free
Cape Town’s
APRIL 2010 Issue 69
Circulation 40 162
C a p e
To w n ’ s
b e s t
g u i d e
f o r
pa r e n t s
www.childmag.co.za
cancer jab
will you immunise your children?
31ways to love the planet
wriggly worms
you want in your kitchen
health
going to ground with simple living
& wellness health
education
entertainment
Since July last year we’ve been living in rented accommodation… …while our house is renovated. The thing I miss most about our home is our vegetable patch. Perhaps I’m a country girl at heart but, somehow, as soon as you have lettuce, gooseberries and baby tomatoes sprouting in your garden, it feels like home. Plus healthy eating seems so much more appealing when you’re tucking into the fruits of your very own soil. We’d send our girls off to choose veg for supper and they’d devour rocket and spinach almost as if it were pancakes. It’s not that they’re natural lovers of greens – storebought vegetables somehow don’t get the same reception, no matter how fresh they are. There’s just something appealing about eating what you’ve grown. As soon as the builders are finished (which is soon, I hope), we’ll be getting stuck into restocking and tending our veggie patch – I can’t wait. The other thing I’m looking forward to is starting a worm farm (see page 32 for inspiration). Although we’ve been recycling for some years now, we haven’t quite got round to running a worm farm. Turning kitchen scraps into super food for our veg garden is our next step in being friendlier to the environment. Here’s to a healthy 2010, for you and your family and, as we all do our bit, the planet.
Hunter House PUB L IS H ING
Publisher Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za
Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Elaine Eksteen • elaine@childmag.co.za Calendar Editor Lucille Kemp • lucille@childmag.co.za
monthly circulation Cape Town’s ChildTM 40 162 Joburg’s ChildTM 40 135 Durban’s ChildTM 35 019
to advertise Tel: 021 465 6093 • Fax: 021 462 2680 Email: ctsales@childmag.co.za Website: childmag.co.za
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Art Designers Mariette Barkhuizen • mariette@childmag.co.za Nikki-leigh Piper • nikki@childmag.co.za
Advertising Director Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za
Client Relations Client Relations Manager Michele Jones • michele@childmag.co.za Client Relations Consultants Taryn Copeman • taryn@childmag.co.za Lisa Waterloo • capetown@childmag.co.za
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Cape Town’s
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Cape Town’s ChildTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 7, Canterbury Studios, cnr Wesley and Canterbury Streets, Gardens, Cape Town. Tel: 021 465 6093, fax: 021 462 2680, email: capetown@childmag.co.za. Annual subscriptions (for 11 issues) cost R165, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by Paarl Web. Copyright subsists in all work published in Cape Town’s ChildTM. We welcome submissions but retain the unrestricted right to change any received copy. We are under no obligation to return unsolicited copy. The magazine, or part thereof, may not be reproduced or adapted without the prior written permission of the publisher. We take care to ensure our articles are accurate and balanced but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage that may arise from reading them.
April 2010
contents
april 2010
upfront 3
a note from lisa
6
ver to you o readers respond
26 health herbal tea can be as good for your health as it is refreshing 30 r eader’s blog stay-at-home mom Leonora Found takes a well-deserved break, but struggles to check out of mother mode
features 14 l ittle litterbugs you’ll turn your child into a responsible citizen if you teach them not to litter, says Laura Twiggs
32 r esource: going green we tell you how to build a worm farm, how to economise your home, where to drop off your recycling and who will pick it up for you
18 m oving on out Donna Cobban chats to two families who have traded city lights for a peaceful life in the country 22 life saver or lifestyle changer t he vaccine for cervical cancer has caused a heated debate. Donna Cobban investigates 27 living proof L ucille Kemp finds out about the benefits of Pilates for pregnant women
regulars
32 37 a good read new books for the whole family to get stuck into 40 what’s on in april
8
wins
10 u pfront with paul Paul Kerton ponders the perfect age difference between siblings
50 l ast laugh for the first time, both Sam Wilson and her husband have full-time office jobs – and she is somewhat petrified
11 h ealth when buying a drinking cup for your toddler, it pays to read the fine print, says Elaine Eksteen
classified ads
12 d ealing with difference Marina Zietsman looks at Asperger’s syndrome
47 it’s party time
42 family marketplace
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this month’s cover images are supplied by:
KIIDS BOUTIQUE 021 762 8935
April 2010
thinkstockphotos.com
thinkstockphotos.com
Cape Town’s
Cape Town’s
April 2010
letters
over to you February 2010). We really have to take control of our own lives. Many times we stray from our callings when trying to fit into the roles prescribed to us. Being a good mom does mean taking care of our own needs first and foremost. It is a great relief to shed the burden of guilt. Reshma Khan
fond memories A friend recently sent me the article that you published in Child Magazine “what my teachers taught me” by Donna Cobban (February 2010). It was about her primary school years and what she learnt there. As I am the Mrs Hounsell she wrote about in that article, I would love to contact her again and say “Thank you for the pat on the back”. Teachers don’t get them too often, and I was thrilled to read her article. In fact, I remember Donna well and still have photos of her, and of that fair she mentioned. I am also in contact with a few of the people she will remember from that class.
thanks for a great magazine I picked up the February issue of Child Magazine thinking it was an advertising brochure. I was pleasantly surprised at how informative it is. Apart from the very useful articles, the details of the advertising companies are also very helpful. I am now going to contact a
April 2010
What a small world it is! My friend read your magazine in Edinburgh and sent the article on to me in Australia! You are obviously doing a great job there. Olga Hounsell, Perth
company that specialises in yoga for children as well as one for art classes. I’ve also decided to visit a lot of the places mentioned in your “what’s on” section. I have been looking for exactly this kind of information, and your magazine is the answer to a prayer. I want to add: I totally agree with Maritza van den Heuvel (“over to you”,
I’d like to let you know how much I enjoy each edition of Child Magazine that’s sent home from school with my daughter. The articles are relevant and well written and even the advertising is useful – the advertisers represent vendors and services that are helpful to me as a mom. I went on to your website in the hopes of downloading an electronic copy of the magazine to send to some of my friends and relatives whose children’s schools are not in your distribution chain. Could you consider this option for the near future? It would allow the magazine to reach a wider audience at no extra cost and would enable readers to access back copies for reference purposes. Dominique Bolligelo-Smith [We are currently working on our new website, which will be filled with helpful resources. Watch this space.]
Cape Town’s
Child Magazine is one of the items I cannot go without. The articles are informative, relevant and to the point. As a working mom and student, I enjoy having a magazine I consider to be “on the go” – it’s a great help. As a result of your approach, my husband also finds the magazine a worthwhile read. I am grateful for the interesting discussions on parenting it leads to. Well done to the team. Marcia Arthur-Neveling I got my “paws” onto a copy of Child Magazine for the first time recently and can’t believe what I have been missing out on. What a magazine! Arno
what’s normal sleep behaviour for a toddler? My 20-month-old son has never been a great sleeper. Naturally, as a mom, I started becoming concerned when he still woke up on nights that he wasn’t teething or sick. Let’s be honest, getting up every two hours when your child is no longer a tiny baby becomes annoying rather quickly, especially when every mother you meet is telling you how their little angel is sleeping through the night, and has been since they were three months old!
Cape Town’s
My son has struggled with breathing at night for as long as I can remember and, after going through all of the obvious things like “he must be coming down with a cold” or “maybe he’s teething again”, I started thinking perhaps it was something a little more serious… and so began my investigation. We went through the whole allergy testing rigmarole, which let me tell you is not something any mother wants to subject their child to. (Imagine trying to hold down a 16-month-old while some stranger sticks a needle into his arm saying “shame, why didn’t mommy get you an Emla patch?”, and thinking to yourself, over the anxiety, “because no-one told me to!”) Next on the list was going to three different paediatricians to figure out that he had general seasonrelated allergies, so we put him onto allergy medicine and changed our washing powder to an even milder one. That seemed to work for the other allergy symptoms but not the breathing or night waking. Further investigation on the Net led me to sleep apnea and its causes. We then took him to an ENT, which resulted in him having his huge adenoids taken out a month ago (another unpleasant experience for any mom). We were sure our
troubles were over… we were sorely wrong. My son still wakes at night and, although the snoring has stopped he still seems chesty and snotty more often than he should. Our last visit to the doctor has left us with an asthma diagnosis, which I really do hope is the last. We have come a long way through a tiring process. My point is: parenting isn’t for the faint-hearted and it certainly comes with its challenges. Parents can use every bit of help and advice they can get. Thank you for a magazine that provides us with this and more. Taryn
write to us We would like to know what’s on your mind. Send your letters to: marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. 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.
April 2010
wins
giveaways
in april
show time High School Musical, a Disney Channel movie, has an entire generation of adoring fans. It’s an obsession that has seen big little girls the world over hankering after everything High School Musical. There is a new range of High School Musical merchandise available in Ackemans stores, which is as affordable as it is sought after. The range includes the rucksack for R89,95; a snazzy trolley bag at R119,95; an apron for R39,95; a lunch box at R49,95 and a pencil case for R29,95. For more information or to locate your closest store call 0860 900 100. Ackermans is keeping your child in vogue by offering three readers a pack of these High School Musical products, valued at R330 each. Simply text ‘HSM CT’ and your name and surname to 41568 before 30 April 2010. Standard rates apply. Only one entry per reader.
children go wild
support for moms Launching in South Africa is the Nurture Nest – Baby Sense’s feeding and pregnancy pillow, which was voted Mother and Baby Best Breastfeeding Product in
Already well known for its game viewing and luxury lodging, Aquila Private Game Reserve recently added a special children’s adventure area to its list of attractions. This includes an outdoor arena for pony rides, a mini golf course, a track for battery-driven miniature quad bikes plus jungle gyms and a sand pit. There’s also plenty of room for young ones to devise their own games and stretch their legs. For indoor fun, there are computers stocked with loads of games for children of all ages. For more information, visit aquilasafari.com Cape Town’s Child is giving away a family visit to Aquila for one night valued at approximately R8 000. The prize, which is for two adults and two children, includes four-star accommodation in a family unit, three meals and two game drives. All you have to do is answer the following: name one of the activities now available for children on the reserve. Send your answer and personal particulars to comp@aquilasafari.com before 30 April 2010. Only one entry per reader.
2009. The Baby Sense® Nurture Nest is a specially shaped pillow that provides support for mom and baby, ensuring comfort for feeding, as well as offering great support for a heavy bump in the last weeks of pregnancy. This year also marks the launch of the new edition of the book Baby Sense. While the book continues to deliver practical solutions for baby’s sleep, calming and development, it has been updated to reflect current research, and address questions and requests from moms and professionals. For more information, visit babysense.co.za Cape Town’s Child readers stand a chance of winning one of 12 hampers, which consist of the new edition of Baby Sense and a Baby Sense® Nurture Nest pillow, valued at R500. Email your entry, including all your details, with ‘Baby Sense Cape Town Win’ in the subject line, to competitions@babysense. com before 30 April 2010. Only one entry per reader.
April 2010
Congratulations to our February winners Soheir Hamdulay, Olivia Avery, Nadia Harris, Jouie Spangenberg and Ivo Sola, who each win a Build-ABear membership; Natasha Pretorius, Morné Oosthuizen, Hajiera Parker and Alexis Damon-Zloch, who each win a Disney Interactive hamper; Zoe Sasman who wins a Cape Town City Sightseeing trip; Teresa Rooney, Priscilla Nomdo, Kathrine Starke, Josie Komninos, Jessika Marais, Ilse Osterthun, Heleen Schoeman, Sharon Munien, Berrenice De Hahn and Charlene Kilian, who each win a Pick n Pay Gift Card. The 100 winners of the airtime vouchers courtesy of Pick n Pay have been notified.
Cape Town’s
Cape Town’s
April 2010
upfront with paul
mind the gap PAUL KERTON wonders about the perfect
w
Paul, Sabina and Saskia
hen we embark on the architecture of our “ideal” family, the big question on everyone’s lips is: how big should the gap be between your first and second? And – if you are completely bonkers and haven’t had enough challenges with the first two – the third and fourth? There is much debate about what the ideal gap is, regrettably none of it conclusive. I first thought it best to have twins, since you get everything out of the way at the same time, but then think of the cost, both emotionally and financially. Two of everything, all at the same time, all the way through life – babyhood, toddlerhood,
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April 2010
schooling, puberty, further education, first job, marriage, divorce – you are always a parent to your children no matter what their age. No gap means there’s no room to learn from your parenting mistakes and improve. At least if there is a year (or more) gap, you can pace yourself and have a better understanding of what to expect and how better to deal with it. Also, you can pass things on. That is, if you have two of the same. If you have a girl first and a boy second, it’s unfair to have him swim in his sister’s old pink Minnie Mouse bikini. A boy first followed by a girl isn’t so bad; your daughter can get away with Camo pants and Spider-Man T-shirts but risks the lifelong moniker “tomboy”, as she secretly craves a flouncy, frilly party dress.
For me, two girls (or two boys) is the ideal. Children are never in their clothes long enough in the early days to wear them out and they still look newish on the second. And the younger one is always desperate to dress like Big Sister or Brother. Does the size of the gap really matter? Siblings will squabble whatever the gap. It is in the nature of the beast, as they vie for supremacy, attention, love, pocket money, bigger portions of food, the stickiest sweets, most expensive toys and the TV remote. Younger children benefit from being second in that they learn quicker, particularly if the older sibling has any nurturing sinews in her body. Most early learning is copying; I’ve watched so many times as Sabina has become Saskia’s echo. “Can I sleep over at India’s tonight?” asks Saskia, aged 10. Five
minutes later: “Why can’t I have a friend to sleep over?” asks Sabina, aged 5. The fact that Saskia wasn’t allowed any sleepovers until she was eight and a half is lost. Often, it’s nature that has the final say on the gap, and maybe that’s a good thing. We would probably have had Sabina a little earlier than we did, but try as we might, it didn’t happen that way. And if we had, we wouldn’t have had the Sabina we’ve got, who we love dearly and count our blessings for. It’s strange to think that a couple of minutes either way, and we would all have very different children to the ones we have. So, “love the ones you’re with”*. Paul Kerton is the author of Fab Dad: A Man’s Guide to Fathering. *Apologies (for the change of lyric) to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPH: JILL BADER
age difference between siblings.
health
sipping pretty Buying a drinking cup is like buying a car: you’ll need to study the specs to know it can go where you need it to, says ELAINE EKSTEEN.
a
couple of months ago I headed off in search of a drinking cup for my son. There are lots of drinking vessels on offer, but somehow I struggled to find something simple (no built-in snack pot necessary) that was also BPA* free. I eventually settled on a non-spill cup with a silicon flip-up straw, albeit in a brash luminous orange and purple. When I unpacked it at home I was surprised to read on the packaging: “do not microwave… Do not boil, or steam sterilise parts”. I have no idea why I expected it to be indestructible simply because it was BPA free… but somehow I did. I later mailed the customer service centre to find out the reason for the instructions on their packaging. “All Munchkin cups, including all sippy and straw parts, are not to be boiled or steam sterilised because they could melt or warp,” came the reply. According to Sally Shuttleworth of DizzyDots, distributors of Amadeus drinking cups, “The difference in instructions about care for bottles and drinking cups comes down to the type and quality of plastic from which they are made.” Heat can
shrink, or change the shape of the various components, she explains. This means the non-spill seal you paid for might not work very well once the juice bottle has been through the dishwasher’s hot wash on the bottom shelf. The cup I bought is top-rack dishwasher safe but, since I only purchased one and we don’t run our dishwasher every day, I wash the parts in hot soapy water and then pop the straw into sterilising solution for the night, which works for me. (My son is already 14 months old and only drinks water from his cup.) But, if you don’t have a dishwasher or would find my method too much PT, you probably wouldn’t be happy with my flip-top straw cup. Deciding which drinking cup to buy is therefore much like purchasing a car. If you need a vehicle that can cope off road, you purchase accordingly. And you wouldn’t take your city runaround through Baviaanskloof! I guess it all boils down to reading the fine print before you leave the store. *For the reasons many parents are choosing BPA-free baby bottles and cups refer to “invisible dangers” in our April 2009 issue.
PHOTOGRAPH: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
taking the hassle out of germ free • It’s generally accepted that you need to sterilise bottles, teats and cups until your child is at least one year old, when he has begun producing his own antibodies. After that, hot soapy water is fine but you might like to do a once-a-week sterilising blitz. If you prefer a more cautious approach, you can continue to sterilise the containers from which your child drinks her milk – the curdled milk is where the unfriendly bugs tend to grow. • Choose the sterilising method that works best for you. • If you fancy an electric steam steriliser but can’t afford one, ask around. Somebody is bound to have an unused one they’d love to sell. • If you sterilise by boiling, make sure you keep a pot that’s exclusively for this purpose. • Any large container – like a 5l icecream tub – will work for cold-water sterilising, and you can simply weigh things down with a plate. Remember to replace the water and sterilising solution or tablet as regularly as indicated on the instructions.
Cape Town’s
avoid buyer’s remorse • Read the instructions before you leave the store. If you want the convenience of a bottle or cup that’s dishwasher and microwave safe, make sure it says so on the packaging. And if it says top-drawer dishwasher safe, stick to the top drawer. • When buying a drinking cup make sure you select one that can be fully disassembled so that you can wash each of the individual parts separately. Try to choose a brand with replacement parts that are easy to come by.
April 2010
11
dealing with difference
a world apart When a child is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, there is a window of hope.
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n her book, Life Behind Glass, Wendy Lawson writes: “the world is noisy, confusing and full of contradictions. And the people in it are distant and make no sense: why do they laugh and cry? Why don’t they say what they mean?” Lawson lived with feelings of disconnection, anxiety and confusion for 40 years before she was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Asperger’s is an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) of which the exact cause is not known, although there seems to be a strong genetic component. The disorder also seems to be linked to structural abnormalities in several regions of the brain, though children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome are often of average, or aboveaverage intelligence.
taking notice Because of the similarities between advanced ASD and Asperger’s syndrome, it’s hard to diagnose these in young children. Melissa Braithwaite, an educational psychologist from Cape Town, says the difficulties associated with Asperger’s syndrome are more subtle than those you would see exhibited by a child found on the more severe end of the autistic spectrum. “There are a set of distinct diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome,” says Braithwaite. When talking about autistic spectrum disorders, you always look at the “triad of impairment”, she explains, “impairment in language and communication; social interaction; and imagination and flexible thought processes.” Children with Asperger’s syndrome have severe difficulties in reciprocal social interactions. This means they struggle to consider and understand other people’s
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thoughts and feelings, which makes social interactions confusing. Secondly, as with all children with ASD, but to a lesser degree, children with Asperger’s have all-absorbing and narrow interests, which might include rote or repetitive behaviour (also called stimming), such as lining up toys in a specific order. They are usually obsessive about routine and have a strong resistance to change. If not supported, this can negatively affect a child’s progress and development. They also display an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli (they may, for example, be bothered by noises that don’t annoy others.) Children with Asperger’s struggle with speech and language issues. “These children have either delayed, superficial and sometimes good expressive language, which sounds almost formal or rehearsed. But they are confused about the meaning of what is said or cannot comprehend what is said,” says Braithwaite. “Their non-verbal communication skills are a problem. It’s difficult for them to read the facial expressions or body language of others. They themselves can display inappropriate body language or use inappropriate facial expressions.” Though, reiterates Braithwaite, “It is always important to remember that a diagnosis is only important in so far as it guides intervention and should not be used as a box in which to keep children. With support and team work, we are always amazed and surprised by the wonderful progress children can make.” Braithwaite adds that the most important area to assess when looking for signs of Asperger’s is the child’s development – especially your child’s own development Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPH: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
By MARINA ZIETSMAN
as an individual and that of your child as a social being with children of a similar age. “As a parent you get a sense if something is not right and it is important to seek out advice or support. Generally, around the age of two and upwards, you can look at starting to confirm that there is a problem in your child’s development.” Janet Robson’s 13-year-old son James is attending a mainstream high school this year. But this Durban teacher did not always feel confident she would see this day. “James was a very difficult baby. He was fussy and had a weak immune system. He was also exceptionally sensitive to sound. Everyday noises that we didn’t even pick up, would disrupt his routine. He would clasp his little fists over his ears, and wail for hours.” When James was only six months old, Janet was aware that her son could not perform a simple social task like waving goodbye, and at 18 months she realised his speech was behind those of his peers. That’s when the long journey to diagnosis began. First they visited a paediatrician, and then suspecting a hearing difficulty, the audiologist. He was then referred to a speech therapist. But all the tests showed James was fine. Not much was known about Asperger’s syndrome then. Janet and her husband did hours of research and when James turned four, they realised he might have Asperger’s, though it was only officially confirmed when James was seven. “It was a very difficult time, but once we knew what was wrong, it was a relief. We now had a name and could start towards helping our child achieve better health.”
a teenager now and it’s a very emotional phase in life. We know and he knows that we have to work on his socialisation skills. He will get anxious and we’ll have to control the angst. But as with anything else, we plan ahead and try to foresee obstacles and give him tools to cope with them.” James’s primary school facilitator, Lynn Gibson, says that it was an amazing journey to see him progress. “Social norms that other children take for granted he just didn’t understand. For example, because he is so bright, it was very frustrating for him to know the answers in the classroom, but be unable to grasp that he had to put up his hand if he wanted to answer. Small things like this can make life exasperating for the child with Asperger’s, as well as for the people around them. But gradually James started to understand the social environment in a classroom and on the playground. When he went to high school I did not go with him, because he didn’t need me anymore. I was so sad (for me), but delighted for him. That’s what we had been working towards.” Psychologists, paediatricians and neurological paediatricians are equipped to assess a child and make a diagnosis. A psychologist can continue the long-term support these children need in developing social awareness, while physiotherapists and occupational therapists play an important role in working on the child’s sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Diet intervention is another route that has given some parents success, while other parents have found an intervention programme useful. Janet strongly believes that the parent-based Relationship
“
It was a difficult time, but once we knew what was wrong, it was a relief. We now had a name and could start working towards helping our child achieve better health. When it comes to continuing support, it is important parents find a school environment that will nurture and develop your child. If your child doesn’t need special schooling, make sure you find a school that will understand and support your child’s needs. “Look for a school that has a passion for inclusivity and is knowledgeable about Asperger’s and the accompanying needs your child will have,” says Braithwaite. “You are looking for a partnership where you are able to communicate openly and work towards solutions for your child.” James has always attended a mainstream school and was assisted by a facilitator from Grade 00 to Grade 7. Now he attends school on his own. “He is an exceptionally bright boy and a very pleasant child,” says Janet, “but we are aware that no-one can ever outgrow Asperger’s. The most important thing is that James has grown to know himself. After much intervention, James had accumulated sufficient skills to cope in a main stream environment on his own and was able to make some real friends to boot! We know there will be more obstacles ahead. He’s
Cape Town’s
“
team work
Development Intervention (RDI) programme, which helps parents teach their child how to participate in emotional relationships by exposing the child to natural scenarios in a gradual and systematic way, was the turning point in James’s development. Autism South Africa cautions parents about doing proper research and getting first-hand referrals before putting their trust in a specific programme.
looking ahead The bottom line is that children with Asperger’s who receive proper support and professional assistance can lead a good and productive life. Lawson who received her PhD last year says, “Today, I connect more readily with life and enjoy both family and friends around me. I am happy alone especially when I can pursue my own interests and I have developed strategies that enable me to more than cope with life’s demands. One of the best tools we can equip our youngsters with is that of teaching them strategies to cope with change. One of those is that it is okay when things don’t go exactly to plan.” April 2010
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feature
If you’re not making a point of teaching your children not to litter, you are losing a valuable opportunity to teach them a number of important lessons, says LAURA TWIGGS.
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can no longer simply drive past children who drop their chip packets, cool drink cans and, sometimes entire fast-food packaging, as they walk home from school. Something inside me snaps and I tend to stop my car, interrogate them, and demand they pick up after themselves. “Why did you throw that down in the street, when there’s a rubbish bin a metre from where you dropped it?” I yell. The guilty 10-year-old glares at me as though I am insane, or dangerous – perhaps I look it? Curiously, it seems the whole idea of putting discarded wrappers into a bin designed for that purpose is a foreign
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concept to many of them. When pressed to answer my question, some of the responses have left me flabbergasted. “But I am creating jobs,” said one indignant little litter lout! And it’s not a stab in the dark to conclude that children like him are only doing what children everywhere do best: following the example set by their parents and the caregivers in their lives. But attitudes like this are extremely dangerous. According to Alderman Clive Justus, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, there seems to be a growing tolerance by the public, not only of litter,
but of those responsible for it. What’s more, this attitude is increasingly threatening the city’s rating by international tourism organisations as one of the world’s most beautiful cities and desirable holiday destinations, as residents continue to illegally dump refuse and indiscriminately fill our outdoor public spaces with litter. “A depressing example of this was the state of our beaches during the holiday season,” he says. “Litter bins remained empty when people went home and City employees had to then clean the beaches of everything, from used nappies to bottles and food wrappings,” he
Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM, ILLUSTRATION: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN
little litterbugs
says. Durban and Johannesburg face similar problems, along with all major South African urban centres. According to published statistics, Johannesburg collects 1,4-million tons of rubbish a year (of which 244 200 tons is illegally dumped and 1 779 tons is litter from the streets). But, if the overall figure is correct, then with a population of just 2,3-million, each Joburger produces 0,78 tons of garbage per year. And it all starts at home.
creating responsible citizens What’s more, just this one thing points to the very crux of personal responsibility, perhaps one of the greatest lessons children need to learn. “Children need to develop a sense of responsibility for themselves, others and the world in which they live in order to be contributing members of society,” explains Johannesburg-based educational psychologist Melanie Hartgill. “If parents create a loving and supportive home environment and teach their children to understand the enormity of their behaviour and decisions (like choosing to place litter in bins and to clean up after themselves) and also teach them morals, values, and respect for others, then they will be providing a good foundation for social responsibility. One small thing that has a tremendous impact is littering, though this is not something our children will be able to appreciate if all of their spare time is spent indoors or in front of computer and television screens,” she notes.
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Moreover, the very basic question we need to be asking ourselves continuously is: “What is the impact of this behaviour?” Until parents and children can adequately answer that, anyone who stops children at the side of the road and makes them pick up their discarded flotsam will be a Mother Grundy at best, and an interfering, nosy old bag at worst. Simply put, littering is dangerous, and when children and parents are aware of this, the habit of picking up after ourselves and even after others becomes a no-brainer. Says Dr Garth Japhet, CEO of Heartlines For Good: “Clean and cared-for open spaces in our neighbourhood become safer places for everyone. Children can play without getting hurt by the contents of litter, and because the space is being used and cared for by the community, criminals are less likely to commit crime.” Several studies have shown that the presence of litter encourages a range of far more heinous social problems, including drug abuse, crime, and even cruelty. There is a direct link between the presence of litter in our neighbourhoods and the invitation to criminals and criminal behaviour.
You don’t have to wait for your children to be older before introducing them to the principles of taking pride in their environment and becoming aware of the difference that their actions can make.
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Shockingly, a UK study by environmental group LivingLand showed that while nine out of 10 parents tut at young people dropping rubbish, they do it themselves in front of their children. Nearly 50% of children in the survey said they had seen their moms and dads throwing stuff on the streets. What’s more, it is estimated that there is now five times more rubbish strewn around our social spaces than there was in the 1960s, leading to a sharp rise in the numbers of injuries to animals and children, too. It doesn’t take much effort to avert these litter casualties. It has to start with us, the parents. And it’s not enough merely to make sure your child doesn’t witness you tossing cigarette butts out of the window while you’re driving. “Spend time outdoors, go for walks and picnics, and spend time in your own garden,” suggests Hartgill. “Encourage and help your children to plant and look after their own small patch of garden. (This can even be done as small plants in pots.) These activities allow children to learn about the environment and provide many opportunities to discuss the delicate balance of nature and our responsibility to preserve it. A sense of social responsibility in terms of protecting and preserving our environment is an investment in our future and it encourages children to think beyond themselves.”
when to start? You don’t have to wait for your children to be older before introducing them to the principles of taking pride in their environment and becoming aware of the difference that their actions can make. “Even preschoolers and very young children can be educated about not leaving rubbish behind and throwing things away responsibly. Remember that toddlers love being given little ‘jobs’ and ‘responsibilities’,” says Hartgill.
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In addition, you can make social responsibility fun and an adventure. For instance, visit the closest municipal dump with your children, get involved in recycling at home, and walk around your neighbourhood or community centre with your children, identifying areas that could benefit from a serious clean-up. With research showing that the vast majority of eating and lifestyle habits are formed in children by the age of 10, it really is a case of the sooner the better.
arrange a neighbourhood clean-up • Before the event, parents should visit the site and identify or remove any asbestos, old carpets, old fridges and metal. • Look out for any drug-related litter, and remove this before the children arrive. • All volunteers should wear protective gloves and closed footwear. • A particular group should be equipped with a brush, shovel and a container, and be placed in charge of collecting glass. • Take a first-aid kit along. • Explain possible hazards to everyone before the clean-up begins. • Make sure that no-one wanders off on their own; children should be organised into groups of no fewer than four and be under adult supervision. • Ensure that children wash their hands at the end of the event.
contacts • Turn to page 34 for our directory of recycling options, and get your family caring for the environment in this way. • Illegal dumping can be reported to the Corporate Call Centre on 0860 103 089. • The penalties for contravening the new Integrated Waste Management bylaw are severe – there’s a minimum fine of R500 for littering, and up to R10 000 for more serious dumping offences, including possible imprisonment and payment for a clean-up of the site.
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feature
DONNA COBBAN finds out about what it takes to shift gears and head in the direction of a small town – for good.
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t’s late December 2009 and I am standing in front of the Pam Golding Properties offices in the small town of McGregor, idly perusing the pictures of pretty houses and thinking: “What if…?” What if I could sell my Cape Town home and get a whitewashed cottage with enough space to have a small orchard, throw in a few chickens and still have room for a hammock and a haystack? The agent whips his head around the door, hungry for a sale. I tell him I am merely
fantasising and he quickly skulks back into his lair. But, am I…? Could I…? The idea of downshifting starts to take over and I swiftly recreate the idea of me. I am bottling berry jams, kneading dough, collecting eggs and picking the spoils from my veggie patch. My son is bare bottomed and making mud pies. I throw in a dog, a sewing machine and some knitting needles for good measure – the picture is almost complete… bar the many hours of daily income-
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PHOTOGRAPHS: COMSTOCKCOMPLETE.COM, jamesedwardjohnson.blogspot.com
moving on out
generating work I would need to perform in order to sustain the picture financially. We’ve heard the stories of how so-and-so left the big city to go and live in a little hamlet where she makes handcrafted hammocks from hashish rope. The picture is idyllic, the sound of highways and byways left far behind. But is it doable? To find out, I head off to visit my own left-it-all-behind person to see for myself if sitting in peak-hour traffic SMSing my children that I’ll be late again can, in fact, become a thing of the past. I find Alex Gotte and his family in Cape St Francis, a small coastal village with a pristine five-kilometre beach. “Tell me about your downshifting experiences,” I ask, already conjuring up images of evenings listening to the lapping water while sipping chilled white wine… Alex starts likes this, “It may seem like a really romantic idea – growing your own vegetables in the garden and having early-morning strolls on the beach. But the reality involves
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generally living with an older community, holidaymakers who drive at 10km/h, town gossip, and family members who consider your house a cheap getaway.” At this point he’s already almost cured me of any desire to head for the hills, but Alex is only just getting started. “Going into the local hardware and telling Bob you will drop off the money tomorrow is great, except you will need to spend 20 minutes there as you need to greet and chat to everyone.” Why bother then? I ask, ready for some more hardhitting truths. Alex tells me that one of their decisions to leave Joburg came when he and his wife started meeting in airports more often than at the dinner table. When I ask him if there is anything he really misses, predictably it’s not the lattés or lunches – it’s the summer afternoon thunderstorms with the smell of the Highveld earth thick in the air. The deciding factor for Alex and his wife was that they wanted to be happier and have more time available, instead of just being financially successful people.
The idea of downshifting starts to take over and I swiftly recreate the idea of me. I am bottling berry jams, kneading dough, collecting eggs… My son is bare bottomed and making mud pies.
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“Tell me about your downshifting experiences,” I ask, already conjuring up images of evenings listening to the lapping water while sipping chilled white wine…
The coast is one thing – attracting, one likes to imagine, barefooted surfer types. But what about inland hamlets, such as those well-trodden academic streets that attract another kind of downshifter? Cath moved from Cape Town to Grahamstown four years ago. I remember her first visit back to Cape Town, part of which was spent in search of sushi and strong espressos. She bemoaned the lack of a “Woolies Food” and sighed heavily at the thought of having to return to her newly adopted dorp. Today nothing could be more different, and she is now a fierce proponent of smalltown living, where the balance between work and soccer-mom duties are made possible by shorter travelling distances and more-relaxed employers. Due to a higher staff number, she tells me, “Bigcity employers seem to have set a trend in terms of not allowing flexitime, which is always something to be negotiated in small-town jobs.” But the word “employer” varies from small place to smaller place. Alex scoffs at the idea of having an employer, as he says the pay is often paltry and what you
may save on fuel and gadgetry upgrades (the urge apparently soon leaves you as the competitive element in you is quickly eroded), making a living wage can be tough in a small place. Alex’s advice for anyone wanting to make the move is to start your own business, but he cautions against starting a competitive business (locals often support locals). He further cautions that when buying an existing business you need to take that client list with a pinch of salt as “locals tend to support the owner first and then the business”. Contracting to the company you once worked for until you find your financial feet is another option, or if you or your partner are lucky enough, relocate an existing business, drop a few clients and become remote suppliers. While I am still hooked on the idealisation of a simpler country life, replete with dogs, bottled jams and fruit trees, I am not sure I could pull it off. It takes hard work, a heap of faith and a great leap into a new way of living. So I’ll continue to garner information from the likes of Alex and Cath, but for now I’ll stick to fantasising.
shifting gear: food for thought
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In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed by Carl Honoré (Orion, R140)
Slow is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure and Joie de Vivre by Cecile Andrews (New Society Publishers, R188)
Downshifting: How to Work Less and Enjoy Life More by John D. Drake (Readhowyouwant, R335)
The Happy Minimalist: Financial Independence, Good Health, and a Better Planet for Us All by Peter Lawrence (Xlibris Corporation, R217)
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relocating tips 1. Be really sure that you want to leave. Don’t decide on a Monday morning that life sucks, believing that moving to a small town will sort it out. 2. Pick a town that suits your lifestyle. Don’t go to the coast if you love the bush and don’t go to the Karoo if you hate dry weather. 3. Be very realistic with what you will do to make a living. Do not rush into buying a local business or hope that something will come up when you arrive. 4. Make sure the whole family is committed to the move. Teenagers could become bored and restless in a small town. Your partner could be your only family and friend for some time so you need to be on the same page. 5. Acknowledge when things are not working out and make a plan to rectify the situation quickly. 6. Take advantage of the free things, such as walking on the beach or floating down the river. It’s surprising how many people don’t. 7. Stayout of the local gossip and if you do make comments, be prepared to stand by them. 8. Once settled, join a club or go to the pub to meet the locals. Be friendly and don’t try and impress – no one cares if you owned a Bentley and half of Sandton. You’ll have to show staying power to earn street cred. 9. Believe in yourself. Family and friends might make you doubt yourself, things might get really tough, money will almost certainly get tight but stick it out and the pleasure will be all yours. Courtesy of Alex Gotte, Cape St Francis
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feature
life saver or lifestyle changer DONNA COBBAN takes a look at the debate
e
arly last year, Jade Goody, the ubiquitous, loved by many, scorned by just as many, British celebrity gave the fight against cervical cancer an enormous boost. Sadly, this was through her diagnosis and subsequent death from the disease at the age of 27. The routine request for screenings (Pap smears) was at an all-time low, but with Jade’s publicity, Britain saw a sharp reversal in this trend – the request for screenings and subsequent vaccinations went through the roof when she was diagnosed as terminal. Love her or hate her, the publicity surrounding her cervical cancer has, no doubt, saved more than one life. I lean over my garden wall and ask my neighbour, a soon-to-be qualified gynaecologist what she thinks about
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it all. She gives me the nicest patronising look and tells me it’s not every day that a way to stop cancer is found and concludes: “This makes us pretty excited”. I can see why she is more than a little irked that I appear lacking in enthusiasm. Particularly, given that cervical cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in southern Africa with an estimated lifetime risk of one in 26. The absence of a sound healthcare system available to all means that many women are diagnosed late, resulting in a poor prognosis for survival. Yet, despite all this, the controversy over the newly available vaccine rages on. Since the vaccine can be given to girls as young as nine, many are arguing that it sends
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PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
surrounding the cervical-cancer vaccine.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in southern Africa, with an estimated lifetime risk of one in 26.
out a mixed message: don’t be sexually active but, just in case you are, here’s a vaccine. The reason behind giving the vaccine at a younger age is that it is believed to be more effective if immunisation takes place before the girl becomes sexually active; that is, before she is exposed to human papillomavirus (see points on page 24). So the vaccination should then come with some wise counsel and sound sexual education. Smoking, early sexual activity and multiple partners (in the case of both partners) are also factors that increase chances of contracting the virus. I ask Mandy*, mother of two teen girls, if she is going to have them vaccinated. Absolutely not, she tells me, as it will encourage them to be sexually promiscuous. But will it
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really? I cast my mind back to my teens and to a time when our family GP put me on the pill to control the eruption of pimples that was threatening to pockmark my face forever. My mother seemed a bit alarmed that I might now become a little footloose and fancy free. I was morally outraged at such an insinuation and it was only many years later, with a glowing skin, that I gave import to such a thought. Perhaps young girls won’t see the vaccination as a “promiscuity jab” – which is what it has been dubbed in the United Kingdom, where there is a national immunisation drive to the tune of about £9-million a year. Sweden, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Greece are all currently offering the vaccine free of charge and in most of these
countries immunisation is taking place at schools. In Kenya, the vaccine costs more than most people’s annual earnings – a tragedy considering the fact that in developing countries, cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among women – with an estimated 190 000 deaths each year. This certainly needs the world’s attention and perhaps with an ever-increasing number of girls being vaccinated in the developed world, we might soon see a drop in vaccine prices and an increase in their availability to all.
what is cervical cancer? Cancer of the cervix is mostly caused by various strains of a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV
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is a sexually transmitted infection and most of the time the immune system will eradicate the virus itself and you’ll be none the wiser. However, in some cases, the virus remains and over time has the potential to convert normal cervical cells into cancerous ones.
HPV is a group of common viruses that are responsible for almost all forms of cervical cancer. In addition to this, HPV causes a variety of other problems such as common warts and genital warts, as well as cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and cancers of the head and neck.
Additional symptoms may include: • Anaemia because of abnormal vaginal bleeding; • Ongoing pelvic, leg or back pain; • Urinary problems because of blockage of a kidney or urethra; • Bleeding from the rectum or bladder; and • Weight loss. Courtesy of the Cervical Cancer Campaign, USA
how is HPV transmitted?
which vaccine and at what cost?
Affecting both men and women, HPV can be passed through skin contact, the most common being through intercourse. Condoms can help to prevent the transmission of HPV but they are not 100% effective. CANSA reports that it is thought that there may be other ways of spreading the virus that have not yet been identified.
There are two vaccines available in South Africa, Cervarix and Gardasil. Cervarix protects against the two strains of HPV responsible for 70% of cervical cancers (HPV types 16 and 18), but does not prevent genital warts, which can be caused by HPV. Gardasil protects against HPV types 16 and 18, as well as HPV 6 and 11 that together cause 90% of genital warts. For effective immunisation you need three injections over a six-month period. Cervarix costs around R700 a dose, while Gardasil costs around R1 200 a dose. The vaccines are currently only available in the private sector. These are the most expensive vaccines ever developed and for this reason, even with subsidised sales to developing countries, the cost is unlikely to fall until companies have recouped costs and met targeted profits.
what is HPV?
what are the symptoms of cervical cancer? During the early stages of the cancer there are likely to be no symptoms, but as the conversion to cancerous cells progresses, some but not all of these symptoms may be experienced: • Blood spots or light bleeding when you’re not having your period;
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• Unusual discharge from the vagina; • Bleeding after menopause; and • Bleeding or pain during sex.
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… and their moms? Dr Hennie Botha, Head of the Unit for Gynaecological Oncology at Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University says that there is enough conclusive scientific evidence to indicate that the vaccine will improve protection against cervical cancer when given to women over the age of 26. However, he recommends adult women also follow a secondary prevention route and go for regular Pap smears. He suggests that, “When an older woman has her cervical cancer screening she should have a Pap smear every year for three years in a row. If there are no abnormalities in these first three tests then the woman’s chances of contracting cervical cancer become markedly lower and she then only needs to have a Pap smear every three to five years.”
what about boys?
in developed countries on a national scale. In
And what of boys, who can’t contract cervical
a recent paper published by the International
cancer but who are at risk of genital, anal and
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, it was
throat cancers as a result of HPV? In October
stated that in developing countries, “…there may
2009, the Food and Drug Administration in the US
be a better case for vaccinating young men, as
approved the use of Gardasil to prevent genital
in some settings increased coverage of young
warts in boys. It’s an expensive vaccine and,
women may not be possible beyond a certain
therefore, not a popular one, but with ongoing
threshold”. This makes good common sense in an
research the vaccine may soon be implemented
attempt to control transmission.
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health
a cup of goodness Brewing a cup of herbal tea might just keep
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hen it comes to eco credentials it’s hard to beat tea brewed from herbs organically grown in your garden. While for some this might be reason enough to put on the kettle, there are other benefits too. Herbal teas are wonderfully refreshing and have great therapeutic qualities. So, even if you’re not into throwing handfuls of basil into Jamie Oliver-style meals, you might like to plant herbs in your garden (or in pots on your balcony or windowsill), and start your day sipping on a mug of mint-infused tea. Brewing herbal teas is very simple. Simply pour boiling water over the fresh leaves, allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes, then strain and serve. To get you started, here’s a list of kitchen herbs that make great teas – plus their health benefits. Basil is a source of vitamin K, iron, calcium and other nutrients. Herbal lore recommends basil for intestinal problems, headaches and ulcers. Studies indicate the herb may have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory health benefits. It can also reduce bloating in infants.
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Thyme is a common remedy for stomach complaints, lung congestion, coughing ailments and flu symptoms. It’s also helpful in controlling cholesterol levels. Rosemary regulates blood pressure and assists circulation. It fights bacteria and is a good decongestant. Mint is the herb to choose for aiding digestion. Lavender is calming and helps relieve stress, fatigue, headaches and insomnia. Drinking a cup of lavender tea before going to bed can promote restful sleep. Fennel has relaxing properties and can provide relief for digestive problems and menstrual cramps. It’s recommended for patients after radiation or chemotherapy. It nourishes organs such as the liver, kidneys and spleen. The tea is gentle enough for babies and can relieve colic. Oregano is a very good source of dietary fibre, vitamin K, iron and manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin A and C, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Oregano has anti-bacterial properties and can be used to treat stomach infections and parasitic problems. It can also boost the immune system, improve the respiratory system, and help reduce fever. The following two are not as easy to grow (rooibos thrives only in the Cederberg region; and you’ll need to dig up your
ginger plant to get to its rhizome (underground stem), but their medicinal properties make them pantry necessities: Ginger (grate or cut the rhizome into slices to make an infusion) is used for morning sickness, abdominal cramps, nausea and motion sickness. It helps with indigestion and is a powerful antioxidant. Rooibos, says pharmacist Felicia Rubin, is “one of nature’s best kept healing secrets”. Rich in antioxidants, it boosts the immune system and removes harmful free radicals from the body. It is low in tannins and will therefore not interfere with the digestive system. Rooibos has anti-allergy, anti-cancer, anti-viral and antiinflammatory properties, and with no side effects, it is something even babies can drink. It also has soothing and calming properties, which relieve colic in infants. The asthmatic or allergy prone can also benefit from drinking rooibos. *Herbs have medicinal properties so it’s best to talk to your health care practitioner before including these in your or your child’s diet. Pregnant women need to be particularly careful of herbal teas as certain of them can promote uterine contractions.
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PHOTOGRAPH: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
you from digging into the medicine chest.
feature
living proof LUCILLE KEMP finds out why Pilates has so many pregnant devotees.
p
PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
regnancy can be a taxing nine-month marathon. With hormonal morphs bringing on rapid physical changes, Samantha, a 27-year-old graphic designer, was fighting a whole new kind of stress brought on mostly by a crazy chemical flux that left her feeling overwhelmed and out of control. The closest I’ve come to experiencing something of Samantha’s difficulties is my battle with PMS before I went on the pill. The only thing that saved me from my hormones were my trips to the gym. The exercise-induced endorphin rush gave my body that much-needed jab of energy. While letting morning-sick Sam off the hook (she was, after all, struggling just to breathe without throwing up), I believe that when it
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comes to fighting the hormonal topsy-turvy of pregnancy, the same rule applies. Only now, your exercising needs to be low impact to keep any undue stress off your joints, and needs to equip you for childbirth and your recovery. Strong core muscles – the abdominals, pelvic floor and lower back – can be a huge advantage in labour and delivery. Popular pregnancy exercises include swimming, Pilates, yoga and walking. Of all of these, however, it seems Pilates is the most revered among women for the stand-out difference it has made to their bodies during pregnancy and after. “Pilates is more than an exercise, it is a lifestyle,” says Renee Watson, a Pilates practitioner for the last 17 years. Katya
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Kinski, a former ballet dancer who made the career switch to become a Pilates teacher nine years ago, cuts to the chase: “The traditional ab workouts you are used to doing at gym only access the external abdominal layers. When you learn how to include those remaining two deeply embedded muscles, you start to see a real difference. Pilates addresses this.” Katya also adds, “People generally prefer to work the muscles that are already strong, while they consistently underutilise the weaker ones.” This scenario speaks for the all too familiar case of the “flabby triceps”. For all that’s said it’s really what these buff instructors don’t say that has me believing. I’ve given them the once-over and there’s not a loose piece of skin in sight.
will stave off some of this discomfort by improving ribcage mobility. Tracy, a 33-year-old mother of two who works in publishing, is reminded of her deteriorating pelvic floor every time she jumps on her children’s trampoline. She tells me about a 29-year-old friend whose pelvic floor collapsed after her third child. It is probably because of situations such as these that Renee can’t tell me enough about how Pilates teaches you to control your pelvic floor muscles, where you will be able to tighten and relax at will. For your pregnancy, this control will help with delivering your baby (relax and release) and also help with possible incontinence during and after pregnancy (tighten up).
A strengthened core means lengthened muscles, which means a toned physique that… will make recovery from childbirth easier.
fine tune your fitness core facts As a woman’s pregnancy progresses she needs to draw more support from her lower back and pelvis. When going into labour she relies heavily on her core muscles, particularly her pelvic floor, so it’s important these are strong. Pilates strengthens the core, which supports the lumbar spine and postural muscles, and enhances stamina. Your strong core also helps maintain hip flexibility and reduce back pain. Katya and Renee both tell me that all these adjustments will aid in a much quicker and safer delivery. Plus, a strengthened core means lengthened muscles, which means a toned physique that Renee promises will make recovery from childbirth easier. Pilates also teaches lateral breathing, which uses the diaphragm to fill up your lungs. (Give it a try: when inhaling it should feel like you are drawing breath from the pit of your stomach and you should feel your ribcage expand.) Lateral breathing helps to control pain and promote relaxation. Also, in the third trimester movement of the diaphragm is limited because your baby is positioned high up – lateral breathing
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What further fuels my interest in Pilates is the backing it receives from medical professionals. Physiotherapists prescribe it to their patients as a physical therapy and biokineticists consult at various Pilates studios. According to Renee: “Top triathletes use Pilates to cut seconds off their times.” I chat to physiotherapist Andrew Seymour who says, “Often athletes are strong, flexible and hyper-mobile but their cores are underworked and weak, making them susceptible to injury.” Take Janine, a 28-year-old marketing manager, who was ordered to stop her strict training schedule due to major muscular damage and was “prescribed” Pilates by Andrew. After two months she is a sworn devotee of Pilates, she’s entered the Two Oceans half marathon, plus she’s dropped a dress size.
playing safe While observing a session, I notice how intently Katya watches her client’s every movement. While subtle, Pilates is also exact, deliberate and detailed. Without understanding the principles behind Pilates, says Katya, you will probably be wasting
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your time and could do damage to your body. For this, I’m inclined to think that if you’re a beginner you’re going to need expert guidance to keep you on track. The alternative to these intense studio sessions is a Pilates class offered at a gym. By sheer virtue of the fact that classes are larger, and have a high rotation of instructors, you may not get the personal attention you need. When it comes to exercising, the bottom line for a pregnant woman and her baby is safety. Renee and Katya both insist on assessments and some private sessions, before you attend one of their group classes. They gauge your fitness, any special needs you may have and the limitations your
pregnancy presents. Saying this, I am surprised to learn that not many exercises are a no-no for pregnant women. It is simply modified. Both instructors will, if necessary, consult with your midwife or gynae. I watch a fresh-faced pregnant woman’s Pilates session with Katya. Fifteen minutes into the body twisting, contorting and solid breathing, I discover Mechaane, a 27-year-old restaurant manager, is 7½ months pregnant. She doesn’t look it, she has a healthy glow and her frame is small but strong and seems to hold everything together quite compactly. She is the only evidence I need, which is why I’m taking my precious pelvic floor off to my first class at the end of this month.
what works for you? Pregnancy exercises do not have to be strenuous in order to be beneficial, and intensity should depend on pre-pregnancy fitness. Always consult with your midwife or doctor before signing up for any classes. Below are some other safe alternatives. swimming Aim for three to four 30-minute swimming sessions a week. Find a stroke that’s comfortable for you. Enquire at your gym or local swimming pool about antenatal swimming classes. benefits • improves circulation; • increases muscle tone; • builds endurance. tips Swimming is safe throughout pregnancy, as your body is supported by the water and there is little to no strain on your weakened joints and ligaments. The feeling of weightlessness will be very comfortable for you, especially in your third trimester.
yoga It is best to find a specialised pregnancy yoga class, as some of the positions and breathing exercises aren’t appropriate during pregnancy. benefits • tones your muscles with minimal impact on your joints; • breathing techniques are good preparation for childbirth; • improves posture, which helps minimise back pain; • increases flexibility, making birthing positions, such as squatting, easier. tips Don’t try new and advanced poses. Focus instead on improving your technique. As you move into the second trimester, your centre of gravity shifts, and you’re more likely to lose your balance, so move slowly into your yoga positions. Use support such as a wall or chair, for standing postures if you need to.
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walking A brisk 1,5km walk three times a week is helpful. benefits • the cardiovascular workout keeps you fit; • the fresh air might also help to combat morning sickness. tips Carry water with you and drink it regularly. Do not let yourself get out of breath. If you can’t talk while walking, you need to slow down. Don’t exercise during the hottest part of the day. Wear supportive shoes and stay on level ground.
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blog
disengaging the mother ship LEONORA FOUND, a stay-at-home mom of three, escapes from suburbia
i
am a 38-… and-a-half (as my children like to remind me) -year-old mother of three. My daughter M is nine (oh yes, and let’s not forget the half), Mx is seven, and J is 18 months. My husband, let’s call him George, purely because he would think it ludicrous, heads a finance department of a not-being-mentioned corporate firm in town. We live in the suburbs where having “been there and done that”, I find myself getting re-acquainted with Barney, a black plastic push bike, and playing peek-a-boo with someone who is very obviously standing right in front of me with 10 tiny fingers spread widely across his little face, which in his mind makes him extremely well hidden. We also do the morning Moms and Tots thing and swimming lessons. In the afternoon, I become an extramural taxi driver; my main objective being to get each child to the right extramural at the right time on the right day. This is followed by homework (perhaps I will achieve academic recognition the second time I complete Grade 7). In between, I am sibling negotiator, tantrum tamer, cook, cleaner, and movie director. When I say: “Cut – that’s a wrap” at 7pm, the children disappear into their respective beds, the house radiates peace and tranquillity, the dinner table is set for two, with candles softly flickering, and George walks into a home that smells of slow-cooked something or other to be greeted by a perfectly groomed wife. Realistically, everything before the word “Cut” is true!
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April 2010
Don’t get me wrong. I love my life. I love M, Mx and J. And I love George. But, really, sometimes my life feels like the luggage conveyer belt at Heathrow airport. I don’t feel like I ever stop.
checking out About a month or so ago, after doing the taxi-teacherperfect-housewife-cook thing, I dropped into bed (where my husband had been for some time) and blurted out – with little thought – that I needed to go on a conference. “Mmm,” he said, flipping the page to an article entitled “Best companies to work for in the world”. “I would like to go on a conference,” I repeated a little more confidently into the semi-dark bedroom. “Oh,” he said, “have you found something you want to attend?” (Now, this wasn’t a response I was expecting. No! I hadn’t found something to attend. All I was thinking is that he travels a lot, goes to exotic places [anywhere other than suburbia is exotic] and, hence, is able to break the monotony of his daily routine.) Stumped, I said nothing for a good 10 minutes while I studied that dark void above my head wondering whether I could actually find a conference. More staring. More darkness. More page flicking. And then it occurred to me: perhaps I didn’t really need a conference. What I needed was some space. I love my family dearly. I have chosen to be a stay-at-home mom and I greatly
appreciate the privilege. But, just a little bit of my own agenda, my own routine, the opportunity to prioritise my own needs, would be so much appreciated. And so, with the possibility card on the table, I began to plan and ponder. Lucky for me, I not only have an incredibly generous husband but an incredibly generous father who has some very nice contacts. Enter Dream Hotel at an unbelievable price. Before I knew it, Operation Escape was a reality. George took two days’ leave so I didn’t have to give up weekend time. I secretly giggled with glee at the thought of him rushing in from a late afternoon extramural and then listening to a Grade 1 reading Biff and Chip at snail’s pace, as well as trying to force feed an 18-month child (who regularly clamps his lips shut at mealtimes), and test a nine-year-old on her spelling while she insists on j-boarding round and round the table. Being gracious and kind, I had no intention of making him suffer. He is, after all, our breadwinner and I am not naive enough to think that his conferences don’t involve work. So I put together an hour-by-hour plan for the troops left behind. I included ‘what to make for school lunches’, ‘when to drop who, and where’, ‘what to send to school on what days’, ‘what homework would need completing’, ‘the extramural timetable’, and a detailed reminder of the routine of an 18-month-old. And I preprepared two suppers.
Cape Town’s
ILLUSTRATIONS: NIKKI-LEIGH PIPER
for some time on her own but struggles to switch into off-duty mode.
ready, get set And so here I am. But the question is, why on earth am I awake at five in the morning? Who does that when they are staying in a five-star sea-facing room at the Cape Town Waterfront for three nights without children, husband, or any concerns of home? Clearly, I do. What I also did on arrival last night was neatly unpack my clothes into the cupboards, and unpack my toiletries neatly on the bathroom shelf. I replaced the hotel’s pathetic toy hairdryer with my supersonic 2 000-watt mean machine, and arranged my books from tallest to shortest on the bedside table. I even went as far as putting my pyjamas under my pillow. This morning I even straightened my bed… Clearly, I have not disconnected from the mother ship. Last night’s arrival is also worth a mention. I arrived with a neat compact suitcase on wheels. Very stylish. What wasn’t so stylish were the three giant plastic storage containers with luminous green lids. These contain the last 12 years of photographs, which I have been trying to sort for about the same amount of time. This, I have decided, is my “conference”. It was when my luggage was kindly lifted out of my car by the friendly porter that I began to feel like an unpaid guest. And so I took on the persona of an extremely important paralegal on a top-secret investigation who needs to be holed up in a hotel to review evidence. (Clearly, I read too much
Cape Town’s
John Grisham.) The porter wheeled out a beautiful, big brass trolley to transport my green plastic boxes, and I confidently marched off in search of reception. In the foyer, my paralegal confidence evaporated and, with, what felt like a mixture of toddler saliva, snot and Bovril still smeared across my right shoulder, I made my way to the desk trying very hard to appear as
I arrived with a neat compact suitcase on wheels. Very stylish. What wasn’t so stylish were the three giant plastic storage containers with luminous green lids. if I belonged. I then realised that my porter would most certainly need a tip and all I had were the nice crisp R100 notes supplied by the ATM. The concierge was helpful, despite the fact that it felt slightly criminal to be asking for “change” in such an establishment. That done, I headed (key card in hand) to the glass lift, which would take me to my room. I was nearly there… just one small obstacle ahead – operating the key card. How difficult could it be? Place card in slot. Press required floor. Doors close and… nothing! Remove card. Try again.
Nothing. Then on my third attempt, the lift moved and I relaxed for the two seconds it took for the lift to travel to the basement and for me to realise that it was not me who had got it going, but some more clever soul below. As luck would have it, he was travelling to my floor and I was able to exit. A few more metres to go and I would be home free, except for the fact that there was another slot, this one taking me directly into The Promised Land. And so, I tried again, and again… at which point my fabulous porter arrived and effortlessly opened the door. It’s quite simple, really. Place card in slot quickly. Remove the card, and then open the door. Once “Uncle Remus” had unloaded the trolley, treating my luggage as if it was matching Louis Vuitton, I tipped him lavishly (feeling like an idiot about organising change earlier) and closed the door. I then took a few steps into the centre of the room and laughed hysterically. I’d like to add that I decided to be totally child-like and jump on the bed… but this you’ll never know.
Readers, this is your column – it’s a space to air your views, share a valuable parenting lesson, vent your frustrations or celebrate your joys. Send your writing to elaine@childmag.co.za
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resource
going green Practical tips on being good to the planet (and your soul): from a directory of people who’ll pick up your recycling to ways to save electricity at home and instructions for creating your own worm farm.
little wrigglers
We live in a consumer-driven society that has a habit of using up natural resources and not giving anything back. Can we fix what’s been broken? The permaculture movement thinks so – simply by integrating our human environment with natural cycles. One easy way of doing this is to use organic waste like peels and pips, dead flowers and leaves to start a worm farm. This gets an organic loop going. Worms eat waste and turn it into vermicompost, which you dig back into the soil and then grow healthy food and flowers, and so on. Worms are one of the major players in the decomposition of organic matter. A worm farm is practically odour and fly free (see page 33 on how to avoid fruit flies breeding), and compact enough to keep on your balcony, in the kitchen or
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even in your bedroom. What it produces is agricultural gold that will recondition the soil for generations to come.
how to create your own worm farm If money is no object, buy a readymade worm farm. Check the web to find a supplier near you. If not, make your own, which is much more fun anyway. You need three wooden or plastic containers that fit on to one another – they can be bins, buckets or crates – and one lid. Drill about 50 very small holes in the bottom of two of the containers. Place a piece of cardboard snugly in the bottom of one and put some shredded newspaper soaked in water on top as bedding for your worms. Now you’re ready for some composters. Worms thrive in a rich, heavily mulched environment where moisture and food is supplied. Most popular are red wigglers and red earthworms. You can get them from, or order them through, certain local produce markets, nurseries and speciality stores. Place the worms on the bedding and cover with shredded kitchen waste
PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM/DUANE HOWARD/EVAN HAUSSMANN
JUSTIN BONELLO tells you how to turn a couple of plastic crates and your kitchen scraps into fertiliser for your garden. Just add a handful of worms.
Cape Town’s
economising your house and some sheets of wet newspaper, and then place this container on top of the one with no holes. Put the third container on top and close with the lid. The worms will eat their way to the top of the middle container and, when this one is filled with “processed” food, they will start moving up into the crate above into which you must now put the food. The middle container is now full of compost, so empty it out into your garden and place it on top. In the bottom container you’ll be gathering the liquid fertiliser, which drips through. Use this on your pot plants and watch them turn into superplants. Keep feeding the worms and repeating this cycle and, in no time whatsoever, you’ll see the benefit in your garden and know that you’ve started giving back and have become part of the solution. Extract from Cooked in Africa by Justin Bonello (Penguin Books)
how to handle the fruit flies 1 Always bury food waste under damp sheets of newspaper as these will act as a barrier to smells that attract fruit flies. 2 Make a trap by putting a little vinegar, wine or fruit juice into a jar covered with cling wrap into which you have pricked a few small holes. The flies will go in through the holes and get stuck. 3 Kill the eggs or larvae by first freezing, boiling or microwaving the fruit and vegetable skins before placing them in the worm bin.
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• Compost food waste: have a tub in the kitchen for all veg and fruit waste, egg shells and egg cartons. Find a corner in your garden to start a compost heap, or buy a compost tumbler. Save money on compost, and reduce your landfill footprint. Or start a worm farm (see “little wrigglers” on page 32). • Use appliances before 6am, between 10am and 3pm, and after 8pm, not in peak times.
bathroom
By conserving energy in your home, you can save money, and help save our environment, says JUDITH PENNY.
kitchen • Tumble dryer: use sparingly and preferably not on very wet items. • Washing up: don’t wash dishes under a running tap. • Kettle: only boil what you need. When replacing your kettle, buy one that shows water levels. • Fridge: open as infrequently as possible. Don’t overfill, and allow good airflow to ensure optimum use. Dust the top and back of the fridge regularly. Turn the temperature down a little in winter. Note: fridges with dispensers on the outside use more energy. • Oven: consider investing in a small convection oven (these use less electricity). When still using your existing oven, try and double up on cooking – freeze and use later.
• Washing machine: don’t overload, or under fill. Use a cold cycle for everything except bed linen. (About 90% of energy used to wash goes into heating the water.) Use the shortest cycle for lightly soiled clothes. When replacing, buy a front loader. These use less electricity and water than top loaders.
• Shower: this is better than bathing. Use a timer when showering to reduce time and therefore water consumption and money spent on water bills. • Bath: share bath water where possible. • Basin: don’t leave the tap running when brushing teeth or washing hands. Always use cold water, unless hot is essential. • Toilet: put a brick in the cistern to save water and money.
general • Switch off lights when not in use. • Convert all lamps to CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) or LEDs (lightemitting diodes). • Use hot water bottles in winter, rather than electric blankets. • Turn off all appliances at the plug when not in use. Appliances on standby use 80% of the energy they would use if switched on. • Open curtains and use natural light. • Geyser: check to see if it can be turned down to 55˚C. Have the geyser and pipes in your ceiling insulated. Your geyser should be switched off when you’re away for more than two days.
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• Halogen downlighters are a very efficient light source and low on energy. Again, try and turn off when not in use. • Solar lights in the garden are good. • Install outdoor lights with daytime sensors. • Pool pump: only use when needed and not on a timer. • Insulation in ceiling: is a good investment for winter. • Appliances: turn off TVs, DVD machines, computers and cellphone chargers at the wall plug and unplug where possible. • The biggest energy guzzlers are geysers, the fridge and freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, stove and dishwasher. By simply watching your use of these, you’ll be making a good start.
For more tips on saving energy in your home visit eskom.co.za (type “conserving energy” into the search bar) or read How to Reduce your Carbon Footprint: 365 Simple Ways to Save Energy, Resources and Money by Joanna Yarrow.
ditching the dirt
Loving your neighbourhood – and the planet – means sending less rubbish to landfills. We’ve done the work and compiled a list of organisations in your city that collect recyclables and venues where you can offload them. By LUCILLE KEMP
pick (me) ups These places collect recycling from your doorstep. Abundance Recycling collects paper, glass, tins and certain types of plastic along the southern line’s rail route up to Plumstead, as well as all parts of the City Bowl, Sea Point, Green Point, Camps Bay, Tokai, Constantia, Bishops Court, Kirstenhof and Bergvliet. Email for application forms. Cost: R70 per month for a weekly collection of one bag containing the unsorted items. Contact: Frank, Monday–Friday, 8am–noon: 021 531 5888 or abundance@telkomsa.net Clearer Conscience collects tins, cans, cardboard, paper, glass and plastic in Atlantic Seaboard, CBD, Southern Suburbs, Kalk Bay, Milnerton and Century City. Cost: private residences, R60 for four bags; businesses, R95 for four large
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bags. For a guide on how to prepare your recyclables, visit clearer.co.za. Contact: Ashwen on 076 562 1648, 021 762 7349, 084 603 0961 or info@clearer.co.za Collect-a-Can operates a scheme that children will love. Collectors are paid for the cans they collect. Collect-a-Can supplies the bags, which hold about 30kg of loose cans (approximately 1 000 cans). For branch info visit: collectacan.co.za Ecycle clears households of electric and electronic waste, just let them know when, where and approximately how many e-waste items you have for collection by contacting your nearest branch. You can also drop off e-waste at your local Ecycle drop-off points. Contact: 021 862 8240, 073 323 8610, laurentius@ecycle.co.za or visit ecycle.co.za Kool Waste Management collects newspapers, magazines, glass bottles and jars, cans, food tins, ice-cream containers, paper and plastic bottles. Its catchment area follows the rail line from
Cape Town’s
Muizenberg to the Castle of Good Hope. Paarden Eiland has recently been added, and the northern suburbs are set to be included next. Cost: R60 per month for a weekly collection. Contact: Barry on 072 129 5787 or koolwaste@gmail.com Mondi Paper – Kerbside Paper Pick-up offers a free pick-up service. Place your paper and cardboard into your Ronnie Bag (if you don’t have one, stack your paper and cardboard under a brick) and leave it on your pavement before 7:30am on your collection day. For every ton of paper collected via this programme, Mondi Recycling makes a donation to the SPCA and the Helderberg hospice. Contact: 021 931 5106 for collection days in your area, or sign up at paperpickup.co.za Mr Recycle does a weekly pavement collection of mixed recyclables, such as paper, plastic and glass, from the southern suburbs and City Bowl, Milnerton and West Beach. Mr Recycle donates the recycled materials to job-creation centres. Cost: an annual fee of R500 for one to three bags per week; R300 for six months or R80 per month. Part of this fee goes to charity. For more info visit: mrrecycle.co.za No Standing recycles your unwanted paper, plastic and glass and operates in the CBD, Atlantic Seaboard, Wynberg, Claremont, Blouberg, West Beach and Tableview. No Standing is happy to extend its service to areas where at least 20 residential homes require it. It helps Absolute Abundance and Cape Couriers with feeding schemes for school children in Khayelitsha. It is also in the process of creating a public recycling drop-off centre within minutes of the city centre. Cost: R80 per month for a weekly collection. Contact: Warren Lee on 072 153 1869 or info@nostanding.co.za Project Plus regularly collects empty printer and fax cartridges, so enlist your company now. A converted value is paid to the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Contact: Paul on 021 424 8232, 079 608 9453, info@helpus2help.com or visit helpustohelp.com Rose Foundation House collects engine and other lubricating oils from your home. It also has drop-off centres around Cape Town. Contact: 021 448 7492, 082 378 8556, usedoil@iafrica.com or visit rosefoundation.org.za Waste Control runs a free service that collects paper, bottles, tins and plastic containers from Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Sun Valley, Scarborough, Ocean View and Glencairn. Contact: 021 507 8700, wastecontrol@ sametal.co.za or visit wastecontrol.co.za
Cape Town’s
Waste Plan collects glass, paper, cardboard, tin, plastics, Tetra Pak and Polystyrene on the same day that your refuse is collected, free of charge. The service operates in Gordon’s Bay, Strand and the Somerset West area, Hout Bay, Llandudno, Camps Bay, Clifton and Bantry Bay. It also covers Pinelands, Parklands, Melkbosstrand and Blouberg. Contact: Collections Department 021 975 1288 or visit wasteplan.co.za
drop & go Here are some options if you prefer to offload your recyclables at a central point, plus places that will happily dispose of your used batteries, ink cartridges and unwanted office equipment. Cartridge World accepts all major empty toner and ink cartridges at its Diep River shop and at collection bins in certain local schools. Contact: 0860 2 733455 (0860 2 REFILL), 021 705 1986, claire@cartridgeworldsa.com or visit cartridgeworld.co.za E-Waste Association of South Africa (EWASA) lists a number of drop-off points in Cape Town where you can offload your unwanted electronic items (in some instances, the drop-off points only accept CFLs and batteries). Contact: 031 575 8119, info@ewasa.org or visit e-waste.org.za Footprints Environmental Centre Recycling Depot accepts cans, glass, paper and plastic. The centre also takes broken tiles and crockery, usable pieces of wood, second-hand clothing in good condition, plants, used garden accessories and fabric offcuts, much of which is used in art projects run by the centre. The depot is situated on the corner of St Johns and Waterloo Road in Wynberg. Contact: 021 794 5863, 084 506 3089 or gsdouglas@worldonline.co.za
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Desco Electronic Recyclers has a couple of bin services in Cape Town where you can drop off all e-waste, such as unused and broken computers and cellphones. You can also arrange for Desco to collect from your company via its online collection service. For more info visit: desco.co.za Morning Star Garden Refuse Camp takes paper, glass, plastic, motor oil and garden offcuts (no kitchen offal). It’s situated in Vanderbijl Street (next to the
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sports grounds) in Durbanville. Open every day (including public holidays), 7:30am– 5:30pm. Contact: 021 979 0626. Oasis Association By dropping off your domestic recyclable waste at the Oasis depot, on the corner of Lee and Landsdowne roads in Claremont, you are providing work for people with intellectual disability, as well as saving the environment. Enquire about the workshops, which offer a free collection service to schools and businesses. Contact: 021 671 2698, info@oasis.org.za or visit oasis.org.za PETCO Plastic Recycling Drop off your plastics at one of PET’s recovery stations and recyclers will, in turn, collect from these centres. For assistance in identifying various plastics, as well as information on the various drop-off centres, visit petco.co.za. Pick n Pay has teamed with Philips and Uniross to provide recycle bins for energysaving light bulbs (CFLs) and batteries. The bins are situated in all Pick n Pay stores. For more info visit: picknpay.co.za for more recycling info. Reclite Drop off your lamp or battery recyclables at various Woolworths and Pick n Pay stores, Wessa in Kirstenhof and Eurolux in Milnerton. For more info visit: reclite.co.za Spar Drop off your basic glass and paper recycling in the igloos found outside most Super Spar stores.
The Glass Recycling Company has many glass banks for glass recycling all around the Western Cape. Contact: 011 803 0767, 0861 2 45277 (GLASS), info@theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za or visit theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za Wellness Warehouse Recycling Drop off your paper, plastic and glass (not tin and cardboard) at Jan van Riebeeck Junior School in Kloof Street (next door to the store). Place your old batteries in the Uniross bin situated near the tills at the Wellness Warehouse store in Kloof Street. Opening times for the bins at the school are Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm; Saturday, 9am–noon. Contact: 021 487 5420.
Woolworths Drop off waste paper, plastic, glass and tins at one of the eight Woolworths/Engen stores. Nampak collects the waste and ensures it’s recycled. Most Woolworths stores also have bins where you can drop off burnt-out CFL light bulbs. These recycling drop-off points are situated at Woolworths/Engen garages in Sunset Beach, Edgemead, Jip de Jager Drive in Welgemoed, Retreat, Blackheath, Constantia Road, Meadowridge and Stellenbosch. Cape Town has recycling depots too numerous to list here. For a comprehensive list of recycling depots around your province, visit harmoniousliving.co.za
raw materials you can recycle
bags, potato bags or wax coated boxes
• Tins and metals • plastics • lubricating
• multi-laminated plastic foil packaging
oil • Tetra Pak • glass bottles and jars
for food such as bacon • Polystyrene
• e-waste (TVs, computers, cellphones
food trays • sweet wrappers • chip
and paper and cardboard). everyday items you can’t recycle • Wet or dirty paper such as tissues, paper towel, food wrappings, paper with spills • wax or plastic-coated packaging for liquids such as milk cartons • self-
packets • dirty products (specifically porous materials such as cloth and plastic) • cling wrap • window pane (flat) glass • light bulbs and cookware such as Pyrex • cellophane • disposable nappies and banana boxes.
adhesive paper such as post-it notes
Due to the wax lining, the following
• carbon paper • chemically treated
are not recyclable: hard plastic (plastic
fax or photographic paper • dog food
chairs) and thick plastic (pool liners).
Cape Town’s
books
a good read for toddlers Go For It, Ruby! By Jonathan Emmett and Rebecca Harry (Macmillan Children’s Books, R90) Ruby is a careful duckling who likes to take things slowly, in her own time. But her new friend Errol is bustling and bold. Together they make the perfect team. When they go exploring in search of the golden pool, Ruby’s thoughtful approach helps them navigate the winding reeds. But when they come to a rushing waterfall, Ruby learns that sometimes you just have to go for it. This charming story, featuring everyone’s favourite duckling, is the third in the popular Ruby series.
Aliens in Underpants Save the World By Claire Freedman and Ben Cort (Simon and Schuster, R85) Your toddler will love this hilarious book from the creators of the bestselling Aliens Love Underpants. “Aliens love underpants. It’s lucky that they do, for pants helped save our universe. Sounds crazy, but it’s true!” When a meteorite is spotted heading towards the earth, it’s only the aliens who can save it. They create a “ginormous” pair of underpants made up of lots of small pairs to catapult the meteorite back into space.
Cape Town’s
Conrad the Crocodile By Stephen Barker
Donkey’s Busy Day By Natalie Russell (Bloomsbury Publishing, R101) Donkey feels proud. Farmer has asked him to look after the farm for a day and to make sure all the jobs are done. But donkey runs into trouble when he has to persuade the animals to do some hard work. This is a very funny book about the art of persuasion. It comes with a fruit and vegetable reward chart and stickers, which aims to make healthy eating fun for little readers.
(Campbell Books, R72) Your child can have bubbly fun with this little bath time book. The Bath Buddies series provides enjoyment and entertainment and also develops hand-eye coordination and concentration. It comes with a small-person-friendly bubble wand. The quirky story is about Conrad, who loves to swim – on his tummy, on his back, deep underwater, when it’s sunny, and even when it’s raining. But most of all he loves swimming with his friends. Stephen Barker’s illustrations are bright and bold for added entertainment. The Bath Buddies series is PVC- and BPA-free.
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books continued... for preschoolers Dinosaur Hunt: Max Spaniel By David Catrow
The Cat in the Hat By Dr. Seuss
(Scholastic, R85) In this new children’s series, David Catrow introduces the loveable spaniel, Max. In this book, Max Spaniel sets out to hunt for dinosaurs. On his search, Max quickly realises that he will have to use a bit of imagination to find what he is looking for. Catrow’s illustrations include a lot of humour and energy. Children who are learning to read are sure to be entertained by this loveable dog.
(Harper Collins, R110) When Sally and her brother are left alone one rainy day, they think they are in for a dull time. That is until the Cat in the Hat steps in, bringing with him mayhem and madness. First published in 1957, The Cat in the Hat has had more than 11 million copies printed. This is a classic book that every child should have the joy of reading.
Sparkle Street: Rosa Bloom’s Flower Shop & Barnaby Baker’s Cake Shop By Vivian French and Joanne Partis (Macmillan Children’s Books, R90 each) Sparkle Street is a series of children’s books written by the author of the successful Tiara Club series. Each book features an enchanting story, gorgeous glitter-sprinkled pages and two die cuts. There’s a pop-up shop with every book that children will love collecting to make their very own Sparkle Street.
audio book
Butterfly Kidz By W. H. Miller
(butterflykidz.com, R89,95) Butterfly Kidz empowers children to believe in themselves. This two-hour double CD set includes seven beautiful songs with magical stories for children with themes such as “teaching children to believe in themselves” and “how to overcome fear”. In each story, there is a lesson to be learnt to help your child develop emotional intelligence. By buying this product, you are helping to create jobs for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged. The CD set is available from Pick n Pay or visit butterflykidz.com.
for grade 1 to grade 3 fun s rhyme The Truth about Parents By Paul Cookson, David Harmer, Brian Moses and Roger Stevens (Macmillan Children’s Books, R90) Children might think they know everything about their parents, and they most likely think their parents are quite boring. But there’s a big surprise waiting for them: Mom and Dad have secrets. They can be adventurous and have tricks up their sleeves. Poems like “Superman’s Sister” will entertain the whole family: “Our mom must be Superman’s sister, we’re amazed at what she does. Fighting monstrous piles of washing, battling the bulky duvets, taming the horror that’s our Hoover, rescuing us from terrifying spiders, wrestling the dog who never wants to be brushed, and dashing at streak-of-lightning speed to save us all from being late for school.”
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Charmseekers: Zorgan and the Gorseman By Amy Tree (Orion Children’s Books, R95) When Charm became Queen of Karisma, the silversmith made her a precious bracelet with 13 silver amulets, called charms fastened to it, in honour of the new queen. The bracelet’s magic has the power to control the forces of nature and keep everything in balance. As long as Queen Charm is in possession of it, all will be well. And so it was – until Zorgan, the evil magician, stole the bracelet and scattered the charms far and wide. Now it’s up to Sesame Brown, the appointed Charmseeker, to save the day. Little girls just love to read these stories and even more so to collect the charms that come with each of the 13 books.
The Greatest Intergalactic Guide to Space Ever by The Brainwaves By Carole Stott, Lisa Swerling and Ralph Lazar (Dorling Kindersley Limited, R161) In this book, children can take the controls and enjoy a space-hopping, out-of-thisworld ride around the Universe. From big bangs to rings of rubble, shooting stars to gas giants, there is so much to discover. Brainwave and his friends are the astroguides to the magnificence of the Universe, revealing its spectacular secrets and exploring the deepest, and most mysterious places. This book is packed with information that has been cleverly and educationally illustrated with loads of humour.
Cape Town’s
for preteens and teens The Secret of the Black Moon Moth By John Fardell
10 Kings and Queens who Changed the World By Clive Gifford
(Faber and Faber, R98) A shy old man has approached Professors Gadling, Gauntraker and Ampersand with a strange archaeological find: early human remains quite unlike anything known to science. Soon Sam, Zara, Ben, Marcia and Adam join an expedition to a remote tropical island to investigate. But the island contains a secret more astonishing than anything they could have imagined, and a dangerous enemy is also on their trail. Your teen will struggle to put down this enjoyable story, the third in a series of adventure novels, which started with The 7 Professors of the Far North.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, R150) This action-packed series gives a unique insight into the lives of the good and the great, the famous and the infamous. Each book contains linked biographies of 10 key figures in different fields of endeavour. In this book, children can meet the legendary rulers who built lavish palaces, raised fearsome armies and forged great empires.
Easy Answers to Awkward Questions By Ilze van der Merwe and Nikki Bush (Metz Press, R112) Many parents dodge sex education or avoid the topic completely because of their own ignorance and fears. This book is written for children between the ages of eight and 13 in an easy question-and-answer format, with delightful illustrations to add a fun element. It will double as an invaluable guide for parents so that they can answer their children’s questions candidly.
for us Bats Sing, Mice Giggle: The Secret Lives of Animals By Karen Shanor and Jagmeet Kanwal (Icon Books, R166) This is the culmination of many years of research that reveals how wild animals, as well as pets, have secret, inner lives of which, until recently, we have had little real proof. The authors show how animal “friends” keep in touch, and how they warn and help each other in times of danger. Find out how some animals problem-solve even more effectively than humans and how they build, create and entertain themselves and others.
Happy ever after? By Patricia Scanlan (Random House, R225) Debbie is at her wits’ end with coke-sniffing, champagne-swilling Bryan, who has no desire to give up the high life and become a stay-at-home husband. Ambitious and driven, second wife Aimee is horrified to discover she’s pregnant. She doesn’t want the baby, but her husband Barry does. In the middle of all this stands Connie – Debbie’s mom and Barry’s first wife. She wants to move on with her life, but can she walk away from people who need her?
Cape Town’s
The Reformed Vampire Support Group By Catherine Jinks (Quercus, R102) Fifteen-year-old Nina has been a vampire since 1973 and she’s hated every day of it. It has cramped her style and social life, and it’s boring. But things take a turn for the worse when a member of her therapy group is killed by an unknown vampire slayer. Threatened with extinction, she and her fellow vampires set out to hunt down the culprit. Is there more to your average vampire than meets the eye?
parenting books What about the children? By Julie Lynn Evans (Random House, R240) Children of divorce or separation need to find ways to survive. Often they have to cope alone, as many adults believe their children are resilient. Still other parents worry that they are hurting the people they love the most. This book offers advice to carers, friends, relatives and parents, helping them to interpret children’s symptoms and reactions. It explains how a child’s friendships, schooling and wellbeing are affected. Evans provides tips on how to listen and take action when a child tries to communicate difficult feelings, and she highlights the advantages for children living with single, separated or divorced parents.
pick of the month
Ask Your Father: The Questions Children Ask and How to Answer Them By Emma Cook
(Short Books, R139) All parents know the moment: you are preparing the lunch box when your child asks one of those impossibly embarrassing, unanswerable questions – the sort you’d like to palm off on your partner. In Ask Your Father Emma Cook offers the answers. Collected from her highly successful column in The Times UK, the book provides on-the-button advice to almost every question with which you could have the misfortune of being faced.
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calendar
1
Pizza-making workshop at Millstone Farmstall & Café
This is ideal for ages 6–12 years. Pizza-making will also take place on 8 April. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Millstone Farmstall & Café, Oude Molen Eco Village, Alexandra Rd, Pinelands. Cost: R70 including light snack and organic lemonade. Booking is essential. Contact: 021 447 8226. Enquire about their biscuit-baking workshop on 7 April.
1 thursday
Gold of Africa Museum holiday programme Catch the last day of the itinerary for children aged 7–12 years. Booking is essential. Time: 9am–noon. Venue: Gold of Africa Museum, Martin Melck House, 96 Strand St. Cost: R50 per day. Contact: 021 405 1540 or museum@goldofafrica.com Playshed is open for the school holidays until 11 April except for Mondays and the Easter weekend. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: The Playshed, Oude Molen Eco Village. Cost: varies according to age; call to enquire. Contact: 074 196 2778 or madre@iafrica.com. Also, contact Madré to find out more about their Wednesday nanny mornings.
A Whale of a Heritage Route holiday programme includes a visit to an old farmstead, the haunted corner of Fish Hoek and the Silvermine Wetlands. Children can also draw the inside of the mouth of a Southern Right Whale. Ideal for children 5–12 years. Ends 9 April. Time: 1pm–5pm. Venue: Fish Hoek Beach and surrounds. Cost: R30. Contact: 079 391 2105 or info@awhaleofaheritageroute.co.za Moms and Babes Claremont invites you to bring your babies aged 2–12 months for fun sessions. For cost and times, call Di: 021 671 8690 CapeGate Easter Heaven Entertainment Activities include face painting, colouringin competitions, climbing wall, jumping castle, puppet and magic shows in the bunny park. Ends 11 April. Time: 10am– 3pm. Venue: Pick n Pay Court, CapeGate Shopping Precinct. Cost: free. Contact CapeGate: 021 981 2233 Kidz Playzone Easter holiday programme Ends 9 April. Cost: no extra cost for the holiday programme or magic shows. Their drop and go service is R60 per child per day. Time: Monday–Saturday, 9am–4:30pm; Sunday and public holidays 9:30am–2pm. Venue: Durbanville Business Park, off Kliphuewel Rd, Durbanville. Contact Bev: 021 979 4872 Lindt Easter children’s activities For children 1–12 years. Activities include a colouring-in competition, Easter play garden and great prizes. Ends 4 April. Time: 9am–7pm. Venue: V&A Waterfront. Cost: free. Contact Sarah: 021 407 7700 The Sporting Academy holiday programme Clinics 29 March–1 April and 6–9 April. Time: 9am–1pm; 1:30pm– 5:30pm. Venue: Bergvliet, Constantia, Meadowridge FC, Newlands and Scarborough. Cost: R100 per day or R340 for four days. Contact: 084 777 1212 or sportingacademy@gmail.com Gogo’s Game Days with MTN Sciencentre Time: 1–2 April, 10am–noon and 1pm–3pm; 3 April, 10am–1pm. Venue: 1 April – Moms and Babes Claremont
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2 April – World Autism Awareness Day The whole month of April is treated as a time to raise funds for and increase awareness about this neurodevelopment disorder. Check out what’s on this month, relating to this theme. 2 April Half price entrance to Planet Kids for children living on the autism spectrum. Time: 10am–6pm daily. Venue: 3 Wherry Rd, Muizenberg. Contact: 021 788 3070, info@ planetkids.co.za or visit planetkids. co.za. Call to enquire about Planet Kids events on 6 and 10 April. 7 April SNAP training course for children on the autism spectrum Threeday workshop for teachers (7–9 April) and medical professionals (14–16 April) plus a two-week tutor-training course (19–30 April). Time: each workshop starts
MTN Sciencentre, Canal Walk. Cost: children 3–18 years R28, adults R22. Contact: 021 529 8100, info@mtnsciencentre.org.za or visit mtnsciencentre.org.za Sand boarding, rock climbing and mountain biking Easter holiday special Call for details, terms and conditions. Time: 10am–noon and 1pm–3pm. Venue: varies. Cost: sand boarding R59; rock climbing R50; mountain biking R65. Contact: 021 696 3631 or visit adventures4u.co.za Checkers Easter village at Canal Walk While you indulge in a variety of Easter treats, children are entertained. Ends 5 April. Also, school art competition entries on display throughout the centre from 1–18 April. Time: varies. Venue: Central Promotions Court, Canal Walk. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit canalwalk.co.za Kindermusik with Nats holiday programme provides entertainment filled with music, stories and activities. From 29 March–9 April. Venue: Gardens studio, Mill St or Milnerton Studio, Stodels Lifestyle Centre. Cost: R50 per one-hour session. Contact: 083 320 8397 Holiday art and craft club at Scallywags Play Café for 5–10 year olds. From 29 March–1 April. Time: 10am–noon. Venue: 44 Belvedere Rd, Claremont. Cost: R100 per day. Contact: 021 671 5988 or 083 662 8414
at 9am. Venue: 9 De Dam Rd, Vierlanden, Durbanville. Cost: varies, call to enquire. Contact Ursula: 021 975 7224 or info@snap.org.za. SNAP also hosts a monthly Asperger’s syndrome support group meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm. 13 April Autism Action South Africa and Alpha School community outreach session A teacher, speech and language therapist, a clinical psychologist and the director of Autism Action South Africa offer information, support, education and counselling. Time: tbc. Venue: Ward 78, Lentegeur Hospital, Mitchell’s Plain. Cost: free. For more info: info@autismaction.co.za or visit autismaction.co.za. For more info on the various projects on the go visit autismsouthafrica.org and autismwesterncape.org.za
Holiday fun at Kidzville, Tyger Valley Centre Tyger Valley Centre’s free drop and shop zone, managed by professional child minders, gives you the freedom to get your shopping done while your little ones play. Head here for crafts, story-telling, magic shows and play time with the adorable Tyger Valley Tigers. From 27 March– 11 April. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Tyger Valley Shopping centre. Cost: free. Contact: 021 914 1822 or visit tygervalley.co.za. For daily updates and spot prizes, become a Tyger Valley Fan on Facebook.
Easter holiday entertainment at Zevenwacht Mall Ends 10 April. Entertainment includes bubble ball, theatre shows, daily children’s entertainment and a Michael Jackson talent competition. Time: varies. Cost: varies. Venue: cnr Polkadraai and Van Riebeeck Rd, Kuilsriver. For more info: visit zevenwachtmall.co.za Ratanga Junction is open for the holidays from 25 March–11 April. There are also bonus days from 24–27 April. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Century City. Cost: adventurer R132, mini-adventurer R65, fun pass R40. For more info: visit ratanga.co.za Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
what’s on in april
For a free listing, fax your event to 021 462 2680 or email it to lucille@childmag.co.za. Information must be received by 8 April for the May issue and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. Compiled by LUCILLE KEMP
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6 Holiday beading workshops for children at Iziko Museum These workshops involve animal-beading (age 4–7) and jewellery (age 8 and older). Time: 10am–noon. Venue: The blue and red classrooms, Iziko Museum. Cost: R10. No charge for accompanying adults. Contact Anton: 021 481 3924 or avanwyk@iziko.org.za. The beading workshops also take place on 30 March, 1 and 8 April. To enquire about shows at Iziko Planetarium, call 021 481 3900.
Somerset Mall Kids Karnival From 27 March–11 April. Closed on 2 April. Time: 11am–4pm. Venue: Somerset Mall Centre Court. Cost: R20. For more info: visit somersetmall.co.za Artjamming holiday programme From 29 March–1 April. Time: 9:30am–noon. Venue: Wembley Square. Cost: R120 per person per day. Contact: 021 462 1168
Studio Theatre. Cost: R35. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000. For block bookings, contact Elton: 021 558 2650 Melanie Lowe performs at Villa Pascal Theatre Enjoy this theatre-in-ahouse experience. Time: 7pm. Venue: Villa Pascal Theatre, 28 Van der Westhuizen St, Durbanville. Cost: R90. For more info: visit villapascal.co.za
2 friday
3 saturday
The Ugly Duckling and Other Stories at the Baxter by The Lilliput Children’s Theatre Company. Ends 10 April. Time: 10:30am and noon. Venue: Concert Hall and
Imagine! Magical Theatre from the College of Magic Discover the world of imagination and grand illusion through over 60 enchanting performers and comic
characters. Ends 10 April. Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Artscape Theatre. Cost: R70–R99. Contact Fazielah: 083 929 6999 Cape Town International Jazz Festival presents over 40 international and local musicians. Ends 4 April. Time: varies. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre. Cost: weekend pass R485, day pass R330 or R25 per performance. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.co.za Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Time: ultra-marathon (56km) starts at 6:25am; half-marathon (21,1km) starts at 6am. Venue: Ultra-marathon: start and finish outside SA Breweries, Main Rd, Newlands. Half-marathon: start and finish is outside Newlands swimming pool, Main Rd, Newlands. Cost: free for spectators. For more info: visit twooceansmarathon.org.za Mountain bike weekend Three events take place over the Easter weekend in the Durbanville Hills region. A cross-country, downhill and all-mountain race. Ends 4 April. Time: 8:30am. Venue: Contermanskloof, Durbanville. Cost: from R50. Contact: visit dirtopia.co.za Grand Easter egg hunt at Noordhoek Farm Village Time: 10:30am–12:30pm. Venue: The Bandstand, Noordhoek Farm Village. Cost: free. Contact: 021 789 2812 or visit noordhoekvillage.co.za. Enquire about events on 10, 17 and 24 April. Family and friends CPR training teaches adult, child and infant CPR.
Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Constantiaberg Medi Clinic. Cost: R250. Contact Kathy: 021 797 2342 or training@pec.co.za Beginners’ belly dance eightweek course every Saturday. Time: 11am–12:15pm. Venue: 16 Wimbledon Way, Parklands. Cost: R400 per course, payable up front. Contact Tanaya: 082 563 8356, plumtree16@gmail.com or visit tanayabellydance.com. Enquire about the beginners’ eight-week course every Thursday from 8 April and an intermediate eight-week course every Wednesday from 7 April. Josie Field at Farmhouse Rocks There is a great children’s playground that enables parents to relax and enjoy the music. Time: 3:30pm. Venue: Junction of M66 and M65, bottom of Redhill Rd. Cost: adults R50, students R40 and children under 12 free. Contact: 021 780 1246, info@ capefarmhouse.co.za or visit capefarmhouse. co.za. Captain Stu performs 17 April.
4 sunday
The Train Driver at the all new Fugard Theatre Playwright Athol Fugard will debut in this theatre production. Ends 11 April. Time: Tuesday–Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 3:30pm. Venue: The Fugard Theatre, Caledon St, District Six. Cost: Tuesday, R50; Wednesday and Thursday, R80; Friday and Saturday, R120 and Sunday, R80. Contact: 021 461 4554 or visit thefugard.com
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Cape Town’s
3 April – Imagine!
6 tuesday
Gordons Gym holiday camp features fun sport activities. Ends 9 April. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Gordons Gymnastics Club, Hill Park Lane, Mowbray. Cost: R140 per day or R70 per half day (8am–1pm or noon–5pm). Contact: 021 686 9213 or admin@gordonsct.co.za Pre-season rugby bootcamp Get your child fit and strong for the upcoming rugby season. Time: 2pm–3pm (ages 8–12 years) and 3pm–4pm (ages 13–16 years). Venue: Newlands. Cost: R100 per class (R350 for four days). Contact Joy: 082 464 8911 or Rob: 082 210 0297
7 wednesday
Easter family fun at Scarecrows There are Easter egg hunts and a jumping castle plus delicious food. Time: 9am–5pm (Easter egg hunt 11am and 2pm). Venue: Scarecrows, Hout Bay. Cost: R10 per child for Easter egg hunt. Contact: 021 790 0841 or scarecrows.coffeeshop@gmail.com
5 monday
Golf Day invitation Big Fish Little Fish Montessori in Tableview is hosting a golf day on 18 June to raise funds for local community projects. If you would like to play or provide sponsorship contact Michelle or Kim today: 021 556 3453 or enquiries@bigifishlittlefish.co.za
Cape Town’s
Tom Jones live in South Africa performing hits such as “Delilah”. Time: 8:15pm. Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, 1 Vanguard Dr, Goodwood. Cost: R330–R580. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.co.za CPR and first aid courses every Wednesday and Saturday. Time: 9:30am– 2:30pm. Venue: Cape Town Medi Clinic, Hof St, Oranjezicht. Cost: R220. Contact Daniele: 084 593 2314, danola@mweb. co.za or visit momsbabiesnannies.co.za Goal-setting full-day workshop for Grade R–Grade 12 Equip your child with the tools needed to be academically and emotionally successful and to stay motivated this year. Time: 9am–3pm.
Venue: The Blouberg Life Coaching Studio for Kids, Melkbosstrand. Cost: R450. Contact Angelique: 082 453 4313 or angelique@equalzeal.com. Enquire about workshops on 8 and 9 April.
8 thursday
Parent Centre moms-to-be and moms and babies group meets every Thursday. Time: 10am–noon. Venue: Second floor, maternity section, Kingsbury Maternity Hospital, Wilderness Rd, Claremont. Cost: R35 including refreshments. Contact the Parent Centre: 021 762 0116, zaiboe@theparentcentre.org.za or visit theparentcentre.org.za
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9 friday
Grand Daddy sundowner concerts Live music every Wednesday and Friday. Time: arrive for a glass of wine at 5pm, performance 6:30pm–8:30pm. Venue: Daddy Long Legs Hotel. Cost: concert free. Contact: 021 424 7247 or info@ granddaddy.co.za
10 saturday
Rondebosch Craft in the Park is on the second Saturday of every month. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: cnr Campground and Sandown Rd, Rondebosch. Cost: free entry. Contact Ann: 021 531 4236 (Tuesday– Friday, 9am–5:30pm) or 083 272 5482
Family horse-riding adventure
A three-day horse-riding camp for children, in association with Riversdale Riding School. Ends 9 April. Time: Wednesday, 9am to Friday, 3pm. Venue: Oudebosch Guest Farm. Cost: parents R550, riders (children) R600 for two nights. Contact Linda: 082 923 1469 or email oudebosch@telkomsa.net
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Exclusive Books children’s book festival The theme aims to get your child ready for football fever in July. Time: 10am. Venue: Exclusive Books, Bayside Mall. Cost: free, but RSVP essential. Contact: 021 521 4900 or, to RSVP, baysidemall@ exlcusivebooks.co.za The Rainbow Puppet Theatre presents St George and the Dragon Shows are every Saturday. No shows on 3 April. Time: 10am and 11:15am. Venue: The Rainbow Puppet Theatre, Constantia Waldorf School, Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia. Cost: R20 entry for adults and children. Contact Alison: 021 783 2063 or therainbow.puppettheatre@gmail.com Fresh produce market This new market takes place on the second Saturday of each month. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Jan van Riebeeck Primary School, next to Lifestyle Centre in Kloof St. For more info: wellnesswarehouse.com Hike Peck’s Valley to Muizenberg Cave Cost: free for members, R15 for nonmembers. Contact Denise: 021 685 7443 or 083 261 3326 or visit meridian.org.za. Enquire about the Table Mountain hike on 11 April, the Aqueduct hike on 17 April and the Melkbos beach walk on 18 April. Burgers and Bait family day at The Highlands Road Estate featuring a burger grill-out and free fly-fishing. Time: 10:30am–4pm. Venue: Highlands Road Estate, 75 Highlands Rd, Elgin. Cost: fishing and fishing poles free, children’s burger grillers R30. Contact Molly: 082 847 8589, highlandsroad@gmail.com or for directions visit highlandsroadestate.co.za
11 sunday
Eikendal Weintauffe harvest celebration with entertainment, local country food, wine tasting, vineyard
18 Fresh Etc Market in Kalk Bay Stock up on everything from fresh goods and preserves; natural and organic goods; ecofriendly items; handcrafted products; books and plants on the third Sunday of every month at this intimate monthly indoor market close to the sea. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Kalk Bay Community Centre, Main Rd, Kalk Bay (opposite Dalebrook beach). Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 788 8088, 083 332 9785, soulgrow@mweb.co.za or visit freshetcmarket.yolasite.com
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tractor rides, a live music performance and loads of fun for the children. Time: gates open at 10am. Venue: Eikendal Estate, situated on the R44, midway between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Cost: adults R65, which includes a complimentary glass plus barrel tasting. Visitors under 18 free entry. Contact: 021 855 1422 or info@eikendal.co.za
12 monday
Girls’ mountain biking workshops An eight-week mountain biking course for school girls under 19. The perfect opportunity for girls to learn everything there is to know about the sport with others their own age from experienced instructors. Ends 7 June. Venue: Tokai Forest. Cost: R1 250 for the course. Contact Megan: 074 143 3756 or megan@runlikeagirl.co.za La Leche League’s breastfeeding support group discusses prioritising your marriage while breastfeeding. Pregnant and nursing mothers are welcome to attend. Time: 10am. Venue: Panorama. Cost: free. Contact Rosemary: 021 910 0606 or Irma: 073 513 1056. The support group meeting is also on 13 April in Durbanville, contact Trudy: 021 913 2816 or Tiffany: 021 913 3586 and 21 April in Parow, contact Dilshaad: 021 930 2475
13 tuesday
Tots n Pots children’s cooking workshops Today’s recipe is apple berry crumble. Time: Tuesday, 9:30am–10:30am (2–3 years); Wednesday, 2:30pm–3:30pm (3–6 years). Venue: Daisies Coffee Shop, The Garden Shop, Doordrift Rd, Constantia. Cost: R560 for seven weeks, or a minimum of first four classes for R320. Also 20–21 April: learn to cook chicken pie; 28 April: learn to bake “mini strawberry friends”. Contact Chene: 083 649 7405, chene@ totsnpots.com or visit totsnpots.com.
14 wednesday
Sugar and Spice four-week nanny training course starts in Claremont Time: every Wednesday, 1:30pm– 4:30pm. Venue: Bowwood Baby Clinic. Cost: call to enquire. Contact: 083 406 0028, kmcintosh@telkomsa.net or visit nannytraining.co.za. Sugar and Spice also offers training in Greenpoint, Panorama and Noordhoek. Earthfair Food Market for your healthy weekly shopping every Wednesday and Saturday. Time: Wednesday, 3pm–8pm; Saturday, 9am–2pm. Venue: South Palms (same location as Builders Warehouse and Reader’s Warehouse in Main Rd, Tokai). Contact Jacqui: 084 220 3856, info@earthfairmarket.co.za or visit earthfairmarket.co.za
The Great Moscow Circus presents From Russia with Love The 90-year old Great Moscow Circus will entertain South Africans with new displays of physical strength and flexibility. A highlight of the show is the first ever dual horizontal and vertical trapeze act to be performed in South Africa. Other performers include a contortionist, acrobats, jugglers and clowns. Ends 27 April. Time: daily shows between 11am and 8pm. Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World. Cost: varies, depending on the show and the seats. Special rates for children and pensioners. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.co.za
16 friday
Christian-based life skills workshops every Friday and relate to relationshipbuilding. All are welcome. Time: 5pm–8pm for children up to 12 years; 6pm–9pm for teenagers 13 years and older. Venue: St Phillips Anglican Church Hall, Range Rd, Wetton (opposite Wetton Station). Cost: free. Contact Vanessa (children): 083 280 2564 or Toni (teenagers): 072 873 8836 or mark@ palms.co.za Cannons Creek Independent School open day for primary school admission in 2011. Time: 8:30am–12:15pm. Venue: Nursery Way, Pinelands. Cost: free. The high school open day is on 17 April. Time: 9am. Contact: 021 531 0912
17 saturday
Charlotte’s Web the musical This exciting, theatrical production brings a new dimension to the beloved classic. (Produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company, Woodstock, Illinois). Also 24 April. Time: 10:30am and 6pm. From 19–23 April, shows start at 10:30am and 3:30pm. Venue: HB Thom Theatre, Stellenbosch. Cost: R40 adults, R30 students and R25 for block bookings. Contact: 021 808 3216 (after 2pm) or schalkw@sun.ac.za St Joseph’s Adult Education Programme Keep fit and relax with Kundalini yoga and belly dance every Saturday. St Joseph’s also offers a free childcare facility. Also 10 and 24 April. Time: yoga, noon–1:30pm, belly dance, 12:30pm–2pm. Venue: St. Joseph’s Marist College, 21 Belmont Rd, Rondebosch. Cost: R350 per eight-week course. Contact Julia or Keith: 021 685 1257 or 021 686 8426
16
Story Hour at Kloof Street’s Exclusive Books Catch story hour every second Saturday. Children receive a snack pack, do a quiz, and stand a chance to win books. Time: 10am–11:30am. Venue: Exclusive Books, Lifestyle Centre, Kloof St. Cost: free. Contact: 021 426 2977 T-shirt painting workshop in Durbanville Perfect for children 3 years and older. Booking essential. Time: 10am. Venue: LaLa Land Playschool, Durbanville. Cost: R65, including all materials. Contact: 084 513 1674 or info@lala-land.co.za Porter Estate Produce Market Get quality fresh produce at this communitydriven market, which donates the entrance fee to the students at Chrysalis Academy. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: top of Tokai Rd, signposted from the circle at Steenberg Golf Estate. Cost: R5 entry. To check if the market is open, contact: 082 334 5434 Art- and play-station workshop Attend this 90-minute interactive play session and engage with various art or play stations with the guidance of an art therapist. Time: 9:30am–11:15am or 3:30pm–5:15pm (depending on age). Contact Angela: 021 683 9654 or angrack@mweb.co.za Schoolyard market day at Elkanah House Get there for fresh food, arts and crafts. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Elkanah House High School, 85 Sunningdale Dr, Sunningdale. Cost: free entry. Contact Gail: 021 554 8622, gailv@elkanah.co.za or visit elkanah.co.za Sign up for the Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) introductory workshop beginning in May. Time: 9am. Venue: The Hall, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Camps Bay. Cost: free. Contact: 021 438 1022 or visit parents.co.za
11 April – Eikendal Weintauffe harvest celebration
15 thursday
Tell Huggies about your messy situation with your baby to stand the chance of winning one of two family holidays to the value of R50 000. You can find out more about the competition at all major retailers (that stock Huggies) from mid-April to mid-June. For more info: visit huggies.co.za Cape Town’s
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Square, Woodstock. Contact Andries: 082 354 1500 or visit 34fineart.com
21 wednesday
24 SA Cheese Festival While you sample cheese, eat and drink, your children can experience the Cheese Chiller, the magical Milk Factory and play in Crazy Chameleon’s Kiddies’ Corner. Ends 27 April. Time: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am–6pm; Tuesday, 5pm. Venue: Bien Donné on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek. Cost: R110 for Saturday and Sunday and R90 for Monday and Tuesday, children 12 years and younger enter free. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or for more info contact Agri-Expo: 021 975 4440, cheese@agriexpo.co.za or visit cheesefestival.co.za
18 sunday
Spur Adventure Charity Challenge This popular race consists of a 20km mountain bike trail ride (two 10km loops) and a 5km trail dash through natural obstacles and water crossings. A bush baby trail has been developed for children between 6 and 10 years and kicks off with a bag race. Children are then guided along a marked trail on foot, negotiating a number of obstacles. Time: 9am. Venue: Lourensford. Cost: bush baby trail R35,
adventure challenge R70, nature hike R35. For more info contact Quantum Adventures: 021 789 0188, 082 658 3078 or visit spur.co.za/adventure
19 monday
Knysna Festival workshop, organised by the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA), and sponsored by New Balance and Cape Storm, helps you prepare for the Pick n Pay Knysna fulland half-marathon events and the Xterra mountain biking and running event. Time: registration, 6:30pm. Event, 7pm. Venue: Cape Storm, Wynberg store. Cost: R20, which will be donated to a charity that supports needy athletes. Seating is limited. Contact: 021 761 2021 Numeracy, literacy and handwriting workshop for parents and teachers of children 3–7 years. Time: 10am–11:15am. Venue: 11 Middleton Rd, Claremont. Cost: R70. Contact: rlighton@mweb.co.za or visit reneelighton.co.za
20 tuesday
21 April – Coast2Coast4CANSA
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Cool Stuff art exhibition at 34FineArt gallery This is the first group show for 2010 and opens in the new space in Buchanan Square. Ends 15 May. Time: 7pm. Venue: second floor, Hills Building, Buchanan
Coast2Coast4CANSA Six adventurers set out today on jet skis and will travel over 2 800km of South African coastline to increase awareness and raise funds for CANSA. For more info and to track the progress of the crew, both in the build-up and throughout the C2C4C campaign: visit coast2coast4cansa.co.za Fine Women Business Network breakfast International motivational speaker and author Wolfgang Riebe speaks on “turbo charged sales and marketing”. Time: 8am–10am. Venue: River Club, Liesbeek Parkway, Observatory. For more info: emily@finewomen.co.za.
22 thursday
Camps Bay Primary School open day View the school and facilities. Time: 8:30am–10:30am. Contact: 021 438 1503 or pat@campsbayprimary.co.za
23 friday
Annual Historical Hunt for schools A Whale of a Heritage Route invites junior and high schools to register three participants per team (one adult and two children) for the Annual Historical Hunt, which will be held between Muizenberg and Simon’s Town over three days. Ends 25 April. This is a clue-driven event with prizes for the winners. Contact: 079 391 2105 or info@ awhaleofaheritageroute.co.za Decorex is a stylish exhibition of interiors. Time: Friday, 1pm–8pm; Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am–8pm; Tuesday, 10am– 6pm. Venue: CTICC. Cost: R55. Contact: 021 913 2248 or visit decorex.co.za
24 saturday
Around the World in 30 minutes is a Kidz Take Over (KTO) production starring the children of the KTO Drama School. Time: doors open at 9:30am, show starts at 10am. Venue: MTN Sciencentre Theatre, Canal Walk. Cost: R50. Contact Helen: 083 368 4307 or helen@kto.co.za Nitida’s Farmers’ Market A real farmers’ market, with 45 specially selected stalls, with ready-to-eat food from around the world, plenty to take home, and loads of fun for the children. Time: 7:30am–noon.
Venue: Nitida Cellars. Contact Getha: 083 651 0699, getha@nitida.co.za or visit nitida.co.za “Caring for the carer” talk by Kathy Train, a psychophonetics counsellor. Time: tea 10:30am, talk and discussion 11am– noon. Venue: Puppet Theatre, Constantia Waldorf School. Cost: suggested donation R30. Contact Yvonne: 021 794 1492 or Marlene: 021 794 2103 Open day at Green Gecko Montessori Preprimary School Visit the school and find out more about the Montessori method of education. Time: 10am–1pm. Venue: 6 Budock St, Claremont. Cost: free. Contact: 021 683 5351 or sue@greengecko.co.za
25 sunday
Sunday Island Market showcases some of South Africa’s top up-and-coming fashion, jewellery and interior designers. Time: every Sunday, 10am–2pm. Venue: Northgate Island, cnr Koeberg Rd and the N1. Cost: entrance to the market and parking both free. Contact: 076 074 0970 or visit sundayislandmarket.co.za Royal Canin SPCA Mutt of the Year The search is on for the perfect pavement pooch. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Camps Bay High School, Camps Bay. Cost: R50 per category. Contact Lamees or Juan: 021 700 4141, comms@spca-ct.co.za or visit spca-ct.co.za
26 monday
Spier Contemporary 2010 is an open platform for all artists to show their work. Ends 14 May. Time: 10am–6pm. Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St. Cost: free. Contact: 0860 111 458, spiercontemporary@africacentre.co.za or visit spiercontemporary2010.co.za
27 tuesday
Explore natural healthcare Find out more about your body’s potential to heal naturally with the founder of the internationally acclaimed BodyTalk system, Dr John Veltheim. Time: 7pm. Venue: Clock Tower, V&A Waterfront. Cost: R100. Contact: 021 914 4576 or visit bodytalksystem.com. Enquire about the Finding Health Course by Dr Veltheim on 30 April–2 May by contacting Wilma on 072 956 5993
Cape Town’s
28 wednesday
Introdans, one of the world’s top modern ballet companies, presents a limited season of SP!R!T at the Baxter Theatre until 1 May 2010. Cost: R75–R120. For special school group offers contact: sharon.friedman@ uct.ac.za
29 thursday
Cult Cinema at the Pink Flamingo Classic cult movies such as The Big Lebowski show on selected Tuesday nights. Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Space Theatre, Daddy Long Legs Hotel, Long St. Cost: R50–R200. For more info: visit pinkflamingo.co.za
it’s
party time
30 friday
Family fun at Allesverloren during the Riebeek Valley Olive Festival. Enjoy live music and enjoy a selection of wines. Stalls sell delicacies from olives, fresh vegetables and homemade bread to jams and biltong. Lots of entertainment for the children. Ends 2 May. Time: Friday and Saturday, 9am–7pm; Sunday, 9am–4pm. Venue: Allesverloren, Riebeek West. Cost: free. Contact Allesverloren: 022 461 2320 Dirtopia Mountain Bike Festival Mountain bike enthusiasts, leisure cyclists and spectators of all ages can look forward to skills clinics, dirt jumping, night rides and a bicycle polo tournament. Children can play in the Spur activities area. Ends 2 May. Time: tbc. Venue: Tarentaalkraal Campsite, outside Greyton, Overberg. Cost: from R50 per event or R500 for a DirtPass, which includes T-shirt, camping and events for the entire three-day weekend. Contact: 021 884 4752 or visit dirtopia.co.za Constantia Waldorf Night Market Savour wholesome food and shop for crafts, organic vegetables and products. Time: 5pm–9pm. Venue: Constantia Waldorf School. Cost: free. Contact: 082 631 0421 or visit waldorfconstantia.co.za
30 April – Constantia Waldorf Night Market
Cape Town’s
April 2010
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it’s party time continued...
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Cape Town’s
April 2010
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last laugh
two office jobs, one family.
gulp
For the first time, SAM WILSON’s family finds itself without a parent working from home.
a
s of this month, Andreas and I both have fulltime office jobs. I know, I know… many of you have been parenting like that forever but for us, this is a first. In the decade we’ve been parents, we’ve each done a five-year spell as the work-from-home parent, who is also in charge of the shopping, lifting and cooking side of things. Obviously, the office parent chips in, but the family buck stops with the Primary Parent (or Primary Caregiver or Mom or House Spouse or Dad or One to be Phoned First… we’ve never found a term that sits comfortably with us). We both know what it’s like to come home to a family in full flow of dinner/bath/ bedtime – and to feel enveloped by the love, but a little cheated about the bits you missed. We also both know what it feels like
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to be so tired of family that you pounce on your partner as soon as their key scrapes the lock, handing over all clingy children before locking yourself in the bathroom to stare blissfully at blank tiles for a bit. You know? I know you do. But all of a sudden we find ourselves with two full-day jobs, and two expectant sons carrying extramural art supplies, soccer boots and musical instruments. And even though our home is stocked with quite frighteningly wonderful folk (our housekeeper runs marathons for our province and sports a black belt in karate, and our brand-new au pair is studying education), I am having a hard time getting over all the outsourcing that’s going on in the family. And though I am probably seeing more of the boys, as I race home a little anxiously
each day, I feel less in touch than I did when Dreas was the one helping to compile the science dioramas and expertly ferreting coloured pencils from inside the couch. I want to know how everyone else handles it. In the meantime, I can tell you the things we have started doing to make sure we are still very much part of each other’s days. First, meal times have become much more important. Now, sitting around the table for breakfast and dinner feels essential, and nonchalant mealtime chatter has been replaced by earnest sharing. I hope we relax into a happy medium soon, but at the moment I am really enjoying the dinnertable go-around games, such as “tell us your best and worst thing from the day” and Benj’s favourite “mad, sad, bad or glad”.
We’ve also stepped up the ritual. Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights all have set activities – from pizza night to swimming in the nearest public pool or watching a classic movie together. (You’ve forgotten how cute Kevin Costner was in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Trust me, you want to see it again.) I know it’s early days and we’re possibly overdoing it a little – but it’s times like these when I want to tip a cap at families without a stay-home, lift-available parent – be they two-office-jobs or single-parent families – and say: “Gosh it’s not easy, is it? Here’s to the love that keeps you going.” Sam Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief of Women24.com, Food24.com and Parent24. com. She has noticed her columns becoming soppier recently. She promises to buck up soon.
Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPH: Andreas SpÄth
Joe, Sam and Benj