DIBBER SA

From Hadeda to Heartbeat: Raising Wild-Aware Children in the South African Way

Long before we teach our children the word “wildlife,” they know the Hadeda. It’s not something we plan—it just happens. That raucous, unmistakable call at dawn becomes part of their world before they even understand what a bird is. Here in South Africa, nature is not a novelty. It’s not a curated, boxed-in activity. It’s the backdrop to our everyday lives. That’s why the idea of a “safari” can feel strangely foreign when spoken about in international terms—as though it’s something you have to fly halfway across the continent to experience. For many of us, it’s simply the way we grew up. Dirt roads, cooler boxes, the dusty smell of summer storms, the thrill of spotting something moving in the bushes before anyone else sees it. It’s memory, it’s rhythm, it’s home. When you become a parent, the world reshapes itself. Suddenly, you’re not just looking at wildlife—you’re watching your child look at wildlife. You’re seeing, through their small and curious eyes, what it means to encounter wonder for the first time. And while it might seem daunting to take a toddler into a game reserve or national park, the rewards are immeasurable. These early years are where the roots of connection to the earth are planted. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. In fact, it shouldn’t be. A slow drive through a quiet reserve, a pause to watch a dung beetle roll its treasure across the path, a moment of stillness as impala flick their ears in the long grass—this is where the magic lives. There are places across South Africa that truly understand what it means to travel with small children. They’re not trying to make the bush fancy or fast-paced. They allow for naps, for early dinners, for flexibility. In the Eastern Cape, the Waterberg, the vast quiet of the Kalahari—there are malaria-free areas where toddlers are welcome, not just tolerated. Some lodges even offer little explorer programs with soft-footed rangers who speak gently and know that wonder can live in a feather, not just in a lion’s roar. But perhaps the most beautiful thing is that you don’t need luxury to create lasting memories. Some of the most heartfelt moments happen in self-drive parks, with picnic eggs and flasks of coffee, where the kids fall asleep in the backseat, and you just sit, watching the bush breathe. It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about watching your child learn to be patient. It’s about showing them how to be quiet—not because they must, but because something is approaching and you want to honour its space. It’s about pointing out the difference between a hornbill and a hoopoe. It’s about waiting for the giraffe to step fully into view and seeing the quiet awe on your child’s face when it does. And yes, sometimes they’ll fall asleep just before the elephants cross the road. Sometimes, they’ll cry because they’re hot or hungry. But they’ll also laugh when a monkey steals a roll off the table and squeal with joy when they spot zebra for the first time— “stripy horses!” they might shout. And you’ll laugh too because, for them, it’s all new. We raise children not by shielding them from the wild, but by guiding them gently through it, by letting them experience both its power and its peace. And while the brochures might talk about game drives and lodges, what you’re really doing is giving your child the chance to fall in love with something greater than themselves. Safari doesn’t have to be far or fancy. Sometimes it’s just a long weekend away with sticky fingers, binoculars, and a shared sense of adventure. It’s a small hand reaching for yours as a bird of prey circles overhead. It’s watching your child squat down to look at a track in the sand and whisper, “What made this?” It’s something sacred. Because long after they’ve forgotten the names of the reserves or which lodge had the best pudding, they’ll remember how it felt to be outside with you. To listen for sounds that didn’t come from a screen. To be still enough that a butterfly landed on their sleeve. And they’ll always remember the Hadeda. The bird that welcomed them to the world of the wild from right outside their bedroom window. By Kelly Eyre, Quality and Pedagogy Lead, Dibber South Africa

Parenting Hub

The Power of Routine: Why Kids Thrive with Structure

Children flourish in environments where they know what to expect. Establishing consistent routines offers them a comforting sense of stability and security, helping them manage daily transitions and challenges with ease. Routines are more than schedules — they provide a framework that supports emotional, social, and cognitive development. Here’s why routines matter and how to create them effectively for your family. 1. Provides Predictability and Security Knowing what comes next reduces anxiety and helps children feel safe. This stability encourages confidence in exploring new activities and learning. 2. Supports Healthy Habits Routines establish regular sleep, meal, and hygiene habits — all crucial for physical and mental well-being. 3. Enhances Behaviour and Cooperation Children in structured environments tend to follow rules better and show less behavioural issues because they understand expectations clearly. 4. Builds Independence and Responsibility Daily routines give children opportunities to take charge of tasks, boosting their autonomy and self-esteem. 5. Helps Parents Manage Time and Stress Predictable routines streamline family life and reduce daily conflicts, making parenting less stressful. Tips for Creating Effective Routines Final Thought: A well-established routine is a powerful tool that helps children thrive emotionally, socially, and physically. With patience and consistency, routines create a nurturing environment where kids can grow confidently. 📚 Sources:

Cartoon Network Africa

“Be Like Superman”: Cartoon Network Inspires Kids to Embrace Their Inner Hero

Empowering kids to find their inner hero with a week of action, friendship and Superman-inspired adventures. This July, Cartoon Network is flying high with a new programming event that’s all about fun, heart, hope, and humour. To celebrate the release of the new Superman movie landing in cinemas on Friday,  11 July, Cartoon Network will air a Teen Titans Go! Meet Superman marathon on the same day, giving kids and families the chance to celebrate their favourite heroes in true super-style. In the lead-up, the channel will also debut brand-new episodes from Season 9 of Teen Titans Go! on Monday, 7 July, setting the stage for a week packed with action, comedy, and inspiration. But this is more than just great TV. The campaign is grounded in a powerful idea: every child can be like Superman. Whether that’s sticking up for a friend, trying again after failing, or simply showing kindness to a pet, kids already embody what makes Superman super. His courage, compassion, and perseverance are values we all recognise. Through a series of playful, high-energy short videos, Cartoon Network invites children to reflect on their own ‘super’ moments, reminding young viewers that they already have what it takes to be great. Teen Titans Go! follows the hilarious adventures of Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy. Sure, they’re still superheroes who save the day, but when the capes come off, they’re just five teens navigating life as roommates. Whether it’s battling boredom, dealing with demon dads, or throwing impromptu meatball parties, these heroes prove that being super doesn’t mean being serious all the time. This July, brand-new episodes from Season 9 introduce fresh faces and laugh-out-loud chaos, including King Shark, a lovable ‘bad guy’ who tags along with the Titans after they help him dislodge a painful tooth. King Shark quickly becomes one of the gang (though he does have a habit of eating people, including Beast Boy). Expect tank-top transformations, a crash course in living the ‘tank life’, and an epic pool battle with Robin. These new episodes premiere on Monday, 7 July, at 16:50, followed by the Teen Titans Go! Meet Superman marathon on Friday, 11 July, from 13:45, only on Cartoon Network (DStv Channel 301). It’s the perfect warm-up for the new Superman movie hitting cinemas the same day. In a world where kids are facing big emotions and complex challenges, Cartoon Network is reminding them that being a hero doesn’t require superpowers; it just takes bravery, kindness, and the willingness to try. Because being like Superman starts with being your best self.

Sadick Cosmetics

Introducing Sadick All Day Proof Liquid Eyeliner 

Sadick Cosmetic’s journey begins with a single, standout product: the All Day Liquid Eyeliner. Designed with both beauty enthusiasts and beginners in mind, this eyeliner is the perfect tool for creating everything from a classic, everyday look to bold, dramatic wings.  Sadick knows that an eyeliner should do more than just define your eyes; it should last, perform, and make application effortless. That’s why they formulated their eyeliner with:Intense, Jet-Black Pigment – A rich, highly pigmented formula that delivers bold, opaque colour in just one swipe. No fading, no dullness, just crisp, defined lines.  Ultra-Fine Precision Tip – This applicator is designed for effortless control, whether you’re creating a delicate flick or a sharp, dramatic wing. Its flexible brush glides smoothly, allowing for mistake-proof application every time.  All-Day Wear – Smudging, smearing, and fading are a thing of the past. Sadick’s formula is long-lasting, waterproof, and smudge-proof, ensuring that your liner stays in place from morning to night; no touch-ups required.  Gentle, Yet Powerful – While this eyeliner is made to last, it’s also gentle on the skin. This vegan and cruelty-free formula means you can enjoy high-performance makeup with peace of mind.Affordable Luxury – Believing beauty should never come with a hefty price tag – Sadick Cosmetics have crafted a premium-quality eyeliner that is accessible and budget-friendly, allowing you to achieve professional results without overspending.  Sadick Cosmetics: Beauty Without Compromise  Sadick Cosmetics believes in beauty that is effortless, empowering, and ethical. This brand was founded on the idea that high-quality makeup should be accessible to everyone, without sacrificing performance, integrity, or affordability. Sadick Cosmetics are committed to delivering products that meet the highest standards while remaining vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring that no animals are harmed in the making of their cosmetics.Sadick Cosmetics knows that makeup is more than just a routine; it’s a form of self- expression. That’s why they focus on creating a product that not only enhances your beauty but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.  Sadick Cosmetics is not just a beauty brand; they’re a commitment to ethical beauty, performance, and accessibility. With their All Day Liquid Eyeliner, they’re proving that you don’t have to choose between quality and affordability. Whether you’re a makeup artist, a beauty lover, or someone just starting their beauty journey, this eyeliner is designed to empower you to create, express, and define your own unique style. This is just the beginning for Sadick Cosmetics. Join them on their journey as they continue to innovate and bring you high-quality, cruelty-free beauty essentials that enhance your everyday routine.  Experience beauty without compromise; experience Sadick Cosmetics.  Sadick All Day Proof Liquid Eyeliner R175 is available exclusively at https://www.instagram.com/sadick_cosmetics/

Twinkl

Make Maths Fun: How the Twinkl Maths App Can Help Your Child Build Skills Through Play

Many children struggle with maths, but what if practice could feel more like a game than homework? For parents looking for a way to boost their child’s confidence in maths, the Twinkl Maths App is a simple, safe, and effective tool that turns mental maths practice into fun, bite-sized games. Why Mental Maths Matters Strong mental maths skills are the building blocks for success in the classroom and everyday life. From adding up prices in a shop to working out time or measurements, children use these skills all the time. But for many, practising times tables or number bonds can feel repetitive and dull, which is exactly where the Twinkl Maths App makes a difference. What Is the Twinkl Maths App? Created by teachers, the Twinkl Maths App is designed to help children master key maths facts and build speed and accuracy through engaging, game-like challenges. The app covers core skills such as: With over 100 different game modes, your child can practise exactly what they need — whether they’re just starting out or building up speed for school tests. How Does It Work? Children can choose from two main modes: A Safe, Flexible Way to Practise Parents can feel confident knowing the Twinkl Maths App: Why Parents Love It Parents often say the Twinkl Maths App keeps their children focused, happy, and motivated. Because the app feels like a game, children are more likely to spend extra time practising — and they often don’t even notice how much they’re learning while they play. “It’s super engaging and easy to use — no interruptions, and you can even use it without Wi-Fi.” — Parent review Try It Today Whether you want to support your child’s homework, help them prepare for a multiplication test, or simply encourage them to see maths in a new light, the Twinkl Maths App is an easy way to build skills through fun, daily play. Ready to make maths practice something your child looks forward to?Download the Twinkl Maths App today and see the difference for yourself.

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Neonatal jaundice, what is it and what happens if my baby is born with it?

Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of a baby’s eyes and skin and is fairly common in newborn babies. Although it may be alarming to you to see your newborn baby with a slightly yellowish tint, thankfully, most cases of jaundice are considered normal and will go away on their own. You may be wondering why your baby may be born with this condition, or what treatments are available if your little-one has jaundice – read on, we outline the causes and common treatments thereof.  Why would my baby have neonatal jaundice?  Babies are born with neonatal jaundice when they have excess levels of unconjugated bilirubin in their blood. Bilirubin is a yellowy substance which comes from the breakdown of red blood cells, however, baby’s livers sometimes can’t break this substance down fast enough, giving their eyes and skin a yellow tint.  When your baby is born they will be checked for jaundice, as high levels of bilirubin can lead to more serious problems. A baby is more likely to get neonatal jaundice if they are born premature, have a different blood type to their mother or are being breastfed. Babies who are breastfed can develop jaundice if they don’t get enough breastmilk, due to trouble feeding.  What happens if my baby has neonatal jaundice? If your baby has jaundice, this will typically be seen in the second or third day of being born.  Sometimes jaundice will go away on its own and other times it will need to be treated. If your baby is struggling to breastfeed it’s important that he be breastfed more often, or even receive formula as a supplement during this time.  Phototherapy (light therapy)  can also be used to help your baby. Light can turn the bilirubin into a form that can easily pass out the body. If the jaundice is very bad, your baby may receive a blood transfusion which will quickly lower bilirubin levels. 

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