Toddler - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

The negative affects of pulling a child up by his arm

Picture walking along with your toddler – he stumbles and your first reaction is to pull him up by his arm to prevent any grazed knees. However you may have caused more damage by that simple reaction. Dislocation of the elbow joint is commonly referred to as Pulled Elbow. A baby’s bones, ligaments and joints are not formed properly and when pulling them up by the arm, a partial dislocation of the elbow can occur. The two lower bones of the arm – the radius and ulna are held together with ligaments and the younger the child, the looser the ligaments. When a young child is pulled up by his arm, this loose ligament moves up over the radius causing the radial bone to shift out of place becoming partially dislocated. This commonly occurs in children aged 1 to 4 years of age but can also happen to younger babies. Whilst this injury most commonly causes injury to the elbow you can also cause neck injuries. Babies initially have weak neck control and big heads compared to the size of their bodies and by pulling him up by the arms, his neck may fall backwards causing injury to the neck muscles. Support baby’s head and neck when picking him up until he is old enough to hold his head steady by himself. A pulled elbow will hurt with movement and you will notice that your child won’t move his arm but rather let it slump slightly at his side. If you suspect your child has a pulled elbow, then he needs to be taken to a doctor who will manoeuvre it back into place. A pulled elbow will not cause any long term damage if treated quickly. Recovery is fast but your child may need to take some pain medication for a couple of days. To stop this from happening make sure that you do not pick up your child by the lower arms or wrists. It is best to lift them up by their armpits. Show grandparents or caregivers the correct way to pick up your child. As the child gets older, the ligaments start to tighten and this type of injury rarely occurs after the age of 5 years. Here are some guidelines for parents and care givers on how to prevent a pulled elbow: Never pick a child up by pulling on one arm or wrist. Don’t swing a toddler around by holding onto his hands or arms. When lifting a child up, grasp them under the arms, never lift them up by pulling or jerking on their arms.

August 7, 2023

The building blocks of sleep

At Good Night, the basis of our methods and processes are the building blocks of good quality sleep. The reality is that even though sleep is quite natural, it is also quite complex. Getting your baby to sleep better, is often not just one thing but a combination of things that need to be in place. These ‘things’ we refer to as the building blocks of sleep. Over many years and many clients, we have also realised that not only do the building blocks matter, the sequence of how they are implemented also matters. Some building blocks might be easier to implement, but it does not make them less important. In fact, these easier building blocks, are the blocks that hold it all up! Just like a house you will start with the foundation and build your house from the ground up! This is the most responsible way to do it, as you can cause unnecessary crying or protest. You can’t implement a bedtime routine, without having a sleep space (environment) in place. You can’t expect your baby to have a ‘normal’ routine and schedule during the day if they are ill (other). You cannot sleep train your baby (creating sustainable sleep associations), if you give them Coca-cola before they go to sleep (nutrition). Other Factors: these are factors that can influence sleep and cause wake ups but are beyond our control as parents. Such as if your baby is ill or has allergies. It is always advised to first get the all clear from your paediatrician before making any major changes for your baby/toddler. Environment: The most important part about environment is safety! Keep in mind the ABC’s of safe sleep: Your baby should be alone, on their back and in a safe cot. Nutrition: the classic chicken-egg-scenario. If your baby is hungry, they will be waking up at night, but if your baby is not sleeping well, it could have an impact on their feeding during the day. Bedtime routine: The single most important thing to implement for your baby/toddler, a bedtime routine that is not too long and not too late. Routine and schedule: sleep begets sleep, your baby/toddler needs enough sleep during the day to ensure that they are not over tired at bedtime, causing them to struggle to fall asleep and to stay asleep. Creating sustainable sleep associations: Aka sleep training, the methods we use to teach babies/toddlers to fall asleep on their own. It is possible to implement all of these at the same time, in fact in some cases it is advisable, but whether you do sleep training or NOT, implementing the building blocks in the right way can BETTER your families sleep. By Jolandi Becker – MD of Good Night

August 7, 2023

When do children start talking?

This is one of the most common questions posed to a speech therapist. As a parent, if this questions has come to your mind – this indicates a certain level of concern for your child which is a great start. An open minded parent, who shows keen interest in their child’s developmental milestones, is the beginning of a child’s progress. Being in denial about any delay in your child’s milestones is more detrimental to your child than the actual delay itself. For any concern, assistance is always available. Trust your gut feeling – motherly instincts are there for a very good reason, listen to it. At the end of this article we share a fun activity to encourage your child to make verbal requests in various lengths with the final aim being – “Mommy, may I have more chocolate pizza please” The standards that we have for our children differ according to various factors. Two parents, who may have had a rough childhood financially, could have opposing views regarding money when it comes to their own children. One parent may feel that their children need to value money in the same way hence they limit their spending and have a set amount of allowance they receive. The other parent may feel that they do not want their child to be ‘deprived’ the way they were hence they have no limits regarding how much money their child receives. Both parties need to have a common ground to avoid conflict in their relationship and the relationship they have with their child. You might be wondering – what does this have to do with my child’s speech development? In the same way 2 parents can have different opinions regarding finances, 2 parents can also have different opinions whether a child’s speech is delayed “just like so and so’s son” or a visit to a speech therapist is compulsory. Depending on who you ask, the stage of “talking” is interpreted differently. For some, it may be when a child starts using vocalisations such as /nana/ whilst others it could be when a child uses a two-word utterance such as /baba gone/. The former is known as babbling which begins around the age of 4 months and the latter is achieved by 18 months. Before we discuss these milestones in greater detail, let’s understand the difference between speech and language. As elaborated in our May edition, All You Need to Know About Speech Therapists, “speech” is the actual sounds that emanate from the mouth. Disorders of speech can include stuttering, a lisp, apraxia, dysarthria. “Language” is a system of communication made up of written text and sounds. Language is further broken down into receptive and expressive language. A child who can follow age appropriate verbal instructions but is unable to express himself verbally is said to have delayed expressive language development. At birth, your new-born’s sole method of communicating hunger, pain and discomfort is by crying (see Dunstan baby language by Priscilla Dunstan as featured on the Oprah Winfrey show). Cooing and laughter are 2 reflexes that a baby can’t control i.e. it happens naturally. Playing the game peek-a-boo is an ideal way to stimulate these reflexes in children 4 – 12 months. They would laugh (sometimes uncontrollably!) at almost any silly sound that you make. Just as walking is preceded by crawling, so too is talking preceded by babbling. For some babbling are the non-sense sounds which babies make that have the ability to melt anyone’s heart. Ironically, we can’t wait for babies to start talking, however once they are older and the questions don’t stop – we wish they would keep quiet. 4 – 5 months Simple babbling Ba – na – da Your child discovers s/he has a “voice” and will experiment with pitch, volume, tone etc 6 – 7 months: Reduplicated babbling (repeated the same sound) Baba – nana – mama – dada A string of the same sound may be repeated e.g. mamamamama 8 – 9 months: Variegated babbling (repeating different sounds) Maba – daba – bana 10 – 11 months: Jargon 12 month: First meaning word By the age of 12 months, your child will understand more words than they can say i.e. their receptive language will be greater than their expressive language. As parents, it is tempting for us to respond to our children’s non-verbal cues as compared to prompting them for a verbal response. Let’s explain further using a practical example Scenario 1 Ten-month old Ben was playing with a soft ball which has rolled under the bed. His mother noticed that the ball has disappeared. Without saying a word, she reaches under the bed to get the ball and pass it to Ben. Ben’s mother could have used verbal and non – verbal communication which requires minimal effort but has a profound impact on Ben’s development. Scenario 2 Ten-month old Tom’s mother, Sarah, noticed that his favourite toy fell off the table. She turned to Tom and asked, “Where is your toy” while using exaggerated facial expression, a questioning tone of voice and arms in the air. Sarah then puts her hand over her mouth and says “Oh-o!” with her other hand on her hip. By now Tom is carefully examining his mothers body language and taking cues from her tone of voice that something is wrong. Sarah then repeats the words “Gone!” in a stern tone a few times. Tom is making association between his mothers body language, tone of voice and choice of words. Sarah decides to let Tom crawl on the floor and look for his toy. He finds his toy and exclaims by saying ‘bababa’. Sarah then takes the toy away from him and places it behind her back, out of Tom’s sight. She asks Tom again, “Where is your toy”. Only once his facial expression changes does she repeat the words “Gone!” using the same tone of voice and facial expression as before. Sarah has used the opportunity to expand her child’s

August 3, 2023

A bedtime routine for the family

My kids are 2, 4 and 6 years old and I wanted to help moms out with an idea of what your evenings could look like with a consistent routine that your children can know and become used to. By knowing what to expect, as each night is more or less the same, my kids don’t argue or negotiate what to do or not do, as we have done the routine since they were babies. We have dinner when dad gets home from work around 5:00/5:30 p.m. After dinner, we do some sort of activity, which usually lasts for 15−20 minutes. We either go outside and play, throw the ball for our dog, swing or jump on the trampoline (the kids, not us adults!). Or, on long summer days, we go for a walk around the block. After this, we go inside and all three kids jump into the bath at around 18:00/18:15 p.m. While they bath, I get their clothing ready – nappy for little one and PJs. I set up their essential-oil owl diffusers (I find this is super helpful with snotty noses and change of season as well as dry air) and take the towels back to the bathroom, while dad stands in the doorway watching them. They play and the splashing often gets a little out of hand; we wash them and then wrangle them out the bath by 18:30 p.m. We apply cream, do meds and get dressed. We then all read a story or two (sometimes three, if they get their way) on one bed. After the story, it is lights out. We all say good night and my husband often sits with the older two for a few minutes (my 4- and 6-year olds share a room, each with their own bed) and I take our 2-year old to bed. I tuck her in with her bunny and also sit with her or stand by the door for a few minutes. Most nights, all the kids are asleep by 7:00 p.m. In summer, we put the fans are on, which helps with a bit of white noise, and in winter, we have wall heaters to take the chill off the air. I dress my kids in warm fleece onesies in winter because they generally do not sleep under their blankets, and before I go to bed myself each night, I check on them and put a blanket over them, as being cold can cause early wakings with babies and children. When they were smaller they still had sleeping bags. We try keep our bedtime routine, from bath to lights out, within 30 minutes. Research shows that our body’s melatonin is at its highest point within 30 minutes of having had warm water on our bodies, and I have seen that this really does help my kids calm down and get sleepy. With only one child, you can really create a SPA type of environment with dimmed lights and calming music. But as they grow and are more mobile or when you start to have more kids in the bath-time routine, it is quite unrealistic to expect your kids to not splash and be loud at bath time. Having a consistent routine allows my children to know what is coming next and that bedtime with lights off is at the end of the routine. To summarise: WHY a bedtime routine is needed: A consistent bedtime routine is vital for good sleep health, for both children and adults. The consistency of a bedtime routine helps your baby or child prepare for sleep and to know that sleep is coming. It also helps with melatonin production. WHEN a bedtime routine should be done: If you aim for bedtime to be between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., you need to aim for 30 minutes before that. HOW a bedtime routine should be done: I love reading that “a bedtime routine should be relaxing and a SPA-like environment should be created” (at Good Night, we even used to advocate this). And yes, that is a lovely idea and would help with prepping the brain for sleep and allow your baby to feel super relaxed and calm. It could also be achievable when you have only one child, but throw three children in the bath together and the noise and atmosphere will be more like varsity-locker-room vibes than a SPA. Load shedding added to the mix can spice up your night, especially as it is getting darker earlier as winter approaches. I use a lamp to have light in the bathroom. I also need to be a little more prepared with turning our geyser on earlier so our water is warm and making sure the clothing is out so I don’t need to use my cell phone flashlight to find the PJs in the dark. But my kids are so used to load shedding that it doesn’t cause too many issues; they just know that we need to then tell and not read a story in the dark. Below are just the basic points of what a bedtime routine can look like. Bedtime routine: Bath Dress in PJs Read a story Hugs and kisses Lights off Being able to have all three of our children bath and do their bedtime routine together was what we wanted as a family, firstly to create a time of bonding and secondly for practical reasons. When my husband works late, I need to be able to independently bath and put to bed all three of my kids together and bathing and dressing them one by one is way too exhausting and drawn out. Having all three of our kids bath together works for us, even though that creates lots of noise, wet floors and chaos. We embrace the chaos and noise and allow the warm water temperature to do its work on the brain (temperature change signals the brain to release melatonin) regardless of the splashing and loud fun being had by all three children. By Megan

August 2, 2023

How much should you be feeding your toddler?

Nutrition is one of the most important things to get right when your child starts eating.

August 1, 2023

One bowl suppers for hungry toddlers

These one bowl meals will be gobbled up by your toddler and are packed full of natural goodness. As busy parents we don’t always have time to prepare an elaborate meal at the end of a non-stop day, but we do want to make sure that our little ones are getting all the goodness they need to grow big and strong. These one bowl meals are a simple solution and freeze well, so you can make ahead and freeze in portion sizes for grab-and-heat meals. Serve with a box of Squish 100% Pressed Fruit Juice – they are preservative free and have no added sugar – and that’s it, supper sorted! BUTTERNUT AND CARROT MASHED POTATO This is hearty enough as a meal all on its own, but if you have leftover chicken or tuna in the fridge you can add it into the mix for added flavour and protein. Ingredients 1 cup mashed potato 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot Puree Optional: Steamed tenderstem broccoli for dipping Method Heat mash in microwave and stir through Squish Puree. Steam broccoli and serve alongside mash as dippers. CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO RISOTTO This tasty risotto includes Squish 100% Pear + Sweet Potato Puree. Sweet potato contains beta carotene and vitamin C which helps keep the immune system strong. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are a smart choice for your growing child – they are made with fresh fruit and vegetables and are free of nasties like colourants, flavourants and preservatives, and have no added sugar. This recipe makes 4-6 portions which means you can freeze the leftovers for super-easy suppers when time is short. Ingredients 2.5 ml (½ tsp) butter 65 ml (¼ cup) risotto rice 375 ml (1½ cup) vegetable stock, warmed 1 chicken breast, steamed and shredded 1 x 110 ml pouch Squish 100% Pear + Sweet Potato Puree Method Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add the risotto rice and stir to coat all the grains. Add 65 ml (¼ cup) of stock and stir gently until the liquid is absorbed by the rice. Continue cooking and stirring, adding one measure of stock at a time until the rice is tender. Stir in the shredded chicken and Squish Puree then remove from heat. Veggie Mac and Cheese Everyone loves mac and cheese! We’ve sneaked in a healthy dose of veg making it even more delicious and packed full of natural goodness. This recipe includes Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot Puree, but you can switch it up by trying a different flavour like Mixed Vegetable or Apple, Sweet Potato + Sweetcorn. Ingredients 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot Puree 250 ml (1 cup) milk Salt and freshly cracked black pepper 250 ml (1 cup) cooked macaroni pasta, drained 125 ml (½ cup) cheddar cheese 65 ml (¼ cup) cream cheese 1 ml (¼ tsp) ground nutmeg 65 ml (¼ cup) breadcrumbs 15 ml (1 Tbsp) butter Method Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Mix the Squish Puree and milk together, then add the drained pasta. Add the cheddar and cream cheeses and stir well to combine. Season to taste with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Spoon into ramekins, top with breadcrumbs and a dot of butter. Bake in an oven pre-heated to 180°C for 20 minutes or until lightly golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

July 27, 2023

How to weighted blankets help with sleep, anxiety and concentration?

Weighted blankets and toys are designed to help children and adults with difficulties such as anxiety, hyperactivity and sleeplessness to attain a calm and relaxed state. The added weight provides deep pressure input, which is interpreted by the proprioceptive system. Our proprioceptors are sensory receptors located in our muscles and joints. This system helps us feel the position of our bodies in space. Proprioceptive or ‘deep pressure’ input is calming and organising to our bodies. For the same reason, we like firm hugs when we are in distress, bite our nails or chew gum when we are anxious, and why babies suck dummies and fingers. All of these activities are using the proprioceptive system for calming. Deep pressure is also an essential part of child development. It is present for the entire period in utero and helps keep baby content in the womb. When the baby is born, they are no longer held within the tight cocoon of the womb space. Providing the same kind of pressure to their bodies helps them feel comforted and secure. It also helps to carry them over during sleep cycles, meaning they won’t need to wake up for comfort when moving from one sleep cycle to the next. Weighted blankets also provide what is called a ‘grounding effect’. They help children and adults to feel safe and secure at night, by helping them feel more grounded. There is also less chance of rolling over and the blanket slipping off, or your child kicking it off at night and then crying to be recovered. For toddlers and children, the extra weight when carrying the toy or blanket stimulates the proprioceptors, giving them more opportunity to learn about their body position in space. Heavy muscle work by carrying these items is also calming and organising. Weighted items also provide input to the tactile system-our sense of touch. While light, unexpected touch is alerting and can be irritating, deep, constant touch is calming and comforting. Children often need this constant deep touch to remain calm, and stay asleep. Weighted items can also be very effective within the school environment. Weighted lap pads are designed to be worn over the lap in class by the restless, fidgety or anxious child. The weight helps the child remain seated for longer periods, and can benefit concentration.

July 26, 2023

5 smart tips to soothe your teething baby

Most babies cut their first teeth between the ages of four and seven months. This is often a painful time for you little one, and a distressing time for parents too. Try these tried-and-tested tips to help soothe sore gums and give baby (and you) a little relief. 1. Utilise your ice tray Squeeze any leftover Squish 100% Fruit Puree into an ice tray and freeze. Next time baby is suffering from the teething blues, put an ice cube into a mesh feeder and let your little one gnaw and suck away. All Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree pouches come with a resealable lid, which means you can just use what you need then save the rest in the fridge for later. 2. Apply a little pressure Make sure your hands are clean, then use your fingertips to give your baby a gentle gum massage. It is a simple and effective way to soothe pain. 3. Serve a slushy Slushies can bring great relief for teething toddlers. Pop a whole Squish 100% Fruit or Fruit and Yogi Puree into the freezer– try Pear, Banana + Strawberry; Apple, Guava + Yoghurt; or Fruit Medley + Yoghurt. Once it is frozen, take it out and leave it to melt to a slushy consistency. Your little one will enjoy sucking straight from the pouch nozzle, with the icy mix providing sore-gum relief. This is great as an at-home soother and is super convenient if you’re out and about too. Squish 100% Fruit Purees are made from undiluted quality fruit and are free from preservatives, colourants and flavourants – plus they have no added cane sugar or starch. 4. Keep mopping Teething babies tend to drool a lot, and this can cause rashes and skin irritations. Make sure you always have a supply of cloths or wipes on hand so that you can keep their chin and neck as dry as possible. 5. Try a little white noise Teething often means sleepless nights – for you and your child. Experts say this is because there is nothing to distract your baby from the pain and suggest installing a white noise machine to help them drift off to sleep. • For more expert tips and recipes, click here

July 20, 2023

Pre-schooler: Dropping the nap or making bedtime later?

How do you feel when you have had a restless night or even worse, less hours sleep than your body needs to function the next day? During sleep, the brain sorts through and stores new information and even solves problems during sleep. Most children don’t get enough sleep and due to no naps from pre-school onwards the amount of sleep at night plays an integral part in your child’s development and overall function. Children aged 5 to 12 years old need 11-12 hours of sleep each night. Why is uninterrupted sleep so important? IT INFLUENCES MOOD AND BEHAVIOUR Irritability Exaggerated emotions Increased aggression Hyperactivity Behavioural problems IT INFLUENCES LEARNING Memory lapses Lack of concentration Impaired memory recall Compromised decision-making IT INFLUENCES YOUR HEALTH Reduced physical performance Slower recovery rate from illness Disrupts natural growth IT INFLUENCES OVERALL SLEEP Causes restless sleep Causes frequent wake ups at night Pre-school teachers are seeing a lot more of the above in their classrooms due to lack of sleep. “The children are lacking motivation to finish tasks.” “They are not concentrating, complain constantly and want to lie down.” “I struggle getting my children to behave when asked, they are irritable and somewhat aggressive. I can see when a child walks into my class in the morning the night was not long enough.” So, what is the solution? No screen time 2 hours before bedtime. The blue light that a screen emits, supresses melatonin (our sleepy hormone) so will not reach it’s optimal level and stay there throughout the night. A good bedtime routine. As a pre-schooler has no concept of time, the sequence of events leading up to bedtime is very important. Playtime before dinner to release the last bit of energy for the day, quiet play after dinner to unwind after a busy day, a warm bath (every night) releasing the melatonin naturally and a relaxed environment in the bedroom (low lighting, sing favourite song or read a story) Lights out no later than 19h00 Dropping to no nap during the day is a big milestone. In the world of today, children require rest to be able to manage the speed at which they need to develop, grow and learn, which can be overwhelming. Good sleep is therefore imperative and it is important that parents teach their children healthy sleep habits and a good sleep routine from an early age. Help your child to sleep better so that we can help them grow better. By Melissa Bierman – Good Night consultant

July 19, 2023

How does a child develop coordination?

Eye-hand coordination refers to the coordinated movement of the eyes and the hands and fingers in tasks like throwing and catching, threading beads, tracing and writing. Children who have immature eye hand coordination will have difficulty with coordinating their movements in response to what they are seeing. The following are only a few activities that can help you to develop your toddler’s eye-hand coordination: Posting – Posting activities include any game where something must be placed into a hole or slit. Threading – Such activities would be lacing beads onto a shoe lace. If you child is battling with the flexibility of the shoe lace, then get her to start off by threading beads onto a pipe cleaner. A pipe cleaner is a lot more rigid in the hand that a shoelace. Hammering – These allow your toddler to get rid of excess frustration as well as the opportunity to practice her eye-hand coordination. Hammer golf pegs into a piece of thick polystyrene. Batting/Hitting a target – Hang a ball suspended in a netlon bag from a tree and allow your toddler to push and catch it with her hands. Later introduce a bat to bat it with. Bubbles – Blow bubbles for your child to catch and clap in her hands. Excellent for strengthening those tiny muscles in the eyes. Eye Foot coordination refers to the coordinated movement of the eyes and the feet. Good eye foot coordination enables the child to control the direction in which she moves because she is able to use her feet and legs effectively. The following activities can help you to develop your toddler’s eye-foot coordination: Kicking – Kicking balls of different sizes will help to improve your toddler’s eye-foot coordination. Start with a big ball and eventually get her to kick a small ball. Stepping games – Let your child step or hop onto the bricks of the paving or stepping-stones in your garden. You can also use cushions for this activity inside the home. Skittles – knock down skittles by kicking a ball at them. If you don’t have skittles, then use some empty soda bottles. Bubbles – Blow bubbles for your child to stamp on as they fall to the ground.

July 11, 2023

Using Colour to Develop Emotional Intelligence in Kids  

As parents, we play a crucial role in helping our children navigate the complex world of emotions. One creative and engaging way to teach children about emotions is through the use of colours. Thomas & Friends new Colour Changing Engine Assortment has made it a little easier to introduce and explore a wide range of colours and emotions. Here are 5 practical ways you can quickly and easily teach your child about emotions using colours. Start with Primary Colours: Begin by introducing your child to the primary colours: red, blue, and yellow. Explain that each colour represents a different emotion. For example, red can signify anger, blue can represent sadness, and yellow can symbolize happiness. Mood Tracker Chart: Create a mood tracker chart together, with different coloured sections representing each day of the week. At the end of each day, have your child choose the colour that best matches their overall mood and ask them to explain why they feel that way. This activity will help them become more aware of their emotions and how they change over time. Art Therapy: Engage in art activities where your child can freely express their emotions using colours. Provide them with various art supplies and encourage them to create artwork that represents how they feel. Discuss the choice of colours and help them understand the connection between their emotions and the colours they use. Colourful Playtime: Incorporate colour-coded play activities into your child’s daily routine. For example, ask your child to find toys or objects of a specific colour that represents a particular emotion. This game will reinforce the connection between colours and emotions while making learning fun. Colourful Imagery: Print out or draw pictures depicting different emotions, using vibrant and expressive colours. Display them around your child’s room or play area. Encourage your child to point to the picture that best represents how they are feeling at any given moment. Teaching your child about emotions through colours is a creative and enjoyable way to help them understand and express their feelings. By incorporating these 5 ideas into your play or daily routine, you can stimulate emotional intelligence and provide your child with valuable tools to navigate their emotional landscape. Using fun and engaging toys like the Thomas & Friends Colour Change Engine Assortment is another way of turning it into a fun and engaging activity. Remember, the journey of emotional discovery is ongoing, and the use of colours will continue to be a helpful guide.

July 7, 2023

Choose Solo Play Dates for Your Kids

You might feel that setting up playdates for your kids is the right thing to do for their social development. However, you might also want to consider the benefits of solo playdates for your child. One of the biggest advantages of a solo playdate is that there is no overstaying your welcome. Your child can spend as much or as little time as they want, without feeling the pressure to keep up with others. This allows them to explore their own interests, and it can also help them develop a sense of independence and creativity. With solo playdates, Kids can engage in activities that they might not have time for during group play. This time can help boost their self-esteem and increase their ability to focus. Also, the days of cry ‘bye-bye’ from your little one, are behind you. When your child is playing alone, they don’t have to deal with the stress of saying goodbye to friends or dealing with separation anxiety. Solo playdates can also help children develop problem-solving skills. When left to their own devices, they have to figure out how to entertain themselves and develop creative solutions to challenges they may encounter during play. This type of independent thinking can be valuable later in life. These playdates can also promote mindfulness and self-awareness. When children are alone with their thoughts and feelings, they can learn to recognise and regulate their emotions. This can help them build resilience and develop a strong sense of self. They can also learn to appreciate the value of quiet time and solitude, which is an important skill in today’s fast-paced world. Snack time and nap time are also easy to manage during solo playdates. When your child is ready for a break, they can take one without interrupting anyone else’s playtime. They can snack and rest as they please, without having to worry about sharing or being too loud. To make solo playdates most enjoyable for your child, you can provide them with a perfect companion like the Fisher-Price Puppy and Sis product. This toy is a great source of entertainment, with over 75 songs, sounds, and phrases that will keep your child engaged for hours. They can bring the toy along on their solo playdate, making it even more exciting and fun as they laugh and learn. Benefits: Level 1 Explore: Baby can press Puppy’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’s ready to play pretend with fun sing-along songs and phrases that engage toddlers in exciting and imaginative play, all while expanding their vocabulary Specifications: Dimensions: (H)33cm x (L)27.50cm x (W)15.50cm Weight: 0.62kg Suitable for children ages 6 months and older Warranty: 6 months What’s in the box 1 x Plush Puppy

July 4, 2023

Are you struggling with a teething baby?

It’s 3 ‘o clock in the morning and your baby just won’t settle down. She’s been crying non-stop for the last couple of hours and after checking that’s she’s dry, fed and not in any way uncomfortable, you still can’t figure out what’s wrong with her. Surely it can’t be that she’s teething? She’s still so tiny! But yes, it’s possible – teething can begin as early as three months and continue until a child’s third birthday. Between the ages of four and seven months, you’ll notice your baby’s first tooth pushing through the gum line. The first teeth to appear usually are the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. Four to eight weeks later the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors), appear and about a month later, the lower lateral incisors (the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth) will appear. In some rare cases, babies are born with one or two teeth or have a tooth emerge within the first few weeks of life. Unless these teeth interfere with feeding or are loose enough (as they sometimes are) to pose a choking risk, this should not be cause for concern. As your baby begins teething, she might drool more and you’ll notice that she wants to chew on things. Fortunately for mom, some babies find teething completely painless and their teeth seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere! However, others may experience brief periods of irritability, and some may seem cranky for weeks, with bouts of “unexplained” crying and disrupted sleeping and eating patterns. And you guessed it – that’s when you find yourself at 3 o’clock in the morning trying to calm a crying baby! For the most part, teething can be uncomfortable, but if your baby seems very irritable, talk to your doctor. Although tender and swollen gums could cause your baby’s temperature to be a little higher than normal, teething doesn’t usually cause high fever or diarrhoea. If your baby does develop a fever during the teething phase, it’s probably due to something else and you should contact your doctor. It has been said that teething symptoms are signs of physical stress which can lower your baby’s resistance to infectious agents that under normal circumstances would not produce illness. The same germs that live in a baby’s intestines and cause no ill effects, at other times could produce ear-aches, congestion, or other low-grade infections when your baby is teething. As parents look more towards natural healing, we have found Baltic Amber, which is a fossilised resin, can provide relief. There are many gum soothing medications and remedies on the market and you should consult your pharmacist, local clinic or paediatrician to find a solution that best suits your baby’s needs. Stages of teething : 6 to 7 months – Incisors (situated 2 central bottom & 2 central top teeth) 7 to 9 months- Two more incisors (situated top & bottom; making four top & four bottom teeth in all) 10 to 14 months – First molars (double teeth for chewing) 15 to 18 months – Canines (pointed teeth or fangs) 2 to 3 years – Second molars (second set of double teeth at the back)

June 29, 2023

NIGHT TERRORS

Most parents will be woken at least once in their child’s life, to their little one screaming and crying from having a bad dream. Nightmares are especially prevalent in children who are between two and three years of age, as their imagination runs wild. Children want to be comforted during this time and even though it might take them a bit of time to let go of the scary thoughts and fall back asleep they will be comforted by the presence of a parent.

June 28, 2023

WHY ARE TOYS AND PLAY IMPORTANT?

Many parents fear that giving toys to their children is spoiling them but it has been proven many times that play contributes directly to a child’s education and development. The important thing is to give them the right toys that stimulate and prolong play and learning. If children are to discover what they are good at, what they like, and what they are like, then they will need variety in their play, and a broad assortment of toys to make it possible. Fun Fact #1: In one study the availability of toys in infancy was related to the child’s IQ at 3 years of age Fine Motor Skills / Hand Eye Coordination: Lacing Beading Puzzles Arts and crafts Large Motor Skills (fitness & balance) Pool toys Balls/outside games Gardening sets Baking sets Language Skills: Talking toys Sound puzzles Matching words and object games Books, activity books Fun Fact #2: A review of more than 40 studies concludes that play enhances early development by at least 33% Cognitive Skills (thinking through problems): Sorting, sequencing, counting , memory, puzzling games Bead mazes Stacking toys Puzzles Construction sets Imagination Skills (pretend play) Dress up Finger puppets Props (kitchens, trolleys, dolls) Artistic Skills (arts and crafts) Drawing Painting Sand art Art and craft activities Emotional Skills Group play Stickers Dolls Dress up sets Books Auditory Skills: Musical instruments Sound enhanced puzzles Listening games Co-operative games Fun Fact #3: Children play longer and learn more when a wide variety of toys are available

June 28, 2023

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S TEMPERAMENT

Temperament is defined as an individual’s behavioural style and characteristic way of responding. Therefore, it is how the child, adolescent or adult usually acts and consists of a variety of traits. Parents all over the world will have noticed that, if they have several children, each child is “different”. The differences are usually attributed to the child’s temperament (which some people also refer to as their “personality”). Researchers have paid particular attention to babies where they have noticed that some infants are born with certain characteristics, for instance, some babies are more active and constantly move their little bodies, whilst others are tranquil and yet others explore their environment at great length. In addition, some babies respond warmly to people whilst others fret and fuss. In essence, the suggestion is that individuals are born with a certain temperament which stays relatively the same throughout their lives. Psychiatrists, Stella Thomas and Alexander Chess, believe that there are three basic clusters of temperament namely “easy”, “difficult” and “slow to warm up”. An “easy” baby is generally in a positive mood, establishes regular routines and adapts easily to new experiences. A “difficult” baby has a predisposition to react negatively and cries frequently. Routines that are supposed to be consistent are irregular and the “difficult” baby usually accepts new experiences gradually. A “slow-to-warm up” baby has a low activity level and can be somewhat negative. Low intensity of mood is also common and their ability to adapt is lowered. Various dimensions make up these three basic clusters of temperament namely: Activity level (the degree of energy and/or movement for example, the difference between a child who is constantly on the go, fidgets and squirms in comparison to the child who is able to sit for long periods of time without complaining). Approach or Withdrawal (how new people are approached and situations are managed for example, whether a child is eager to try new things and make new friends or is there a tendency for the child to be cautions and taking their time to warm up to new people). Adaptability to change (the ease to which the child tolerates changes to routines, in other words is the child flexible with the ability to “go with the flow” and is not bothered by changes to his/her routines in comparison to the child who thrives on routine and who would be likely to get distressed when there are changes to his/her routines). Predominant quality of mood (the degree to which the child’s moods and general disposition are either positive or negative, namely are they optimists or pessimists. The child with the positive mood is likely to laugh and smile more readily and easily than the child with the negative mood who is more is likely to cry, whine and complain). Distractibility/Attention Span/Persistence (the degree to which a child can be distracted, for example, is the child easily distracted by many things in his/her environment or is the child able to focus. Persistence implies whether a child perseveres with a task or has a tendency to give up easily). Rhythmicity (the regularity of eating, sleeping etc., therefore does the child have a biological rhythm that is regular and predictable or not). Sensitivity to stimuli (the degree to which a child is sensitive or not. For example is the child sensitive to noise, bright lights, clothing labels and so forth or is he/she able to easily ignore external stimuli). Intensity (the degree to which mood is expressed when happy, unhappy etc. Some children display their emotions without hesitation in other words everybody will know that the child is sad or happy and they will have no difficulty crying in-front of the whole class whilst other children are thoughtful and mild and tend to keep their feelings “inside”). Thomas and Chess further believe that temperament is a stable characteristic of newborns that comes to be shaped and modified by the child’s later experiences in later life. Why is important to take cognisance of children’s temperament? When you take your child to a child psychologist they will probably ask you ‘how your child is like’, in other words what their temperament is. This has a variety of implications for play therapy and parental guidance. The child psychologist will usually work with what suits the individual child and help him or her with the coping resources which will be the most effective for his/her temperament. The child psychologist also works with the parents’ temperament in order to facilitate discipline difficulties etc. Thus, a child who for example falls in the category of expressing their emotions intensely like crying hysterically over something perceived to be relatively small will have different needs to the child who is anxious when meeting new people. How parents and other caregivers react to the aforementioned scenarios will also have implications for the child. In addition, being cognisant of a child’s temperament is also very important when they have to undergo an educational or developmental assessment by a psychologist. Children for example, who are naturally busy (the level of activity) and are very curious (distractibility/attention span) are sometimes diagnosed as having a disorder such as ADD/ADHD when in fact those characteristics are merely part of their temperament. If parents are aware of their child’s temperament they can provide activities that work with their child’s temperament which they will enjoy. A child can also be disciplined in ways that “fit” his/her nature. It is also important for teachers and other caregivers to understand a child’s temperament so that their learning is facilitated by what suits them. Temperament affects all aspects of a child’s life such as how they learn, how they play and how they interact with others and should never be overlooked.

June 27, 2023

POTTY TRAINING: WHERE TO START

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, reminds parents potty training requires patience, persistence, and a positive attitude. Establishing a routine is essential, such as offering praise and encouragement and remembering that accidents will happen. Taking a calm and consistent approach can help your child successfully transition out of nappies and onto the potty. “Embarking on potty training is a significant milestone for parents and children. It signals a new stage in a child’s development and can be an enjoyable (although occasionally messy) journey. However, with a plethora of information on the subject, it can be daunting to know where to begin,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Affinity Health explores some fun and informative tips for potty training. Timing Is Key The ideal time to start potty training is between 12 and 18 months. Most children are ready to start learning about the potty at this age, and their bladder and bowel control is developing. “Pay attention to your child’s cues and not force them into potty training before they are ready. By waiting until your child is developmentally ready, you can set them up for a more successful and stress-free potty-training experience,” adds Hewlett. Get The Right Equipment A child-sized potty chair, step stool, flushable wipes, and training pants are all essential for potty training. Let your child pick out their potty chair to make it more fun and exciting. Read Potty Training Books Many great children’s books are available to help prepare your child for potty training. Read books about going to the potty and talk to your child about what they see and hear. Encourage And Praise When your child successfully uses the potty, be sure to give lots of praise and encouragement. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your child feel confident and motivated. Be Patient Potty training can be frustrating and messy, so it’s essential to be patient and understanding with your child. Accidents will happen, and it’s crucial not to get upset or angry when they do. Set A Routine Establishing a routine can help your child get into the habit of using the potty. Try having them sit on the potty regularly, such as after meals or before naps. Use Rewards Rewards can be a great way to motivate your child to use the potty. Try using a sticker chart or offering small rewards, such as a special treat or extra playtime. Overcoming Common Potty-Training Challenges Potty training can be a challenging time for both parents and children alike. Here are some common challenges parents may face during the potty-training process: Resistance: Some children may resist using the potty because they are comfortable with their current routine or are afraid of the potty. Accidents: Accidents are common during potty training and can be frustrating for parents and children alike. It’s important to stay calm and not get upset or angry when accidents happen. Regression: Sometimes, children who have been successfully potty trained may experience regression and start having accidents again. This can be frustrating for parents and may require retraining. Fear: Some children may fear the sound of the toilet flushing or the sensation of falling into the toilet. This fear can make it difficult for them to use the potty. Inconsistency: If parents are not consistent with their approach to potty training, it can confuse the child and make the process longer and more challenging. Night-time training: Night-time training can be more difficult than daytime training, as children may not be able to hold their bladder for extended periods while they sleep. Outside of home: Potty training can be more challenging outside of the home, as children may be hesitant to use unfamiliar bathrooms or public restrooms. In conclusion, potty training can be a fun and exciting adventure for both children and parents. By following these tips and taking a patient and positive approach, you can help your child achieve this important milestone and set them on the path to success. So, grab a potty chair and let’s get started! About Affinity Junior At Affinity Health, we know that the growth and development of your child is of utmost importance. With Affinity Junior, you can get Day-to-Day and Hospital cover for your children. Affinity Junior provides affordable healthcare for your children – keeping the most important people in your life healthy and happy! Affinity Junior will provide your children with unlimited, managed doctor consultations, medication, and hospitalisation, depending on the chosen plan. The unique feature of the Affinity Junior plan is that the policy insures only your children. For more on Affinity Junior, click here. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

June 26, 2023

WHY CRASH COURSES ON BABY SLEEP DON’T WORK

I have been assisting families with implementing sleep plans for many years and as it so happens that I am assisting the same families again with their second or third children. Often, the question comes up: “Why does the same plan of my first child not work with the other children? There is truth when I say: “Every child is different!”

June 23, 2023

The power of music to fuel imagination

“Logic will get you from A to Z … Imagination will get you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein We all know from experience that music touches our emotions. Listening to a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace” can leave us feeling nostalgic or melancholic; whereas listening to the “Imperial Stormtroopers March” from the Star Wars movies can suddenly make us want to enrol as a Jedi, and head into space! This emotional response can also affect our energy levels. For example, if you’re wanting to jog faster, you might listen to a more up-beat song. Wanting to boost your mood? You might pop on a dance song that reminds you of a fun experience in your past. Wanting to calm an unsettled baby? You might pop on some soothing instrumental music while you cuddle and reassure him / her. Emotions and imagination If music has such a profound effect on our moods and emotions, perhaps that is why it can be so effective in stimulating our imaginations. Author and Editor, Amy Fries thinks so! She’s written a book called “Daydreams at Work: Wake Up Your Creative Powers” where she talks about the power of music to activate our imaginations and spark creativity. She says, “Some people have auditory daydreams. In other words, instead of primarily visualizing a scene or creation, they hear the “sounds of music.” Apparently, both Mozart and Tchaikovsky wrote about how they would “hear” compositions as they took long walks or rides in the countryside. This is absolutely fascinating … but also makes a lot of sense. Imagine if we could harness the power of music to help children to stimulate their imaginations and ultimately their creativity! Imagine … Wriggle and Rhyme! Working with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, we harness the power of the imagination in our music programmes. In fact, our programmes have been intentionally designed to use music as a catalyst for imagination. For example, in our RHYMERS (18 months – 3 years) programme this term, the children are enjoying a musical adventure in a garden. They’re enjoying the sights, sounds and textures of a garden. They’re also meeting a bunch of little creatures that they’ll find in the grass, trees and flowers. While on this adventure, they’re building their own imaginary world, which they can then access during their own free play time. Parents often tell us that after class, the children do just that! Wriggle and Rhyme prompts free, imaginary play at home! Our 3-4 year old pre-schoolers are enjoying a musical adventure to the Kruger National Park to meet the Big Five. Once again, we create an imaginary world for them to explore, always using music as the catalyst. With children increasingly in front of screens, never before has the power of imagination been more important. We believe that as children grow and develop, we need to create: More spaces for them to grow their imaginations. More spaces for them to express themselves emotionally and creatively. More spaces for them to ultimately expand their horizons … into worlds that they can only imagine! Musical resources Wriggle and Rhyme has a range of musical stories which you can access on your favourite streaming service (Apple music, Spotify, iTunes, etc.) or take a look at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za/our-music . We also have fun, musical episodes on our YOUTUBE channel “Wriggle & Rhyme SA”. Our baby and toddler music classes are available in Cape Town – RONDEBOSCH, CLAREMONT, MELKBOSSTRAND and MEADOWRIDGE. Our pre-school music classes take place at partner pre-schools across the Mother City. Find us at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za or on Facebook and Instagram @wrigglerhyme #wrigglerhyme

June 22, 2023

Playful ways to express emotions

“Emotions are important and can determine the kind of behaviour your child displays,” advises play therapist and Clamber Club Expert Anna Rodrigues. “A young child does not have the language to tell what he is feeling so his feelings come out in his behavior,” she adds. A child who feels angry for example could be defiant; a child who feels sad may cry continuously and a happy, content child may smile often and be compliant. A child who knows that there are many different emotions can name them and has a greater ability to be in control of those emotions. How can you help your child show his emotions? Start by looking at ways to help your child recognize his different emotions. “The first four emotions your child should recognise as a toddler is the happy face, the sad face, the angry face and the scared face,” says Anna. As you page through a magazine with your child or read him a story at night, point out the emotions the characters may be experiencing. As your child becomes familiar with those emotions highlight other emotions such as the excited teddy, the frustrated little boy or the nervous horse. Secondly, allow your child to experience these emotions through play. Children love to pretend and to fantasize. So, let your child pretend to be a mad dinosaur or a scared bird. Notice the expression on your child’s face as he plays out these emotions. There are also many negative emotions that your child may feel, he may feel annoyed, upset, confused, scared, angry or disillusioned. “These are all normal to experience, but when he starts to act out and misbehave or internalise these hard feelings it is important to help him to release these emotions in a playful manner,” advises Rodrigues. How high is your PQ when it comes to your child? There is so much importance placed on the child’s IQ and EQ, however we should add PQ – playful quotation, to this group. Here are our top playful activities to do with your child to help him release negative energy or negative feelings:

June 22, 2023

The Great Eye-Hand Link; The Importance of Eye-Hand Coordination for Children

Eye-hand coordination, also known as hand-eye coordination, refers to the smooth, controlled and coordinated movements of the hand and eye together in order to reach a specific goal. While this may appear to be a fairly simple process to an observer, it is in fact an immensely complicated process that is dependent on your eyes ability to see, your brains ability to process, interpret and understand what is being seen by the eye and then based on that information plan and execute a smooth, coordinated, appropriate motor response. In the case of eye-hand coordination, the motor response relates to the use of the hands in order to achieve a particular objective. Fine motor control refers to the ability of small groups of muscles found in the hands, fingers and eyes working together in a coordinated manner. Good fine motor skills develop from good gross motor skills in children. This means that providing a young child with opportunities to move the large muscle groups in their bodies through engaging in activities such as climbing, jumping, running and crawling develops body awareness. This in turn enables the child to better understand where their bodies are in relation to their environment and other objects. This understanding of their bodies in terms of large movements will then also translate in to an understanding of their bodies in terms of small movements or fine motor skills should the child be provided with sufficient gross motor input. Kelly Westerman, Clamber Club franchisee and Occupational Therapist says, “It is very important to understand that our child’s eye-hand coordination is intimately linked to their fine motor control and both the importance of the eyes and the hands must be understood and acknowledged as being key role players in eye-hand coordination.” The role of the eyes is to see, follow moving objects, focus near and far, judge distances, observe details of objects and importantly, navigate the movement of the hands. The role of the hands is to feel textures, shapes, temperatures and weight. The hand will hold and manipulate objects, push and pull, catch and throw, clap, rub, grip, squeeze and point. All of which might be meaningless without the guidance of the eyes; thereby creating the eye-hand coordination. “If we consider how many of the things we do on a daily basis require the use of our eyes and hands, we realise how important it is that this process works effectively and efficiently,” adds Westerman. Fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination begin to develop from the time a child is born. An infant tracking a moving object with their eyes and then attempting to swipe at it, reaching for objects and moving those objects to their mouths as well as grasping and releasing objects are all the early activities that develop these skills. As the child gets older good eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills contributes to a child’s ability to learn essential self-care skills such as dressing and undressing, brushing their teeth and feeding themselves. In the school-going child, proficiency in these skills results in improved classroom performance as these skills are involved with a learner’s ability to write, cut, copy work from a board and read. “In light of the importance of eye-hand coordination, parents should ensure that they create opportunities for their children to learn and master these skills form as early as possible,” comments Occupational Therapist and founder of Clamber Club, Liz Senior. “We aim to provide children with comprehensive eye-hand coordination experiences in our classes, using equipment that is beneficial, and at the same time fun, while promoting the skills required to get their hands, fingers and eyes working together in a coordinated manner.” Clamber Club has put together these top activities and games that can help your baby develop their eye-hand coordination: Encourage your baby to follow moving objects or person with their eyes Provide opportunities for your little one to reach and grasp at objects Give your baby a variety of objects to hold so that they can practice difference grips and grasps. Watch as your little one transfers objects from one hand to another. This is a very important skill that they learn, so parents should watch out for it! Your baby will also play with their hands. This is a wonderful way for them to learn more about their hands, so make sure that there are times when their hands are free of objects and they can explore with their hands at their midlines Do not discourage your little one from bringing objects to their mouths; this is an important skill and by mouthing objects your little one learns about certain features of that object Provide opportunities for your little one to explore objects with their eyes. This can be done through suspending objects from frames that your baby lies under

June 20, 2023

Tips on raising a bilingual child

Knowing how to speak more than one language is a wonderful gift – particularly when living in such a diverse country like South Africa! But how should you go about doing this? Well here are some tips on raising a bilingual child from Clamber Club Expert and Speech and Language Therapist, Savannah Senior: Start early. Children can pick up and absorb languages astonishingly fast. Before the ages of 3-4 years old is the best time to teach your child a new language. The earlier, the better!! Research shows that if we are not exposed to certain sounds early on, it becomes much harder to hear and pronounce them. Don’t mix languages i.e. use only one language at a time. Languages all have their own special characteristics – their own grammar, sounds, pronunciations and structure. When we mix languages, we mix all these characteristics and it will make it more difficult for your child to distinguish between them and learn them. Natural environments are best. You don’t need to use classroom-style teaching to learn a new language. The best way to teach your child a second, third or even fourth language is to use it in your everyday activities and play. Research has shown that children pick up languages faster in this way. Fluency is key. Your child will only really master a language when they are exposed to someone who speaks fluently, on a regular basis. Sometimes they will mess up! It is expected to sometimes confuse vocabulary or word order when learning multiple languages. Remember to not make this into a deal and to remind them it is okay to make mistakes. You can also repeat the phrase or sentence back to your child so they learn the correct vocabulary and word order. So, let’s get chatting! Bye bye; Totsiens; Uhambe Kahle; Sala hantle; Famba Kahle; Au Revoir; Auf Wiedersehen; Tchau Tchau; Ciao Ciao………

June 19, 2023

How to Stimulate your child’s Creativity & Fine Motor Skills

The Build and Tumble Table is an exciting new toy from MEGA that offers a unique and innovative way for children to engage in block-building fun. Little builders can get creative when they build on the table. Then, they can press the buttons to activate the tumble features, knocking down their creations. Designed for kids aged 1 to 5, this table is perfect for parents who want to share in the joys of building with their little ones. The MEGA Build and Tumble Table is Ideal for little hands, these blocks are easy to grip and easy to stack, helping to develop fine motor skills, creativity and imagination. Made with high-quality materials that are built to last, ensuring that it can withstand even the most energetic and enthusiastic builders, the Build and Tumble Table has a bright and colourful design, sure to capture the attention of young children, encouraging them to engage with the toy and explore their imaginations. Developing Fine Motor Skills The MEGA Build and Tumble Table is an excellent tool for developing fine motor skills in young children. By manipulating and placing the blocks on the table, children are able to develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, which are essential skills for their overall growth and development. Exploration of Critical Thinking In addition to developing fine motor skills, the Build and Tumble Table also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving in young children. By providing them with a variety of different shapes and sizes of blocks, children are able to explore different ways of combining and arranging them, developing their spatial awareness and critical thinking skills. Boosting Imagination and Stimulating Creativity Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of the MEGA Build and Tumble Table is its ability to stimulate creativity and imagination in young children. With its endless possibilities for building and exploring, children are able to let their imaginations run wild and create a wide range of different structures and designs. By allowing children to experiment with different colors, shapes, and sizes of blocks, the MEGA Build and Tumble Table encourages them to think outside the box and explore new and exciting ways of building and creating. This then helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem, allowing them to feel proud of their creations and eager to continue exploring and building. The Build and Tumble Table from MEGA is an excellent tool for parents who want to engage in block-building fun with their children while helping them to develop critical skills and is available at leading retailers nation-wide.

June 15, 2023

Five Ways to Encourage your Child’s Social Skills

Most parents agree that they want their children to reach their full potential – whatever that may be. They won’t enjoy and celebrate a child any less if it turns out that his fullest potential doesn’t involve straight A’s and being hugely successful in the sports arena. In fact, most of us will be more than pleased to see our little ones grow up to be truly happy and successful in their own unique way. As long as they live their best life – everything else is a bonus. However, ask any adult about their happiness level and whether they think they are living meaningful lives and you will soon realise that “living your best life” is not as easy as it sounds. It’s so difficult, in fact, that any practical advice to parents about things that can be done during the early years to increase a child’s chances to be happy and content as an adult one day is extremely valuable. In this post we’ll be looking at what research teaches us about cultivating social skills in our children. It is, after all, impossible for a person to be happy and successful without being able to get along with people. Here are five things that parents can do to help lay a solid foundation with regards to social skills. 1. Talk about thoughts and emotions. Studies show that children, whose parents often talk about what they and their children are thinking and feeling, are more popular, more comfortable in social situations and better able to cope with anger and disappointment. [1] 2. Deliberately work on having a sunny outlook on life. Children with the most developed preschool social skills are the ones who experience more positive emotions at home. It’s not necessary or even realistic to be constantly happy, but practice a “can-do” attitude towards setbacks and frustrations. Researchers say children suffer when parents – and particularly mothers – tend to give in to anger or despair when things don’t go according to plan. The more often children see their mothers display negative emotions, the less likely they are to view their mothers as people who can comfort them and give them advice. [2] 3. Create special opportunities for “pretend play” and join in the action every now and then. One of the most important ways in which children develop friendships during the pre-school years is by playing pretend games together. Researchers have found that children who pretend together are less likely than other children to quarrel or have communication problems. They also develop self-control and the ability to “put themselves in somebody else’s shoes”. [3] Parents who play along from time to time are doing their children a huge favour. Children are found to play for longer and at a higher level when parents encourage them. But, remember to keep the experience upbeat and don’t take over; allow your little one to take the lead. 4. Use words wisely when you discipline your child. Peggy O’Mara said, “The way we speak to our children becomes their inner voice”. What’s more, research shows that children, whose parents take the time to explain rules and discuss consequences of bad behaviour, are popular amongst their peers and they have more self-control and less conflict with peers. [4] 5. Be sensitive to your child’s emotions. One study, done by Suzanne Denham in 1997, asked children to say what they think their parents would do when they experience strong emotions in various situations, for instance when they wake up from a bad dream. The very same children who reported that their parents would comfort them and not ignore their emotions or get angry were the ones who were pointed out by teachers to be more socially skilled when they are with their friends. These children were also better able to relate to other children’s feelings and they were generally more cooperative. [5] What much of the research boils down to is that positive parental involvement is very important to their children’s social development. What’s more, discussing thoughts and emotions, whether positive or negative, helps our children to understand their own thinking and feelings, and therefore other people’s, so much better. This article is written by: The Practica Programme is a comprehensive research- and play-based home programme. This unique system has stood the test of time since 1993, and it comprises of a wooden box with specialized apparatus, parents’ guides, an advisory service and educational newsletters. From birth to 23 months of age, parents choose from a balanced selection of more than 1000 activities to develop the 14 fundamental skills age-appropriately. For children between 2 and 7 years, the 50 school readiness skills are divided into 6 groups and tackled systematically, year by year, with 10- to 20-minute games that can be adapted to a child’s level of functioning. References: Tompkins, V., Benigno, J.P., Lee, B.K., Wright, B.M. (2018). The relation between parents’ mental state talk and children’s social understanding: A meta-analysis. Social Development, 27(2), 223-246. Valiente, C., Fabes, R. A., Eisenberg, N., & Spinrad, T. L. (2004). The relations of parental expressivity and support to children’s coping with daily stress. Journal of Family Psychology : JFP : journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43), 18(1), 97–106. Goldstein, T. R., & Lerner, M. D. (2018). Dramatic pretend play games uniquely improve emotional control in young children. Developmental science, 21(4). Moreno-Ruiz, D., Estévez, E., Jiménez, T. I., & Murgui, S. (2018). Parenting Style and Reactive and Proactive Adolescent Violence: Evidence from Spain. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(12), 2634. Denham, S. (2010). “When I have a bad dream, Mommy holds me.” Preschoolers’ conceptions of emotions, parental socialisation, and emotional competence. International Journal of Behavioral Development, Feb. 301-319.

June 14, 2023

Three Reasons to Start Manners Early

Many parents wonder why they should teach their children ‘respectful’ behaviour before the age of 7-8, which is when they really only start to understand the concept of ‘respect’. For example, why force a two-year-old, who is at a very difficult stage socially, to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when they don’t understand the words? Is that not being unreasonable? Surely, children who grow up in an environment where other people are being considerate to them will eventually choose to turn into considerate human beings – when they are good and ready to do so? It’s a case of which came first, the chicken or the egg? In other words, does a child have to understand respect in order to behave respectfully? Well, in our research we have found three important reasons to strive to teach our children to be as well-mannered as is reasonably possible from early on. Firstly, acting respectfully leads to being respectful; secondly, good manners help pave the way to a higher EQ; and thirdly, manners teach self-control which leads to success. 1. Acting respectfully leads to being respectful Parents who put manners on the back burner until their child is old enough to develop his own convictions about the matter, usually find themselves in a rather precarious situation. The reality of the situation is that it becomes difficult for the parents and others in their child’s life to act as if their child is a blessing and a joy to be around if he’s running around like a self-centered mini-dictator … no matter how understanding they try to be. On the other hand, approving smiles, appreciative looks, and positive comments from parents and other people can have an almost miraculously positive impact on a child’s developing self-concept. It therefore makes sense to teach a child to be pleasant and courteous to people, even if he doesn’t really yet understand the concept underlying this behaviour. Then, by the time a child is old enough to truly understand what respect means, he will be used to thinking of himself as a ‘nice boy’. Then, acting in a way that is contrary to this will be unthinkable to him. 2. Good manners help pave the way to a higher EQ Just like a child can be born with an amazing aptitude of music or sport, which may never be realised due to lack of opportunities, a child can also be born with the potential to develop a high emotional intelligence (EQ) and never reach this potential due to lack of guidance. One of the most important components of EQ is a person’s ability to effectively ‘read’ what other people are feeling and respond accordingly. Since having good manners is in essence about being sensitive to the needs and feelings of other people, teaching manners is a wonderfully practical way to help your child develop his emotional intelligence. 3. Manners teach self-control which leads to success Dr Walter Mischel, a psychologist specialising in personality theory and social psychology, led a study between 1968 and 1974 at Stanford University that involved more than 600 children, who were on average 4½ years old. Each child was filmed as he or she was left alone in a room with a one-way-mirror for 15 minutes … with a marshmallow on a plate in front of them. Before leaving the room ‘to run an errand’, the doctor explained that the child was allowed to eat it, but if they could wait for him to return, they would be rewarded with a second marshmallow. Only one-third of the children were able to wait for his return and the reward of an extra marshmallow. Those who demonstrated the greatest capacity to wait ended up, in subsequent years, with better outcomes. Follow-up studies revealed that these children scored higher in achievement tests and were more likely to finish college. They also dealt with stress better, were more popular with their peers and less likely to develop substance abuse problems. In light of this, it is critically important for a child to develop the ability to delay gratification and control his impulses during the early years. Instead of leaving it up to our children to figure out for themselves how they should behave, parents should be present to direct and influence their child’s behaviour from early on. Self-discipline doesn’t spring up overnight, so we need to start early. Our expectations will naturally change as our children grow older, but the basics stay the same: consistently say ‘no’ to your child when he does something undesirable or oversteps boundaries, encourage him to try again when he is frustrated by a challenging task and remind him to mind his manners in various situations. This article is written by: The Practica Programme is a comprehensive research- and play-based home programme. This unique system has stood the test of time since 1993, and it comprises of a wooden box with specialized apparatus, parents’ guides, an advisory service and educational newsletters. From birth to 23 months of age, parents choose from a balanced selection of more than 1000 activities to develop the 14 fundamental skills age-appropriately. For children between 2 and 7 years, the 50 school readiness skills are divided into 6 groups and tackled systematically, year by year, with 10- to 20-minute games that can be adapted to a child’s level of functioning.

June 12, 2023

THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR PLAY FOR YOUR TODDLER

We are very lucky in South Africa with the climate that we have. Our children play outdoors much more than most European countries. Whatever the weather though, think of your garden or any outdoor space as Natures Classroom. Every sense and area of learning can be stimulated just by being outside. It is important to create an understanding of the environment from an early age, and the reasons why we need to preserve our world. In this natural wonderland, your baby benefits in many ways: Health Being outdoors means your child is exposed to sunlight and fresh air, both of which have health benefits. The extra space outdoors also means your baby can get moving. Crawling, standing, walking, running, climbing – any age can enjoy moving and it will feel like play rather than exercise. Sensory development Every sense is stimulated in the garden: Place your baby on the grass to feel the texture Crush leaves in autumn Play in puddles and squish the mud between the toes Place your baby on a blanket under a tree and enjoy the watching the leaves moving and the effect it has on light, Feel the temperature in the air, Listen for bugs or birds Smell the earth. The garden stimulates the seeking instinct in toddlers and they will explore and discover things as they go. Every season has something different to offer. Physical development By exploring the garden your baby will develop his gross motor skills as he gets his body moving. Add a ball, bike, trampoline for added enjoyment and movement. Digging in the soil, picking up stones, leaves or worms help to develop fine motor skills. Responsibility Being outdoors means your child is exposed to choices and dangers they will not experience playing indoors. They learn what to avoid, where it is safe to go and dressing appropriately for the weather. Help your baby to learn that the garden is a safe place but that caution is needed. Memory and Success You may find your baby always crawls towards a certain patch in the garden that he likes or you toddler will want to play the same games over and over again. Encourage this use of early memory. Plant flowers, seeds, bulbs and vegetables in your garden and encourage your tot to participate in looking after them and watching how they change every week. There is nothing like seeing the face of a toddler who makes the connection that the bulb he planted in the autumn is the daffodil he sees in spring, or picking the tomatoes from your garden and using them in your salads. What a great success.

June 7, 2023

Your Guide To Hiring a Nanny Through an Agency

Hiring a nanny is a big deal with many factors to consider. A key decision is whether to hire a nanny through an agency or on your own. Not hiring an agency means you’ll have to do all the legwork yourself which can be time-consuming and difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Using an agency can be a great way to find a nanny who meets your specific needs. The process of hiring a nanny through an agency can be a little bit daunting; However it’s worth it to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re hiring a qualified and experienced nanny who has been vetted by an experienced agency. Agencies can also provide support after the nanny is hired, such as addressing any concerns or replacing the nanny if things go wrong. Common Nanny Types Live-in nannies live with the family they work for full time. They are typically available 24/7 and can provide a high level of care for children. Live-out nannies do not live with the family they work for full time. They work a set number of hours per week and are not available overnight. Part-time nannies provide their services occasionally. Night nannies only work overnight to care for children. They can help with night feedings or diaper changes. Special skills nannies have skills or qualifications such as CPR training, first aid training, or experience with children with special needs Choosing the Right Nanny When choosing a nanny, it is important to consider your family’s needs and preferences such as: The age of your children. You may need a nanny with experience caring for infants or toddlers. Your family’s schedule. You may need a nanny who is available to work long hours or who can work nights or weekends. Your budget. The cost of nannies can vary depending on their experience, qualifications, and the number of hours they work. Your family’s values. You may want to choose a nanny who shares your religious beliefs. Interviews The aim of an interview is to ensure that the candidate is a good fit for your family. Interviews can take place telephonically, face-face or as a trial day. Be sure to ask questions about their experience, qualifications, childcare philosophy and availability. Using the Find Your Nanny Agency FindYourNanny is a South African agency that has helped over 3000 families find their dream nannies. The FindYourNanny hiring process is simple and straightforward: Go to www.findyournanny.co.za and select a nanny type and placement package to suit your needs. Complete the online registration form and pay the once off registration fees. FindYourNanny will send you candidate profiles including experience and references. Select candidates to interview. Make an offer to the nanny you want to hire. Pay the placement fee for your chosen package. Onboard your nanny and provide them with information about your family, your expectations, and your house rules. You can contact FindYourNanny on [email protected].

June 6, 2023

Tips for Mums & Dads When Transitioning from 1 Child to 2

Giving birth to your firstborn child sees you worrying about how and what to do right as you find your feet and transition into first-time parent mode. Welcoming your second child into your new family, you will be backed by prior experience to support you in your new role as family ‘multi-tasker’ as you embrace managing the love, care, feeding, soothing, and sleeping of 2 under 2! Welcoming in a second child will be different for every family. Each child is born distinctive from their sibling and your role as mother or father becomes a balancing act which may take time to adjust to. What is true for all second-time parents is that with increased time pressures, there are higher stress levels mothering two children who need round the clock care. Now, instead of taking naps alongside your newborn you will be spending precious time with your toddler. Happily, in the changing world around us, traditional gender roles are evolving as Dads help more around the home and do a lot to ease motherhood for mum’s post the birthing process. Partners may bring their boardroom logic into crises managing a moment with quick thinking and the most direct solution when your toddler and baby are both demanding – at full volume – to be fed! Parenting routines and caring for your kids may come first, and taking time for things other than motherhood at this challenging stage can seem unrealistic but like a diamond is pressured into pure sparkling beauty, it is also an opportunity for you as new mums and dads to set routines, prep meals, and delegate responsibilities with the right tools on hand so you can still carve out space in the day to connect with your partner or spouse, take a restorative five minute walk around the block, or journal in your diary. Philips Avent South Africa share some life tips and home hacks to grounding your new family in a harmonious home routine and setting the perfect scene for both your tiny tykes to grow and thrive: #1 Home Coming & Family introductions: Even kids as young as 18 months to 2 years can feel that things are changing. Prepare your firstborn child for your new arrival into the family only when the time is right and you feel ready to do so. Introduce the idea to your toddler that baby will be someone new to love, and that having a sibling is a privilege and a gift and they can be excited having a new role as an older sibling. Don’t oversell the idea however as you may set them up for rivalry. #2 Home Help Routine: Once your newborn has been introduced home, set up your new routines as soon as possible, by aligning feeding and nap times as much as possible to avoid double duty during the day. Second time Mum Sandy (33) claims her superpowers of adaptation saw her master the art of breastfeeding her newborn and spoon feeding her toddler at the same time. She suggests that for whichever task you avoid or dislike the most, this is the area to adapt and master. “I felt challenged by breastfeeding as I had sore, cracked nipples making it painful, and uncomfortable to feed either of my sons so much so that I would dread feeding times! “I was ecstatic when I discovered Philips Avent nipple shields, they protected my scabbed, sensitive nipples so they could recover and I could breastfeed again. Nipple shields made all the difference, thank goodness.” Breastfeeding your newborn should be your priority, with proper latching and full feeds at correct times. For working mums, you newborn and toddler can still benefit from breastmilk when you master the art of breastmilk pumping to ensure you have milk stored in milk storage bags in the freezer. These can be defrosted for feeds for your newborn by Dad or other caregivers or used for meal top ups of breastmilk for your firstborn toddler. Having the right tools to soothe and protect your breasts and efficiently pump your breastmilk makes it easier to stay comfortable and continue breastfeeding until the minimum 24-month breastfeeding period has been reached. #3 Planning & Prepping Meals In the new era of breast pumping, both the Philips Avent manual and electric breast pumps are quiet, and you can stay positioned upright allowing you to continue pumping and feeding, providing the necessary elixir of breastmilk that your children require during the day. Small and inconspicuous, both the Philips Avent manual breast pump and the Philips Avent electric breast pump will easily fits into your bag when you are on the go. The Philips Avent Natural baby bottle is designed for mums who want to combine breast and bottle feeding, with its soft, breast-shaped teat which encourages a natural latch and mimics the feel of a breast, making the switch between breast and bottle as smooth as possible for you and your baby and other parents and caregivers to step in for supported feeds. The spiral design of the teat and petals ensure it naturally flexes and doesn’t collapse when your little one is feeding, so your baby can enjoy an uninterrupted feed. More importantly the anti-colic valve in the Philips Avent Natural baby bottle is designed to reduce colic and discomfort by venting air into the bottle and away from your baby’s tummy for 60% less fussing at night. Generally, after the first month, babies gain an average of 500g to 1 kilogram per month within the first six months. Breast milk is the ideal first food, but beyond this stage, both milk and solid foods are needed to help your baby grow and continue to gain around 2 kilograms per month. Many babies are happy to wait until around six months to begin weaning and at this age can learn the skills needed for eating solid food very quickly especially if there is an older brother or sister to mimic at feeding times. However, babies

June 2, 2023

What to consider when buying a child safety pool cover to prevent drownings

As a parent, you already know the importance of child drowning prevention and how quickly accidents can happen. What you perhaps didn’t know is that in South Africa, pool safety will become a regulatory issue, governed by the SABS through its building Standards. According to the Safety Standard (SANS 10134), pool safety will need to be provided on all properties. The most effective way to address this is with a solid safety cover. But not all safety covers are made equal and it is important to understand the criteria when choosing a safety cover. These are the questions to ask and the critical factors to get right if your safety cover is to perform as it should and keep unsupervised children (and pets) safe. After rain, does the water drain off within 15 minutes, leaving no water pooled on top of the cover? A compliant safety cover must have drainage holes. Could an object measuring 114mm fit under the edge of the cover? This represents the size of a small child’s head. Is the cover’s weight tolerance 220kg or more? Can two adults and a child walk on it without harm to themselves or damage to the cover? Are the batons supporting the cover manufactured for solid safety pool covers and able to carry the intended weight? Similarly, are the ratchets of adequate quality? Are the supplier and the installer accredited by SANS 10134? Does the supplier provide official certification with the safety cover? The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is the leading child safety cover and complies with all the abovementioned requirements. Solid Safety Covers were first designed and introduced to the South African market by PowerPlastics Pool Covers. Many have tried to copy it but don’t always get the quality right. Cutting corners by using cheap components could result in a pool cover that is as unsafe as an uncovered pool if not even more dangerous, imagine being trapped under a defective cover! A Solid Safety Cover is a specialist product, and requires specialist design and installation methods. Go with the original and best in quality cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers. You will be glad you went the extra mile when your quality safety cover stops a child or pet drowning in your own home. Learn more at www.powerplastics.co.za

June 2, 2023

The Importance of Nurturing Play for Children

Play is an essential part of childhood, and it plays a significant role in a child’s development. Research has shown that play helps children learn and develop a variety of skills, including problem-solving, creativity, communication, and social skills. Additionally, play helps children develop physical strength, coordination, and balance, which are all essential for healthy growth and development. Nurturing Play and Its Benefits Nurturing play is a type of play that focuses on building relationships, strengthening communication skills, and encouraging social interaction. It involves activities that encourage collaboration, cooperation, and empathy, such as group games and role-playing. Nurturing play helps children develop important social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts. It also helps children build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. Preparing Children for the Future Play not only benefits children in the present, but it also prepares them for the future. As children grow and develop, they face increasingly complex challenges and situations that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. By engaging in play, children develop these essential skills, which will help them navigate the challenges of adulthood. Also, play helps children develop a love of learning and a sense of curiosity, which are essential for lifelong learning. By fostering a love of learning in childhood, we prepare children for a future where they will need to continuously learn and adapt to new situations and technologies. Play is an essential part of childhood, and it plays a significant role in a child’s development. One example of nurturing play is My Garden Baby, toys designed to encourage imaginative play and social interaction. With My Garden Baby, children can use these toys to create their own stories and scenarios, encouraging creativity and imagination. They also promote social interaction, as children can play together and collaborate to create their own imaginative worlds. Nurturing play, in particular, helps children develop important social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts, while also building confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. By engaging in play, children develop important cognitive and physical skills, as well as a love of learning and curiosity that will serve them well in the future. So, let’s encourage our children to play and explore the world around them, and let’s nurture their imaginations and creativity, as they prepare for the future.

June 2, 2023

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