DIBBER SA

The Heart of the Home: Celebrating the Power of Motherhood in South African Culture

In South African culture, the idea of motherhood extends beyond biology. It lives in the hands that nurture, the voices that guide, and the hearts that care – regardless of titles or ties. Whether known as mama, rakgadi, mmane, makazi, or makhulu, the role of a mother is deeply rooted in our collective identity and family structures. “In our communities, motherhood is both a role and a responsibility, often shared across generations and families,” says Kelly Eyre, Quality and Pedagogical Lead at Dibber International Preschools South Africa. “This layered, relational view of caregiving supports children with a rich emotional foundation. It echoes our philosophy at Dibber—where learning begins with connection, trust, and care.” From rural villages to urban centres, mothers, grandmothers, and aunts provide stability, wisdom, and unconditional love. South Africa’s collective approach to parenting – where children are raised by entire families and communities – strengthens cultural ties and emotional well-being. These caregivers shape more than daily routines; they shape values, language, tradition, and identity. In various South African cultures, this caregiving role is deeply respected and uniquely expressed, for example: At Dibber, educators recognise the essential connection between home and preschool environments. Through Heart Culture™, Dibber creates learning spaces that mirror the warmth, care, and values instilled by mother figures at home. “We often see how children flourish when they are surrounded by empathy and emotional safety—qualities that so many mothers and caregivers naturally provide,” says Eyre. “Whether it’s a shared meal, a word of encouragement, or a quiet moment of listening, these everyday interactions shape confident, compassionate young learners.” By acknowledging and supporting the vital role of mothers and caregivers in early childhood, Dibber continues to honour the rich cultural fabric that defines South African families, and helps children thrive.

Parenting Hub

Parenting in the Age of Voice Notes: Teaching Kids to Communicate Effectively

Once upon a time, kids passed notes in class. Then came instant messaging. Now? It’s all about voice notes. Quick to record, easy to send, and bursting with personality, voice notes have become the go-to form of communication for many tweens and teens — and even for parents! But with every new tech convenience comes a question: Are our kids still learning how to communicate effectively — or are shortcuts replacing real connection? 🎙️ The Rise of Voice Note Culture From WhatsApp and Telegram to Instagram DMs, voice notes are increasingly popular among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. They’re faster than typing, less formal, and allow for tone and nuance that text often lacks. But unlike face-to-face chats or phone calls, voice notes are one-sided conversations, and they can shape the way children think about communication — for better or worse. According to a 2022 report by Common Sense Media, 62% of teens said they use voice messaging at least weekly. Yet only 39% reported feeling “very comfortable” with face-to-face conversations. 👂 What Kids May Be Missing While voice notes offer convenience, they can also reduce opportunities to practice vital conversational skills such as: These are crucial elements of communication — not just for friendships, but for success in school, the workplace, and life in general. Dr. Sherry Turkle, an MIT professor and author of Reclaiming Conversation, warns that “we’re getting used to a new way of being alone together.” Technology lets us broadcast messages without needing to truly engage, which can hinder emotional intelligence and empathy development. 🧠 Balancing Tech with Social Skills As parents, we don’t have to fear voice notes — but we do need to help our kids strike a balance. Here’s how you can support effective communication skills: ✅ Model face-to-face chats: Make eye contact, listen without interrupting, and show curiosity. Kids mirror what they see. ✅ Encourage verbal interaction: Ask open-ended questions and prompt your child to explain their thoughts in detail, even at dinner time. ✅ Teach context: Help kids understand when a voice note is appropriate — and when it’s better to call, text, or speak in person (like for apologies, thank-yous, or serious conversations). ✅ Practice conversation: Role-play different scenarios: asking for help, making new friends, or resolving conflict. ✅ Limit screen-only interactions: Encourage activities that require group interaction — like team sports, drama, or debate. 💬 Voice Notes Are Here to Stay — So Let’s Teach Kids to Use Them Wisely Voice notes can be personal, expressive, and fun. But they shouldn’t replace deeper, two-way conversations. Our job is to guide kids toward becoming confident, thoughtful communicators, no matter what platform they’re using.  Sources:

John Kruger- Co-founder and Managing Director of Bloom Financial Services (Pty) Ltd.

Budget-Friendly Healthcare: Smart Tips for South African Families

Keeping your family healthy shouldn’t feel like a luxury. Yet, for many South African households, staying well is becoming harder to afford. From doctors’ visits to medication, the cost of healthcare continues to rise, putting pressure on already strained budgets. Whether it’s a child’s fever in the middle of the night or managing a chronic condition, families often find themselves stuck between long queues at public clinics and private care they can’t afford. It’s no wonder many see private healthcare as out of reach. But what if there was a middle ground? A way to access the care you need—without paying the price of full medical aid? In this article, we’ll explore smart, budget-friendly tips to help you manage your family’s healthcare costs and show you how health insurance options like Health4Me, offered through Bloom, are making private care more accessible for families across South Africa. Understand What You’re Paying For Before you can start saving on healthcare, it’s important to understand where your money is going. For many families, health expenses add up quickly—even without a major medical emergency. Here’s a quick example of common out-of-pocket costs in South Africa: Without any form of cover, even basic care can stretch your monthly budget. That’s why understanding your healthcare expenses is the first step toward managing them—so you can start looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Tips to Save on Everyday Healthcare You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your family healthy. With a few smart choices, you can manage everyday healthcare needs without blowing your budget. Here are practical ways South African families can cut costs—without cutting corners on care: Pharmacy clinics at Clicks, Dis-Chem, and MediRite offer convenient and affordable care for common health issues, including colds, minor infections, and vaccinations. They’re staffed by trained nurses and sometimes provide same-day appointments, making them a reliable alternative to full GP visits. Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as brand-name options but are significantly less expensive. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic version is available—it could save you hundreds over time without compromising on your treatment. Many retail clinics and health insurance plans, including Health4Me, offer free or discounted health checks, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and BMI screenings. These early detection tools can help you catch issues before they become serious—and expensive. Prevention is really better (and cheaper) than a cure. Encourage a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, and handwashing. Teaching your children good habits from a young age sets the foundation for a healthier (and more affordable) future. Small changes can make a big difference—and they all add up to better health and lower costs for your family. Know When to Use Public vs. Private Healthcare South Africa operates a dual healthcare system: a public sector serving the majority and a private sector catering to a smaller, often more affluent segment. Understanding when to utilise each can help families make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Public Healthcare: Accessible but Overburdened Public healthcare services are available to all South Africans, offering essential services such as immunisations, maternal care, and treatment for common illnesses. These services are often free or low-cost, making them a vital resource for many families. However, the public system faces significant challenges: Private Healthcare: Quality and Efficiency at a Cost Private healthcare offers shorter wait times, advanced medical technology, and a broader range of services. Facilities are typically well-equipped and staffed, providing a higher standard of care. However, the benefits come with higher costs: To bridge the gap, consider affordable health insurance options like Health4Me from Bloom. These plans provide access to private healthcare services at a fraction of the typical cost, ensuring your family receives quality care when it matters most. By understanding the strengths and limitations of both public and private healthcare systems, South African families can make strategic decisions to safeguard their health and well-being. Health Insurance: The Middle Ground Between Medical Aid and Out-of-Pocket Costs When it comes to paying for healthcare in South Africa, families often find themselves caught between two extremes: expensive medical aid or unpredictable out-of-pocket expenses. But there’s another option that offers balance—health insurance. Unlike medical aid, which provides comprehensive cover, including hospitalisation and prescribed minimum benefits, health insurance focuses on essential day-to-day healthcare. It’s designed to be more affordable, easier to understand, and better suited to families who need reliable care without the high monthly premiums. That’s where Health4Me, offered through Bloom, comes in. With fixed monthly payments, Health4Me gives you access to: Best of all, Health4Me is easy to sign up for—no complicated paperwork or long approval delays. With nationwide access to pharmacy clinic partners like Clicks, Dis-Chem, and MediRite, your family can get care close to home, wherever you are. Why Health4Me Works for Families Keeping your family healthy shouldn’t mean facing unpredictable bills or endless queues. That’s why Health4Me is built around what families really need: affordable, practical, and easy-to-use healthcare cover. Here’s why it works so well for South African families: Fixed, predictable monthly payments No surprise costs—just one set monthly fee that fits into your budget and helps you plan with confidence. Access to private care for everyday needs From GP visits and medication to basic dentistry and optometry, Health4Me covers the services families use most—without the wait or the worry. Simplicity and ease of use No confusing medical jargon. No complicated approval processes. A straightforward cover that provides your family with the care they need when they need it. Cover for every stage of life Whether you’re a busy parent, have growing children, or care for elderly relatives, Health4Me gives everyone in your household access to reliable, quality care. Final Tips for Family Health on a Budget Even with affordable health insurance, there are extra steps you can take to stretch your healthcare budget further and be prepared for the unexpected: Create a “health fund” Put aside a small amount each month—even R50 to R100—to cover extras like

Cartoonito

Say Cheese! 🧀 Celebrate with Tom and Jerry This June!

Get ready for non-stop laughs, wild chases, and a whole lot of cheese, because Tom and Jerry are celebrating in style — and your kids are invited! 🎉 In honour of Tom and Jerry’s anniversary, this month brings a special Cheese Day stunt filled with epic adventures, hilarious showdowns, and, of course, plenty of cheesy mischief. If your kids love classic cartoons, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to one of the most iconic animated duos of all time. Here’s what’s lined up for the celebration: 🧡 Tom and Jerry: Cowboy Up! – Saddle up for some wild west fun!❤️ Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars – A cosmic chase that’s out of this world!💛 A handpicked selection of cheese-themed episodes from The Tom and Jerry Show and Tom and Jerry in New York – expect cheese, chaos, and lots of giggles!💙 And every weekend in June from 19:15 CAT, enjoy Tom and Jerry Show marathons – perfect for family movie nights or cozy afternoons. This celebration is the perfect mix of nostalgia for parents and hilarious entertainment for kids. Whether they’re long-time fans or new to the antics of the world’s most famous cat and mouse duo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab some popcorn (or cheese! 🧀), snuggle up, and let Tom and Jerry bring the laughter home all month long. 📺 Premiere: Wednesday 4 June 2025 ⏰ Tune-In: from 16:45 CAT & Every Weekend from 19:15 CAT (Marathons)

Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Introducing Lady Prelox Intimacy: Double the Strength, All the Desire

You love your partner. You love your life. But when it comes to intimacy, your body’s response is… meh. Sound familiar? You’re not alone and you’re definitely not out of options. Newly reformulated Lady Prelox Intimacy by Lamelle Laboratories is here to help you rediscover your desire – now with double the strength and in a convenient new caplet. Made for women who want to want it again, and maybe even crave it a little, the new Lady Prelox is Lamelle’s advanced formulation of its trusted female intimacy supplement. Clinically proven and all-natural, Lady Prelox Intimacy supports sexual function from the inside out, helping to improve desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and overall satisfaction. Because the version of you who looked forward to “bedroom time” is still in there and Lady Prelox Intimacy can help you reconnect with her. So, what’s new? Clinically proven, all natural, all good! At the heart of Lady Prelox Intimacy is a powerful blend of ingredients, including: Lady Prelox Intimacy is more than a supplement, it’s a confidence-builder, a connection-reviver and a powerful “yes” to putting your pleasure back on the priority list. In clinical trials, women reported noticeable improvements in sexual function in just four to eight weeks, whether they were in their reproductive years, perimenopausal or post-menopausal. Simply take two caplets a day, and let your body remember what it’s like to want it – and love it!  Lady Prelox Intimacy is suitable for vegans, gluten-free and has no reported side effects. It’s available at select pharmacies and online at www.preloxrange.co.za and www.lamellepharmaceuticals.co.za.

Twinkl

Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing During Exam Time

Exam time can be a stressful period—not just for learners, but for parents too. As assessments approach, many children experience heightened levels of anxiety, pressure, and even self-doubt. As a parent, it’s natural to want to help your child succeed academically, but it’s just as important to support their emotional wellbeing. The good news is that with the right tools and strategies, you can help your child feel more confident, prepared, and calm during this busy time. Understanding Exam Stress It’s completely normal for children to feel nervous before exams. A little pressure can be motivating, but too much can have the opposite effect. Signs of stress may include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, irritability, or negative self-talk like “I’m going to fail” or “I can’t do this.” One of the most effective ways to manage exam stress is through preparation. When learners feel ready and well-supported, they are more likely to approach exams with a sense of calm and self-belief. How Twinkl Can Help Twinkl offers a wide range of resources designed to make revision more manageable and effective—for both learners and their families. Here’s how some of Twinkl’s tools can help your child prepare and feel supported: ✅ ‘How to’ Pages and Revision Guides Twinkl’s ‘How to’ pages and revision guides break down topics into bite-sized, learner-friendly summaries. These guides explain key concepts clearly and simply, making them ideal for reviewing content covered in class. Whether your child is brushing up on natural sciences, brushing up on maths methods, or recapping historical events, these resources offer a structured and accessible way to revise. ✅ Study Notes and Checklists Well-organised notes can make a big difference in how effectively your child revises. Twinkl’s study notes and checklists help learners keep track of what they’ve covered and what they still need to review. These tools not only boost confidence but also help children set achievable goals—another powerful way to reduce feelings of overwhelm.  ✅ Practice with Past Papers One of the best ways to prepare for exams is to practise using past papers. Twinkl offers exam-style questions and papers that mirror the types of tasks your child will face. Doing past papers helps learners get familiar with the format and timing of exams and improves their ability to manage time under pressure. Most importantly, it builds confidence in their ability to tackle challenging questions. You can find our practice exams here https://www.twinkl.co.za/l/p0upw Your Role as a Parent While your child is doing the hard work of revising, your support can make all the difference. Here are a few ways to help: Final Thoughts Remember, exams are just one part of your child’s learning journey. With the right preparation tools and emotional support, your child can approach exam season with confidence and a positive mindset. Twinkl’s resources are here to guide you and your child every step of the way—helping them feel ready, steady, and supported.

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