Child magazine | JHB September 2016

J O B U R G ’ S

b e s t

gu i d e

f o r

p a r e n t s

get out &

get active at home, at school & in the hood

www.childmag.co.za

September 2016

free

plus

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

health

heritage bake-off – super, simple cookies a spring calendar for adventure and activities in your city

education

entertainment

Hunter House P U B L I S H IN G

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

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Simone Jeffery • joburg@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 Kirsten Theron • jhbsales@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

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

Child magazine Online

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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

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please recycle

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 Jeanne Matthis warns of the dangers of mushrooms in our gardens

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

features

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

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

28 a good read for the whole family 30 what’s on in september

health

35 in the next issue 14 get moving Jessica Baxter looks at the importance of outdoor play and activities

38 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 36 it’s party time 37 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

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September 2016

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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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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

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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

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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

subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competitions.

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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

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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.

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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

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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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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.

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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.

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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

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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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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 joburg

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?

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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.”

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

school sport

reader’s blog

devil in disguise Mushrooms are a common sight in suburban South African gardens, but parents should be aware of which

PHOTOGRAPH AND ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

i

species are dangerous, warns JEANNE MATTHIS.

n early May, our one-year-old boy ate a mushroom in our garden. This mushroom was growing under our oak tree where we’d recently built a sandpit for him for his birthday. Luckily we are quite aware of the possible dangers of these fungi, and we immediately phoned the Poisons Information Centre at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town and sent them photos of the mushroom. It turned out to be a Death Cap mushroom or, amanita phalloides. It is one of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. Half a mushroom can kill an adult if ingested and untreated.

We rushed him to hospital and he was given activated charcoal every four hours for 16 hours and they kept him overnight where he was monitored throughout. We were incredibly lucky as he didn’t ingest any of the mushroom, but was just chewing on it. He remained asymptomatic, but as so little is known about this mushroom he needed blood tests for the next week to ensure that his body wasn’t being poisoned while being symptom free.

The normal progression of this mushroom’s poisoning, is that for six hours after ingestion, you are asymptomatic,

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but severe vomiting and diarrhoea follow this, which can last up to two days. This is followed by temporary recovery (usually two to four days), followed by a relapse. When you get sick again your liver and kidneys start to fail followed by multiple organ failure and even death. Most people who have survived this poisoning have needed a liver transplant.

Our primary reason for sending this information is to create awareness that there is something potentially deadly in our gardens and what to look out for. We’d also like to thank the Poisons Information Centre, who were absolutely brilliant in getting us the right information and who corresponded with our doctors.

This mushroom was growing under our oak tree where we’d recently built a sandpit.

The Poisons Information Centre: Helpline (24-hour service) 0861 555 777 poisonsinformation@uct.ac.za paediatrics.uct.ac.za/poisons-information-centre

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.

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19

book extract

cookie

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

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3 4 5

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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.

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

have a

In her new recipe book, The Cookie Jar,

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

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

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.

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book extract

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

✻✻ ✻✻ ✻✻ ✻✻

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

12 4 5 method

3

6

7

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.

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

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curried crackers Yield: 24 15 minutes

Preparation time: 20 minutes

ingredients ✻✻ 120g cake flour ✻✻ 1ml salt ✻✻ 10ml curry powder ✻✻ 1ml cayenne pepper

Baking time:

✻✻ 10ml ground coriander seeds ✻✻ 60ml water

method Sift together the flour, salt, curry powder, coriander and cayenne pepper. Work in the water with a palette knife, and then bring the dough together by hand.

Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface, then cover it with the upturned mixing bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes.

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

Roll the dough into a long log and cut it into about 24 pieces. Roll the pieces into little balls and then roll out the balls thinly on a floured surface.

Place the crackers on the lined baking trays and bake for about 15 minutes until crisp. Leave to cool on the trays before serving with a yoghurt and herb dip.

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about the book The Cookie Jar is a collection of 100 recipes for biscuits, cookies and rusks, written by Lisa Clark specifically for the home baker. The recipes have been thoroughly tried and tested and will please anyone who wants to bake their own biscuits for their cookie jar. Best of all, you don’t need to be an experienced baker to achieve success with these recipes. They are easy to follow and use everyday ingredients. The Cookie Jar will take you back to the days when baking was therapeutic and an important part of life. The book is also available in Afrikaans: Die Koekiefles. The book is published

by Penguin Random House South Africa and is available at a recommended retail price of R200.

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let’s get

out of town Whether your family loves gravel roads or farm routes, More Top MTB Trails by JACQUES 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 SIMONE JEFFERY golden gate highlands

I always end up pedalling the park rather than driving it in a vehicle.

Province Free State • Region Central • Closest town Clarens • Trail destination Golden Gate Highlands National Park

trail info Grading Easy Duration Around 2–3 hours in the saddle (49,8km) Configuration An out-and-back ride with two loop options into the park Start point In Clarens or at the park entrance Coordinates S28°30’12.0”; E28°36’33.0” Terrain Tarmac; dirt roads outside park in QwaQwa area Map Available at park reception Cell reception Full reception More info 058 255 1000 or sanparks.org

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route description Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the surrounding Maluti mountain ranges offer an extensive selection of mountain-biking options, although the roads inside the South African section of the park are all (rather sadly) tarmac.

This is one of those trails that I really debated before including it in the book, as it is not “proper” mountain biking. However, the flip side of it is that, when I get up to Golden Gate, I always end up pedalling the park rather than driving it in a vehicle. There are some good hill climbs along the relatively remote park roads, too, so you decide for yourself.

Get into tarmac cruise mode from Clarens, cranking along the R712 towards the Golden Gate Highlands National Park entrance (13,4km), and then turn right onto the Blesbok Loop after just 2km. This 7km one-way loop climbs steeply into eland country, boasting panoramic views and an inexhaustible supply of fresh air.

A skittish switchback downhill will zoom you back onto the R712, where you hit a sharp left almost immediately onto the extended Oribi Loop. Explore this bonus 4,2km circuit for a highlands crank amid zebra, wildebeest, mountain reedbuck and chacma baboon, to name but a few of the species. A speedy 22,5km cruise back into Clarens makes for a total riding distance just shy of 50km.

Beyond the perimeter of the actual Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the rough and ready gravel roads of the erstwhile QwaQwa tribal homeland, buck and slide along gnarly valleys and craggy horizons. There is a lot of potential riding here, but note that in some cases, access and/or permits need to be arranged beforehand with private landowners or the park authorities. Generally, people up here in the eastern Free State are so friendly and down-toearth that this process will be relatively painless.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: JACQUES MARAIS

resource

explore the surroundings Golden Gate Highlands National Park Several accommodation options exist within the reserve – Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets, self-catering wooden cabins at the Highlands Mountain Retreat, and self-catering rondavels and camping at The Glen Reenen Rest Camp.

Address R712, Clarens, Free State Contact 058 255 1000, goldengate@sanparks.org or Central Reservations: 012 428 9111, reservations@ sanparks.org or sanparks.org/parks/golden_gate The Clarens Country House Five en-suite, self-catering apartments within the village.

Address 213 The Clarens Golf Estate, Clarens Contact 082 449 2082 or clarensaccom@gmail.com Studio 28 Clarens Centrally located, self-catering apartments that cater to a maximum of four people.

Address cnr Larola St and Trans-Caledon St, Clarens Contact 079 873 1318, enquiries@studio28clarens.co.za or studio28clarens.co.za In and around Clarens Mountain bikers are able to ride the trails around the Clarens Village Nature Reserve, but must get a biking permit that is available from Clarens Xtreme.

Artichoke Restaurant They have a diverse menu, garden seating and great views, and they specialise in Italian food.

Address 1 Lake Clarens St, Clarens Contact 058 256 1283 Bon Appetit Deli and Bistro Enjoy their breakfasts, various teas, bistro fare and tapas, and be sure to try the croissants.

Address 222 Main St, Clarens Contact 079 873 1318 or Facebook: Bon Appetit Clarens

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The Lazy Gecko For soda floats and milkshakes. Also offers pancakes, waffles, breakfasts and light lunches.

Address 232 Main St, Clarens Contact 082 852 6151 Clarens Xtreme Offering abseiling, water rafting, quad biking, ziplining, archery, paint ball, putt-putt, cultural trails in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and a shuttle service to Afri Ski (two hours away) for an afternoon of skiing or snowboarding (in season).

Address 531 Sias Oosthuizen St, Clarens (at the entrance to the village) Contact 058 256 1260, 082 563 6242 or clarensxtreme.co.za Outrageous adventures Organises white-water rafting on the Ash River (grade 3 and 4 rapids), abseiling, hot air ballooning, fly fishing and quad-bike trails.

Contact 083 485 9654, kallie@outrageousadventures. co.za or outrageousadventures.co.za Lionsrock Lodge A big cat sanctuary in Bethlehem that provides a home to big cats that were kept in inadequate spaces. Offers game drives, quad bike rides, bird watching and hiking trails. Also offers accommodation, a play park, swimming pool and a reading corner with a variety of wilderness books.

Address The Farm Klein Bloemhof, Bethlehem (about one hour from Clarens and Golden Gate Highlands National Park) Contact 058 304 1691 or lodge@lionsrock.org Clarens Fishing Those interested in trout fishing can take along a rod and visit the well-stocked dam situated next to the Clarens Golf Estate, or pop into Sediba Lodge. Trout fishing permits can be obtained from the Pro Shop.

Contact 079 873 1318, 073 428 2478, info@clarensfishing. com or Facebook: Clarens Fishing Dinosaur Tour An easy and informative tour that departs from Clarens and takes approximately five hours. See

examples of fossils, dinosaur footprints and ancient leaf impressions.

Contact 083 469 4703 Bokpoort Cowboy Ranch The ranch offers a two-hour horseback outride into the mountains. The trail meanders past wildebeest and springbok, and across a stream, and is suitable for novice riders. They also offer clay pigeon shooting, archery, mountain bike trails (intermediate to advanced) and various accommodation options.

Contact 083 774 4245, rooshelena1@gmail.com or bokpoort.com

golden gate basics How to get there From Joburg or Durban, follow the N3 to Harrismith, then continue onto the N5 (Bethlehem) until you get to the left turn onto the R712. Travel towards Phuthaditjhaba, but bypass it until you enter the Golden Gate Highlands National Park at the checkpoint. All camps and the Golden Gate Hotel are clearly signposted along this route.

Best time of year Year-round, but this area may be extremely cold in winter.

Off the bike The national park offers everything, from game-viewing drives to horse trails, while Clarens and its surrounds brim with museums, cultural routes and a herbal plant trail

trail basics Entry requirements Regular park fees payable Facilities Full range of amenities at Golden Gate and in Clarens Beware of Wild animals that roam freely in the park, so please be vigilant on the roads. Also, sudden mists roll in across the mountains very quickly.

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resource

mankele Province Mpumalanga • Region Panorama and Lowveld • Closest town Mbombela • Trail destination Mankele Mountain Bike Park

trail info Grading Easy to extreme Duration Various; 45 minutes to eight hours Configuration Interlinked trail network Start point Trail Centre kiosk Coordinates S25°23’20.1”; E30°42’43.4” Terrain Dirt roads and jeep tracks, singletrack, drop-offs, switchbacks, wooden bridges and berms Map Available at reception and on website Cell reception Yes More info 078 801 0453 or mankele.co.za

route description Talk about legendary riding destinations, and Mankele is sure to surface during the conversation. This fantastically varied trail network is situated in indigenous forests blanketing the mountain ranges rising up near the Sudwala Caves. Their bike park perches on the banks of the Houtbosloop River, with everything from subtropical forest, open grasslands and dense kloofs to towering peaks. Any kind of riding is possible here at Mankele.

The beauty of Mankele is that the trail network is consistently being updated, with wooden boardwalks and bridges added at key points. These complement the natural trails and pathways, ensuring adrenaline-inducing riding with challenging ascents, downhill blasts, huge drops and super-smooth singletrack. Mankele rates as a training destination of choice for many of South Africa’s top riders, but there is something for everyone. Trails are well marked and colour-coded, with warning signs for technical or extreme obstacles (these will generally have “chicken run” detours).

Start with an easy pedal along the 5km Blue Route, a mix of flowing singletrack, bridges and jeep track perfect for beginners. Short but rewarding, this ride starts at reception and leads you out of the main gate, where the fun starts. Cross the bridge to drop in to the right onto an awesome stretch of singletrack following the river. Cross the watercourse after a kilometre or so, cranking into a short climb and then along flat jeep track back to the camp site. Continue to the Adventure Zone, up Mamba Koppie and back along the river to the start.

Or you can ride the infamous 55km Purple Route, but you’d better be prepared to climb. The first 15km is a non-stop climb, but there are magnificent views at the summit.

The descent is slick singletrack zigging through bush tunnels and huge hoicks, so get ready to adjust your view on hair-raising riding. Always scout the runs, and, if at all unsure, opt for the chicken run.

If this does not kick your adrenal glands into overdrive, there is always the utter mayhem of the 1,8km Downhill Run. This is reserved for full-on gravity riders, with a combo of sweeping switchbacks, drop-offs and rock gardens intent on ripping you off your bike. For the slightly less insane, the new 1,8km Black Route is special and very technical. Black Dot sections on most routes will spice things up, but don’t complain if you lose your teeth on these!

explore the surroundings Old Joe’s Kaia A cosy guest house offering rondavels, Kaia Rooms and log cabins. There is a swimming pool and a highly recommended vegan restaurant called The Seedling.

Address R539, off the N4, Mpumalanga (21 minutes from Mankele) Contact 083 229 3751, 072 261 3519, info@oldjoes.co.za or oldjoes.co.za Wolwekrans Eco Lodge A self-catering lodge in Schoemanskloof. The eco-friendly chalets are powered by solar panels. Each chalet has a private patio, fully-equipped kitchen, private boma and beautiful views of the Schoeman Mountains.

Address Portion 6 and 7 Schoemanskloof, Mpumalanga Contact 074 851 3217, bookings@wolwekrans.com or wolwekrans.com Zebrina Guest House A family-run guest house in Nelspruit with four-star graded rooms and two family suites. They have two swimming pools and outside barbeque facilities.

Address 3 Zebrina Crescent, West Acres, Mbombela Contact 013 741 2188, 079 958 1381, info@zebrina.co.za or zebrina.co.za

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Mankele Bike Park They offer MTB and helmet hire if you don’t have your own.

Shangana Cultural Village Share in the way of life of the Shangaan people.

You can shop for local crafts at the Marula Market, go on a guided tour of the village with interactive drumming, or enjoy a traditional meal in the Chief’s Kraal for lunch or dinner, complete with singing and dancing.

Address Graskop Rd, Hazyview Contact 013 737 5804/5, reservations@shangana.co.za or shangana.co.za Deck Restaurant at African Silks The restaurant serves all-day breakfasts, light meals, cakes, milkshakes and homemade ginger beer. You can also take a tour of the only commercial silkworm farm in Africa and see how silkworm farming is done. They also offer various accommodation options.

Address Africa Silks Farm, Graskop Contact 013 767 1950 or africasilksfarm@gmail.com Farm Stall at Halls Pop in for breakfast and to shop for fresh produce, handcrafted gifts and preserves.

Address Halls Gateway, N4 Mataffin, Nelspruit Contact 013 752 2142 or thefarmstall.net Elephant Sanctuary For a memorable, interactive experience and elephant back riding. Age restrictions apply.

Address R536, next to the Casa Do Sol Hotel, between Sabie and Hazyview Contact 013 737 6609, 079 624 9436, hazyview@elephantsanctuary.co.za or elephantsanctuary.co.za Induna Adventures An adventure centre that offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, abseiling, quad bikes, horse trails, ziplines and paintball.

Address Brandwag Farm, Sabie Rd R536, Hazyview Contact 013 492 0071, info@indunaadventures.com or indunaadventures.com Long Tom Toboggan at Misty Mountain An exhilarating 1,7km toboggan rail through flowers and forests. Booking essential. Misty Mountain also offers accommodation, 15kms of hiking trails and a restaurant.

Address Misty Mountain, off the R37 Long Tom Pass (towards Lydenburg) Contact 013 764 3377, ride@longtomtoboggan.co.za or Facebook: Long Tom Toboggan Croc Grove Crocodile Farm Learn about the Nile Crocodile while on a guided tour and during the daily feeding show.

Address R539 N4 Schoemanskloof Contact 072 658 7395 or Facebook: Croc Grove Game drives Malelane and Numbi gates to the Kruger National Park are within close proximity of Mankele (about an hour and 10 minutes). Various accommodation options are also available.

Address take the N4 through Mbombela. Continue with the N4 to reach the Malelane Gate, or take the R538 towards the Numbi Gate.

Contact 0800 000 629, bookings@krugerpark.com or krugerpark.com Sudwala Caves The caves formed 2 000 million years ago and have a number of interesting formations to see, such as the Lowveld Rocket, Samson’s Pillar and the Screaming Monster. Also visit the Sudwala Dinosaur Park.

Address off the R539 Contact 083 446 0228, info@sudwalacaves.co.za or sudwalacaves.com

mankele basics How to get there Leave the N4 at the Sudwala Caves (Sabie) off-ramp and travel 6km towards Sabie on the R539. The entry to Mankele will be on your right.

Best time of year Year-round destination; summer riding can be a hot, dusty and sweaty business.

Off the bike Mankele boasts breathtaking hikes and trail-run routes, with a wealth of animals and birdlife. If you feel like a chilled afternoon, go bass fishing or river tubing, or relax around the pool and braai area.

trail basics Entry requirements Entry fee per bike; open seven days a week Facilities Coffee shop, swimming pool, ablutions, camp site and log cabins Beware of Snakes, ticks, speeding gravity riders, sunburn More information Mankele hosts events such as the Isuzu 3 Towers, Mankele Avalanche and XC & Downhill Nationals

More Top MTB Trails: Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West is available at mapstudio.co.za and book stores nationwide.

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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 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.

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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, parent-approved story uses an innovative technique that brings a calm end to any child’s day.

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for early graders Timothy’s Tomatoes

By Cath Alexander and Colleen Brice

for pre-teens and teens The Creature Department

By Robert Paul Weston

(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

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(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.

parenting The Journey of the Heroic Parent

By Brad M. Reedy

for us Beat the Bloat

By Claire Young

(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.

(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.

September 2016

29

what’s on in

september

Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

More than just a Shoebox The pledging of boxes for the Santa Shoebox Project has

Access an extended calendar online at

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

Casual Day Dress differently for a day to raise funds and awareness

opened. Your shoebox filled with new and age-appropriate

of people with disabilities. This year’s theme is

items will make a little heart happy this Christmas.

“Up Your Game”. Stickers are available at Edgars,

Now in its 10th year, the project not only gifts children

Jet, Boardmans, CNA, Red Square, JetMart, Legit,

with a personalised shoebox filled with daily necessities, but also instils a sense of self-worth. For more info: santashoebox.org.za

Aqua Park launch Join StokeCity Wake Park in Randjiesfontein in Midrand

Absa, Game, Dion Wired and Shoprite Checkers stores nationwide for R10 per sticker. Contact: 011 609 7006 or casualday.co.za

2

for the launch of their Aqua Park – a floating obstacle course with a series of inflatable slides, runways,

Alberts Farm Spring Fair An annual community fair with market stalls, art and crafts, second-hand books, bric-à-brac, live entertainment and fun children’s activities such as pony rides and fire engine displays. The fair is held at Alberts Farm on 6th Rd West, Greymont from 9am–2pm. Contact Nina 083 583 5383 or nina@outofthebox.org.za

30

September 2016

jumping pillows and bouncers all floating in a large lake.

3

Children must be able to swim unaided. Everyone must wear a life jacket, provided on-site if needed. Entrance is R40 park entry (free for children under 8 years old) and R150 for a 50-minute Aqua Park session. For more info: 011 314 3589, info@stokecity.co.za, stokecity. co.za or Facebook: Stoke City Wake Park

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

calendar

3

Waterstone College Family Festival

A fun-filled festival with live entertainment from Mi Casa, Saarkie and other popular up-and-coming DJs, a beer tent, entertainment for children and a mini-market.

Doors open at 12pm and Mi Casa is on stage at 7pm.

Waterstone College is situated on Main Service Rd (just off Swartkoppies Rd), Kibler Park. Contact 011 943 2682 or shandene.h@curro.co.za

3

Bubbalove Superhero open day

A fun family day with prizes for the best dressed superhero, children’s activities, food and drinks,

Tickey Afternoon Bryanston Primary School’s industrious Grade

Magalieseburg Express

7s have organised a mini-fête filled with carnival

Enjoy a family day out on a steam

games, inflatables and food stalls. Every year the Grade

train trip to Magaliesburg and

7s undertake this fundraising activity and in the process

enjoy a picnic at Sleepy River

learn co-operation, compromise, planning, how to run

Bungalows. The steam train departs

and you can find out more about what is on offer

meetings, note taking and basic economic skills. The fête

for Magaliesburg from Park Station

at Bubbalove. The mother and child centre is open

runs from 11am–4pm on the Hedding Field at Bryanston

in Joburg at 8:30am, also on 24 September. Tickets cost

from 10am–2pm and is situated at 29B Whittakers

Primary School, 13 Mount St, Bryanston. Entrance is free.

R250 per adult and R200 per child older than 4; children

Way, Bedfordview. Contact info@bubbalove.co.za

Contact 011 706 1263, shalinil@bryanstonprimary.co.za

under 4 years old are free. Contact bookings@

or bubbalove.co.za

or bryanstonprimary.co.za

reefsteamers.com or reefsteamers.com

3

trained staff, children 3–12 years old are able to cut,

Spring art and yoga Workshop

chop and cook to their heart’s delight. They will be

A parent and child workshop is held at

cooking a lemon chicken and tumeric rice with yellow

the Expressions Centre, Norfolk Rd, Carlswald

peppers and pineapple, and a caramelised banana

from 2pm–5pm. It includes a 45-minute yoga session

tart. Bookings essential. The class takes place from

followed by a 90–minute art class and is suitable for

9am–12pm, also 17 September, at 64 Ballyclare Dr,

children 6 years old and older. The workshop costs R350

Bryanston. The class costs R300 per child. Contact Petra:

per parent/child pair, and R100 for each additional child.

011 463 5282, 082 940 6108, petra@kidchenconcepts.

Contact 082 402 8169, carla@expressionsinfocus.co.za

co.za or visit kidchenconcepts.co.za

or expressionsinfocus.co.za

3

Sandspruit river trail

Enjoy the first days of spring on this secured and well-tended section of the Sandspruit River. The gates are open from 10am–5pm (also 4 September) and you can take a walk, or relax with a picnic.

Boerewors rolls and refreshments are available or take a picnic. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Accessible from 1st Ave, Rivonia (from Kelvin Dr turn into Stighling Rd. It’s R30 entry for adults, children under 12 years old free. Contact 082 689 0930 or gardensofthegoldencity.co.za

magazine joburg

Kidchen Concepts Cooking classes Under the guidance of and with assistance from,

3

September 2016

31

8

calendar

5

National Book Week

Take the time to enjoy reading this week and encourage your children to do the same. Reading statistics report that only 14% of the South African population are active book readers. International Literacy Day also falls on 8 September. The story time at Parkview Library at 51 Athlone Ave takes place every Monday at 10am for children under 3 years old, and from 3:30pm–4:30pm for children 3 years old and older. Contact Parkview Library: 011 646 3375 and for more info on National Book Week: Facebook: National Book Week SA

9

Bennie’s Big Bash St Benedict’s College in Bedfordview is throwing a party from 6pm–11pm, which features TiMO ODV, Goodluck and Kyle Watson with supporting acts such as youth DJs and bands. There are food and drink stalls, a cash bar for over 18s and secure parking facilities available. Suitable for teenagers 13 years old and older. Tickets cost R110– R160. Contact 011 455 1906, marketing@stbenedicts. co.za or stbenedicts.co.za

10

Parkview Junior School garden fun day

A family fun day is held at Parkview Junior School from 10am–4pm, with a range of craft stalls, and garden crafts and garden plants for sale. Also enjoy children’s rides and live entertainment. Entrance

The Learning Point High School Exhibition Discover which high school would best suit your child during the exhibition held at Montrose Primary School, 91 12th St, Parkmore. From 1:30pm–5pm, you can spend one-on-one time with each institution

is R30 for adults and R10 for

and make an informed decision about your child’s

children. Contact 084 990 4611

future education. Contact: 061 296 4141, natasha@

or parkviewjunior.co.za

The South African national polo team takes on Uruguay, who last toured South Africa in 1989, taking the series.

Advanced bookings essential. The test is at Waterfall Polo Estate in Midrand from 10am–5pm. General entry is R250; children under 12 years old are free. Tickets are available online through iTickets and not on the day. Contact: 031

14 16

12

Wear

A MTB skills clinic to get junior off to a great start by

your

Tube

of

Hope

(TOPE)

to show your support for The Sunflower

giving the gift of skill, confidence and a grounding in

for the bike they’re on. For 4–12 year olds (must be off

International Polo Series 2016

Sunflower Day

Like2Bike Fundamentals MTB skills course

bicycle control and hopefully respect and appreciation

BMW

303 3903 or sapolo.co.za

thelearningpoint.co.za or thelearningpoint.co.za

cycling safety. This clinic is aimed at entrenching safety,

11

Fund. Schools with the greatest spirit on Whether bullied or the bully, bullying is a problem that affects us all. Parents can attend an informative

Sunflower Day stand to win prizes. TOPEs are

workshop facilitated by clinical psychologist Joanna

available from Pick n Pay stores nationwide at

training wheels). The clinic is from 8am–10am at PWC

Kleovoulou at 9am–11am or 7pm–9pm, at PsychMatters

Bike Park, 1A Libertas Rd, Bryanston, and costs R275,

a cost of R25 for adults and R20 for children.

Centre in Bedfordview. Booking essential. The workshop

only pre-entries allowed. Contact Kirsty: 083 326 6721,

costs R400 per person. Contact 011 450 3576, info@

kirsty@like2bike.co.za or visit like2bike.co.za

psychmatters.co.za or psychmatters.co.za

or sunflowerfund.org.za

St Andrew’s School for Girls Spring Expo

Rock-a-Baby

The expo has over 100 stalls and a fun park for

Discover baby goods and enjoy something to eat. Gathered

17

WAM family talkabout

Families are invited to take part in fun art activities in the current exhibition. The current exhibition is Walter Battiss: “I Invented Myself” The Jack Ginsberg Collection. Space is

Contact The Sunflower Fund: 0800 121 082

A baby fair showcasing the finest mom and baby goods.

the children. Children’s activities include 25 different rainbow inflatables, the ever-popular House of Horrors

under one roof are luxurious pyjamas, handmade dolls

and a new toddlers’ play area. There is also a food

and party accessories, heirloom blankets, clothing, nursery

limited to 30 families on a first-come, first-served basis.

court. The expo runs from 9am–4pm at St Andrew’s

furniture and maternity wear. The fair is at the Tin Factory,

The talkabout is from 12pm–1pm at the Wits Art Museum,

School for Girls, St Andrew’s Ave, Senderwood. Tickets

20 Archimedes St, Kramerville, Sandton from 9am–4pm on

cnr Bertha St (ext. of Jan Smuts Ave) and Jorissen St, Braamfontein. For more info: 011 717 1365, info.wam@

cost R20 for adults; children under 18 years old are free.

Contact 011 453 9408, springexpo@standrews. co.za or standrews.co.za

wits.ac.za or wits.ac.za/wam

Spruit Day 2016 Communities surrounding the Braamfontein spruit are conducting a clean-up of the river and its banks.

The focus this year is on restoration and improvement. There are several activities organised throughout the day. The Braamfontein spruit stretches from Greymont through to Sunninghill.

For more info on the activities taking place: Facebook: Spruit Day

Functional solutions for ADHD

17

17

aspects,

from

a

psychological

R50 and are available at the door or through Webtickets. For more info: rockababy.co.za

Kinder Theatre: Dream Big

and Granny Susan Incredible

A comprehensive conference on ADHD looking at all

Saturday and 9am–2pm on Sunday. Tickets cost

perspective

Kinderspiel presents Dream Big at 10am. The play tells the story of Ntombi, a girl who wants to audition for Peter Pan, but she is rejected because she is brown and

as well the medical and biological aspects. The

a girl. It’s at 10am, then at 3:30pm on 27 September. At

conference is at the Nedbank Head Office

10am on 1 October they present Granny Susan Incredible.

Conference Centre in Sandton from 17–18

Granny Susan solves children’s problems in a very unique

September, 8:30am–1pm. Tickets cost R750.

and funny way. Booking essential. Shows are suitable for

Contact ADHASA: 011 888 7655, info@adhasa.

co.za or adhasa.co.za (National ADHD Day falls on

3 years old and older and cost R55. See the shows at 39A Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia. Contact 011 646 0870 or kinderspiel.co.za

14 September)

32

September 2016

magazine joburg

Joburg Ballet’s open day: Cinderella

17 Easy Baby Seminar

Painting music The curators of the Henry George Gallery are hosting this

Get a peek behind the scenes as the Joburg Ballet

workshop created by the renowned Hervé Tullet. Artists

An informative seminar for new parents is held at Let’s

and aspiring artists gather outside the gallery in Parkhurst,

Meat in Bel Air Shopping Centre in North Riding from

prepares to perform Cinderella. The ultimate rags-

next to big sheets of paper from 10am–11am. When the

9:30am–12:30pm. Samantha Crompton is talking about

to-riches tale is staged at the Joburg Theatre from

music plays, with a cup of paint in hand, they’ll begin to

30 September–9 October and costs between R90–

free-paint. Booking essential. The workshop is suitable for

R450. The open day is from 10am–1pm at the Joburg

adults and children 3 years old and older and costs

Ballet Studios at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein and costs R100. Contact 011 877 6898 or edgar@ joburgballet.com

17

routine. Booking essential. Tickets cost R350 per person,

079 887 9512, mandy@henrygeorge.

includes breakfast and a goodie bag. Contact 082 494

co.za or henrygeorgegallery.co.za

20

change the lives of children with cancer. There is a 1km, 10km, 25km and 55km route and all proceeds go

Join Joburg Child Welfare and the likes of Mark Banks,

2903 or samanthacrompton243@gmail.com

Little Maestros Classical Concerts

Enjoy a mountain bike ride at Northern Farm and help

22

and burping, and Una Van Staden looks at sleep and

R100 per person to cover materials. Contact

Believe Project MTB race

Are you Kidding Me? comedy fundraiser

breastfeeding, Dr Michael Marinus discusses winding

A relaxed environment where little ears (0–6 year olds) learn through Mozart, Bach and well-known nursery rhymes. September’s theme is Swan Lake and children will be introduced to the flute. The concert is from 3pm–4pm

towards Choc, the Childhood Cancer Foundation South

at St Columba’s Church, 45 Lurgan Rd, Parkview, and

Africa. Food and drinks are on sale. Gates open

on 24 September at 10am–11am at Skoobs Theatre of

at 6:30am for registration and the races

Books in Montecasino. Tickets cost R100 for adults, R20

start at 8am. Tickets cost R20–R220.

for children, family package (2 adults + 2 children) R200.

Contact 073 879 2151, 082 575

Tickets are available online through Quicket or contact

0100, believeproject1@gmail.com or

Magdalene: 076 835 6561, music@littlemaestros.org or

believeproject.co.za

littlemaestros.org

Sacred Heart Music Festival

23

Take along a picnic basket to Sacred Heart College

Spirit of Spring Festival

in Observatory and celebrate Heritage Day with

Biderman-Pam, Robby Collins, Nina

At Montecasino’s spring festival you can enjoy light

a music concert featuring Lira, BET award winner

Hasie, DJ Tinkz and John Vlismas for

and tasty meals, indulge in a spot of spring-themed

their annual comedy fundraiser held

shopping and be entertained with interactive

at the Barnyard Theatre in Rivonia.

workshops. Also catch the JJ Schoeman Fashion Show,

Arrive 6:30pm for 7:30pm. PG18.

live music acts and a jam-packed entertainment

Deep Fried Man, Alfred Adriaan, Glen

Tickets cost R140. Contact 011 298 8567, events@jhbchildwelfare.org.za or jhbchildwelfare.org.za

line-up for children in the outdoor piazza. The festival runs until 25 September. For more info:

Black Coffee, After Robot, high school jazz bands and some of Joburg’s finest DJs. There is a family cycle ride starting at 9:30am and a children’s entertainment area with childminders present. The gates for the festival open at 12pm. Tickets cost R180 at the gate;

montecasino.co.za or Facebook: Montecasino

children 2–6 years old R60 (includes some rides).

Expectant parents seminar

Vic’s Magic Theatre presents

Contact 011 081 2200, marketing@sacredheart.co.za

An informative seminar for parents of multiples is taking

Wacky Wizard

or sacredheartfestival.co.za

place at Bubbalove, 29 Whittakers Way, Bedfordview.

The seminar starts at 8am with talks covering kangaroo care, breastfeeding, safe sleeping and

A comedy magic show filled with audience participation and tons of laughs is staged at the NG Kerk, 44 5th

baby massage. Seats are limited.

St, Linden. The show is suitable for 3 year olds and

Booking essential. Tickets cost

older. Doors open at 9am and the show runs from

R350, includes tea/coffee and snacks. Contact 076 831 8419 or marionsmith@telkomsa.net

24

10:15am–11am. Tickets cost R60 per person and they are available through Webtickets or at the door. For more info: 082 420 6414

National Cupcake Day

Braai Day at The Glen

24

Shopping Centre

Every year, Cupcakes of Hope celebrates

To celebrate Heritage Day there are food and craft stalls

National Cupcake Day to raise funds and create awareness

on the rooftop parking of The Glen Shopping Centre

of childhood cancer. You can support the cause by

in Oakdene, as well as a Harley Davidson and motor

making a donation (R10) in exchange for a cupcake at a participating mall, holding a Party of Hope at your school or office, baking and donating cupcakes, or by becoming

vehicle display, children’s rides, a play area and live entertainment. The festivities take place from 11am–8pm.

magazine joburg

Nature enthusiast Grant Egen will show you how to catch butterflies from 10am–12pm at Kloofendal Nature

Reserve

in

Roodepoort. The butterflies will all be released, safe and sound, at the end of the walk. Nets and collection jars will be supplied by

Braai packs are on sale. Contact 011 435 9252, dean@

FroK. Bookings essential. The walk costs R60 per adult, R50

theglenshopping.co.za or theglenshopping.co.za

per pensioner and R40 per child. To book, contact Karin

a Cupcake Angel and volunteering your time. For more info: cupcakesofhope.org

Butterfly Walk

079 693 5608 September 2016

33

calendar

25

D’Vine Festival

Food and wine lovers have access

24

The Sunflower Fund fun walk

A 5km fun walk inside the Joburg Zoo in aid of the Sunflower Fund kicks off at 8am. The Sunflower Fund is dedicated to creating awareness, educating the public and increasing the number of donors listed on the South African Bone Marrow Registry. Tickets cost R80; R40 for children under 10 years old. Contact 011 781 4200, takalani@sunflowerfund.org.za or sunflowerfund.org.za

27 Pippi Longstocking The National Children’s Theatre in Parktown presents Pippi Longstocking, on stage until 16 October. The play tells the story of a freckle-faced, red-haired girl who doesn’t go to school, nobody tells her when to go to bed, she carries a suitcase full of gold and lives with a horse and a pet monkey. Performances are at 10:30am

to a range of quality wine estates, cheese and olive merchants, sparkling wine offerings and a variety of good food stalls, while being entertained by live music. Children’s

markets In The Forest Folk Market On 3 September,

entertainment on the day includes putt-putt,

10am–6pm at In The Forest Venue, 2 Aloe

go-karting, jumping castles and face painting.

Ridge Dr, cnr R82 Old Vereeniging Rd,

The festival is from 10am–6pm at Huddle Park

Walkerville. There is an entrance fee of R20

Golf and Recreation, 121 Club St, Linksfield.

for adults, children who fit under the giant

Tickets cost R140 for adults and R60 for

mushroom are free. Contact 084 414 3917,

children. For more info: dvinefestival.co.za

linda@intheforest.co.za or intheforest.co.za

30

The Linden Market and Champagne Lane

Symphony Wine Festival

Visitors can savour, sample and shop

from a wide range of exhibitors as

A pop-up market on 3 September, 9am–5pm at Hoërskool Linden, cnr 6th St and 3rd Ave, Linden. There is an entrance fee of R10 per

the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra

person. Contact: thelindenmarket@gmail.com

plays renditions of popular music,

or thelindenmarket.com

where

The Stall Night Market

“Classic

meets

Pop”.

The

festival takes place at the Montecasino

5pm–9pm

on

15

September

at

From Cedar

and 2:30pm Monday–Saturday during the government

Outdoor events area until 2 October,

school term and Tuesday–Sunday during government

from 5pm–10pm Friday, 12pm–10pm

school holidays. Booking essential. Tickets cost R110 for

Saturday

Sunday.

Uranium Rd, Fourways. Entry is free. Contact

adults and R90 for children. For bookings: 011 484 1584,

Tickets cost R140 and includes a glass

011 465 0910 or Facebook: Cedar Square

bookings@nctt.org.za or nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za

of wine. Book through iTickets.

Shopping Centre

and

12pm–5pm

open days ClevaMe Academy open day Parents of children from 3 months–Grade 00 can visit the academy on 3 September to learn more about the baby centre and preprimary school.

Find out more about the brain development programme and curriculum. The academy is sugar free and they will discuss meal plans on the day. The open day is from 10am–12pm at 279 Harley Rd, Blackheath. Contact 079 899 2456, marlize@clevame.co.za or clevame.co.za Knights Preparatory School Visit the school on 16 and 30 September at 9am.

The preschool offers Grades 000–R and the preparatory school offers Grades 1–7. The school is situated on Milner Rd, cnr Nerina, Kensington B, Ferndale. Contact 011 789 6778 or knightsprep.co.za Littlehill Montessori open day Take a tour of this preschool that caters to children from 18 months–6 year olds. The open day is on 17 September from 10am–2pm at 21 Hofmeyer Dr, Emmarentia. Contact 061 164 7578, 071 609 0289, info@littlehill.co.za or littlehill.co.za PLG Allen View Academy open days Parents of learners from Grade RRR–7 can find out more about the academy that is opening its doors in January 2017 on 10 and 24 September, 10am–12pm. The school is situated at 1014 Landhuis St, Allens Nek. Contact 073 298 0125, allensview@ plgschools.co.za or plgschools.co.za PLG Willow View Academy open day Parents of learners from Grade RRR to high

school can attend an enrolment presentation.

It’s on 6 September at 6pm. The school is situated at 31R First Rd, Bredell, Kempton Park.

Contact 011 565 6600, admin@plgschools. co.za or plgschools.co.za Sandhurst Pre- and Preparatory College open day and Amazing Race View what the school has on offer and all interested families (learners Grade 00–4) can participate in an Amazing Race. The open day is on 1 October from 8:30am–12pm and the race is from 9am–11am. Sandhurst Pre- and Preparatory College is at 4 Pamela Place, Glenadrienne.

Enter a team for the Amazing Race before 23 September. Contact: 011 784 0452/3/4, stepping@mweb.co.za or sandhurstprep. co.za St Andrew’s School for Girls open day This independent, girls-only day and boarding school and co-educational preschool is opening its doors for interested parents to find out more. Pop into the preschool (for children from 3 months old) on 30 September between 9am–11:30am, the junior school between 9am–12pm, and the senior school can be viewed between 12pm–3pm. The preschool is situated off Johnson Rd, the Junior School is off Milner Ave, and the Senior School is off St Andrews Ave, Senderwood, Bedfordview.

Contact: 011 453 9408/9, drossouw@ standrews.co.za or standrews.co.za

Square Shopping Centre, cnr Cedar Rd and

holiday activities

Expressions Centre winter holiday fun Children 4 years old and older can enjoy a variety of creative and

craft

activities

as

well

as

fun

physical

games, challenges and a science fare. The camp is at the Expressions Centre in Carlswald from 10 August–5 September and 26 September–7 October, 8am–4:30pm (half day until 1:30pm) Monday–Friday. The programme costs R200 for half day and R260 for a full day. Contact 082

402

8169,

carla@expressionsinfocus.co.za

or

expressionsinfocus.co.za

Little Cooks Club On 1 September, little chefs 11– 15 years old make potato tart with ham, artichokes and mushrooms, and a lemon meringue pie from scratch. It’s from 9:30am–12:30pm in Sunninghill, and costs R270 per child. Contact 076 944 2939, tamsynw@littlecooksclub. co.za or littlecooksclub.co.za

Sherpa Kids Holiday Care With over 90 themes and 1 000 structured activities, including sport, crafts, music, games, drama and experiments, children 4–12 years old can enjoy a fun-filled, activity-themed camp from 30 September–7 October. The camp takes place from 7am– 6pm in Bramley, Cresta, Ferndale, Maboneng, Midrand and Rynfield and costs R150 a day (for five or more days) and R175 a day (for less than five days). Includes cereal, midmorning and mid-afternoon snacks and lunch. For more info: 011 794 4679 or sherpakids.co.za

34

September 2016

magazine joburg

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

baby’s first 100 days

Megan Hancock Photography meganhancockphotography.co.za

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: (011) 807 6449 or email: jhbsales@childmag.co.za Booking deadline: 31 August | Material deadline: 1 September

magazine joburg

September 2016

35

it’s party time

For more help planning your child’s party visit

childmag.co.za/ resources/birthday-parties

36

September 2016

magazine joburg

family marketplace

magazine joburg

September 2016

37

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?

38

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 joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: Susie Leblond Photography

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completely unaware.