As December rolls around, many parents get to breathe a momentary sigh of relief that a monthly school fee payment won’t be going off this month. That is until you remember that you’ll be expected to re-start payments again in January and this time it will come with new text books, school stationery, uniforms and for the bigger “kids”, you might even be paying boarding school or accommodation fees.
Starting solids can be an exciting time. I remember when we started our son on solids. We had my brother and the grandparents over. He was propped up in a chair and we all watched as my husband and I fed him some mashed butternut from a spoon. The video is so cute, the words of praise about how clever he was is quite impressive, and his outfit was cuter than cute. However, now when I watch the video, I shudder. I shudder because I can now see all the non-verbal signals that he was sending, saying he was not ready. We could have waited a week longer, just to give him time. If I had known better, I would have done better.
When co-holders experience difficulties in exercising their responsibilities and rights, they must agree on a parenting plan to regulate the exercise of their rights and responsibilities as a prerequisite before approaching the court. They must first seek the assistance of the family advocate, social worker or psychologist; alternatively, they must go for a mediation facilitated by a social worker or other suitably qualified person.
Most of us are scared of the dentist which means dental care can easily be overlooked but, taking good care of your teeth will not only leave you with a brilliant smile, it will also keep your mouth healthy. By following a good at-home care regime and regular dental visits, you can decrease the likelihood of health problems in the future.
Thinking processes,I define as the manipulation of information. Problem solving requires reflective thinking; reflective thinking encourages critical thinking and develops a range of thinking skills. According to Scheffer and Rubenfield (2000), the critical thinking skills are; analysis, applying standards, discriminating, information seeking, and logical reasoning, predicting and transforming knowledge. Analysing, defined as the ability of separating or breaking a whole into parts to discover their nature, function and relationship, is understood as a critical thinking skill (Scheffer & Rubenfield, 2000). When making a drawing, both the content and concept of the drawing are actively analyzed because they must be broken into parts so that they can be understood before the concept can be drawn in a student’s book. Through this engagement each student processes, understands, explores, and integrates, the content and concept they are interacting with in the drawing. For example, ‘global warming’ can be represented visually, left, Examples of how two elementary school participants represented features after learning about global warming, (Katz, 2017, pg. 238). The child draws the factory, water in solid or liquid form, while the symbols for temperature are communicated and thus concepts are mapped through the visual mode of language. In the second example an abstract concept is drawn, how the students feel about global warming. Left, Examples of affective interpretations of two elementary school participants in relation to global warming content, (Katz, 2017, pg. 239). In the drawing, the child wrote ‘Don’t cut me!’ Drawing operates to present two different types of information. In this case, the way the task is directed impacts the way a drawer analyses the content. Since alphabetic language, symbols, numbers have intersubjective meaning drawing a diagram brings together different codes of symbolic thought in a focused ‘slow thinking’ method, because drawing takes time to represent content and concept on the white page. See Daniel Kahneman for thinking fast and low. The literate person develops practices in code breaking, text meaning, pragmatic text use and text critique & analysis (Luke & Freebody, 1997) with the use of critical thinking skills. Discriminating, the ability of recognizing differences and similarities among things or situations is understood as a critical thinking skill (Scheffer & Rubenfield, 2000). Logical reasoning is the ability to make inferences or conclusions that are supported in, or justified by evidence (Scheffer & Rubenfield, 2000). In 1988, Johnson developed a task where students select one English language rule that they want to illustrate in a poster to communicate its conventions to the class. The freedom to select a rule empowered student with agency. “[S]tudents` explain how their drawing represent the rule” (Van Meter & Garner, 2005, pg. 295). Later the visual stimulus is put up in the classroom, arguable to aid memory, support student’s motivation and application of knowledge. This task is an example of concepts being translated across linguistic modes from the verbal linguistic mode of reading the rule to the visual mode of representing the rule. Secondly, encouraging thinking skills to remember because the rule was visualised for memory retention. Also apply knowledge, as the rule was designed in a poster, and problem solve as the child was asked to convert written to visual mode. The development of higher order thinking skills was practiced in this task. Predicting, as the ability of envisioning a plan and its consequences, is understood as a critical thinking skill (Scheffer & Rubenfield, 2000). I propose that ‘innovating’ designs is part of visualising a plan, for example envisioning architectural structures which is a structural example of composition planning in EGD. Also, to predict experiment outcomes in science or colours in art for paint colour mixing. Reflective thinking is part of the critical thinking process defined as analyzing and making judgments (Scheffer & Rubenfield, 2000). Creative thinking is considered as holistic thinking where various parts are considered in unison. One part develops in unity with another part in relation to the problem being solved. Transforming knowledge, as the ability to change or convert the condition, nature, form or function of concepts within contexts,is understood as a critical thinking skill (Scheffer & Rubenfield, 2000). Barbara Tversky from Teachers College, Columbia University explains the benefits of “messy lines [that promote] discovery of new ideas” (Tversky, 2011, pg. 16). She explains how a variety of different marks on a page have “context dependent meaning related to their mathematical or Gestalt properties” (Tversky, 2011, pg.16). She clarifies that marks, which make up the drawings, represent externalized symbolic thought. The act of drawing is a union between perceptive skill and cognitive skill where the perceptive skill involves ‘seeing’ in context of the object and the cognitive skill involves ‘thinking’ in context of the idea. She refers to this as “constructive perception” (Tversky, 2011, pg.16). It seems that when perception and thinking processes operate in tandem creative thinking is operating to innovate new ideas and products from existing knowledge and context. Tversky explains that messy lines aid thought because they are ambiguous, “pre-categorical, so they allow for many interpretations” (Tversky, 2011, pg.16). Messy lines are evident in Michelangelo’s Horse Composition (right, and detail a, Studies of a Horse and a Sketch of a Battle Scene, authors photograph from Ashmoleum Museum Oxford). The lines look like they were drawn quickly to visually externalize memory or observation and understanding of the structure of the horse for manipulation in a new composition. It could be argued that the horse was moving while it was being drawn. Interestingly, the observation of the horse (an uncommon subject for Michelangelo who focused more on the human body) is visible as two different poses from observation drawing on the same leaf of paper. A plan drawing for arranging the subject of the person and the horse is visually explored alongside the detailed horse representation. The drawer is creating from perception towards innovation thus using ‘constructive perception’. According to Ewa Grabska “Although designers during design process can form mental images in their heads, the majority of them do much better when those images are out of
If you are a parent or are around parents of young children, there is a high chance that you’ve heard about developmental milestones. You may have even read about it in a baby book or an article, heard from your paediatrician or from any other professional specialising in early childhood development. You may have heard parents proudly speak about the fact that their child has skipped certain milestones, such as crawling and has gone straight to walking, and so they’re now “ahead of the pack”. You may have seen the complete opposite, parents in a frenzy because their child is one month behind in some of their milestones. You may have heard others completely disregard milestones all together. So what is the fuss all about? How important are milestones really?
As a father of two boys, I am constantly inspired and challenged, to expose my children to the variety of cultural avenues available to them. For those who are not aware, I am both a music educator and performer and have spent many years collaborating with, or working alongside, artists of many kinds. Being involved in the cultural department here at Crawford La Lucia, I have to been exposed to the various arts disciplines on offer and have been privileged to work alongside colleagues who invest in their pupils with determination, creativity, and excellence.
With Christmas only a month away, we asked Chicco South Africa to put together a Toy Guide for Christmas. CHICCO BABY SENSES PIRATE SORTER A pull-along treasure chest that encourages children to start puzzle solving from young. Place the shapes in the corresponding holes and store the treasure in the chest. Perfect from 1 year upwards and a great aid for motor skills. Retailers: Takealot, Lilliputs, Thekidzone, Loot and selected Kids Emporium stores. 2. CHICCO BABY SENSES ANIMAL COTTAGE Teach your baby puzzle solving and motor skills with a shape sorter. Five colourful, decorated shapes can be inserted into corresponding holes while 5 different keys open the corresponding doors. Helps develop hand/eye coordination. Strong contrasting colours and popular animals make this a winner with young toddlers. Retailers: Babies R Us, Takealot, Lilliputs, Thekidzone.co.za, Loot and selected Kids Emporium stores. 3. CHICCO MOVE & GROW BABY RODEO A high-end toy for people that want to really splash out on their child. The Move & Grow Baby Rodeo is a child’s first indoor pony and the coolest ride-on. The electronic toy comes to life with sensors and moves his eyes and neighs when stroked or fed with a carrot. 3 functions include rocker, ride on (where child can push themselves) and activity centre that includes buttons, music and sounds. Suitable up to 25kgs. Retailers: Takealot and Thekidzone. 4. CHICCO FIT & FUN MONKEY STRIKE The Fit & Fun range from Chicco keeps toddlers active no matter what the weather may be like outside. Monkey strike is a 2 mode game that is a modern take on 10 pin bowling. It aids creativity, teaches numbers and helps learn colours. Comes with soft bowling ball. Pins can also be split to create stacking towers. Retailers: Takealot, Lilliputs, Thekidzone and Loot. 5. CHICCO FIT & FUN MISTER RING An electronic toy to keep your child active no matter what the weather, Fit & Fun Mister Ring is a unique take on the traditional ring toss. The base rotates at two different speeds, challenging the child’s attention every time. Comes with 8 coloured rings of lightweight plastic which make it safe for indoor play. 6 different melodies play while base is spinning. Great for stimulating manual coordination and motor skills. The perfect toy for toddles with aim. Retailers: Takealot, Lilliputs, Thekidzone and Loot. 6. CHICCO FIT & FUN JUMP AND FIT PLAY MAT A fantastic take on the old classic Hopscoth, with a new and modern twist. An electronic toy, the playmat has two game modes and players can increase difficulty as child develops. Lights, sounds and music make it a highly entertaining way of staying fit whilst playing and developing manual skills. Retailers: Takealot, Lilliputs, Thekidzone and Loot. 7. CHICCO HAPPY MUSIC BAND DRUM A colourful electric drum that lets children develop through the joy of music and musical expression. 3 electronic activities including free drumming, ‘keep-the-beat’ and composing to really let the rock star in your baby come out. Includes 4 LED lights to keep baby entertained as they express themselves. Retailers: Takealot, Thekidzone and Loot. 8. CHICCO HAPPY MUSIC BABY STAR GUITAR An electric toy guitar full of fun features to bring out the rock star in your child. Select from three different musical styles (Rock, Pop and Blues) and choose among 3 play modes (short tunes, pre-recorded melodies and follow me). The 23 pre-recorded melodies can be enriched with the 3 different mixer functions: drums, vibration and acceleration of the rhythm. Retailers: Takealot, Lilliputs, Thekidzone, and Loot. 9. CHICCO HAPPY MUSIC DJ MIXY A first around the world – a DJ consol for babies. Let them scratch it like a real DJ, create their own backing tracks and select a melody and add different sounds to it. Increase or decrease the speed of the music and have the most fun playing with real sounds, in their own style. Allows for complete free expression. With two game modes and 3 lights that change colour for them to enjoy. Retailers: Takealot, Thekidzone and Loot. 10. CHICCO BABY SENSES STACK N FUN CUPS Create a fun tower with Baby Senses Stack n Fun Cups, the easiest way to learn numbers by seeing how the size of the cup goes up with the number that comes next. Simple puzzle solving makes this a great aid to get a toddlers mind school-ready whilst having fun. Includes a hole at the top of the tower where balls are placed to slide down the tower to the base. Retailers: Babies R Us, Takealot, Thekidzone and Loot.
If you love all things nature-inspired, summer is the best time to get your kids involved in your downtime activities – from hikes, to cycling trails and running trails. The most important thing is to be organised and prepared, plus have the right gear to make things efficient and easy on the day. Enter Swedish brand, Thule, which creates a range of premium products, so that you and your family can fully immerse yourself in your given outdoor activity… plus a roundup of some of the best hikes, cycling trails and running trails to do with young kids.
In today’s world anxiety is becoming more and more prevalent in children. While it is a normal and necessary emotion, designed to protect us, it can inhibit as well. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in children.
A lack of sleep is debilitating, and your pre-schooler’s disruptive sleep patterns can affect the whole family. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 need 11 to 13 hours of sleep a day, and also need a nap during the day. Establishing good sleeping habits as early as possible is recommended. One solution will not suit all children.
Music is a good therapeutic tool for people with different abilities and ages. This is mostly so for children with autism. Medical experts have shown its calming effects and how it’s helped autistic kids integrate into society.
South Africans are fortunate enough to live in a country where the people are blessed with wide-open spaces and an abundance of wildlife. Many children in foreign countries are limited in the amount of time they spend outdoors.
South Africa has just passed a law prohibiting the spanking of children as a way of punishment. The debate as to whether this is ‘right’ or not rages on, with parents on both sides of the argument expressing their points of view. In fact, Cindy Glass, Owner and Co-Founder of Step Up Education Centre says, “there is little that causes the intensity of emotions and opinions as that of whether or not spanking your child is helpful or whether it is simply something that has been passed down from one generation to the next, with little or no workable alternatives.”
Even though South Africa is in the midst of a heatwave, there is still a lot of fun to be had in the sun. If you are planning on spending time sun-soaking or swimming with your toddler, there are two things you need to keep in mind: taking care of your toddler’s skin while he / she is playing in the sun, and taking care of his / her skin afterwards. It is important to always moisturize and take care of your toddler’s skin, but it is absolutely vital when they are exposed to the sun. This article will highlight two products you can use to ensure your toddler’s safety when they play outside.
Time flies when you’re having fun with V-Tech baby! A highly interactive toy, the Pull & Pop Aeroplane provides hours of fun for curious children from 6 months upwards. Cute songs all written for adventures in the sky create a sing-along environment ,while small challenges given by the toy will keep little minds working hard whilst having the most fun ever. With over 70 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases controlled by 3 large colourful buttons, the plane also has a bead popping function and a rotating propeller. An all-round excellent motor skill development toy. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play. All V-Tech Baby toys are available at Babies R Us, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone and selected Kids Emporium stores.
Education in any realm is important for changing oneself as well as the community in which we live. Education is the only way that people can build the knowledge to affect any change. I am not merely referring to the learning of facts and theorems but more critically, learning how to effectively question, explore and think about issues, change one’s mind (and the minds of others), innovate and create.
Stand close by and observe the children solving their problems. This is how they begin to develop the skills and confidence to communicate calmly, honestly and politely with others.
We may not realise but our little baby starts to use their sense of touch to explore their world around them even from inside the womb. They do this by touching Moms womb, sucking their fingers and playing with their toes. Don’t forget the sound your voices were their first introduction to the sense of hearing.
The development of language is a big milestone for children. Language is the foundation for all social interactions, having problems to communicate can cause frustration both for you as a parent, but more importantly for your child.
If there’s anything that a parent would nod their head yes to, it’s the fact that their children would rather have them rip the hair off their heads, than to eat healthy and nutritious food.
“Computer games don’t affect kids, I mean if pac-man affected us as kids, we’d all be running around in darkened rooms, munching magic pink pills and listening to repetitive music.” Unknown According to research, middle and upper class South African children spend about five hours a day in front of a television, computer or smartphone screen. That makes screen time the leading activity for young people after sleep. Due to the limited South African research available. I used the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) research. They have found that too much screen time negatively affects child development. They recommend no screen time at all for children under the age two, and no more than two hours per day of high-quality programming for older children. The AAP also recommends keeping televisions, computers and video games out of children’s bedrooms. How does this screen time affect your child on a day to day basis? Obesity, Advertising and Body Image Studies have shown a link between childhood obesity and media exposure. Watching television and playing video games are passive activities that take time away from the exercise children should get from active play. Additionally, the more television a child watches, the more junk food commercials that child is exposed to. Children are more easily influenced by advertisements than adults because children don’t always understand their persuasive intent. Media consumption can also contribute to negative body image in children and adolescents. Movies, television and magazines depict unrealistic standards of beauty that can encourage eating disorders and other unhealthy behaviors in both males and females. Media and Violence Violence is pervasive in television, movies and video games; even the nightly news and children’s cartoons can contain violence. Children with emotional difficulties might be especially affected by violent images. Playing video games is a popular pastime among children and adolescents, but parents should be aware that many of the bestselling games are violent, and often feature killing as their primary focus. Media and Sexuality Children are easily influenced by what they see and hear, and studies have found that children who see sexual material in the media tend to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age. Parents of primary school children are urged to keep all sexual content out of their children’s media diet. Parents should also take care to set up search filters on their internet search engine so that children do not accidentally stumble across sexually explicit images. Tips for parents If your child is not old enough to watch a programme or play a game due to age restrictions, don’t give in! This could harm your child. Be sensitive to each child’s emotional state. Teach your child that it is okay to leave a movie or to turn the TV off, if they become uncomfortable. Be careful of the advertisements when watching sport, or in between children’s programmes. They often play trailers of programmes or movies you would not want your child to watch. Children are more easily influenced by advertisements than adults because children don’t always understand the persuasive intent of adverts. Advert can be scary! Giving a child too many options can be as negative as allowing them none. A child thrives in an environment that has boundaries, structure and consequences. This can be proven by the games they play, television they watch and even their interaction with their peers. The same rule should be applied at home. The bottom line is to power off regularly to help your child understand the clear boundaries between the virtual world and the real one. By Ben McCarthy, Principal of Pinnacle College Copperleaf
An adorable bedtime buddy, the hi-tech elephant plays calming music and sounds as well as nature sounds to send baby off to sleep easily. A glowing star-shaped tummy button provides a soft diffused night light. Tactile stimulation is also encouraged through expressions such as ‘Hug Me’. The elephant surface is even machine washable. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play.
Safe sleep should be one of the first things parents are concerned about when creating their child’s sleep environment. It is vitally important and often neglected. Forget about décor and theme (for now!), here’s my top tips for safe sleep:
Covering a wriggling child in sun cream is tricky enough, but when your little one has sensitive skin it can be even trickier– you don’t want to use anything that’s going to irritate. That’s why Childs Farm sun protection products don’t containparabens, SLSs, mineral oils, artificial colours or anything that might make sensitive skin flare up. Plus if you have a super-wriggler on your hands, our spray and roll-on sun lotions make everything easier.
For a parent, nothing eliminates the burden of entertaining your child more than handing them your smartphone.
Not only is constructive play fun and entertaining for children, offering them endless hours of creative play. It has great benefits to early childhood development. Constructive play can start from a young age and as the child’s confidence grows, more blocks and shapes can be added.
V-Tech Baby Sleepy Glow Bear is a 25cm plush bear with a soft glowing tummy that provides the ultimate comfort to your little one during nap time. With advanced tech features, Sleepy Glow Bear introduces loving phrases and plays melodies and sing-along songs. There is also a nature sounds button that helps children learn the sounds of the natural world they live in. Timer plays up to 30 minutes of music. Over 70 songs, melodies and phrases are available in this one-of-a-kind toy. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play. All V-Tech Baby toys are available at Babies R Us, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone and selected Kids Emporium stores.
Do you have a growing family and love an active lifestyle? Then the new Thule Urban Glide 2 Double needs to be the new member of your family. This all terrain stroller with a sleek, lightweight design is perfect for active familes who enjoy the great outdoors, as well as getting around town.
Potty training does not have a season, but summer is a great time to give it a go. Warm weather encourages more fluid intake that in turn helps for extra potty practice.
