Child magazine | DBN February/March 2018

D U R B A N ’ s

b e s t

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February March 2018

instagram-worthy

lunchboxes healthiness your children will love (and eat!)

raise

confident children

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all they need is you

beautiful books for growing minds

school’s back a fresh look at life and new beginnings

free health

education

entertainment

contents

february/march 2018 - school’s back

magaz ne

upfront

regulars

publisher

6 over to you Our readers have their say and share their news and views

10 pregnancy Deciding on your baby’s name can be tricky, we provide some insight on how to avoid burdening your child with an ill-chosen name

editorial

4 pub’s note New beginnings and a new look for your favourite magazine

8 health Eight reasons to keep your child home from school

features

14 delayed speech Our advice on how to recognise when it indicates a developmental delay and when and who to consult for professional advice 22 thoughtful parents, confident children Nick Dall investigates the RIE approach to parenting, a largely common-sense method to help children develop a positive sense of their place in the world

18 recipes Tips and a list of yummy, healthy options to pack in lunchboxes 30 a good read Popular reads for all – our selection of books for every age 32 what’s on in February and March Family events and school open days

24 open day 101 Planning for your child’s future education means asking the right questions to get the information you need to make the best choice

34 finishing touch Love takes on an entirely new meaning when expressed by a child

26 romantic outings We’ve compiled a list of some of the best and most charming ways to celebrate the month of love and connect with your partner 28 one-on-one Popular children’s book author Julia Donaldson discusses the inspiration behind her latest book and stresses the importance of reading for children

12 best for baby Know your spots – how to identify and treat nappy and other rashes

34 in the next issue of child magazine The good life – celebrating health and happiness and Easter holiday fun

Lisa Mc Namara lisa@childmag.co.za

Editor editor@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Tamlyn Vincent durban@childmag.co.za Freelance Copy Editor Brenda Bryden Online Content Manager online@childmag.co.za

art

Designers Candice Acheson studio1@childmag.co.za Mark Vincer studio@childmag.co.za

client relations

Lisa Waterloo dbnsales@childmag.co.za Renee Bruning renee@childmag.co.za

print & digital advertising

classified ads

32 family marketplace

Lisa Mc Namara lisa@childmag.co.za

33 let’s party

subscriptions & circulation Nicolene Baldy subs@childmag.co.za

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Durban’s Child magazine is published alternate monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 7, Canterbury Studios, 35 Wesley Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Tel: 0861 867 885, email: info@childmag.co.za.

Annual subscriptions (for six issues) cost R150, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by CTP. Copyright subsists in all work published in Durban’s Child magazine.

We welcome submissions but retain the unrestricted right to change any received copy. We are under no obligation to return unsolicited copy. The magazine, or part thereof, may not be reproduced or adapted without the prior written permission of the publisher. We take care to ensure our articles are accurate and balanced but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage that may arise from reading them.

Nicolene Baldy admin@childmag.co.za 0861 867 885

Joburg’s Child magazine 55 350 Cape Town’s Child magazine 47 817 Durban’s Child magazine 40 026 Pretoria’s Child magazine 40 173 Free requested Jul 17 – Dec 17

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Every year is a new beginning … And, as you can see, we are taking this new year, new beginnings thing seriously. We are delighted to introduce our rejuvenated, fresh look. It’s all you know and treasure about Child Mag, just glamorously petite! We hope you love it as much as we have loved creating the layouts and packing the pages with features designed to support, inform, motivate and connect you to an extensive family-friendly community.

With the focus in this issue firmly on ‘School’s Back’, we have rounded up all you need to know to settle your brood back into an orderly routine.

In my case it’s more like organised chaos, so I was particularly inspired by our Instagram-worthy spread of lunchbox creations (page 18). I relish the idea of glancing at a picture (instead of a 1 000 word recipe) and being able to recreate the magic. In this feature we help you plan, shop, stock and pack healthy lunchboxes your children will love, and eat! On the topic of love, our team has suggestions for novel ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day (page 26). Taking time out with your partner is important, it gives you the opportunity to chat about your goals and dreams, but most of all, to have some fun! And remember Elinor Glyn’s famous quote: “Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze.”

May Child Mag be your sprinkling of fairy dust this year; let us make parenting a little easier, and a lot more fun. And, we hope that 2018 will be a wonderfully happy and healthy year for you and your family!

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magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

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PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: Brooke Fasani

Welcome back!

Pub’s note

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letters

over to you Have your say – we value your thoughts, suggestions and feedback. editor@childmag.co.za back to school basics It’s that time of year again, when parents start the school run. Remember, it’s illegal to travel in a car with a child under the age of three who is not in an approved car seat, yet over 90% of children on South African roads still travel without being strapped in, and five children die on our roads every day. Car passenger deaths are the fourth leading cause of death in children in South Africa, and the leading cause of accidental death in children aged 5–15.

This can be prevented as car seats apparently reduce the risk of death by 71% for babies, and 54% for older children.

I appeal to all parents to start the year with the following in mind: Babies should be in rear-facing car seats until they are at least one year old. In fact, the safest option is to keep them rear facing for as long as possible.

Toddlers should be in a convertible child seat (rear-facing) until they outgrow the weight and height recommendations of the seat. They should remain rear facing until three or four years old.

Children should then be in booster seats until they are over 1.5 metres tall and between the ages of 10 and 12.

Once children are over 1.5 metres tall, they should still only travel in the back seat and the three-point safety belt should be positioned low on the pelvis and across the upper chest between the neck and shoulder (not over the neck).

You may think it won’t happen to you, but you have no control over other drivers on the

roads that are driving recklessly, have been drinking, or are distracted by their cellphones.

Following these safety tips will ensure that you’ve done your utmost to protect your family, so you can get out on the roads, enjoy your holiday, and make special memories together.

Mandy Lee Miller from #CarseatFullstop

what do modern learning environments look like?

Open, multi-purpose spaces accommodate the many different types of learning happening in our schools today. Schools in the 21st century need to be immersive playgroundlike environments for imaginative minds, stimulating learning through clever designs inside and out. Times are changing and students and teachers need to find their own preferred places, indoors or outside, in which to learn. This not only results in the flexible use of teaching facilities and their capacity, but also allows for greater self-help and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning.

Oreneile Mabusela, senior architect for Sifiso Learning Group

it takes a village Thank you for the article ‘It takes a village’ (childmag.co.za/content/it-takes-village), I can definitely relate. I am a teen and I stay home from school because every day there is always one person who wants to start stuff, or the whole class picks on me. So, I stay home to get a break from it.

Anonymous

on coding for the future I believe the next generation will sufficiently ‘work’ and provide well via the internet!

Anonymous

seeing is learning Most of what a child learns is through their eyes and when their vision is impaired, their ability to learn through what they see is also impaired.

Ruahan Naude, CEO at Dynamic Vision.

80% As much as

children should have their eye exam

by the time they are six months old. This should be followed up with another check by the age of three and again just before they start primary school

60%

±

90%

±

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We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters. The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.

magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

of learning disabilities are associated with vision problems1

of sports-related eye injuries are preventable with proper eye protection1

on the sports field

children who are unable to see properly are at a disadvantage. Not only is their ability to perform affected, but they are also more prone to accidents 1

Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to

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of what the average child learns is through their eyes

Hoya. Made for the demands of Childhood. PNX Kids.

editor@childmag.co.za

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health

should I stay or should I go?

When should you keep your child at home, and when must you insist they go to school?

TAMLYN VINCENT

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eight reasons to keep your child at home 1. If your child has a fever or a high temperature, is vomiting or has diarrhoea, keep them at home. Parents and teachers agree that children who are visibly infected with a cold or flu, or who have a bad cough, should also stay in bed. Children with any severe illness won’t be able to concentrate at school, and temperatures, coughs and other such illnesses could be passed on to others.

2. Your child should not be at school if they have signs of a strep throat, which is contagious. How can you tell if it’s strep? Look out for little red spots on the back part or the roof of the mouth; red and swollen tonsils; swollen lymph nodes; headache, sometimes with pain in the gut or vomiting; and/or bad earache.

3. If your child has pink eye, keep them at home as they are highly contagious. Children should be able to return to school once they have used drops for 24 hours or, in the case of conjunctivitis, once any pus or tearing has cleared up. But, check with a doctor or optometrist first.

4. Any signs of an infectious illness or rash, such as chickenpox, slapped cheek, measles, mumps and hepatitis A, necessitate staying

Any signs of an infectious illness or rash ... necessitate staying in bed.

5.

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in bed. These illnesses could come with high temperatures and other side-effects. Aside from this, not all children are immunised against these diseases and sending your child to school could contribute to the spread of the illness.

A medical or hospital appointment that isn’t related to illness or an emergency can be cause to stay home, if it can’t be scheduled outside of school hours.

Lice or nits “play hopscotch”, so infected children should stay at home. And make sure you get all the eggs and nits out before sending them back to school.

If your child is being bullied, you may want to keep them home for a day until you can resolve the issue at school. But work on resolving the issue as quickly as possible, so that they doesn’t miss school for any longer than they have to.

You can keep your child home if there has been a death in the family, or of someone close to them.

five reasons not to miss school 1. Don’t keep your child home if they haven’t prepared for an exam or project. If there is a significant reason for unfinished work (maybe illness or a late-night school function), encourage your child to speak to their teacher to find a solution.

2. If your child says they are sick, but has no visible symptoms and you suspect they may be trying to take an off-day, send them to school. Teachers agree that children can manipulate their parents to stay at home.

3. Children shouldn’t need to stay home for a “rest day” during the school week. Rather encourage good time management, especially for exams and projects. If your child has a busy extramural calendar, or a lot of sports games or ballet rehearsals one week, schedule some downtime on the weekend. Children also need free time, so if their schedule is too busy, look at dropping a few extramurals.

4. Many children see break-up day as a waste of time, and ask to stay at home to start their holidays earlier. Some schools encourage attendance by holding back reports until the last day. Regardless, break-up day is still a school day and children should be encouraged to attend.

5. It is also not advisable to take your child out of school for long periods of time to go on family holidays or trips overseas.

If your child does miss school, let their teacher or the school know.

Absenteeism can affect your child’s performance and is recorded in school reports. If they are absent for more than several days, ensure that the school is aware of the circumstances. Provide documentation when necessary (such as a doctor’s note or a letter) and make sure your child catches up school work so that they don’t fall behind the rest of the class on their return.

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magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

here are often very good reasons to keep your child home from school. Having dandruff is not a legitimate one (there are shampoos that can fix the problem). But, if the cause of their violently itchy scalp is a colony of lice, the verdict is unanimous – keep them home until the little critters have been eradicated.

Here are some valid reasons to keep your child at home and some excuses that don’t make the grade for missing school.

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pregnancy

a name is a name is a name …

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orget about breastfeeding and crossing the midline, deciding on your baby’s name is probably one of the most important things you will do for your child. A name sets the tone for so many things in their life: where they will sit in class if the desks are arranged alphabetically; how long it will take for them to write their name at the top of a test sheet; what their playground nicknames will be; and eventually how they are perceived in the workplace.

And while it is incredibly tempting to come up with a name that’s adorable for a chubbycheeked toddler, bear in mind that one day your strapping son may not take too kindly to being called “Scandie” (meaning boisterous) on the rugby field.

I wanted to name my son Declan, after an Irish lad I had encountered on my travels in Dublin while in my twenties. Needless to say,

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my husband did not share my enthusiasm and we opted instead for Conor – with the Irish spelling – meaning lover of hounds. At the time, I thought we were incredibly clever with our nod to my Irish heritage. But, we soon realised that Conor will probably spend much of his literate life correcting people who insist on using the double “n” favoured by the Scots.

So, bear this in mind when going for unusual spellings. Also popular with many parents is the double-barrel name, especially if there’s been disagreement about the preferred name.

But while deciding on Jayden-George or LilyMae may seem like the perfect peacekeeper at the time, spare a thought for that hapless child when he or she has to start filling in forms with only a small block available for the name. Or, even worse, when it comes to school uniforms and you have to squash Anastasia-Jessamine onto an iron-on label.

magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

Going one step further is the temptation to combine the parents’ names. My name, Anél, is an amalgamation of my parents’ names – Anne and Neville. Needless to say, the supposed beauty of this epithet was completely lost on me and I have been calling myself “Ally” since I was in high school, much to my parents’ chagrin. Besides having to deal with some colourful nicknames, I also just found it irritating to include an accent on the “e” every time I typed my name.

cultural diversity and popular names South Africa’s cultural diversity lends itself toward an array of interesting names, and according to Stats SA, the most popular in 2016 were Junior and Precious, for boys and girls respectively, followed by Blessing and Gift.

It’s also common for parents to include a name of a grandparent or family member, either

PHOTOGRAPH: SHAVAN RAHIM | ACKERMANS

Or is it? What’s really in a name? ANÉL LEWIS

as a first or second name. Many Afrikaansspeaking children are given surnames as first names. Who could forget Scott Scott, a popular television presenter from the 80s?

The funny thing about the names we lovingly mull over when our children are born is that they will eventually be diluted and mutated into some sort of nickname.

I deliberately opted for a short name for my daughter, Erin, in the hope that she would be spared any embarrassing abbreviations or

associations. But, she’s already become “Errie” and I fear she may have to deal with some “Airy Fairy” jokes somewhere along the line.

Given our obsession with celebrities, it’s not surprising that many parents are emulating the bizarre baby names being touted in Hollywood.

No one even raises an eyebrow at the thought of standing next to Apple, Rumi or Suri in the tuck shop. Movie characters are also wielding their influence, so look out for Khaleesi, Hermione and Jedi in a few years’ time.

Remember that a name is for life. It may tickle you pink to name your child “Gin”, as a nostalgic reminder of the night she was conceived, but it won’t be so amusing when she tries to establish her identity as a young adult. By the way, a recent study of LinkedIn found that male CEOs tend to have to-thepoint, one-syllable names, such as Bob, Jack and Tom and, in both male and female leaders, most of the names started with a consonant, not a vowel. No “Airy Fairies” in the boardroom, apparently.

navigating the baby-naming quandary Name generator sites that explain the origin of names: • nameberry.com categorises names according to themes such as celebrity, classic and cool • babynamewizard.com has graphs depicting popular names over time and a tool that suggests similar names to the one you have considered • babynames.com includes meanings and a list of the most popular names

Useful books: • Best Baby Names for 2017, Siobhan Thomas • Baby Names 2018, Eleanor Turner • Baby Names, Samantha Harney

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best for baby

what’s that rash?

Nappy rash is a common condition in babies, but it might not be the only outbreak they get.

Child magazine

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is candida diaper dermatitis, caused by the thrush fungus. Your baby may also have signs of thrush in their mouth. Symptoms include baby not wanting to feed and white patches inside the mouth and on the tongue.

finding relief Essack recommends leaving baby’s nappy off when possible, allowing the skin to dry.

Change nappies frequently, and as soon as possible after a bowel movement, especially when using cloth nappies. Barrier ointments, such as zinc oxide pastes, petroleum jelly and other unmedicated barrier preparations, are the ‘mainstays’ of treatment: apply after every nappy change. Gentle cleansing (not rubbing) with water or non-perfumed cleanser, helps soothe the area. A topical anticandidal cream can be used for a thrush infection. Cortisone

magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

treatments should only be used as a shortterm solution.

when it isn’t nappy rash …

seborrhoeic dermatitis (aka cradle cap) This presents as red eruptions with a waxy, yellow scale. It affects the scalp, eyebrows, underarms, behind the ears and the nappy area. While harmless, you can treat by gently brushing the hair with a soft brush after washing and then rinsing again. atopic dermatitis (aka baby eczema) In babies, the rash is concentrated on the scalp, face, behind the knees and elbows and in the nappy area. Moisturise with a fragrance-free emollient and avoid triggers such as chemicals from washing detergents.

PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

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hat telltale red mark on your baby’s bottom usually means nappy rash, one of the most common dermatological conditions in infants and young children.

Dr Irshad Essack, a Joburg-based dermatologist, says there are several causes, but the initiating factor is usually a prolonged, increased wetness of the skin. Cape Town general practitioner Dr Costa Kapnias says the extended use of antibiotics, which may cause a secondary thrush infection, could also contribute to nappy rash. Washing powders that are harsh on the skin and some synthetic materials in nappies may exacerbate the problem.

In standard irritant nappy dermatitis, the baby will have red, moist and sometimes scaly patches on the genital and bottom areas. The second most common type of nappy rash

baby acne Baby acne presents as small red bumps or pimples. It should clear within a few days or weeks without treatment. heat rash This is caused by exposure to extreme heat and often manifests as small red or pink pimples on the head, neck and shoulders.

To help, make sure your baby is cool and the skin is dry. hives Hives are usually a result of allergies and appear as welts that lead to itching, burning or stinging and that move or change shape. This can often be treated with an antihistamine. impetigo Presents as pus-filled round lesions on the face and body. If you suspect your baby has impetigo, see your doctor as a course of antibiotics will be needed to treat it.

When it’s something more serious

Viral skin infections, such as measles, rubella (German measles) and chickenpox, are highly contagious. An itchy rash, or blisters in the case of chickenpox, is accompanied and sometimes preceded by other symptoms, such as a sore throat, headache or high temperature.

With scarlet fever, children get a sore throat and a very red, swollen tongue.

A fine rash starts on the face and chest before spreading. A serious infection called meningococcemia – a condition where blood starts to clot throughout the body – includes symptoms such as a very high fever, lethargy and a stiff neck, followed by a tiny rash that looks like pin pricks and develops into large purply blotches. Should your child develop any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Hand, foot and mouth disease starts as small red spots in the mouth that develop into painful ulcers. Blisters also form on the

soles of the feet and palms of the hands.

Roseola is common in children aged six months to two years and often presents as a high temperature for a few days followed by patchy, small, pink bumps on the back, chest and abdomen.

Rest, pain medication or calming topical lotions and lots of TLC are usually all that’s needed to treat viral skin diseases, but bacterial diseases often require a doctor’s visit. Vaccinations are also advised for measles and chickenpox.

further reading:

Stopping the Itch: childmag.co.za/content/ stopping-itch

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dealing with difference

delayed speech what could be causing it?

Children develop at their own pace, but a significant delay in reaching critical, age-defined milestones could be a red flag for a developmental delay.

n

ANÉL LEWIS

o two children are the same. I just need to look at my own two – Erin, aged 7, who can draw quietly for almost an hour at a stretch, and Conor, 6, who needs to jump 10 times on the trampoline before he can settle down to complete a puzzle – to see how they tackle tasks differently. Conor is more advanced socially, but Erin is able to concentrate for a longer period on activities requiring fine motor skills. Although there are physical and developmental milestones that children are expected to reach by a certain age, it’s important to remember that they will do so at their own pace. However, if you are concerned that a developmental delay could be more than just a timing issue, it’s best to seek professional guidance from an expert such as a speech or occupational therapist.

the early years – up to the age of 6 Child magazine receives numerous letters from parents who are concerned about their children’s development. A common issue is poor concentration. One parent explained that her two-year-old son, while on track with his physical development, struggled to do simple tasks requiring concentration. He also battled to look at her while she was talking.

Jade Shield, a Cape Town-based occupational therapist, says that children under the age of three do display varied periods of attention and concentration. “Even at three years of age, a child’s attention span remains short with roughly 10 minutes seen as the norm for individual tasks and activities.” However, if a child has six or more symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that affects a child’s daily functioning, a child should be assessed for possible attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“Speech is a critical milestone in a child’s development, and between the ages of two and three, a child should be comfortable using sentences of up to five words,” says Shield.

One reader told Child magazine: “My son turned three in March, and he has not started speaking. He babbles a lot, but that is just it.

We have taken him for all the necessary tests and everything came back clear. He is an active, energetic little boy; it is just his speech, and because of that there is not much interaction. His paediatrician has recommended occupational and speech therapy.” Another explained that her child is almost six years old, and still unable to talk. “I need help. He can’t talk yet, he repeats everything when you speak to him, but he can’t give answers. He can say a few words, but cannot put a sentence together.”

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magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

Gauteng speech therapist Laura Cramb says children from about the age of three should be able to talk about what has happened during the day. “They are also able to start using more complex concepts in their speech, such as pronouns. Since a lot of speech and language development has occurred by now, a child who hasn’t reached these milestones needs help. By the time they turn five, children should have a vocabulary of about 2 500 words,” she adds.

Another reader consulted four speech therapists before her son was diagnosed at the age of two-and-a-half with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). “I can’t begin to explain how hard it was for us to find a good speech therapist that could help our son. When we first started speech therapy, he could not speak more than 20 words, and after only six months, he was saying more than 50 words and learning more every day. He is now making sentences and his concentration has developed so much,” she relates.

CAS is a neurological disorder affecting speech and motor abilities.

Apraxia Awareness South Africa (AASA), a group set up by parents of children affected by the disorder, says the overall warning signs of possible apraxia include any loss of speech, or babbling at any age, and the inability to use gestures or understand what is being said. “It is a myth that you should just ‘wait and see’ if your child is a ‘late talker.’

(This) approach can be appropriate in some circumstances, which a speech therapist may even recommend upon seeing your child, however, I strongly encourage you to have your child screened or assessed by a neuropaediatrician if you have any concerns with their development at any age,” says Deidre Warner, one of AASA’s founding members.

laying the foundation – from 6 to 12 years During the Foundation Phase, children are exposed to phonics and numeracy as they work on the basics needed for reading, writing and mathematics. While the journey is relatively easy for some, there are children who will struggle with letters and reading.

As one parent told Child magazine: “My son is six years old and he is in grade 1. He can’t read and writing is sometimes a problem. Is this normal?” Another parent said: “My son is seven years old and he is repeating grade 1 this year. He doesn’t participate in class, he can’t complete his tasks in class, and when his teacher is talking to him, he doesn’t respond. He can’t read, but he can write. While at home he seems like he is doing well, at school he is not. What should I do or do I have to visit an occupational therapist?”

Shield explains that the window period for reading readiness ranges from three to nine years of age, although most children will find their groove between the ages of five and seven. “Many factors play a part in the development of reading, including general brain development as a child grows, the relationship he or she builds between symbols and sounds, and the cultural and familial views on the importance of reading. There is a one-year gender difference in reading readiness – boys develop slower.”

An occupational therapist will be called in to help if your child is struggling with the basics of reading and writing.

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dealing with difference

on the spectrum One reader found out that her daughter, aged 13, has Asperger’s syndrome. She explains: “As we are new to this, with no information, we are rather devastated as to what the future holds for us and our daughter.

We don’t know which schools are best suited for her needs, or whether she will still have a normal career and future.”

Autism Western Cape says that the umbrella term for autism spectrum disorder describes a group of complex brain developmental disorders. According to Autism South Africa, signs of possible autism include having little awareness of others, self-harming behaviour and delayed development of speech and language. A child psychologist or paediatric neurologist can usually diagnose autism by the time your child is three years old.

know who to call:

what does a paediatrician do?

Dr Hanneke Heyns, a Bloemfontein-based paediatrician, says paediatricians are usually the “very first stop” in all child-related issues regarding growth and development, medical advice, child illnesses, learning difficulties, and for medical check-ups for children. As such, a paediatrician is likely to be the person who will refer you to other specialists, such as a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist, if there are any developmental concerns.

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magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

what does an occupational therapist (OT) do?

An occupational therapist specialises in child development, treating sensory processing disorders, developmental delays and learning difficulties. what does a speech therapist do?

A speech therapist helps children with communication problems, ranging from early intervention for infants who battle to feed, suck or swallow to assisting older children displaying difficulties with articulation and phonological processes. Treatment includes therapy for children with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as those with neurological problems such as apraxia. what does a child psychologist do?

A child psychologist deals with “all manner of children’s and adolescent’s difficulties,” explains Cristine Scolari, a Gautengbased clinical psychologist. A child psychologist is also involved in assessments such as school readiness, developmental and educational evaluations. Clinical psychologists may refer children to other specialists, or offer treatment through therapy sessions. what does an educational psychologist do?

ChildPsych, a group of educational psychologists in all major

areas around the country, defines its work as helping children with various problems such as emotional or social issues and learning difficulties through different types of therapy.

One technique is play therapy, helpful for children from the age of three to 12, with the child doing what he enjoys at his own level and pace.

common conditions:

autism Autism spectrum disorder is the general term for a group of complex brain development disorders, explains Autism South Africa. Autism affects the way a child communicates, behaves, interacts and learns. The severity of the symptoms – such as repetitive behaviour and poor communication – vary widely. asperger’s syndrome Asperger’s syndrome also falls on the autism spectrum, but those with Asperger’s do not have the language development delays commonly seen with autism. Children with Asperger’s may have above-average intelligence. selective mutism Selective mutism is an avoidance strategy to cope with severe

anxiety in certain social situations. A child is able to speak and has a good understanding of language, but does not speak in certain situations or to specific people. attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders among children, estimated to affect at least one in 20 children in SA. ADHD is marked by symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. As it affects a child’s performance in school, multimodal intervention is usually recommended. sensory processing disorder Sensory processing disorder is a neurological condition that makes it difficult for the brain to organise sensory information such as sound, touch and movement. Children may feel input more or less intensely than others, which makes it harder to interact with their environment and to perform regular tasks. childhood apraxia of speech The brain has trouble planning to move the body parts needed for speech, making it difficult for a child to form sounds, syllables or words.

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recipes

healthiness

(and happiness) in a box

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ention lunchboxes around parents and you’re likely to hear a few sighs, some despairing groans and maybe some unexpected exclamations. You’re also likely to spark a lively session of tip-swapping as moms and dads share what works for their children and what doesn’t.

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magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Here’s a list of helpful lunchbox tips to deal with the challenge of packing a healthy lunchbox that appeals to your child.

CHILD MAGAZINE

How you pack lunches can be as important as what you pack.

• Keeping food separate is a good idea.

Try using silicone cupcake moulds to keep berries, grapes or nuts from rolling around the lunchbox. You can also use stackable lunchboxes, or those with builtin compartments.

• Use airtight containers so that food stays fresh, especially if it’s made the night before.

• If you’re packing finger food, include a plastic or wooden fork, or a toothpick.

You can also include a slightly damp cloth or wet wipe in a sandwich bag.

• Some foods can spoil quickly, so keep lunches fresh by using a mini cooler bag, or including an ice pack in the lunch.

A DIY ice pack idea is to soak a kitchen sponge in water, place in a plastic bag, seal and freeze.

Foods that are too complicated, take too long to eat, spoil quickly, or are too messy just won’t be eaten.

• Use cherry tomatoes instead of cutting up big tomatoes.

• Avoid using foods that are going to oxidise or go brown, like avocado and lettuce. If you want to include avocado, rub some lemon juice over it.

• Keep any seasoning or salad dressing separate.

• If you cut up an apple, slice it down each side, and while it is still in its shape, place an elastic band around it.

• Score orange skins by tracing a knife around the orange a few times, so that it’s easy to peel.

• Using tomato on sandwiches? Place slices between the ham and cheese, or other ingredients, to stop the bread from going soggy.

Keeping up the interest levels in lunch can help to ensure children eat (almost) everything.

• Cut sandwiches into fun shapes.

• Try using wraps or pita pockets as a substitute for bread.

• You don’t need to overwhelm children with too much choice, but packing a few different foods, or packing something different every day or two, can help.

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recipes

happy hummus

fruit strawberries / blueberries / grapes / tomatoes / date balls dairy babybel cheese / kiri cheese / gouda cheese protein droĂŤwors / biltong carbs hummus / cracker bread vegetables carrots / cucumber / mangetout

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summer seeds

wrap it up

magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

fruit naartjie / strawberries / blueberries / raspberries / avo / tomato dairy full cream yoghurt mixed with berries protein salmon / tuna / chicken carbs wrap / pita vegetables carrots / broccoli / mangetout

fruit watermelon / apple / pear / mango strips / tomato / olives dairy feta cheese protein biltong / droĂŤwors / seeds / egg carbs seed bread / sweet potato bread vegetables beans / cucumber / mint / parsley / coriander / basil

lunchbox basics

Make yourself a lunch packing station in your fridge. Use a deep tray and some spare containers to store all your lunchbox foods. When it’s time to make lunches, you can pull this out. Everything is on hand, so you don’t forget anything, and you can see if you’re running low on anything in time to stock up.

Create an area in your pantry or cupboard for all the basics you will need, from containers to staples. Stock up on seasonal veggies and keep your fruit bowl overflowing with colour and variety. fridge butter, milk, yoghurt and cream cheese hard cheese (free of colourants) and feta eggs, cold meats and sausages mayo, tahini, pesto, hummus and tzatziki salad ingredients and veggies tofu, falafel, dolmades and dinner leftovers freezer berries and bananas (cut in half) bagels, wraps and croissants muffins and ready-made pastry chicken fillets, bacon and mince veggies such as peas, beans and broccoli vegan and vegetarian nuggets and patties

in the cupboard vinegar, mustard, olive oil and soy sauce peanut butter (without sugar) canned lentils, chickpeas and beans tins/packets of tuna, salmon and sardines couscous, quinoa and brown rice crackers and lentil chips olives, gherkins and capers nuts, seeds and trail mix herbimare (a natural low-salt seasoning) bread bin wholewheat bread, seeded rolls, pita bread, bagels, low-carb loaf and english muffins

Visuals and inspiration courtesy of Vanessa Gardner.

This Cape Town mother of three, was increasingly frustrated with the daily chore of preparing lunchboxes that were interesting, fun and nutritionally balanced. So she created a lunchbox that could hold a variety of snacks, each in its own separate space, and in the correct portion size.

“It is an unassailable fact that nutrition enables learning. Children need a varied and balanced diet, while parents strive for convenience and simplicity...”

Vanessa Gardner mycrunchbox.com

21

parenting

thoughtful parents, confident children RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) and the Attachment Theory it is based on put a lot of parents off by sounding too ... cerebral. But, this approach has as its main ingredient, a healthy dollop of common sense.

NICK DALL

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herapists and scientists agree that the first two years of a child’s life play a massive role in how the rest of their story is going to play out. During this period before they can speak, children gain an understanding of their place in the world that will last a lifetime.

understanding attachment Attachment is a key aspect of the relationship between a child and caregiver that helps the child feel safe, secure and protected. An interesting experiment devised by Mary Ainsworth in 1969 called ‘The Strange Situation’ gauges the quality of attachment. The experiment puts a child in an unfamiliar room with a parent, a stranger and some toys. Over the course of 20 minutes the parent and the stranger come and go from the room and the child’s reactions to the various situations are documented. Psychologists have identified four different types of attachment. secure: Child explores when the parent is around, misses the parent during separation, greets the parent upon reunion and resumes playing after the reunion. avoidant: Child focuses more on toys and the environment than on a caregiver in new and strange situations. resistant or ambivalent: Child is reluctant to explore and is very worried about where the parent is at all times. Not easily comforted upon reunion. disorganised: Child displays disoriented behaviours in the parent’s presence (for example, huddling on the floor). This is often a precursor for future psychological issues.

“Although all children develop some kind of attachment with their primary caregivers, the optimum would be secure attachment,” says Dr Carol Wootton, a child psychologist based in Johannesburg. “If the

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magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

caregiver reacts in loving ways most of the time, children usually develop an organised and secure attachment with that person,” continues Wootton. “This allows the child to feel more secure when exploring his world, to be more resilient to stress, and better able to balance his emotions. With enough intervention, all children can form secure attachments, but with the stresses of modern life we as parents need to be mindful of developing this relationship.”

Children develop a hierarchy of attachments with all their primary caregivers. Usually, mom is number one, but it depends on who the child is with and how that person responds when the child has a need. “In a healthy attachment cycle,” Wootton explains, “baby has a need, baby cries, the needs are met and trust develops. This close relationship should be developed early on, and it’s really important for parents to become attuned to the specific needs of their children.”

As the child gets older, these needs will become more cognitive and less physical. Secure attachment is all about making the child feel safe, secure and protected. “You want the child to develop the independence to explore the world, safe in the knowledge that you are there as a strong base if needed.”

parenting made easier RIE uses Attachment Theory as the basis for its approach to parenting.

“What sets RIE apart from mainstream parenting,” says Janet Lansbury, a parent educator and author from Los Angeles and one of the standard bearers for the approach, “is that we treat a newborn infant as an honoured guest, and we engage with a whole person from the word go.

We invite the child to participate in a relationship with us rather than doing things to them.”

If that all sounds a bit highfalutin for you, try this out for size:

“Treat your baby with the same respect you would an adult who is incapacitated. Talk to them. Tell the baby what’s going to happen next, do the diaper change slowly, and try to involve them in some of the process. It may feel strange at first, but soon you’ll see that there is a whole person in there. They’re with you and they’re understanding a little more each day. And so are you.”

As children get older, RIE plays itself out differently, but the philosophy remains the same. Whether you’re changing a nappy or helping with homework, caregiving rituals are a time for parent and child to come together, and for the parent to be 100% present. In between these rituals, the child is allowed to explore his environment in what Lansbury calls a “yes space”: an area which has been specially set up to exclude dangers such as plug points or falling hazards. Usually, the caregiver will be nearby, but he or she won’t show the child how to play.

“My teenage son was really tired this morning,” laughs Lansbury, “And he was just sitting at the table wolfing down pancakes. He couldn’t talk to me, but I was there for him. Times like this are geared towards intimacy.

Even a newborn can tell if you’re not present … looking at your phone or packing the dishwasher …” Outside of these rituals, it’s fine to get on with your own life. “There’s a feeling that we have to give a child everything they want, but what they really need is a caring, confident parent. It’s OK to need a cup of coffee or to explain that you’re too tired to read another story, as long as you do it in a caring way.”

the final word Caroline Sullivan, a Cape Town-based play therapist and infant attachment specialist, sums it up nicely. “You may think you’re building independence by leaving your baby to cry, but all the evidence shows that a child who is securely attached will grow into a stronger and more resilient person. The first year is critical, and it’s all about letting your baby know you are trying to understand him.

“Every child, household and family is different,” continues Sullivan.

“So there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s all about educating yourself and finding a balance that works for you. If this balance is based on solid theory, so much the better!”

not so fast!

Don’t confuse Attachment Theory with Attachment Parenting.

Attachment Parenting was coined by Dr William Sears in the 1990s and although it’s also based on Attachment Theory, its focus and priorities differ greatly from that of RIE.

what is RIE?

The approach has its roots in Budapest in the 1930s when the founder of RIE, Magda Gerber, took her sick daughter to Dr Emmi Pikler, a paediatrician and the director of a local orphanage. Gerber was instantly struck by the way Dr Pikler involved her daughter in the examination, instead of subjecting her to it. As it turned out, both Pikler and Gerber would leave important legacies.

Using Pikler’s ideas as a base, Gerber developed her own courses and she further honed these ideas after emigrating to the United States in the 1950s. The RIE Manual for Parents and Professionals was first published in 1978. The Pikler Institute also offers parenting courses all over the world, but it is still headquartered in that same orphanage in Budapest.

to find out more ...

on ‘The Strange Situation’ go to: youtube.com/ watch?v=QTsewNrHUHU

if you still need convincing ...

Renowned neuropsychiatrist Dan Siegel has shown that secure attachment in early childhood actually strengthens the connections in the prefrontal cortex! He says that to foster secure attachment our children need to be: seen: this is not just seeing with the eyes. It means perceiving them deeply and empathically. safe: we avoid actions and responses that frighten or hurt them soothed: we help them deal with difficult emotions and situations secure: we help them develop an internalised sense of wellbeing.

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education

open day

101

School open days can help make a difficult decision easier. When making a choice that will shape your child’s future, asking the right questions is crucial.

TAMLYN VINCENT

f

rom the moment your children are born, maybe even before, you’ll be wondering where to send them to school. From preschool to high school, visiting early is a good idea. “Many schools have long waiting lists or give preference to siblings and old boys’ or girls’ children,” says Parklands College in Cape Town, so applying sooner is better. This keeps your options open, even if it means paying a registration fee. Sue Pilkington-Williams, principal of Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia, suggests that parents start researching nearby schools as soon as possible: making an informed decision is critical – it’s an investment in your children’s future.

do your research Given the number and variety of schools available, you’ll want to find one to suit your children. Will you choose a school based on its religious affiliation? What about its sporting or academic programmes? Find out what schools offer first. Natalie Kelly, principal of My World Nursery School, suggests looking at several schools. Research them and speak to friends and parents. Look into the school’s values, fees, extracurricular offerings, available facilities and other key features. Once you’ve made a shortlist, start attending open days or visiting schools to see if they’re a good fit.

to find out in terms of your children’s development and the school’s values. Keegan suggests asking questions about what really happens, rather than about policies: “If the school claims to have a strong antibullying policy, ask how they dealt with a recent incident of bullying and what the outcome was.”

Questions about school routine are important for Sarah. How long are children expected to sit at one time? How does the school help children adjust to a new school or school year? Are therapists or specialists available if children are struggling? Other considerations include aftercare facilities, the number of staff and the costs. If possible, take your children with you to open days to gauge their reaction to the new environment. As Brooks says: “They have to exist in the school for a significant amount of time.”

start researching nearby schools as soon as possible: making an informed decision is critical – it’s an investment in your children’s future.

You have two choices: attend an open day or visit during school hours.

Deidre Proxenos from Joburg’s Dainfern College says the college’s open days are during school hours so parents can see the school in action – “warts and all”. Structured open days allow you to meet the teachers and principal and ask questions, while private visits let you see the school during its normal day-to-day running. You’ll be able to have a one-on-one discussion about what is right for your child, says Pilkington-Williams.

This can form the beginning of a parent-school relationship.

when visiting “Take note of your first impressions,” emphasises Greg Brooks, Headmaster at Reddam House Umhlanga. Sarah, a mom of two, pays attention to the grounds and facilities, such as the library and computer room. She looks for friendly and approachable teachers, happy pupils, art, and other signs of a healthy learning environment. Parklands College echoes this sentiment, saying the playgrounds and classrooms should have age-appropriate furniture and equipment.

Asking questions is key. According to Susan Keegan, director of The Vine School in Cape Town, you should have a clear idea of what you want 24

magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

If you’re looking into an alternative school, such as an Ambleside or Montessori school, find out what sets it apart. Likewise, the phase your child is starting may impact on the questions you ask. “Choosing a school for a small child or baby is anxiety-provoking,” says Kelly, who encourages parents to ask questions about safety, hygiene and the daily menu. For children starting preparatory or high school, find out about exam results and to where children progress. You might not be thinking in terms of university just yet, or even matric exams, but considering your end goal is essential. Find out if the school writes IEB exams, does A-levels, or meets any other international requirements that your child may need in the future. Parents should also consider sport, cultural offerings, social upliftment opportunities, the feel of the school, and conduct of the pupils.

Parents can even ask about the financial status of the school and how funds are allocated, says Pilkington-Williams.

Choosing a school can be a difficult decision, and one you want to get right. Ask the hard questions: you want to make the right choice and at the same time, help the school understand what is important to you.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHAVAN RAHIM | ACKERMANS, ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

time it right

who, what, how, when

According to the experts, these are the most important questions to ask: • Is the school registered, especially if it is a preschool?

Schools must display their registration certificate.

• What is the child-teacher ratio?

• What size are the classes? How many classes are there in the grade?

• What qualifications and experience do teachers have?

• What structured activities are offered? Are these developmentally appropriate?

• What subjects, extramurals, clubs or societies are offered?

• Are sports and extramurals compulsory? Do I have to pay for these?

• How is technology integrated and used to enhance learning?

• Is the environment safe and secure?

• Do staff members have first-aid training? What is the policy when children get sick?

• What is the school’s policy on discipline and bullying?

• How does the school communicate with parents?

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resources

romantic outings in and around Durban

Charming ways to spend quality time with your partner.

See the world pass slowly beneath you with Sky Adventures as you take off in a hot-air balloon and travel along the base of the Drakensberg mountains, or glide above a game park to spot giraffe and rhino. For that special occasion, try the River Run Picnic Flight, which gives you a scenic tour of Durban in a helicopter before stopping over on a hill to enjoy a picnic. For the more adventurous, microlight flights, skydiving and tandem skydive jumps are available.

Visit skyadventures.co.za

love bites Take a slow stroll through beautiful landscapes. Relax on a blanket in a hidden garden. Share a picnic packed for two. Spend an idyllic day with your loved one at Makaranga Garden Lodge in Kloof, where you can do all this. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk up to the waterfall. Or simply meander through the different gardens. There’s plenty to see, from the Japanese garden to orchids, birds and sandstone sculptures. Then watch the sunset as you sip on a cocktail in the Library Bar. Visit makaranga.com

shopping for love If you’re a morning couple, or just like to get out and about on weekends, hit one of Durban’s many markets. From the Shongweni Farmer’s Market in the Upper Highway area to the I heart market in Durban, there’s always something new to see and taste. Spoil yourselves with homemade chocolate, fresh flowers or a tasty breakfast while you simply enjoy each other’s company. You can also stock up on deli delights and baked treats, or find the perfect artisanal ingredients for a romantic home-cooked dinner. Visit shongwenimarket.co.za or iheartmarket.com

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magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

country caper Meander the Midlands and enjoy the art galleries, craft shops and quaint restaurants that dot the roads. Stop to taste goat’s milk cheese at Swissland Cheese, see how beer is brewed at Nottingham Road Brewing Company or enjoy lunch at Piggly Wiggly Village in Lion’s River.

Take a look at wood-turning, leather crafts, pottery, glass-blowing and wrought iron crafts, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery of rolling hills, an abundance of trees and sparkling rivers and dams. Visit midlandsmeander.co.za

run away together

treetop tour

Fordoun is situated in the rolling hills of Nottingham Road in the Midlands. This spa and boutique hotel was converted from an old farmyard and dairy, and now offers guests a spa, a heated swimming pool and Skye Bistro, a high-dining restaurant with exceptional cuisine. Activities such as canopy tours, horse riding and hot-air ballooning are all nearby, or you can spend some time with the African traditional healer at Fordoun. Whether you spend your time relaxing or taking part in an adventure, Fordoun is the ideal romantic getaway. Visit fordoun.com

Enjoy the beauty of the second largest indigenous forest in Southern Africa as you slide between treetop platforms with Karkloof Canopy Tour. The adrenalin-pumping tour takes you whizzing through the air while suspended high above the ground by steel cables. The tour itself takes you to 12 platforms via 10 zip line slides, with the longest slide being 200 metres. Plus, you get to stop at a 20-metre waterfall and marvel at the panoramic views across the Karkloof Valley.

While you’re in the area, pay a visit to Karkloof Safari Spa where you can indulge in a variety of luxurious treatments such as the Safari and Spa package. Visit karkloofcanopytour.co.za or karkloofsafarispa.com

PHOTOGRAPHs: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

the air up there

new heights

a bicycle made for two

The Moses Mabhida Stadium Sky Car travels to the top of the arch, where couples are treated to panoramic views of Durban and the ocean. If exercise is your thing, try the adventure walk, which travels safely up 500 steps and takes you up one of the legs of the arch. For the thrill seekers, the Big Rush Big Swing has you jumping high above the pitch and swinging in a 220-metre arc.

Stadium tours and Segway gliding tours are also on offer. Once your adventures are over, indulge in the Latin flavours of Cuba Lounge, or have a tasty lunch at People’s Park Cafe. Visit mmstadium.com

Head down to Durban’s beachfront where you can hire a two-seater bicycle, then spend a golden morning exploring the promenade. Or, you could go for a quiet walk along the water’s edge, try roller-skating, or enjoy swimming at one of Durban’s many beaches. In Durban central, the Golden Mile stretches from uShaka Marine World to Suncoast Casino where vendors sell crafts and ice-cream along the beachfront and rickshaw rides are available. South of Durban you will find Amanzimtoti Beach and Scottburgh and, to the north, Umhlanga Beach offers a promenade, restaurants and shops. For more info: visit durban-tourism.com

taste sensations Juicy, sweet and a little tangy, no fruit says romance like the strawberry. So, why not spend the day picking your own? Cappeny Estates near Ballito is a hydroponic strawberry farm that offers you the chance to pick your own strawberries. Take in the fresh air and relax with your partner, as you go on a search for that perfect juicy berry. Strawberry picking is available every Saturday from 9am to 3pm depending on availability and weather (during the strawberry season). Visit cappenyestates.com

light up your love From a sumptuous dinner or buffet breakfast looking out on the lighthouse to relaxing in the spa or reclining by the pool, the Oyster Box Hotel will tick all your romantic boxes. Couples can indulge in a variety of foods, from the curry buffet to dining at the Chef ’s table. High tea is available every day, or you can relax in the Lighthouse Bar with its panoramic views of the Umhlanga coastline. Why not spoil the love of your life by booking one of the luxurious rooms, suites or villas and making it a weekend getaway? Whether you spend a few hours or a few days, you’re sure to rekindle your romance. Visit oysterboxhotel.com

must love fish Find the romantic side of uShaka Marine World when you enjoy the culinary delights of The Cargo Hold, which is submerged in the stern of The Phantom Ship and boasts views into the ocean and shark tanks. Wahooz is more casual and offers a relaxed setting from which to view the beach or watch a sunset. Stroll through the aquarium or meander along the Village Walk and browse the shops. Animal Encounters offers shark dives, the Ocean Walker, a ray feed and Meet a Dolphin. Or, take a romantic gondola ride around Point Waterfront. Visit ushakamarineworld.co.za

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books

one-on-one with

Julia Donaldson Julia Donaldson explains how a visit to South Africa inspired her latest book, and gives her take on the importance of reading for children.

AMY MAC IVER

s

cottish writer and playwright, Julia Donaldson, author of the popular and best-selling children’s book The Gruffalo, is also a performer and the 2011– 2013 Children’s Laureate. The idea for her latest book, The Ugly Five, came to her while on safari in the North West Province.

tell us about your trip?

I did a book tour in 2016, putting on shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as visiting the Triggerfish animation studio where the film of my book, Stick Man, was made.

One of the highlights of that trip was a visit to a Saturday reading club in the township of Philippi where the children were brilliant at acting all the farmyard animals in A Squash and a Squeeze. And, a touching moment was when two librarians travelled all the way from Zambia to attend one of the shows and presented me with a beautiful beaded ‘Gruffalo’ figure made by a local craftsman.

After all the work, my husband Malcolm and I took some time off for a holiday – first walking in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains, and then going on a five-day safari in the Madikwe Game Reserve.

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what inspired you to write The Ugly Five?

The inspiration for The Ugly Five came when I was on a safari. We saw a herd of wildebeest and my husband remarked that they looked quite noble, to which our ranger replied, “Actually, Malcolm, I hate to tell you this, but the wildebeest is one of the ‘Ugly Five’.”

I immediately pricked up my ears as he told us the names of the other four ugly animals, and before that drive was over I knew what the story was going to be.

where do you find the inspiration for your children’s books?

It’s different for every book. My most famous book, The Gruffalo, is loosely based on a Chinese folktale. And I often find I get ideas when I’m on a walk or when relaxing in the bath.

how did you first get published?

In 1993, one of my songs, A Squash and a Squeeze, was made into a book with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. Before that, I wrote songs for children’s television. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did.

magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

which is your favourite book?

At the moment it’s The Ugly Five, which brings back such great memories of South Africa.

[Illustrator] Axel Scheffler’s pictures make me itch to go back there.

your books are always beautifully illustrated – can you tell us more about that?

The Ugly Five is illustrated by my most longstanding illustrator, German-born Axel Scheffler, who now lives in London. He has illustrated about 20 of my stories. Axel often doesn’t know what I’m writing about until he sees the finished manuscript, which is sent to him by our editor. Then I bite my nails till I discover whether or not he’s happy to illustrate the story. (Usually he is, thank goodness.) I try not to breathe down his neck when he’s doing the pictures, as it’s important that the illustrator has as much artistic freedom as possible.

I am always delighted by the extra witty touches that Axel includes. For instance, in Tiddler, which is set underwater, he has drawn a Gruffalo fish, which isn’t mentioned in the text.

I do work with several other illustrators, and you can find out about those books on my website, www.juliadonaldson.co.uk. Different people are good at drawing different things.

Axel generally prefers a fairytale kind of setting (though The Ugly Five is an exception), but other illustrators like doing modern-day life: one of my recent books, The Detective Dog, is full of schoolchildren and street scenes, so the illustrator Sara Ogilvie was a perfect choice for that one.

who are some of your favourite children’s authors?

Dick King-Smith (I love his book Dragon Boy) and Arnold Lobel who wrote the witty and wise stories about Frog and Toad. I’m also a big fan of Alan Ahlberg’s picture books and poems.

what are your thoughts on children and technology? Do they spend too much time on iPads and television rather than reading books?

I think we should ask this question about adults! In my experience, children love books, and adults are the ones who are forever scrolling on their phones.

do you have advice for others wanting to write children’s books?

Endings are very important! Think about the ending before you start writing.

why is it so important for children to read or be read to?

Reading stimulates the imagination and

broadens the mind. It helps us to understand ourselves and our surroundings and also to learn about other people and places. Without books, we might all be bigots.

there is a movement in South Africa of schools dropping homework and instead giving children more time to read. What do you think of that?

I think it’s a very good idea. It’s okay to have homework in secondary school, but I think that primary school children do enough formal learning during school and should be free in the evenings to read, play, join clubs, practise musical instruments and so on.

about the book

The Ugly Five, the new picture book

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, was released at the end of September.

It is published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic.

about the writer

Julia Donaldson has written 204 books, 83 of which can be purchased from all good bookstores and online, while 121 of the books are for use in schools.

She has also had 20 plays published, and particularly enjoys writing in rhyming verse.

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books

a good read big books for little people

easy to read stories for early readers The Wild Fluffalump

By Mwenye Hadithi (Jacana, R120) A sweet tale about a baby elephant and his mistaken identity teaches children that all animals need love and protection.

The Big Book of Animal Stories (Penguin Random House, R190) A wonderful collection of eight animal stories all with a heartwarming message.

Charming characters and beautiful illustrations from a variety of authors and illustrators.

educational fun for the pre- and primary years

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101 Brilliant Things for Kids To Do With Science

By Dawn Isaac (Kyle Books, R265) Whether your child is crazy about chemistry or bananas about biology (or, let’s face it, just likes making a mess), this book is chock-a-block full of experiments and projects that will get children really excited about science – and all without going anywhere near a TV, tablet or computer screen.

magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

Billy and the Minpins

By Roald Dahl (Penguin Random House, R230) Billy’s mum told him never to go out through the garden gate and explore the forest beyond, but that’s exactly what he does! His adventure begins when he meets the tree-dwelling Minpins and their tiny children, the size of matchsticks.

Bear Grylls Adventures – The Blizzard Challenge

By Bear Grylls (Jonathan Ball, R91) Olly’s not having fun at camp.

His rucksack is trying to kill him and building a shelter gives him splinters. But one night a mysterious compass transports him to a glacier, where Bear Grylls, his guide, is waiting, and there’s a blizzard coming ….

Hooray! Thoko

By Niki Daly (Jacana, R120) This is the first in the Thoko series.

It has four wonderful stories that follow Thoko as she hops and skips her way through life and all its lessons. Thoko is kind and fun and so easy to love, making this a delightful read.

pre- and early teen reads

for us

Choose Kind Journal

By R J Palacio (Penguin Random House, R408) This journal prompts writers to reflect on ways they can actively be kind every day to the people in their lives and to themselves. Filled with quotes from the book and questions that are both fun and insightful, this journal is a great activity for parents to do with their children, or for older children to do independently.

iGen

By Jean M Twenge (Simon & Schuster UK, R490) A highly readable and entertaining first look at how today’s members of iGen – the children, teens, and young adults born in the mid-1990s and later – are vastly different from their millennial predecessors, and from any other generation. With generational divides wider than ever, parents, educators, and employers have an urgent need to understand today’s rising generation of teens and young adults. iGen is the first generation to spend their entire adolescence in the age of the smartphone. With social media and texting replacing other activities, iGen spends less time with their friends in person, perhaps explaining why they are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness.

New Keepers

By Jayne Bauling (Tafelberg, R180) In a future age labelled the Prosperity, Jabz rounds up a motley gang of adventure seekers to travel with him to the mountain of his vision.

They don’t realise they’re expendable – their only purpose is to fund the journey in Jabz’s old Quantum bus. But none of them has ventured into the Wildlands before. Are the rumours of wild people and savage animals true? And perhaps Jabz isn’t the only one keeping secrets ... Jayne Bauling won silver at the recent Sanlam Awards for Youth Literature for New Keepers, which, according to the judges, “has the feel of a Lauren Beukes novel crossed with Hunger Games.”

Hap

By Lesley Beake (Tafelberg, R160) Lucy, a 16-year-old girl from New York, is recovering from a recent, traumatic experience. She joins her father at the fictional Barclay Bay, on South Africa’s west coast, where she slowly makes sense of her ordeal.

Hap won gold at the 2017 Sanlam Awards for Youth Literature. The judges hailed it as "a well-structured and beautifully written coming-ofage story”.

Feasts

By Sabrina Ghayour (Octopus, R350) Sabrina Ghayour presents a delicious array of Middle Eastern dishes from breakfasts to banquets, simple to the sumptuous. Enjoy menus and dozens of recipes for celebrations and special occasions with family and friends, such as summer feasts, quick-fix feasts and brunch. Recipes include: whipped ricotta toasts; savoury pork and fennel baklava; tamarind sticky ribs; grilled corn in harissa mayo; roasted cod loins with wild thyme; spiced rhubarb cake with cinnamon cream; white chocolate, cardamom and macadamia squares. Wonderful inspiration for a tasty new year of cooking.

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calendar

what’s on in february/march For more events go to childmag.co.za/whats-on or submit an event for our April/May issue before 2 March to durban@childmag.co.za

1 February

World Read Aloud Day Nal’ibali’s World Read Aloud Day celebration aims to raise awareness of the importance of reading aloud in children’s literacy development and school success.

Each year Nal’ibali commissions a brand-new story for the day and translates it into all 11 official languages; asking caregivers, communities, and fellow NGOs to join them in reading it aloud to children in their home languages.

To find out more, visit nalibali.org 3 February

International Arts Talent Showcase auditions The day includes auditions and a workshop for models, actors, singers and dancers of all ages, giving them an opportunity in the national and international film and fashion industry. It takes place at The Playhouse Theatre and costs R200; preregistration is required. Contact: 011 039 2481 or itsartsafrica@gmail.com 5 February

Hamlet & Othello Grade 11 and 12 pupils will

benefit from seeing this production on the government schools’ matric setworks. Shows are at 9am and 12pm daily until 9 February at the Hilton College Theatre, Hilton Road, Pietermaritzburg. It costs R65 per pupil. Book with theatre@ hiltoncollege.com 17 February

Butterfly Training Course Learn how to landscape for butterflies from 8am to 3pm, at the Butterfly Garden Training Centre in the Durban Botanic Gardens. Various other modules are available. The cost is R770 per person per module. Contact: info@butterflying.co.za 9 March

Talk Sign Day The Talk Sign campaign, organised by the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society, is aimed at raising awareness around sign language.

Get involved by engaging in an activity using SA sign language on Talk Sign Day or buy a Talk Sign sticker for R10. All money raised will be used to educate deaf people and help find them

family marketplace

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magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018

employment. Contact: 082 577 2110 or alice@thealist.co.za 25 March

Dog Heroes Unite Calling all Super Dogs! Dogs Unite is a 5km dog walk taking place in Durban, and your dog is the hero of the hour. All proceeds go to the SA Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind. For details on venue, times and costs, contact: 011 705 3512 or guidedog.org.za

open days

Al-Falaah College Meet teachers and staff and tour the school campus, including the traditional and technologybased ‘learning for life and beyond’ classrooms. Plus, receive curriculum and admission information. The evening takes place on 28 February, 5:30pm– 7:30pm at 99 Lotus Road, Springfield. Contact: 031 208 7652 or alfalaah.org.za

Candies Crib and Kandies Kids open week From 26 February to 2 March, 9am–11am, the babycare and preschool are open for enrolments.

Candies Cribs, for babies 0–3 years, is at 8 Middelbrook Ave, Durban North. The preschool, for children from one year old to grade R, is at 5 Beachway, Durban North. Contact: 031 573 2210 or kandieskids.co.za

Clifton Preparatory School Prospective parents can visit the campus, meet the staff and enjoy a guided tour. The grade R–7 open morning is at 8:30am on 3 March at the school in Lambert Rd, Morningside.

Contact: 031 312 2147 or cliftonschool.co.za

CrawfordSchools On 27 February, visit Crawford La Lucia Preparatory from 9am, or the College from 6pm. Crawford North Coast’s Preprimary and Preparatory open days begin at 8:30am, and the College open day starts at 6pm. Contact: 0860 724 665 or crawfordschools.co.za

Curro Hillcrest On 20 February from 5pm, you can visit the high school at cnr Inanda and JF Bales Drive. The

3 March at 9am for the preschool open day (grades 000–R). Girls are requested to please wear their current school uniforms where appropriate. Contact: 031 209 9426 or marisstella.co.za

Thomas More College

Weavers’ Nest open day Weavers’ Nest is Highbury’s co-educational preprimary school for grades 0000–00 (ages 2–5). Join the open day and discover how children at Weavers’ Nest receive a flying start in life. This open day is on 13 February, from 8:30am–10:30am at Highbury Preparatory School, Highbury Rd, Hillcrest. RSVP online or contact: 031 765 9800, marketing@hps.co.za or hps.co.za preprimary (Castle) and primary school open day is on 24 February, 9am–12pm, at 2 Blessing Ninela Road. Contact: 031 765 6813 (Castle), 031 765 2752 (Primary), 087 285 2148 (High School) or curro.co.za

Curro Mount Richmore Find out more about Curro Castle and Curro Mount Richmore school, situated in Salt Rock, on 17 February from 9am–12pm.

The school caters for children from three months old up to grade 12. Contact: 087 285 1671 or curro.co.za

Highbury Preparatory Highbury Preparatory School is a boys’ independent preparatory school offering classes for grade R

to 7 schoolchildren. Join the open day and discover what the school has to offer. The day is geared towards parents of boys from newborn to age 11.

It takes place on 14 February, 8:30am–10:30am, at Highbury Preparatory School, Highbury Rd, Hillcrest. RSVP online or contact: 031 765 9800, marketing@hps. co.za or hps.co.za

Pay a visit to this independent, co-educational Christian day school, focused on developing the whole child. The grade 8–11 open day is on 22 February from 4pm, and the grade 000–7 open day begins at 9am on 23 February.

The school is located at 15 Sykes Rd, Kloof. Contact: 031 764 8640 or jhartley@thomasmore.co.za

Trinityhouse Palm Lakes The school, situated in Tinley Manor, offers tuition from grade 000 to 12. Open day sessions are from 8am–10am and 4pm–7pm on 7 March. Contact: 032 947 2030 or trinityhouse.co.za

Waterfall College Waterfall Preprimary, Preparatory School and College are located at 111 Ngwele Road, Hillcrest. Join the preprimary open day on 28 February at 9am, the preparatory open evening on 28 February at 5:30pm, and the college open evening on 1 March at 5:30pm. Visit waterfallcollege.co.za

markets

I heart Market North Experience this new market at Blythedale Event Bowl, on 24 February and 31 March from 9am–3pm. Find a wide range of different, locally-designed products that have been carefully selected for their quality, originality and design appeal. Visit Facebook: I Heart Market

Maris Stella With passionate school spirit and a strong value system, this Holy Family Catholic school is a caring, happy place for girls to grow and develop academically, spiritually and physically. Experience Maris Stella on 13 February at 5:30pm for grades 1–7, on 15 February at 5:30pm for grades 8–12, and on

let’s party For more help planning your child’s party visit

childmag.co.za/ resources/birthdayparties 33

must love cats

finishing touch

Oh, to be young and in love takes on a whole new meaning.

ANÉL LEWIS

w

hile driving home from school recently, I heard my son announce, quite matter-of-factly: “Mila is my girlfriend and when we get married we are having cats.” Until then, I had no idea that Conor, now almost six years old, knew anything about marriage, never mind the fact that he seemed to have already proposed and was quite keen on raising a pet with this girl.

I also wasn’t ready for the “birds and the bees” conversation just yet, and definitely had not planned on having it at 3:30pm while doing the school run.

One of Conor’s best mates, travelling with us in the back seat, tried to explain the intricacies of the conjugal relationship between husband and wife to Conor. But, fortunately for me, my son was not remotely interested in those details. As far as he was concerned, he

Erin, Craig, Conor, and Anél

and Mila would just need to kiss once and then they could adopt a cat.

I felt I need some more clarity about Conor’s views on marriage. But, when I asked why he and his wife would get a pet, he explained with some irritation, “because Mom, that’s what people do when they love each other – they get a pet”.

I suppose for children, their first true love other than for their parents is the affection

they have for a pet or special friend. So, it would make sense for two people in love to get a cat or a dog as soon as possible.

The next morning, I found Conor hard at work, drawing on a piece of paper decorated with Hot Wheels stickers. It was a Valentine’s Day card, lovingly stuck together with some of the kinesiology tape I use to strap up my running injuries. “For Mila?” I asked. “She’s a lucky girl.”

“No, Mama, it’s for you.”

Best. Valentine. Ever.

And whoever does get to own a pet with Conor one day, hopefully many, many years after he’s grasped the finer details of married life, is also going to be very lucky indeed.

Anél is hoping that by buying a hamster, Erin and Conor will forget about asking any questions about the birds and the bees, just yet.

in the next issue of

magaz ne april / may is

the good life issue celebrate health and happiness with adventurous food and travel recipes and routes worth splashing out on

mom, invest in yourself, your children and your family’s future

it all starts with big dreams and a little planning

pages of Easter holiday fun

make the most of what’s left of summer in SA

meet (and exceed) your child’s emotional, intellectual and educational needs – we show you how

with a spotlight on

what moms want

on s

is your child gifted?

et tre

22

March

– from love, life and parenting

To advertise call: 0861 867 885 or email: dbnsales@childmag.co.za | Booking deadline: 6 March | Material deadline: 8 March 34

magazine | durban Feb/Mar 2018