Cool Stool

Children’s Gut Health: Why Fibre Matters More Than You Think

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often trumps nutrition, many parents find themselves asking: Is my child eating well enough? While the focus often falls on sugar or fat intake, there’s a less discussed but equally critical question we should be asking – Is my child getting enough fibre? Fibre is not just about preventing constipation. It plays a vital role in maintaining children’s gut health, which in turn affects their immunity, brain development, and overall wellbeing. Yet, most modern diets fall drastically short of the recommended fibre intake, especially for children. Why Is Children’s Gut Health Important?  We know why gut health is important but how does this translate to children? The intestinal microbiome plays a critical role in children’s development and growth, directly impacting their digestion, immunity, brain development and long-term wellbeing.  The gut is where we absorb the majority of our nutrients, which is especially important for children due to their rapid growth and development. A child’s gut microbiome is especially vulnerable and influenced by diet, antibiotics, and lifestyle. Disruption to this delicate system, especially from a fibre-deficient diet, can lead to issues that extend far beyond the digestive tract. Signs Of Poor Gut Health In Children  Signs of poor gut health in children can manifest in a variety of ways, including digestive, immune symptoms, skin symptoms, and more. Some symptoms include: ●      Frequent digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhoea) ●      Recurring colds or infection ●      Skin problems like eczema ●      Fatigue or difficulty concentrating ●      Mood swings or irritability These symptoms may signal a deeper issue — a gut that’s not being properly nourished. One of the key missing ingredients? Fibre. The Role of Fibre in Children’s Gut Health  Fibre doesn’t get digested like other nutrients. Instead, it moves through the gut, feeding beneficial bacteria and helping maintain a healthy digestive balance. It also: ●      Promotes regular bowel movements ●      Acts as a prebiotic, nourishing good gut bacteria ●      Increases feelings of fullness, helping to prevent overeating and manage weight ●      Supports immune function and reduces inflammation Without enough fibre, children are more likely to experience constipation, digestive discomfort, and even a weakened immune response. Over time, low fibre intake is linked to more serious issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. How To Improve Your Children’s Gut Health and Fibre Intake  Supporting your child’s digestive system doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few mindful adjustments, you can naturally increase fibre in their diet and support a thriving gut microbiome.  Make whole foods the cornerstone of your child’s meals. This means offering fresh fruits and vegetables (leaving the skins on when possible), whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Foods like apples, pears, berries, peas, sweetcorn, oats, lentils, and wholegrain bread are naturally high in fibre and easy to incorporate into meals. These whole foods not only support healthy digestion but also deliver essential nutrients that contribute to immune health, growth, and sustained energy. Processed foods are often low in fibre and high in added sugars, which can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria. Try to reduce the number of packaged snacks and convenience meals your child consumes each week. Read food labels together, looking for products with higher fibre content (aim for 3g or more per serving) and fewer artificial ingredients. While sometimes necessary, antibiotics can disrupt the fragile ecosystem in the gut. If your child needs them, consider pairing with prebiotics and probiotics, and increasing fibre-rich foods to help restore the gut microbiome.  Children are more likely to try new foods if they’ve had a hand in preparing them. Let them help wash vegetables, stir ingredients, or choose recipes from a selection of parent-approved options. Use cooking time as a fun and educational activity and talk about where fibre comes from and why gut health matters.  Want more tips? Cool Stool®’s free gut health guide includes expert advice, simple, actionable steps to improving gut health, recipes, recommended swaps, and more.  One easy way to support children’s fibre intake and gut health is with Cool Stool®, a 100% raw, high-fibre super seed mixdesigned to promote natural bowel movements and nourish the gut. Each tablespoon contains 7.5g of fibre, making it easy to meet daily targets. It’s safe for the whole family from age 2 and is also suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Available in Original, Vanilla, and Cranberry flavours (plus a Gluten-Free option), Cool Stool® can be sprinkled into porridge, yoghurt, smoothies, soups, or even used in baking. Fibre plays a crucial role in building and maintaining your child’s gut health — which influences everything from their digestion to their mood. By making small, manageable changes like adding more whole foods and using convenient options like Cool Stool®, you can help your child thrive.  Healthy Cool Stool® high fibre and saw seed muffin mix recipe Try this healthy high-fibre muffin mix recipe to easily include more fibre in your child’s diet – packed with raw seeds and other nutritious ingredients that support digestion, energy, and satiety. It’s naturally sweetened, whole-grain, and great for lunchboxes and snacks.  Cool Stool® high fibre muffin mix Dry Ingredients (Muffin Mix Base): Wet Ingredients (Add When Baking): Instructions 1.     Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. 2.     Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In another bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Add the dry muffin mix and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix. Tip: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before baking so the Cool Stool® and oats can absorb moisture and offer maximum gut health benefits. 3.     Spoon into muffin tins:Line or grease a muffin tin. Fill ¾ full. 4.     Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. 5.     Cool on a wire rack and enjoy Optional Add-ins (choose 1–2): Cool Stool® high fibre Gluten Free muffin mix Swap the base ingredients to make it fully gluten-free:  Dry Ingredients (Gluten-Free) Tip: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before baking so the Cool Stool® and oats can absorb moisture and offer maximum gut health benefits.

Cartoonito

🦇 Cartoonito’s Batwheels Superheroes Special: Rev Your Engines for Adventure!

There’s never been a better time to celebrate the heroes your kids love — and the ones you grew up with! In celebration of the exciting release of the new Superman movie, Cartoonito is rolling out a supercharged superhero special with Batwheels, a vibrant, action-packed series made just for young viewers. Get ready for Batwheels Superheroes, a one-day-only event that brings the Bat-Family and their high-tech vehicles to centre stage. It’s the perfect mix of action, teamwork, and fun that the whole family can enjoy — whether you’re a long-time DC fan or discovering these characters for the first time through your child’s eyes. 🚗 What’s in the Lineup? This superhero-themed programming block includes specials and episodes featuring all the iconic favourites, from Batman to Robin to Batgirl — and of course, their heroic Batwheels companions! 🎬 Specials: 💥 Episodes Featuring Your Favourite Characters: Each episode is packed with exciting missions, valuable lessons in friendship and courage, and high-speed action that will leave little ones cheering. 🛠️ Why Parents Will Love It Too Batwheels blends superhero excitement with age-appropriate storytelling that teaches teamwork, resilience, and the power of doing good. It’s a great chance for parents to enjoy nostalgic characters while connecting with their kids through shared screen time. So grab your cape (or your popcorn 🍿) and make it a family date! 📺 Premiere: Friday, 11 July 2025⏰ Tune-In: Friday, 11 July @ 17:05 CAT on Cartoonito Because even superheroes need a pit stop — and what better place than your living room?

Parenting Hub

Barbie® Introduces First-Ever Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes to Expand Representation and Inspire More Children

Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced that Barbie® is debuting the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This addition to the line enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie and encourages doll play that extends beyond a child’s own lived experience, thereby fostering a greater sense of inclusion and empathy – all pillars of the Barbie brand’s mission. “Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. “Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.” To ensure the doll design truly captures the community, Barbie partnered with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization committed to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. T1D is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and or long-term complications. Barbie worked closely with Breakthrough T1D to accurately reflect the medical equipment those with this condition may utilize and the doll’s look, all the way down to the dress pattern: “We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes,” said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. “I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal – it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families. It’s an honour to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.” Locally, this doll is supported by the Diabetes Alliance, a national coalition of organisations and individuals committed to improving the lives of people living with diabetes in South Africa. “The introduction of a Barbie doll with a continuous glucose monitor or CGM is a powerful moment for diabetes awareness. It reflects one of the most important innovations in diabetes care in recent years, namely continuous glucose monitoring, which has transformed the lives of many people living with diabetes, especially children. By bringing this reality into the hands of children everywhere, we help reduce stigma, spark empathy, and foster important conversations in families, schools, and communities,” says Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Chairperson, Diabetes Alliance South Africa. Barbie also honoured two global role models and type 1 diabetes advocates – Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón in the US and model Lila Moss in the UK. South Africa has two local ambassadors championing visibility for T1B, Holly Rey, the 29-year-old Multi-Platinum selling, and Multi-Award Winning South African artist, and 10-year-old dancer, Sayuri Sewsunker. “Growing up with Type 1 Diabetes, I always felt like an outsider. I was looked at like I had something wrong with me and was bullied as a result of it. Diabetes was viewed as something that you did to yourself and this lack of understanding led to being called names, being left out of activities, birthday parties and sports teams. The truth is, I found a lot of comfort in playing with my Barbie’s as a child. If there was a Barbie with type 1 diabetes back then, I think it would have really changed my life. Not only would it have made me feel seen and feel like there was nothing wrong with me, but it also would have made kids at school realise that having Diabetes does not mean that there is something wrong with you, in fact it makes you special. Because if Barbie has Diabetes, then it must be ok for me to have diabetes, it might even be cool,” says Holly Rey. “I truly believe that this Barbie with Diabetes is going to create so much awareness around Diabetes and change the narrative around what diabetes is and who it looks like. Diabetes, type 1 and 2, affects millions of people and I think that this Barbie is going to ignite some very important conversations that need to be had, not just with kids, but with adults, society and healthcare system decision makers.” The Barbie Fashionistas line features more than 175 looks across various skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion styles, including a Blind Barbie doll, a Barbie doll with Down Syndrome, and a Barbie doll with Hearing Aids, among others. In 2020, Barbie kicked off a multi-year study with researchers at Cardiff University on the short-term and long-term benefits of doll play. It has been found that doll play serves an incredible purpose during key developmental stages, as it may help set children on a course for success by fostering empathy and developing social skills needed to excel, all while imagining their futures on an equal playing field. The 2025 Barbie Fashionistas dolls commit to a minimum of 50% ISCC-Certified bio-circular plastic (Mass Balance Approach), with all boxes made from FSC-certified materials. By incorporating ISCC-certified plastic into these dolls, Barbie aims to reduce reliance on fossil-based materials in support of a more circular economy.  The 2025 Barbie Fashionistas dolls, including the Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, are now available on Mattel Shop and at retailers nationwide.

Softlips® South Africa

Softlips® Introduces Magic Colour – Lip Care That’s Uniquely You

Softlips® Introduces Magic Colour – Lip Care That’s Uniquely You Softlips®, the trusted name in lip care, is proud to unveil its latest innovation: Softlips Magic Colour – a revolutionary lip balm that merges deep hydration with a personalised beauty experience. At the heart of Softlips Magic Colour lies a unique colour-transforming technology that reacts to your lips’ natural pH to reveal a custom lip colour tailored just for you. No two shades are ever exactly the same—because beauty shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. “Today’s beauty consumer is looking for more than just hydration—they want smart, fuss-free products that enhance their natural features,” says  Angelica Hendricks, Brand Manager of Softlips® South Africa. “Magic Colour delivers all that and more—it’s the perfect balance between science, skincare, and self-expression.” The Magic in Every Swipe In a world where self-care meets self-expression, Softlips Magic Colour invites users to experience lip care in a whole new way—where the shade is as unique as your fingerprint. Softlips Magic Colour is now available exclusively at Dis-Chem nationwide

Cartoonito

🌈 Building the Rainbow – One Colourful Episode at a Time!

This winter holiday, Cartoonito is bringing a vibrant splash of colour to your screen with Build the Rainbow — a delightful daily programming block where each episode represents a different colour of the rainbow and stars a much-loved character! ✨ Every day, kids can look forward to a block of 7 episodes, each connected to a different colour and personality. Whether your little one loves action, silliness, singing, or snuggles — there’s something for everyone in this colourful celebration of imagination and diversity! Here’s who’s bringing the rainbow to life: ❤️ Redbird (Batwheels) – Zoom into action with our speedy red superhero car!🧡 Lamput – The gooey orange escape artist who’s always one step ahead.💛 Tweety (Baby Looney Tunes & Bugs Bunny Builders) – Our yellow feathered friend is back with big charm!💚 Marina (Zig & Sharko) – Dive into deep-sea fun with the green-haired mermaid!💙 The Lemmings (Grizzy & the Lemmings) – Blue may be calm, but these little guys are pure chaos!💜 Lu (Lu & the Bally Bunch) – With purple vibes and tons of heart, Lu leads her bouncy crew with love!🎵 Barney – Everyone’s favourite friendly dino brings all the colours together in song and friendship! Why Watch With Your Kids? Build the Rainbow isn’t just a burst of colour — it’s a beautiful opportunity to talk about emotions, uniqueness, and how every personality adds value. It’s also a chance for parents to introduce kids to characters they once loved (hello, Barney!), while making new favourites together. So, grab a cosy blanket, settle in, and build the rainbow together — one colourful moment at a time. 🌈 📺 Premiere: Monday 14/07/2025 ⏰ Tune-in Everyday @ 8:00 CAT

EduHelp

Discussing Your Child’s Exam Results

How you talk to your child about their report affects their confidence. How do you talk to your child about a less-than-stellar report? Parents are understandably invested in their children’s results and may be disappointed when these are not up to their expectations. Often, the arrival of reports is met with some tension. However, how we approach the subject of reports with young learners may make or break their motivation for the next term.  Why Discuss Reports with Learners? Have the report conversation as soon as possible. It’s tempting to avoid discussing results before the school holidays kick off. Learners are frazzled from exams, parents are exhausted and everyone feels they need a break. The temptation to sweep any feelings about reports under the rug may be real, but that simply leaves everyone carrying this uncertainty and stress with them into the holidays. On the other hand, unsatisfactory results may lead to arguments and unhappiness that can spiral out of control, exactly because everyone is so tired. So, how should parents and guardians approach this thorny subject? A helpful starting point is to think clearly about the reasons for discussing the learner’s results with them. In an interview with Zain Johnson on Cape Talk, Melissa van Hal of EduHelp Support Learning said that results indicate what needs to be changed, not what the learner is capable of. This shifts the focus from the results themselves to what they reveal about the learner’s current stage in their academic journey. Instead of the results being the major discussion point, parents and guardians can shift the conversation to the bigger picture.  There are three main reasons for parents or guardians to discuss reports with learners. Firstly, comparing your child’s marks with the class or grade average shows how they measure up against their peers. This is useful as it shows both parents and learners where they match or fall short of the expected knowledge gained in the academic year. Secondly, results and teachers’ comments will indicate each learner’s strengths and weaknesses, and where they need to focus their attention and efforts in the next term. Thirdly, getting an overview of their achievements and shortfalls builds resilience in children, as it prepares them for what is ahead and allows them to regroup and try again. The secret to a fruitful and mutually satisfying conversation is in how parents and guardians approach the subject.  How to Speak About Results Create the right atmosphere for discussing results The most important thing to remember is to avoid allowing negative emotions to colour your approach. If you feel anger, disappointment, frustration, etc., acknowledge and accept these emotions and get them under control before talking to your learner. Maintain a neutral, warm and encouraging tone throughout, asking them how they feel about their tests (not just the results they got), and acknowledging and respecting their feelings. Focus on the effort they put into their studies and the areas in which they have grown and improved. Instead of being fixated on their marks, also spend time going over the teachers’ comments. These can add a lot of value and provide a broader perspective. Take a holistic, long-term view and talk to your learner about how they apply themselves throughout the term, the quality of their study time, things they did well and areas they can improve upon.  Practically Applying Feedback Decide what help your child needs in the year ahead If your learner has some areas for improvement in the next academic term, it is important to identify exactly what type of assistance they need. Do they require academic support, or simply help with memorising content? Do you need to focus on how they manage their study time or their stress? Should they learn relaxation techniques or study methods? Do they need the services of an occupational therapist or a physio? Or would they benefit most from an integrated approach, where they are taught study methods as well as coping skills?  By having an open, non-judgmental conversation, parents and guardians can gauge how much effort their learners really put in and whether the methods they are using are bearing fruit. Many parents say that their children spend HOURS in front of their books. However, not everyone knows that up to 16, learners’ optimal concentration span equals their age in years. In other words, the quality of focus and time spent is much more relevant than the quantity. Taking a perspective on the whole report, giving equal consideration to the marks and the teachers’ comments, will set parents and learners up for a more fruitful and satisfying term ahead.  Ultimately, what we want to achieve by discussing children’s reports is to get a clear picture of where they are in terms of their academic development. We want to know what changes they can implement themselves and what they need from us as parents, guardians and educational specialists. If your child could benefit from academic or emotional support, like coaching in study methods and coping skills, contact us at EduHelp. We will design a holistic approach based on your learners’ strengths and needs, and advise you on how best to support them on their academic journey.  This article was originally published on the EduHelp website.  By Loudine Heunis

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