Child magazine | CPT October 2016

C a p e

To w n ’ s

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

pa r e n t s

pregnant? top tips

that no one else will give you a doting dad’s take on

prep-school focus

baby’s first

exam de-stress

100 days

for children, parents & (often forgotten) teachers

holidaying with

tiny tots

when it’s all about

planes & trains

dealing with

difference

www.childmag.co.za

October 2016

free

3D

health

thrown off course

does your child need therapy? when mainstream isn’t the best fit, there is a school that’s just right!

education

entertainment

It’s a complex thing “dealing with difference”, especially in a country like ours.

With a history of prejudice and inequality, the word “diversity” has become an ugly one.

Conversations, debates and demonstrations around racism and school policies are necessary, and must be responded to constructively. Our children must be heard and then through empathetic engagement, lead to make sense of what lies at the heart of this darkness. For the past 12 years, Child magazine has actively explored areas of difference in an attempt to familiarise ourselves, and our readers, with the challenges many parents and children face. Our job is to provide research, start conversations and, if not always, offer solutions, connect our community of readers with educational bodies, professionals and support groups ideally placed to help.

This month we focus predominantly on finding the right path for your child, at home and at school, especially when things get a little bumpy. Many mainstream schools offer an inclusive approach to education, but sometimes, your child may need a little more, or as so many parents who write to me describe, “my child is falling between the cracks…”

We understand and hope that this month you will use our resource “primary issues” (page 22) to explore the learning options available for children who find themselves outside of the educational mainstream.

On the home front, we look at ways to manage the stress exam time brings (page 16), and what better way than to create an emotional connection with your child (page 12). It could be more enriching (and cheaper) than therapy, and certainly a good place to start.

Enjoy our dealing with difference issue.

Lisa Mc Namara, Publisher

Hunter House PUB L IS H ING

Publisher Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za

Child magazine Online

Editorial

Online Content Manager

Managing Editor

online@childmag.co.za

childmag.co.za

Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Marina Zietsman • capetown@childmag.co.za Copy Editor

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Tel: 021 465 6093 Email: ctsales@childmag.co.za Website: childmag.co.za

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Free requested Apr 16 – Jun 16 Cape Town’s Child magazineTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 7, Canterbury Studios, 35 Wesley Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Tel: 021 465 6093, fax: 021 462 2680, email: info@childmag.co.za. Annual subscriptions (for 11 issues) cost R220, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by Paarl Web. Copyright subsists in all work published in Cape Town’s Child magazineTM. 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, and other editorial content, are accurate and balanced, but cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or inconvenience that may arise from reading them.

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contents

12 3 a note from lisa 6 over to you readers respond

features 16 evaluating exams Glynis Horning finds diverse reactions from educators on the importance of exams

18 up market we need to ensure that our children are adequately skilled for the job market. By Tamlyn Vincent

20 on a plane and a train in durban Anél Lewis takes her family to explore this KZN city, and hopes to take her son on an epic steamtrain ride

35 choosing health Ian Craig and Rachel Jesson offer a selection of recipes from their book Wholesome Nutrition for You

health

emotional connection

10 best for baby – scoring your first 100 those first few weeks of your new baby’s life can be wonderful, but also challenging, writes Nick Dall

12 dealing with difference – emotional connection Lucille Kemp looks at the importance of face-time with your children to possibly avoid the necessity of therapy

22 resource – primary issues: find the right school for your child here’s a list of early intervention centres and special needs schools.

Compiled by Marina Zietsman

24 a good read for the whole family 26 what’s on in october 31 in the next issue 34 finishing touch Anél Lewis had no

14 october health focus Tamlyn Vincent lists important health awareness days to inspire you to take action

regulars

idea her daughter’s first solo walk through the school gates would be so emotional

classified ads

8 pregnancy news – the stork is coming Marina Zietsman speaks to new parents about valuable lessons learnt from the birth of their baby

32 it’s party time 33 family marketplace

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October 2016

Cape Town

Durban

Joburg

Pretoria

Megan Hancock Photography meganhancockphotography.co.za

Photo Paige photopaige.co.za

Antoinette Photography antoinettephotography.co.za

Shutterstock shutterstock.com

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PHOTOGRAPH: sarahjanephotography.co.za

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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October 2016

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letters

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over to you

child magazine and my family

thanks for your time

I’ve been going through the August 2016 issue, and as always found something that applies to my little family. In response to “sport, no thank you”: My son is just six years old, and while he has excellent ball skills both with kicking and throwing, he is not a sportsman by any standards. Most sports require a competitiveness that just isn’t in him. I’m so grateful that neither my husband nor myself are particularly sporty, so a “participation” trophy is all we need. In fact, as the article mentions, my son is an extremely artistic child and can spend ages drawing elaborate scenes, from dragons and dinosaurs, to fire trucks and rockets. We hope to continue embracing his differences and nurture his talents.

And in response to “should we scrap homework?”: So many valid points were made in the article, including the mom’s statement regarding the lack of guidelines, as well as the inconsistency in the volume of homework. My son, in Grade 1, comes home with a reasonable amount of homework, but I sometimes struggle with the concepts – especially if it’s abstract math. How do you explain a word without using that word? The article also highlighted the divide homework creates when parents aren’t equipped to assist with tasks. Personally, I feel homework has advantages, especially to keep parents involved with their child’s development and capabilities.

Yash

Everyone at Kids Haven would like to say “thank you” for donating your time on Mandela Day. It was a very special day for us and we are grateful for the practical help we received, together with the many donations of clothing and food, special lunch packs, touchy-feely beanbags and gifts for the children. The work we do is blessed. The evidence is in Kids Haven surviving and thriving into our 24th year amidst incredibly challenging times. We can thank our donors for this. It would seem as soon as we have identified a need, it is met.

Moira Simpson, founder and managing director

October 2016

her lip repaired at four months old and her palate was repaired at 11 months (three weeks before this shoot was done). Although it is usually a struggle to feed babies with this condition, Eliana let’s nothing stand in her way and loves food, even before her palate repair. She is the most tenacious little girl with the most amazing spirit for life. She has reached all learning and developmental milestones with such ease and has never let anything stop her. This little angel has been her parents’ biggest blessing yet.

Paige Louw, photographer Childmag Eliana graces our Durban cover this month.

viva the grey brigade Thanks for the help you give to the grey brigade who are increasingly having to be parents again to young children, doing the school run and afternoon care, as I am. Fiftyeight years ago when I was six, life was very different for children, and now at age 64, I’m having to relearn, so your magazine is a real help.

Marion

our cover star

She’s her parents’ biggest blessing yet.

Eliana Grace (right) is just over a year old and was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. This is one of the most common birth defects in the world and yet so little is published and shared about the condition. She has had

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Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010.

your choice In response to Holly Leppard’s letter (August 2016): I love the words of an experienced midwife: “Breast is best, but formula is fabulous. Let each woman choose what works for her and her baby.”

Gillian McLaren

the perfect platform My folks have recently started a scrapbooking, and art and crafts business, which they are looking to expand into the children’s party market. I suggested to them that they should advertise in Child magazine, as it’s my go-to spot for party planning when it comes to my children’s parties.

Claire

your voice online in response to “left of centre” Thanks for your article on left-handedness. I am an occupational therapist with a special interest in fine motor skills and handwriting acquisition. I would just like to highlight the following point: Many teachers

Follow us on twitter.com/ChildMag, facebook.com/childmag.co.za and pinterest.com/childmagazine

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may not be aware of the correct teaching method for letter formation. I would just like to confirm that, with the possible exception of the pencil travelling in the right-to-left direction when crossing the t and f, there is no alternate method of teaching letter formation to lefthanded children. Formation strategies are exactly the same. Of critical importance, however, is the positioning of the book, where it must lie parallel to the child’s forearm – get that right and you are on your way.

Bunty McDougall in response to “mainstreaming special needs children” Parents, please take care when selecting a school for your child, particularly if your child happens to be “different”. Don’t be taken in by all the PR. Anonymous in response to “beyond the mainstream” Mainstream schooling is not for everyone, especially bright teens. They don’t fit the mould, they don’t need the rules and the uniforms and they certainly don’t need to work at the slow pace that most schools must work

at to accommodate the slower learners. It’s a travesty for bright children to be so bored that they stop working and start failing.

And in response to “the home-school option”: I believe children learn so much better when they don’t have the pressures and constrictions placed on them by a school. Especially at a high school level, the pressure becomes intense. My children (the students at my study centre) just don’t have those issues as their “school” day is short and focused, and the rest of the day they have to do their sports or pursue other interests, which is so important. They can also move on with the subjects that they excel at and can take more time, if necessary, for tougher subjects. Moving at the same pace as everyone else seems to benefit no one.

Anonymous

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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.

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

October 2016

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pregnancy news

the stork is coming MARINA ZIETSMAN speaks to new parents about what they wish they knew when their baby was born and what they won’t forget next time.

medical surprises Medical aids are not cheap, and neither are hospital costs. Parents-to-be must make sure they’re aware of any hidden expenses before doing the emergency run to the hospital.

“Find out if your medical aid covers circumcision,” says first-time mom Leigh, from Cape Town. Leigh and her husband assumed the procedure would be automatically covered by their medical aid. But, most medical aids see circumcision as a cosmetic procedure and thus unnecessary, and will not cover the costs. Leigh and her husband had to pay cash. It is a contentious issue, though. The law states that with parental consent the procedure is allowed if done for medical or religious reasons. The Children’s Act of 2010, however, says it’s a violation of children’s rights, as children under 16 cannot give consent for such an operation.

Hospital costs are also never black and white. “Invest in gap medical cover,” says new dad Mark, also from Cape Town. “Without gap cover, we would have been at least R10 000 out of pocket.” Costs for gap medical cover vary between medical aids, but you can pay from as little as R80 per month to as much as R500. Mark says people should also really understand their medical aid. “Your medical aid could indicate they cover 100% [which is 100% of the scheme tariff], but the doctor might charge 400%, and you are responsible for the ‘short fall’.” Medical aids usually cover 2–5% more of the tariffs as recommended by the National Health Reference Price List. If your doctor, anaesthetist or obstetrician asks 300% or more (as up to 90% of them do), you must negotiate a discount, or pay the difference.

Part of understanding your medical aid, is to read the fine print. Make doubly sure with your medical aid you are covered for the delivery. Most medical aid schemes impose a waiting period on new members and their dependants when they join.

Generally this waiting period depends on how long you’ve been part of another scheme or not part of a scheme at all. The waiting period could be as little as three months, but for pregnancy most medical aids expect you to be a member for at least 12 months before you can claim for pregnancy- and birth-related costs. There are pregnancy hospital plans available, but they also don’t necessarily cover the birth or other hospital costs if you’ve joined while pregnant.

Also make sure your new-born baby is covered by your medical aid. “Our medical aid automatically covered our baby at birth, but only for the month he was born in, regardless of the day,” says Leigh. “If he was born 2 July, he would be covered until 31 July. If he was born 30 July, the automatic cover also expired 31 July.” After this expiry date, their son had to be registered as an independent member. But you have to inform your medical aid of the birth, and find out what the window period is in which your baby is automatically covered, before he has to be registered as an independent member.

Hidden costs, though, are not the only glitch you might have to look out for. “Be specific and inform hospital staff about your preferences for feeding your baby,” says Ellen, mom to one-year-old Bree. “If you don’t want the hospital to give your baby formula, insist that under no circumstances should this be allowed without your consent.”

Ellen was exhausted from giving birth and rested, when Bree was taken for clean-up and routine medical tests. “When they returned with her, Bree spat up, and I enquired if they’d fed her. Some know-it-all nurse confirmed they did give her formula supplementation as they felt it was the right thing to do. I was horrified.”

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Without gap cover, we would have been at least R10 000 out of pocket.

money is too tight Okay, so you’ve budgeted for all the gadgets, medical extras and other mainstream expenses, yet, you keep on having to flash your cash. The fact is, your grocery needs will change soon enough – pre-sliced veggies, organic food – and convenience will become a necessity. “Because time is so valuable, convenient shopping will take preference to budget shopping. Make sure you have liquid cash for those unexpected expenses,” says Mark.

“Also understand how your UIF payment works,” says Leigh. “I used an agent and they made sure I applied on time. I found that many moms don’t realise there is a waiting period involved.”

just baby and me You and your partner had an exhilarating, yet exhausting, few days together at home with your newborn. But eventually your partner has to get back to work and you’re flying solo.

Leigh says you have to prepare for that first spell alone with your baby. “I was born to be a mom, and it all comes so naturally to me, but being alone with Jack, I suddenly felt very alone.” Leigh says it wasn’t easy at first, but she had to drag herself out of the house. “I felt better just by getting out of the house, and having much-needed contact with other adults. Seeing the world is still ‘turning’ lifted my spirits.”

Gale, a single mom to Alyson, says, “I had family around, but eventually life goes on, they went back to work, and I started to panic. I was ‘on call’ – alone. I felt out of my depth. Then I did something I never thought I’d do: I joined a new-mommy club. It’s been a life-saver.”

Ellen adds, “Everybody has an opinion on raising a newborn, which can be annoying, but I found that during those first lonely days, asking questions, sharing info, and communicating, was a huge help. In the end, you trust your instincts and discard unwanted advice, but at least you’ve connected to the world.”

gadgets and gears

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Co-sleeper – This is a cot that fits next to your bed, with an open side. You and your baby won’t share a bed, but it helps to maximise the breastfeeding

and soothing benefits because of the close proximity, and minimise the increased risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids) that’s associated with actual bed sharing.

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Nappy buddy – A nappy changing kit includes a changing pad, and it has room for everything else you’ll need, such as nappies and baby wipes to change

your baby’s nappy anywhere. “Some even have storage pockets for your keys and phone, which has made my life so much easier,” says new Joburg mom Isabel.

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Car seat – Your baby should be strapped into a car seat the moment you leave the hospital. “And make sure it’s installed correctly,” says Leigh. “We

drove around with Jack for five months thinking the car seat was installed properly, until someone pointed out that it was indeed not correct.”

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Humidifier or dehumidifier – Make sure your baby’s room is not too warm and too dry. Babies sleep better with a cooler, moist environment

without feeling chilly. Depending on your home and environment, invest in either a humidifier or dehumidifier to make sure your baby’s sleeping space is comfortable and healthy from the start.

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best for baby

scoring your f irst 100 The birth of a baby is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.

But it’s also one of the biggest physical and emotional challenges you’ll ever face.

i

n my experience, the fun begins when you bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital. In their first few days out of the womb, babies tend to spend most of their time sleeping. And even if yours doesn’t, dealing with a niggly newborn is a lot easier when you have an entire ward of doctors, nurses, cleaners and caterers at your disposal.

Once you’re back home, the gravity of the situation sets in. You’re on your own with a helpless infant whose only reflexes are sucking, swallowing and breathing.

Everything else has to be done by you, 24-7. No amount of reading and research can prepare you for this exam, even if you’re writing it for the second or third time. Despite what the cooing aunties you meet in Clicks may tell you, there is

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no such thing as an easy baby. The first 100 days will be tough, but they will also introduce you to a brand of love that cannot be beaten.

what’s normal?

In the early days, a baby’s sole task is to sleep and eat, but most babies have trouble doing one or both of these things at some point. “The most important thing to remember,” explains Cape Town paediatrician Dr Mandy Meyer, “is that every baby is different, so it’s very difficult to define ‘normal’ behaviour.”

Meyer emphasises the importance of regular check-ups at a clinic, not least for the opportunity these afford mothers to talk about their concerns with someone who understands. “Of course there will be

difficult times,” she explains, “but if your baby is sleeping, eating and growing then you deserve a huge pat on the back.”

“By the time your baby is six weeks old, he or she should be smiling, staring at bright lights and faces, and be startled by sound. At three months, your baby should be cooing, chuckling, reaching for things and displaying head control.”

sing the blues There can be no underestimating the enormous emotional and physical impact the birth of a baby has on a mother. Someone who knows this better than most is Tamara Zanella, a counselling psychologist based in Bryanston. “Up to 85% of mothers suffer from the baby blues, a period characterised by moodiness, weeping and irritability,

which should clear up when your baby is about two weeks old. If symptoms persist much longer than this, then it’s probably postnatal depression (PND) – a condition that affects 10–15% of mothers.”

“Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest things for any new parent,” explains Zanella.

“It affects mood, appetite and energy levels, and if left unchecked, can easily spiral out of control. A new parent without any history of anxiety or depression still needs to get rest.” This is why Zanella encourages new moms to make use of any adult help that is available, and to push aside the belief that others – especially dads – won’t be able to look after your baby properly.

But, Zanella continues, “Emotional support is just as important as practical help. People have unrealistic expectations

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Seasoned dad NICK DALL gives his tips on navigating the haze.

doctor’s orders of motherhood and the pressure to be ‘the perfect mom’ makes asking for help very difficult. What we know from research is that just having some support alleviates a lot of the stress, even in patients with PND. It doesn’t have to be professional support either, just talking to another mother who’s been through the same kind of thing can work wonders.”

spare wheel?

As Dad, it’s entirely normal to feel a bit left out of the special bond that develops between the mom and baby. There’s not much you can do to change this. Guys can’t breastfeed and in South Africa most men only get a few days’ paternity leave, so there will be plenty of opportunity for mom and baby to bond.

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But, fret not. There are loads of times – like the middle of the night, and at 5:05am on a Sunday morning – when you will be able to lend a hand. Whether it’s holding the baby while mom showers, doing the laundry, or making sure the fridge is wellstocked, the first 100 days will show you just how simple it can be to demonstrate your love.

I would also strongly recommend establishing some kind of routine that involves you spending alone time with the baby. With my first daughter it was walking the dogs, by the time number two came along, I was confident enough to take ownership of bath time.

Which brings me to my next point: Don’t be shy. Only Mom can breastfeed, but there’s nothing stopping Dad from

changing nappies, cleaning the umbilical cord, or cutting fingernails and doing some or all of these things, which will help you to connect with Junior.

light at the end of the tunnel As the haze lifts, and baby gets older, things will definitely start to get better.

You’ll establish some sort of routine, which hopefully involves sleeping when it’s dark, and all three of you will get a much clearer idea of your role in your new life.

Besides, in the months and years ahead there’ll be many times when you wish you could have that cuddly, dependent and adoring newborn back, so take my advice and do your best to enjoy it while it lasts…

Here are three golden rules from Dr Mandy Meyer.

Eat When it comes to feeding, breast is most definitely best.

Feed on demand rather than imposing strict schedules on yourself – unless your baby is not gaining weight.

Sleep Swaddling your baby is good, as it mimics the conditions in the womb. To reduce the risks of Sids, a baby should sleep on its back.

Cry All babies cry, but you should seek medical attention if the crying is excessive, out of character or accompanied by a high temperature, too much vomiting, or a change in bowel function.

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dealing with difference

t i o o n m a e

on

n e n c o t c i l

It may not be easy to achieve, but the solution is simple – enjoying a little face-time with your child every day may, according to a child psychologist, save you thousands in therapy.

f

By LUCILLE KEMP

act, one of life’s biggest challenges is taking care of another human life – but keeping them clothed and in school is one thing; ensuring that they are well-adjusted and emotionally stable, during it all, is far trickier. A child’s life is a pretty intense series of lessons, which all parents hope will foster positive growth and sound personal direction to build solid character. But, in the growing years, this is a gradual journey that can sometimes be thrown off course, revealing itself, perhaps, in a personality change, a drop in school marks, a change in friends... and you can’t be sure if it’s thanks to growing pains or something irregular and self-destructive.

So, I want to learn a little more about what today’s children are really struggling with in order to gain some insight into where they need us the most.

Children feel upset, sad, alone, down and jealous, just as adults do, but don’t have all the cognitive abilities to express these appropriately.

According to Cape Town-based clinical psychologist Rafiq Lockhat of the Psychological Society of South Africa, “Parents are more aware and informed than ever before, and they don’t take chances, so more and more children are attending therapy these days,” which is not a bad thing because problems are being addressed and families are getting the help they need. Unfortunately, this growing need for therapy is also because parents simply don’t have time to deal with obstacles themselves. “I get it, I’m a working parent too,” but Lockhat is finding that this shortage of quality connection between child and parent is resulting in worrying and misguided, attention-seeking behaviour. “I am dealing with body image obsession, especially thinness, in eight and nine year olds, cutting behaviour in older children, which is not restricted to those with borderline personality disorder, and suicide attempts that are often nothing more than copy-cat, statement-making behaviour – when Zayn from One Direction left the band, teens cut their wrists in protest. It is also disturbingly, and successfully, being used against parents as a weapon for manipulation.”

When suicidal behaviour is accompanied by tearfulness, parents should indeed worry and take action, says Lockhat. When it is accompanied by tantrums and the

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PHOTOGRAPH: sarahjanephotography.co.za

big and strong in all respects

threat repeatedly crops up when your child is not getting their way, the answer is to not give in and buy those R1 000 sneakers. “I see many guilt-riddled single parents that are particularly vulnerable to these tactics,” says Lockhat.

Lockhat is also seeing children with poor discipline and concentration skills, symptoms that many parents are mistaking for ADHD. “Many children simply haven’t been trained to focus.”

Then there is the fair share of scholastic problems to be dealt with. “Many children are not doing well at school. Their reading ability is not up to scratch for instance, which is essential for other skills such as maths,” states Lockhat.

Children are also coming to him with a variety of emotional problems caused mainly by divorce and bullying, and many children are presenting with depression symptoms.

Lockhat also deals with a high instance of child-on-child abuse, not only because the child has been abused, but due to, simply, unchecked internet usage. “Porn pops up on the most innocuous websites, and sexually explicit music videos are front of mind and easily accessed. Children are being left to their own devices too often, and they’re observing a huge amount of sexual content, online, which is causing curiosity.”

the parent before the professional The resounding message from the professionals seems to be that there is no substitute for your time – if you’re connecting with your child regularly you’ll be more aware of how they’re coping with life.

Set the example Nelspruit-based educational psychologist Ria Scholtz says, “Understand that children feel upset, sad, alone, down, jealous and more, just as adults do. The big difference is they do not have all the cognitive abilities to express these appropriately.”

They are only learning these now while growing up, which is why it’s important that you understand the concept of healthy expression, so that you can demonstrate it to your child. If your children are privy to your road rage or you are snapping at their dad because you are “stressed at work”, you are modelling an inappropriate expression of feelings, in the same way as your child hitting a friend, when angry, is.

Make time for special time As busy as your schedule is, time must be made – not for chores, homework or even to watch a movie, but for engaged fun together – as little as 10 minutes a day is good enough, says Lockhat. Talk to your child and, more importantly, listen.

Read up or talk to someone Knowledge is your best weapon – if there seems to be a problem, talk to your child’s teacher to ascertain what they observe. If there is a specific diagnosis (such as autism or ADHD), gain the knowledge and then support, says Scholtz.

Ask questions relating to the behaviour Was there a change in your routine? What is different in your home, family and life? Was there any trauma? “Often I will get answers such as ‘granny died, we moved, he started at a new school, we were robbed, we are fighting in the house, dad is now working far away, I have started working late, we have a new nanny’,” says Scholtz.

Keep your emotional tank topped-up A depleted mom and dad can offer nothing.

Implement strategies These include behaviour charts, rewards and routine.

Build on your child’s strengths Find the positive aspects of your child’s personality or behaviour and celebrate that.

Wait and see If there is no change in troubling moods or behaviour, take more action.

“Look out for sudden, definite change or extremes in your child’s behaviour or emotions that are worrisome, intense, out of the ordinary, and seem to stay longer than just a week or two, and for which you have no explanation,” says Scholtz. If there is an improvement, recognise that you have helped your child effectively through a difficult situation and likely equipped her with a life-skill or two in the process.

what professional help looks like ✻✻ Psychotherapy – A child will learn about his problems, emotions, thoughts and behaviours, and will be taught how to respond to challenging situations.

Examples include talk therapy, play therapy, sand-tray therapy, as well as using books, stories, games and other techniques the therapist may be trained in, such as BWRT, EMDR or TRE. ✻✻ Medication – Your child’s doctor might recommend that they take certain medications. Seek a second or third opinion if you feel the need. Upon doing thorough research you’ll know best practice for your child. “I was hesitant to try Ritalin with all the negative publicity, but it really helped my child to focus. I needed him to learn, and had to try it,” says Cape Town mom *Barbara whose son was diagnosed with ADHD. ✻✻ Parental guidance – The therapist can help you with guidance, information and plans to deal with routine and behaviour. “Play therapy was amazing. *Greg loved it. We not only worked through issues of cooperation and emotions, but it gave me effective disciplining tools and helped me to understand and not get frustrated with him all the time,” says Barbara.

Information compliments of Dr Ria Scholtz *Names have been changed

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health

october health focus TAMLYN VINCENT highlights the health and awareness days in October to help us remember, learn about and take action to assist those in need.

Eye Care Awareness Month Eye health, particularly the prevention of avoidable blindness, is highlighted during Eye Care Awareness month and on World Sight Day, 13 October.

South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB): 012 452 3811 or sancb.org.za Orbis: 021 447 7135 or orbis.org.za Retina South Africa: 086 059 5959 or retinasa.org.za

October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in South Africa. This month focuses on awareness of this disease and encourages women to do regular selfexaminations and mammograms, which can lead to early detection and a better prognosis.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa): 0800 226 622 or cansa.org.za Pink Drive: They have a selection of pink ribbon and other merchandise online. Contact: 021 418 0548 or pinkdrive.co.za Reach 4 Recovery: 079 462 3973 or reach4recovery.org.za

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Creating awareness around ADHD helps to educate people and encourages the development of resources as people work towards finding solutions.

Adhasa: 011 888 7655 or adhasa.co.za ADHD and Dyslexia support group: Facebook: Familyzone Learning

International Dyslexia Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

October highlights the difficulties that come with dyslexia, from children being stereotyped to facing challenges in the classroom.

The Red Apple Dyslexia Association (RADA): They have programmes and activities to help children. Contact: 016 454 0281 or dyslexiasa.org

Awareness around mental health improves education, while helping to decrease the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues.

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag): 011 234 4837, suicidal emergency: 0800 567 567 or sadag.org Cape Mental Health: capementalhealth.co.za

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PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

Global ADHD Awareness Month

3–7 October

OT Week

National Obesity Week

15–19 October

15 October

This week showcases how occupational therapy can help people of all ages in their day-to-day lives. The International Occupational Therapy Day, 27 October, promotes the importance of OT. Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (Otasa): 012 362 5457 or otasa.org.za

Being overweight or obese puts you at risk of chronic disease. This week creates awareness around these risks and encourages healthier living.

Overeaters Anonymous: 011 640 2901 or oa.org.za The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa: 021 422 1586 or heartfoundation.co.za

Awareness around the risk of drinking during pregnancy can help in preventing Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disease.

While this condition is preventable, it can’t be cured.

Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (Farr): 021 686 2646 or farrsa.org.za South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca): 086 147 2622 or sancanational.info

National Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day

8 October

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

20 October

Today is about celebrating and supporting hospice and palliative care. The theme for 2016 is “Living and dying in pain: It doesn’t have to happen”.

Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA): Purchase a R20 temporary butterfly tattoo for the Social Butterfly campaign, available at various Primi Piatti outlets and from HPCA. Contact: 021 531 0277 or hpca.co.za

Geared towards creating awareness around Down syndrome, this day is about informing people of the condition, and encouraging acceptance and inclusivity.

Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA): 0861 369 672 or downsyndrome.org.za Down Syndrome Association Western Cape: 021 919 8533 or downwc.co.za

National Down Syndrome Day

9–15 October

National Nutrition Week The emphasis this week is on healthy eating to improve long-term health of South Africans, through nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

The Nutrition Society of South Africa (NSSA): nssa@mweb.co.za or nutritionsociety.co.za 15 October

Global Handwashing Day This day promotes the idea that washing hands with soap is an easy, affordable way to effectively prevent the spreading of disease. The theme this year is “Make Handwashing a Habit!”

Global Handwashing: globalhandwashing.org

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October 2016

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education

evaluating

exams The stress of exams can affect not only

children, but also parents and teachers. Are exams worth it? And what can you do to help your child? By GLYNIS HORNING

and author of Study Without Stress. “They need to measure themselves and be measured on whether they can do the work – it’s done in swimming and tennis, why not academics?

Exams also allow teachers to see where a child falls short, and if they need to teach more or change how they teach or the pace of their teaching.”

Exams introduce children to different study methods and the skill of actually writing an exam is “an essential skill later in life”, says Diane Berry, head of Rustenberg Girls’ Junior School in Cape Town. “It’s not just about content – exams are set to include creative thinking, understanding, application, deduction, explanation, analysis, comparison, evaluation and comprehension. That said, exams are only part of the whole assessment programme, particularly in the intermediate phase, and must be kept in perspective.”

As long as children are guided and nurtured through the first set of exams in Grade 4, they are fine, Berry says. “As exams become more complicated, children slowly become accustomed to different types of questions and how to answer them.”

Exams are no longer valid in the 21st century.

maybe…

Many remain in the middle. “Exams are by no means ideal,” says no Joburg educational psychologist Marisa Di Terlizzi, director of Exams are a waste of time say Yvonne Sullivan and Kim Day, student affairs at St Stithians College in Joburg. “Unfortunately, flatly. Both are Grade 6 teachers at award-winning Durban because of the way tertiary education is set up and the nature of government school Manor Gardens Primary, which has frequently – Yvonne Sullivan, teacher society, there has to be some kind of ‘yardstick’, so that we can taken first place and the overall Top School Achiever Award in the compare apples with apples.” And while exams assess content, Horizon Maths Competition, and has won the national Kids’ Lit Quiz twice, and placed she says, they also assess skill, such as analysis: “These higher-order skills are important first in the world. in terms of application of knowledge in tertiary education, and ultimately, the world of work.

“Exams are no longer valid in the 21st century,” says Sullivan. “They reduce “Could they be assessed in another way? Probably, but to do so might require more everything to their smallest part and capture only a miniscule part of the whole person teachers and access to materials that only some schools have access to. So for now, – a meaningless score. They snuff out creativity as children’s thinking is channelled though far from ideal, an exam based on common criteria is where we are.” into providing answers the teacher wants, rather than engaging children in openended debate that would generate innovative ideas. Valuable learning time is wasted how early revising for and writing exams, and teacher time is wasted marking and entering these Given that exams are a reality for now, when should they begin? “Because exams create meaningless symbols on to mark schedules.” anxiety, if students start early, by the time they reach high school they feel more relaxed Day adds: “With an exam-based system, learning is reduced to teaching for tests about them because it has become the norm,” says Di Terlizzi. “They also have time to rather than learning for life. The joy of learning and the inherent curiosity of the child is establish some exam techniques.” But she warns against starting too early. “Children suppressed. What is the point of memorising and regurgitating content when today one need the opportunity for play and engagement, where they learn naturally and incidentally. can access information so easily online? Learning must involve critical thinking skills and Starting exams in the later years of primary school, with certain subjects, would create a problem-solving. Time spent on exams would be better spent guiding children on how to good amount of preparation.” access relevant information and evaluate sources. We must remove the shackles of testing Research shows Grade 4 is the optimal age, says Van Wyk. “In the past, parents from our education system.” taught children survival skills from a young age and were responsible for testing these.

To teach children to use their brain to maximum potential has become the only survival yes skill, when certain careers are becoming obsolete and others constantly emerging. Today And yet others still support exams. “Without them, what reason would there be for children children are facing a tsunami of knowledge, and need to start training early to handle it to ensure they know and understand work?” says Dr Deon van Wyk, child psychologist and not become anxious – anxiety is the greatest danger.”

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

a

sk most adults to share their worst nightmare, and who won’t cite being back at school, trapped in a tricky exam? The stress of exams can be considerable, as a child’s performance is measured against their expectations and those of parents and teachers, plus the performance of their peers. Many feel their self-worth and future success is at stake.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) reports a significant spike in pupils calling its helpline over exam periods, and with suicide now accounting for 9,5% of teenage deaths, the South African College of Applied Psychology notes “there is reason for concern”, that the exam results period may aggravate symptoms for those already depressed.

In most South African schools, children start writing exams in Grade 4, and according to Sadag, the suicide rate for children aged 10 to 14 years old has more than doubled over the past 15 years. Clearly more than exams is at play where suicide is concerned, but do young children need the added stress in their lives? In short, are exams worth it?

how to handle it Stress is part of life, says Van Wyk. Rather than avoid it, assist children to cope with it during exams: Develop a positive attitude to studying and the right study methods from the start “It’s imperative, as the volume and complexity of schoolwork today is light-years from what we had to deal with,” he says. “Ensure they understand the ‘bigger picture’, the logic that connects themes – work learnt parrot-fashion is forgotten when tension rises.”

Watch your emotions “They are highly contagious, so it’s most important parents stay calm and upbeat,” Van Wyk says. “Watch the pitch of your voice, talk slowly and radiate trust and confidence.”

See that they eat well “Great options are tuna, spinach, sweet potatoes, brown rice, avocados, bananas, oranges, almonds and blueberries,” says Di Terlizzi. “Limit caffeine (coffee, energy drinks), as it can adversely affect concentration and interfere with sleep. Similarly, too much sugar can increase tiredness and lower energy and mood when the blood sugar level drops.”

See that they get enough sleep Knowledge is consolidated through neural connections while you sleep, she explains. “If your child is not getting enough sleep, they will struggle to retain information and think clearly. So pulling all-nighters is a no-no.”

See that they get exercise “It’s a great stress-reliever and should not be forfeited during exams,” she says. “It’s the perfect break to clear the brain and get back on track.”

Help set up a place to study A desk, rather than the bed, is best for posture and concentration, she says. It should be equipped with all the stationery they need, snacks and water, and be free from distractions.

Help them plan their time Frequent study breaks are important, Di Terlizzi says.

“Children should get out and active, not engage in screen-watching or reading, which use the same concentration resources.”

Plan a reward Line up something to look forward to, such as meeting up with friends after a tough week, she advises.

Use opportunities provided by the school Find out what academic support is offered and tap into it.

Get help A certain amount of stress is beneficial (eustress), focusing attention and enhancing performance. But if your child gets into an anxiety spiral, provide distractions to help them, says Di Terlizzi. If it persists or depression sets in, get professional help.

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4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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timeline Two weeks before exams Help your child set up a study timetable to work through sections in manageable bite-sizes; a bit each day. “Feeling on top of things helps keep anxiety in check,” says Di Terlizzi. “Show understanding if your child is acting out because of the pressures,” adds Van Wyk. “Teach them to relax with deep breaths.”

The night before See that your child goes to sleep at a reasonable hour and has some downtime before bed. “Chamomile tea is a good relaxant,” says Di Terlizzi. “A warm bath or shower relaxes tense muscles and aids sleep.”

The morning of the exam Many children rise early to go through their notes one last time. “This is acceptable provided it doesn’t deprive them of too much sleep and they don’t work themselves up,” she says. Give your child a healthy breakfast and get them to school in good time. Rather than comparing notes with peers, it’s best they wait in your car or sit quietly where they can’t be hyped up.” Be calm and cheerful – tell them you know they will do their best.

After exams If they have failed a subject, support is crucial. “Let them know failure is only failure if you don’t learn from the experience. Encourage them to pay attention when exam feedback is given in class, to understand why they failed, says Di Terlizzi.

“Was it due to content knowledge? Did they misread the question, or not pay note to mark allocation?” Remind them they are bigger than an exam: this too shall pass and there is always another opportunity. “If they struggle to process this, a counsellor or psychologist can help them cope with disappointment and limit the effect on their self-esteem, or prevent them acting rashly.” Call Sadag: 0800 21 22 23, sms 31393 or sadag.org.za

October 2016

17

education

y

up market

ou spend your life as a parent making sure your children have a good education. Countless hours are spent over homework, they’ve been signed up for so many extramurals you’ve lost count, and they’ve gone to the best schools you can afford. Guess what? There’s a good chance they won’t get a good job straight out of school. Even students leaving university will find it difficult. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that globally, over 13% of youth are unemployed. A recent report from ILO says: “Overall, two in five (42,6%) economically active youth are still either unemployed or working yet living in poverty. In the face of such statistics, it is safe to report it is still not easy to be young in today’s labour market”.

But when young people can’t get a job, they also can’t contribute to society. The longer it takes them to find a job (one in which they will grow), the longer it takes them to become a productive member of that society, which means that the country can’t grow.

Not only because the youth labour force (the economically active youth) isn’t able to make a significant enough contribution, but also because those who can’t find jobs in South Africa go in search of greener pastures in other countries. “School leavers are constantly faced with tougher conditions for entry into the job market,” says Simone Lingenfelder, a life coach based in Joburg. But ensuring they are marketable is key to young adults finding a job. This is where youth skills development comes in.

who can communicate effectively and work well with others. When considering a potential candidate, employers look not only at the qualifications, but also the skills, attributes and knowledge of the whole individual, says Lingenfelder. This means that youth, starting in childhood, need to develop a range of skillsets to make them marketable and by extension, employable.

There are two types of skills that young people can add to their toolset, says Lingenfelder – basic skills and job-specific ones. A Skills for Employment policy brief from ILO says that core skills are key to employability. Some of the basic core skills needed for today’s job market include IT and computer skills, interpersonal ones such as reliability and punctuality, communication skills, time management and self-discipline. Having core work skills means young people are able to learn and adapt, to think creatively, solve problems by themselves and to work well by themselves or with others. Finding a young person who is employable is going to benefit the employer as well – it means a more efficient work force, with faster turnaround times, that is more able to adapt easily and change in more innovative ways to challenges it may encounter.

Being able to communicate well is top of the skillset list. Lingenfelder relates, saying that she has seen many successfully trained, intelligent candidates perform poorly in interviews, as they lack communication and interpersonal skills. She adds that “the interview is an opportunity to communicate your worth as an employee and translate your qualifications into your ability to do a job successfully”. Being able to get this across confidently and professionally is vital. Another important ability is knowing how to balance a professional and personal life. Time management and self-discipline are critical skills that can help young people balance a work-from-home or flexible position, while still delivering exceptional results, says Lingenfelder. Being able to problem-solve, the ILO notes, requires a person to be able to evaluate the situation and arrive at the best solution,

Ensuring young people are skilled can

give them a better chance at finding a

job when the time comes. TAMLYN VINCENT

making an impact Employers look at a range of factors when considering a job applicant, says Lingenfelder.

Just look at the requirements on any job advertisement – IT skills, budgeting and organisation skills, ability to work well with others, must be able to meet deadlines... Apart from these, employers are looking for applicants who are well-presented, and in every case, those

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

looks at what skills they need.

which in turn requires an understanding of action and consequence, an important skill for young people embarking on a career or, for that matter, a life of their own.

Technical skills, those required for specific jobs, can also improve employability.

Lingenfelder points out that they give employers an idea of what a potential employee is interested in and how they could develop into certain roles. Short courses are one way to develop technical skillsets, and could cover negotiation skills, money management or even first aid and CPR.

early learning

Employers look not only at the qualifications, but also the skills, attributes and knowledge of the whole individual.

Ensuring youth are marketable and employable isn’t something that happens overnight – children can be introduced to these skills from early on. Communication skills, for instance, can be developed through everyday discussion around the dinner table, says Lingenfelder.

Ask each family member about their day, engage everyone, and build their confidence in speaking from early on. Encourage problem-solving skills by teaching children to ask (and answer) questions for themselves. If they ask you why they have to do sport, get them to research the benefits of exercise. Being self-disciplined and organised is a skill that children can start learning as soon as they start doing homework, projects and tests.

Children are exposed to computers and gadgets from an early age, making them used to rapidly evolving technology, reports ILO. But you can ensure that children are better equipped by introducing them to educational technology and websites, while limiting time spent on games or websites with little or no benefit. One website to try is code.org.

Giving children pocket money, and encouraging them to save towards short-, midand long-term goals teaches them how to manage money. They can budget every month and learn that to save, they need to practise self-discipline. You can even encourage entrepreneurial thinking, getting children to spend some of their money on creating a product or service, and using this to build their savings.

As a life coach, Lingenfelder works with people to conceptualise and practise these life skills, before they need them in real life. Life coaches, she says, can introduce children to these skills and help them practise and develop the skills they will need later in life. But no matter how you choose to introduce these skills to your children, it is important to do so from early on, to ensure that they have the advantage going forward.

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October 2016

19

getaway

on a plane and a train in durban ANÉL LEWIS and her family head to the KwaZulu-Natal coast for cake by the ocean,

m

y son, Conor, is obsessed with trains, planes and just about anything that has an engine and makes a noise. This includes lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and, as we discovered on a recent family trip to Durban, the rotating machines that cover suitcases in plastic at the airport. While we thought the flight on an aeroplane would be the highlight, the baggage-covering machine was a winner before we had even checked in at Cape Town International. Conor was transfixed, standing in rapt attention with his hands behind his back as the bag spun around in its plastic cocoon. “It’s almost as cool as a leaf blower, Mom,” he said. Hopefully we would be able to top this experience on our coastal trip.

Airports can be a bit of a parenting gauntlet with their brightly-lit shops filled with expensive toys and over-priced knick-knacks. The trick to getting from check-in to the boarding gate without buying three plastic microphones filled with tasteless pink sweets, is to keep children entertained by the workings of the airport. We headed straight to the viewing area to see the planes landing and taking off. Eagle-eyed Erin soon spotted her suitcase being loaded onto an aircraft, and this provided much entertainment as we played “spot your luggage”.

Conor did not seem fussed that the train was actually a scaled-down version of what we had initially promised. He was just thrilled to be on something with an engine that “chuffed” and emitted plumes of steam.

The flight was fairly painless – we made sure the tablets were fully-charged so that the children could play games, and we had colouring-in books and snacks to keep them entertained. Once we had imposed the Treaty of the Orange Plane and agreed that Erin would have the window seat on the way out, and that Conor could have a view for the trip home, we settled down for the flight. Take-off was a breeze – Conor was so thrilled when we lifted off the ground that he shouted, “Yes, good job!”, much to the amusement of everyone around us. But the trip to the plane toilet proved too much for our budding aviator, and Conor almost levitated out of the 1 x 1m cubicle when the vacuum caused by flushing the toilet resulted in a deafening “whoosh”.

We really wanted to treat Conor to a steam train experience while in Durban, and what better place than along the edge of the majestic Valley of a 1000 Hills? The Umgeni Steam Railway runs from Kloof Station to and from Inchanga Station on the last Sunday of each month. Unfortunately, our holiday fell just outside of this period, so we could not experience a trip on one of South Africa’s oldest active railway lines. Desperate to get Conor onto a train of some kind, I turned to Google. A quick search revealed that the Durban Society of Model Engineers offers train rides on the second Sunday of each month.

We headed to Durban North not knowing what to expect. It wasn’t quite the romantic steam train experience that we had planned, but what the site lacked in old-world charm was more than made up for with the passion of the locomotive enthusiasts who drive and maintain the trains. The track has been operational since 1969 and the children rode on a model train that was assembled in the 1970s. Members of the society take turns on open-day Sundays to drive the model steam train, which seats about 12 passengers.

It’s a fully-functional steam train and the driver painstakingly loads coal into the engine’s miniature firebox before each trip. There’s even a rustic station where passengers wait undercover for their ride.

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The train travels along a “folded dogbone” track configuration, through a tunnel and past fields of sugarcane. Conor was enthralled. He did not seem fussed that the train was actually a scaled-down version of what we had initially promised. He was just thrilled to be on something with an engine that “chuffed” and emitted plumes of steam. Conor had about 10 trips while we sipped on instant coffee from the cafe. We noticed quite a few families had brought picnics to enjoy in the play area next to the track. At only R10 a ride, this was an inexpensive, yet thoroughly enjoyable family outing.

The excursion reminded Conor of a prior visit to Durban’s Mini Town. To my jaded adult eye, the mini replicas of Durban’s landmark buildings had seemed a bit tired and in need of a lick of paint. It was a far cry from the magical place I recalled from my first visit to Durban as a six year old more than three decades ago. But Conor and Erin loved the Brobdingnagian sensation of towering above buildings and highways built on a 1:24 scale. And of course, Conor enjoyed the extensive miniature railway network and the airport.

With Conor’s train obsession satiated, we spent a lovely Saturday morning savouring homemade samosas and “milk tart” pancakes at the Litchi Orchard Saturday Market that runs on the second Saturday of each month. The children enjoyed the massive junglegym, located in the garden area. We indulged in some homemade cake to celebrate my birthday, which coincided with the trip. Durban, and specifically Ballito where we stayed, is obviously synonymous with sea and sand. But for some reason, sand art was on offer at most places we visited. At almost every market, restaurant or beachside cafe, you could bet your bunny chow that there would be a sand art table. It cost R20 to R25 per child to make a sand art masterpiece. As this kept them busy for at least half an hour – enough time to enjoy a chilled craft beer or some freshly pressed juice – we were more than happy to shell out for quite a few sand art sessions. The great thing about the Litchi Market was that we could buy sand art kits to take home.

Speaking of sand, obviously Durban’s beaches hold massive appeal for children of all ages. Even in winter, the weather was warm enough for us to spend many happy hours swimming and exploring rock pools. Sand sculptures have become part of the coastal landscape, and the children watched the local artists transform mounds of wet sand into dolphins and sharks. Real animals are also a popular drawcard, and you can choose from spots such as Flag Animal Farm, Crocodile Creek and uShaka Marine World to see these.

We chose to devote one day of our trip to uShaka, which is a bit more pricey and touristy, so that we could spend the rest of the holiday on the beach or exploring Durban’s other attractions. And of course, the children also had the return flight, and the bag-wrapping machine, to look forward to.

sanity tips ✻✻ Pack books, pens and paper to keep children entertained. Make sure the tablets are charged if you are planning to let them play a game or two during the flight. ✻✻ Involve children in the packing and planning of the trip. ✻✻ Give children biltong or dried fruit

(usually related to who’s going to get the window seat). ✻✻ Plan one or two key activities, such as the Umgeni Steam Train or a visit to uShaka, but allow for a flexible schedule. Visit busy spots such as uShaka or the Flag

to chew for take-off and landing to

Animal Farm earlier in the day,

avoid sore ears.

before children get tired. Use

✻✻ Have a “secret weapon” or treat on hand in case there’s a meltdown

the afternoons to unwind on the beach.

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PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.com | lcswart / Shutterstock.com | craig lewis

a train trip (or 10) and plenty of sand art.

when in durban…

Burnedale No. 1 Old Main Rd, Umhlali Contact 032 947 0133 Website burnedale.co.za This welcoming café offers a fencedoff play area and an animal farm for children.

Flag Animal Farm Sheffield Beach Rd, Durban Contact 032 947 2018 Website flaganimalfarm.co.za They are home to over 1 000 animals including reptiles, wolves and alpacas.

Litchi Orchard Seaforth Ave, Salt Rock Contact 032 525 5118 Website litchiorchard.co.za The day market is held on the second Saturday of each month from 9am–1pm.

Umgeni Steam Railway Old Kloof Station, Old Main Rd Contact 087 808 7715 Website umgenisteamrailway.co.za Take a steam train trip on the last Sunday of each month.

Durban Society of Model Engineers 10 Hinton Grove, Virginia, Durban North Contact 031 564 7066 The open day for the public is the second Sunday of the month, normally from 11am–4pm.

Go Wild The Wavehouse, Gateway Contact: 031 514 0500 Website go-wild.co.za They offer various activities for children including a super tube, a flow rider and a toddler zone.

Mini Town 14 Snell Parade Contact: 031 337 7892 View excellent models of some of Durban’s most interesting buildings.

uShaka Marine World 1 King Shaka Ave, Point Website ushakamarineworld.co.za They offer water rides, an oceanarium, dolphin, seal and penguin shows, shopping, beach activities and more.

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resource

primary issues find the right school for your child These early intervention centres and special needs schools are committed to putting your child’s learning requirements first by ensuring quality education. Compiled by MARINA ZIETSMAN Alpha School This is a public school for children 6–18 years old with autistic spectrum disorders and it aims to provide support and quality education to learners with ASD in an affordable and inclusive environment.

Address 84 Palmerston Rd, Woodstock Contact 021 447 1212, info@alphaschool. co.za or alphaschool.co.za

Blaauwberg Rise Academy The therapy and learning centre is a private facility for children from 24 months–6 years old with learning barriers and on the autistic spectrum. They use the Eureka Learning System programme.

Address 7 Raven St, West Beach Contact 021 556 0931 or blaauwbergacademy.co.za

Alta du Toit School A public school that offers specialised education to learners with intellectual disabilities who can not benefit from mainstream schooling. Classes are organised from junior phase to vocational phase.

Address Piet Fransman St, Kuils River Contact 021 903 4178 or admin@ altadutoit.co.za

Boost Educational Support Centre This is a registered independent primary, middle and high school, offering a comprehensive CAPS curriculum and specialised and individualised home schooling programmes for children from Grade 1 to matric who do not fit into a mainstream environment.

Address shop 401, The Avalon, 45 Mill St, Gardens Contact 083 556 9724, boostcentre.ct@ gmail.com or boostcentre.co.za

Beautiful Minds Learning Centre A private centre and school for intellectually disabled learners 5–18 years old who have a variety of learning needs, and cannot be mainstreamed. Children are accommodated in classes of eight. At intake they only accept learners up to the age of 13 years old.

Address 15 Ophir Rd, Plumstead Contact 021 797 1096, 072 440 4357, info@bmlearningcentre.co.za or bmlearningcentre.co.za Bel Porto School This government school focuses on education for learners from preschool to senior phase with intellectual impairment, cerebral palsy or physical disabilities.

Address 2 Arcadia Ave, Lansdowne Contact 021 696 4134, admin.belporto@ gmail.com or belporto.org.za Bet-El School A public school that empowers learners who suffer from epilepsy and those who experience other barriers to learning. At primary school level emphasis is placed on remedial teaching. In the senior classes learners are taught technical skills.

Address Nooiensfontein Rd, Kuils River Contact 021 903 5146 or betel.wcape. school.za

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October 2016

Broad Horizons Academy This private school gives individual tutoring to children 0–6 years old with autism, learning difficulties, developmental delays and genetic and intellectual disorders.

Address 32 Grant Rd, Kraaifontein Contact 021 987 1429 or broadhorizonsacademy.co.za Carel du Toit Centre The centre’s school teaches hearing impaired children from Grade 1–3 to speak through natural learning experiences and parental guidance. The aim of this intervention is for hearing impaired children to enter mainstream schools and have adequate spoken language, as well as integration into a society of hearing people.

Address Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow Contact 021 938 5303, secretary@ careldutoit.co.za or careldutoit.co.za Cheré Botha School This is a public school for children 0–18 years old living with intellectual inabilities such as autism and Down Syndrome.

Address Van der Stel St, Oakdale, Bellville Contact 021 919 2701

Chesterhouse International School This independent school offers educational and therapeutic intervention throughout the child’s school career for as long as is necessary (prep-school to matric). Their staff development programme ensures that teachers have educational knowledge on hand-eye coordination, visual perception difficulties, ADHD, autism and others.

Address Mosselbankriver Rd, D’Urbanvale Estate, Durbanville Contact 021 975 6650, infojunior@ chesterhouse.co.za, infosenior@ chesterhouse.co.za or chesterhouse.co.za Dominican-Grimley School A public preschool, junior school and high school for hearing impaired children.

Tuition is provided in the oral-aural method rather than in the manual (sign) system of communication. The children are given the opportunity to learn to communicate in English.

Address Valley Rd, Hout Bay Contact 021 790 1052, dominican.grimley@ telkomsa.net or dominicangrimley.org Dunatos Private Remedial School The school caters to children from Grade R–12 with special needs, who cannot reach their full potential in a mainstream school.

Address Old Paarl Rd, Stikland, Bellville Contact 021 919 9585, info@dunatos. co.za or dunatos.co.za Edu Excellence Private Remedial School Noordhoek Their unique schooling concept (comprising TheraEd methodology) provides remedial education to learners struggling to concentrate, learn and function in large schooling environments. They accommodate children from preprimary to Grade 9.

Address cnr Houmoed Ave and Chapman’s Peak Dr, Noordhoek Contact 021 785 2992, noordhoek@ eduexcellence.co.za or eduexcellence.co.za Glenbridge Special School The public school caters for learners from 6–18 years old, with intellectual impairment, such as Down syndrome, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, as well as intellectual impairment as a result of acquired conditions.

Address 91 Main Rd, Diep River Contact 021 712 2075, glensped@mweb. co.za or glenbridgeschool.co.za

ADD and hyperactivity, moderate visual impairment, learners with hearing impairment with verbal communication, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and high functioning learners on the autistic spectrum.

Address Bosmans Estate, Kuils River Contact 021 903 1108, jks@jankriel.co.za or jankriel.co.za Khanyisa Waldorf School This is an independent Waldorf primary and high school, that provides holistic and supportive education for learners who cannot cope with the normal academic levels in mainstream education. They educate children who learn at a slow pace, who need smaller classes and special individual attention.

Address 4 Victoria Rd, Plumstead Contact 021 761 1709, admin@ khanyisaschool.co.za or khanyisaschool.co.za Kid Start Early Intervention Centre Kid Start comprises of an early intervention centre and private school for children from 18 months–6 years old, Kid Start Plus (oneon-one home tutoring sessions and school facilitation) as well as ongoing training for tutors, parents and teachers. They follow the AIMS programme, an awareness and interest-based approach that works with children with autism and related disorders.

Address 77 Main Rd, Plumstead Contact 082 309 8400 or kidstartcentre.com Mary Kihn School This is a public school for deaf and hard of hearing children from three years old to Grade 8.

Address 34 Low St, Observatory Contact 021 447 0310 Mindstretch The Mindstretch independent preschool provides a multidisciplinary approach to a wide variety of learning challenges, often associated with ADD, ADHD, autism, Down syndrome, dyslexia, slow processing of information and an inability to complete tasks within a reasonable time-frame.

Address 44 Union Rd, Pinelands Contact 021 531 5899, 083 444 4554, jen@mindstretch.co.za or mindstretch.co.za

Herzlia Schools Herzlia Schools is an inclusive, coeducational community. The private schools are situated on a number of campuses throughout Cape Town with preprimary schools, primary schools, a middle school and a high school.

Herzlia schools have become experts in the field of special needs education.

Contact 021 464 3300, admin@herzlia. com or herzlia.com

Mountainview Academy The learners are taught in an inclusive environment at this private school where they receive close individual attention. The learners’ academic needs are met at the level that they are at and where necessary, individual education programmes are set up so that each learner meets his or her goals.

Address Primary school: 12 Barrow St, Monte Vista; high school: 5 Barrow St, Monte Vista Contact 021 558 5867, 021 558 3126, principal@mountainviewacademy. co.za, mvahighschool@gmail.com or mountainviewacademy.co.za

Jan Kriel School A public school for learners from preprimary to Gr 12 with special education needs, primarily specific learning disabilities,

Oakley House School This independent preparatory and high school specialises in teaching children who have dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, dyspraxia, magazine cape town

dyscalculia, speech and language delays, motor difficulties, sensory difficulties and Asperger’s syndrome.

Address 99 Main Rd, Plumstead Contact 021 762 7204, infoprep@ oakleyhouse.co.za or oakleyhouse.co.za

reintegrated into mainstream primary schools, high schools and beyond.

Address cnr Erin Rd and Elma Rd, Rondebosch Contact 021 686 1567, admin@ proedhouse.co.za or proedhouse.co.za

Paarl School A public school and resource centre where the neurally disabled child is guided to reach their full potential. They cater for children from preschool to senior phase.

Address Rogland St, Brackenfell Contact 021 981 5555/6, admin@ paarlskool.org.za or paarlskool.org.za

Rusthof School This public school caters for severely handicapped children from age 6–18 years old.

Address cnr Kerk St and Sergeant St, Somerset West Contact 021 851 4441 or rusthofresourcecentre@live.co.za

Polka Spot Early Intervention Centre Their mission is to maximize the potential abilities of children with differences in aspects of their development. The centre caters for toddlers and preschool children through a multidisciplinary approach.

Address 21 Roodehek Ave, Gardens Contact 021 462 1508 or polkaspot.co.za

Shelanti Private School They accommodate all learners from Grade 1–7 and their different styles of learning, as well as gifted learners, and they offer a remedial course.

Address 24 Stepney Rd, Parklands Contact 021 557 3484 or shelantiprivateschool.co.za

Pro Ed House School A private school that provides individualised instruction to children from Grade 1–7 who have been experiencing difficulty making progress in mainstream schools.

Through research-based and internationally acclaimed programmes, they give support to children in order to become successfully

St Joseph’s Marist College This private school has a Special Needs Unit (SNU) that caters for learners with various intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The aim is to provide a vibrant learning environment that inspires learners towards independence and integration into society.

The school is divided into a playschool,

magazine cape town

preprimary, foundation phase, intermediate phase, middle school and high school.

Address Belmont Rd, Rondebosch Contact 021 685 6715, admin@maristsj. co.za or maristsj.co.za Tafelberg Remedial School The school is an English medium Grade 1–12 public school, which offers remedial activities for children with special needs.

Address Swellengrebel Ave, Bothasig Contact 021 558 2405, secretary@ tafelbergschool.co.za or tafelbergschool.co.za The Centre for Play and Learning This is a therapy intervention centre that provides a specialist learning environment for children from 18 months to 10 years old who have the academic ability to follow a mainstream curriculum, but who have social, emotional and behavioural barriers.

Address Cnr Aliwal Rd and Main Rd, Kenilworth Contact 072 981 7633, centre4playandlearning@gmail.com or centre4playandlearning.co.za The Dream Tree This private school for children 5–12 years old with autism is a private, independent school that serves children who have been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders or related learning disorders.

Address Bredell Rd, Somerset West Contact 079 86 68979, 071 438 4605, info@thedreamtreeschool.co.za or thedreamtreeschool.co.za Vera School A public school for learners from age 7–18 with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).

Address 20 Anglesey Rd, Rondebosch East Contact 021 696 2844 Vista Nova School Children 3–18 years old are accepted on the basis that they have certain barriers to learning. The pupils follow the same WCED curriculum as mainstream schools, though some children who cannot cope with the national curriculum, are offered an adapted curriculum to suit their needs.

Vista Nova is a public school.

Address Loerie Ave, Pinelands and 11 Milner Rd, Rondebosch Contact 021 689 5323/4/5/6, info@ vistanova.co.za or vistanova.co.za Yarden Children’s Enrichment Centre This is a daycare centre for children 3 months to 12 years old who are physically disabled or with rare diseases.

Address 2 Crown St, Vierlanden, Durbanville Contact 082 680 0236, info@yardencentre. co.za or yardencentre.co.za

October 2016

23

a good

books

for toddlers Soon

By Timothy Knapman and Patrick Benson

read

(Published by Walker Books, R136) Raju and his mom set off very early one morning. It’s cold and dark and Raju is tired.

“When can we go home again?” he keeps asking. “Soon”, says Mom. And soon, Raju will see that it is a journey worth taking. An adventure that he will never forget.

for preschoolers The Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing

By Bob Hartman and Tim Raglin for toddlers There’s an Owl in my Towel

By Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb

(Published by Lion Children’s Books, R144) Little Sheep is bored of being a sheep.

She wants the excitement of being a wolf. But when her new friend from Wolf School invites her over for dinner, it starts to look like her disguise might not be such a good idea after all. This is a topsyturvy take on a traditional tale.

(Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R121) Lift the flaps as five animals surprise one baby, and sing the song and do the actions. Before Baby is ready for his bath, he encounters a hare on his chair, a mole in his bowl, a lamb in his pram and an owl in his towel. Finally it’s bed time, and there’s a ted in his bed...

for preschoolers Snail Trails and Other Tales

By Pierre Coetzee, Leighton Jones and Shân Fischer for preschoolers Dudu’s Basket

By Dianne Stewart and Elizabeth Pulles (Published by Jacana Media, R110) When Dudu finishes weaving her first basket, by the light of the plump full moon, her uncle Jojo tells her that her first basket should always be given away. Baskets, woven from locally sourced materials, are widely used and re-used in African society. This is a story about Dudu’s basket and its journey through a number of cultures.

for preschoolers The Lemon Tree

By Katherine Graham and Wendy Paterson (Published by Struik Children, R69) It’s pouring with rain the day that Gogo decides to make pancakes. But she soon discovers she is missing several important ingredients. Helped by her two grandchildren, Sipho and Lungi, Gogo devises a clever plan in which the lemon tree comes to the rescue.

This book, nominated for the prestigious Golden Baobab Prize in 2014, tells a simple story of ubuntu.

24

October 2016

(Published by Human and Rousseau, R236) Here are three beautifully illustrated stories to entertain young children while teaching first concepts and developing vocabulary. Herman the snail lives in a vegetable patch and he teaches children about seasons. Poor Mox and Cat are stranded on an island and dream about food every day of the week. And finally a mouse family is having a birthday party.

for early graders Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist and David Copperfield Retold by Marcia Williams (Published by Walker Books, R93 each) English author Charles Dickens created some of literature’s best-loved characters in Oliver Twist and David Copperfield. Now one of the world’s greatest writers is introduced to a new audience through this accessible retelling with lively illustrations. Marcia Williams first introduced a generation of children to the works of Charles Dickens through her masterful comic-strip retellings. Now, she brings Dickens’ beloved characters to a fresh audience with a new series of short novels. magazine cape town

for pre-teens and teens The Watcher in the Shadows

By Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Published by Phoenix, R155) An enigmatic toy maker who lives as a recluse in an old mansion, is surrounded by the fantastical beings he has created. An eerie figure that watches from behind the curtains; strange lights that flicker through the mist from an abandoned lighthouse. These are the elements of a mystery that will bind Irene to Ismael during a magical summer in Blue Bay, when her mother becomes housekeeper to the secretive toy maker. This is a page-turning mystery for teens from the age of 12 years old.

for early graders Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn and Lulu Bell and the Fairy Penguin

By Belinda Murrell and Serena Geddes (Published by Struik Children, R61 each) Where there’s Lulu Bell, there’s family, friends, animals and adventure.

In the first book it’s almost time for Lulu’s little sister’s birthday party, but there’s a problem. A pony is running loose and Lulu and her dad, the local vet, have to rescue it. In The Fairy Penguin, it’s a hot day and the Bell family is going for a swim, but when a runaway dog chases a little penguin, Lulu has to leap into action.

for us The Zimzum of Love: A New Way of Understanding Marriage

By Rob and Kristen Bell

for pre-teens and teens How to be good at Maths

By Carol Vorderman (Published by Dorling Kindersley, R189) Step-by-step explanations work with colourful graphics to make understanding maths easy. It covers all the maths needed for seven to 11 year olds. It also offers “try it out” features to help put what you’ve learnt into practice. The book covers numbers, calculation, measurements, geometry, statistics and algebra. The book has not only been written to help your child understand maths, but also to learn to love it.

(Published by William Collins Publishing, R135) Marriage is a partnership of love, and when we form that union we hope we have found something that will last forever. But when friction sets in, staying committed can be difficult. In this book, the authors explore the secret of what makes a happy union, probing the mystery at the heart of the extraordinary emotional connection that binds two people. The book might change how you consider marriage, providing insight that can help all of us create satisfying and sacred unions of our own.

parenting Ultimate Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting Guide

By Sister Lilian (Published by Human and Rousseau, R330) Sister Lilian has extensive experience with pregnancy, birth and parenting. In this guide she addresses the most important pregnancy, birth and parenting issues. She offers a step-by-step guide through each trimester of pregnancy, gives a detailed nutrition and exercise plan, and shows how to cope with skin, health and beauty issues during pregnancy. She also talks about what to do in case of serious illnesses and complications and addresses the father-to-be.

parenting The Collapse of Parenting

By Leonard Sax (Published by Basic Books, R378) Over the past 30 years, a major shift has occurred in American culture: The transfer of authority from parents to children. Activities with same-age peers now commonly displace family activities. Children today often choose what’s for supper; they choose which social media they will engage; they often choose their bedtime and sometimes even their school. In this book, the author shows how these factors, and related influences, have led to children and teenagers being less resilient, less physically fit, and more likely to become anxious or depressed – and far more fragile. magazine cape town

for us Super Food: Family Classics

By Jamie Oliver (Published by Michael Joseph, R289) Jamie’s Super Food: Family Classics continues with the popular philosophy behind Jamie’s Everyday Super Food, bringing exciting healthy eating to the heart of the home. Every recipe is tried and tested, has clear and easy-to-understand nutritional information on the page, including the number of veg and fruit portions in each dish, plus there’s a bumper back-section packed with valuable advice on everything from cooking with children and tackling fussy eaters, to good gut health, the importance of fibre, budgeting and of course, getting more of the good stuff into your family’s diet.

October 2016

25

calendar

october

what’s on in

Access an extended calendar online at childmag.co.za or submit an event for November before 30 September to capetown@ childmag.co.za

Compiled by MARINA ZIETSMAN

The Gruffalo

Ratanga

30 at Cape Town Fringe september This West End hit combines songs, laughter and september th

They’re open from 30 September– 9 October from 10am–5pm. Visit

storytelling theatre with a catchy score and original

ratanga.co.za for their new pricing.

music and lyrics. The South African production features all the characters, songs and storyline from the original,

Strong Man Run

Feature length films are screened on a

Hall at 3pm on 22–24 September, 26–29 September

large inflatable screen. Today Gnomeo

and at 11am on 24 September and 1 and 2 October.

and Juliet screens from 6pm. On 7

Alternative shows are at 1pm on 25 September, 2pm on

October it’s Pokemon: The movie. For

30 September and 11:30am on 3 October. Book tickets

more info and venues: http://pop-

(R30–R60) through capetownfringe.co.za

upcinema.com

Cape Gate Clicks charity run

1

26

October 2016

Pop-up Cinema

with a uniquely local charm. The production is at City

South Africa’s first Fisherman’s Friend Strong Man Run, the Join over 3 000 runners and walkers for a fun morning world’s biggest cross-country obstacle race, has arrived. The in aid of a great cause. Pets, prams and large groups are race includes swimming, climbing and crawling obstacles. welcome. There are stalls, activities for the children and Runners can enter as individuals or teams. There is three musical entertainment at the finish. All 5km proceeds distances: 8km, 14km and 21km. There is family are donated to the Clicks Helping Hand Trust. Online entertainment, as well as children’s races for 4–12 entries close at midnight on 25 September and year olds. The races include fun obstacles. For those in-centre entries on 26 September at 5:30pm. october that want to make a weekend of it, there is live The fun runs are at Cape Gate Shopping Centre, entertainment on Friday 29 September, including cnr Okavango Rd and de Bron Rd, Brackenfell and Prime Circle. The start and finish of the races are at start at 6:50am and cost R20–R65. For registration Faure Stadium, Paarl, and the 21km kicks off at 9:45am. dates and more info: capegatecentre.co.za Racers pay R350–R750. For more info: strongmanrun.co.za

Junction

1

Visit the Simon’s Town Museum and walk the Historical Mile

From 10am you are given a talk about the Antarctic expeditions using the diorama created by Dr Cullis and Eddie Wesselo on show in the museum. Also enjoy a tour of the rest of the museum. This is followed by a guided walk of the town’ s Historical Mile lead by Gillian Anderson. Booking for the event must be made on Quicket and it costs R10. The Simon’s Town Museum is on Court Rd, Simon’s Town. For more info: info@capenaturalhistoryclub.co.za and to book tickets: quicket.co.za

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

22

1

The Strawberry Festival The lifestyle programme offers things to do for

adults and children. Items include live music with the headline act Jesse Clegg, a selection of good food

Freshpak Fitness Festival This festival commemorates three decades of fitness, wellbeing and family fun against the scenic background of the Cederberg. Athletes can take part in the various sporting events, including open water swims, a duathlon, biathlon and triathlon, while families enjoy the festive atmosphere. The children’s races consist of the Fitkids Individual (1km run, 200m swim and 1km run), the Fitkids Relay teams (1km run, 200m swim, 1km run) and the individual 1km Run for Fun. Children’s races are divided into 9–15 year olds and 5–8 year olds.

The festival is in Clanwilliam and for times and costs: freshpakfitnessfestival.co.za

and strawberries, a country market, children’s activities, wine and craft beer pairings, the beer tent, popular sports, an outside broadcast by Algoa FM and free entertainment. At the Strawberry Emporium visitors can enjoy strawberry treats and drinks. Other strawberry experiences include picking your own strawberries in the fields, discovering the secrets of a strawberry inside the hedge maze, entering the strawberry eating competition and attending a wine or craft beer and berry pairing.

The festival also takes place on Sunday at Redberry Farm, Geelhoutboom Rd, Blanco, George. Entry costs vary. For more info: strawberryfestival.co.za

2

Hope Hike and Hope Bike In raising awareness for World Mental Health Awareness Month (10 October is World Mental Health Day), join them for a 3km, 5km or 10km trail run/walk and a familyfriendly 25km mountain bike fun ride from 6:30am.

Funds raised go towards the Ithemba Foundation to support research into depression. The event takes place at Blaauwklippen, R44, Stellenbosch and costs R30–R100.

For more info: iqela-events.co.za

7

Pinocchio

Hobby-X

This production is based on the original story of the

Whether you need ideas and

wooden puppet who has to prove himself to be honest

materials

before he can become a real live boy. Follow Pinocchio

creativity, are looking for fun ways

and Gepetto on their adventures to Stromboli’s Puppet

to de-stress, or want to make money from your hobby –

Theatre and inside a whale. Watch Pinocchio’s nose grow

Hobby-X is your go-to expo. It’s a visual, tactile and creative

as he lies to Gepetto. The Lilliput players perform this classic

feast with goodies from mosaic work to yarns, 3D Printers

at the Nassau Theatre, Groote Schuur High School,

to model cars and trains, paper crafts, metal stamping,

Palmyra Rd, Newlands daily until 8 October at 10:30am. Tickets are R70 and can be booked through computicket.com. For more info: 021 558 2650, 083 364 8284, elton@lilliputplayers. co.za or lilliputplayers.co.za

magazine cape town

3

to

indulge

your

woodworking, beads, paints and much more. The expo runs at the CTICC until 9 October from 9am–6pm; it closes at 5pm on 9 October. Entry is R60 for adults, children 6–12 years old pay R20, and children under 6 enter free. For more info: hobby-x.co.za

October 2016

27

When Lion had Wings

calendar

8

As part of the Cape Town Fringe Festival, this visual street theatre piece from Jungle Theatre Company uses daring stilt characterisations, animal masks, original music and Nama language to tell a traditional KhoiKhoi folktale.

The story starts in ancient times when all the animals lived in fear of Lion who could fly. However, some tricky frogs reveal that Lion’s magic is hidden beneath a pile of bones. The frogs challenge Lion’s greed and lead the animals to discover their talents and restore the balance of nature. It’s on at 11am at the Grand Parade and entry is free, though donations are welcome. For more info: 021 788 5641 or info@jungletheatre.co.za

Lollos concert Enjoy a morning concert with Karla, Lettie, Disco and Lollos.

The concert is in Afrikaans in the main arena at Tyger Valley Centre from 10:30am–12pm.

It costs R50. For more info: 021 824 2917, johanita@ creamlibrary.com or book through webtickets.co.za

9

10

Usana Farm Festival Join them for a fun, authentic farm experience.

Relax on the lawn with an ice cold glass of wine, enjoy food from the farm prepared by the team from Slippery Spoon Kitchen, listen to relaxed folk tunes and watch the cows grazing. Tickets are

R300 per person and include a full farm table lunch, live music and children’s entertainment. Children 6 years and younger enter free of charge, and children 7–13 years old pay R50. The festival is on from 12:30pm–7pm at Klein Welmoed, Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch and you can book through webtickets.co.za or for more info: info@ usana.co.za

Cape Town International Boat Show The show exhibits luxury motor yachts and sailing

Parenting talk

catamarans, entry-level boats, outboard motors, electronic

The talk is on screen time and the development of the young brain, and they ask the question: “How much screen time is acceptable?” It runs from 9am–10am at the Kids Clinic, 11 Rottingdean Rd, Camps Bay and costs R75 – booking is essential. Contact them on 021 438 0020

equipment and watertoys. Whether you are a current boat owner looking to upgrade, looking for a fun family activity or dream of owning a boat, you’ll find inspiration here.

The show is from 10am, and also runs on 15 and 16 October at the

14

V&A Waterfront. Entry is R80. For more info: boatshow.co.za or book through computicket.com

16

The Gun Run Runners can choose a 21km, 10km or 5km

route. Events include the KFM stage, the firing of the battlefield gun, a prize-giving and a lucky draw. Children’s entertainment starts at 8am. The 21km race kicks off at 6:30am, the 10km 7:15am and the 5km fun run at 8:30am. It starts at Beach Rd, Mouille Point and ends at Green Point rugby fields, Vlei Rd. Entries for the run close 2 October and cost R40–R182. Those who want to join the Newborns Run Baby Run team, contact them on enquiries@newborns.org.za to register and buy T-shirts.

Money raised for this initiative goes towards the Mom Breast Milk Collection project in support of pre-mature babies. For more info: thegunrun.co.za

15

Smart parenting and pregnancy workshop

Run by Mysmartkid and Baby Sense, moms and dads can learn from leading parenting experts and authors. The morning session (9am–12:30pm) has talks for expectant parents, while the afternoon workshop (1pm–4:30pm) covers topics of interest to parents of toddlers 1–3 years old. The topics include “Healthy Mom = Healthy Baby”, “Laying the Foundation for Good Communication for Life”, “From Womb to World”, and “Parent with Sense: Positive boundaries”. The event is at the Nasdak rooftop venue, Media24 Centre, Cape Town Foreshore and it costs R265 per person per session. This includes breakfast or lunch. For more info: mysmartkid.com

22

Oktoberfest The event promises a perfect combination

of great German food, games and activities, world-class entertainment and Namibian beer. Friday 21 October is for over 18s only but today is family day. Activities include “Stamm-sägen” (log-sawing), “Bierstemmen” (beer-lifting), a strong-man event, mechanical bull-riding, archery, speed ball, a soccer wall and more. The festival is at the Hillcrest Quarry, Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville and is open from 6pm on 21 October, and Saturday from 10am. Tickets are R120 online and R150 at the venue.

On Saturday children 12 years and older pay R120, and children under 12 enter free. Book through computicket. com and for more info: windhoekoktoberfest.com

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October 2016

2016 BANFF Film Festival Eleven award-winning and audience-nominated World Tour films, selected from hundreds of festival submissions, are shown. They include a mix of topics and styles that are entertaining, inspiring and thought-provoking. These films range in duration from the intense, action-packed, three-minute surfing video Living Rivers – Surf to the 40-minute documentary film A line across the Sky, winner of the Best Climbing Film category. The films screen at

20 The Rooibos Arts Festival

Until 23 October, visitors can expect an exciting line up of the

arts,

productions,

book

discussions, stories, stalls and more. Come riel along with the riel dancers at the ATKV’s Riel dance semi-finals competition,

8pm, daily until 29 October at Ster Kinekor cinemas

one of the highlights on this year’s

at Cavendish Square and Tygervalley

festival programme. The festival

Centre. For more info: 082 16 789 or sterkinekor.com

27

21

Cape Town Flower Show

Until 30 October from 10am, the show brings together gardens and gardening, planting trends and designs for living outdoors and it celebrates local food, culture and community. There are workshops and demonstrations where you can learn anything from how to create beautiful spaces and vertical gardens. Visit the website for workshop times. The show is at the Castle of Good Hope, and prebooked tickets are R140, on the day R180, children 10–17 years old pay R70, and children under 10 enter free. For more info: capetownflowershow.co.za

is in Clanwilliam and for a full programme: cederbergfees.co.za

28

Mama Magic, The Baby Expo

Until 30 October, visit the expo at the CTICC for exhibitions by leading brands in the baby industry and to provide you with everything you need for babies from 0–5 years old. There are competitions, Barney shows (daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm), new product awards, a pram park, clinics, an expert lounge for information, advice, Q&A sessions, a car safety centre, changing rooms and feeding rooms. The Movers and Cruisers zone offers entertainment for children throughout the show. The expo is on from 9am–6pm and tickets are R65; children under 10 years old enter free. Book tickets through computicket. com and for more info: mamamagic.co.za

magazine cape town

magazine cape town

October 2016

29

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calendar

Wonderland

Community fair The fair offers children’s activities and games,

at Michael Oak Waldorff School

Cannons Creek carnival From 9am–2pm visit the school at Nursery Way,

Join in the fun at the annual school fair, held at the school grounds in Marlow Rd, Kenilworth. Handcrafted items

prizes, food stalls, a tea garden, a white elephant sale, tombola, cakes, plants, clothing, gifts, crafts, books, a

and food are on sale. There are also games, activities

treasure hunt and more. It is open from 8am–3pm at

Pinelands for fun rides, a tea garden, food

and live entertainment. Entry is free. The fair runs from

Bergvliet Methodist Church, 2 Wesley Ave, Bergvliet

stalls, an animal farm and more. For more info:

11am–4pm. For more info: 021 797 9728 or info@

cannonscreek.co.za

michaeloak.org.za

Zombie Walk

29

Dress up as a zombie for this

29

annual walk in aid of the Lucky Lucy Foundation for neglected and abused animals. The event is open to all ages. This year the aim is to have over 9 500 “zombies” take part in

Cape Town International Kite Festival

order to set a Guinness World Record.

It starts at 5pm from Company Gardens, Queen Victoria St. For more

This year’s 22nd festival is titled #BornToFly. This is Africa’s

info: zombiewalksouthafrica.co.za

biggest kite festival. Kiters from Canada, China, Germany, England, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and all over South Africa attend. And 100% of the profit goes to help provide vital mental health services to children and adults in Cape Town and beyond. The festival offers free kite-making workshops daily, including specialist sessions with a master kite-maker. With a market, food trucks and tea garden there are plenty of food options, or bring along a picnic and watch some of the world’s

30

Wiggle Waggle Halloween spooky walk

Gather your spookiest outfits for the annual Halloween Walkathon. Hounds and hellions will be haunting the trail, which starts from The Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology on Firgrove Way in Tokai. All

most amazing kites embrace African skies. The event is

funds raised at this event go towards the Prevention of

also on 30 October, daily from 10am–6pm on the lawns

Cruelty to Animals. All ages are welcome and the walk

of Zandvlei Nature Reserve, Muizenberg (cnr Axminster

starts at 9am and ends at 1pm. It’s R45 per person and

and The Row). It is R30 entry and R10 for children under

R35 per dog. For more info: 021 700 4180 or events@

12 years old. For more info: capementalhealth.co.za

spca-ct.co.za

holiday activities Circus holiday workshop Silk Circus offers this workshop where children 6–13 years old learn acrobatics, juggling, human pyramids, hula hooping, contortion, aerial silks and hammock. Booking essential. The workshop runs from 3–7 October, 9am–12pm and costs R650 for the week. It’s at Erin Hall, 8 Erin Rd, Rondebosch and you can contact them on 073 273 3538 or thesilkworkshop@ gmail.com Cricket School of Excellence holiday clinic Children 4–13 years old can enjoy an action-packed week of cricketing fun. The clinic runs from 3–6 October, 9am–1pm at Rondebosch Boys High School. It’s R650 for the week.

For more info: 0861 123 273 or adam@cricketschool.co.za Holiday art workshop Children 5–11 years old explore and have fun with art in a studio setting with an outdoor play area from 2pm–4pm, 4–6 October. The workshop is at Montebello Design Centre, 31 Newlands Ave, Newlands and costs R450 for the three days. For more info: 076 581 1794 or rebecca.solveig@gmail.com Holiday care programme Holiday care for 2–8 year olds with two crafts a day that they can take home. Friday is baking day. It’s at Sunny Skies Nursery School, 26 Howard Dr, Meadowridge and costs R65 until 1pm, R75 until 3pm and R85 for a full day. The programme runs daily 7am–6pm, 3–7 October. Contact them on 021 712 5657, 082 781 3080 or sunnyskies@mweb.co.za Holiday surf camp The classes are for beginner to intermediate surfers, and they run from 9am–12pm, 3–7 October. The fee includes all equipment, use of facilities, snacks and hot chocolate. It costs R850 for the camp and for more info: 021 788 8687, 082 562 8687 or info@ surfemporium.co.za Holiday swim booster clinic Book a timeslot between 8am–5pm, 3–7 October to give your child’s swimming a boost in a 4x7m indoor heated pool. All ages are

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welcome. The clinic runs at Headstart Swim School, 104 Queen Victoria Rd, Claremont and costs from R160. To book: headstartswim@gmail.com Kids play clay From 3–5 October, 1:30pm–2:30pm children 5–10 years old are guided through a project to make an item in clay. There is a different project on each day. It’s R100 per daily session including materials. The workshop runs at 6 Wassenaar Close, Lakeside and to book: 082 504 7063 or belinda.ormond@afrihost.co.za Learn to swim holiday classes Correct your strokes or learn to swim in an indoor, heated pool – a lesson a day for quick progress from 9am–12pm, 3–7 October.

Children from 2 years old can attend. It’s at Flippers Swim School, 8 Oxford Rd, Observatory and costs R375. For more info: 021 447 0909, 083 747 9196 or info@flippersswimschool.co.za Rugbytots fun holiday club From 3–7 October, 9am–10am, children 2–7 years old can join them for five classes to keep little ones busy. The holiday club is at the False Bay Rugby Football Club Sports Complex, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Constantia and it’s R375 for the full five days. For more info: 079 410 1728, info@rugbytots. co.za or rugbytots.co.za School holiday soccer clinic From 3–6 October children 4–7 years old are kept busy until 12pm, while children 8–13 years old attend the clinic until 1pm. The clinic starts at 9am at Rondebosch Boys High School. It costs R500.

Contact them on 084 777 1212 Waterfront fun – Spellbound! Family magic and comedy show From 3–7 October at 2pm The College of Magic presents a thrilling new magic and comedy experience at the Amphitheatre filled with grand illusion and theatrical wonders. The show is free of charge. From 3–9 October, there is a petting zoo adjacent to the main playground from 10–5pm. For more info: waterfront.co.za

and entry is free. For more info: 021 715 3045 or thomas@bmchurch.org.za

Season of Sauvignon Festival

A highlight over the weekend include the participation of the Durbanville Wine Valley’s 12 prestigious wine farms as well as offering visitors a wide selection of fun-filled festivities. Each winery has its own charm with superb entertainment for adults and children alike. The festival also runs on 30 October. It’s in the Durbanville Wine Valley, and for more info and the programme: events@ durbanvillewine.co.za or durbanvillewine.co.za

open days Free trial classes Kidz Discovery, Camps Bay offers multi-medium art classes for 6–12 year olds as an extramural on Tuesdays 3:30pm–5pm. Email your child’s details to info@kidzdiscovery.co.za to arrange a suitable free trial class on 11 October. Also on 14 October, they have a Preschool Preparedness Class (school with mom) trial. Book a half-hour free class at 2:30pm. Kidz Discovery is on The Drive, Camps Bay, and contact them on 083 654 2494.

markets Country Craft Market The market opens at 9am and runs until 2pm on 15 October, and entry is free. This is a family market, where children are catered for in the Country Kids area, with a jumping castle, sand art and face painting. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

The market is situated at Southey’s Vines, 186 Main Rd, Somerset West and also runs on 29 October. For more info: 021 852 6608, info@countrycraftmarket.org or countrycraftmarket.org Pocket Money Market The market offers stalls for young entrepreneurs 3–16 years old to sell their wares. The next market at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie is on 8 October, 11am–1:30pm. On 22 October it’s at the Peach Pip Market on Kommetjie Rd, 10am–1:30pm, and on 29 October at the Kommetjie Annual Board Swap and Surf Festival, 4pm–7pm.

This market’s theme is “mermaid and surf” and stalls must be decorated accordingly. There’s a minimal charge for stalls. For more info on how to take part: pocketmoneymarket.com Rondebosch Park Market The market is on 8 October from 9am–2pm. Dogs are welcome and a percentage of the profit on the day goes towards Animal Rescue Organisation. The park is on the cnr Campground Rd and Sandown Rd, Rondesbosch and entry is free. For more info: rondeboschmarket@gmail.com WPPS Christmas Market The Western Province Preparatory School market is on 28 October from 10am–7pm at Stansbury Hall, 49 Newlands Rd, Claremont. Find ladies clothing, jewellery, food and deli gifts, stocking fillers, Christmas decorations, gifts for teachers, a tea garden, a cappuccino bar and more. Credit card facilities are available. For more info: 021 761 8074 or wpps.org.za

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in the next issue november’s spotlight is on “tech & toy” goods, gadgets and toys that teach a gift for teacher why sensory intelligence is so important vaccinations: for and against setting up a man cave gestational diabetes

on street 20 October To advertise call: (021) 465 6093 or email: ctsales@childmag.co.za | Booking deadline: 3 October | Material deadline: 6 October

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it’s party time For more help planning your child’s party visit

childmag.co.za/ resources/birthday-parties

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family marketplace

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sole voyage ANÉL LEWIS didn’t realise that her daughter’s first solo walk from the school gate to the classroom would have such an emotional impact on her.

w

Anél, Erin and Conor

e were told at the beginning of the Grade R school year that the time would come when we would have to encourage our daughters to walk to class from the school gates on their own. It’s part of their development, as they work on their independence and build self-confidence. I recall nodding vigorously during the orientation meeting, thinking I would encourage Erin’s walk to freedom, so to speak, as

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soon as she showed signs of being ready. Cavalierly, I reckoned this would take place in the last few months of the year. That would be plenty of time for her to establish a network of friends, to familiarise herself with the school and location of her classroom. What I failed to factor in during my estimation, was whether I would be quite ready to let her go.

I was caught completely off-guard when one recent, gloomy Monday, Erin announced in the car that she would be quite happy to walk in by herself. I loaded her up at the car with tog bag, library books and lunch cooler, and we walked the short distance to the school gates. Then it was time to say our goodbyes. I leaned in for a kiss, but she had already turned her head, her eyes fixed on the netball court that separated her from that first sweet taste of independence. She set off, looking somewhat like a wee Tibetan yak laden with her paraphernalia of books and bags. Erin turned around just once as she traversed that court. I told myself it was because she was steadfast in her mission, but it was probably to dodge the older girls who were having a fast-paced netball game before the bell rang. But whatever the reason, I could not stop myself from shedding a few tears as I watched my daughter disappear into the distance. Parents walked past me in bemusement as I stood at the gates; mascara snaking down my cheeks. “First time on her own,” I mumbled to one mom. She nodded in silent solidarity.

The next morning I waited to see whether there would be a repeat performance. I had Conor with me and he was most disappointed to hear that we would not be accompanying his sister into school. So now it was two of us standing at the school gates, as Erin made her trek across the court. This time, she didn’t look back. “Mom, where’s Erin going?” asked my confused son. “Well, Conor, she’s getting big now. She can walk in on her own.”

I could barely get the words out as I tried to swallow my sobs. As much as it hurt to let her go, I was also incredibly proud of my brave, intrepid Grade R, starting her voyage of independence. But I was not quite prepared for the double whammy when I dropped Conor off at school a few minutes later. “Mom, I am also going in on my own,” said my four-year-old son, who that morning had asked me to pull up his underpants. And just like that, he headed off like adventurer Bear Grylls through the gates and out of sight. It was way too much independence for me to deal with in one week, and I did not dare look back as I headed straight to the nearest coffee shop for the comfort of carbs and caffeine.

Anél is now following Bear Grylls on Facebook, just to remind herself that the children are “just” walking into the school grounds and not crossing a leech-infested swamp in a boat made with twigs. Not yet anyway...

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PHOTOGRAPH: Susie Leblond Photography

finishing touch

book extract

choosing

health

bacon, avo and cheese open toastie serves 1–2 ingredients ✻✻ 4–6 strips chopped bacon (from grassfed animals) ✻✻ coconut oil for frying ✻✻ 2 slices sourdough rye bread, lightly toasted

In Wholesome Nutrition For You, authors IAN CRAIG and RACHEL JESSON offer a practical,

✻✻ 1 small avocado ✻✻ 2 Tbsp organic feta cheese ✻✻ natural cracked salt and organic pepper to taste method Fry the bacon in a little coconut oil, but be careful not to burn the bacon. Then chop into bite-size pieces.

On 1 slice of toasted rye, thickly smear half the avocado.

Crumble and press 1 tablespoon of feta into the smeared avocado.

Sprinkle half the chopped bacon over the feta.

Season with salt and pepper.

Repeat for the second slice.

1

science-based guide to smart eating.

2

3

snack pack makes 750g

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ingredients ✻✻ 250g assorted activated or raw nuts ✻✻ 250g assorted unpreserved dried fruit ✻✻ 150g assorted seeds ✻✻ 100g coconut flakes ✻✻ a handful of cacao nibs

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Serve with a generous scoop of sauerkraut and some salad of your choice.

1

method Mix all the ingredients together and either store in an airtight container or individual self-seal small packets for a “reach-and-go” option.

raw granola with kefir nut cream

Keeping these snack packets readily available will save you from reaching out for that sugar-filled chocolate or an unhealthy bag of crisps.

raw chocolate cupcakes with a chocolate ganache

ingredients granola ✻✻ 1kg raw organic rolled oats ✻✻ 3 cups chopped assorted raw or activated nuts, such as almonds, cashews, Brazils, macadamia ✻✻ 2 cups chopped organic dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, apricots ✻✻ 1 cup sun-dried dates ✻✻ 1 cup raw dried coconut flakes ✻✻ 2 cups mixed seeds

kefir nut cream serves 2–3 ✻✻ 150ml kefir ✻✻ ¼–½ cup cashew or macadamia nuts ✻✻ 1 tsp vanilla extract ✻✻ 3–4 fresh or soaked, dried dates ✻✻ pulp of 1 granadilla, 4–5 strawberries, ½ medium paw-paw, 1 banana, or a combination of fruits of your choosing

makes 8–10 cupcakes ingredients cupcakes ✻✻ 2 cups activated or raw walnuts ✻✻ 1 cup activated or raw pecan nuts ✻✻ a pinch of salt ✻✻ 1½ cups soaked, pitted dates ✻✻ ⅔ cup cacao powder ✻✻ 1 tsp vanilla extract ✻✻ filtered water

PHOTOGRAPHS: © Penguin Random House/Roelene Prinsloo

method In a food processor, pulse the nuts and salt until finely ground (do not over-process or the nuts will turn to butter).

Add the dates to the mixture and process until it becomes sticky. Add the cacao and vanilla, and a touch of water if the mixture seems too dry.

Drop 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture into each cup of a 12-cup cupcake tin and press down with your fingers to compact and mould the mixture.

Remove the cupcakes gently from the tin with a knife and place on a flat surface ready for icing.

Blend all the chocolate ganache ingredients (except the coconut shreds or zest for decoration) until smooth.

Spread the ganache over the cupcakes, then decorate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. They will keep for a week in the fridge (covered), or may be frozen un-iced.

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1

2 3

chocolate ganache ✻✻ ¾ cup organic agave or raw honey ✻✻ ½ cup cacao powder ✻✻ ¼ cup carob powder ✻✻ ⅓ cup melted coconut oil ✻✻ a pinch of salt ✻✻ ½ cup shredded dried coconut or

grated organic orange or lemon zest

1 2 3 4 5

method Mix all the granola ingredients well and store in a sterilised, sealed 1,5kg glass jar.

Blend the kefir, cashew or macadamia nuts, vanilla extract and dates together; if a thicker consistency is required, add more nuts, and for a thinner cream, add more kefir or filtered water.

In a breakfast bowl, pour the kefir and nut mixture generously over a portion of granola and leave to soak for 1–2 hours before serving.

Add the mixed fresh fruit and serve.

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about the book Every now and then a refreshing and ethical book based on sound, proven scientific principles comes onto the market, which is more than just another trendy diet book. In this book, nutritional therapist and exercise physiologist Ian Craig and his co-author, health food specialist and sports scientist Rachel Jesson, cover in detail the emotive topics of nutrition and health from a scientific perspective. They neatly unwrap all the jargon and pseudomystique, offering sensible, practical, economical, everyday dietary approaches.

The book is published by Struik Lifestyle and is available at book stores for a recommended retail price of R200.