Parenting Hub

Habits of Mind – A Critical Thinking Programme

I am excited to share the Habits of Mind programme, an integral part of our educational approach here at St. Teresa’s School. As we strive to provide our children with a well-rounded education, we not only cover our academic syllabus but also incorporate the Habits of Mind programme aimed at nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. While we still maintain a strong academic focus on Literacy and Numeracy in our Junior Primary phase, we recognise the equal importance of developing critical thinking skills. Our goal is to equip our children not only with foundational knowledge but also with the tools necessary to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and resilience. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to think critically and creatively is more important than ever. Children are no longer merely expected to regurgitate information; now, they are challenged to be actively involved in the process of knowledge production. The Habits of Mind programme, which emphasises the development of key cognitive skills, is essential for success in the 21st century. The Habits of Mind programme, comprising 16 core habits, empowers children to approach questions and problems with intelligence and creativity. Rather than focusing solely on providing correct answers, we are interested in how children respond when faced with uncertainty or unfamiliar challenges. By developing these habits, children learn to persevere, think flexibly, and collaborate effectively, equipping them with invaluable skills for lifelong learning. At St Teresa’s School, each week, we focus on a different Habit of Mind, guiding children through activities designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. We have adapted the Habits of Mind terminology to make it more accessible and age-appropriate for our younger children. For example, the Habit of Mind “Thinking Interdependently” has been simplified to “Work Together”, making it easier for our young children to understand and apply. Other examples of the 16 Habits of Mind, using our child-friendly language, include: “Try New Things”, “Use What You Know”, “Ask Questions”, “Try a Different Way”, and “Understand Others”. “Persistence: Stick to It!” is a Habit of Mind that we have recently explored. This Habit of Mind emphasises the importance of embracing challenges and learning from mistakes, instilling a growth mindset and a determination to overcome obstacles. Here are some self-reflective thoughts from a few of our Grade 3 children on this Habit of Mind: “When I started hip hop, I didn’t like it, but I kept at it and now I might go to Nationals!” – Sibane “I stuck to reading a chapter book for the first time when I was five!” – Emma “When I kept getting things wrong in Matific, I started over and over, and then finally I made it to the end and got five stars.” – Lilith “When I was at a horse riding show, it was my turn to do the course. I was about to jump the last jump, but I was very scared. But I tried and it was worth it!” – Scarlette “When I was playing, it was very hard, but I kept going”. – Zaneerah We also encourage our children to adopt the power of “yet.” Rather than saying, “I can’t,” we encourage them to acknowledge that they may not have mastered a skill “yet,” emphasising the potential for growth through perseverance and effort. I encourage you to explore and learn more about the Habits of Mind programme by accessing the following link: Introducing the Habits of Mind For those interested in reading further on this topic, I highly recommend the work of Carol Dweck, who has written several influential books on the concept of Growth Mindset. Together, let us continue to support our children in becoming confident, independent, critical and creative thinkers who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Carol Goosen St Teresa’s School Head of Academics

September 18, 2025

Screen Time Tips: Balancing Technology and Play

In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere—from tablets and TVs to phones and computers. While technology can be educational and entertaining, too much screen time can interfere with sleep, physical activity, and social development. Learning to balance screen time with active play is essential for raising healthy, well-rounded children. 1. Set Clear Boundaries Children thrive on structure, even when it comes to screens: 2. Choose Quality Content Not all screen time is created equal: 3. Encourage Active Play Balance screen time with movement and exploration: 4. Model Healthy Habits Children learn by example: 5. Integrate Technology Mindfully Use screens as a tool, not a babysitter: 6. Watch for Warning Signs Excessive or unhealthy screen time can impact children: Final Thoughts Technology is an integral part of modern life, but moderation is key. By establishing limits, choosing quality content, encouraging active play, and modelling healthy habits, parents can ensure children enjoy the benefits of screens while still engaging in meaningful, real-world experiences. Balance isn’t about eliminating screens—it’s about integrating them thoughtfully into daily life. Sources:

September 18, 2025

Bonding with Your Baby: Tips for New Moms and Dads

The early days of parenthood are filled with awe, excitement, and sometimes uncertainty. Bonding with your baby is more than just cuddles—it’s the foundation for a secure attachment, emotional development, and long-term well-being. Both moms and dads play a critical role in creating strong, nurturing connections with their little ones. Here are practical ways to strengthen that bond while supporting your baby’s growth. 1. Skin-to-Skin Contact Skin-to-skin contact is one of the most effective ways to bond with your newborn: 2. Eye Contact and Talking Even newborns benefit from verbal and visual interaction: 3. Gentle Touch and Massage Touch is a powerful bonding tool: 4. Shared Activities Both parents can participate in activities that strengthen connections: 5. Create a Routine Babies thrive on predictability, and routines foster secure attachment: 6. Include Both Parents Bonding is not limited to moms: 7. Mind Your Wellbeing A happy, healthy parent is better able to bond: Final Thoughts Bonding with your baby is a journey that grows every day. Through touch, eye contact, routines, and shared activities, both moms and dads can create a secure foundation for emotional and social development. Remember, it’s not about perfection—small, consistent acts of love, attention, and presence make the biggest impact. Sources:

September 18, 2025

Unexpected Emergencies: How the Right Medical Cover Protects Your Kids

There isn’t usually a warning when a child has a medical emergency. An unexpected fall from a jungle gym, a high fever that won’t go away, or a breathing problem that gets worse overnight can all make a normal day into a crisis. In South Africa, where healthcare costs can be very different between the public and private sectors, whether a family has enough medical insurance can make the difference between getting treatment right away and waiting hours for an answer. In this country, private health care is expensive. A 2019 study published in the South African Medical Journal found that intensive care services at a central public hospital cost an average of R22 870 per patient per day. The financial impact of hospitalisation extends far beyond the ICU. Research published in BMC Health Services Research in 2021, which modelled public hospital costs for COVID-19 care, estimated R75 127 per admission for treatment in a general ward only, and R103 030 per admission when a patient required both ward and ICU care. The same study calculated a public-sector ICU unit cost of R17 845 per day, underscoring the high expense of critical care in South Africa’s state hospitals. It should be noted that it is merely impossible to get one definite answer as to cost of either private or public health care as there is a lot of factors to take into account. Also, these numbers change significantly over short periods of time in certain instances. Costs can be very high for the youngest and most at-risk patients. In South Africa, the cost of staying in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is approximately R 22 013.20 per day and this is only the flat rate. It covers all equipment except certain ventilators and oxygen-related items. According to the Gauteng Department of Health’s Uniform Patient Fee Schedule for 2024/25, the public-sector rate for neonatal intensive care is R3 418 per day for general practitioner-led care and R3 549 per day for specialist-led care. These rates apply to fee-paying patients in provincial public hospitals and provide a current benchmark for public NICU costs. These numbers show how much the system has to spend, not necessarily how much patients have to pay directly. When families get hospital bills, they can be in for a big shock if they don’t have enough health insurance. It can still be hard on families, even when the government pays for treatment. Getting to and from appointments, missing work, and sometimes getting extra care at home all cost a lot of money. Medical insurance is more than just a way to pay for medical care; it can also give you peace of mind. It can mean faster access to treatment when it is needed most. Most of the medical plans that are already in place in South Africa include emergency benefits that cover ambulance rides, treatment in a casualty ward, and care in a hospital for serious injuries or illnesses. In some cases, being able to get these services right away can make a big difference in how quickly a child gets better. When choosing a plan, parents should read carefully what the hospital and emergency benefits cover. Having insurance that covers visits to specialists, diagnostic tests, and follow-up care after leaving the hospital can be very important, especially for kids with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. Vaccinations, hearing and vision tests, and tracking growth are just a few of the health benefits that many plans offer. Families who live in rural or remote areas should be aware of the limits of hospital networks. Some health insurance plans only let you use certain facilities in an emergency, which could mean longer travel times in an emergency. Parents should also look for waiting periods and exclusions, especially for conditions that already exist, because these can make it harder to get some benefits. Cost is often the most important thing to think about when choosing health insurance, but picking the cheapest plan can be a false economy if it has high co-payments or low annual benefit limits. Before making a choice, you need to carefully compare plans, benefits, and provider networks. Public hospitals are still an important part of the country’s healthcare system, but they can take a long time to treat non-life-threatening cases when they don’t have enough space. Private care is often available more quickly for conditions that are urgent but not life-threatening right away. This lowers the risk of complications and speeds up recovery. A lot of parents think that the peace of mind that comes from knowing their child will get good care on time is worth the monthly fee. There will always be stress during an emergency, but having the right medical coverage means that decisions are made based on what is best for the child’s health and not on what the family can afford at the time.

September 17, 2025

Three Tips for Easing Test Anxiety

It’s normal for your child to get nervous before a test or quiz at school. The intensity of their anxiety though is dependent on how confident and calm they feel. It’s important for your child to properly prepare, practice healthy habits, and be optimistic about the results. Follow these tips to help ease test anxiety for your child: 1. Develop Efficient Study Habits. Preparing for a test is a very important step in reducing test anxiety. It’s key to remember that every child is different. While some can capture everything after the first review, others may need to highlight key topics or write down notes on flashcards or do something unique that works for them. Some students may even need to create mnemonics (memory devices that help learners recall larger pieces of information, especially in the form of lists like characteristics, steps, stages, parts, etc – for example, to remember the spelling of “because” – Baby Eats Candy And Usually Says E). Test and try different study habits and see which is the best fit for your child. Avoid pushing them to study a different way, or your way. What works for you may not work for them. Additionally, sit with your child and determine a study plan together. Designate a time and place to study daily. Begin strategizing on how the studying will be broken down. Help your child prioritize and delegate their time between different chapters or sections. 2. Provide Proper Resources. Often students feel too embarrassed to ask for help on something that was taught weeks ago. They become unsure about the topic while studying and end up puzzled during exam time. To avoid this, have your child create a list of topics or sections that they are struggling with. Then, take some time to review the list. Identify if your child simply needs a refresher on these topics or if they need further help. If it is a matter of needing a refresher, encourage them to review work they have done previously, remind themselves how they solved certain problems or completed those sections of work, make summaries and / or mind maps to make the information more manageable and easier to remember. If it is a matter of needing further help the first port of call would be to address it with their teacher. Depending on your child’s age, you can reach out to their teacher or you can encourage them to seek help from their teacher. Making the teacher aware of what your child is struggling with may lead them to find different ways of explaining difficult topics in class. You can also go online to find resources / video clips that can explain the work better or seek out extra-mural programmes (such as Kumon) that can supplement their learning and increase their confidence and knowledge retention. 3. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle. The week of the test can be a very exhausting week. Be sure that your child is not only balancing homework and afterschool activities, but also eating and resting adequately. It’s important to plan. If your child needs more time to study during test week then be sure to make alternative arrangements with extracurricular activities. However, if your child is on track with their studying, be sure to keep these activities. Going to a sport practice or ballet class is a good reward after spending hours of preparing for the test. Taking a break to do some physical activity is excellent to clear and refresh the mind, release tension and anxiety and give renewed energy to focus on studying again. Another good way to reinforce and motivate your child is by providing them with positive affirmations. Have them repeat after you. It can be a simple “I got this!” or something more inspiring like “Hard work will pay off!” Engraving these positive thoughts will make your child feel optimistic and rewarded for their hard work. You can also schedule a fun evening or weekend activity after the test to reward your child for their hard work and preparation. In Closing Test anxiety is very challenging to manage and adds extra stress. With proper preparation and study habits your child will succeed. It’s crucial to see what tactics and strategies work best with your child. Ultimately, the most efficient approach of studying will be what determines their test grade. Be a supportive parent by putting into practice these steps to help ease your child’s test anxiety. Should you be interested in learning more about Kumon and how it can support your child, visit www.kumon.co.za This article is courtesy of the Kumon North America website* * https://www.kumon.com/resources/three-tips-for-easing-test-anxiety/

September 17, 2025

Some FAQS about breast cancer – what every woman (and man) should know

‘When it comes to breast health, knowledge really is power,’ says Dr Salomine Theron, radiologist and head of the Tygervalley Mammography Centre at SCP Radiology. ‘Many women still have questions about their personal risk, the role of mammograms and what different tests can and can’t show. We’ve put together these frequently asked questions to give women clear, practical answers – and hopefully some peace of mind too.’ 1. Does breast cancer run in families? Yes. But most cases aren’t hereditary. Around 5-10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations. The most well-known are BRCA1 and BRCA2. If a close family member has had breast or ovarian cancer, especially at a young age, it’s worth talking to your doctor about your risk. ‘A family history doesn’t guarantee you’ll get breast cancer but having no history doesn’t mean you won’t.’ 2. What can increase your risk of developing breast cancer? Age, hormonal factors (like early menstruation or late menopause), obesity, alcohol and not having children (or having them later in life) can all increase your risk. But sometimes there’s no clear reason, which is why screening is so important. A mammogram can pick up breast cancer before any symptoms develop and detect a tumour that cannot be felt. It is effective for detecting early cancer in women over 40. 3. Is it true that breast cancer is more treatable if caught early? Absolutely. If detected early, there is a survival rate of over 90%. The later it’s found, the harder it is to treat. That’s why routine screening, even when you feel perfectly fine, can save your life. 4. What tests are used to detect breast cancer? 5. Are all breast cancers the same? No. Breast cancer isn’t one disease, there are several types, including ductal, lobular, triple-negative and HER2-positive cancers. They behave differently and respond to different treatments. 6. Can men get breast cancer? Although it’s rare, men can develop breast cancer too. Roughly 1 in 100 breast cancer cases occurs in men. A lump behind the nipple, nipple discharge or inversion should always be checked. 7. How often should I check my breasts? Do a self-check once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends when breasts are less tender. Look for lumps, changes in size, skin dimpling or nipple changes. If anything feels or looks different. Don’t wait. Get it checked. 8. When should I start getting mammograms? Most private radiology practices recommend starting at age 40 or earlier if you have a strong family history or have any of the breast cancer genes. Your GP or radiologist can help guide you. 9. Does breast cancer hurt? Sometimes a lump can hurt but usually there is no pain. That’s why you can’t rely on pain as a warning sign and why screening is so important, even if you feel fine. 10. I’m young, do I need to worry about breast cancer? While it’s less common in your 20s and 30s, it can happen, especially if you have genetic risk factors. Be breast-aware, do monthly self-checks and know your family history. If you have a strong familial history of breast cancer (like a sister, mother or grandmother who was diagnosed), speak to your doctor about starting your screening earlier. 11. Can breastfeeding lower my risk of breast cancer? Yes. Studies suggest that breastfeeding reduces the risk of both pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect. 12. What does ‘dense breast tissue’ mean and why does it matter? Dense breasts have more glandular and fibrous tissue than fat. It’s normal but it can make mammograms harder to read and slightly raises your risk of breast cancer. Your radiologist may recommend additional tests like ultrasound or MRI. 13. I had a normal mammogram last year. Do I still need one this year? Yes. A mammogram is a snapshot in time. Breast cancer can develop between screenings, which is why annual checks from age 40 are recommended. 14. What if I’m scared of what the results might be? That’s perfect normal but finding cancer early gives you more options and a better outcome. Avoiding the test won’t change the result, but it could delay life-saving treatment. 15. Is a 3D mammogram better than a regular one? 3D mammography (also called tomosynthesis) takes multiple images of the breast from different angles, offering a clearer, more detailed view. It’s particularly helpful for women with dense breasts and may reduce the chance of false alarms. 16. What if I have breast implants, can I still have a mammogram? Women with implants can and should have mammograms. Just let the radiographer know to ensure they get a safe and accurate image. 17. I’ve had breast cancer before, do I still need screening? Yes. Follow-up imaging is essential, as survivors are at higher risk of recurrence or new cancers. Your oncologist will tailor your follow-up plan based on your history. 18. What if I find something and I’m not sure it’s serious? If you’re unsure, get it checked. No concern is too small. Radiology practices see patients every day with uncertain symptoms and most are benign. But it’s always worth investigating. 19. Is there such a thing as too young or too old to get breast cancer? Breast cancer is most common over 50 but it can occur at any age, including women in their 20s. Likewise, it’s not too late to screen in your 70s or 80s, especially if you’re in good health. 20. What is a breast ultrasound and is it safe? A breast ultrasound uses soundwaves, not radiation, to create images of the inside of the breast. It’s safe, painless and particularly useful in younger women, women with dense breasts and to evaluate a palpable lump or mass seen on a mammogram. 22. How long does a mammogram take? Just 15 to 20 minutes but it could save your life. You’ll be in and out quickly, the results are sent to your physician

September 17, 2025

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