks. A good routine could last for 10 minutes. Before they start showing signs of tiredness, take them to a quiet environment, swaddle them, put on your white noise and dim the lights in the room. That will be enough for your little one to start recognising the sleepy cues. TIP: Here is also a great tip to help your little one connect the past, present and the future.⁠A nice bedtime habit to start with your child is to recapture the day. You can say, for example, “Today we went for a walk and it rained. We came home and had lunch,” etc. What we think is probably unimportant, may be important to our children, what they ate, where they were, who they saw. ⁠ Recapturing the day is a way of giving security. Your little one will carry the good feelings of their day to bed with them. You can also talk about what will happen tomorrow. What a gift to be able to help our children learn about their days and love their naps!⁠ How to establish a bedtime routine Getting the timing just right will help you know when your little ones naturally feels tired. Watch them for a few days and write down roughly the time when they start showing that they are tired. Begin to make your bedtime ritual 20-30 minutes before they are visibly tired and catch them at the perfect time! Letting your baby sleep in the same spot is very important in establishing a healthy connotation to their sleep environment. We recommend 6 weeks to start laying your baby down in a dark room that is familiar to him or her. It may happen that your little one falls asleep in the pram or in the car. A helpful note would be to at least have one nap in their familiar environment with all their sleepy cues and also the same spot for their nighttime sleep. Practice putting them down calm but awake: This is a skill that needs to be practiced, and babies can only master it when they get the opportunity to. This will help them sleep on their own throughout the nigh, too, as you would like them to know where they fall asleep. As children grow and mature, start bringing other aspects into the bedtime routine. The day will come that your little one won’t be interested in reading picture books anymore, then exchange it with something age appropriate. Consistency is the key!!!!

March 23, 2021

Chicco London Up Stroller

Chicco, a 63-year old leader in baby products, has tirelessly committed to ensuring that all strollers and prams have optimal comfort and functionality for children. On top of this standard promise, Chicco looks after the needs of parents, allowing mom and dad to #parentmore – the Chicco catchphrase for stress-reduced parenting. The London Up stroller in a trendy black, blue and grey ‘Matrix’ design detail and colour, is South Africa’s best-selling Chicco stroller. Apart from being the most affordable in the line of strollers available in SA, the London Up is also a convenient and safe way to transport babies from birth – 15kgs. With urban living in mind, the London Up stroller provides comfort through strong padding, a safety harness to keep baby safe, a large storage basket and a large canopy for sun protection. It is easy to navigate and manoeuvre through streets, malls and pavements. Grab a Chicco London Up stroller at participating retailers such as Takealot.com, Loot.co.za, Thekidzone.co.za, Babanino.co.za, Brand Hubb, Little Kingdom online, select Makro stores and others.

March 23, 2021

World Down Syndrome Day: What to expect parenting a child with Down Syndrome

Finding out that you will be a parent is an exciting time for many. But finding out you will be a parent to a child with Down Syndrome, is often met with shock. If you will be raising a child with Down Syndrome, it can be challenging, so make sure you have a good medical team who can support you. 18 March 2021: With the world observing World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on 21 March, it is a good time to demystify what parents can expect from the first few months of life if they are expecting a child with Down Syndrome. This is especially so given that there are many cultural taboos around talking about, or having a, child with Down Syndrome. “The most important thing to understand is that raising a child with Trisomy 21 is challenging, given that the entire family dynamic will be affected. High levels of support and understanding are essential,” says Dr Iqbal Karbanee, paediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ BabyLine, a trusted telephonic medical advice service for the first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to birth and beyond. Down Syndrome is caused by the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and affects approximately 1 in 800 newborns. According to Dr Karbanee, it is the commonest chromosomal abnormality. He says that there are many features of Down syndrome that can be picked up during pregnancy and screening is readily available. The screening is offered mostly in high risk cases of which the commonest is an older expectant mom. “If you are pregnant and are diagnosed, it can be a major shock and parents have to face the choice of carrying on with the pregnancy or not. This is an intensely personal decision and should be carefully considered after discussion with all involved, and importantly, also the medical team.” Babies affected by Down Syndrome have a higher risk of abnormalities affecting multiple systems of the body. Parents will need to understand that the newborn will require a cardiac assessment as well blood tests to ensure the body’s systems are functioning normally. Feeding can be a problem as low muscle tone is associated with Trisomy 21. “The best way to approach this is to ensure the medical team is involved often as regular follow-ups and check-ups will be important. You need to make sure you can trust your medical team; this will be essential to getting the help your baby needs,” says Dr Karbanee. He adds that if you already have other children in the family, the needs of the child with Down Syndrome will be different to other children and will require everyone to adjust accordingly. “Developmental milestones will be delayed so expect the baby to sit and crawl much later than normal. Special schooling will be necessary as well as ongoing visits for physiotherapy and possibly Occupational and Speech Therapy,” says Dr Karbanee. “Having said that, while having a child with Down syndrome may be a huge adjustment for the entire family, the good news is that children with Down syndrome tend to have a pleasant personality and parents report that they are a delight to the family. “Speak to your paediatrician about all of your concerns, fears, or expectations, as it is her or her role to co-ordinate the care of the child and ensure that the health of the child is optimised,” concludes Dr Karbanee. About Paed-IQ BabyLine Paed-IQ BabyLine is a trusted, telephonic medical helpline for pregnant moms and new families. With healthcare advice given by qualified, experienced and medically trained nurses, we aim to improve health outcomes during the first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to birth and beyond. We are there for mommies-to-be at all stages of their maternity journey as well as new parents or caregivers to young children. By offering early and appropriate medical intervention through advice, we have helped to safeguard the health of over 10000 children, and helped moms and families successfully navigate the medical concerns of their young children. Visit https://paediq.com/ for more.

March 18, 2021

Chicco Ohlala2 Stroller

Chicco, a 63-year old leader in baby products, has tirelessly committed to ensuring that all strollers and prams have optimal comfort and functionality for children. On top of this standard promise, Chicco looks after the needs of parents, allowing mom and dad to #parentmore – the Chicco catchphrase for stress-reduced parenting. The Ohlala2 stroller is one of the lightest strollers on the market. Weighing in at just 3.8kgs, it is known as the stroller you can lift with one finger. Perfect for busy modern parents, the Ohlala folds down into the square book-fold and takes up minimal space in the boot of your car or the home. In a deep black colour with white graphic details, the Ohlala is on-trend and historically has been one of Europe’s best-selling Chicco strollers due to convenience and level of functionality for baby. It is also available in twin format (Ohlala Twin). Complete with large canopy, full recline, large storage basket and bumper bar, the Ohlala2 provides a safe and comfortable journey for your little one from birth – 15kgs. Grab a Chicco Ohlala2 at participating retailers such as Takealot.com, Loot.co.za, Thekidzone.co.za, Babanino.co.za, Brand Hubb, Little Kingdom online and others.

March 15, 2021

Collab weaning

Excerpt from Weaning Sense Weaning your baby onto solid foods can be daunting. As busy working mums, Meg Faure and Kath Megaw saw a need for better guidance on creating meals that are suited for little ones as well as expert advice on weaning your child at all stages of their development. Meg, an occupational therapist, and Kath, a paediatric dietician, went on to author one of South Africa’s most successful parenting books, Weaning Sense [Quivertree], the ultimate guide to making decisions around your baby’s weaning. It’s firmly grounded in science and packed with advice, expertise and over 50 easy recipes that you can make at home. Is it time to wean your baby onto solids? Transitioning your baby from an exclusive milk diet onto solid food brings with it many questions – When is the right time? How will I know when my baby is ready? And exactly what should I be offering my baby as a first food? You will find there is a lot of advice available, which ranges from ‘introduce at 4 or maybe even 6 months’, to ‘wait until your baby can embark on Baby-Led Weaning when a little older’. We believe that weaning in its ideal form should not be a case of following rigid advice but rather be a collaboration between the advisors who guide you, your own self, wishes and personality and of course, your baby. And that’s where COLLAB weaning comes in. “Collaboration is the process of two or more people working together to realise something successfully.” It is very similar to cooperation and is the opposite of competition. Collaboration requires leadership but this leadership should be social leadership – a working within a team. COLLAB weaning is an approach that considers your baby as central in the weaning process – his age, development and sensory personality. It encourages moms to guide their babies in the context of these factors as well as science and what we know about healthy eating. So, while you may manage the choices, it is in the context of your baby himself. Very importantly, COLLAB weaning takes the pressure off you and your baby, allowing you to write your own weaning journey. COLLAB is an acronym that will become a way of parenting for you. It stands for: CUES – Recognising and respecting your baby’s cues for readiness will guide you as to when your baby is ready to wean. Your baby will also give very clear cues within each feeding session (for hunger and fullness) and respecting these cues, interpreting them for your baby and offering food (or stopping a meal) in the context of these cues is the most critical contribution you make to ensuring your child has a healthy relationship with food and in the long term, preventing obesity. It is only by understanding your little one’s cues that you can wean collaboratively. OWN PERSON – Your baby is his own person and will not wean like the baby next door. Some babies engage with new textures with gusto and others need to have a blander and slower route to whole food. Knowing your baby’s sensory personality is the secret to weaning happily. LOW PRESSURE – There is simply enough pressure on moms to follow a pattern, conform and achieve. Weaning is not a race. Weaning is not a competition. Weaning is a journey, not a destination. Take the pressure off you and off your little one. LED BY SCIENCE – While it would be wonderful to entirely ‘wing’ parenting, in the face of decades of valuable research we have to consider the science to be sensible. Sensible feeding involves filtering noise and opinion and understanding what dietary science tells us about early infant feeding. This does not create rules for weaning but safe boundaries to work within. AGE APPROPRIATE – Research can and does guide us towards the age at which babies are best weaned. It is certainly not a certain week of life – e.g. week 17 or 24, as is commonly presented as fact. It is rather a window of around 4 months in which sensible weaning should begin. BABY FRIENDLY – As your little one grows, he develops self-regulation, which is the ability to manage his own physiology, emotions and behaviour. Feeding is one area where self-regulation is mastered. Being baby-friendly is all about facilitating his own self-mastery in all areas, including feeding, right through the toddler years. It is the best way to prevent fussy toddler eating. COLLAB weaning will change not only the way to wean your baby but so many aspects of your parenting journey, making parenting your little one a sensational journey, a respectful nurturing of a life for long term physical and emotional health. The Weaning Sense team is proud to partner with UCOOK to help demystify weaning so you can rest assured that your baby is getting what they need, when they need it. For more info visit UCOOK or follow UCOOK.baby on instagram

March 10, 2021

Play has the power to help address kids’ anxiety

As restrictions around COVID-19 continue, parents continue to feel anxious – as do their children, who are facing yet another year of limited extra murals and social activities. Even though schools are open for the 2021 academic year, it’s under limiting conditions, which in turn is likely to increase anxiety among children. Anxiety manifests in various ways in children, including poor appetite, getting angry or irritable, worrying or having frequent negative thoughts, being fidgety, being clingy, or complaining of tummy aches or headaches. With the last year or so having thrust families into very different situations, with parents working from home and children kept distant from friends and teachers – whose facial expressions are hidden behind masks – anxiety is being seen in children as young as two years of age. This could be because they’re picking up on the stress their parents have experienced during the pandemic, or it could be that they’re accustomed to passive and isolated screen-bound activities, and they’re struggling to acclimatise to new interactions and activities on returning to school after a long break. “Children communicate and express themselves through play, which is a useful tool, both therapeutically and at home, to provide children with an arena in which to explore and express some of their emotions,” says Colleen Johnson, a Johannesburg child psychologist. “Playing with a child helps not only to connect with them on their level, but offers an opportunity to defuse power struggles, unearth some of their fears and insecurities, and to offer positive resolution through the medium of play. Playing with your child encourages secure attachment, connectedness and fun, which reduces feelings of anxiety.” Cape Town-based occupational therapist Anine van Schalkwyk suggests letting children play through scenarios that make them feel anxious. “Let them play through a situation after it’s happened, rather than asking them direct questions, like ‘how was your day’,” she suggests. “Give them the cues to build a situation, and let them allocate ‘roles’ to you and themselves. In creating the scenario, using their favourite toys, chances are that they’ll tell you the story of their day and what caused their anxiety – and you can help them talk through it.” Johnson adds that the type of play to help resolve anxiety depends on the child’s personality and specific needs at the time – children who are disorganised may benefit from structured play, such as building a LEGO® set together, following the visual instructions. Those that enjoy a less-structured type of play have the freedom to use LEGO® bricks to create builds that express their imaginations – or the issues that may be on their mind. “This helps reduce anxiety as the child feels safe by being able to follow specific guidelines towards a predictable outcome,” she explains. “However, allowing the child to engage in free play or fantasy play has tremendous benefits too, as the child feels in control of their environment, taking the lead and determining their own outcome.” The LEGO® Play Well Report, based of research conducted among children and families in multiple countries, including South Africa, found that parents believe that play develops a wide range of benefits, for their child, for themselves, and for the family unit as a whole. The research highlighted that 91% of respondents felt that play was important to help the family stay entertained, with 88% confirming that play helped them stay emotionally healthy. Van Schalkwyk emphasizes that parents should prioritise close contact play with their children – perhaps even more intensely than they would have before the pandemic, given that children are not getting the sensory and social input needed for appropriate development, because of rigorous social distancing in schools. “Hug your children tight, and often,” she says. “It’s a tough balancing act when you’re tired from working all day, but intense play is good for parents as well – it lowers adults’ anxiety too!”

March 9, 2021

Chicco Liteway3 Stroller

Chicco, a 63-year old leader in baby products, has tirelessly committed to ensuring that all strollers and prams have optimal comfort and functionality for children. On top of this standard promise, Chicco looks after the needs of parents, allowing mom and dad to #parentmore – the Chicco catchphrase for stress-reduced parenting. The Liteway is a well-known brand of stroller from Chicco that just keeps getting better. Created for modern mothers that may require a smaller stroller in their car boots, the Liteway3 has the traditional umbrella fold, seeing it broken down into a thin package that fits comfortably in boots and car seats. In a stylish Titanium silver colour, the Liteway3 is the perfect stroller for moms who live in urban settings. With full recline for nap time, an extendable canopy, bumper bar, shopping basket and safety harness, it is designed with sick characteristics and a modern finish for parents who like to make a statement. A birth – 15kgs stroller, baby can enjoy a comfortable outing in the Chicco Liteway3 stroller. Look out for the Liteway3 stroller at participating retailers such as Takealot.com, Loot.co.za, Thekidzone.co.za, Babanino.co.za, Brand Hubb, Little Kingdom online and others.

March 8, 2021

TRANSITIONING TO A NEW NAP PATTERN

What to Know Just when you think you’ve mastered your baby’s nap schedule, it will change. In fact, your child’s daytime sleep needs and patterns will change multiple times from the newborn phase through infancy and then again into toddlerhood. Nap changes typically occur at predictable ages and stages, but of course each baby is unique so watching your baby for signs that he’s ready for a new nap schedule will help you and him make a smooth transition. No matter what the current schedule, naps are hugely important for children. Naps support optimal growth and development because they provide great mental and physical restorative effects. Naps also help to improve your child’s coping skills and to avoid that all-too-familiar “overtired” state, which can lead to crankiness and sleep disruptions at night. Homeostatic pressure (or sleep pressure, the buildup of the need for sleep) drives our requirement for sleep and naps. This pressure builds up quickly in newborns and gradually lessens as babies grow older which is why their sleep and nap needs change over time. So when do these nap schedule changes typically occur? Here are some examples of nap needs for children of varying ages: Newborns 0-4 months: unpredictable nap pattern Newborns have a low tolerance for long periods of wakefulness and nap at irregular times and durations. Naps anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours in length at this age are typical. Infants 4-6 months: 3 to 4 predictable naps per day The first time you’ll likely see an obvious change in your baby’s daytime sleep is between 4-6 months of age. During this stage, a regular morning nap will likely occur 1.5-2 hours after a predictable morning wake time, after which 2 or 3 more naps will occur throughout the day as necessary. Total daytime sleep at this age averages 4 hours. Infants 6-9 months: 3 predictable naps per day At about the 6 month mark, you will begin to see your baby’s naps lengthen in duration and a more predictable 3 nap per day pattern typically emerges, with a morning nap 2 hours from wake-up averaging 90 minutes in length, a second nap about 3 hours from the wake of his first nap averaging 90 minutes in length and a third catnap in the late afternoon or early evening averaging 15-45 minutes. Total daytime sleep at this age averages 3-4 hours. Infants 9-15 months: 2 predictable naps per day At around 9 months, your baby will be able to stay awake for longer periods of time and will likely shift to a 2 nap per day schedule. To accommodate this change, eliminate the late afternoon catnap and shift your baby’s bedtime 15-30 minutes earlier. Total daytime sleep at this age averages 2.5-4 hours a day. Toddlers 15-18 months: 1 predictable mid-day nap At around 15-18 months of age, your child will likely be ready for just one nap a day. This one nap should be at about the midway point of the day and will average 3 hours in length (so the total amount of daytime sleep your child requires may lessen only by 15-30 minutes, if at all, but his sleep will be distributed differently throughout the day). Many families report the transition from 2 naps to 1 nap a day is the most challenging, as your child may have trouble staying awake in the morning all the way until his single midday nap. To help his body adjust to the new nap pattern, you can start the nap a little earlier and then slowly push your child’s naptime later and later over several days until the nap begins at midday. Or you can try a rotating schedule of offering 2 naps and then 1 nap every other day, until he becomes comfortable with 1 nap every day. Total daytime sleep at this age averages 1.5-3 hours a day. What to Do Watch for signs that your child is ready for a new nap pattern If your child has trouble falling asleep, either at bedtime or during one of his regular daytime naps, it’s likely time for a new nap pattern. Long periods of unexplained wakefulness in the middle of the night can also indicate a need for a change in the schedule. Create an optimal sleep environment for naps – a cool, dark, quiet and safe space A cool sleeping space – experts agree that a cool room (around 18,5’C) makes for the best sleep, as the body’s temperature naturally falls during sleep. Overheating can disrupt the sleep process, so don’t over-bundle your child. A dark sleeping space – the room should be dark enough that you are unable to read. Avoid using cell phones, TV’s or computers in your child’s sleep space, as these devices all have LED lights (pure blue hued lights) that negatively impact the circadian rhythm. If you have a toddler, nightlights are a common addition to a growing toddler’s room to allay any sleeptime fears. If your toddler needs a nightlight, place it behind a piece of furniture, so he is not looking directly at it. Use a warm colored light bulb that mimics the warm glow of a candle and be sure to leave the nightlight on during the entire nap so the sleep environment remains consistent. A quiet sleeping space – offer a white noise source to block out extraneous sounds, but remember your child’s sleep environment should remain consistent. If the white noise is present at the start of naptime, it should remain on for the entire nap. Avoid playing music that changes in pitch or tone, such as thunderstorms or ocean waves. A safe sleeping space – if you have a baby, place him on his back on a firm mattress (such as in a bassinet or bedside co-sleeper) free of any loose bedding or clothing. If he is younger than 8 weeks (or, more importantly, has not yet started to roll), you can swaddle him to encourage sleep and calm. Just remember not to swaddle him

March 8, 2021

Tips on how to transition from breast or bottle to sippy cup

Breast or bottle feeding is about more than just nutrition. For you and your baby, how you’ve been feeding since birth forms an incredible bonding experience. Typically, health professionals recommend breastfeeding to be the best nutritional choice for newborns. It isn’t always possible for all women, however. You may have struggled to breastfeed, or simply find bottle feeding to be the right option for you. Whatever the reasons or method, mothers should never feel judged. The most important thing is to find a way to keep you baby fed, that also works for you. Bonding through feeds Whether it’s breast or bottle, the feeding experience provides an opportunity to bond with your baby. Milk feeds are when a baby needs nutrition, comfort, and on a primal level, survival. They are also segments of time where it’s just you and your baby, sharing a moment together. It could be daytime feeds when your baby snuggles up and falls to sleep once he or she has a full tummy. Perhaps a bottle feed provides the opportunity for daddy to give mummy a rest. Or maybe it’s a time where another member of the family gets to share that togetherness. Therefore, it’s not just about a baby drinking the milk, and it’s also about comfort. Your baby or toddler, will have formed an attachment to whatever they are used to. Breaking the comfort ties For babies, whichever way they’ve been fed is what they will enjoy. Your breastfed baby might look to the breast when they’re feeling anxious, upset, or have been hurt. Similarly, a bottle fed baby probably won’t show any interest in drinking from anything else. As with everything in parenting though, these milestones arrive and pass in the blink of an eye. The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and continuing along with complimentary foods up to 2 years old. You may have breastfed for a shorter or longer time period, however. There is no real right or wrong about when you should wean a baby off the breast. It’s a personal decision. For bottle-fed babies, the Department of health suggests that it’s a good idea to introduce a cup from about six months onwards, fully removing all bottles with teats by the age of one. It is believed that prolonged use of a bottle can delay speech development and also damage a toddler’s teeth. Whichever feeding method your baby is used to though, all babies should be offered water alongside meals. Consequently, the time to introduce a cup comes around before you know it. For any parent that’s gone through this pain however they will know It can be easier said than done. Here are our top tips on how to move on from the breast or bottle to drinking from a cup. Choose the right cup When you select your child’s first cup, have a look at the advisable age. Most brands will suggest a recommended age band. Start with a free-flowing cup or open top cup, or ideally try a range of options. This type of cup avoids sucking, and instead encourages sipping. Sipping is naturally important for the development of muscles used in speech. A sippy cup with handles can also help them to get to grips with the new type of bottle. Be prepared for mess Open cups or free flow, will leak and spill. This is part of the learning process, teaching your baby how to handle a cup properly. It might take a while however, so only offer small amounts of liquid to begin with. Give them time If you’re removing the breast or bottle in line with a specific timeframe e.g. returning to work after maternity leave, the best approach is to do this gradually. Introduce your baby to a cup about a month or so before you officially begin to wean them off. It may take a while to find the right cup, or get them to buy into the idea, so giving them plenty of time for trial and error is key to this process. Likewise, unless you have a very good reason to do so, going cold turkey may not be the best idea either. It’s likely to stress them out, upset them, and in the process you’ll probably cave and revert to the old method. Offer alternative forms of comfort For a lot of babies, a bottle at bedtime is the ultimate comforter. Try to disconnect a nighttime bottle with sleep by offering milk at a different time of the day. For example, bring storytime forward, offering the bottle during a cuddle on the sofa. When it comes to self settling with no bottle therefore, you may need to replace the comforter with something else. Try a teddy or playing some lullabies to start a new routine. Whatever works for you and your baby, it’s important to continue the affection and attention, to maintain the physical closeness that the baby has been used to their whole lives. Tackle it earlier As we’ve already said, it is recommended that a baby drinks water alongside meals as they wean onto solid foods. Therefore, around six months is a good time to offer water in a cup. By doing this, a baby will be used to and hopefully happily use the cup already, and so won’t be overly confused when the cup becomes the norm. Start by offering a drinking cup which helps a baby transition easily from bottle or breast to sipping from a cup, suitable from 4 months. Put yourself in their shoes At whatever point that you wean your baby off the breast or bottle, it is likely to cause upset. You need to be prepared for this, and empathise with how they’re feeling. The breast or bottle might be all they’ve ever known as part of their routines, and therefore it’s probably going to be hard for them to understand this change. Offer lots of reassurance and extra comfort to help them get their heads around

March 3, 2021

Why Choose Catrobatkidz?

We often hear messages in the media that children aren’t getting enough physical activity. But what exactly does “being physically active” mean when you are an infant, toddler or pre-schooler? And is it important for their health now and in the future? When we talk about physical activity for young children we don’t mean going to the gym. These ideas of physical activity aimed at adults, are not suitable for young children. They are still learning to inhabit their bodies. For young children, physical activity is about active play and exploring their environment. They are learning how to manoeuvre themselves physically and how to orient themselves in space. Physical activity is essential for a child’s development. Catrobatkidz exposes children to movement patterns required for physical development, giving them a good start in life. Movement and exercise from a young age have various benefits which reach far beyond only physical development. It is during early childhood that children are more willing to try new activities. Physical activity promotes healthy growth and development. It helps build a healthier body composition, stronger bones and muscles. It also improves the child’s cardiovascular fitness. Children benefit physically, mentally, socially and emotionally by taking part in Catrobatkidz. Catrobatkidz is researched and developed for children ages 2 -9. It is during these fundamental years that window periods open and close during which children have the opportunity to develop each skill (balance, locomotion, gross & fine motor, spatial relationships, co-ordination, rhythm & timing, strength and flexibility) to the best of their ability, in order to build a solid foundation that will allow them to achieve both physically and mentally throughout their life. Children, and most adults, learn best through ‘doing’. How often have you begun to show your child how to perform a new task or skill, and you are barely halfway through when he or she begs, “Let me try.” A growing child constantly tests his or her physical abilities and takes delight in progress: “Look how far I can stretch”, “Look how high I can jump”, and “Look how fast I can run” Catrobatkidz provides a safe, positive, fun-filled forum for children to develop their physical skills and abilities. Because all movement requires exercise and integration of the brain, mental skills and abilities are exercised and developed in direct proportion to physical activity. Maximum learning capacity is achieved when the left and right sides of the brain are working together, or integrated. Specific movements and exercises involving balance and co-ordination, crossing the mid-line of the body and combining the senses (sight, sound and touch) are the core elements of Catrobatkidz lesson plans. Catrobatkidz structured lesson plans incorporating music, mini gymnastics equipment and hand apparatus, teaches movement patterns that allow children to connect concepts to actions which is essential to accomplish a goal, and to learn through trial and error. We not only help children increase physical strength, but also increase memory, perception, language, attention, emotion, self-discipline and decision making. Movement is necessary for children to meet their developmental milestones. Reading and Writing skills require brain integration and physical co-ordination. Children will discover new ways to move and exercise each week in Catrobatkidz class. “Can you touch your wrist to your ear and hop on your right foot?” In that exercise alone children are reinforcing knowledge of body parts, of left and right, practicing balance and following a sequence of verbal information. Imagine the benefits of a full half hour devoted to movement! Rhythm plays an important part in reading skills – each week the lesson also includes creative movement to music. Controlling his or her body and movement is a wonderful way to develop a child’s self-discipline and self-confidence. Basic gymnastics positions, stretches and routines are also taught and practiced throughout the year. Development of eye-hand and eye-foot co-ordination will ensure children are ready to participate in any sport of their choice in Primary School. Any of you who exercise regularly know the benefits associated with it – good physical health, stress release and a general feeling of well-being and a good self-image. Exercising can also put you in a better mood. When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel happier. It’s just another reason why exercise is a good idea! Physical activity should be integrated into young children’s lives to create a foundation of movement and activity which will be carried with them throughout the rest of their lives. At Catrobatkidz we aim to develop a love for physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle in each child who participates in the program. Catrobatkidz, giving your child the power of movement, giving your child a leg up in tomorrow’s world.

March 3, 2021

Chicco Goody Stroller

Chicco, a 63-year old leader in baby products, has tirelessly committed to ensuring that all strollers and prams have optimal comfort and functionality for children. On top of this standard promise, Chicco looks after the needs of parents, allowing mom and dad to #parentmore – the Chicco catchphrase for stress-reduced parenting. The Goody stroller is just another way for parents to stress less whilst providing the best products for baby. A birth – 22kg stroller, the Goody is optimised in the sense that it folds down automatically with the touch of one button and no additional pressure, ensuring parents can comfortably hold children without having to fiddle with the breaking down process of packing away a stroller into the car or at home. With luxury padding, an extendable canopy and a bumper bar for extra safety, the Goody is the stroller of the future for modern moms on the go. A hands-free approach to baby strollers, there is a large storage basket for all of baby’s needs and it fully reclines for when baby wants to take a nap. Hardy wheels make the Goody the perfect urban stroller as you manoeuvre through streets, malls and pavements with ease. Available is a trendy Graphite colour with a beautiful stitching details, the Goody is not only high-functioning, but a real show-stopper in terms of looks too. Look out for the Goody stroller at participating retailers such as Takealot.com, Loot.co.za, Thekidzone.co.za, Babanino.co.za, Brand Hubb, Little Kingdom online and others.

March 2, 2021

Learning to Play Alone

Parents often feel they must occupy their baby’s every waking moment or boredom will set in. Not so. Not only is learning how to play alone an important skill to grasp, but your baby will be more cheerful overall if you don’t play together 100 percent of the time. If your child needs downtime, she may turn away, get restless, or cry. Tune in to baby’s cues. When you respect a wish for independent play (supervised, of course), you show that being alone can be a good thing. Also encourage your child to develop self-entertainment skills. Engage them in a favourite activity. Play for a few minutes, then step back to observe. Once your baby is comfortable with you being some distance away, walk out of sight for a few minutes. (Of course, make sure the area is carefully baby-proofed, and keep your baby within your sight.) When your child first realises you’re gone, they may fuss but will probably settle down in a few minutes and become absorbed in the activity or toy. Wean yourself from being the driving force of play; you’ll help boost your child’s creativity. While learning through play is your baby’s “work,” for you it can be one of the very best perks of parenting. Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. Laugh & Learn™ Smart Stages™ Puppy and Sis Have you already met Smart Stages™ Puppy and Sis? These soft and cuddly pals are entertaining companions for little explorers at the age of 6-36 months. They respond to your baby’s touch with exciting sing-along songs and phrases that introduce more than 100 first words, parts of the body, colours, shapes and more! And because every baby develops at their own pace, Puppy and Sis come with Smart Stages™ technology, so you adjust the level to unlock new content as your child grows. There are a variety of songs, sounds and phrases within each of the three levels of play. And Puppy and Sis’s light-up, multicolour heart even twinkles along to the music! Level 1 – Explore – Baby can press Puppy and Sis’s hands, foot, heart, nose or ear to hear first words, colours, the alphabet, parts of the body and more! Level 2 – Encourage – In this level, fun phrases reward little ones as they’re encouraged to count along, find colours, and identify parts of the body! Level 3 – Pretend – Puppy and Sis are ready to play pretend with fun sing-along songs and phrases that engage toddlers in exciting and imaginative play, all while expanding their vocabulary! By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education

February 25, 2021

Cheese, full of goodness and a lunchbox fav

Versatile and delicious, it’s incredibly easy to make cheese one of your family’s three-a-day dairy options, every day. Like other dairy, cheese is also a firm favourite with kids. Used as a tasty topping, an essential ingredient and a go-to sandwich filler, cheese also stands alone as a nutritious and satiating snack. Packed with protein, calcium, phosphorus and other essential nutrients, cheese, in all its many varieties, deserves its place as a healthy food item in your family’s diet. Understanding the benefits of cheese, how to choose it and how to use it will help you to plan, shop and enjoy including cheese across breakfast, lunch and supper, and the snacks in between. Natural cheese is a fermented food, and while its exact origins are unknown, there is evidence from Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt that the goodness of cheese has been recognised for thousands of years. Cheesemakers use milk, salt, beneficial bacteria and a natural enzyme known as rennet as the foundations for producing a vast array of cheeses. Different formulae and ageing processes result in different textures, flavours and colours that are all packed with goodness. Maretha Vermaak, the registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy says, “Cheese can make a significant contribution to your daily nutrient requirements – from the protein that supports healthy bone and muscle development and repair of body tissue; to the dental protection we get from the calcium and phosphorus by having cheese directly after a meal. As parents who are concerned about good nutrition for our growing children, it is great that cheese is also so completely delicious.” When it comes to choosing the cheeses we include in our family’s meals and snacks, value for money is often top of mind. Luckily, today’s cheese options range all the way from luxury to everyday prices and there’s something to fit every budget. Proper storage of cheese also impacts on affordability because you want to avoid any food waste. Many cheeses freeze well, enabling you to buy specials or cheaper bulk options and safely freeze for later use. It often works well to buy a big block of a harder cheese such as cheddar or gouda, grate it all before its use-by-date and freeze the surplus for quick and easy use. Processed cheese spreads can be stored in the pantry until they are opened, and some varieties of cheeses, including sliced processed cheese, have longer shelf lives in the fridge. It’s always important to check the labels when it comes to storage and the nutrient content of a food item. Proper meal planning, and shopping for value for money can help you to include more cheese, more often. Another factor for many busy parents is convenience. The reality of our daily lives is that we often need fast solutions and time-savers. It helps to have nutritious options such as cheese on hand so that we can quickly prepare daily meals, snacks and lunchboxes. A good example of this is glass jar cheese spreads which are healthier options than many other bread spreads, or sliced or portioned cheese products that are grab-and-go, and a great way to control portions. When it comes to lunchboxes, cheese is always a winner, some tips include: Plan for lunchboxes – plan before you shop, and pack lunchboxes before the morning rush Involve your children – in preparing their school snacks and lunches. They learn about nutrition and how to share chores, and you can have fun together Keep it different – it may seem easier to keep doing one thing but embracing a variety of lunchbox foods encourages your children to try new foods as they develop and prevents boredom and lack of interest in eating their school lunches Aim for balance – growing children benefit from a variety of nutrients, even when it comes to snacks and lunchbox lunches. Make sure you are including protein sources like cheese, milk and yoghurt as well as carbohydrate sources like bread and crackers. Don’t forget to add fresh fruit and veg too. Hydration is essential – dehydration can have adverse effects on your child’s performance at school. Water and milk are top choices. Rather avoid sugary drinks. For more dairy ideas join the Rediscover Dairy Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RediscoverDAIRY

February 23, 2021

Minimize added sugar in your child’s diet

It’s true. Your baby or toddler was born with a sweet tooth! Children this age naturally prefer sweet tasting foods, including breastmilk. Did you know that babyhood and toddlerhood are critical periods in shaping and influencing your child’s eating habits and taste preferences? Upon introducing solids, it’s important to offer a wide variety of textures and flavors. When it comes to food choices, quality matters most! After all, they have tiny tummies that can only hold so much at one time. Because of this, it’s especially important to offer foods that are rich in nutrients, without any undesirable extras, like added sugar or salt. Some foods naturally contain sugar, such as fruit, some vegetables and dairy products. Added sugar can be in obvious sources like desserts and sugary beverages. But added sugar can also sneak into less obvious sources including flavored yogurts, breakfast foods like cereals and waffles, and even condiments like spaghetti sauce and ketchup. While we want to include good-for-you sources of natural sugars (think fruits, vegetables and yogurts with no added sugar) in our baby or toddler’s diet, we do want to keep out the not so good-for you added sugars. Keeping the added sugars in your child’s diet to a minimum is important in helping reduce the risk of various health conditions. Unhealthy weight gain, tooth decay, and attention/behavioral issues have all been associated with excessive intake of added sugars. Because research shows diets with fewer added sugars are better for our health, there are new laws governing the inclusion of these on our food labels. Moving forward, the government will be requiring food manufacturers to include the amount (in grams) of added sugars on the Nutrition Facts Panel. This will give us a much better idea of what is actually in our foods, in terms of naturally occurring versus added sugar. Here are some other ways to limit your child’s intake of added sugars: Offer mostly whole foods. Serving foods in their natural state, such as fruits and veggies, allows you to know exactly what you are feeding your baby or tot. Processed foods like crackers and other packaged goods can be not- so- obvious harbors for added sugars, check labels and offer no added sugar versions. Be mindful of “kid-friendly” foods. Specific foods aimed towards kids, like yogurts and cereal bars, can still contain too much added sugar. Look for and choose products that don’t include any of these sugars. Be a food label decoder. In addition to seeing the word “sugar” on food labels and ingredients lists, other words can indicate the presence of a sugar that is not naturally occurring in the product. Examples of these include: honey, agave, fructose, dextrose, corn syrup, and molasses. Becoming familiar with the many names of sugar will help you better understand what is in specific products. Meal plan. Preparing meals at home gives you more control over what goes into the foods you make for you and your family. Avoid sugary drinks. Avoid offering your baby or toddler beverages that are high in sugar like fruit beverages, sodas and iced teas. Even though 100% fruit juices do not contain any added sugar, no fruit juice is recommended for infants younger than 12 months. For toddlers 1- 3 years of age the intake for fruit juice should be limited. Limiting your child’s exposure to added sugars will help contribute to a healthy start! We love… Super Smart Pouches: Retail Selling Price: R42,50 Nourish your growing tot with this tasty blend of organic bananas, beets, and strawberries. To help support brain health, each pouch contains 20mg of DHA and 100mg of choline making this pouch perfect for wholesome, on-the-go eating! Stockists: Happy Family Organics products are available at Baby City, Babies R Us, Wellness Warehouse, Clicks, Spar, Pick n Pay, Baby Boom, Dis-Chem, Medicare Pharmacies, Takealot, Babies Africa, Faithful To Nature.

February 12, 2021

The Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Catrobatkidz

As parents, you have lots of options when it comes to choosing extra-mural activities for your children. At first glance, they all seem to offer the same benefits, such as developing strong, healthy bodies, improving co-ordination and providing children with an outlet for all their energy. Children benefit from physical activity in many ways – a topic we explored in our previous blog, but that doesn’t mean that all extra-murals are equally good. There are a few reasons why the Catrobatkidz programme stands out as it offers some benefits you probably haven’t thought of. Here are just a few of the advantages of enrolling your child in Catrobatkidz: Discipline & Confidence Our trained coaches show the children in their care how to follow the rules and behave properly. This way, they learn patience, discipline and how to get along with their peers. Along with discipline comes confidence. A child who knows how to behave around others will naturally be more confident. This confidence goes hand-in-hand with self-esteem. At Catrobatkidz, we’ve seen shy children blossom into children who are confident, secure and open to trying new things, all thanks to our amazing coaches. Listening & Following Directions As much as Catrobatkidz is about movement and activity, we also teach children how to stop, listen and focus on instructions. The earlier children can learn this skill, the better as it’s one that will serve them both inside and outside of the classroom. Body Awareness & Co-ordination If you’re not sure what body awareness is, it’s often described as having a sense of your own body – understanding where each part is located in space and how it feels. This knowledge helps us know how far to reach for a glass or how close to stand next to another person. At Catrobatkidz, we incorporate exercises and activities that help children develop body awareness and fine-tune their co-ordination. Why is this important? Children with a good body awareness and co-ordination are less likely to hurt themselves when running, climbing or performing other activities. Rhythm & Timing Music makes exercise fun and it helps young children develop two other important skills – rhythm and timing. Children respond to music from an early age. In fact, your probably remember how your little one would sway and clap their hands to a favourite song. Despite their physical response to music, rhythm and timing play an important role in helping children develop emotionally and intellectually. Being ‘in tune’ with the people around you helps you feel connected to them and makes communication easier. We’ve seen the positive effects first hand, which is why music and activities promoting rhythm and timing form part of our programme. Proper Posture & Flexibility Evidence of bad posture is all around us. Everywhere you look, you seepeople hunching over desks, slouching in front of the TV and slumping over their cellphones. As they get older, this can lead to back pain, neck pain and other health issues. That’s why it’s important that children learn to sit, stand and move with the right posture. At Catrobatkidz, we focus on developing the core muscles that children need to be able to maintain an upright posture and relaxed shoulders at all times. Flexibility is just as important when it comes to maintaining a healthy, pain-free body because a flexible body is less prone to injury. Although children are naturally more flexible than adults, without maintaining their muscles and joints, they’ll lose this flexibility as they grow up. By instilling a love of movement and exercise from an early age, Catrobatkidz is the ideal choice for parents who want their children to experience exercise as fun and not a chore. Every type of sport and exercise has its benefits but there are few that manage to combine, physical, mental and emotional advantages the way Catrobatkidz does. If you’re interested in learning more about the programmes we offer, get in touch or ask your child’s school to sign up for a FREE demo class. We love what we do and we’d love to share it with you.

February 8, 2021

Chicco Polly Highchairs

Chicco, one of the world’s most beloved baby products labels, brings you indoor furniture for your baby with the utmost luxury and quality, that is affordable and most importantly, guaranteed for 12 months. Highchairs are an important part of your child’s life and will be there as they discover their new senses through food. The Polly Highchair is the perfect solution for your little one to go from bottle feeds to weaning with ease. Designed with an elegant finish, this highchair offers 3 reclining positions as well as 7 height adjustments for parents, making it a stand-alone chair with tray, or come down to meet the level of any table or chair the parent may want to use for feeding. With a clip-off, easy to clean and store tray, the Polly highchair can be folded up into a compact and discreet size that stores easily – not that you would want to hide these beauties away. With Italian quality, the Polly comes in two classy colours including Nottingham (dark beige) and Orion (deep black), both suitable for any household décor. Pick up a Polly highchair from a variety of baby retailers including Baby City, Baby Club at Clicks, Takealot, Loot.co.za, The Kid Zone, Babanino.com, Brand Hubb, Baby Boom, and selected Makro stores.

February 2, 2021

Back to school fun with Play-Doh

The past year has challenged parents in many ways including finding endless at-home activities to keep kids entertained while ensuring they continue to learn and develop outside of a traditional classroom environment. Fostering creativity, being able to think out of the box, brainstorming, generating new ideas and improving on existing ones are important tools for young minds. Which is why Play-Doh continues to captivate the imaginations of children around the globe, providing them with the best in colourful, creatable, makeable adventures! High quality Play-Doh compound is non-toxic and is made up predominantly of simple ingredients including water, salt and flour. As children’s safety is always Hasbro’s top priority, Play-Doh compound undergoes vigorous testing to ensure it meets (and exceeds) all applicable global safety standards and regulations. This is why, after more than 64 years, Play-Doh remains a loved and trusted brand for parents, caregivers and teachers worldwide! A classroom favourite, Play-Doh combines the fun with essential development and learning benefits (listed below). Providing ideal opportunities to practice and nurture kids critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity skills while exploring a range of topics and skills including language, math, science, social studies, and the arts. Additionally engaging toddlers and young children (ages 2-6 years) with sensory, open-ended play activities can help them prepare for the big, elaborate world. Combine the fun with essential development and learning benefits: Play-Doh encourages creativity and imagination by providingyour child with unlimited moulding possibilities and the freedom to explore. Creating different shapes or mixing different Play-Doh colours together to discover a new colour, can assist children in growing their curiosity, develop cognitive exploration and enhance their mathematical thinking. All the squishing, rolling, flattening and shaping helps to enhance fine motor skills by developing and strengthening hand muscles, which encourages pre-writing and other motor skills such as cutting with scissors, using tweezers, holding a pencil etc. The tactile, hands-on nature of Play-Doh compound can also help encourage development of hand-eye coordination. Play-Doh offers kids a multi-sensory experience allowing them to learn about their world through touch, sight and smell. Sitting and squishing Play-Doh is also a very calming and soothing activity, which eases tension, releases extra energy as well as improves focus and concentration. Playing with Play-Doh in a small group and/or with adults presents opportunities for children to develop social skills such as collaborative problem solving, planning and playing as well as learning to effectively communicate ideas or discuss what they are making. Children can also learn to effectively engage in individual play sharpening their focus, patience and concentration skills. Nominate a teacher for the #CansOfKindnessAward! For many the past year has also renewed our appreciation for the incredible job that teachers do to keep kids inspired, motivated and encouraged while learning! This is why Play-Doh is calling on the kids to nominate their favourite Grade 0 or Grade 1 teacher for the #CansOfKindnessAward! Stand the chance to win an exciting Play-Doh hamper, while the winning teacher will receive a year’s supply of Play-Doh for the classroom. All you have to do is post a video to FB @PlayDohSouthAfrica of your kid telling us about their incredible teacher and use #CansOfKindnessAward. Entries close 26 February 2021. For more inspiration visit @PlayDohSouthAfrica on Facebook Play-Doh is available from Toy Kingdom, Toys R Us, ToyZone, Takealot.com and other major retailers. PARENT GUIDE Some fun activities designed to ensure kids have fun while learning At its core, Play-Doh is creativity – providing endless interactive play options. Guide your child to explore different shapes, forms and colours, which increases curiosity and knowledge while developing their fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination. Play-Doh allows children the flexibility to experiment and develop their own stories and leads to innovative, imaginative thinking and increased confidence down the line. Engaging in child-adult conversation, assists with communication and vocabulary growth – ask questions and allow your child to practice critical thinking and decision-making skills. Repetition can be a great way to reinforce the skills you’ve explored. Have fun doing the activities multiple times and in different ways! All Set for some Play-Doh fun! Get creative with Sticky the Octopus! Gather the materials you’ll need: 4 Play-Doh colours Red or pink A light colour i.e. white or yellow A darker colour i.e. blue Your favourite colour Toothpick/ fork/ beads Using your favourite colour roll out a round-shaped ball for the head Roll two small balls (in your lightest Play-Doh colour) for the eyes and place two smaller circles in a darker colour on top for the pupils. Add the eyes to head Curl eight ‘snake shapes’ in the same colour as your head for the tentacles Attach the tentacles to the bottom of the head Use your toothpick or fork to ‘scratch’ lines, circles or any pattern onto the tentacles as decoration Make 30 small balls in a contrasting colour and add them onto the tentacles and head If you’d like add beads as decoration – press these into the tentacles for added colour and texture (please note if adding beads to Octopus creation – the Play-Doh will not be able to be reused). Roll a short thin red/ pink piece of Play-Doh and complete your Octopus by adding a bright smile. If you are feeling extra creative shape a top hat or a bow tie for your Octopus to wear or create a beach ball for your Octopus to ‘play’ with. Skills match: fine motor skills, creativity, collaboration, sensory play (Task source Una van Staden, Pikanini) Play-Doh Faces Fun Making Play-Doh faces is so much fun and a great way for kids to learn about their bodies more specifically the face while developing fine motor skills. Before starting the activity discuss the different parts of the face and the shapes and size each aspect has in relation to each other i.e. eyes, ears, hair, nose, and mouth. Create a Face Mat – on a blank sheet of A4 paper draw a round circle for ahead with shoulders

February 2, 2021

Midline Crossing

Crossing the midline is very important to a child’s learning development. It’s a key element to helping children flourish and learn in the classroom as they get older. Our ability to reach over our midline with our arms and legs to perform tasks on the opposite side of our body plays a huge role in our day-to-day functioning. Brain Development Helping your child cross the midline as they grow is very important for their brain’s development. Midline crossing activities are often tied to higher learning skills such as speech, language, handwriting, reading, tracking objects, math sequencing, sensory integration, body awareness and other important skills for critical thinking. It’s also important for helping children retain information, improves attention and focus and allows them to listen to the teacher as they give directions (auditory processing). Crossing the midline helps the right and left sides of the brain work together. If we only work one side of the brain, the other side may become weaker, which could cause gaps in learning. Learning tools that come naturally for some children (organizing thoughts on paper, executive functioning, writing, comprehension and sitting still in a chair) may not come so easily to others who can’t cross their midline. When a child crosses their midline, new connections are made between the right side and the left side of the brain, and both sides are then working together, rather than independently of each other. It integrates the two sides of the brain, and organizes the brain for better concentration and problem solving. This is needed for reading and writing, as well as sports activities and other daily skills. What is Midline Crossing? Crossing midline simply means that a child reaches across their body with either hand or foot. Think of it as if there is an imaginary vertical line down the center of the body. Crossing the midline would mean having the ability to reach over this imaginary line with an arm or leg, and perform a task on the opposite side of the body. The ability to cross midline develops as bilateral coordination skills develop. The child learns to coordinate their stronger hand (used for specialized skill) with their helper hand (the hand that they use to assist the dominant hand). Crossing the midline is a developmental ability that is important for so many gross motor tasks. When a child has difficulty with crossing their midline, they will demonstrate difficulty with fine motor skills, too. Signs a Child can’t Cross their Midline 1. Appears ambidextrous. Children who have difficulty crossing the midline may use their right hand to perform tasks on the right side of their body, and their left hand to perform tasks on the left side of their body. They may seem ambidextrous, but what’s actually happening is that they aren’t properly developing the fine motor skills in their dominant hand. Instead, they are essentially developing average skills in both hands which can have significant implications in the long-run. 2. Has poor handwriting and often changes hands repeatedly while writing, drawing, colouring, etc. Handwriting may be more challenging, and their school work may be sloppy and messy. 3. Has difficulty performing basic life skills, like brushing teeth and hair, doing up buttons, zipping up zippers, putting on socks and shoes, etc. 4. Demonstrates poor gross motor skills. A child who can’t cross the midline will likely struggle with gross motor activities. For example, they may struggle to kick a ball with two feet instead of fine-tuning this skill with only their dominant foot. 5. Appears uncoordinated and struggles with more complex gross motor activities that require greater coordination, like jumping with a skip rope or doing jumping jacks. 6. Has difficulty with reading. Kids who can’t cross the midline may find it more difficult to visually track something from left to right, which can result in delayed reading skills. For more information, and videos for activities to do at home with your child to improve midline crossing, check out Catrobatkidz ON TV

January 19, 2021

Playschool startup achieves government accreditation on top of international funding

Play Sense becomes one of the first programmes of its kind in SA to be registered by the Department of Social Development as demand booms for innovative online and home-based schools The South African edutech startup Play Sense, which recently raised more than R8-million in international investment from an Africa-focused, gender-lensed venture capital fund, has now also become one of the first registered play-focused preschool franchises in the country. The digitally-enabled micro-playschool programme is a first for South Africa and enables teachers to set up their own playschools at home under the Play Sense banner, with its award-winning imaginative play-centred curriculum for preschoolers as its primary drawcard. It has now become one of the first programmes of its kind to be accredited by the Department of Social Development as a registered early childhood development (ECD) programme in terms of the Children’s Act. The business was founded by early childhood expert and author Meg Faure, who also founded the well-known Baby Sense brand, and fellow occupational therapist and educator Lara Schoenfeld, who also founded the successful Nanny ‘n Me franchise. Faure is CEO and Melissa Cumming, previously the MD of ecommerce business Bloomable, is COO. “Our evidence-based curriculum follows the Vygotskian theory of development which says that guided imagination-based play is the best way to equip kids with the core capacities they need to thrive in a changing world, including self-regulation, executive function, creativity, collaboration and learning readiness,” said Faure. “Our accreditation by the department is an important validation of the quality of both our educational programme and the innovative business model that underpins it. We’re excited about expanding the programme across South Africa this year and globally in the near future – and in the process bringing the ECD space into the sharing economy as a solution to some of the most pressing challenges faced by children, parents and teachers in the world today. This kind of schooling really is the way of the future.” The Play Sense team raised R8.25-million in early-stage funding from USA-based Enygma Ventures in April. The private investment fund focuses on investing in women-led social impact businesses in Southern Africa. The Africa Trust Group is its local implementation partner. The Play Sense franchise model was founded to provide high quality, cost-effective ECD business opportunities for teachers and qualified caregivers who want to run world-class preschools from homes. The model is designed for groups of up to six children between the ages of two to four to come together to play and learn in a safe home-based environment for three to five days of the week. The franchise stable currently accommodates more than 30 groups in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KZN and online, but it is gearing to scale to 200 in-home groups and 15 online groups, as well as to have its global expansion playbook bedded down by the end of 2021. The startup successfully pivoted at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa to offer parents and teachers an online learning environment as well. It was this online move that ensured its funding from Enygma, whose investors wanted to see Play Sense scale and roll out its new tech platform in response to the boom in demand for online, independent home-based schools during the pandemic, and empower women entrepreneurs in the process. With the online model, the teacher undergoes the same training but can run an online school for up to 12 families who check in virtually twice a day while teaching their own children at home. “All our teachers are trained in both online and in-home education so that they can adapt as situations change. We just don’t know what 2021 holds, so we have to be flexible,” said Faure. “What makes Play Sense unique is that it is such a cost-effective and scalable model for highly progressive preschool education – something that the market has been asking for and that will empower lots of women who are passionate about ECD to become entrepreneurs who make an impact in their communities. They can now set up schools that offer exceptional education to learners, without the high overheads of a school building because they can use their existing and under-utilised assets, their homes, instead. The fact that they work with a fully developed curriculum and fully equipped starter kit also saves them time and money, and ensures that a specific standard of education can be upheld,” said Faure. The Play Sense curriculum is aligned with UNICEF’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Early Learning Developmental Areas (ELDAS), National Early Learning Development Standards (NELDs) and Operational Norms and Standards for preschool education.

January 15, 2021

Its PLAY time!

We hear time and again how critical play is for the healthy development of our children. Play enables children to learn through their senses, to develop their motor skills and to activate their imaginations. This tree analogy helps us to recognise the importance of play, and the difference we can make to our children’s well-being when we are responsive, nurturing parents.

January 14, 2021

The Importance of Catrobatkidz – ages 2 to 6

Infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers grow quickly, both physically and cognitively. During these childhood years they develop the physical skills needed for their adult lives. Physical development experiences and activities are one of the prime areas of learning and development, influencing changes in the child’s brain and gross and fine motor skills. Therefore, it is very important that children are given the opportunities to be active and interactive to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. Catrobatkidz programme is jammed packed full of all the essential building blocks covering all the important physical skill areas that children need to master. Physical changes Children begin to lose their baby fat, or chubbiness, from around three years old. Toddlers soon acquire the leaner, more athletic look associated with childhood. Brain development The brain is comprised of two halves, the right and left cerebral hemispheres. Specifically, language, writing, logic, and mathematical skills seem to be located in the left hemisphere, while creativity, fantasy, artistic, and musical skills seem to be located in the right hemisphere. Although the hemispheres may have separate functions, these brain masses almost always coordinate their functions and work together. Motor skills Motor skills are physical abilities or capacities. Gross motor skills, which include running, jumping, hopping, turning, skipping, throwing, balancing, and dancing, involve the use of large bodily movements. Fine motor skills, which include drawing, writing, and tying shoelaces, involve the use of small bodily movements. Both gross and fine motor skills develop and are refined during early childhood. How Children Learn 1. Observe the behaviour in others. 2. Form a mental image of the behaviour. 3. Imitate the behaviour. 4. Practice the behaviour. 5. Be motivated to repeat the behaviour. The Catrobatkidz programme is designed to teach children physical skills and improve brain integration while having fun. Where do you Want Your Catrobatkidz? ON TV @School @Home There is really nothing else quite like Catrobatkidz, please let your child exercise, learn, laugh and grow in self-confidence with us.

January 12, 2021

GIVE THE GIFT OF STORIES THIS FESTIVE SEASON WITH NAL’IBALI

“Reading and sharing stories with children is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them. Not only does it help to develop children’s literacy skills, but it also fires up those parts of the brain concerned with imagination, emotion and movement. Ultimately, it helps to create the neural circuits that enable sophisticated thinking and reasoning, helping children to do well at school.” – Yandiswa Xhakaza, Nal’ibali CEO. This festive season, Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has teamed up with CNA stores to bring the much-loved children stories they are well-known for to the retail market in a limited-edition box set. This exciting set features four volumes, each containing five stories like Sisanda’s Gift by Gcina Mhlophe and The Farmer and his Family by Shasha Seakamela. It will be available in all 11 official languages of South Africa for the low price of R90,95 per set in select CNA stores from December. Nal’ibali believes in the power of stories to not only entertain but to stir up dreams and hope for children. Every child deserves the chance to have regular access to inspiring stories. When children are regularly exposed to great and well-told stories in languages they understand, they are motivated to learn to read and write themselves. And children who regularly read for pleasure perform better in the classroom, across all subjects, regardless of their socio-economic standing. Unfortunately, many children miss out on this opportunity to fall in love with books and reading. Inaccessibility, affordability and availability of books and stories are the key barriers. Nal’ibali strives to overcome these through the provision of free stories on wide-reaching platforms like radio and its popular bilingual newspaper supplement which it distributes to its network of reading club and literacy partners nationwide and the public through its partnership with popular newspapers. This partnership with CNA stores will enable Nal’ibali to continue providing access to free stories for fun reading, as all the proceeds from the purchases will go back into the organisation to create more much-needed multilingual children’s stories. “We are inviting caregivers to support us on this venture by giving the gift of stories this festive season, through purchasing the limited-edition box set. On the one hand, families will be able to enjoy affordable stories from well-sourced South African authors and illustrators. While at the same time children across the country will have the opportunity to access free stories through the money raised from the proceeds,” says Yandiswa Xhakaza, Nal’ibali CEO. For more information about the Nal’ibali campaign and its limited-edition book boxset, or to see a list of participating CNA stores, visit www.nalibali.org.

December 11, 2020

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