Child magazine | CPT September 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

sun safety

101

keep your family protected this summer

it’s the

weekend

heri

bak tage supe e-o r, sim ff c

get on your bike and off the beaten track

ooki ple es

water babies the ABCs of teaching your child to swim

get

active

at home, at school & in the hood

plus

www.childmag.co.za

September 2016

free

diagnosing ADHD – a family thing or have we forgotten how to focus?

health

a spring calendar for adventure and activities in your city

education

entertainment

Hunter House PUB L IS H ING

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Marina Zietsman • capetown@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Lucille Kemp

Art Designers Mark Vincer • studio@childmag.co.za Candice Acheson • studio1@childmag.co.za Julian Mc Namara • studio1@childmag.co.za

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

Client Relations Lisa Waterloo • ctsales@childmag.co.za

Subscriptions and Circulation Nicolene Baldy • subs@childmag.co.za

PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: Brooke Fasani

Accounts Nicolene Baldy • admin@childmag.co.za Tel: 021 465 6093 • Fax: 021 462 2680

Child magazine Online

childmag.co.za Online Content Manager online@childmag.co.za

childmag.co.za

ChildMag

childmagazine

South Africa’s best guide for parents

magazine cape town

Summer is on its way, so it’s time to get out there and have some fun.

It’s my firm belief that there’s a child in all of us and watching my husband and friends on mountain bikes is all the proof I need.

While I may not be into single-tracking, I did grow up riding my big black bike in the road with the neighbourhood boys – ah, the fun we had. Our antics ranged from “Look Ma, no hands!” to sitting on the handlebars and having wheelie races. If we were still in the road when my dad came home from work, his face would light up and one of us would have to give him a turn. Some weekends he would round us all up and we would cycle to a park in Groenkloof, quite a long way from our little neighbourhood of Hazelwood. We’d have Marie biscuits and Oros on the prickly, brown grass and having checked our tyres were puncture-free, cycle home, tired and happy.

Exercise is so important, but it has to be fun for us as parents, and especially for our children, if we want to reap the lifelong benefits. To inspire you, this month we have filled the pages of

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.

the magazine with plenty of adventurous and safe ways to have fun in the sun.

Now all you have to do is get out and get active.

Lisa Mc Namara Publisher

to advertise

monthly circulation Joburg’s Child magazineTM Cape Town’s Child magazineTM Durban’s Child magazineTM Pretoria’s Child magazineTM

55 47 40 40

595 870 543 123

Tel: 021 465 6093 Fax: 021 462 2680 Email: ctsales@childmag.co.za Website: childmag.co.za

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September 2016

3

contents

14

get moving

3 a note from lisa

10 best for baby – water babies

6 over to you readers respond 17 reader’s blog Bernd Steinhage launched The Young Bafana Soccer Academy to create opportunities for underprivileged youth

features

the warmer months are here, when the pool nets come off. Nick Dall gives tips for swimming pool safety

18 dealing with difference – when it’s really adhd diagnosing ADHD correctly is crucial to be able to deal with it accordingly. By Lucille Kemp

12 stay safe in the sun we should practice sun safety all year round.

Marina Zietsman gives tips

20 have a cookie we bring you Heritage Day baking inspiration from Lisa Clark’s new book The Cookie Jar

22 resource – let’s get out of town plan a family MTB getaway inspired by ideas from the book Top MTB Trails 2 by Jacques Marais

24 a good read for the whole family 24 in the next issue

health

28 what’s on in september

14 get moving Jessica Baxter looks at the importance of outdoor play and activities

34 finishing touch Anél Lewis never saw the tooth fairy coming... nor the years whooshing past

8 pregnancy news – boost mom’s and baby’s immune system Simone Jeffery looks at how expectant moms can fight off bugs as the new season starts

classified ads 32 it’s party time 33 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by: Cape Town

Durban

Joburg

Pretoria

Durban, Joburg and Pretoria – Sarah-Jane Photography sarahjanephotography.co.za Cape Town – Antoinette Photography antoinettephotography.co.za

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September 2016

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PHOTOGRAPH: Highbury Preparatory School www.hps.co.za

regulars

HOPE BEGINS WITH YOU

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September 2016

5

letters

over to you

minimal homework The Vine School (Cape Town) is always glad to distribute Child magazine to our families, as your articles are so good and relevant. Your article “should we scrap homework?” (August 2016) caught our attention and I’d like to share our experience.

We adopted a “minimal homework” policy about four years ago. The only homework given is reading and maths practise. We don’t have assignments and we don’t expect students to complete classwork at home or to swot for exams. We do have exams, but students don’t know when they are writing, so they can’t study.

We want to know what they really know, not what they crammed the night before. The result is that our learners love school, enjoy exams, read a lot and voluntarily engage in self-directed study. Our parents appreciate the time they now have to do “normal” things together as a family – chatting about the day, doing chores and reading for pleasure.

We have seen similar outcomes as Gavin Keller has seen at Sun Valley Primary School. Our students are doing better than ever academically. We believe this is because they are happier, better rested and have enough time to process what they’ve learnt at school each day.

People always ask us, “What about high school?

How will they cope if they’re not used to homework?”

Yes, there is an adjustment to make, but we’ve found that within a few weeks or months, all our students

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September 2016

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.

adjusted to frenetic homework expectations in their new schools, with the added benefit of entering Grade 8 with a positive attitude towards school and a love for reading and learning.

Susan Keegan, director of The Vine School I completely agree with the “less homework” policy.

Today my children missed school, because we overslept after my Grade 3 daughter and I were up late, completing homework. She gets two textbook pages of English and two pages of maths homework, plus four extra maths sums to do every day. On top of that, there are parent-child activities that also have to be done daily, as well as time tables, bonds, spelling and reading. Our children have extramural activities as well. By the time they get home, we have supper and after supper we start homework. By then she is already so tired that she completes the homework at a slower pace, taking us much longer to finish. Many nights there isn’t even time for a bath, because she’s already half-asleep.

Zeida Solomons

homeschooling is tops I am a stay-at-home mom who is homeschooling my children and I’m a great fan of Child magazine.

Homeschooling is a fast growing phenomenon in education, in South Africa and worldwide. I have an

amazing three year old who reads and I believe he is gifted, a genius and extraordinary. I also have also a seven-year-old son who is now doing Grade 3. I know a lot of homeschooling parents whose children are doing amazingly well. For example, there is a 14 year old who is starting at the University of Pretoria this term.

Namandla Pemhiwa

our favourite newsletter Thanks for keeping the Child magazine newsletter simple, relevant and easy to consume when, in this day and age, poor consumers are being flooded with content marketing. Three cheers to the person who made this decision.

Cindy

joy in teaching I loved your “pub’s note” in the August issue of Child magazine, on the approach of “joyfully” teaching our children. Such truth. I also loved your reference to the joy of the journey that we experience from the moment we find out we are pregnant. It has been just that for us as parents. Picking up Child magazine at our little boy’s school every month is such a welcoming surprise. There are 16 moms in the class and we all feel the same. You have a huge following at Somerset College, Cape Town.

Aoife

magazine cape town

Your words and approach in your “pub’s note” (August 2016) really resonated with me; the need for our children to feel the joy of learning, especially in an increasingly pressurised environment, and also to inspire those who cross paths with previously disadvantaged schools, as this is where the future of our country lies. Thank you for the open heart and mind with which you approach the topic of children and education, as truly those are the best gifts we can give them.

Zahida

pro-vaccines In response to the letter “the point of vaccines” (August 2016), I want to reiterate the benefits and function (action and pharmacodynamics) of vaccines.

Firstly, I would like to disabuse the notion that vaccines “guarantee that you will never get sick.” Wearing a bullet-proof vest does not mean you will never get shot, it will, however, drastically reduce the chances of dying if you do get shot. In brief, this is how the human immunological system works; with regards to vaccines, we refer to the adaptive immune system. The body produces special cells that identify a pathogen (germs and disease-causing organisms). These cells then make special “memory” cells, so that, should the pathogen again enter the body, the immune system can mount a swift, large-scale response to locate, inactivate and eliminate these potentially life-threatening invaders.

If an unvaccinated child should ever be exposed to, for example, the polio virus, that child’s body will not

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

magazine cape town

be able to mount a sufficient response before extensive and significant damage is done, resulting in suffering for the child under the best of circumstances, and death at worst.

An unvaccinated child is a danger to all other children with whom they come into contact. These children may be unintentional reservoirs or vectors of illness that can pose a constant risk of infection to every other child they meet.

Many diseases can be completely wiped out through strict vaccination programmes, resulting in nobody ever having to experience the nightmare of watching their children suffer from an entirely preventable illness.

I have to ask: If there is fear that somebody might shoot a child, would you not rather have your child walk around with a bullet-proof vest?

Further, children with compromised immune systems cannot be vaccinated, and so the parents of these children must live every day knowing that their vulnerable child might contract a life-threatening illness. And unvaccinated children pose the greatest threat to immune-compromised children in a setting such as a school.

Bronwyn Reijnders

kudos for Child magazine I really enjoy Child magazine and look forward to the new issue each month. I have two boys aged three and fiveand-a-half, and I find your articles easily accessible and highly informative.

Jane Crewe

your voice online in response to “instant gratification” Thank you for this priceless gem and the message on instant gratification. I enjoyed it and will definitely pass the article down to all the young ones in our family.

Tracey Cotton in response to “rethinking ritalin” My son is a friendly, well-mannered and happy seven year old, and has been referred to a paediatrician by his teacher, because he has focus and concentration problems. He is not hyperactive or presenting any behavioural problems. It was only during the first six months of the school year, and my son has not been given the time to adjust. The paediatrician that I was referred to has prescribed Ritalin, which I am very nervous about.

I sometimes wonder whose agenda the teachers push. The teacher now wants to know when are we going to start giving him Ritalin as he is not focusing. Whether I should or should not give him the medication stresses me as I want to do the right thing for my son and I am worried that I could be failing him.

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

September 2016

7

pregnancy news

boost mom’s and baby’s

immune system

During pregnancy the body’s immune system is more susceptible to bugs, viruses and allergies. SIMONE JEFFERY finds out how expecting moms can stay

pesky allergies Most doctors recommend that expecting mothers should eat a balanced, healthy diet that provides all the nutrition necessary for a pregnant mother and a growing infant. In the past, there was a belief that avoiding highly allergenic food during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and withholding these food items from a child during their early years, could reduce the risk of developing food allergies. However, as allergy specialist Dr Marinda McDonald from the Sandton Allergy Clinic points out, in 2008 the recommendation of avoiding allergenic foods was retracted by the American Pediatric Association and the current advice is that pregnant women should not avoid any allergenic foods, unless they are allergic. You should eat

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September 2016

a balanced, unrestricted diet as proper nutrition is of the utmost importance.

McDonald tells us that there is no magic bullet to avoid food allergies as the development of allergies is multifactorial.

They develop in a genetically-susceptible individual (if one parent is allergic, there is around a 30% chance that the child could become allergic; if both parents are allergic the child’s chance of developing an allergy could be as high as 80%), but there are also environmental factors that influence the development of allergies, such as exposure to bacteria from an early age, and even before birth.

McDonald says that the change of seasons can be very challenging for allergy sufferers. If you suffer from allergies while you are pregnant you could try

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

healthy during change-of-season.

If one parent is allergic, there is around a 30% chance that the child could become allergic. allergy-proof your home or rely on saline nasal sprays before resorting to other medication. McDonald says to steer clear of decongestants and old generation antihistamines. Second generation antihistamines lead to fewer side effects, are affordable and can assist hay fever sufferers. However, antihistamines do not work for the blockage. You will need to use an intranasal cortisone for that. If you suffer from allergic asthma you should continue to take your medication as prescribed. The most important thing is to get an accurate diagnosis and to formulate a plan that will anticipate and improve your health, possibly with correct medication. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the medicines you are able to take, including those that don’t require a prescription.

magazine cape town

Coconut is a rich source of electrolytes and potassium. boost against bugs As most of your immune system resides in your gut, and a mom’s

kimchee and olives. Food high in vitamin C can help boost

healthy gut can influence a baby’s immune system, it makes

your immune system naturally: papaya, bell peppers,

sense to pay attention to what you are eating. There are certain

strawberries, pineapple, Brussel sprouts, kiwifruit, oranges

food items that will help boost your immune system. ✻✻ Whole foods – do your best to stay away from refined sugars and processed, packaged foods. ✻✻ Coconut (the fruit, oil and water) is a rich source of

and kale. ✻✻ Iron-rich food will help you build resistance to stress and disease: lean meat, fish, pulses, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, nuts and seeds, and fortified bread.

electrolytes and potassium. It is also rich in lauric

✻✻ Food rich in folic acid is essential for the production

acid, which serves as an antiviral, antibacterial and

and maintenance of our cells: spinach, asparagus, rice,

antifungal agent.

almonds, green peas and broccoli.

✻✻ Garlic treats certain health concerns that typically occur

✻✻ Food rich in vitamin D is essential for good health and

during pregnancy, like poor blood circulation, high blood

helps ward off colds and flu by boosting the immune

pressure and cholesterol levels.

system: fish, meat, mushrooms and eggs.

✻✻ Fermented food rich in vitamin K2 promotes a healthy digestive track: pickles, sauerkraut, Greek yoghurt,

Before changing your diet, consult your doctor to discuss the right dosage and potential dangers.

September 2016

9

water babies i

best for baby

started taking each of my daughters to swimming lessons when they were about six months old.

The older one is now nearly four and she can swim one length of our pool and dive to the bottom to fetch a plastic squid. The younger one turned one a couple of months ago and she can float on her back without me holding her. They both love the water.

Swimming pools are one of the best things about summer with children, but they can also be a source of heart-wrenching tragedy.

NICK DALL is on a mission to make sure they remain shiny happy places for you and your little ones.

Swimming school has been a great way for me to bond with my girls (although stripping off on a cold July morning isn’t much fun) and it has made us, as a family, feel a lot more comfortable at home and on holiday. The lessons are fun, and are as much about teaching parents as they are about born to swim? teaching babies. After a few years of “school” I There’s a common misconception that know how to hold a baby in the water, and I’m babies are born with the ability to swim. It well aware of what they should and shouldn’t is true that babies hold their breath under be able to do. What’s more, I’m really good at water and that “the heart slows down and singing “Horsey, horsey don’t you stop”. blood is shifted away from the periphery My daughter’s teacher, Jane Millar, has been muscles to conserve oxygen for the brain teaching swimming to infants and toddlers for and heart” (the so-called bradycardic over 20 years, and is a pioneer in the field. response), but it is rather ambitious to “Babies spend nine months in water during expect someone that can’t even sit to be pregnancy and should be reintroduced to it as able to swim. That said, the diving reflex soon, after birth, as possible,” explains Millar. does mean that babies love going under “They can learn to float before they can crawl, water, but it’s up to you to bring them back and those that have been to lessons will be to the surface. cautious, self-reliant and confident. But they will never be drown-proof.”

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September 2016

children who drown are under some sort of supervision at the time.

Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children aged one to four years old than any other cause (except congenital anomalies).

31%

of total drownings in South Africa are children under nine years old.

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

no such thing as “drown-proof”

It is rather ambitious to expect someone that can’t even sit to be able to swim, but the diving reflex does mean that babies love going under water, though it’s up to you to bring them back to the surface.

wardrobe check ✻✻ A one-piece cozzie that zips up at the back ✻✻ Disposable nappies (rinse and reuse) ✻✻ Waterproof suncream ✻✻ Most babies don’t need earplugs, goggles or a

safety first

swimming cap, but those with grommets should use

If my youngest fell into our pool, I don’t think she would panic. Hopefully she’d float on her back and call for help; she may even find the side and “monkey walk” to the step. But my daughters wouldn’t ever get near enough to the pool to fall in… Our pool is fenced and the gate has two latches, one of which is secured with a combination lock. And anyone who ever opens it knows that it must be closed immediately.

Make sure your pool is hard to get to. Put up a fence. Ensure the gate closes automatically or fit a buzzer that lets you know when it’s open. Use a safety net for good measure.

Ensure that everyone who’s regularly at your house is well aware of the consequences of leaving the gate open or the safety net off.

Never let your children out of your sight. Chasing after a toddler is exhausting, but the alternative is unbearable. Children can drown in a few centimetres of water, so your pool is by no means the only danger.

Have a plan in place in case the unthinkable happens, and discuss it with everyone who may need to implement it: Who to call, how to do CPR, where to go…

Teaching babies to love the water is a wonderful thing, but it’s up to the adults in your household to make sure it stays this way. Many drownings happen at parties when there are supposedly find a teacher plenty of adults keeping an eye on things. Never assume that “someone else will see”, and be Find a teacher who is registered with aware that drowning isn’t a noisy, spluttery affair.

Swimming South Africa and has the “Learn The drowning victim – whatever their age – to Swim” qualification: swimsa.org usually slips under the water without flailing their arms or screaming for help.

1 2 3 4

21%

of total drownings in SA happen at home.

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For every child that dies from drowning, five are left with permanent brain damage.

earplugs (good luck keeping them in). ✻✻ Fancy flotation devices put babies in unnatural positions and foster a false sense of security. Your baby can hold on to you or the side of the pool or play on the step. If you must accessorise, opt for old-fashioned armbands or a pool noodle.

National Ambulance Emergency: 10 177 (112 from a cellphone) | ER24 Ambulance: 084 124 Netcare 911 Ambulance: 082 911 For first-aid courses contact St John: 021 461 8420

September 2016

11

health

stay safe in the sun Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa. MARINA ZIETSMAN gives tips

i

n 2013 the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducted a study that showed that more than two thirds of South African learners never use sunscreen when they’re out in the sun. The study further showed that many schools do not have a sun safety policy in place. This is alarming as substantial sun-induced skin damage occurs before the age of 18, which makes sun protection crucial for children.

sun safe at school is easy as 1, 2, 3 Children need to take special precaution when spending time in the sun – two blistering burns before the age of 18 can dramatically increase the risk of getting skin cancer later in life. schools should: Implement skin cancer prevention education The more children learn about the dangers of too much sun exposure, the more they’ll be able to prevent sun damage. Children need to learn that the sun is dangerous all year round, that just one case of sunburn can cause cancer, that sunscreen is not enough to protect them and that people with darker skin can also get skin cancer.

Adopt a sun protection policy Working with parents, this can include increasing or improving shaded areas on the playground, not planning outdoor extramurals or activities at the hottest time of the day and adopting a no-hat-no-play policy.

Have sun lotion available at school Cansa’s seal of recognition (CSOR) appears on approved sunscreen products. This is a guarantee that the product complies with Cansa’s strict criteria. Schools also need to regularly check their supplies. Sunscreen that has been opened cannot be reused after a year.

Adopt the Cansa Sun Smart school manual The manual has grade- and age-specific activities, as well as practical points on how schools can be more sun safe. To download the complete school guide, go to: cansa.org.za/ files/2013/10/Be-SunSmart-A-Guide-for-Schools-Oct-2013.pdf

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September 2016

sun safe at home Cansa gives the following age-appropriate advice: babies 0–6 months old Keep babies in the shade at all times, if possible, but if you do feel like a stroll, always consult your paediatrician before using sunscreen on a baby. Babies must also always wear protective clothing and a hat that covers the whole face, ears and neck at all times. babies 6–12 months old Start using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30, which you must apply 20–30 minutes before braving the sun, and that you must reapply every two hours, especially if your baby has been in water. It’s best to keep babies out of the sun between 10am and 3pm, and to dress them in protective clothing, with sunglasses and a hat that has a wide rim. toddlers and preschoolers The same rules apply as above, but by now children are more active. Dress children in clothing that covers as much as possible, and choose cool, loose-fitting clothes and wraps made from densely woven fabrics. Choose fabrics that are at least UPF15, but preferably UPF50. Sunglasses should be labelled at least UV400. Toy and fashion-labelled sunglasses do not meet these requirements. schoolchildren and adolescents Children should be well-educated about sun safety, and it should be part of their day-to-day life to stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, to always wear sunscreen and protective clothing, as well as appropriate sunglasses. If parents are good role models, children will mimic their behaviour from a young age, and at this stage they should tick all the boxes for being sun safe. magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHs: SHUTTERSTOCK.com | PHOTOGRAPHS OF CHILDREN FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MICHELLE WITHERS | facebook.com/Melissamitchellphotos | moomookids.co.za

to keep your family safe all year round – at home and at school.

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September 2016

13

health

get

moving

Gone are the days of children running around outside entertaining themselves for hours with Today, outdoor play has been replaced by indoor activities, but what affect is this aspect of modern living having on our children’s health?

w

By JESSICA BAXTER

e live in a digital age dominated by smartphones and laptops. But, as we know, it’s not just adults who are leading more sedentary lives. Children are also less active than they used to be, which impacts not only their physical development, but also their emotional development.

This decline in physical activity among children and adolescents has resulted in an increase in obesity over the years. Research by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa claims that one in four girls and one in five boys between the ages of two and 14 years old are overweight or obese, putting them at greater risk of suffering from type

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September 2016

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PHOTOGRAPH: Hugatree Photography | hugatreephotography.co.za

games of backyard cricket and hide-and-seek.

2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and even cancer. According to the World Health Organization, physical activity improves cardiovascular health, develops healthy musculoskeletal tissues – strong bones, joints and muscles – and helps with maintaining a healthy weight. Concerned by these statistics, the Department of Health is putting plans in place to increase physical activity among South Africans by 10%, by 2020. Perhaps it’s time parents set similar goals within their own families.

So where does one start? Make it fun, says kinderkineticist Carmyn Barnes who runs a children’s movement programme at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa.

“With younger children (six to nine years old), who don’t quite yet grasp the concept of competitive exercise or the health benefits of exercise, it is important to find something that they enjoy in order to ensure adherence and cooperation,” she says. This is the premise of our movement programme, which aims to improve the gross motor skills of children – balance, object manipulation, coordination, strength and cardiovascular fitness exercises.

And getting active doesn’t mean hours of excessive exercise. A guideline set by the NHS in the UK advises parents that children who are able to walk confidently on their own should be engaged in physical activity for at least three hours a day, while children from five years old and up should be participating in at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity daily – simply put, exercise that works up a bit of a sweat. Letting children be children will help these targets to be met, says Kyle Baxter, head of sport at Reddam House in Somerset West and the owner of a clinic that offers coaching and kinetics classes for children. “Children can get a healthy amount of exercise by simply exploring the world around them – climbing trees, playing in the mud, kicking balls in the garden.

Physical activity isn’t limited to gyms and sports fields,” he says.

mind games Equally important is the benefit physical activity has on a child’s mental and social development. “Higher levels of physical activity have been associated with better cognitive development in early childhood (the preschool years) as well as academic achievement in older children and adolescents,” says Carmyn. “Physical activity creates

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an environment for children to make friends and helps to improve self-image and self-esteem.” Occupational therapist in Ballito, Rachel Carey agrees, “The development of motor skills is a complex process and the motor learning that takes place when involved in repeated physical activity is far more than the mastery of an individual task or motor skill.

We not only develop motor coordination (the ability to control body movement in a smooth manner), but we also develop motor planning – the ability to conceptualise, plan and carry out unfamiliar motor tasks, which allows us to learn new skills that involve movement of the body and to apply these skills to new situations and contexts.” Rachel goes on to explain that children with poor motor planning tend to repeat the same unsuccessful movements without being able to create strategies for a different outcome, which can result in them being disorganised in their use of time and materials, and experience difficulties with displaying independence with simple routines involving household or school responsibilities.

The nature of the physical activity also makes a difference in a child’s development.

“Strengthening activities will help with postural control and core stability, an underlying skill imperative to table-top, fine motor tasks like handwriting, drawing and scissor skills, while physical games played in groups will help with the development of social communication skills and building of friendships,” says Rachel.

get children on board Healthy habits start at home. Carmyn advises creating a home environment that encourages activity. This means less screen time and more playtime. “Parents have a very important role to play in putting boundaries into place to limit the amount of time children spend on screens. The recommendation for children under two years old is no screen time and no more than two hours per day from two years up,” she says. One way to get children excited about physical activity is to make it fun for them. “The key thing here is that all play, physical activity included, should be an enjoyable experience and not something your child feels he or she has to do,” says Rachel. “Having an active lifestyle and engaging with your child in child-directed play will allow you to grow and develop your child’s play repertoire while keeping it fun and meaningful for them.”

September 2016

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health

Children can get a healthy amount of exercise by simply exploring the world around them – climbing trees, playing in the mud, kicking balls in the garden. Physical activity isn’t limited to gyms and sports fields.

Schools also have a responsibility to encourage physical activity among their students, says Kyle, who believes that active children are not only healthier children, but happier ones too. “In my experience children who participate in school sport, regardless of the level, tend to have more self-confidence and cope better socially.” The challenge is getting learners interested – not an easy task when school sport is often optional and many children choose to opt out. “At Reddam House we believe in the importance of team sports and do encourage all learners to participate in at least one team sport per term,” says Kyle. “That said, we offer a diverse sports programme so as to encourage children with different interests to participate in a sport that they’re passionate about.” Kyle suggests parents do the same and expose their children to a variety of sports without the pressure of achieving on a competitive level. “Getting active doesn’t have to mean winning events and races, but rather finding something you enjoy doing; whether it’s hitting hockey balls or surfing the waves.”

resources

nhs.uk | gov.za | who.int | ssisa.com | kidshealth.org | heartfoundation.co.za | livestrong.com

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September 2016

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PHOTOGRAPH: Highbury Preparatory School www.hps.co.za

school sport

reader’s blog

empowering our youth Since 2010 The Young Bafana Soccer Academy has been providing underprivileged youngsters with the opportunity to hone their soccer skills, while benefiting from other life skills programmes.

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ounder Bernd Steinhage, an avid soccer player himself, never planned to open an NGO, but after returning to South Africa from abroad, he is now proud to be a part of empowering the country’s youth in the Helderberg Basin and beyond into Gugulethu, Kayelitsha and Athlone.

He says: “I moved back to South Africa in 2009 and went to the primary school that I had attended to ask them about being a soccer coach. Initially the principal said ‘no’, but a few months later, with the excitement of the 2010 Soccer World Cup on the rise, more and more learners wanted to play the beautiful game. I began holding training sessions after school, initially for eight pupils, but this soon grew to 40.

The children of the school workers also began to approach me, wanting to play, but unfortunately, their parents couldn’t

magazine cape town

afford to pay. I decided that for every 10 children that signed up, I would allow one disadvantaged child to play free of charge.

Soon we had 60 players.”

Steinhage was using his own money to enable the less fortunate players to participate and he eventually decided to register as an NGO to assist more children from the township. It was also at that time that he began to notice that the boys’ English and maths proficiency was poor and decided to add the educational element to the academy.

Today the academy has 10 staff members, which includes six coaches, one administrator and three German interns.

One of the coaches was Steinhage’s first soccer coach and another also acts as the NGO’s outreach manager. To ensure that he has a competent team,

all of Steinhage’s coaches undergo the necessary training and are even sent overseas to gain experience with the Bundesliga, a professional association football league in Germany.

Establishing the academy has had its share of challenges, particularly as the buses currently being used to transport the beneficiaries to and from training and matches are old, in poor condition and lack space for all of the boys. There are also no seatbelts and airbags to ensure their safety.

Steinhage says that despite any setbacks the NGO may face, these are outweighed by its achievements, which include the Young Bafana team beating Ajax Cape Town, one of the most developed teams in the Mother City. He also notes the individuals who have excelled and were

afforded opportunities as a result of their involvement with the academy, with one boy being sent to play in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), another to Germany and a third from Khayelitsha being selected to trial for the Bundesliga.

Most importantly, the children’s school reports have improved.

“We aim to develop the children holistically – both on and off the field – and believe that this will have a positive impact on their families and communities.

Ultimately, we want each of our beneficiaries to obtain a Matric certificate in order to help them to get into tertiary education and gain employment,” concludes Steinhage.

One day, Steinhage hopes that the academy will have its own facilities complete with soccer fields, lodging and a fleet of buses.

September 2016

17

dealing with difference

when it’s really

adhd

LUCILLE KEMP explains what to expect if you are to effectively detect and manage the complex condition, ADHD. Anything less should call for a second opinion.

l

ara* struggled with a fussy baby, who became an impossible toddler and then frustrated preschooler that would throw outrageous tantrums. “Everyone around me would say that I should just leave him to develop at his own pace, but having constant battles with your child is soul destroying.”

By the age of four, in order to be school-ready, he was recommended speech therapy to address some of the problems. However, through Grade R and Grade 1, his situation worsened. He was getting into physical fights, falling behind in class, refusing to listen to his teacher and, as a result, the school was calling Lara and her husband daily. Eventually, assessments by the school psychologist confirmed ADHD.

The Journal of Child Neurology made a compelling statement not too long ago: “Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are symptoms of many underlying treatable medical, emotional and psychosocial conditions affecting children”. Due to this, and the fact that there are no diagnostic tests for ADHD, Wendy Vogel, head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, says a good clinical history and examination are essential when trying to figure out whether your concerns are in fact ADHD-related.

Cape Town-based psychiatrist Dr Merryn Young says this means that parents should basically expect a long and multifaceted interview with themselves and their child.

A thorough assessment will include the doctor taking a detailed history of information around inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, in all spheres of a child’s life, which includes getting information from the school, states Young, who adds “a screening should also be done to exclude other conditions that better explain the presenting symptoms”.

These could include vision or hearing problems, anxiety or depression, an inappropriate schooling environment or bullying.

A full developmental history should be taken, which includes early childhood development, as well as the child’s medical history. “As ADHD tends to run in families,”

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

reliable assessment

says Vogel, “it will be useful for the practitioner to explore your, and your partner’s, mental health.” A history of cardiac disease should also be explicitly explored in your family, as well as a misuse of substances.

Standardised rating scales may be personally useful, though not as a diagnostic tool.

Vogel points out that the SNAP-IV rating scale is free and can be downloaded online.

A physical examination should include weight, height, blood pressure and pulse.

Once the diagnosis of ADHD has been made, the practitioner will need to look for co-morbid conditions as these can affect the doctor’s approach to managing the ADHD. “Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, tic disorders and learning difficulties, often occur with ADHD, as well as anxiety and mood disorders,” says Vogel.

If your child needs to start medication, a physical examination should be done, says Young, and prior, specifically, to starting treatment with stimulant medication such as Ritalin, Vogel says you should expect a further detailed cardiac examination.

ADHD medication should be just a single part of the whole treatment. treatment to be multimodal Thankfully, Lara has found the relief of ADHD treatment to be as real as the struggle with its symptoms. Lara’s son started treatment in Grade 2, which incorporated play therapy, speech therapy, OT, remedial classes and Ritalin. Throughout his Grade 2 year the family had monthly meetings with the principal, teacher, HOD, psychologists and speech therapist, to monitor his progress. “My child is in Grade 3 this year, and he is happy, focused and learning.”

Quite evident is the fact that treatment of ADHD is effective and supported, Vogel reassures, and ADHD medication should be just a single part of the whole treatment, says Young. In the same way as it was for Lara and her family, treatments, combining psychological and pharmacological approaches, should be recommended to you, says Young.

Parenting programmes, working in groups with children, incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy and social skills training, and individual work with the parent/carer and child focussing on improving memory, concentration and relationship-enhancing strategies, are helpful says Vogel. “Play therapy was amazing, and my son loved it,” says Lara, “we worked through issues of cooperation and effective discipline. It helped me to understand and not get frustrated with him all the time, and it helped him to understand and describe his feelings.”

“Keep a food diary for a limited period if you believe that certain foods or additives, such as colourants, affect your child’s behaviour. Some children may benefit from allergy checks,” says Vogel.

Working with teachers to help them understand ADHD and provide support, is helpful.

Something as simple as paying attention to where the child sits in class, or using visual aids, and nonverbal reminders can improve symptoms, says Vogel.

Many medications have been shown to be safe and effective in children, in the short and medium term, but part of the reason why your child must be so thoroughly assessed is because, if medication is prescribed, there may be limitations and potential adverse or unwanted effects. “Any medication that has the potential to do good also has the potential to have negative effects in some people. That’s not to say that your child necessarily will have a bad effect, but the possibility is there. Even something as commonly used as paracetamol can have side effects,” says Young.

Expect side effects to be discussed in detail before your child is prescribed a medication, says Young. “Regular follow up is necessary. A worrying trend is that children seem to go years before having their dosage and side effects reviewed. A minimum of a six-monthly follow up is recommended.” * Name has been changed

the issue with ritalin The main controversies relating to the safety of stimulants in children with ADHD are their effect on the heart and growth. There have been adverse events specifically in individuals with structural cardiac abnormalities, which is why thorough initial assessment is important. Stimulants may also reduce growth slightly, therefore growth should be monitored regularly on treatment. Switching to a different medication may be indicated if the growth restriction is problematic, says psychiatrist, Dr Merryn Young.

magazine cape town

September 2016

19

book extract

have a cookie In her new recipe book, The Cookie Jar, LISA CLARK gives Heritage Day baking ideas with recipes inspired by home-grown goodness.

banana whole-wheat rusks Yield: 15 drying time

Preparation time: 5 minutes

ingredients ✻✻ 500ml whole-wheat flour ✻✻ 30ml ground flaxseeds ✻✻ 5ml ground cinnamon ✻✻ 1ml salt ✻✻ 2,5ml bicarbonate of soda ✻✻ 5ml baking powder

Baking time: 50 minutes, plus 3–6 hours

✻✻ ✻✻ ✻✻ ✻✻ ✻✻

80ml brown sugar 2 eggs 125ml buttermilk 10ml vanilla essence 3 bananas, mashed

method

1

2 3 4 5

6 jammy heart biscuits Yield: 25 Preparation time: 5 minutes, plus 2 hours chilling time Baking time: 16 minutes ingredients ✻✻ 200g butter ✻✻ 100g icing sugar ✻✻ a pinch of salt ✻✻ 2 egg yolks

✻✻ ✻✻ ✻✻ ✻✻

Preheat the oven to 180ºC and grease a large loaf tin.

Combine all the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients, including the mashed bananas, and mix until a smooth batter forms.

Pour the batter into the greased tin and bake for about 50 minutes until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean and the top and edges are a dark brown.

Let it cool slightly in the tin before turning out and slicing the rusk slab into individual rusks with a serrated knife.

Turn down the oven to 100ºC. Place the rusks on a baking tray and dry them in the oven. It helps to keep the oven door propped open a bit to let the moisture escape. The drying should take 3–6 hours, depending on how hot your oven is and how thinly sliced the rusks are.

Bring a bit of nostalgia into your home with these classic South African teatime treats.

5ml vanilla essence 250g cake flour icing sugar, for dusting 100ml jam of choice

12

45 3

6

7

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PHOTOGRAPHS: © Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd 2016 / Nigel Deary

method

Cream the butter and icing sugar, then beat in the salt, egg yolks and vanilla essence. Sift in the flour and beat until the mixture forms a dough. Be careful not to overmix the dough at any stage. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Roll out the dough between two sheets of lightly floured baking paper and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up the rolled dough once again.

Line two baking trays with baking paper.

With a lightly floured 5cm round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough and place them on the lined baking trays. Roll out the dough offcuts (refrigerating again if necessary) and cut out more biscuits, repeating until all the dough has been used.

Cut a heart shape out of the centre of half of the biscuits. You can reroll the heart cut-outs to make more rounds. Chill the shaped biscuits for about 30 minutes to firm up once more.

Preheat the oven to 160ºC and bake the biscuits for 14–16 minutes until they are a light golden brown. If they spread slightly and lose their shape, just recut them as they come out of the oven, while they are still warm. Allow to cool on a wire rack and then dust the rounds with icing sugar, using the heart cut-out.

Heat the jam on the stove or in the microwave so that it becomes spreadable.

To assemble, sandwich together a whole round and a heart cut-out round with jam. Repeat with the remaining biscuits.

September 2016

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This buttery, tender cookie has the distinct and unique flavour of rooibos tea.

rooibos tea biscuits Yield: 20 Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus 50 minutes chilling time Baking time: 12 minutes ingredients ✻✻ 30ml rooibos tea leaves (from about 3 tea bags) ✻✻ 250ml butter ✻✻ 160ml icing sugar, sifted

✻✻ 5ml vanilla essence ✻✻ scraped seeds of 1 vanilla pod ✻✻ 440ml cake flour

method Preheat the oven to 180ºC and line two baking trays with baking paper.

Pulse the rooibos tea leaves in a food processor to a fine powder. In an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and icing sugar. Add the vanilla essence, vanilla seeds and ground rooibos tea.

Sift in the flour and mix until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough to about 6mm thick between two sheets of baking paper.

Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on the lined baking trays.

Cover the trays with cling film and chill the cut cookies for at least 20 minutes before baking.

Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes or until the edges are just barely brown.

Cool on wire racks.

1

2 3

45

about the book This is a collection of 100 recipes for biscuits, cookies and rusks, written by professional food stylist Lisa Clark specifically for the home baker. From old favourites to healthy gluten-free and vegan options, The Cookie Jar will take you back to the days when baking was therapeutic and an important part of life. The book is published by Penguin Random House South Africa and is available at a recommended retail price of R200.

magazine cape town

September 2016

21

let’s get

out of town Whether your family loves gravel roads or farm routes, Top MTB Trails 2 by JACQUES MARAIS and LIZÉ-MARIE MARAIS, from MAP STUDIO, inspires you to pack the mountain bikes for a family getaway. And for those who crave a different adventure, we’ve included other exciting options too. Compiled by MARINA ZIETSMAN paul cluver/thandi basics

paul cluver/thandi Province Western Cape • Region Overberg • Closest town Grabouw • Trail destination Elgin Valley

trail info Grading Intermediate Duration 1–3,5 hours Configuration Circular options; 8–43km Start point Paul Cluver Amphitheatre Coordinates S34°10’01.5”; E19°05’32.1” Terrain Singletrack and gravel roads Map Available on cluver.com Cell reception Good reception More info 021 844 0605 or cluver.com

route description Cycling visitors to Paul Cluver Estate are in for a treat. The Elgin Valley boasts what locals like to call a “benevolent” climate. There is a hint of the European summer for much of the year, with little wind and most of the foulness of winter confined to July and August.

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How to get there Travelling on the N2 from Cape Town, continue over Sir Lowry’s Pass. After Orchard Farm Stall on the left and Peregrine Farm Stall on your right, you will see the Kromco Warehouse on the left. Turn left at the sign to Paul Cluver and continue to the amphitheatre.

Best time of year Great cycling year-round, but also check out their awesome events as the trails are part of the PPA (Pedal Power Association) and W2W funded trails.

Off the bike You may think Paul Cluver is just another Cape wine estate, with scenic views and great wines, but you’d be wrong. Not about the wines and the views, of course, but about all the other stuff that happens on this expansive estate set within the stunning Elgin Valley.

This is where Tri Active started out, making Paul Cluver arguably the first estate to buy into the concept of outdoor lifestyle supplementing winemaking and sales.

Add to this their stunning outdoor amphitheatre with regular music concerts and drama performances, and you certainly have a destination that covers all bases.

Entry requirements Day or year permits available Facilities Fresh Restaurant at Paul Cluver, accommodation options in the Elgin Valley Beware of Too much fun More information 021 844 0605

The advent of the annual Wines2Whales (W2W) Stage Race has seen a complete overhaul of the mountain-biking trails here, meaning the ride is now on a par with that of Oak Valley, and that says a lot. Bermed barrel bridges, sweeping singletrack, river crossings and gravel roads linking all of the above make for a kick-ass ride.

The best way to get to know the trails is to start (and finish) at the amphitheatre. This is where you get your trail permit, pay for it, and fix the bike board to your handlebars. The “No board = No Ride” rule is strictly enforced, so be aware. key routes for all legs Short Red (8km) – Start at the amphitheatre and ride to the Skaapsteker turnoff, turn right and cross the Olifants Dam wall before returning to the start.

Blue route (12km) – Start at the amphitheatre and ride to the Skaapsteker turnoff, turn right and cross the Olifants Dam wall. Turn left here to meander through the orchard hills before returning to the amphitheatre.

Long Red (30km) – Start at the amphitheatre and continue to the Skaapsteker turnoff; keep going straight along past Saal Dam, Boomslang and the Switchbacks past Thandi, and on to Huppelland. Gordon’s Kitchen is a perfect stopover for refreshments, before taking on the Switchbacks and Thandi loop once again as an encore on your way back to the finish.

Black route (44km) – Start as for the Long Red route, but at the Saal Dam turnoff, klap a left via Kroon Dam, Rietvlei, Kili Hill (yup, both #1 and #2), then Witklippieskloof, Saal Dam and finally back onto the Long Red route for the crank home.

Bike Park Sections (two sections) – These all start and finish at the same spot near the amphitheatre.

7km XC Loop – Includes the likes of Ball Wall, Raka, Kransvoël, Ark, Cobra, Mamba and Skaapsteker; in total, you will negotiate no fewer than 17 bridges, varying in distance from around 2m to a fabulous 40m, and ranging in height from 1m to an impressive 8m!

1km Technical Play Park – Also known as the “Slang Park” (or Snake Park), this purpose-built track includes a number of unique climbs, drops and jumps, as well as a seesaw and a few hairy horizontal tree rides.

explore the surroundings Bear Trap Lodge You can rent the entire house for the weekend. It has a huge farm-style kitchen, fireplace and braai area with plenty of lawns surrounding the lodge.

Address 15 Worcester Rd, Grabouw Contact 082 220 6443 or beartraplodge.co.za Oak Valley Estate A self-catering cottage set on the working farm in the Elgin Valley.

Address Oak Ave, Elgin Contact 021 859 2510 or oakvalley.co.za Old Mac Daddy Set on a working farm, each of their vintage Airstream trailer suites are en suite with a lounge that doubles as a children’s room. They also have a forest cabin.

Address 112 Valley Rd, Elgin Contact 021 844 0241 or oldmacdaddy.co.za South Hill Vineyards The guesthouse is a five-bedroom, en-suite luxury villa with full guest amenities. There’s a swimming pool, pizza oven and other facilities.

Address 113 Valley Rd, Elgin Contact 083 627 7950 or southhill.co.za

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: JACQUES MARAIS

resource

Elgin Wine Bus Book this open bus for a tour of the vineyards and prebook a picnic.

Address N2 between Kromco and Grabouw Contact 083 461 4567 Lebanon Mountain Bike Trails The 7,3km family trail goes through scenic valley farms.

Address Oak Lane Cottages, Krommeriver Farm, Grabouw Contact 083 461 8940 or lebanonmtbtrails.co.za Segway off-road tours Enjoy a unique exploration of the area, gliding on a Segway guided tour.

Address Eco-Discovery, Nature House Grabouw Country Club, Worcester Rd, Grabouw Contact 021 859 1989 Brinny Breezes The restaurant is situated at Old Mac Daddy, and their pizzas are quite legendary.

Address 112 Valley Rd, Bot River, Elgin Contact 021 844 8900 Fred and Max Eatery This is the old Elgin Train station, converted into a popular restaurant. Have a picnic on the platform or enjoy wine tasting at the tasting station.

Address Oak Ave Contact 021 859 1089 or fredandmax.com The Elgin Grabouw Country Club The club has a fullylicensed restaurant, and there are braai and picnic facilities.

Address Worcestor Rd, Grabouw Contact 021 859 3651 or countryclub.co.za The Orchard Farm Stall It’s a country restaurant in a large garden with plenty of activities for children. Expect homecooked food.

Address Oudebrug Rd, Grabouw Contact 021 859 2448 Cape Canopy Tour Children from the age of five years old can enjoy a fully-guided zipline tour through the valley and past waterfalls.

Address Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, R321 Contact 021 300 0501 or capecanopytour.co.za Elgin Valley Market The market is open every Saturday from 9am–2pm. The Peregrine Farmstall is open daily from 7:30am–6:30pm in summer and 7:30am–6pm in winter.

Address on the N2, Grabouw Contact 021 848 9011 Fly-fishing at Houw Hoek Farm Stall They have three dams stocked with rainbow trout.

Address on the N2, just before Houwhoek Pass Contact 028 284 9015 or houwhoekfarmstall.co.za Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve Discover a number of clear natural pools hidden in the mountain for a nature swim during summer months. You can also do hiking trails.

Address Grabouw Contact 028 841 4301 or 021 483 5258 Paul Cluver Amphitheatre Enjoy a concert in an openair arena, which has been constructed from farm timber.

Address De Rust Estate, on the N2, Grabouw Contact 021 844 0605 or cluver.com

magazine cape town

oak valley basics How to get there Take the N2 from Cape Town, turn left at Peregrine Farm Stall near Grabouw, then right on the R321 to Villiersdorp. Take the next right past Elgin Station and into the main Oak Valley entrance gate.

oak valley Province Western Cape • Region Overberg • Closest town Grabouw • Trail destination Oak Valley Wine Estate

trail info Grading Easy to Difficult Duration 90 minutes to 3 hours Configuration Options of 14km, 24km and 32km Start point Entrance of the estate Coordinates S34°09’19.0”; E19°02’47.0” Terrain Farm roads and lots of singletrack Map None, but trail is well-marked with green, red and black arrows Cell reception Good reception More information mtb@oak-valley.co.za or Facebook: Oak Valley

route description Riding the superb Oak Valley trails will make you happy, so the more you ride them, the happier you are likely to be. Built by late winemaker Pieter Visser, this network of routes is a true MTB gem that rates near the very top of most mountain bikers’ bucket lists.

Your adventure kicks off on singletrack that gently meanders along the course of a small stream through a forest of oak trees. Fence lines are crossed by riding over wooden bridges designed to allow riders to gain easy access, yet keep the cows in their place. Follow the red arrows and just keep on riding the singletrack. And riding and riding. Remember to breathe and enjoy the views.

The course will take you up a couple of hills, but nothing that will overly tax a moderately fit rider. Suck them up, as after every uphill there is even more sublime trail. In fact, Oak Valley could just as well be renamed Narnia, because every hill and corner hides yet another undiscovered visual, riding treat.

Once you get to the trail around the large dam you will see some arrows that lead onto the Black route. If you are feeling adventurous, follow them as they all loop back to the Red trail, and all of the Black trails are rideable by the average rider – they just have some steeper climbs in them.

Continue to the top of the hill and at the 13,5km mark, look at your riding companions and say in an authoritative

Best time of year Just go. Now. Off the bike Wine tasting: weekdays (9am–5pm) and Saturdays (10am–2pm). Oak Valley now has its own restaurant called The Pool Room where delicious lunches featuring farm-grown produce are served Tuesdays to Sundays. Hearty Biker’s Breakfasts are also served on these days from 9am–11am (note that the restaurant is closed for two months from mid-June to mid-August). Plus there is the whole of the Elgin Valley to explore.

Entry requirements Trail permit available at gate, open seven days a week during daylight hours Facilities Spick and span toilets and showers, a bike wash and secure parking Beware of Baboons, and approach the cattle herds on the pastures very slowly

voice, “If you think that section of the trail was amazing, you ain’t seen nothing yet.” You’d be right, as the best bits are still to come…

What follows from the top of this hill is very difficult to put into words, because if you haven’t ridden it, the adjectives will seem clichéd. Yes, it is epic, and it is awesome and it flows and swoops and drops and bombs along the course of the river. It is, in summary, everything you ever wanted in a trail ride, and it is all yours for the next 6km of MTB debauchery.

The bottom of the singletrack takes you into a gentle scenic ride through an oak forest and back to the finish area.

Here you can clean up with a shower in the well-appointed ablutions before you head back into the ‘real’ world. A meal at Peregrine Farm Stall just down the N2 main drag is one way to extend the fantasy for a couple of hours.

Top MTB Trails 2: in the Eastern, Norhtern & Western Cape is available online from

mapstudio.co.za

and stores nationwide.

September 2016

23

books

a good read

for toddlers Help! The Wolf is Coming!

By Cedric Ramadier and Vincent Bourgeau (Published by Gecko Press, R139) In this book, young children need to follow the instructions to make sure the wolf won’t get them. He’s a bit scary, but here’s an idea: If we hold the book on a lean, maybe the wolf will slip and fall... and if he holds onto a branch, maybe we can shake the book so he drops off... or maybe it’s enough to turn the page to make him disappear...

for toddlers Betty Goes Bananas

By Steve Antony

for toddlers This Book Just Ate My Dog!

By Richard Byrne (Published by Oxford University Press, R142) In this wonderfully inventive book, Bella is taking her dog for a stroll across the page but halfway across, he disappears. Unable to quite believe what’s just happened Bella watches, transfixed, until the authorities arrive to take control, but they too succumb to the book’s inexplicable behaviour. Then Bella marches toward the dangerous middle of the book... only to disappear herself.

(Published by Oxford University Press, R93) Meet Betty – a new character to make toddlers and parents giggle. Betty’s brilliantly observed tantrums are something that toddlers and parents will instantly recognise. Betty is hungry, and she wants to eat a banana, but it will not open. Her frustration quickly becomes a big tantrum.

in the next issue we’re “dealing with difference” top reasons why children need therapy

schools catering for 3D needs what skills our youth really need your pre-birth checklist how to deal with exam preparation and stress

on street 15 September To advertise call: (021) 465 6093 or email: ctsales@childmag.co.za Booking deadline: 31 August | Material deadline: 1 September 24

September 2016

magazine cape town

Megan Hancock Photography meganhancockphotography.co.za

baby’s first 100 days

for preschoolers The Poofiest Pong

By Katherine Graham and Silvia Carrus (Published by Word Count, R95) How do you measure the poofiness of your pongs? This is a question that baffles Max, the budding inventor. But with the help of his pong-o-metre and his little brother’s pongs, Max and Billy are well on their way to blasting off for an adventure in outer space. The book can be ordered from megabooks.co.za

for preschoolers Jafta, Jafta’s Mother and Jafta’s Father

By Hugh Lewin and Lisa Kopper (Published by Jacana Media, from R82) Meet Jafta, a little boy living in an African village. Jafta was born after author, Hugh Lewin, was released from prison for his opposition to apartheid.

With poignancy he describes the life of separation Jafta experiences growing up without his father. Later in the series, we learn of Jafta’s love for his mother and we share the celebration of Jafta’s father’s homecoming.

for preschoolers The Brightest Star in the Sky

By Chymenn Santos and Alberto Massetti for preschoolers The Rabbit who wants to Fall Asleep

By Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin (Published by Ladybird Books, R147) The groundbreaking bestseller is sure to turn nightly bedtime battles into a loving and special end-of-day ritual. This child-tested, parentapproved story uses an innovative technique that brings a calm end to any child’s day.

magazine cape town

(Published by Mascot Books, R179) Uncle Mike used to play hide-and-seek with his favourite “Pumpkin”, but one day he did not return. Pumpkin did not understand why, so her daddy picked her up, kissed her cheek and said: “There’s something I want to show you, up in the sky.” This story helps little ones dealing with the loss of a loved one.

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books

for early graders Karatekas: Friends & Betrayal and Plotting & Scheming

By Anzil Kulsen and Alinde Lombaard (Published by Struik Children, R52 each) Karatekas is a new series about three friends who are members of a karate club. Warren and Divan have been friends for years and both love karate. Then Kyla becomes a member of the dojo. Not only is she a girl, but she can do ballet and karate equally well.

In book one Warren is selected to go to the championships in Durban and Divan starts behaving strangely. In book two, Kyla’s father disappears and she overhears talk of gross dishonesty at the karate championhips.

for early graders Timothy’s Tomatoes

By Cath Alexander and Colleen Brice (Published by Porcupine Press, R120) Upon entering his home-grown tomatoes into the school’s vegetable competition, Timothy’s feeling of excitement quickly changes to one of disappointment when he lays his eyes on the larger, more superior looking vegetables. But Timothy discovers that appearances can be deceiving. Also order the book from cath@tower-bridge.co.za

for early graders Jamie and the Magic Whistle

By Helen Brain, Nicky Webb and Rico Schacherl (Published by Human and Rousseau, R140) In this story for eight to 10 year olds, Jamie wants to impress her headmistress, Mrs Joubert, but with a family like hers it’s going to take more than straight As. Luckily the dog show is coming up.

She’s going to change Fungus, her bouncy, scruffy underpants-stealing dog into the “Best in Show”. But first she needs the Magic Whistle, and Bieber the monkey also has his eye on it.

for early graders Children’s Facts (Published by Map Studio, R120) Malcolm the Meerkat shares some interesting facts with the reader. Know your facts about classic books, languages, games, wealth, statues, world history, wild animals, fashion, sport, indigenous people, technology, folklore, interesting buildings, modern books, movies, TV series, movie stars, music, obesity, shops, man-made disasters... the list goes on.

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for pre-teens and teens The Creature Department

By Robert Paul Weston (Published by Penguin Random House SA, R121) Elliot and Leslie think nothing ever happens in Bickleburgh, except inside the gleaming headquarters of DENKi-3000 —the world’s eighthlargest electronics factory. And only Uncle Archie knows what’s behind a mysterious door. Until Elliot and Leslie are invited to take a glimpse inside.

for pre-teens and teens The Eye of the Falcon

By Michelle Paver (Published by Puffin Books, R135) Winter has been colder than anyone can remember, and there is no spring. The eruption of Thalakrea has shrouded the sky in ash, and blotted out the sun. Fate brings Hylas to the island of Keftiu. He is desperate to find his friends: Pirra, the daughter of the High Priestess, and Havoc the lion cub. But Keftiu has suffered, more than anywhere else, from the fury of the gods and the once-prosperous island has been ravaged by cold, famine and plague.

parenting The Journey of the Heroic Parent

By Brad M. Reedy (Published by Regan Arts, R235) Every day parents face heartbreaking situations.

Raising a child struggling with mental health issues, addiction, depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders or just the normal angst associated with growing up can be frightening and confusing. With compassion and perspective, Dr Brad Reedy offers hope and wisdom for children who struggle and the parents who love them.

for us Beat the Bloat

By Claire Young (Published by Orion, R174) Drawing on the latest scientific research, this book contains 100 wheat-free and low-sugar recipes that will balance your digestive system for permanent weight loss. These recipes contain healthy fats, lean proteins and live cultures that restore the bacteria in your gut. Because, with a healthy digestive system you will store less fat, banish cravings and absorb fewer calories from food.

for us The Mountain Can Wait

By Sarah Leipciger (Published by Tinder Press, R152) Set in a stunning but scarred Canadian landscape, The Mountain Can Wait is a story of fathers and sons and the heartache they cause each other, told in the traditional style of Annie Proulx. When his son, Curtis, on the brink of adulthood, disappears after a tragic accident, it falls to Tom, the hunter, to track him down. Whether he can truly reach Curtis is another matter. magazine cape town

September 2016

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september

calendar

what’s on in

Compiled by MARINA ZIETSMAN

More than just a Shoebox The project collects decorated shoeboxes, filled with essentials and treats, for children who otherwise may not get anything for Christmas. The public can get involved by registering as a donor and selecting the name and age of a child to donate a shoebox to. Pledging opens today.

For more info: santashoebox.org.za

Grand West has put together three fun-filled entertainment packs to choose from: the Kids Pack for children 5–12 years old, the Cool Pack for all under 18s and the

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The Sleeping Beauty

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Teen Pack for children 13–17 years old. The packs

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Spring weekend at Bot River

Bot River features 11 wine farms – most of them familyowned and run – and during the Spring Weekend each of them share something unique from their farm cupboard. The different farms offer everything from

include a combination of ice skating, doughnuts,

sausage making courses to wine sales and tastings. There

children’s meals, arcade tokens, movies and

are special breakfasts and nature walks, and some farms

more. The pack deal goes until December 2016

have children’s play areas and activities. There are polo

while stocks last. Get the packs at the Doughnut

matches as well and plenty more to see and do. The

Hive at Grand West. Packs are from R65 each. For

cost and times of activities vary; visit their website for a

more info: 021 505 7777 or grandwest.co.za

programme: botriverwines.com

The Stage Improv competition

Casual day

Participants get one hour to show off their creativity. They must improvise with theatrical talents. This is theatre sports at its best. The first rounds are from 2pm–10pm and 3 September from 9am–3pm. The second round is on 9 September 2pm–10pm with the finals on 10 September at 7pm. It takes place at The Stage Performing Arts Studio, 1 Pasita Park, Pasita St, Rosenpark, Bellville. It’s R100 for participants and spectators pay R40 and for the final it’s R80. For more info: 082 455 9011, info@ thestage.co.za or thestage.co.za

Help raise funds for people with disabilities by dressing in outfits from the fun to the fantastical. Casual Day stickers are R10 and are available from Edcon Group stores, Shoprite Checkers and participating beneficiary organisations. For more info: casualday.co.za

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Fedhealth MTB Challenge: junior

The magic of one of the greatest of all classical ballets come to life with performances by guest artists and

Junior mountain bikers can choose between three distances – 500m, 1,5km or 5km fun rides. Enjoy an array of food stalls serving up treats combined with Meerendal wines and live music. Races start at 1pm and cost R70. On 4 September the main event for mountain bike enthusiasts of all fitness levels takes place. Entrants can choose between a 65km, 35km and 15km route. This event starts at 8am and entry for participants is R150–R300.

Both events take place at Meerendal Wine Estate, Vissershok Rd, Durbanville. For more info: 082 991 0045, entries@stillwatersports.com or stillwatersports.com

Cape Town City Ballet. A wonderful fairy-tale story for all ages with beautiful sets and costumes and a sensational Tchaikovsky score, performed by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at selected performances.

Shows are at 7:30pm on 2, 3, 9, 16 and 17 September.

And at 2pm on 3, 10 and 17 September, as well as at 3pm on 16 and 18 September. Tickets range from R90–R300 and can be booked through computicket.com or Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695. For more info: capetowncityballet.org.za

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Lourensford Market re-opening

It’s the start of the spring/summer season with the re-opening of the Twilight Market. Lourensford has added upgrades and new vendors have joined. Take your loved ones and dogs on leashes for food, wine, craft beer, a variety of stalls and live entertainment. The market runs from 4pm–9pm at Erinvale Golf Estate, Lourensford Rd, Somerset West and entry is free. Contact them on 072 284 1654 or hello@lfhm.co.za

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September 2016

Nomadic Orchestra with Zip Zap Circus

Enjoy a music collaboration with circus performances. It’s also on 4 September at 7pm at the Zip Zap Dome, Founders Garden, Jan Smuts St, CBD. Tickets are R160. For more info: zip-zap.co.za

Yum.Me cooking competition Does your child love to cook or bake? Yum.Me is SABC 3’s new television cooking competition for SA’s young foodies 8–16 years old. Filming is planned to begin this weekend. Each episode sees two teams of two young

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aspiring cooks compete to win the prize and title of Yum.Me Champion. The competition consists of a quick-fire food knowledge round, a timebased cooking challenge and a cook-off. Chefs can earn “brownie points” for advantages and use the “chef in the cupboard”. Online application forms can be downloaded from okuhle.co.za and for more info: 021 486 2900

or alison@okuhle.co.za magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.com / MADRI STegmann / tobias ginsberg / rheta ferguson / maryatta wegerif

Entertainment galore for under 18s

Access an extended calendar online at

3 Travellers trail run Le Bonheur was an important venue for travellers in the Cape, offering fresh spring water and an outspan area at the major junction of Cape Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Malmesbury.

Experience the Klapmutskop trails at the start of spring, with a run on this historic estate. Choose from a 14km, 9km or 5km run. The run starts at 7am at Le Bonheur in Stellenbosch.

It costs R80–R180. For more info: 021 884 4752, info@

childmag.co.za or submit an event for October before 26 August to capetown@childmag. co.za

Baleia Wines MTB event Riders can choose from the 20km, 40km or 88km race. Riders and their families can then enjoy a day out in the Hessequa area. The La Bella Restaurant and shop offers lots to eat and drink with entertainment for children. The event starts at 8am at Baleia Wines on the N2 just outside Riversdale. It costs R200 for the 88km, R140 for the 40km and R80 for the 20km. For more info: baleiawines.com

dirtopia.co.za or dirtopia.co.za

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Waterblommetjie Festival

For waterblommetjie dishes and wine pairings, many children’s activities such as pony rides, jumping castles and face painting, live entertainment, and more. Parents can look forward to live cooking demonstrations, oysters and MCC, a artisinal pop-up deli, a waterblommetjie sport challenge, shiraz on tap and an open-air bar area. The festival takes place at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate Windmeul Cellar and at Under Oaks in Paarl.

It’s from 9am–5pm and entry is free. For more info: rheebokskloof.co.za

Celebrity surf day

All funds raised go to Missing Children South Africa (MCSA). You can partake in a silent bid for a surf lesson with a celebrity, take part in the online memorabilia auction or sponsor a child from the Waves for Change Surf Therapy programme. Celebrities that have pledged their time include Michael Mol, Dale Steyn, Nik Rabinowitz, Roxy Davis, Deon Bing, Helgo Schomer and Tayla Skye Robinson. Surf Emporium provide surfboards and wetsuits. For more info on bidding and the surf day: 084 369 9259, lauren@surfemporium.co.za or Facebook: Surf Emporium Muizenberg

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launches, panel discussions, workshops,

Experience a coffee theatre, chocolate-

The Open Book Festival this year has

masterclasses, readings, performances, as well as story time and face painting in the Comics Fest KidsZone.

It runs from 10am–9pm daily until 11 September at The Fugard Theatre, Caledon St, off Buitenkant St; the D6 Homecoming Centre, 15 Buitenkant St and The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St, cnr Buitenkant St and Roeland St, Gardens. Costs vary, but selected events on the Comics Fest programme are free. For more info:

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Participants can choose a 7km or 15km trail run and on Sunday (11 September) experienced riders can choose the 60km MTB trail, or the more moderate 30km ride, while children and beginners can opt for a 15km, jeeptrack ride.

There is lots of entertainment for families including surprise draws, a children’s play area, stalls and more.

The event takes place at the Caledon Casino Hotel and Spa in Caledon and costs R90–R250. For more info: 021 884 4752, info@ dirtopia.co.za or dirtopia.co.za

magazine cape town

themed workshops, pairing theatres, the Cocoa Mokka Music Lounge and the Home Barista Jam. Also on 10 September, it’s from 10am–10pm daily at the Green Point Cricket Club. Tickets are R100–

openbookfestival.co.za

R120. For more info: coffeechoc.co.za

A Family Fair

The Great Pillow Fight

The fair is from 10am–3pm at the The Christian Community Hall, 39 Timour Hall Rd, off Gabriel Rd in Plumstead. Children can enjoy craft activities such as candle dipping, card making, jewellery making, and many games. Boerewors rolls and homemade lemonade are also on sale, and a magic show entertains. Parents can relax in the tea garden, enjoy lunch, puddings and cakes, and browse the stalls selling deli foods, plants, jewellery as well as crafts, wooden toys and candles. Entry is free. For more info: 021 762 0450 or christianco@ telkomsa.net

Two thousand people gather and have a countdown to a pillow fight that will last five minutes. Rules are in place to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. It is a fun-filled day for friends and family with live entertainment and some meal attractions and activities for children, such as face painting, water slides and more. The event starts at 10am at Vygieskraal Stadium in Belgravia. Entry costs are R50– R175 and tickets can be booked through webtickets.co.za

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Staalwater trail run and MTB challenge

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something for everyone. There are book

Coffee and Chocolate Expo

Open Book Festival

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Cell C Day of Races

Featuring a 5km route, this exciting event

is accessible for runners of all capabilities. The theme is “find your fit”. Choose from Pretty Fast, for females only; Young, Fast and Free for under 18s; Pace Makers for those aged

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50-plus; Sole Mates with your partner; or Anything Goes for those who don’t fit into any of the other “waves”. Dress up or dress as anything. There are prizes up for grabs. Entries close 1 September.

Parenting class Gentle discipline startegies for different ages and stages

The races start at the Green Point

for parents of 0–3 year olds. Booking essential. The class

Athletics Stadium and entry is R60.

is from 9am–10am at the Kids Clinic, 11 Rottingdean Rd,

Book through entries@stillwatersports and for more info: dayofraces.com

Camps Bay and costs R75. For more info: 021 438 0020 or info@kidsclinic.co.za September 2016

29

calendar

14 Fieldtrip Fair 2016 Teachers are invited to see exhibitions by museums,

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heritage sites, environmental sites and science centres who showcase their CAPS-linked outings they offer school groups of all grades. Enjoy refreshments, a prize draw, and listen to lesson ideas and speakers. At 3pm

SANParks Week

there’s a presentation from The School of Magic on using

The week grants free access to most of the 21 national parks for day visitors, especially people from the local communities. It should be noted that free access to parks does not in include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. The week ends 16 September, but some of the parks are extending the week to include the weekend (17 and 18 September). Visit their website for more info: sanparks.org

Sunflower Day

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Wear your Tube of Hope (TOPE) to show your support for The Sunflower Fund.

Schools with the greatest spirit on Sunflower Day stand to win prizes. TOPEs are available from Pick n Pay stores nationwide at a cost of R25 for adults and R20 for children.

Contact The Sunflower Fund: 0800 121 082 or sunflowerfund.org.za

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Spur Schools MTB League Western Cape 4

This inter-school mountain bike league for 7–18 year olds runs across SA where top high schools qualify to compete at the national final. This leg of the league is from 8am–3pm at Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch and costs R60–R70. Contact them on 021 884 4547 or michelle@amarider.co.za

magic to teach science and at 4:15pm the “Living Maths: Using technology to inspire learning” presentation takes place. The fair is at the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, 88 Hatfield Rd, Gardens from 2:30pm–5:30pm and entry is free. For more info: 074 112 6346, h_joannides@ hotmail.com or sama.za.net/education

The Plant exhibition of Contemporary Botanical Art You can see top botanical artwork by well-

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known and new young, talented artists, and called The Bug Room, which are all child-friendly. It is

a beach, has grown into the world’s biggest volunteer

also a great opportunity to purchase beautiful original

effort for ocean health. Each year, more than 700 000

works of art, cards and prints. Gillian Condy, top

volunteers in 127 countries volunteer three-hours of

botanical artist, is demonstrating how it is done. This free

their time to remove litter from beaches and the marine

exhibition is at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

environment. This will take place on various beaches

from 8am–5pm until 25 September. Contact 021 799

from 9am–12pm. To find out where you can help: john.

8783, plantexhibition@gmail.com or botanicalart.co.za

kieser@plasticssa.co.za or cleanup-sa.co.za

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La Pli I Don with Zip Zap Circus

Presented by the Alliance Francaise, this original contemporary

show

mixes

circus

performance, music, sound and visual recordings, multilingual

Sunny Skies market From 9am–1pm on 3

fusional dances. The show

September at the Sunny Skies Nursery School,

costs R160 and is on at the Zip Zap Dome, Founders Garden,

free. Contact 021 712 5657, or sunnyskies@

info: zip-zap.co.za

mweb.co.za

open days

comedy and music. Prepare for dance and physical theatre performances, illusion and magic shows, music and music theatre productions, exhibitions and theatre shows. Many of the more than 40 productions are family friendly. Most

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website: capetownfringe.co.za

29 Cinderella

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Accredited ECD qualifications information morning

This is a beautiful rendition of the timeless classic, Cinderella, presented

by Melani School of Dance. This

The Caversham Institute invites anyone who has a passion for teaching young children to learn more about the NQF level 5 ECD qualifications they offer. Tea is served afterwards. The free info

26 Howard Dr, Meadowridge and entry is

Jan Smuts St, CBD. For more

exposing them to a mix of performances, from theatre to

costs, descriptions and venues, visit the official

markets

texts and traditional and

South Africans the opportunity to become theatre lovers by

until 8 October. For a full programme with times,

participating in the annual International Coastal Clean Up (ICC). What started on a Texas beach in

1986 by the single effort of one woman walking along

This annual arts festival aims to give learners and young

scheduled at venues in the CBD. The festival runs

This year South Africa celebrates 20 years of officially

also illustrations of insects in a separate section

Cape Town Fringe Festival

performances take place at City Hall, and others are

20th International Coastal Clean Up Day

production includes a blend of ballet, modern and contemporary dancing, with a cast that ranges from age seven to 28 year olds. It’s a

session runs from 9am–11am at Bastion Primary

wonderful family show that promises to entertain and

School, cnr Jacaranda St and Protea Rd, Protea

inspire. It’s staged at Van Riebeeckstrand Primary School,

Hoogte, Brackenfell. For more info: 031 206 2000,

Melkbosstrand at 7pm on 29 and 30 September, and

083 234 2058, admin@cavershaminstitute.co.za or

at 3pm on 1 October. Tickets are R90 and children pay

cavershaminstitute.co.za

R50. For more info: 082 624 2488 or jaqivanvuuren@

Pringle House Eco Primary School The open day is on 3 September. Join them for adventure trail runs, a children’s mini duathlon, a petting zoo, pony rides, a jumping castle and a potjiekos competition. Times to be confirmed.

The school is on Farm Hangklip, off the R44 (Clarence Dr) in Pringle Bay. Contact them on 028 273 8853 or info@pringlehouse.org The Vine School open day Enjoy a presentation on Ambleside education, demonstration lessons and a Q&A session.

Childcare and refreshments are provided. The free open day is on 2 September from 9am– 11am at 37 Denver Rd, Lansdowne. For more info: 021 696 3220, info@thevineschool.org. za or thevineschool.org.za Water Babies open day If you are looking at joining their water babies eight-week programme, join an informal fun swim in their heated indoor pool to see if you and your baby will fit in. The open day is for parents, grannies or caretakers of babies 6–24 months old from 10am–12pm. Flippers Swim School is on 8 Oxford Rd in Observatory. Booking is essential. For more info: 083 747 9196 or info@flippersswimschool.co.za

gmail.com

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September 2016

magazine cape town

magazine cape town

September 2016

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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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September 2016

magazine cape town

family marketplace

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September 2016

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finishing touch

the day the tooth fairy came ANÉL LEWIS was confidently celebrating her children’s milestones, until one caught her

ilestones are super important when your children are babies, but once they can negotiate a few circuits around the lounge coffee table, as they master the art of walking, you start losing track of the developmental markers. I was so eager to record Erin’s firsts that I bought at least three different baby journals. It all started off well enough. I studiously recorded her height and weight at birth, her first smile and even the first time she rolled over. But somewhere between the sleepless nights and the unwashed laundry, I lost track of what was happening when, and now I have three baby books with two entries about Erin’s weight at six weeks and a piece of blonde hair stuck in with cellotape.

With Conor, who arrived just 16 months later, I did not even attempt to keep a record. Who would I be kidding?

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September 2016

It was a good day if I could wash enough bottles for both of them, never mind using my colour-coded glitter pens – bought so naively during the first trimester of my pregnancy with Erin – to record who had touched the black and white shapes on the playmat first.

You know that the months are flying by, and your children are growing up, but without the luxury of oodles of free time to fixate on the growth charts, it’s easy to overlook the maturation that is actually taking place. You find yourself in crisismanagement mode more often than not.

Developmental milestones get overtaken by the daily triumphs – “Oh look, Conor ate his pasta today”, or “Erin put her school takkies on the correct feet without any help”.

So, it was somewhat of a surprise when Erin approached me recently with a look of mild panic in her eyes and a small

Erin, Anél and Conor

white object in her hand. “Mom, I was eating a biscuit and then I saw this.” Craig looked over, and said: “It’s just a piece of coconut, throw it away.” Thank goodness I wanted to be an archaeologist in my past life. I scratched through the biscuit crumbs with an urgency that would have made Indiana Jones proud and realised the coconut chip had roots.

It was a tiny tooth.

And suddenly, it was as if I was standing in a wind tunnel and I could feel the years whooshing past me. We are in fact hurtling towards a whole new set of milestones. And I don’t know if I am quite ready yet to mark these. Erin seemed a bit shell-shocked as I explained that her tooth had fallen out. “I’m not even six yet, Mom,” she exclaimed proudly. Outwardly I smiled, but inside I was screaming: “I know, what’s happening?” I found myself in tears as I realised that we are about

to embark on a whole new set of firsts as Erin moves into the next phase of her life. Conor just wanted to know why there wasn’t more blood and would we need to call the fire department.

As we carefully tucked her first baby tooth under her pillow that night, I looked with pride at my girl with her gappy smile.

She’s growing up, and even though there probably won’t ever be time to update those baby books, my heart is full just knowing that I am able to be part of this journey with her. And, of course, that time has not dimmed my detection skills and that I can spot a baby tooth, even when it’s camouflaged as coconut.

Anél unfortunately lost Erin’s first tooth somewhere on the carpet, while “assisting” the tooth fairy. She’s since downloaded an online journal so that she can store photos of fallen teeth, and discreetly dispose of the real ones – coconut and all.

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: Susie Leblond Photography

m

completely unaware.