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Advice from the experts

Youth Month: Tackle Illiteracy One Book At A Time

With June being Youth Month, READ Educational Trust encourages all South Africans not to turn the page on our children’s fundamental freedom to learn and access to reading and literacy. For READ Educational Trust, a non-profit organisation that has spent nearly four decades promoting literacy among the poorest of the poor, this month is all about sharing in the love and value of books and empowering Early Childhood Development (ECD) caregivers with the tools required to teach little ones how to read with confidence. 1 Children who have never been exposed to the magic of books might perceive reading as boring, mundane, and futile. They don’t realise the beautiful impact that reading has on their brains, lifestyle, and future. READ is determined to change that. While you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can play a tangible role in shaping a child’s success by teaching them how to read and, in turn, cultivating a deep love for literature and books. And this starts at grassroots. Learning to decipher the code of how we use symbols to represent spoken language is a big part of why children go to school. They learn the distinctions between “b” and “d,” or “p” and “q.” They read about pirates, pigs, and pixies, as well as earthquakes and igloos, as they advance from letters and syllables to words and sentences. The possibilities are endless once children have “cracked the code”. This is the delight of being initiated into the world of literacy.2 As famed children author, Dr. Seuss so simply put it, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Whether you were a fan of Alexander And The Terrible, Frog And Toad Are Friends, or Fantastic Mr. Fox, when you were a child, there’s no doubt that your favourite book helped to shape your creativity and imagination in some form or another. Books open doors into dreams of a world without limitations, and those dreams can inspire action to change the world as it is. Aside from magic in the act of reading itself, benefits of early reading habits for children include :3 Supported cognitive development Improved language skills Preparation for academic success Increased concentration and discipline Improved imagination and creativity Cultivating a lifelong love of reading While one would think that being able to read and write in today’s modern world is little more than being able to breathe, this is sadly far from the truth. More than half (58%) of South African children do not learn to read fluently and with comprehension in any language by the end of grade four, according to nationally representative surveys. A staggering 29% are completely illiterate.4 READ has successfully addressed some of these issues over the years, thanks to the implementation of ECD Programmes that assist caregivers, educators, and principals of ECD Centres in overcoming our country’s challenges. READ also provides practical training, hands-on support, and valuable resources that have been highly effective. The need, however, is both dire and vast. It takes time, dedication, a well-designed formula, and creative resources to instil a reading culture. A collective effort can change the face of South Africa. The only way to succeed is for governments, non-profit organisations, big businesses, and private individuals to stand together and do all they can to combat illiteracy by actively promoting and funding reading and educational incentives. What better time to act than during Youth Month? The message is loud and clear: Reading is fun, relevant, exciting, and has the power to transform lives! If you give a child a book and gift them with the skills to read it, you are giving them not just the world, but the universe, which is infinite in possibilities. Visit http://www.read.org.za/ to find out more and join the conversations on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/READEduTrust/, Twitter: https://twitter.com/READEduTrust, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read_educational_trust/.

June 2, 2021

Helping our Little People® have big adventures

Parents have had a rough year with families still being encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. This however does not assist in bringing real life experiences to your little one’s. With many parents battling to find ideas to keep their littles ones entertained whilst still stimulating and providing early childhood development, we felt that we would introduce your family to the Fisher-Price® Little People® Range. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Range not only provides time to play but time to learn and grow. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Characters Before getting to the fun, we have to point out that we loved the characters themselves. From school children to doctors and pilots these characters really provide a great start for you to begin introducing different jobs that people have. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Big Yellow School Bus Recommended Ages 1-5 years A bus ride of fun awaits. We really do enjoy toys that stimulate young little children whilst still delivering a way to open up conversations from a young age. With the 3 Smart Ages function your child will be able to imagine, discover and experience motor transport. With over 40 songs, sounds and phrases, you will be able to switch up the learning fun as and when they are ready. From learning about how many wheels there are, counting to 10, shapes, the alphabet and so much more, this really is a great purchase. The bus itself comes with 4 characters, however, one is able to purchase more separately and The Little People® Big Yellow School Bus can hold up to 12 characters. Our favourite was the little boy in the wheelchair. We found it incredibly thoughtful to consider children with disabilities so that they too had a character to relate to (he is standard in The Big Yellow School Bus). As parents we always try to encourage our children to not only learn about children with disabilities but to be considerate toward them as well. This is the perfect tool to start this small and yet powerful conversation off with your little one. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Travel Together Airplane Recommended Ages 1 -5 years Travel around the world and throw in an adventure for your child. Go on an imaginary trip with your child to your dream destination and make the experience even more fun with The Little People® Travel Together Airplane. You see anything can be fun when more Little People® join in. Songs, sounds and phrases will most certainly delight. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Range Encourages: Grasping and movement Strengthens dexterity and hand eye co-ordination Stimulates auditory and tactile senses Discovering cause and effect Some of our favourites out of the range included: Launch & Loop Raceway Caring for Animals Farm Sit with Me School Bus Cuddle & Play Nursery Share & Care Safari™ Playset Snack & Snooze Helpful Neighbor’s Garage Wash & Go Pirate Ship Big Helpers™ Home Noah’s Ark Travel Together Airplane Surprise & Sounds Home Farm Animal Friends

May 31, 2021

Empowering Children Through Stories In Their own Language

A love of reading is sparked when children see themselves in stories and relate it to their lives, even more so when it is shared in their home language. Xolisa Guzula – early literary specialist, author and translator – agrees that when children learn to read in their mother tongues it’s much easier to build on that foundation. However, a survey by the Publishers Association SA (2016) highlighted that only approximately 2% of children books published commercially in South Africa are in local African languages*. The effects are seen in our schools, based on the 2016 Progress in International Reading Study (PIRLS)*, which is conducted every 5 years across several countries, 78% of South African Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning. According to Nic Spaull*, Senior Researcher at the Stellenbosch University Economics Department, “Those who do not learn to master the basics of reading remain in catch-up mode for the rest of their lives.” Nal’ibali, a national reading for enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading, is founded on the ethos of giving children access to stories in their home language. The organisation firmly believes that literacy skills are a strong predictor of future academic success in all subjects – and children who regularly read and hear engaging stories, in languages they understand, are well equipped and motivated to learn to read and write. Knowing this Cadbury Dairy Milk, through its inherent generosity, has committed to addressing this need through the recently established Read To Succeed initiative. This three-year initiative aims to ignite a love for reading amongst children across the country by making books in their home language more accessible. To achieve this, Cadbury Dairy Milk, in partnership with Nal’ibali, has set a goal to create and translate “a Glass and a Half” (1 500) new stories for children in their home languages, over the next three years. “Cadbury Dairy Milk is rooted in generosity, driven by the genuine desire to act on improving someone else’s situation. We know the ability to read for meaning empowers children to succeed and although there are a myriad of hurdles that may hinder this, a significant one is the sobering lack of storybooks children have access to in their mother tongues. We look forward to working with Nal’ibali, and the public, to create new children’s stories in African languages and making them accessible to all South African children. Ultimately, we want to create an impact by igniting a true love for reading amongst our children,” says Lara Sidersky, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Chocolate. Reading aids learning Guzula says, “Children are naturally intelligent and just need us to create immersive spaces conducive for learning. If there are no African language books in our libraries or homes, how can we blame children for not being able to read?” She adds, “If children never read about airplanes, mountains, cars, dinosaurs and more, and encounter these words – and concepts – for the first time in tests translated from English into their home language, how can we expect them to do well?” Language as a frame of existence Lebohang Masango, anthropologist, poet and award-winning author of Mpumi’s Magic Beads – a children’s book that has been translated into nine official South African languages – echoes Guzula, “I think it’s important for children to be able to read in their own mother tongues because that is the language that they first use to think, to communicate and to exist in the world. “This is the language that frames their entire existence, so it follows that they should be introduced to reading, mathematical literacy and other kinds of learning concepts in that language as well. I think it’s incredibly jarring to learn one language and then have to master literacy of all kinds in a different language.” She adds, “The written word is the present word. When we use indigenous languages in children’s books, instruction manuals etcetera, that’s how you legitimise them and allow them to grow. You never want a child to feel like their language does not matter. If they can learn in their own language from a young age, that gives them more dignity and pride in their mother tongue and culture.” Cultivating a culture of reading Yandiswa Xhakaza, CEO of Nal’ibali, shares that the organisation aims to make reading material accessible to children in their home languages and to create a demand for reading, “Our primary focus is to bridge the gap between speaking and reading in African languages. We understand that it’s not enough to teach children how to read if there’s no material for them to engage further with text and start to learn to decode and read for meaning. Reading books in one’s home language also enhances self-worth. “We can’t just translate stories from other countries because the context needs to reflect the people of this country. When children read stories by South Africans – or Africans – about areas they know and people they relate to, they feel seen. It changes how they view themselves and gives them the confidence. That’s why I believe this partnership with Cadbury is so powerful.” “We’re excited about working with Nal’ibali to give South African children access to stories they can relate to, understand, enjoy and feel empowered by,” ends Sidersky. Join the conversation and follow how you can participate @CadburyDairyMilkSA (Facebook) or @Cadbury_SA (Twitter and Instagram), and visit https://cadbury.co.za/promotion/our-own-words #GlassAndAHalf *Sources: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2019-01-11-solving-sas-literacy-crisis https://nicspaull.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/nic-spaull-and-elizabeth-pretorious.pdf https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/want-to-read-to-your-children-in-your-mother-tongue-check-out-these-books-20190221 https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pirls/ https://africasacountry.com/2019/04/why-are-south-african-children-struggling-to-read-properly https://www.publishsa.co.za/file/1519203677awr-2016publishingindustrysurvey.pdf https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2021-04-28-game-pins-hopes-on-selling-african-language-childrens-books-in-turnaround-drive/

May 21, 2021

Squish Launches New 200ml Bigger Pouch for Toddlers

For Growing Kids with Growing Appetites South Africa’s, well-loved, convenient baby food brand, Squish has launched an SA first, a new larger 200ml pouch size especially for toddlers and their growing appetites. The new, bigger 200ml pouch range sees the popular baby and toddler food brand extending its existing range of ready-to-eat 100% fruit and veg and yoghurt purees and pressed juices, giving parents another reason to love the 100% goodness and convenience of Squish. The range includes three yoghurt flavours and three 100% fruit puree flavours packaged in the convenient new, bigger 200ml pouch. “We have created this larger pouch size with our consumers in mind, providing a new, innovative solution for babies and toddlers with growing appetites,” says Tamara Patel, Brand Manager for Squish at RFG. “The bigger Squish 200ml pouch is perfectly sized for growing kids, in a convenient format that parents want, in a size they want.” Patel explains that the latest extension to the Squish product range came after identifying the opportunity to introduce a larger pack-size, “The 200ml Squish range has been developed for parents who have grown to love Squish during their baby’s weaning journey, but are looking for a larger meal for their babies and toddlers as they grow older.” “Like all our Squish products, the utmost care has been taken to ensure that we offer our consumers the best product possible,” she adds. “We do not compromise on quality ingredients, there are no preservatives, colourants, flavourants or starch, and we fully control our supply chain, meaning we can control the quality of raw materials from the fields, right through to the end product.” She says, “Our Squish puree range is made from 100% fruit and vegetables, and is preservative, colourant and flavourant free with no added starch. Our 100% fruit and veg puree with yoghurt range is made with double cream yoghurt, not yoghurt powder, which offers us a notable point of difference.” “With our new bigger pouches, parents can rest assured they are offering their children the same goodness and great taste they have come to rely on from the Squish 110ml range,” she adds. “We understand that parents want the best for their children, but they are often pressed for time. With the extension of this larger pack size, they can feel confident in the knowledge that they are not compromising on the quality of ingredients for baby through to toddler.” “Over the past few years, we have seen a switch in consumer behaviour from jars to pouches. The pouch format offers a safe, hygienic and convenient offering,” Patel explains. “We saw the need to provide a larger pack to parents of older babies and toddlers. Where they would have previously purchased two pouches per meal for their growing little ones, the 200ml pouch is an all-in-one meal for an older baby, or the perfect lunchbox snack for a toddler”. The Squish range now comprises a wide range of purees in 110ml and 200ml pouches, and a 100% fruit and veg pressed juice range ensuring that parents find a range of convenient, quality products to help them on their weaning journey, from starting solids right through to toddlers and beyond. The products are available nationwide at top-end retail, wholesale and specialist chains – find Squish in the baby food section. For more information visit: www.squish.co.za or follow Squish on Instagram: @rhodes_squish

May 20, 2021

5 Great reasons to shop & sell preloved children’s clothes

It’s a challenge to keep your children in style when they outgrow their trendy clothes so fast! With more people selling and shopping preloved clothing online, you can now keep your little ones in style, while spending less money; saving time; doing good for the planet and even making a bit of extra money! Being a mom of two children and passionate entrepreneur, Aune Aunapuu, CEO and Founder of Yaga.co.za – the fastest-growing online marketplace for buying and selling preloved items – decided to create the solution when she was unable to find a safe and hassle-free platform online to sell a preloved baby stroller. Aune shares her five reasons why shopping and selling preloved children’s clothes is a great idea. 1. Keep Your Kids in Style:Shopping preloved clothing online means you can explore a variety of items, a diverse range of styles and many different brands that are always in fashion. Through preloved platforms like Yaga, parents can buy classic, vintage and stylish branded children’s items including Zara, Cotton On, Keedo, Naartjie and Truworths. 2. Save Money: Buying new children’s clothes is expensive and they outgrow their new clothes so quickly! You can get a lot more for your money by opting for preloved clothes, which are available at bargain prices and often at a fraction of the retail prices. You can replace an entire wardrobe of outgrown clothes without overspending. 3. Save Time: Because children grow so fast, it’s back to the shops every so often for a new wardrobe. Shopping preloved items online, on the other hand, saves you so much time usually wasted visiting shop after shop with a stroller and toddler in tow. Shopping preloved clothes online affords you the opportunity to shop an entire new wardrobe of trendy and branded items without ever leaving the house. 4. Do Good for the Planet: Buying and selling preloved can reduce your impact on the planet because it keeps fashion items in circulation, instead of it ending up in dumps or landfill. As most clothing items are processed with chemicals, the fact that preloved items are already pre-washed multiple times means that they are also less harmful for little ones wearing them close to their sensitive skin. 5. Make money!: All parents welcome a bit of extra money, so why not turn a wardrobe of outgrown fashion items into an extra income! Declutter your children’s wardrobes, organise the clothes your children have outgrown by size and season, and then sell these preloved fashion items online. Selling preloved baby and maternity wear is also super popular! Check out some of these trendy mummy Yaga Shops that sell cool items for children: https://www.yaga.co.za/whatreignwore and https://www.yaga.co.za/makeitrayne For more information visit yaga.co.za.

May 12, 2021

Working Women Charting New Ways Forward

Join the conversation, Play Sense Women @ Work webinar There’s nothing quite like a global crisis to shift priorities, change focus and provoke some earnest soul-searching about who we are and what we want from life. Study after study is revealing that women across the world have experienced tougher impacts from COVID-19, with amongst others, a disproportionate number of women leaving the workplace. Women still shoulder a greater proportion of the household and family burdens, and are not surprisingly, more vulnerable to burnout and other mental health challenges. All of this is sparking a multitude of global conversations around better ways for women to engage in the workforce, organise family life and focus more on their self-care. If you are like most working women and mothers, you’re probably in the midst of processing all the ways that the pandemic has changed how you are currently perceiving and experiencing life. You may be having recurring thoughts and going through a lot of self-talk about what you’ve learnt and what you can or should be doing to bring about a reset that suits you better. There aren’t many of us who have a clear way forward yet. That’s why it can help to join a conversation, find out how other women in similar situations are feeling and thinking, broaden your view of the potential prospects and gain insights into the kinds of goals and strategies that can bring clarity. Play Sense co-founder and best-selling author, Meg Faure will be bringing together a panel of women leaders for the Play Sense Women @ Work webinar on Tuesday, 18 May from 8pm to 9pm. Women from all walks of life are invited to tune in. Registration is R50, and you can sign up here. Coach, Author and Influencer, Caitlyn de Beer will be tackling how to reach and maintain the balance of work and family. Sharing five lessons from her own journey as a working mom, Caitlyn highlights the importance of boundaries that not only provide structure for being more organised but the space for self-care. She says, “Our current reality is a big challenge to our old thinking paradigms, and that’s a good thing. It’s a fantastic opportunity to become clear on our expectations of ourselves, prioritising our happiness and cultivating self-talk that is positive and empowering.” Tech entrepreneur, Aisha Pandor, the co-founder and CEO of Sweep South has been at the frontlines managing family and nurturing her personal relationships, while starting up and scaling an innovative business across Africa. “Women already have so many responsibilities to juggle, especially at home,” she says. “I am excited by the new and innovative services, especially through tech, that are now on offer and make life easier and save time. We have to break free from the mindset that we have to somehow go it alone and do it all ourselves.” Meg Faure, an occupational therapist and the best-selling author of the Baby Sense book series, co-founded Play Sense, an innovative micro-school programme for toddlers to provide better options for women needing child-care services. “Reliable, affordable, quality child-care is one the greatest stumbling blocks to working women achieving the balance of work and life,” she says. “Anxiety, stress and guilt around child-care affects most working women, compromising our quality of life and work. We have to explore and be open to more effective, and new and different ways to get the help we need, guilt-free!” Often the solutions to getting more of what we need and want from life are simple and available. What it takes is changing our minds. As we search for more flexible working structures, better organisation of day-to-day life and more fulfilment in our connection to ourselves and others, women are looking for smart ways to lighten their loads. Join the Women @ Work discussion to get more insights and inspiration: Play Sense Women @ Work webinarTuesday, 18 May 20218pm to 9pm Register for R50, now Play Sense Business in a Box Give-away In support of helping female entrepreneurs who want to own their own business while maintaining a work life balance, Play Sense is giving away a ‘Business in a Box’. This complete franchise is valued at R36 800 and includes teacher training, use of Play Sense’s accredited play-based curriculum, all the equipment necessary to start a play school, from art supplies to an indoor/outdoor play gym, and ongoing marketing and business administration support from start-up to success. Any qualified teacher, therapist or childcare professional with 3 years’ experience can enter to win. Join the webinar for more information, applications open 19 May 2021.

May 11, 2021

Why We Love Eggs When Weaning

The first bath. The first sleepover at granny. The first giggle. And now, the first taste of food as you wean your baby onto solid foods. Too low in energy, protein and minerals like iron and zinc, the ability of breastmilk alone to meet the increasing nutritional needs of a growing baby starts to become limited. The World Health Organisation1, supported by the South African Department of Health2, encourages that babies start solid food from six months. This is an optimal time when your baby’s gut and kidneys are physiologically mature enough to handle this newfound solid food. Starting solids can be very confusing for parents with questions like what to eat, how much and when? With all this concern, the good news is there is one less food to worry about – eggs. Nutritious, delicious, affordable, and highly versatile, the simple egg is an easy and suitable option to introduce to your baby from early on in your weaning journey. Allergy Awareness Many parents understandably worry about introducing potentially allergenic foods like eggs to their baby’s diet. The truth is that the risk of food allergies is far less common than believed – a mere 3 in 100 children, according to local data.3 Despite this, many parents choose to delay the introduction of food allergens. The opposite is recommended though. Baby experts now suggest that parents introduce potential allergenic foods as soon as weaning is started. Supporting this is the fact that the early introduction of eggs to a baby’s diet is associated with reduced egg allergy risk, according to research.4,5,6 Brain Boost Findings from a South American study7 suggests that eating eggs early in childhood could contribute to healthy brain development and function. Researchers think that this is because of choline, an important nutrient for optimal brain and nervous system function. Did you know that just one egg contains all the choline that a weaning baby of six months needs? Eggs also package other key nutrients for brain health, like protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and biotin. Grow Baby, Grow There is a lot of research showing that egg-eating youngsters may have better growth and development.8 This is linked to diets low in choline possibly increasing stunting in young children. The early introduction of eggs, one of the best food sources of choline, can greatly improve a baby’s growth. Added to this, we know that eggs are high in good quality protein. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle, growth, and a healthy immune system for growing, busy little bodies. Now while good growth is important, maintaining a healthy weight is just as key. Worrisome local statistics show that boys who are obese at 4 – 8 years are 20 times more likely to become obese teenagers and girls who are obese at 4 – 8 years are 42 times more likely.9 In a 2015 study, when children (aged 8 – 12 years) had eggs for breakfast, 32% reported feeling fuller and 14% felt less hungry, which is why eggs may help manage weight in older children.10 Whether plain or mixed with vegetables and cheese, well-cooked whole eggs are recommended for your baby’s diet. Omelettes, scrambled eggs or French toast, these easy egg recipes will be a great start to your child’s journey of healthy eating. Remember, it’s important to always offer your baby age-appropriate purees and soft foods, which will differ from young babies just starting out with solids to older babies with more practice in their newfound eating skills. Like EGGcellentFood on Facebook and follow us on Instagram eggcellentfoodsa , for further information visit www.sapoultry.co.za SCRAMBLED EGG Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 3 – 4 minutes Ingredients: 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon (5g) butter Method: Combine the egg and milk in a small bowl and whisk. Heat the butter in a small non-stick frying pan, cook the egg mixture over a low heat stirring until cooked. Do not use a high temperature or the egg will burn and stick to the pan. Transfer to plate and allow to cool slightly before serving, always test the temperature of the food before giving to baby. BASIC OMELETTE Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 3 – 4 minutes Ingredients: 2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon (5g) butter Optional – 50g white cheddar or a small portion of cooked, soft vegetables e.g., mushrooms, onion or spinach. Method: Combine the egg and milk in a small bowl and whisk. Heat the butter in a small non-stick frying pan, cook the egg mixture over a low heat. Do not use a high temperature or the egg will burn and stick to the pan. Using a spatula “pull” the egg mixture gently to the centre of the pan, do this until the egg is cooked and the omelette set, it will look like a thick pancake. If adding cheese or vegetables, add now. Fold the omelette over. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool slightly, cut into bite sized pieces before serving. Always test the temperature of the food before giving to baby. FRENCH TOAST WITH BLUEBERRIES Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 5 – 6 minutes Ingredients: 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk ½ teaspoon vanilla essence Small pinch cinnamon 1 slice day old bread 1 tablespoon (15g) butter or oil Method: In a bowl, mix together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla essence. Heat the butter or oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Dip bread into egg mixture and coat both sides well. Put dipped bread into hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Serve warm with a spoonful of cream cheese or with sliced banana or blueberries. Tip: You can use up any leftover bread for this recipe. Try sliced French bread, fruit loaf or multigrain bread for something different. References 1. World Health Organisation. Guiding principles on for complementary feeding of the breastfed child. 2001. Available from:https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guiding_principles_compfeeding_breastfed.pdf. Accessed 29 March 2021. 2. Department of Health, South Africa. Infant and Young

May 4, 2021

Let’s Talk Left-Handedness

Just because you’re left-handed doesn’t mean you have to be left behind! As a qualified Occupational Therapist and lefty myself, I can help you and your child be the best lefty they can be! That’s why I designed the Lefty Kit! It’s a total myth that being left-handed means that you will automatically struggle with writing and cutting tasks and that it’s a given that a lefty’s writing will look and be awkward. There is really little to no difference in skills whether you’re left-handed or right-handed. It’s just that lefties are the minority and live in a right-handed world and therefore need to learn to adapt to it. They also need to be taught the correct left-handed principles as early as possible. Think about it this way – if you are right-handed, but someone taught you the writing and cutting principles of a lefty, how awkward and difficult would these tasks be for you?! Try to cut with a pair of left-handed scissors if you are right-handed – it will feel uncomfortable and your cutting accuracy will not be as good. It’s the same concept with lefties. If taught writing and cutting principles correctly from the get-go, a left-handed child will look no different to a right-handed child when working in class (other than the fact that they are using their left hand!). The Lefty Kit is designed to assist left-handed children to develop functional cutting and writing skills. As a left-handed occupational therapist, I created The Lefty Kit to assist parents, teachers and therapists navigate little lefties through this right-handed world. The Lefty Kit breaks down common issues that left-handed children encounter, and removes all the anxiety and stress often associated with it. ‘The Guide to Left Handedness’ includes misconceptions about left-handedness and then breaks down writing and cutting principles in a way that is simple, easy to understand and fun for children! It shows how the pencil should be held and how the hand, arm and page should be positioned, meaning that you can easily guide your child to write in the best way. Each kit includes: The Guide to Left Handedness 13 Activities Writing Mat FREE Delivery Nationwide Included in the Lefty Kit are 13 activities that can be done to develop, practice and apply the important aspects of left-handedness in a fun way! One of the activities included in the Lefty Kit is Pompom Flicks. This game requires pompoms (included in the kit) as well as goals (e.g. tape, tins, toilet rolls, etc.). Your child needs to flick the pompoms and try to score a goal by using their thumb and index finger or thumb and middle finger. This flicking movement places the wrist in an extended position. Wrist extension is therefore strengthened during this activity and will assist your little lefty in positioning their hand correctly when writing and will prevent them from developing a hook grasp! Order your Lefty Kit here for only R485! Occupational therapists can assist left-handed children by guiding them, teaching them the principles of left-handedness and helping them practice the application of these principles. They can also assist parents by educating them so that parents can assist their child at home, but can also advocate for them in this right-handed world. What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well being through occupation. The primary goal of OT is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do. This outcome may also be achieved by modifying the occupation or environment to better support their occupational engagement. (https://wfot.org/about/about-occupational-therapy) How OT can help children A child’s life is also made up of occupations and daily activities. These include playing, learning, sleeping and resting, interacting with others, getting dressed, etc. OT’s can help and support children of all ages, from new-borns to teenagers. OT’s work with children and their families to help them succeed in activities of daily living by incorporating the occupations that are most important to them in the intervention process. The goal of OT is to help children become independent in all areas of life, for example, achieving age appropriate developmental milestones, interacting socially, play skills, gross motor and fine motor skills, sensory integration, coping at school, behaviour, etc. For more Lefty content, follow me on Instagram and Facebook @steadystridesot

May 4, 2021

COVID19: health & cleaning tips for pre-schools and childcare centres

There has been a lot of debate around small children and the role they play in the spread of Covid-19. With earlier studies suggesting that children do not contribute much to the spread of coronavirus, new studies are now showing that children could be capable of spreading infection. According to the South African Paediatric Association, children without underlying conditions are less likely to get sick if infected by the virus or will show milder symptoms such as low-grade fever, fatigue, and cough compared to adults. “As the saying goes, rather be safe than sorry. While the debate goes on there are many parents who find themselves in a catch twenty-two situation, having to go back to the office or being an essential worker and having to make sure their young children are taken care of in a safe environment,” says Emma Corder, Managing Director of industrial cleaning products manufacturer Industroclean. So, what are the steps that need to be taken to make sure that the entire family stays safe during these times? Corder says regardless of the current debate about the effects that the virus can have on younger children, the issue of hygiene in childcare facilities has been topical long before the pandemic arrived on our shores. Anyone that is concerned about the health and safety and wellbeing of children, parents and staff members would agree that the most important step is to reduce the spread of germs and to clean throughout the day. For Parents: “Before making the decision to send your child to back to childcare facilities, talk to your paediatrician or family doctor. We can help you make the best choice based on your child’s medical and immunization history, your family circumstances, and by checking that your child’s growth and development is on track,” says Western Cape based paediatrician Dr Tamryn Phelps. She adds that making frequent hand washing a norm in your household is a must, as children learn by example. Next is connecting with the caregiver: you want to be comfortable with how the centre plans to clean and disinfect, screen children and staff for symptoms, and handle illness. For playschools: Creating a clean and hygienically safe play centre that hosts very young children with little understanding on following instructions and who spend more time on the floor, will require you to clean and disinfect open spaces: Develop your plan. Implement your plan. Maintain and revise your plan. It is also key for teachers and caregivers to know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing, when it comes to creating a clean and safe home and play centre. Cleaning involves the physical removal of dirt, germs and debris by scrubbing with soap or detergent and water. Disinfecting and sanitizing, on the other hand, involves the application of a recommended product cleaner that specifies that it kills 99.9% of germs. What are the correct or appropriate products to use in the workplace and around the home, and does this differ when you are cleaning a play centre area? “The overuse of bleach can also have side effects on children. Most bleach products remain on surfaces and may emit fumes if not used correctly, also bringing with it the risk of possibly causing respiratory illness. This means it is critical that you follow the precise instructions on how to dilute and use the chemicals,” explains Corder. It should also be taken into account that cleaning and sanitising will be done more frequently, so plan accordingly, and ensure staff including the kitchen staff undergo comprehensive training on the correct procedures to be followed. Remember these best cleaning practices: Prepare for cleaning and disinfecting. Correct PPE for cleaning. Use all chemicals correctly. Cleaning equipment must be clean. Do the Job. Clean from top to bottom. For normal cleaning use the spray and wipe method. Colour code all cleaning materials to prevent cross contamination. End of Task Dispose of dirty water and waste according to safe procedures. Wash and dry all equipment before storing it in a clean space. Dispose of all PPE wear before washing up. Play Areas: Identify detergents best suited for play area equipment. Consult manuals that came with the play area equipment for information on how to best care for it. Outdoor playground equipment should be pressure washed at least once quarterly, to get rid of grime that builds up, especially on equipment like swings and monkey bars. References: · https://paediatrician.co.za/position-statements

April 30, 2021

Tolo Baby Musical Activity TV and Tolo Baby Rainbow Stacker

Tolo Baby is a gorgeous new range of gifting and baby toys that will not only entertain your little one, but educate and assist with development during play. Perfect for baby showers, these beautiful, simple toys bring a touch of class into your little ones life. The Musical Activity TV is perfect from newborn and can be placed in your baby’s crib at eye level to see the bright moving gadgets. The squeaks, rattles, moving dials and abacus create a fantastic way to interact with your little one. As they grow they can touch and use their motor skills to engage with animals and sounds. As they develop they will be able to wind up dials and play music all by themselves. The Rainbow Stacker cups are great from 6 months upwards. Show your infant how to stack the cups and have fun building them and knocking them over. The cups also float in the bath and baby can play by scooping them up and pouring water out. When slightly older the child can start using the cups to understand colour differentiation and word association. Also great for sandcastles at the beach. Beautiful soft colour palettes make Tolo Baby toys suitable for all baby nursery décor and genders. Tolo Baby is available at selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot, Babanino, Clicks Baby Club, Hamleys and The Kid Zone.

April 28, 2021

Are our children spreading the Coronavirus?

While there are widespread reports that children experience milder symptoms and suffer fewer complications from the coronavirus than adults, paediatricians are warning that the issue is much bigger than previously thought. “It seems that the number of children infected with the virus in South Africa is higher than what we believe it is. While it is true that children do not seem to be as adversely affected as adults by the virus, we are seeing a large number of children who are asymptomatic, and this is worrying because they could be spreading the virus,” cautions Dr Iqbal Karbanee, paediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ BabyLine,a trusted telephonic medical advice service for the first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to birth and beyond. Data suggests that children under the age of 18 years represent about 8.5% of reported cases, with relatively few deaths compared to other age groups. News reports are now suggesting that children may also be more susceptible to the new strains of the virus, without serious consequences. However, there is very limited data available on the number of children who are asymptomatic. “This is why it is important for children to practice social distancing and hand-washing, even if they do not appear ill, as they can pass the disease on to family members, or others,” says Karbanee. People aged 60 and older or with existing health conditions remain the most vulnerable to the coronavirus. That includes people with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory conditions. Dr Karbanee says that there have also been few pregnant women who have had complications as a result of the virus, and those who have had the virus have gone to have babies who have been fine. But should pregnant women consider getting the vaccine? “If you are a high risk patient and pregnant, I urge you to consider taking the vaccine, provided that you have discussed it with your doctor,” says Dr Karbanee, adding that high risk includes being overweight, being diabetic or having a lung disease. He says that, given the risk of complications from COVID-19 should a mom-to-be a high risk patient, the vaccine offers a relatively safe guard against the Coronavirus. “The vaccine is not a live virus-based vaccine, unlike the Polio vaccine for example. This vaccine is made from a protein extract from the virus, which, when you get exposure to it, lowers your risk of getting extreme symptoms. There have been very few side effects recorded by those who have taken the vaccine.” Karbanee says that each case should be seen on its individual merits and if pregnant women are concerned, they should discuss their worries and the possibility of getting the vaccine, with their doctor and medical team.

April 22, 2021

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

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

April 19, 2021

Benefits of playing games with kids

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

April 16, 2021

Win the war against picky-eating toddlers

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

April 14, 2021

Tolo Baby Spinning Bunnies and Tolo Baby Bunnies Gift Set

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

April 12, 2021

The puzzle that is Autism

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

April 7, 2021

Tolo Baby Chime Ball and Tolo Baby Roly Poly Teddy Bear

April 6, 2021

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

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

April 1, 2021

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

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

March 26, 2021

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

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

March 23, 2021

Chicco London Up Stroller

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

March 23, 2021

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

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

March 18, 2021

Chicco Ohlala2 Stroller

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

March 15, 2021

Collab weaning

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

March 10, 2021

Play has the power to help address kids’ anxiety

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

March 9, 2021

Chicco Liteway3 Stroller

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

March 8, 2021

TRANSITIONING TO A NEW NAP PATTERN

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

March 8, 2021

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

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

March 3, 2021

Why Choose Catrobatkidz?

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

March 3, 2021

Chicco Goody Stroller

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

March 2, 2021

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