free
Cape Town’s
May 2010 Issue 70
Circulation 45 158
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
low-fuss
18
activities
that are big on fun
let’s celebrate!
pages
of Cape Town’s top party suppliers
your must-have party guide
themed
birthday recipes
health
education
entertainment
I have spent many hours researching all things party. And my children have attended what must be at least 10 times as many. It seems like yesterday that the invitations involved ball ponds and push bikes and, now, my 15-year-old has been invited to a foam party at an under-18 club. When I phone the management to check on the club, they assure me it’s all “good clean fun”. No kidding! “No drugs, no alcohol, no leaving the club until home time.” Closing time? “Oh, 1am.” Great, I’ll be there at 10pm! Thankfully my youngest, being eight, is still very much in the realm of the good old-fashioned birthday party and, with her in mind, I’ve collected some great ideas that I plan to use for as many parties as possible (who knows what under-18 clubs will be offering in 2018?). Some of my favourites are: Make your own memories. Create your own studio with a home-made backdrop, digital camera and a colour printer. (You can easily upload images to bighugelabs.com to apply free, playful photo frames, which are great to use as thank you cards.) Create a bowling alley in your back garden. Take 10 clear plastic bottles, fill them with water and then add a couple of drops of food colouring to each. Stand them up on flat ground, and use party streamers as lane margins. Arrange your own fun fair. Have the party at your neighbourhood park and give each child tokens for taking part in the activities. Set up a face-painting booth, a “tattoo” table and games such as “throw the bean bag into the clown’s mouth” and “pin the tail on the donkey”. Serve hot dogs, popcorn and home-made lemonade. For other DIY party-activity ideas see page 38 or turn to our directory (see page 42) for people who can help you create the sort of celebration you’re looking for. But remember, it’s a birthday, not a wedding! Thankfully there’s still time before we need to be thinking about those. All sorted? I think so.
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 45 158 Joburg’s ChildTM 45 160 Durban’s ChildTM 40 052
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PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: Brooke Fasani
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 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.
May 2010
contents
may 2010
upfront 3
a note from lisa
6
ver to you o readers respond
38
features 15 h ome-made party Donna Cobban chooses the DIY route for her son’s second birthday 20 m anners maketh the minor Donna Cobban is all for a return to good old-fashioned manners 24 rash decision? ith measles on the rise, the vaccine w is back under the microscope. Glynis Horning investigates 30 keeping it real finding the balance as a single parent requires some extra effort. Catherine Jenkin tells you how she survives
regulars 10 wins 12 d ealing with difference Sally Hetherington looks at helping a child with Sensory Processing Disorder 14 upfront with paul
some days should just be cancelled, says Paul Kerton
20
34 c elebration time! in an extract from his cookbook Gatherings: A Year of Invitations, Nataniël shares special birthday recipes for children 38 hip, hip, hooray! a list of easy, yet fabulous, ideas for party entertainment. By Elaine Eksteen
health 11 give it up thumb-sucking can be a hard habit to break, warns Donna Cobban 13 e ating for sleeping Hannah Kaye explains how your child’s diet can influence his sleeping patterns
42 r esource: the ultimate party guide we bring you Cape Town’s most comprehensive guide to all things party related 60 a good read new books for the whole family 64 what’s on in may
15
70 l ast laugh some white lies told to children, says Sam Wilson, are just plain dangerous
classified ads 64 family marketplace
this month’s cover images are supplied by:
Brooke Fasani brookefasani.com
May 2010
thinkstockphotos.com
La CupCakerie 012 804 0183
Cape Town’s
feature
Cape Town’s
May 2010
letters
over to you
the cancer jab debate Last year – at the age of 41, after a routine Pap smear – I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent a radical hysterectomy. If I hadn’t had that checkup, I would be facing far more stringent cancer therapy and a far worse year. I have one of the most virulent strains of HPV in my body. I’ve never had a promiscuous sex life and would not hesitate to give the new vaccine to my daughter. There are many other STDs, including HIV, which the vaccine will not save you from so the argument that this vaccine is a licence for promiscuity is utterly ridiculous. Heather Dodd I would like to commend you on the excellent article “life saver or lifestyle changer”, about the HPV vaccine, in the April issue. As a life sciences teacher, I wholeheartedly believe in the vaccine. Dr Trudy Smith, an expert on the topic, spoke at our life sciences teachers’ conference in February and she was most convincing: boys and girls should be vaccinated. Jenny Page, Head of Faculty, Sciences, King David High School, Victory Park Yesterday I received the April issue of Child Magazine when I collected my little boys from school. Being an avid reader of your magazine, which I thoroughly enjoy, I was horrified to read the article promoting the Gardasil vaccine. I urge you to google it and have a look at the various sites that are dedicated to warning people regarding its dangers. Your magazine reaches thousands of people, some of whom might be reading about the vaccine for the first time – surely what you print deserves investigation so the public can then make an informed decision. I have two precious little boys so I will never be faced with having to make this decision or being pressured into it, but if I had a daughter there would be no way to persuade me to give her the death sentence that is Gardasil. Please be the ones to expose this drug for what it really is. Geraldine Bosman
We believe the article we ran offered a balanced view on the topic, but have asked two people more qualified than ourselves to comment on Geraldine Bosman’s concerns.
May 2010
Dr Jacky Searle is a gynaecologist and obstetrician based at Life Vincent Pallotti hospital. I would like to congratulate you on your article “life saver or lifestyle changer” about the cervical cancer vaccine (April 2010). I am a gynaecologist and mother, and have always found your magazine helpful and informative (and sometimes thought provoking). The relatively new vaccines available to prevent HPV infection (Cevarix and Gardasil) are an incredibly important technology, and one of the challenges is informing the public thereof. An article like yours, which was accurate and addressed the issues in a relevant and well-balanced manner, will help meet this challenge. I was therefore surprised when I read Geraldine Bosman’s response. One of the marvellous aspects of the HPV vaccines is how incredibly effective they are, and how incredibly safe – something that is always an ideal, but not always a reality. Both vaccines have undergone rigorous clinical trials and were only launched once all the necessary criteria were met. I have no hesitation in prescribing them to patients who choose to take advantage of their availability. While I may not be qualified to respond to all the internet references Geraldine quoted, the following points are pertinent. Although there are hundreds of strains of HPV, there are only 15 strains responsible for causing cancer, and strains 16 and 18 are responsible for over 73% of cervical cancer cases. Thus, a vaccine against these two strains is highly effective in eradicating cervical cancer. The ability to assess the effectiveness and safety of any medical intervention in an unbiased manner is a science in itself. As a health professional I rely on the opinion of reliable panels of experts for my information. Individual cases and experiences should not be used to make informed decisions. Thousands will have received HPV vaccines. Some of these may report possible side effects, and some may have died. It is vital that a causal effect is established before a relationship between the two is made. One case that Geraldine refers to reports the death of a young woman six months after receiving her last Gardasil vaccine ie eight months after starting the course of vaccinations. No other information is available. While this death is tragic, one cannot possibly link the vaccine with the death without further information.
To conclude, I, too, am the mother of two boys. I will be vaccinating them against HPV (in fact I plan to use Gardasil since it provides protection against the strains responsible for cervical cancer and genital warts). Vaccinating boys as well as girls reduces the risk of the spread of HPV in any community, and HPV plays a causal role in penile and anal cancer. My hope is that I will raise boys who will make age appropriate and responsible sexual choices. I am not concerned that HPV vaccination will encourage promiscuity (does the use of safety belts encourage dangerous driving?), and I am grateful that they are able to benefit from its availability. Jacky Searle Dr Tim Tucker is a medical doctor, a registered specialist clinical virologist with a PhD in molecular virology. Gardasil is a good vaccine. In multiple clinical trials, no major side effect was shown, and the vaccine showed nearly 100% efficacy in protecting against the four strains of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer, making it one of the most important public health opportunities ever. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in the parts of the world where Pap smears are not freely available. A tragedy is the current cost of the vaccine, which makes it unaffordable in most developing countries. Every vaccine or drug has side effects. However, for a vaccine to be approved, it has to be safe. So, where do the stories about side effects come from? Things are taken out of context. To perform clinical trials, you need to enrol tens of thousands of volunteers. Half get the vaccine, the other half get a placebo. They’re all then followed up for a few years to see if the vaccine protected them or not, and whether there are side effects. While there have been limited minor side effects (such as redness around the injection site, headache), no major side effects have been found linked to the vaccine. All side effects are monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that any vaccine with significant side effects is removed from the market. But, just because someone has a terrible illness or dies after receiving the vaccine, does not mean the vaccine is responsible. That’s potentially like blaming car crashes on breakfast, because so many car accidents happen within an hour or two of eating breakfast. Tim Tucker
Cape Town’s
Cape Town’s
May 2010
over to you continued... hold your horses dealing with difference Thanks for a great magazine, which I love. My daughter used to bring it home from school when she was in the lower grades, but now I get it from our library. Sam Wilson’s column is also a favourite of mine and I can so relate to her child-rearing ideals. She obviously lives in Cape Town and has a more laid-back approach to life, whereas here in Johannesburg things are more plastic and rushed – children don’t have a chance to just “be”. I thoroughly enjoyed your April article on Asperger’s syndrome. It made for interesting reading. I would like to learn more about how to teach coping skills to these children. Society should learn to be more tolerant of difference. Advertising and marketing companies stress how important it is to be different and to think out of the box, but the modern school system doesn’t teach children (or certain teachers) to be so tolerant. It seems it’s easier to send the child off to a remedial school or for intervention with therapists. Keep up the good work. Mary Anderson
May 2010
I have decided to stop advertising in Child Magazine because the response is just too great and I cannot cope with the demand. Your publication is just amazing and the response has been so fabulous that I can’t keep up and can now just operate by word of mouth. Thank you for your great publication and your fantastic service. Monica Haralambous of Made by Monica
proud grandma I have been looking after my grandson Chae while his mom is at work since he was four months old. He turned three on 26 April 2010. He is so precious and I am privileged to be able to contribute in raising a fun-loving, happy but caring boy. Nicky Murray aka Oumie Nini
left is right I am writing in reply to your article “is left right?” in the February 2010 issue. I have been a sign writer all my working life. Over the years I have come across a few left-handed sign writers, but there aren’t many. Artistic, neat and creative, these chaps were all very good at their jobs. Many years ago I met a chap called Edgar Lovatt. This man could take a brush in either hand and write two signs at the same time! If a person is meant to be left-handed, why change this? They
Cape Town’s
have many advantages over right-handed people. To hold a pencil or pen in the left hand has always seemed awkward, but try holding a signing brush and doing lettering – it’s amazing to watch. Over the years I have found left-handers in many ways more gifted than right-handers – sportsman, musicians, cooks, you name it. Blackie Sanders (78 years young)
advice needed I am the mother of two adorable girls, who are cherished dearly by my husband and myself. My husband is a fantastic father to our girls, but over the years our relationship has suffered and I feel that we are drifting apart. I realise that one day our daughters will grow up and leave home, then it will be just the two of us and I am desperate to recover the closeness we used to have. I would like us to go for marriage counselling but have no idea where to start. Perhaps some of your readers can advise me where to go? Anonymous
be car wise Thanks for your wonderful and helpful magazine. I would appreciate it if you could print the following as a warning to all parents: Yesterday when I fetched my son Luke from
Cape Town’s
school, we had only been in the car for a few minutes when the engine started smoking. Just five minutes later there were flames and my car was covered in smoke. In less than 20 minutes it was completely burnt out. The car had been making a funny humming noise and I presumed it was only the fan belt, but I never expected this! It took the fire department 20 minutes to reach us and I only had time to save my umbrella, CDs and glasses. Believe me, the stench of burning car is horrible. No-one was hurt, but all I keep thinking is: “What if…” Please moms and dads, never, ever leave your children alone in the car. Things can happen so quickly. Bex
battle with the bogeyman? My five-year-old daughter has never had a problem sleeping on her own, in her own room. But recently this has changed drastically. When our second daughter was born in September last year, our routines changed dramatically and our five-year-old suddenly became insecure and latched onto me all the time. I decided that it was a phase and, once we had a new routine in place, everything would go back to normal. Six months down the line, she is still not falling asleep on her own or sleeping in her own room. When questioned as to why
she will not sleep alone she says she just wants to be with us. However, she is with me from 12:30pm every day until bedtime and by then she should be tired enough to go to sleep on her own. She is reluctant to sleep in her room after getting back into the “old” routine of reading a story before bedtime, and now gets her pillow and lies on the couch with my husband and me every night. This has become annoying; after 8:30pm is my time with my husband. Our baby falls asleep around 8:30pm every night and sleeps in her own room, so why can’t our fiveyear-old? Could she be afraid of “the bogeyman?” What would cause her to behave like this? Sindi
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.
May 2010
wins
giveaways
in may hey, good looking! Naartjie clothing is playful, vibrant, colourful and natural. For a fashion-forward wardrobe for your children visit the Naartjie store closest to you. Keep up to date with Naartjie’s in-store events by signing up to receive their newsletter and message alerts via naartjie.co.za. Stores are situated in Canal Walk (021 551 6317), Cavendish (021 683 7184), Somerset Mall (021 851 1787), Hout Bay (021 790 3093), Tyger Valley (021 914 5157) and V&A Waterfront (021 421 5819). This month, readers of Cape Town’s Child stand a chance to win one of 22 Naartjie gift vouchers valued at R300 each. All you need to do is visit naartjie. co.za. Click on “about us” then click on “a true story” and watch the little tree grow. Count the number of naartjies on the tree and then email your name, contact details and the number of naartjies to info@naartjie.co.za with “Naartjie CT Win” in the subject line before 31 May 2010. Only one entry per reader.
a mother’s day treat Le Creuset has come out with yet another asset for your kitchen, a sturdy 30cm enamelled cast-iron roasting and baking dish. It is big enough to hold a whole chicken, fillet of beef or leg of lamb, and resistant enough to withstand the searing heat of the oven. It is also perfect for pasta, desserts or pies. While Le Creuset’s baker is great as a serving dish at the table (thanks to efficient heat retention properties), it is safe for the oven, grill, freezer and dishwasher, and versatile enough for everything from roasting and deglazing to baking. The baker is suitable for all hobs and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Get to one of the boutique stores at Gardens Centre (021 462 7277), Cavendish Square (021 671 9550), Tyger Valley (021 914 7053), and Somerset Mall (021 851 0661) or visit lecreuset.co.za. Cape Town’s Child readers can win one of six cast-iron rectangular Le Creuset bakers valued at R963 each. To enter, email your details to win@ childmag.co.za with “Le Creuset CT Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Le Creuset CT Win, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010 before 31 May 2010. Only one entry per reader.
fairy pretty The Fairy Shop in Cape Town is a magical haven for little girls and their moms and is filled to the brim with beautiful dresses and gifts, all of which are now available online. Many of the outfits and accessories are used to dress flower girls – the children love the dresses so much they want to keep wearing them afterwards. For enquiries please call 021 783 0301. One Cape Town’s Child reader can win a fairy outfit to the value of R500. Visit fairyshop.co.za and choose the dress you think is the most beautiful. Then email fairyshop@netactive.co.za with “Fairy Cape Town” in the subject line and let them know your choice of dress by quoting the number and description, your child’s name, age, and your address and telephone number. Alternatively visit the shop at 311 Main Road, Kenilworth and complete an entry form before 31 May 2010. P.S. The fairies have also decided to give 10 lucky girls a consolation surprise.
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May 2010
party with paint Artjamming works to a freestyle format that is perfect for a child’s energy and imagination. Simply walk in and create your own full-colour art piece to the beat of chilled-out music. Whether it’s playing, painting, sponging or spraying, Artjamming is about putting on an apron, facing a blank canvas and unleashing your creativity. For more information contact the Cape Quarter studio situated in Green Point on 021 421 6129, capequarter@artjamming. co.za or visit artjamming.co.za One Cape Town’s Child reader can win an Artjamming party at the Cape Quarter studio, for their child and nine friends, worth R1 350. The party is two hours long and includes a canvas for each child, aprons, brushes, tools and party packs. To enter, email all your details to competition@ artjamming.co.za with “Artjamming CT Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Artjamming CT Win, PO Box 826, Cape Town, 8000 before 31 May 2010. Only one entry per reader.
Congratulations to our March winners Nazlee Mustapha and Fadia Toefy who each win a SwimFin and Lichelle Cook who wins a Kiddimoto push bike.
Cape Town’s
health
give it up Thumb-sucking can be a hard habit to break, says DONNA COBBAN.
PHOTOGRAPH: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
o
n my sister’s third birthday my mother got her to say cheerio to her dummy – for good. My mother watched proudly as my sister walked over to the dustbin and tossed in the dummy. She was a big girl now and with that announcement she popped her thumb into her mouth and there it remained for far too long. I soon followed suit, and together we sucked away for years, slowly but surely pushing our front teeth further and further out while the bottom row crept ever inwards. No amount of aloe juice (our mother used to dip our thumbs into the pot while we slept) or persuasion could convince us to give up our thumbs. According to the South African Society of Orthodontists (SASO), there are two types of thumb-sucking: the meaningless habit and the meaningful habit. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that when an active sucker removes his thumb, a popping sound can be heard – this is a sound I remember well and one I never want to hear coming from my son’s mouth. Cape Town-based orthodontist Dr Dominique Ferreira says that as long as
Cape Town’s
the child is weaned from the dummy and/or thumb before the permanent teeth erupt, then the effects of the sucking will not affect the permanent teeth. Thumb, dummy- or even finger-sucking are regarded as normal behaviours, with the ADA claiming that it makes children feel secure and happy. So why do most drop the habit by the age of four, while others refuse to stop? Research shows that babies seen thumbsucking while still in the womb have a greater tendency to become long-term thumb-suckers, with SASO claiming that prolonged thumb-sucking may also be “rooted in a possible behavioural problem, in which the oral habit is only a symptom”. SASO cautions that the child “retreats to the habit when his security is threatened, and exhibits increased anxieties when the habit is corrected”. Children will often suck with an increased vengeance if there is pressure on them to stop the habit. If there isn’t a willingness on the child’s part to break the habit, it seems to result in more harm than good.
Perhaps the most sage piece of advice I came across is from the University of Michigan Health System, which says: “Parents cannot eliminate the habit for their child. The habit belongs to the child and the child must willingly cooperate and accept responsibility if the habit is to be eliminated”. The thumb is clearly a powerful
comforter for some, and whipping it out of the mouth is easier said than done. I finally quit the habit when my newly acquired orthodontist cemented a wire at the back of my four front teeth (against present-day thinking). My thumb no longer fitted snugly into place and the habit was lost. I was 12 years old!
thumbs up for quitting Some problems associated with prolonged and frequent thumbsucking may include: • crowded, crooked teeth; • bite problems; • possible speech problems, including mispronouncing “t” and “d” sounds, lisping, and thrusting out the tongue when talking; • problems with swallowing • emotional problems due to the appearance of the teeth. Courtesy of South African Society of Orthodontists (SASO)
May 2010
11
dealing with difference
making sense of the world
SALLY HETHERINGTON looks at living with Sensory Processing Disorder.
processing differently Most people with well-regulated sensory worlds are able to receive sensory stimuli from outside and organise them into appropriate motor or behavioural responses – sensory integration. Someone with SPD cannot process this information correctly and therefore behaves inappropriately. Here’s an example that might explain it: when I go shopping I have my goal – my shopping list – in mind. My brain automatically gathers all the outside sensory information, such as music, cooking smells and vibrant colours, and processes these to the background so that I can concentrate on my shopping. My daughter on the other hand takes it all in like a waterfall rushing at her. It all gets “stuck” in her brain and she can’t process it properly. Eventually it all comes crashing down and ends up with what I call “a meltdown”.
further reading • S ensory Intelligence by Annemarie Lombard (Metz Press, 2007) • The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive when the World Overwhelms You by Elaine Aron (Broadway Books, 1997) • Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to do if you are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World by Sharon Heller (HarperCollins, 2003) • Helpful websites: sensoryprocessing-disorder.com and spdfoundation.net
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May 2010
Cape Town OT Gudrun van Heukelum explains that we all connect with the world through our senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch, as well the two “hidden” senses. The first of these relates to movement and our position in relation to gravity (vestibular sense); the second is concerned with our internal body awareness, where we respond to feedback from muscles and joints (proprioceptive sense). Says Gudrun: “Each individual has a unique sensory-processing style and OTs study how children respond to sensory experiences to see if they are over- or under-responsive, which manifests respectively in behaviour that is sensory avoiding or sensory seeking.” She goes on to explain that both require parental understanding and mediation to facilitate an appropriate state of alertness and help with feeding, sleeping and routine cycles. This support programme is most beneficial when being used under the guidance of a professional sensory integration-oriented OT.
where to from here? My daughter has been visiting an OT for nearly a year and we are winning small battles every day. It has been a huge relief to understand that she is not a “difficult” child but that she has genuine difficulties processing her everyday world. We have implemented various strategies to help her cope, including a sensory diet (limited TV and computer time, shorter play dates, only one activity per afternoon and allowing lots of space for quiet activities and outdoor play) and stricter routines. We have also learnt how to prepare and calm her for over-stimulating events, such as a show, so that we can all enjoy it without the tantrums. It is a long process and not something that will ever “go away” but with love, support and patience we will help our daughter to learn to self-regulate so she can grow into a secure and happy young adult.
PHOTOGRAPH: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
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his time last year I was at my wit’s end. My five-year-old was more than impossible. Tantrums, yelling, lashing out, fighting bedtime… I could go on. It was a pretty miserable environment for all of us to be living in. Some friends told me, “Don’t worry, it’s normal for her age”; teachers reported her to be sweet, confident and quiet… was I missing something? My little angel became a monster at home and I could not in my heart believe this was “normal” five-year-old behaviour. I eventually took her to see an occupational therapist (OT) hoping to shed some light on the issue. After an extensive session we had a diagnosis: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders – I was not a bad mom and it was nothing that I was or wasn’t doing. Home was just her safe place where she could let it all out.
Cape Town’s
health
eating for sleeping Your child’s diet might just be the key to putting those wide-awake nights behind you, says HANNAH KAYE.
PHOTOGRAPH: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
h
aving a child that sleeps through the night seems to have become a reflection of good parenting. Admitting to a group of moms that nighttime crying or the pitter-patter of little footsteps towards your bedroom in the early hours of the morning frequently occur in your home, can make you feel like a failure. Especially if they’re looking bright eyed after another eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. You may be asking yourself what you’re doing wrong. You’ve read the books; you’ve established a regular sleep routine; you’ve tried controlled crying, and co-sleeping. Yet sleep, or lack thereof, continues to be a major problem. “People often ask me if Maya (age three), is a good sleeper,” says her mom, Dani Bergman. “For many months I used to laugh and say no, but she’s a great eater. After seeing a nutritional therapist,
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I learnt how I could use Maya’s strength to play into her weakness. Making some dietary changes has had a remarkable effect on her sleeping patterns, and I can honestly say she is now sleeping through the night – just in time for the arrival of our next baby.” Perhaps, as was true for Maya, the answer might lie in your child’s diet. But where to begin? Even subtle changes can make a difference. Here are some suggestions: Keep a food and sleep diary. Analysing this information may help you find some patterns in your child’s sleeping habits. Once you identify them, you may be able to find a solution. Cut out over-stimulating foods. It’s best not to give children food and drink that contain caffeine, such as hot chocolate, tea, cola and chocolate desserts. Even caffeine early in the day can disrupt your child’s
sleep cycle. Foods containing tyramine, a brain stimulant, should be avoided close to bedtime. These include tomatoes, bacon, cheese, potato, chocolate, sugar, sausages and Marmite. Investigate healthier options. Reduce your family’s intake of refined carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cakes and crisps. Swapping to complex carbohydrates such as wholemeal pasta, oat or millet porridge, buckwheat pancakes and pulses will help to stabilise blood-sugar levels. (Low blood sugar is often the cause of the 3am wakeup, the result of too much glucose being taken out of the blood after a highly refined meal. This drop in the blood-sugar level, following the initial high, leads to the early morning wake-up call.) These carbohydrates, which include fruit and vegetables, are much higher in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which have calming properties.
Read food labels. Get into the habit of examining the ingredients of the things you buy. Additives and preservatives are highly stimulatory. For example, tartrazine and MSG are both excitotoxins and will disrupt sleep. Try an exclusion diet. Continual waking and crying at night can be manifestations of food intolerances. The removal of dairy or wheat could bring your family longawaited relief within a few weeks. Lowgrade inflammation associated with wheat and dairy intolerances initiates a stimulatory process, affecting neurotransmitters involved in sleep. Other possible clues to food intolerance can include a regular sore tummy, ear infections and a constant runny nose. Perhaps the smallest dietary changes or exclusions may bring about what both you and your child need most: a good night’s sleep.
May 2010
13
upfront with paul
sorry, today is cancelled
Paul, Sabina and Saskia
y
ou know those mornings, fellow parents, when you just don’t feel like it? They don’t happen often, thank goodness. But you lie there and, though there’s no feasible or legitimate excuse for not feeling like it, you just don’t. You went to bed early; your body is sound; your emotions are stable; you are well fed and watered; you haven’t got the tummy bug that is going around (which it has been for centuries), ditto the flu; and an asteroid hasn’t landed in your back garden… But, you wake up and just don’t feel like it. It is the unbearable lightness, or in our case, weightiness, of being. The
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responsibility we heap upon our own shoulders on a daily basis is unreal. We all pack 48 hours into 12, or try to, and we do this semi-unconsciously since we have programmed ourselves to accept that this is the norm. No wonder the world is splattered with the dropped balls of good intentions and the burnt out minds of once smart young people reduced to gibbering wrecks. You are the CEO of a small but busy company, The Family, which is open for business 24/7. If you don’t function properly, nothing happens. Yet we cannot do what we set out to do in 24 hours. It is not even remotely possible. Our grandparents spent all day deciding whether or not to buy a wholewheat loaf or a white loaf, while modern parents make a thousand decisions a minute. We bite off far more than we can chew.
Can’t-say-no mothers commit to another set of unselfish tasks: ferrying half the school across country, baking cakes for 400. Dads make promises to be at the ballet, the concert, the game. Even as they say it, they’re thinking; “Jeez, how am I going to make this one work?” It’s a wonder we ever complete any task. Getting children to school at all, never mind on time, is a massive achievement. And that’s if there are two of you and a super-Gran riding shotgun. I take my hat off to all the single parents out there who do all this on their own. Events conspire against us. These days it is impossible to get anywhere fast. It’s no longer possible to circumnavigate our cities, forget something and casually go back and get it. Today there is no going back – so
everything has to be planned down to the finest nano-detail, with military precision. So I suppose I’d better get out of bed, pull on my uniform and assume the collective role of taxi driver, restaurateur, psychologist, paramedic, carer, lovegiver, protector, story-teller, entertainer, fixer… as parents there is nothing we cannot do. So, sit down, put your feet up for five minutes, leave preparing the packed lunch until later, and give yourself a pat on the back. Having children and maintaining their happy survival is an incredible achievement. You are a hero. What? I forgot the bread for the girls’ sarmies? So shoot me now. Paul Kerton is the author of Fab Dad: A Man’s Guide to Fathering.
Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPH: JILL BADER
Some mornings we’re just not in the mood, says PAUL KERTON.
feature
home-made party Donna Cobban decides rightly or wrongly not to outsource her two-year-old son’s PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM, ILLUSTRATIONS: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN
birthday party and to make everything herself!
f
or weeks I had been meaning to call the local animal farm and book my son’s party. I had trawled through their menu and, even though my two-yearold had never touched pizza, I thought, hey, he may well like it and surely not all pizzas have processed cheese? Yet try as I might, every time I reached for the phone, something stopped me. When I reached inside to discover the reason for my delay tactics I hit on it at last – I wanted to have his party at home. So what if I have a tall, small and very narrow doublestorey Victorian home totally unsuited to crowds, let alone little crowds. No matter, I thought, I would manage somehow. And
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then my thoughts evolved even further: if I was going to have it at home, then why not have everything home-made and homebaked? There would be no hidden MSG, E numbers or preservatives and, heaven forbid, processed cheese! Yup, this whole party idea was just getting better and better, or so I thought at the time. The party was on a Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm. I’d hosted many a dinner party in my day – how hard could this be? Just to be sure, I started preparing on Tuesday evening. I put on some music and kneaded dates into balls. I soon had a large bowl of neatly rounded coconutdusted date balls. They were delicious!
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My son sat in a pile of torn wrapping paper, delighted with what he’d found within. Utter chaos abounded as the balloons were spotted and handed out to roars of delight.
I went to bed exhausted and reeking of dates. The next night, Wednesday, I made cheese straws – so much easier than date balls. I packed them away in airtight containers and went off to bed. Thursday night I rested, but Friday, being the night before the grand event, I was hard at it again: baby quiches, homemade hummus, carrot and cucumber sticks. My son’s father and I (who don’t live together but are still fabulous friends – most of the time) had many a harried phone call that night surrounding helium-balloon collections (always take a duvet cover!) and infant drinking options (I suddenly realised that perhaps not everyone would be partial
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to my homemade lemonade). The father kindly mentioned back-up food options in case mine failed. I scoffed; I had it all under control! The day dawned and, at around 2:45pm, pandemonium hit. What about chairs and sun umbrellas for outside – the temperature was soaring? What about cold beers? There was no room in the fridge. Mini pita breads to go with the homemade hummus had been forgotten; the fruit hedgehog had no spikes and, I knew it, I should have bought sweets. There were going to be some older children, some aware ones… what would they think? Perhaps they’d be glad I was not their mom – one positive
spin on it. I started having mild palpitations at the total lack of preservatives, when my son came tumbling down the stairs backwards, his hands still firmly gripping the video recorder he had just found. We scooped him up screaming and welcomed the first guest. And in they streamed, one tot following another. Soon tots were falling over tots while adults stepped over them gingerly. My son sat in a pile of torn wrapping paper, delighted with what he’d found within. Utter chaos abounded as the balloons were spotted and handed out to roars of delight. People found places to perch, and if there was a raised eyebrow in the house
over the absence of Smarties or Gummy Bears, I didn’t notice. Food was consumed (there was far too much), wine and tea ranneth over (blessed are those with two-year-olds, as organised games are but a thing of the future). Later neighbours poured through the door and the merriment continued. That evening, as I sat with a few remaining neighbours and fed carrot sticks and hummus to my child (I was too tired to think about dinner), and a few leftover balloons started to descend from the ceiling, I was glad that I had not made that call to the animal farm, even if the father and I were so busy that we forgot to take a single photo!
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recipes
date balls • ½ cup minced dates • 2T orange juice • ¼ cup ground almonds • unsweetened coconut, as much as needed for coating the balls
cheese straws • puff pastry (pre-frozen from local supermarket) • grated cheese (Parmesan works best) • 1 egg, beaten Roll out the pastry and brush the surface with egg. Cut into short or long strips (short ones are easier for younger children to manage). Sprinkle the cheese over the pastry and pop into a very hot oven for about 10 minutes. Lesson learnt: a winner, easy to make and easy to eat.
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Combine all ingredients – except the coconut – and mix well. Shape the mixture into small balls, then roll each in desiccated coconut. This makes about 12 balls. (You can alter the size, depending on the children’s age and, therefore, hand size.) Lesson learnt: date bars are so cheap! When you prepare something days in advance, remember to take it out of the fridge. I found the fruits of my labour, tucked away at the back of the fridge, hours after everyone had left.
hummus
fruit-and-cheese hedgehog • • • •
wooden skewers half a melon various firm fruit various firm cheeses
Cut the fruit and cheese into smallish squares and thread onto the skewers. Push the skewers into the shell of a melon and add two grape “eyes” and a strawberry “mouth”. Lesson learnt: I thought it was going to be quick to make, so I only assigned 15 minutes for the job. The hedgehog lay abandoned as guests began to arrive!
• 2 tins chickpeas (traditionalists will shoot me for using tins!) • 4T lemon juice • 3 cloves crushed garlic • ½ cup tahini Drain chickpeas and reserve juice. Rinse chickpeas in cold water to remove the skins. Put chickpeas in a bowl with the other ingredients (excluding the juice from the tin) and use a hand-held blender to mix well. Add juice from the tins slowly until you have a creamy consistency. Place in small bowls and pour a little olive oil over the mixture. Decorate with some chopped parsley, extra garlic and green peppers. Lesson learnt: This is still the best hummus recipe ever – and children love it!
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feature
manners
maketh the minor DONNA COBBAN looks at what it takes to uphold century-old traditions.
i
recently had a British house guest. He’s a friend’s fiancé and she arrived from distant lands with said man in tow. They stayed with me for a few nights and at times he was so well mannered I thought he might be sending me up. He washed dishes, baby-sat, cleaned the bath, made tea, shopped and cooked, ate with his mouth closed, kept his elbows off the table and the toilet seat down. I studied him in much the same way Jane Goodall might have studied an ape. My aim here was personal: I want my son to grow up to be a little like this. I ask him about his mother: “What did she do to make you this way?” “Oh, not a lot,” he tells me. “I was raised by a fairly strict mother who, despite
success. “Our children learn their first words from us, so use ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ from the day they are born and remember to say things like ‘Thank you for being so patient while I changed your nappy’”. Fouzia directs me to a quote from Wisdom: Peace: The Greatest Gift One Generation Can Give To Another by Andrew Zuckerman. It’s a book containing magical pieces of wisdom gathered from all corners of the globe. Jimmy Little, an Aboriginal Australian, shares a piece of wisdom told to him by his father: “Son, there are three words that will open any door: the door of a building, the door of the mind, the door of the heart, any door you like. Three words; don’t forget, always use them. ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’”.
her mutterings of: ‘You could get a bloody tank through there’ to dithering motorists, wouldn’t stand for backchat, excessive profanity or even slang like ‘ain’t’”. I am impressed. When his best man and best friend arrives a few days later, the two of them seem cut from the same cloth. So I pose the same question to the best man. He believes it was a combination of his Islamic upbringing, strict parents, and a steady stream of visitors in and out of the family home. In addition to this they both subscribe to the “Do unto others as you would have done unto you” school of thought – a simple yet effective navigation tool in this life, I muse, while watching them wash my dishes. Again. I have a long way to go before my son will be jumping up to do dishes and display his fine manners, but I am told by Fouzia Ryklief at the Parent Centre in Cape Town that starting early is the key to long-term
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Fouzia adds to this: saying thank you is more than just words; it is about the acknowledgement of another person’s contribution. “We all need this acknowledgement because it encourages us to continue sharing and contributing towards the wellbeing of others,” she says. “Saying ‘please’ automatically softens our requests. Without it, requests become orders or commands, neither of which do anything for sustaining relationships.” This all sounds very simple in practice, so why aren’t we being overrun with smiling children doffing their caps at us as they pass? A brief stint spent teaching at innercity schools in London had me believing that ill-mannered children were products of ill-mannered parents, yet the adults I encounter in life are by and large wellmannered beings, both there and here, so long as they are not behind the wheel of a car. Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM, ILLUSTRATION: NIKKI-LEIGH PIPER
He washed dishes, baby-sat, cleaned the bath, made tea, shopped and cooked, ate with his mouth closed, kept his elbows off the table and the toilet seat down.
manners training So what has caused such a swift decline in the manners stakes over the years? I turn to Wendy Mogel’s book The Blessing of a Skinned Knee for a few answers. She thinks we are breeding disrespectful children largely because parents do not demand respect from their offspring. The reason, according to Mogel, is that “deep down parents don’t believe they deserve it, or that they can master the struggle”. Likening dog training to child rearing, Mogel says: “a democratic system doesn’t work very well for dogs or children; it just makes them feel insecure”. And if you are in any doubt, according to Mogel, dogs that are allowed to become dominant over their owners are known to be both timid and bossy. It’s the same, she says, for children. I love well-mannered dogs and I also love my friend Sarah’s son Daniel. When he was around five years old I went to the Eastern Cape to visit them. He was in his room working on a Lego creation. We stood at the door and I was introduced. He looked up at me and said “It’s a pleasure to meet you”. I nearly fell over and asked Sarah what she had done to raise such a well-mannered five-year-old. “He lives by example,” she laughed as she put on the kettle. “And it’s a response Cape Town’s
I have encouraged since he could talk,” she added. While I am striving to do the same, I am from time to time met with defiant refusals when I ask my two-year-old to wave good-bye. Fouzia assures me that at around two years of age, children needing to make their own decisions and refusing to comply with our idea of how they should behave is normal behaviour. When it comes to greeting people, we are all creatures of different habits and our children may well differ from us. “Trying to force a child to give a hug or a kiss when they don’t want to can be an intrusive act for the child and the other person,” warns Fouzia. In addition, she cautions that: “Hugging and kissing should be something natural between the child and someone he is very close to – such as the parents or grandparents. It must happen only within the context of a healthy, close, on going relationship.” Speaking of grandparents makes me think of how my junior-school class used to visit a nearby old-age home each term. I can still remember lining up in front of a sea of delighted, wizened faces and singing my heart out to various songs from The Sound of Music. Following this we would be treated to tea and biscuits and had to mingle among the residents. I loved these visits and am glad they form May 2010
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part of my memories. I am also glad to hear that it’s still common practice today, with many schools “adopting” homes and going on regular visits. It’s a vital step in learning to respect and appreciate the older generation and, more than this, to value their presence in this world. Perhaps as Mogel suggests, we “need to need” the older generation more than we do. “Asking our own parents to do something for us demonstrates to our children that you cherish the unique contributions your parents make to the family,” she suggests.
meet, greet and eat Manners seem to fall into two camps: social and table. So, while your children may have mastered “please” and “thank you”, stopped interrupting you, and even offered to pour you some juice while doing the same for themselves, the elbows sadly still dig into the table, and bits of food still fly from their mouths as they recount their latest adventures. As a child I was taken to a swanky restaurant about once a year where waiters wore suits, straws were not offered, and three courses were the minimum fare. This necessitated being taught the difference
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between a fish, dinner and butter knife, a soup spoon and a dessert spoon, and that you tear a bread roll and don’t cut it, and butter it – bit by very small bit. Those evenings spent in disguised etiquette training have proved invaluable over the years and I plan on doing the same for my child. If nothing else, it will render him comfortable in any setting – be it a formal work function or dining with royalty. But in the meantime, while he is still very little, I shall remain mindful of my own table manners in the hope and belief that he will follow by example. For, as any etiquette trainer worth their weight will tell you, it’s all about modelling, modelling, modelling. And I shall keep checking in with my friend’s fiancé. I had reason to call her last week and she told me that I might want to include this: when he flies he refuses to put his seat back even when he needs to sleep, as it might be uncomfortable for the person behind him. This reminds me of a quote by the late Emily Post, the American author of etiquette and manners, who said: “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.”
a starting point A few general manners your family might like to adopt: • Don’t interrupt someone when they are on the phone, or speaking to another person. • Greet your guests at the door and look them in the eye. Escort them to the door when they leave. • Offer refreshments to your guests. • Send a thank-you card or email for gifts received. • Knock on closed doors and wait for an answer before entering. • Treat people the same way you would like to be treated. • Honour and respect your parents.
And when you’re not at home? While your child may have mastered manners in your own home, visiting other people, particularly when they are of another culture, brings with it a whole host of brand-new manners needing to be learnt. Every home is different so encourage your child to take the lead from the host and if shoes are removed at the door, they should follow suit. Or if men and women are seated in different areas, they need to take heed of this. Greeting people in the language of the home is courteous and will endear your child forever more, so it’s well worth encouraging them in this regard.
Encourage the use of the following magic words: • Please. • Thank you. • It’s a pleasure. • Excuse me. • Nice to meet you. • May I? • I’m sorry.
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inspiration from a 100-year-old manners chart • Keep your face and hands clean, and your clothes and boots brushed and neat. • Do not be selfish, but share all your good things. • Be respectful to your teachers, and help them as much as you can; their work is very difficult and trying. • Never let another be punished in mistake for yourself; this is cowardly and mean. • Do not jeer at your schoolmates, or call them by names they do not like. • Salute all your ministers, teachers and acquaintances when you meet them; they will salute you in return. • Do not make fun of old or crippled people, but be particularly polite to them, as well as to strangers and foreigners. • Always show attention to older people and strangers by opening the door for them, bringing what they require (a hat or a chair), giving up your seat to them if necessary, and in every possible way saving them trouble. • Wherever, therefore, you are in doubt as to how you should act towards others, ask yourself this question: “How should I like them to act towards me if I were in their place?” and then do what your conscience tells you is right.
books to back you up •M anners can be Fun by Munro Leaf (Universe Publishing, 2004) (age 9–12) • How to Behave and Why by Munro Leaf (Universe Publishing, 2002) (age 4–8) • How to Speak Politely and Why by Munro Leaf (Universe Publishing, 2005) (age 4–8) • Dude, That’s Rude by Pamela Espeland, Elizabeth Verdick and Steve Mark (Free Spirit Publishing, 2007) (age 8–12) • 365 Manners Kids Should Know: Games, Activities, and Other Fun Ways to Help Children Learn Etiquette by Sheryl Eberly (Three Rivers Press, 2001) (family).
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feature
rash decision? vaccine safety back under the microscope. By Glynis Horning
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j
Free Hospital in London published in The Lancet in 1998, linking MMR (the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine) with autism – the distressing disorder that impairs social development and thought processes. Suddenly alternative-health advocates, including certain homeopaths, naturopaths and chiropractors, were ranged on one side, with most mainstream doctors and scientists on the other, and alarmed and confused parents in the middle. A number of these parents have since opted not to have their children vaccinated, or to put it off until they are older and have “naturally
a feeling “There’s that there’s no smoke without fire. Parents should decide for themselves. – Jill Stacey, director, Autism SA strengthened” immune systems, as one Durban mother put it. (Her firstborn had a convulsion after his first vaccination, so she insisted on waiting until her daughter was two before taking her for any shots.) Yet, by trying to avoid possible vaccination side effects, health authorities say parents are exposing not only their own children to infection, but others who may be vulnerable (see “recognise high-risk factors” on page 27). The World Health Organisation had hoped to eradicate measles entirely from Europe by 2010, but to do that, vaccine rates must be 95% in every country – and fears over the MMR controversy are reported to have triggered a sharp drop in vaccine compliance. In Ireland compliance
dropped as low as 60% in places, and 1 500 cases and three measles-related deaths were reported in 2000. By 2006 the measles incidence in the UK was 13 times higher than in 1998. There have also been measles outbreaks in Europe (more than 12 000 cases in 2008 and 2009 alone), and in other countries from Israel to Romania, Bulgaria, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and the US, which had its largest outbreak since 1997 in 2008. The current South African measles outbreak is one of the most serious and widespread, and while fears from the MMR controversy may not have factored directly in cases in deprived communities, where a basic lack of information, education or motivation will need to be addressed, Puren believes it has “a possible role in communities that may well be aware of the vaccine controversy. These islands of non-vaccinated individuals are part of the chains of transmission.”
studying the study Ironically, the Wakefield study behind the controversy has been extensively discredited in the interim. “But it’s not easy to change people’s perceptions,” says Puren. The study involved only 12 children, eight of whom showed signs of autism. More substantial studies since, including one of more than half a million Danish children, 82% of whom had received the MMR vaccine, showed no causal link between MMR and autism. “If anything, the risk of developing autism was marginally lower in children who had been vaccinated,” reads a NICD report. By 2004, 10 of Wakefield’s 12 co-authors in the study had distanced themselves from it after charges that the results had been manipulated. It also emerged that Wakefield had been hired to carry out another study Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
outbreak has put
ust when we thought modern immunisation campaigns had given measles the needle, a rash of cases has rocked the country. Since January last year, the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD) has reported more than 8 240 cases, affecting every province but particularly Gauteng (4 498 cases by March this year), KwaZulu-Natal (884) and the Western Cape (671). Yet in 2008 there were just 40 cases countrywide, and in 2007, 33. What’s going on? “Comprehensive immunisation programmes under the government’s Expanded Programme for Immunisation are key to preventing measles outbreaks,” says Adrian Puren, deputy director of Virology at the NCID, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service. “The current infection rate indicates that a high number of vulnerable individuals have not been inoculated, leaving them susceptible to circulating measles or importation from other countries.” Reasons for the “immunity gap” range from children simply not presenting for immunisation to missed opportunities for vaccination, he says. But there are also parents who make a conscious decision not to have their children vaccinated. This is based on religious objections (see “beyond belief?” on page 27) and, something that continues to frustrate medical and scientific professionals worldwide: suspicion that vaccination is unsafe. There have been pockets of vaccine dissent since it was first developed by Edward Jenner in the 1790s. But in the past 12 years it’s become a worldwide epidemic, spread by more than 30 dedicated anti-vaccination websites, shelves of books, and talk shows from Larry King Live to The Oprah Winfrey Show. The catalyst was a controversial study by Dr Andrew Wakefield of the Royal
“
The recent measles
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at the same time, to establish if parents who were claiming their children were harmed by the MMR vaccine had a case. Some of the same children were used in both studies. The Lancet announced that had this been known, it would not have published the study because of conflict of interest, and in February this year it retracted the paper. Wakefield remains adamant in interviews that the scientific results of his study are valid, and there are many who support him still. Some more vocal individuals accuse government
that the immune system can handle thousands of viruses at the same time, adding that vaccines make up a fraction of the pathogens (potentially disease-causing germs) a child naturally encounters. The second argument is that thiomersal (or thimerosal), an ethylmercury-containing compound in some vaccines, is toxic to the central nervous system. Gerber and Offit contest this and report that even after thiomersal was taken out of childhood vaccines, autism has been on the rise.
There is absolutely no evidence to “support an MMR–autism connection.
“
– NICD deputy director Lucille Blumberg departments and the vaccine industry of cover-ups and collusion for financial gain through vested interests. Critics of the MMR–autism link counter that alternative practitioners profit financially from expensive alternative medications, supplements and treatments, such as chelation therapy (to remove heavy metals from the body). Recently two key arguments linking MMR vaccination and autism have been addressed by vaccine researchers Jeffrey Gerber and Paul Offit in “Vaccines and Autism: A Tale of Shifting Hypotheses” in the University of Chicago journal, Clinical Infectious Diseases. One argument is that giving multiple vaccines overwhelms the immune system. Gerber and Offit found that even “conservative estimates” show
be measles-aware
spot the signs • Flu-like symptoms one or two weeks after exposure • Dry cough • Runny nose • Reddish eyes • Sore throat • Mouth sores (“Koplik’s spots” with white centres) • Fever • Swollen throat glands • Sensitivity to light • Joint pains
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There is “absolutely no evidence” to support an MMR–autism connection, says NICD deputy director Lucille Blumberg. “Diseases like measles can lead to severe complications and death,” adds Puren. “Any concern about the possibility of complications needs to be put in context, and seen against the greater good for yourself, your family and your community.” Yet public fears remain. “Autism South Africa (ASA) doesn’t have a stand on the matter because our members are divided,” says its national director Jill Stacey. “For all the scientific arguments, there’s a feeling that there’s no smoke without fire. Parents must decide for themselves.”
• Small bright-red spots that double in size and join in a blotchy rash, starting behind the ears and on the face and spreading to the body, arms and legs. take action • Isolate until the fifth day of rash to protect others. (“One positive case can quickly spread to up to 17 unprotected and non-immunised cases,” says Fidel Hadebe, director of public information at the Department of Health.) • Bed rest in dim light • Lots of fluids • Soft, bland foods • Lukewarm sponge baths to lower fever • Flush sore eyes with plain saline solution (use an eyedropper, or wipe crusty eyes with damp cottonwool) • Measles is a notifiable disease, so by
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beyond belief? Vaccination
was
not
around
when the major religions were founded, but some followers see immunisation as something that goes against their beliefs. Tim O’Shea, author of The Sanctity of Human Blood (NewWest), explains that objections are often based on vaccines being made from blood products and animal tissue. There are Jehovah’s Witnesses who reject vaccinations along with blood transfusions because they believe that Biblical texts prohibit them putting anything from an animal into their bodies. There are also some Buddhists who
object
to
vaccination
because there is no vaccine that is vegetarian. “All vaccinations have to be cultured on animal and human tissue and blood products,” says O’Shea. Certain Jews and Muslims reject vaccination because vaccines may be made with animals that are not kosher or halal. Various religious followers also see vaccination as interfering with God’s plan, or blasphemously implying that God did not create people
perfect.
When
pioneered
vaccination,
theologian
Reverend
Massey
argued
that
Jenner British Edward diseases
were sent by God to punish sin, so to try to prevent them with inoculation was “diabolical”. And recently Islamic academic Dr Aisha Hamdan, author of Nurturing Eeman in Children (International Islamic Publishing House), wrote: “We must believe in the perfection of Allah’s creation and understand that immunisations are in no way able to improve upon it.” But these are not mainstream religious views, and most religions leave it to individuals to decide.
law you must report even a mild case to your doctor or clinic • Positive cases should receive at least two doses of vitamin A, and patients with eye complications a third. beware of complications • Pneumonia, chronic lung disease • Diarrhoea • Croup • Otitis media (middle-ear infection), deafness • Mouth ulcers • Eye complications, blindness • Convulsions, brain damage recognise high-risk factors • Young age (under a year) • Malnutrition • Over-crowding • Immune deficiency (especially HIV) • Vitamin A deficiency
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look at vaccinating children The measles vaccine should be given at nine months and 18 months, and is free at public clinics. Mass-immunisation campaigns like the one just launched (in April 2010) offer additional protection even to children who are fully immunised. For more information visit nicd.ac.za or call the Vaccine Helpline 0860 160 160. your rights Vaccination is not compulsory in SA, says Lee Baker, MD of Amayeza Info Systems, who runs the Vaccine Helpline. “However, the Department of Education can refuse children entry to schools if they have not had their shots,” she says. These include measles vaccinations, which are part of
the government’s Extended Programme for Immunisation. The three-in-one MMR vaccination is not part of this, and parents must have it done privately if they want their children protected from mumps and rubella. Single vaccines used to be available for mumps and rubella, but this is no longer the case. “It’s better to have one jab than three,” says Baker. “All vaccines, just like your toothpaste, have potential side effects,” says Dr Paul Sinclair, a paediatrician at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town. “But they get safer through better technology and formulation. MMR does not cause autism, but if you are concerned, there is little harm delaying MMR until three years of age, as long as the measles vaccine has been administered early,” he says.
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feature
keeping it
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few things over time that enable me to survive it, thrive in it and enjoy the many insane moments juggling the jungles of playground and boardroom. My work keeps me busy and inspired. To cover the bills and kick-start my career, I have two jobs. The synergy is that both of the people I report to are amazing, inspirational and committed women. Both are moms and one of them, a single mom too. Both understand and accept that there are times where I have to care for Cameron when she is ill. They trust me enough to get the job done. And they keep me going when life runs less than smoothly.
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PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
s
ingle parenting was a choice for me. There came a time when staying with my partner was no longer the best option for me, my daughter, or him. So, we split. I know I’m lucky to say this… Cameron’s dad and I have a more than amicable relationship, fuelled by having known each other all of our lives. I am supported in every aspect of my parenting life, and Cameron’s extended family is a solid force in our lives. Our friends, her teachers and my colleagues are boundless in their support for us. That still doesn’t make single parenting easy. I have learnt a
real
If parenting is an obstacle course, single parenting requires a survival strategy. The best way to cope, says CATHERINE JENKIN, is to be real… My friends keep me sane. In all my pre-maternal life I never thought I would be a mother – until I found out differently one Christmas Eve in the spare bathroom of my parents’ home. My friends accepted my maternal role far sooner than I did; they keep me laughing and still hold my hand when I feel alone in all of this.
straight up For me, the best survival technique is emotional honesty. It’s not easy telling the person you work for that you are exhausted because you’ve been up
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the whole night with a sick child and a faulty geyser. It’s not easy telling your daughter that Mommy just needs five minutes to get dinner going, conquer her inbox and dash to the toilet. It’s not easy telling your friends, who are desperate to see you and catch up, that you’d much rather have a hot bath and get into bed. It’s not easy. But it is essential. Getting real about you is the only way to survive the jungle juggle. From jungle gyms to corporate jungles, being unashamedly who you are, is the only way to get through it.
just you and me, babe My time alone with Cameron is precious. We get silly – one night we decided everything must be done back-to-front. We came home from work and school, had a nap and a bath, ate dinner on an upside-down plate, walked backwards everywhere and wore our pyjamas inside out. We bake, we laugh, and bath time is our special time. There’s something about the bubbles that keeps us smiling on tough days. Getting real with my bank account was harder. To give Cameron the security she deserves, I have to watch my pocket, and work hard. But we get by.
Being fair with Cameron’s dad is paramount. Cameron needs her dad as much as she needs me. I’m lucky to be able to communicate openly with him. And Cameron is blessed to have a dad and family that love her to the moon and back. But the thing that really keeps me going? It’s not money, or love from other people. It’s the ability to go home, sit down with Cameron and cuddle. It’s the emotional honesty that we share in our special bond that keeps me going. It’s her arms around my neck that hold on so very tight. It’s when she says, “Mom, you are the gift of my life”, that I know I am doing the best that I can.
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curiosity call You have to learn how to roll with the punches of questions that come with the territory. I was shocked when Cameron first asked why Mommy and Daddy have separate homes, because single parenting has been our way of life since she was just older than a year. I’d assumed she would just accept it as our way of life – but children question everything. And I am so thankful that my daughter has a curious mind. My answer came in such a simple way, I am amazed I hadn’t thought of it sooner. “It’s not that Mommy and Daddy don’t love each other – they made a gorgeous child! It’s not that Mommy and Daddy don’t love her – she is their gorgeous child! It’s just that it worked out better for everyone that Mommy and Daddy have two homes.” Her father and I work hard at our relationship as
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parents. We’re committed to ensuring that Cameron feels our love every step of every day. That’s what is truly important. I miss Cameron when she spends time with her dad. The house is quiet and I sometimes feel an intense need to fill it with noise. Lately though, I’ve been enjoying the silence. It’s time just for me. To watch a movie without having the channels changed by an overzealous four-year-old princess, read a book or see some friends. Just as my alone time with Cameron is precious, so is me-time – I have to take care of myself too. By the time she returns on a Sunday afternoon, I feel refreshed – ready to get silly and dance around the lounge with my precious daughter. And that dance... is the most important dance in the world.
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survival tips for single parents • Set realistic expectations – rather than focusing on the things you feel you’re doing wrong, remember all the good you’ve done. Striving for perfection or trying to be a “super parent” can lead to burnout. • Manage your time effectively – make lists, plan the week ahead, get the most out of shopping trips by buying in bulk, for instance. • Set limits for your children – in order to grow into happy, self-respecting adults, your children need the security of clear, consistently enforced boundaries and rules. • Learn to be assertive – exercise your right to say no – at work and at home. Saying “no” to your child won’t stifle their creativity. Don’t allow feelings of guilt to tell you you’re being mean. By drawing lines you’re helping your child feel safe. • Keep a good balance between work, parenting and recreation – again, plan ahead. Make sure your me-time is scheduled ahead, it’ll help you be a better parent.
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• Organise effective routines, effective planning and shared duties • Give each child special time with you – this helps them to feel loved and will ultimately make them less demanding. • Enlist the help of family, friends and your child’s co-parent. • Develop relationships with other adults – meet up with other single parents at your child’s school or day care. This will open up opportunities for relationships that may lead to play dates, lift clubs and other shared activities. • Build your own self-esteem, self-confidence and trust – if you feel good about yourself you are less likely to allow other people or circumstances to control your life, and you will be more resilient facing the challenges of life. • Join single parent organisations or parent courses – these are a great way of making new friends and can give you empowering parenting tools. Put together in consultation with Liz Dooley, The Family Life Centre (Famsa), 011 788 4784
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book extract
celebration time! In an extract from his cookbook Gatherings: A Year of Invitations, NATANIËL shares recipes from the birthday parties of two children close to his heart – his godchild George and George’s sister, Dali.
George is one of my godchildren and definitely one of my most favourite people on this planet. He is confident, energetic, super-intelligent and very talented. Unique and totally unpredictable, he has changed my life in many ways. Since George’s birth I have been involved in the preparations for every one of his birthdays. We have constructed gingerbread castles, baked trucks, trains and superheroes, and decorated rooms in every possible theme. For his ninth birthday I decided on a galactic theme with stars, planets and spaceships in black, white and silver. Everything had to be fantastical and fun, but masculine and mature. The menu had to reflect his favourite foods, prepared in a delicious but healthy way.
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menu alien juice oven chips with yoghurt dip birthday burgers chocolate star cakes
alien juice (per serving) 125ml clear apple juice 125ml white grape juice handful of black
PHOTOGRAPHS: Clinton Lubbe
george turns nine
grapes, frozen Pour juices into a tall glass and add grapes
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birthday burgers 1T butter 2 medium onions, chopped sea salt 250g lean bacon 6 panini, 6cm x 15cm each 120g cheddar, grated
oven chips with yoghurt dip 2kg potatoes 2T vegetable oil sea salt Set oven to 180°C. Peel potatoes and cut into thin slices. Toss with oil and arrange on a baking tray. Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven and season lightly with salt. Serve with yoghurt dip (see below). yoghurt dip 2T tomato purée 2T brown sugar 2T balsamic vinegar 2T water 1½ cups plain yoghurt Heat first four ingredients in a saucepan. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Stir into yoghurt.
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Heat butter in a saucepan. Add onions and caramelise over low heat, for about one hour. Remove from heat and season lightly with salt. Place bacon in a cool pan. Fry over medium heat until golden brown on each side. Slice panini in half horizontally. Spread onions over bottom half. Top with bacon strips and grated cheese. Cover with other panini halves. Grill on both sides in a hot griddle pan until cheese has melted. Cut into smaller portions and serve.
chocolate star cakes 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature 1 cup castor sugar 1t vanilla extract 4 eggs 1 cup self-raising flour 3T cocoa powder ¼ cup milk Set oven to 180°C. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until soft and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and cocoa, and beat well. Beat in milk. Spoon batter evenly into 15 lightly greased muffin-pan cups. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and cool on a wire rack. Decorate with snow icing (see below) and silver balls. snow icing 2½ cups icing sugar 5T boiling water Sift icing sugar into a mixing bowl. Add water and mix until smooth.
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princess’s picnic Dali is George’s younger sister, a beautiful, gentle, fairy-like little thing. When she came to Earth we all fell in love with her immediately. Dali has always loved anything pink and girlie and has always been treated like a princess, so when I started planning her sixth birthday party, there were only three
words: pink, princess and picnic. The food had to be beautiful and as natural as possible – half the world’s children are hysterical because of the toxic things they are fed at parties. We also had to include some of the birthday girl’s favourites, thus the meringues.
menu strawberry milk chewy meringues small cheeseand-onion pizzas butterfly cakes
strawberry milk (per serving) 200ml low-fat milk 2T strawberry syrup (see below) Whisk together until foamy. Pour into a tall glass or mug. strawberry syrup 500g fresh strawberries, chopped ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup water 1t vanilla extract Heat ingredients in a saucepan and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then purée in a food processor. Cover and refrigerate.
chewy meringues (Makes 24) 3 egg whites 110g castor sugar ¼t cream of tartar 1 drop red natural food colouring 2T cornflour 1T icing sugar 100g strawberry wafers, crushed Set oven to 110°C. Beat egg whites in a clean bowl with an electric mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar and one teaspoon of the castor sugar, and beat for one minute. Add remaining castor sugar, one teaspoon at a time, beating for at least 30 seconds between additions. Add colouring and beat for six more minutes until egg whites are very smooth and stiff peaks form. Sift cornflour and icing sugar together and fold in gently. Fold in the crushed wafers. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. With a teaspoon, drop mounds of meringue onto it. Bake in preheated oven for one hour. Turn off heat and leave meringues in the oven while it cools down. When completely cool, store in an airtight container.
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small cheese-and-onion pizzas 1T butter 1 onion, chopped sea salt 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed 2T finely chopped fresh parsley 1 cup grated cheddar 8 cherry tomatoes, sliced extra chopped parsley for garnish Set oven to 180°C. Heat butter in a saucepan, add onion and caramelise over low heat for about 1 hour. Remove from heat and season lightly with salt. Roll out pastry and cut out 8 circles of about 10cm in diameter. Use a knife to mark the edges, and pierce the insides with a fork. Spread a small amount of onion over each. Sprinkle with cheese and arrange slices of tomato on top. Place on a baking tray and bake in preheated oven until golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with a little parsley. (For adults, freshly ground black pepper can be added to the mixture and more parsley sprinkled on top.)
butterfly cakes 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature 1 cup sugar 3 eggs 1t vanilla extract 1 cup self-raising flour ¼ cup dried cranberries 1½T cocoa powder butterfly sprinkles paper or silk butterflies, mounted on toothpicks Set oven to 170°C. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift in flour and mix. Stir in cranberries. Divide batter in half and mix cocoa into one half. Fill 12 small ring moulds with chocolate mixture until they’re a quarter full. Top with the same amount of vanilla mixture. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the moulds and let them cool on a wire rack. Fill holes with soft vanilla icing (see below). Decorate with butterfly sprinkles and paper or silk butterflies. soft vanilla icing ½ cup butter, softened at room temperature 2 cups icing sugar, sifted 1T warm water 1t vanilla paste Mix together until creamy.
about the book Nataniël loves to cook. He cooks “for love, for peace, for fun, for hunger, for richer, for poorer…” In his fourth cookbook, Gatherings: A Year of Invitations, the much-loved South African singer and entertainer celebrates “a year of special events”, from birthday parties and dinners for two, to midweek entertaining ideas and chilly-evening meals with friends. Gatherings is published by Human & Rousseau.
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feature
hip, hip hooray! Your birthday party cheat sheet – a list of easy-to-organise, fabulously
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bike and balloon rally
what’s potting
ready Children will need to bring along their pushbikes, so remember to send out a request with the invitations. Borrow a couple of bikes and have these as backup for those who forget theirs. You’ll need as many helium balloons as there are guests (plus a few in reserve), and chalk to mark up a course on your driveway. get set Map out a track and include a stop street or two and a traffic light (enlist a parent’s help – green plate for go, red for stop). age 2 to go Kick off by handing guests a helium 3 balloon when they arrive; these are then tied to their bikes. Children can scoot around the course at leisure, or parents can help them along. A talking stop sign (Grandpa might like this job), chatty traffic lights (perhaps Dad has the sense of humour for this one?) and a human tunnel will add to the fun.
ready You’ll need a couple of punnets of seedlings (try herbs like basil or flowers such as pansies or marigolds), potting soil, small terracotta pots, a watering can or two and, spoons that can be used as little spades. Then something for decorating the pots – for younger children: ear buds, acrylic paint and strips of ribbon; for older children: sequins, mosaic tiles, craft glue, beads and raffia. Ask children to bring an apron, otherwise you will need to provide something to protect their clothing. get set Arrange the equipment outside, or in your family room with lots of newspaper on the table and floor – somewhere you don’t mind mess. go Children can decorate their pots. Little ones can use an ear bud to create a polka-dot design on the body of the pot and then, with help, tie a piece of ribbon of their choice round the neck. Older children can stick mosaic tiles round the rim, or decorate with sequins, or thread beads onto raffia and wind round the pot. When they are done they can select a seedling and plant it, which they then get to take home with them.
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age 4 to 6
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ILLUSTRATIONS: NIKKI-LEIGH PIPER
fun activities plus a party-planning check list. By ELAINE EKSTEEN
age 5 to 8
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racing car relay
create a cupcake
ready You’ll need some large cardboard boxes (ask your local supermarket if they have any packaging you could recycle), paint, brushes, scissors, glue, colourful paper, plastic packaging for decorating; red-and-white danger tape and tent pegs; a few cycling helmets. Ask children to bring an apron or old shirt to work in, otherwise you’ll need to provide something to protect their clothing. get set Use danger tape secured in place with tent pegs and make lanes (to match the number of teams) in your garden or the neighbourhood park. go Divide the children into teams, and get them to build and decorate their “racing cars”. It’s probably a good idea to serve the food once the cars are built (this’ll give time for the glue to dry – and you can add the odd staple to secure things before the race). This is also a good time to take a photo of each car – they probably won’t look quite their best after the relay! Then arrange half the team at the one end of a lane, the rest at the other. In turn, each team member must first put on and fasten the helmet, jump into the car and carry it along with them down the lane. When they reach the end the driver hops out, hands over the helmet and the next driver continues. Award prizes for best-looking car, most-sturdy vehicle and winning team.
ready You’ll need sufficient un-iced cupcakes (if you’d prefer to avoid the hassle of baking your own, store-bought chocolate or blueberry muffins will work just as well); ingredients for making a few colours of icing, and sprinkles, chocolate buttons and other bits for decorating the cupcakes. get set Prepare the icing and set up a table with all the goodies for decorating, plus some palette knives or sucker sticks for applying the icing. go The children can decorate their own cupcakes. You could get them to vote for their favourites or just take a photo of each (to send with the thank-you note) and allow them to munch on their creations.
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photo trail ready This is the techno take on the nature/treasure hunt. Instead of bringing back the item, teams must return with a photo of each object or activity on the list. You’ll need a few fairly indestructible point-and-shoot digital cameras. (Perhaps some of the children are able to bring their own. Chat to parents when you hand out the invitations.) get set Visit the venue to familiarise yourself with what’s there. Make a list of the things the guests will need to capture on their cameras and print out a copy for each team. If you are having the party at your local botanical garden, for instance, include a particular tree, a sculpture, a bird that’s a common resident, and so on. At your own home you might include a close-up shot of an ant, something purple, five round items of different colours or a funny face. You can also get the children to snap themselves making a human pyramid, for example. For safety sake: if you are in a public place, you’ll need an adult to dash round with each team. At your home you age 7 to 10 might want to stipulate no-go areas. You probably don’t want your wardrobe unpacked in search of that feather boa your son saw you wear to a fancy dress last year… go Divide the children into groups and send them off to find the things on the list and photograph them. Give prizes for the best photo, first to complete the assignment or funniest picture. If you’re at home you could show the children each other’s images by loading them all onto a memory stick and playing it through your music system on the TV.
backwards bonanza
age 8 to 10
(or should we say, Aznanob Sdrawkcab) ready You’ll need a few old rice bags for sack races (try your hardware store), sticky tape in a dispenser, as many sheets of wrapping paper as there are guests, and a small gift wrapped in tissue paper. get set Set out the party food on the tablecloth under the table. Have a music system with an appropriate CD at the ready. go Greet children with “goodbye”; start by eating the food under the table; sing happy birthday backwards – you can stick the words underneath the tabletop: “You to birthday happy, you to birthday happy,” and so on. Play the birthday child’s favourite party games backwards and reward the “losers” as the winners. Hop sackrace relays in reverse. Play pass the parcel, getting the children to each wrap the gift in a layer of paper when it’s their turn, the child left with the last sheet of wrapping paper gets to keep the gift. Play musical statues, but the children need to dance when the music is off and freeze when the music is on. Send them all home with a cheerful “hello”.
pretty pamper
age 8
ready You’ll need a few large plastic bowls, nail-polish remover, bubble bath, cotton wool, towels, nail files, foot cream and a variety of nailpolish colours. You’ll also need to enlist the help of a few moms (“beauty therapists”) and hire a DVD that the children will enjoy. get set Fill the baths with warm water and mix in some bubble bath. go Put on the movie and let the girls soak their feet as they watch. The beauty therapists can then dry off the guests’ feet, tidy up their nails with a file, apply foot cream and paint their nails in the to 13 colour of their choice.
music mania ready You’ll need a music system that can take a microphone, and a CD of the birthday child’s favourite songs (or consider hiring a karaoke machine). Come up with a list of song titles and write these on little slips of paper. You could also find someone to teach the partygoers some cool new hip-hop moves, for instance. get set Make sure the music system is working and set it up in the room where you are having the party. go Let the guests take turns singing along through the mike, the less outgoing can sing in pairs. Run a game of charades with the song titles you have prepared and get them to try out a few dance moves with the help of your guest hip-hop “star” or a current music video.
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age 8 to 13
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party-planning check list the month before Choose the venue. Home or away? Indoors or out? Public venue (such as your neighbourhood park) or hired venue? Book and pay any necessary deposit. Set the date and time. Consider the activities you’re hoping to include and at what time of day these will work best. Draw up the guest list. Some suggest inviting one guest for each year of your child’s age (one little friend to a first birthday, two to a second birthday party, and so on). It can be overwhelming, especially for younger children, to have a house full of people all showering them with attention – and gifts! Remember: just because you’re an extrovert and love crowds, it doesn’t mean your child does. Decide on a theme. Of course you don’t have to have one of these, but themes do narrow things down, which can be helpful if you’re doing everything yourself. Older children will have stronger ideas… perhaps have a few suggestions up your sleeve and then present these at the same time as asking for their ideas. Send out invitations. Snail mail, hand delivery, email… you choose. Remember to include a finish time, whether siblings and parents are also invited, find out about allergies or diebetes, an RSVP date and anything the guests need to bring with them. Decide on the games or activities. Will you run these yourself or will you call in the professionals? Will you hire equipment or hire an entertainer? If you’re going it alone, you have a bit more time to gather ideas (see the first part of this feature for a start), ask friends what worked best for them and surf the web for ideas. Call in a few favours: perhaps your sister-in-law is a dab hand at face-painting?
two weeks before Order or plan the cake. The easiest DIY option for a summer birthday cake is to buy a couple of tubs of ice cream, like chocolate and vanilla. Let these melt a little, then throw a few chocolate chips into the one and some crushed meringue into the other. Layer the two in a spring-form cake tin or Pyrex dish, cover with clingfilm and freeze. (Tip: wrap a hot cloth around the dish to help loosen the cake.) Or you can get the children to make their own (see create a cupcake on page 39) on the day. Decide on decorations. A handful of balloons might be sufficient. Or perhaps you want to splash out at the party shop? It might seem too early to look at this, but if your child is set on Hannah Montana, you won’t want to screech into the store one hour before the party and end up having to leave with Barbie paraphernalia. Plan the menu. Will your food match your theme? Alien Juice, Monster Pies, Spider Cookies, anyone? Will you make it yourself, buy pre-prepared food from the supermarket or deli, or enlist the services of a caterer? Plan party packs. Do you want to send the guests home with something? Will this be a craft item they make at the party or a little bag of edible goodies? Add the contents to your shopping list.
one week before Plan the games and activities. Make a list (and suggested running order) and allocate responsibilities. Add the prizes and any props needed to your shopping list. Do the shopping. Compile your list from the menu. Buy all the non-perishables now, so you have less to do later. Make sure you have drinks (tea, coffee, wine and juice) and eats for any parents who’ll also be there. Don’t forget serviettes, candles, matches, as well as the decorations you need. Check catering supplies. Have you got sufficient crockery, cutlery, tables and chairs? There’s still time to borrow what you need from friends. Follow up on missing RSVPs. Prepare any food that can be made in advance. Or confirm drop-off or pickup times with your caterer.
the day before Get photo ready. Charge your camera; have a memory card in backup. Or, if you’re old-school, like I am, make sure you have enough film (believe me, it’s particularly hard to find on a Sunday afternoon). Check your first aid kit. Better over- than under-prepared. Bake or collect the birthday cake. Purchase any last-minute perishables. Assemble the party packs. The birthday child might like to help with these. Get cooking. Sort out any last-minute food and beverage bits and pieces.
party time Set up the party table, games and decorations. Older children can help by blowing up balloons and decorating the table. Put up a welcome sign. If your house is hard to find, tie a balloon on your gate to help direct people to your home. Enjoy!
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resource
the ultimate party guide Having a party? Here’s who to call. Compiled by Lucille Kemp
Accessories and Services 082 Party On Rents out genuine slush-puppie machines, cocktail machines, jumping castles, gladiator and water slides, popcorn and candy-floss machines. Delivery, setup and collection included. Contact: 082 727 8966
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AA Castle Hire Candyfloss and popcorn machines, jumping castles (including Barbie, Bratz and Spider-Man), ball ponds, water slides and jump-and-slides for hire. R200–R490. Contact Harry: 021 534 8471, 084 434 8471, harry. dv@gmail.com or visit aacastlehire. synthasite.com @play Choose between a basic party package of R650 or the Hip-Hip Hooray
package from R110 per child. These include two hours’ exclusive use of the @play playroom in Blouberg that’s full of toys and equipment for children aged 1–5 years. Maximum 16 children. Contact: 021 556 8704, 083 375 1359, info@atplay. co.za or visit atplay.co.za Andy’s Candy Candyfloss producer that also offers a wide selection of sweet merchandise. Capegate
Shopping Precinct. Contact Pierre: 084 499 6279, andycf@polka.co.za or visit kids.capeportal.co.za B-Day Parties A party shop in Strand and party service that provides themed party décor, party packs and picture cakes. R1 475 for a full themed party for 10 children, all inclusive. Contact: 021 853 1727, linda@bdayparties.co.za or visit bdayparties.co.za
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Binding Memories Designs, prints and binds photo books that will preserve your child’s birthday party memories. Contact Greta: 021 913 5247, 082 926 5921 or greta@bindingmemories.co.za Bounce-About Jumping Castles Various jumping castles, water castles, slides and Belgian-chocolate fountain. From R250 for half-day to R450 for full-day. Contact Charmaine: 082 777 1544 or bounceabout@telkomsa.net Bouncy A variety of jumping castles and a water slide for hire. Contact: 0860 268 629, 073 321 3116, sam@ bouncy.co.za or visit bouncy.co.za Bubble Ball Children can walk, run, dive and roll on water, without getting wet in a Bubble Ball. On-site supervision is provided. Contact Belinda: 083 201 1853, bubbleball @yebo.co.za or visit bubbleball.co.za Buzy Boxes Supplier of exclusive party packs and craft boxes for parties. Party packs R10–R25 and craft boxes R15. Contact: ivw@iafrica.com Candle Maker’s Deli Supplier of candlemaking and soap-making materials for crafts parties. They will also help you with ideas or refer you to craft party organisers. Candle-making supplies R300–R600 for 10 children. Contact: 021 552 4937, info@ candledeli.co.za or visit candledeli.co.za Caring Candies Manufacturer of healthy confectionery – lollipops, bonbons, candy
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canes and chocolate free from fat, sugar, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and colourants. Contact Denise: 021 552 7575, 082 824 4418, info@caringcandies.co.za or visit caringcandies.co.za Castles4Rascals Hire a jumping castle, trampoline castle, water slide or ball pond. Free delivery, setup and collection within a 5km radius of Monte Vista. Other areas may incur a delivery charge. From R375 per day. Contact Tamara: 083 227 8537, jump@castles4rascals. co.za or visit castles4rascals.co.za City Sightseeing Cape Town Bus For a children’s party on a double-decker, hire the City Sightseeing Bus for R2 900 per half-day (four hours). Bring along your own party packs and food. Meeting place by arrangement. Join their Kids’ Club for a special birthday treat. Contact: 021 511 6000, info@citysightseeing.co.za or visit citysightseeing.co.za. Crafty Stuff A competitively priced online craft supply store. Free projects and patterns updated weekly and a newsletter filled with ideas. For more info: visit craftystuff.co.za Crafty Supplies A wide variety of craft items and kits that can be used for party activities and party-pack fillers including face paints, designs for face-painting, masks and feathers. Kenilworth. Prices start at R2,95. Contact: 021 671 0286 or colleen@craftysupplies.co.za
Crazy Concepts Hires and sells highquality playground equipment, ball ponds, rock climbing walls, rides, jumping castles and electric trains. Delivery and installation countrywide. Contact Lizelle: 082 826 1786, info@crazyconcepts.co.za or visit crazyconcepts.co.za Crazy Kidz Parties The team bakes the cake, rents out play equipment such as a jumping castle and water slide and handles party setup with table settings and photo boards according to your theme chosen from their website. Contact: 083 557 7281, 082 567 9119 (sms only), louretta@crazykidzparties. co.za or visit crazykidzparties.co.za Creative@home Sells themed party packs, invitations and costumes. Also makes personalised embroidered gifts. Contact Michelle: 021 715 5695, 083 415 1277 or info@embroideryathome.co.za Dawn’s Jumping Castles For jumping castles (balls and slide optional) and water slides. R250–R450 full day. Contact: 021 701 8321, 083 561 1226, 084 607 0122 or fjpeters@telkomsa.net Design a Balloon Themed décor for large and small parties. Also sells helium balloons. Paarden Eiland. Contact: 021 511 9676, viscreatect@mweb.co.za or visit visualc.co.za Dial-a-Surprize This online gift store sells gifts, helium balloons, cakes, party packs, flowers and hampers. Balloons from
R6,70; gifts from R25. Contact: 021 461 0821, hello@dial-a-surprize.co.za or visit dial-a-surprize.co.za Djoni’s Party Classics Hires out gazebos for parties. DIY collect and make up. R450. Contact: 021 462 6126, 083 455 1028 or djoni.brand@gmail.com Funkipics Photography Capture the magic moments of your child’s birthday party – call for a quote. Contact Safra: 021 552 7445, 083 443 4044, safra@ funkipics.co.za or visit funkipics.co.za Funky Bananas Sells and rents out themed party décor such as tableware, toys, balloons, helium, party packs, cakes, jumping castles, entertainment and candyfloss machines. Contact: Parklands 021 556 7808 or Durbanville 021 976 3061, info@funkybananas. co.za or visit funkybananas.co.za Goodie Two Shoes Offers goodie boxes for 1- to 10-year-olds containing activityrelated stickers, crayons, puzzles, beads, clay fun and toys. Different sizes and themes available. Delivery countrywide. Prices start at R30. Contact Memre: 082 466 3182, memre@goodietwoshoes. co.za or visit goodietwoshoes.co.za Happy Days Parties Hires out tables, chairs, chair covers, tablecloths, overlays and cupcake stands. Chairs from R5; tables from R20. Contact Lizelle: 084 586 2370, lizelle@happydays.co.za or visit happy-days.co.za
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Kids Parties Galore A party-coordinating service that offers children’s party hire and party packages from R400. Visit their online party shop. Contact Melanie: 083 736 0661, info@ kidspartiesgalore.co.za or visit kidspartiesgalore.co.za Kids Party Packs Sells colourful plastic party buckets, decorated party carry bags and boxes, and budget bags. Themes available. They hire out tablecloths and chair covers with tiebacks. Mosaic parties can be arranged. Prices vary. Panorama. Contact Brieta: 083 328 9253 or brieta@ telkomsa.net Kids Play Hire Play equipment for hire for children’s parties. They can deliver at an extra charge. Contact: 072 901 0799 Kidz-a-Peal This Plumstead toy and craft shop sells party gifts, face paints, piñatas, dress-up costumes, balloons and a wide range of party prizes. Enquire about their birthday club for children under 12. Contact: 021 762 8580, 021 762 3543 or kidz-a-peal@telkomsa.net Kidz Party Hire Rents out or sells party hats, invitations, plates, cups and serviettes in a variety of themes as well as party décor, photo boards, banners and backdrops. Contact Raygana: 076 908 6933 King Cake Stockists of a large range of quality party décor, dress-up outfits and accessories as well as novelty and themed cakes. Contact: Gardens 021 461 9448, Tokai 021 715 3150, Kenilworth 021 671 0869, Parow 021 930 2455, N1 Value Centre 021 595 3314, Kuilsriver 021 906 4419, Tableview 021 556 7969, info@kingcake. co.za or visit kingcake.co.za Labels Inc Great range of personalised stationery including party invitations, gift labels, notepads and cards. From R60 per page of 15 labels. Contact Lauren: 082 556 4232 or view their catalogue and place your orders online at labelsinc.co.za Lacey’s Offers a full range of branded party accessories from napkins to party blowers and lucky packets. Delivery countrywide. Contact: 031 705 1055 or laceytheclown@laceys.co.za Little Occasions Children’s Designer Partyware Offers an exciting collection of partyware including invitations, paper cups, plates, napkins, balloons, greeting cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper and gift tags to ensure your child’s birthday party theme is creative, fun and convenient. Products can be viewed and ordered online. Purchases will be delivered to your door countrywide. Contact: 011 791 7436, 083 415 6162, info@littleoccasions.co.za or visit littleoccasions.co.za Love Letters Online store offering a range of locally produced creative personalised stationery as well as things like placemats, menus and organisers. Contact: 083 651 8074, lovelettersstationery@gmail.com or visit lovelettersstationery.co.za Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM, ILLUSTRATIONS: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN, NIKKI-LEIGH PIPER
Hi Ho Cherry O This Meadowridge toy shop offers a wide range of toys and party goodies ideal for party packs, with a strong focus on educational toys. Also handmade superhero costumes and fairy dresses. Contact: 021 715 9033, info@hihocherryo. co.za or visit hihocherryo.co.za Itz’aparty An online party supply store that stocks over 2 000 items including balloons, cake decorations, games, piñatas, party favours and tableware. Pick a theme from 150 options. Contact Helen: 012 751 0395, itzaparty@telkomsa.net or visit itzaparty.co.za I Wish Clothing Bespoke dressmaking service for children for special occasions. Outfits may be tailored to a specific theme. Prices range from R150–R350. Contact: 082 402 9577, iwish@ripetech. co.za or visit iwishclothing.co.za Jolly Jump Castles Hires out and sells inflatable items; they also offer a complete delivery, setup and collection service throughout the Western Cape. From R450 per item. Contact: Sonia 021 552 6757, 082 827 7999 or sonia@jollyjumpcastles.com and Naomi 021 979 1729, 072 324 2607 or naomi@jollyjumpcastles.com or visit jollyjumpcastles.com Jump 4 Joy Castles Jumping castles with a variety of ball ponds, climbing ropes and slides available for half-day or full-day hire. R250–R350 half-day, R350–R500 full-day. Chocolate fountain also available. No delivery. Helderberg. Contact Helene: 021 853 1187, 082 222 0859 or ghcloete@ iafrica.com Jumping Candy Castles Hires out inflatable items such as jumping castles, water slides and ball ponds. They also hire out and operate popcorn and candyfloss machines. Prices include delivery and setup. Contact Mervyn or Carol: 021 715 9502, 082 842 4007 or visit jumpingcandycastles.co.za Just Labels Specialises in customised self-adhesive gift labels. Contact: 031 266 1738, sales@justlabels.co.za or visit justlabels.co.za Kiddie Rides Automated children’s rides (like those in shopping centres) can be rented for your child’s party. R190 per machine, if collected. Delivery can be arranged at an extra cost. Contact: 021 448 2541, kiddierides@telkomsa.net or visit kiddierides.co.za Kiddies Craft Club Order craft packs for your child’s party. Contact Petro: 073 561 1015 or kiddiescraftclub@ telkomsa.net Kido Parties Supplier of party décor and entertainment such as pony rides and magic shows. Basic parties from R350 for 10 children. Themed cakes from R240 and jumping castles R350. Personalised banner R420. Services the area from Fish Hoek to Pinelands. Contact Tazneem: 082 907 7080, connelly@telkomsa.net or visit kidoparties.co.za Kids Labels International Offers a wide variety of fun gift labels to help you save on expensive cards. Labels posted countrywide. For more info: visit kidslabels.co.za
Magic Moments! Photos are creatively displayed according to any theme, colour scheme and style in a 12x12 inch scrapbook with protective sleeves. Northern and southern suburbs. From R300. Contact Leanne: 084 702 3528 or magicmomentsforkidz@gmail.com Merrypak This Ndabeni store sells a comprehensive range of party supplies including party boxes and bags, masks, streamers and balloons. Invitations can also be printed. Contact: 021 531 2244, info@merrypak.co.za or visit merrypak.co.za Money Box Party Packs These novel, affordable party packs are also a gift for the party child to take home. The four ranges include a DIY option, which provides an art and crafts activity for children to do at the party and doubles as a party pack. See their latest designs: B.T. (based on the Ben 10 design) and B.Trio (based on the Bakugan design). From R8. Contact: 082 422 7872 or visit jorsam.co.za Mural Maniac Custom, hand-painted backdrops in a party theme of your choice. From R1 000. Photo boards available, from R550. Contact Theo: 021 559 6090, 072 359 7958, theo@ mailzone.co.za or visit muralmaniac.co.za Nox Designs Specialises in personalised labels, including those for birthday and party packs. Shipping countrywide. From R35. Contact Nicky: 082 496 2930, nstark@mweb.co.za or visit noxdesigns. wordpress.com Oodles of Doodles Personalised gifts and good quality linen for children. From R32–R580. Contact: 021 979 1776, 083 499 2166, info@oodlesofdoodles. co.za or visit oodlesofdoodles.co.za Parties4Africa Online shopping for a wide range of party products. Over 50 children’s themes to choose from. Each includes plates, cups, serviettes, hats, party blowers, loot bags, tablecloths and invitations. Countrywide. Contact: Cheryl 083 635 5353 or Penny 084 406 6313, 035 772 6592, info@parties4africa.co.za or visit parties4africa.co.za Parties Galore Supplies tables, chairs, cakes, party packs and themed tableware for children’s parties. Northern suburbs and Cape Town City Bowl. From R30 per child. Contact: Genené 082 838 2082 or Nicole 084 749 6009 or partiesgaloresa@gmail.com Party Animal Jumping Castles Jumping castle hire in the southern suburbs and Helderberg region. Contact: 082 922 0684 or joann@ fun4partyanimals.com Party Animals Supplies helium balloons in a wide range of colours. Deliveries throughout Cape Town. R6 per balloon, minimum order of 50. Contact Samantha: 021 557 0256, info@party-animals.co.za or visit party-animals.co.za Party Boutique Specialises in themed parties with over 2 000 party items, accessories and decorations to choose from. Tableview. Contact Des: 082 779 7803 or des@vodamail.co.za Party Characters Specialises in children’s themed party décor. Cape Town’s
Plates R30 for 10, loot bags R10,50 for six, cups R20,25 for 10, napkins R31,15 for 20, blowouts R20,25 for six, bubbles R6,50 for one, party-in-a-box supplies for 10 children R200. They also hire out children’s plastic chairs for R5 and tables for R20. Contact Rushka: 021 911 2973, 072 315 5053, rushka@ siyakhula.biz or visit partycharacters.co.za Party Corner Supplies balloons, dress-up accessories and tableware. Accessories R2–R200. Contact: 021 433 1355, 083 745 3413, info@partycorner.co.za or visit partycorner.co.za Party Packs and Piñatas Party packs made to order from R20. Empty piñatas R170 or filled with 150 chewy wrapped sweets and plastic trinkets R215. Excludes postage. Contact Kim: 087 805 9977, 082 683 5766, info@ partypacksandpinatas.co.za or visit partypacksandpinatas.co.za Partypax Specialises in colourful, creative, funky party packs and invitations according to your theme as well as personalised header cards with your child’s photo and birthday greetings. Party packs from R12 each. Free delivery within southern suburbs. Contact Tracey: 073 841 9008, info@jumpingfun.co.za or visit jumpingfun.co.za Party Pieces Offers everything from party packs, invitations and cakes to décor, jumping castles and face-painting. Contact Angela: 076 080 0513, partypieces@telkomsa. net or visit partypieces.co.za Party World A wide range of party décor and accessories, including helium balloons, printed serviettes, banners, boxes, streamers and more. They also provide cakes. Somerset West. Contact: 021 851 2786 Peggy’s Place & Plate Hiring Selection of cake stands, party platters and more to hire. Contact: 021 705 0235 or ppph@ corpdial.co.za Personally Yours Creative personalisation of everything for your child’s party from invitations, craft kits and serviettes to gift wrap, ribbon and greeting cards. Gardens. Contact: 021 423 4115, personallyyours@ worldonline.co.za or visit personallyyours.co.za Photo Feast This photographer will creatively and naturally capture your child and their friends in party mode. Contact: 021 975 7021, 073 933 6408, elna@photofeast.co.za or visit photofeast.co.za Piñata Africa Custom-make piñatas in any shape or size to suit your theme. Posted throughout South Africa. From R220. Sweets extra. Contact Marianne: 082 457 2276, mgwyther@mweb.co.za or visit pinatas.co.za Pinney’s Party Creations Hand-crafted, themed invitations, party plates and party boxes to buy plus posters to adorn walls or hang from the ceiling for hire. Place your orders a month in advance. From R50 per child. Contact Tanya: 079 185 5923 or tanya.schickerling@gmail.com May 2010
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Plastics for Africa A wide range of educational toys and puzzles, party pack gifts, art and crafts and games as well as a complete range of party supplies from party platters to baking tins. Contact: Montague Gardens 021 551 5790, Somerset West 021 852 4007, Retreat 021 702 1700 or visit plasticsforafrica.com Puzzle Worx Transform your favourite photo into a jigsaw puzzle. From a nine-piece suitable for invitations to a 180-piece ideal for framing. They also offer a range of educational puzzles. From R18,50. Contact Jody: 083 275 6567, info@puzzleworx. co.za or visit puzzleworx.co.za RDA Events Management Supplies draping, décor and props. Warehouse in Killarney Gardens. Contact: 021 556 0361, Raymond 082 571 6101 or rdasa@iafrica.com Rent a Toy Safe, quality, durable and educational toys from a large library of age and gender specific toys, to rent for your child and their friends’ party entertainment. Contact: Helen: 021 554 4844 or info@rent-a-toy.co.za or visit rent-a-toy.co.za Ronald’s Jumping Castles Jumping castles and water slides for hire. No time limit. R300 for jumping castles, R350 for water slides, full-day. Free delivery. Contact: 021 945 3257, 084 752 6838 or kylejordaan@mweb.co.za
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Rumble Grumble Parties Jumping castle to hire as well as party décor, cakes, party packs, clowns, magicians, planner and coordinator. Prices on website. Contact Ilze: 072 835 8812 or visit rumblegrumble.co.za Serina’s Jumping Castles A variety of castles, slides and a ball pond available. Delivery in Durbanville and surrounding areas. R300–R400 in summer for half-day; in winter the price applies for full-day rental. Contact: 021 976 6326 Sky Toys A wholesale balloon company with a wide variety of balloons – from plain and printed to novelty and foil as well as helium balloons and trendy inflatables. Order online too. Deliveries countrywide. Contact: 011 837 3924, 083 377 3786, info@skytoys.co.za or visit skytoys.co.za So Sweet Boutique This Melkbosstrand store stocks children’s party dresses and accessories, party packs, ballet outfits and shoes, and fairy outfits. Contact: 021 553 4982 or 073 080 3388 Star Dot Toys A one-stop party shop in Hout Bay for dress-up clothes, helium balloons, novelties and gifts. Contact: 021 790 0384, 021 702 4081 or Anne 082 337 6049 Starkidz Offers a wide range of toys and games. Claremont. Contact Monique: 021 683 5009 or 083 406 4282
Stay Stuck Personalised gift labels in different colours and styles. Gift blocks R45 for 18, gift dots R55 for 22. Contact: 082 385 4331, info@staystuck.co.za or visit staystuck.co.za Stick With Us! Personalised party invites, party-box and gift stickers, thank-you cards, banners and posters. Also prints clothing, stationery, lunchbox and shoe labels. Contact Mandy: 082 377 0513 or mandy@stickwithus.co.za The Crazy Store A discount store for all you might need for your child’s party. Contact: 021 505 5500 or visit crazystore.co.za The Fairy Shop Fairy, mermaid, princess, wizard and king dress-up outfits; fairy-themed party décor and accessories, fairy lights and decorations, fairies for cake decorations. Party packs for R15 if you buy 10 or more. Gifts include fairies, books, musical jewellery boxes and hair accessories. Kenilworth. Contact: 021 783 0301, fairyshop@ netactive.co.za or visit fairyshop.co.za The Party Place Stocks a variety of hats, dress-up accessories, helium balloons, feather masks from R10, birthday banners, candles, napkins and other themed items. Contact Yvonne: 021 797 7397 The Scrapbook Has everything for sale for a scrapbook for your child’s birthday memories. Contact Karen: 021 674 6425 or scrapbookct@webafrica.org.za
The Story Studio Creates a beautifully bound book of memorable photographs from your child’s party. The package consists of a two-hour photo shoot of the party and a personalised story around the events of the day. You will also receive a CD of the best shots. R1 400 for the package. Contact Taryn: 084 671 8036, taryn@thestorystudio. co.za or visit thestorystudio.co.za Thomas Party Train Hire this train for children’s rides. Call for a quote. They deliver, set up and collect. Available all week. Contact Nicolene: 082 824 2676 Toadeez Children’s Fantasy Furniture A unique children’s toadstool-hire service. Also fairy-themed party planners. Toadstool hire from R40. Contact Kim: 082 622 6800, info@toadeez.co.za or visit toadeez.co.za Toddlers Warehouse Party-pack toys at wholesale prices such as wooden pens, pencils, spinning tops and clown whistles. They have toys for boys, girls and babies. Shipping countrywide. Contact Tania: 011 979 1676, 072 398 8053, tania@toddlerswarehouse.co.za or visit toddlerswarehouse.co.za Visual Creations Themed décor, pyrotechnics, fireworks displays, sound and lighting, function coordination and party accessories. Paarden Eiland. Contact: 021 511 9676, 082 553 0438 or viscreatect@mweb.co.za
Cape Town’s
Worms Galore Puts a creative spin on the traditional party pack – each child leaves the party with all the “parts” for making their own worm farm. Contact Lesli: 084 510 3180, wormsgalorecpt@ gmail.com www.partyshopsa.co.za An online shop offering tableware, décor, themed plates, cups, hats, blowouts and more. Contact Paul: 082 461 3216, sales@partyshopsa. co.za or visit partyshopsa.co.za X-Treme Foam Parties Suppliers of foam machines and foam pits for children’s parties. Foam is biodegradable and non-toxic. Contact Fuzzy: 082 462 2001, info@foamparty. co.za or visit foamparty.co.za
Animal parties Cape Camel Rides A short camel ride at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie will make for an adventure for the birthday child and friends. Contact: 021 789 1711 or 082 748 6461 Drakenstein Lion Park Get up close to rescued lions at this sanctuary, situated just outside Paarl. R25 per child; R45 per adult. The deli is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, plus weekends and holidays. Contact: 021 863 3290, info@lionrescue.org.za or visit lionrescue.org.za
Cape Town’s
Horse Trail Safaris Ponies are delivered to your child’s party or outrides can be organised at their venue in Hermanus. Enquire about their two-day, horseled wagon trail for the family in Napier. Contact: 021 703 4396, 082 575 5669 or info@horsetrailsafaris.co.za Le Bonheur Croc Farm Provides a spacious party venue (in- and outdoors), ample play area, various party menu options and discounted entry rates for the croc pond. R15 per child; R22 per adult for guided croc-pond tour. Contact: 021 863 1142, info@lebonheurcrocfarm. co.za or visit lebonheurcrocfarm.co.za Mountain View Horse Trails Animal and pony parties in your backyard. Ponies can be dressed up if you like. Call to enquire about costs. Contact Glodien: 083 727 0256, mountainviewhorsetrails@ananzi.co.za or visit mountainviewhorsetrails.co.za The Barnyard Restaurant Large grounds in Tokai with a central sandpit, jungle gym, slide, swings and farm animals. The two-hour birthday package includes party food, juice and a personalised birthday cake. Face-painting, pony rides and a jumping castle are also available. From R950 during the week or R1 100 at weekends and holidays for at least 10 children. R65 per extra child. Contact: 021 712 6934 or warren@ thebarnyardrestaurant.co.za
The Giraffe House Wildlife Centre Offers a venue, wildlife-themed table settings, party packs/gift and entrance to an animal encounter. Bring your own eats if you like. Kiosk available. R55 per child; R35 per adult (group rate). Contact: 021 884 4506, info@giraffehouse.co.za or visit giraffehouse.co.za Two Oceans Aquarium The party package includes a child-friendly guided tour of the aquarium, a fully catered lunch with party box, décor and activities in association with I&J. Call to enquire about various party and meal options. Two-hour parties with 10–20 children are available Monday–Sunday (excluding 9 June–11 July and 15 December–10 January). From R145 per child. Four time slots to choose from. Contact Anne-Marie: 021 418 3823, 082 890 0833 or party@aquarium.co.za Tygerberg Zoo Fun for children who love animals. For catering, contact Mike at the cafeteria: 083 671 8095. He also sells snacks. Enquire about their birthday club for children up to 12 years old. Entry R40 per child; R60 per adult. Contact: 021 884 4494 or tygerbergzoo@mweb.co.za World of Birds Children can enjoy the sights and sounds of an array of birds. After the tour they can have their party in the Mouse House. Advance booking essential. No catering, but there is a cafeteria that sells snacks. Entry R39 per
child, R65 per adult. Hout Bay. Contact: 021 790 2730 or info@worldofbirds.org.za Zippity Zoo This mobile farmyard and petting zoo will arrive at your venue for a hands-on, fun, educational experience that includes bottle-feeding a baby goat, brushing the miniature pot-bellied pig and walking the dwarf goats. Prices vary depending on package selected, duration of event and location. Contact Jenny: 078 804 7444, jenny@zippityzoo.co.za or visit zippityzoo.co.za Zoo to You Brings a large variety of hand-reared animals to your home. The farm-style enclosure contains the animals and allows children to bottlefeed and cuddle the baby animals. Contact Mark: 082 215 2530 or zootoyou@rocketmail.com
Art and Crafts Parties A Scrap Above Offers scrapbooking activities at your home with a variety of themes suitable for ages 8–18 years. From R75 per child. Contact: 079 529 9015, info@ascrapabove. co.za or visit ascrapabove.co.za Artee Parteez A range of supervised art and crafts workshops for children’s parties, which include making mosaics and glass-painting, plus recording studio parties and a choice of three puppet
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shows for the little ones. Crafts parties R50–R60; recording studio parties R120 per child, puppet show R400. Contact Kirsty: 084 207 0180, kirsty@arteeparteez. co.za or visit arteeparteez.co.za Artjamming Painting parties with party packs for children of all ages; canvas and non-toxic paints provided. Parties of 10 or more receive a discount. From R95. Contact: Cape Quarter 021 421 6129 or Wembley Square 021 462 1168 Charmed Various children’s beading parties: jewellery-making at R55 (6- to 12-year-olds), sun catchers at R65 (9- to 12-year-olds), watch-making at R85 (10- to 12-year-olds). Contact Sherilyn: 082 887 0752, sherilyn@ charmed1.co.za or visit charmed1.co.za Children’s Art Workshops Professional face- and body-painting. Minimum R400 for 10 children or less and R10 per child thereafter. Art and crafts workshops (making jewellery and knights’ helmets) as well as make-and-bake sessions. These are R60 per child with a minimum of 10 children. Contact Ursula: 083 544 4076 or Urobby@telkomsa.net Crafty Sandart Wholesale prices for children’s sand art activities. Home kits R250; gift packs R45; loose cards R9. Contact Lana: 072 931 2344 or sandarthoutbay@yahoo.com Creative Clay Parties Children hand-craft items with clay and clay paints. The clay is fired and glazed in a kiln and returned to hand out to the party guests. Minimum eight children. R65–R100 each. Contact Heidi: 021 556 5916, 082 630 6303, closequarters@vodamail.co.za or visit kidsclayparties.webs.com Kathleen-B Mosaics Offers children’s mosaic parties either at a venue of your choice or at her venue in Fish Hoek. The item that each child makes is beautifully parcelled to take home. From R80 per child. Contact Kathleen: 082 446 2956 QT Pie Crafts Offers a wide variety of crafts from candle-dipping and glasspainting to decoupage, making mosaics, scrapbooking and chocolate-making. The craft can be adjusted to be age appropriate. All materials supplied. From R55–R85 per child. Contact: 021 556 2010 (a/h), 084 580 7497 or cindyannperry@hotmail.com Sandart Parties Supplies a genuine sandart table with 14 colours, 10 glitters and assistance for a two-hour party. Call for prices. Contact Renee: 021 979 3881 or 082 731 4772 Sue Nepgen Art Studio Offers a wide variety of educational art and crafts sessions at your home or at a chosen venue. She also provides entertainers (mostly teachers with special skills) such as musicians, magicians, puppeteers and face painters. Sessions have an environmental slant but any other theme can be worked into the activities. Contact Sue: 021 794 6609 or snepgen@xsinet.co.za Toby Tower A range of educational stickers, DIY activities and products for parents. The range includes sticker albums and pictures; 3D pop art; reward
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and height measurement charts; colouring-in puzzles; gel, sand and scratch art, and more. Contact: 0800 220 488, tobytower@pyrotec.co.za or visit tobytower.co.za
Cakes and Catering All-in-one Cakes for all occasions. Platters and party packs from R12,50 available on request. Contact Jenny: 021 919 3058, 083 262 2621 or jennykl@mweb.co.za Cakes for Kidz Novelty, homemade birthday cakes, cupcakes and chocolate suckers. Contact Isobel: 021 434 1796, 082 921 2803 or fleishmn@telkomsa.net Charly’s Bakery Offers an extensive range of novelty and custom-designed cakes and cupcakes such as Cookie Monster cupcakes and petit fours, as well as gingerbread men, quiches and more. Cake prices start at R205. Gardens. Contact: 021 461 5181, charlysbakery@ gmail.com or view the extensive photo gallery at charlysbakery.co.za Creative Cakes Specialises in unique hand-crafted, 3D-sculpted cakes or photo cakes, as well as party confectionery to suit your theme. 3D cake-decorating workshops sometimes offered. Contact Carol: 021 557 0084, 083 568 8758, carol@creativecakes.co.za or visit creativecakes.co.za Cupcakes etc Provides funky designer cupcakes as well as children’s party cupcakes and birthday cakes. Their shop in Gardens can be used as a party venue. Cupcakes R12–R18. Contact: 082 797 9200, michelle@ cupcakesetc.net or for some party options: visit cupcakesetc.net Decadent Cakes Makers of birthday cakes and cupcakes as well as wedding cakes. Specialists in modelling figures and objects on cakes. Cupcakes R5–R10; large cakes from R210. Edgemead. Depending on distance, delivery can also be arranged. Contact: 082 431 5870 or decadentcakes@webafrica.org.za Delite Foods Specialises in tasty, sugar-free low-fat jellies, biscuits and chocolate drinks that are perfect for hyperactive children. Enquire about their diabetics range. Visit their new online store where you can make your purchases, to be posted directly to you nationwide. Contact Fran: 021 702 0721/2, info@delitefoods.co.za or visit delitefoods.co.za Denise’s Delights Cakes, cupcakes and catering platters made to order. From R350. Sea Point. Contact: 021 434 3469 Divine Tastes Birthday cakes, cupcakes and platters that you can design yourself. Cakes from R250, cupcakes from R5. Contact Tertia: 021 975 8910, 083 234 6343 or tertia@infintec.co.za Fantabulous Cakes & Parties Birthday cakes, cupcakes, party packets and platters. Cakes from R350. Call for a quote for party packets. Contact Lene: 021 982 4174, 083 287 4874, Cape Town’s
info@fantabulouscakes.co.za or visit fantabulouscakes.co.za Feather’s Cakes & Gifts Birthday and wedding cakes. R190–R360. Tableview. Contact Fiona: 021 556 8989, vincec@ lms.co.za or visit weddingcakes.co.za Florentines Beautiful birthday cakes (including fairy, horse and piano cakes). From R350. Contact: 021 761 0581, florentines@mweb.co.za or visit florentines.co.za From Mommy with Love Creative caterer for children’s birthday parties. Contact: 082 338 7127, info@frommommywithlove. co.za or visit frommommywithlove.co.za Frostings Cupcake Boutique Specialises in work-of-art cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. Toppings custom-made, cakes designed to complement any theme or colour scheme. Cupcakes R8,50–R25. More than 300 cupcakes to choose from. Contact: 021 914 0264, info@frostings. co.za or visit frostings.co.za Hmmm… Delicious treats such as cakes, biscuits and gingerbread men. Gardens. Contact: 021 462 1950 Home-Leigh Kitchen Specialises in children’s birthday cakes, sweet treats and party catering. Contact Leigh: 021 671 3945, 083 406 8883, leehob@hotmail.com or visit homeleighkitchen.co.za Hundreds N Thousands Cakes Makes themed birthday cakes – you can choose from their catalogue or show them a picture of what you would like and they will create it. They also specialise in making little condiments to match your theme. Contact Farida: 083 539 1717, info@hundredsnthousands.co.za or visit hundredsnthousands.co.za Inkredible Products Supplies edible cake images including icing sheets, edible ink cartridges and printers. Delivery countrywide. Contact Jannie: 083 310 1450, sales@inkredible.co.za or visit inkredible.co.za Jorja’s Cakes Makes all sorts of birthday cakes and cupcakes, from character to picture cakes. Cupcakes start at R6,50; birthday cakes start at R230. Deliveries in the West Coast area only. Tableview. Contact Nadine: 082 562 6186 or visit jorjascakes.co.za Juicy Lucy Offers a platter menu perfect for parties. Options include gourmet sandwiches, mini cheese grillers, dips, mini wraps and veggie sticks. Platters are ready within two hours of order. To find a store near you visit juicylucy.co.za Kauai Healthy food for children’s parties. Wraps, sandwiches, canapés, fruit smoothies, fresh fruit juices and more. Contact Nuraan: 021 552 0222 or visit kauai.co.za Liesl’s Cupcakery Specialises in themed and personalised cakes and cupcakes. Contact Liesl: 082 929 1238 or visit cupcakery.co.za Mini’s Party Cakes Specialises in shaped and picture cakes, as well as picture and regular cupcakes. Cakes from R220; cupcakes from R5. Contact Mini: 021 557 7865, 082 773 8836 or minis.party.cakes@gmail.com Cape Town’s
Mukhtar Hiring Services Hires out party furniture, marquees and tents, cutlery and crockery. Contact: 021 638 1187, sales@mukhtar.co.za or visit mukhtar.co.za Novelty Cakes Bakes cakes perfect for children’s birthdays. From R650. Delivery to your door. Contact Tania: 082 931 6200 Peppadill Caterers Catering of any kind from children’s parties to corporate events. Costs vary per head depending on numbers and type of food selected. Contact: Nell 083 290 1435 or Antoinette 073 185 4298 or peppadill@telkomsa.net Pick n Pay Entertaining For themed cakes and children’s party platters and adult platters. Ask for a party-platter catalogue at the deli or customer service desk. Select what you require and place your order before 10am at least two days before the party. Available in selected areas only. Contact: switchboard 011 574 4500 or orders 011 574 4636 or visit picknpay.co.za Picnix Catering Professional catering for all functions. R45 per children’s picnic. Other prices on request according to your needs and budget. Contact: 021 762 3888, 083 265 7737, lindajean@yebo.co.za or visit picnix.co.za Supacakes Fabulous party cakes and fun treats for any occasion. Call for a quote. Contact: 021 556 6177 or visit supacakes.co.za The Baking Tin Offers a comprehensive range of baking equipment from children’s themed novelty cake tins and stands to a wide range of ingredients and baking utensils. Claremont. Novelty cake tins: R50 deposit; R30 per day rental. Contact Mike: 021 671 6434, 083 452 6533 or info@bakingtin.com The Cake Box Glamorous designer cakes set up, styled and delivered to you on the day. Contact Lilia: 082 338 5496, lilia@mweb.co.za or visit thecakebox.co.za The Chocolate Moose Supplies individually designed birthday cakes that are hand-crafted and delivered. R360– R850. Children can entertain themselves at The Chocolate Moose’s online Kids’ Corner. The shop in Noordhoek is open Monday–Thursday 8am–5pm; Friday 8am–4pm. Contact: 021 789 2891, cakes@chocolatemoose.co.za or visit chocolatemoose.co.za Unique Novelty Cakes Custom-designed cakes. Contact Sharon: 021 696 8766, 082 762 2787, uniquecakes@mweb.co.za or visit unique-cakes.co.za Village Bakes and Crafts Tailor-made themed birthday cakes, decorative cupcakes, homemade sausage rolls, marmalades and jams, and mini chicken pies. Constantia Village Shopping Centre. Contact: 021 794 5850 Yummy Mummy Cakes and Bakes Partyspecific cupcakes. Enquire about their candy cakes, caramel and toffee apples. Delivery in all areas at R1/km. Contact Cassandra: 021 553 5134, 082 776 3338 or yummymummycakesandbakes@ hotmail.com May 2010
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Cooking parties Good Food Fun Food Offers two-hour cooking parties – chocolate cake or pizza. Up to 10 children can be accommodated. For more guests, they will go to a venue of your choice. R100 per child. Contact: 084 625 0225 or goodfoodfunfood@gmail.com Little Cooks Club Caters for children’s birthday parties where your little cook is head chef for his or her special day. Their activity options include one healthy and one “naughty” food preparation option. R150 per child for a two-hour party. Contact: Lisa (northern suburbs) 073 227 3404 or lisab@littlecooksclub.co.za or Katherine (Tableview) 083 659 5446, katherinem@littlecooksclub.co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za Pizza Party People You’ll need at least seven children to throw a cooking party at a venue of your choice. Children will knead the dough and fire it in the wood-burning oven (done by the chefs). Then they will add toppings, cook and cut into slices. All equipment is provided and there will be a clean-up afterwards. Minimum fee R1 800, which covers 25 children at R70 each or adults at R80 each. Contact: 083 255 6355, darinsac@mweb.co.za or visit woodywoodcooker.co.za
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Tots n Pots Offers tailor-made baking parties. Choose from an exciting menu of themes and recipes. Various packages are available, including party packs, hats, aprons, ingredients, crafts and all equipment for baking. Various locations. Contact: 083 649 7405, chene@totsnpots. com or visit totsnpots.com What’s Cooking Children cook a variety of sweets, cookies and something savoury for the first two hours. R150 per child, which includes venue, cleaning up, ingredients, cake, cool drink and party pack. Contact Tarryn: 021 554 1603, 082 412 4767 or whatscooking@global.co.za
Educational parties Atom Ant Science Fun Parties They will go to your home or venue and keep the children enthralled with fun science experiments and demonstrations. For 5- to 12-yearolds. R80 includes at least two interactive science activities that guests make and take home with them. Contact Ann: 082 570 5796, ann@atomant.co.za or visit sciencefunparties.co.za Chocolate Workshop Party Sheilagh can host the party or run it at a venue of your choice. She supplies the cake for which the children make truffles
and decorations. Maximum six children, 8 years and older. Standard fee R800. Based in Claremont. Contact Sheilagh: 021 671 2067, 084 303 6633 or sheilagh@ mweb.co.za Gold of Africa Museum Intrigue a small group of your child’s friends with a tour of this interesting museum. CBD. Children under 10 years R15; adults R25. Contact: 021 405 1540, museum@goldofafrica.com or visit goldofafrica.com Iziko Planetarium The school entrance or lobby area can be booked for parties for up to 40 children. The children can be taken on an educational adventure to watch children’s shows. Lobby area venue hire R150, children’s shows R6 per child and R10 per adult chaperone. Contact Lungi: 021 481 3823 or lmvimbi@iziko.org.za
Entertainers Abracadabra This onehour show is strong on magic tricks, including the classic live rabbit production. Suitable for 5- to 10-year-olds. From R650. Contact Adam: 021 554 1404 Action Entertainment & Events Professional entertainment suppliers and home of Puddles the clown. Contact Norman: 021 785 6917, 082 368 9632, info@actionentertainment.co.za or visit actionentertainment.co.za
Afrodizzy Acts Provides all forms of entertainment for a child’s party from giant clowns to face painting and photographers. They can also help plan the event. Based in Cape Town but willing to travel. Contact Natalie or Martyn: 082 087 5748, 076 381 8259 or afrodizzyacts@hotmail.com Angel and Princess Parties Gillian is a high-energy entertainer that will bring everything to your home for an angelor princess-themed party, including costumes and accessories such as crowns and feather boas. Two hours of fun for R350, suitable for ages 3–6 years (10–15 children). Contact Gillian: 021 701 1761 Arti-Facial Professional face-painting. R350 for 10 children or fewer; R10 per guest thereafter. Contact Karen: 084 947 9224 or bruceliddle620@ hotmail.com Babies Read Books and Toddlers Too Old-style party fun with music, movement and puppets. For toddlers 2–4 years. Contact Sharon: 021 461 2843, 082 222 4082 or sharon.geffen@gmail.com Balloon Angels High-quality balloon art and face-painting. Party packages start at R500 for up to 20 children. Contact Lynne: 021 858 1335, 076 604 7524 or visit sakidsonthego.com Balloon Zoo Suitcase circus is a funny, highly skilled and interactive 45-minute
Cape Town’s
variety show for the entire family by Mungo Merriweather, incorporating comic-juggling, mime and magic. Up to 20 children for a party. Contact: 084 422 8238, balloonzoo@gmail.com or visit clowns.co.za Blue Flame Events & Branding Specialists Children’s entertainment via magicians, clowns, jumping castles, face painters and stilt walkers. Contact Willie: 021 856 2774, 072 599 2288, info@bflame.co.za or visit bflame.co.za Café Roux Children’s parties in a child-friendly setting that has a great playground. Enquire about their special children’s menu. Noordhoek Farm Village. Contact: 021 789 2538, info@caferoux. co.za or visit caferoux.co.za Cape Sidecar Adventures Children’s fun rides on chauffeured World War Two vintage motorbike sidecars. R350 per hour (minimum two hours) per sidecar. Includes delivery/transport to and from the venue within the Cape Town area. Contact: 021 434 9855, info@sidecars. co.za or visit sidecars.co.za Chilli Moon Productions Everything from face painters to funky fashion shows as well as something for the boys. R500 per hour. Contact Michelle: 021 424 7054 or 082 504 4130 Chris Welsch Show A one-hour show for birthday parties covering magic, juggling, ventriloquism and balloon
Cape Town’s
modelling. Fun fair and jumping castle available. Contact Chris: 021 931 2354, 082 977 2886, mrchwelsch@wbs.co.za or visit chriswelsch.co.za Cinderella’s Enchanted Parties Live singing, interactive storytelling, facepainting and karaoke. Contact Leigh-Anne: 078 738 5593 or leighserb@yahoo.com College of Magic Hire a magician, juggler, mime artist, face painter, ventriloquist, clown or stilt walker. They will travel to your venue. Contact Jennifer: 021 683 5480, events@collegeofmagic. com or visit collegeofmagic.com Crazy Colin Themed magic shows. Contact: 078 625 9663 or visit colinunderwood.com Cre8tive Kids Themed entertainment such as games, crafts and puppet shows. Assists with party planning for party packs, birthday cake, food and décor. Contact Nikki: 021 715 8676, 083 380 9951, cre8tivekids@telkomsa. net or visit cre8tivekids.co.za Dance Accent Music and movement parties at a venue of your choice. The Toddler Time party includes actionsong time followed by messy time with paint or play dough and bubble time (for ages 3–5). Dance Party includes warmup, dance routine and dancing statues (for ages 6–13). Party can be themed to High School Musical or any song choice of the birthday child. The coordinator
brings everything necessary for the entertainment. Contact: 082 563 1733 or danceaccent@iburst.co.za Debby Doo Entertainment Offers entertainment including hand puppets, magic and balloon modelling. Dancing parties include teaching children two dances of your choice such as High School Musical or Hannah Montana, and dance and singing competitions. Girls’ parties (7–9 years) cover activities such as a chocolate game, and a nail-and-makeup game. From R400. Contact Debby: 084 409 1683, debbyjam@gmail.com or visit debbydoo.co.za Devin the Juggler Devin combines creating balloon masterpieces while on stilts with juggling and magic to entertain children. Book a 20–30 minute show with another half an hour of balloon modelling for everybody present. Contact Devin: 082 499 2218, devinthejuggler@gmail.com or visit devinthejuggler.com Drumkidz Djembe drumming parties for children of all ages. Drumteen drumming party also offered. From R650 for up to 15 children (30 minutes); R25 per child thereafter. Price includes a Drumkidz Tshirt or other gift for birthday child and a Drumkidz activity sheet each. Drumteen party from R1 350 for up to 20 children (45 minutes). Contact: Drumkidz Cape Town 021 434 7610, info@drumkidz.co.za or Drumkidz Helderberg 071 871 5839,
lana@drumkidz.co.za, peto@drumkidz. co.za or visit drumkidz.co.za Drumming SA A 45-minute interactive drumming session for children from age 5. R1 650 for up to 25 children and two facilitators. For over 25 children, R65 each; budget option R1 200 (maximum 25 children). Contact: 084 686 3872, info@drummingsa.co.za or visit drummingsa.co.za Enchanted Parties A variety of themed party entertainment. Also face-painting, games, magic, puppet shows and crafts. Party packs, goodie boxes and cakes provided. Ages 2–teens. From R550 for up to 20 children; price dependent on your needs. Contact Ingrid or Chrissie: 021 683 0295, 083 602 5563 or penny@enchantedparties.co.za Fairytale Fantacies Character entertainers for children’s parties, also offer pamper parties. Various packages; contact them for a price list. Contact: 083 294 4783, 083 631 6655, info@fairytalefantacy.co.za or visit fairytalefantacy.co.za Foo Ling Yu An hour’s magical entertainment, including a live rabbitor white-dove production, interactive magic and circus routines. For 5 years and older. From R500. Covers all areas of Cape Town. Contact Bruce: 021 781 0071, 082 959 1015 or cybrstmp@corpdial.co.za
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Golden Bridge Tales Classic puppet shows, imaginative puppet-making workshops and party games. R600 per show. Prices vary according to duration and variety of activities. Contact: 021 439 8113 Madeleine the Magic Clown Magic and clown shows. Contact: 083 925 8714 Magical Party Creations Puppet shows, magic shows, ventriloquists, facepainting, balloon modelling, games and more. Children 3–7 years. Weekends only. Contact Michelle or Ceri-Anne: 021 551 1486 or haganf@telkomsa.net Magician Balloon modelling, juggling, magic show. 45-minute show R700. For children 4–7 years. Balloons R10 each. Contact Joy: 082 258 3764 McLaren Circus A traditional circus show that includes acrobats, tightrope walking, juggling, clowns and performing ponies. Mini circus shows are also available. Contact: 083 525 2403, dunks@mclarencircus.co.za or visit mclarencircus.co.za Milestone Entertainment Provides face painters, magicians, clowns, jumping castles and mechanical bulls, water walkers, peddle boats and bungee dancers. Contact Salome: 079 530 2010, info@milstone.co.za or visit milstone.co.za Nouveau Faces Professional faceand body-painting for children by trained specialists. From R550, maximum 20 children, conditions apply. R700 for 35 children. Noordhoek. Contact: 072 139 8363, brigitta@nouveaufaces. co.za or visit nouveaufaces.co.za Partyclown Two hours’ interactive and highly imaginative entertainment. Southern suburbs only. R350. Contact Gillian: 021 701 1761 Party Pro Offers a huge selection of funfair equipment from family and children’s rides to party-activities equipment as well as circus acts and entertainers. From R300. Wynberg. Contact Stephen: 021 762 6566, 079 994 4100, partypro@ telkomsa.net or visit partypro.co.za Puppet Granny Estelle Bryer, master puppet artist, international solo puppeteer and creator of the Rainbow Puppet Theatre, is a birthday party specialist. She tells stories with different puppets that she keeps in her puppet-pocket aprons. Ideal for children 3–7 years. Contact Estelle: 021 671 9646 Puppet Shows for All A 35-minute child-friendly puppet show. Weekends and public holidays only. Local birthday parties R550 (all inclusive). Country birthday parties (Somerset West, Paarl, Mamre area) extra R50 for petrol. Contact Doug: 021 448 0794, 082 562 4588 or dpjasmin@telkomsa.net Puppet World Interactive puppet shows with music, lighting and delightful puppet characters for young audiences. Themes include animal stories, fairy-tales and their popular World Cup Show. Contact Amy: 082 318 7525 Sally Fletcher Variety shows for children 6 years and younger. Clown-dressing, magic tricks and glove puppets for ages 6 and older. Magic show, face-painting and
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balloon modelling also available. Contact Sally: 082 360 7885 Sparkle Pamper Parties Includes treatments such as face masks, nail and body art, sparkly makeup, temporary tattoos and foot massages. They also offer pamper parties for girls aged 6–12 years in the Cape Town area. From R575 per party. Décor options and cakes also available. Contact: 082 350 3449, pamper.parties@hotmail.com or visit sparkleparties.withtank.com The Incredible Dog Show A world-class act featuring Africa’s top dogs in a vibrant, unforgettable performance. Contact: Rozanne 021 976 0718, 083 649 2665, rozanne@dogzcool.com or Lloyd 021 870 1529, 084 500 0415, lloyd@ dogzcool.com or visit dogzcool.com Tony Lee the Magician Specialises in children’s shows. Contact: 082 899 0109
Fancy Dress Hire Annie’s Wardrobe A wardrobe-hiring house in Salt River offering fairytale characters, themed fancy dress, period and vintage costumes. Children and adults from R50. Contact: 021 447 4050, info@annieswardrobe. co.za or visit annieswardrobe.co.za BKE Costumes Specialises in superheroes and Star Wars costumes. Also stocks Shrek, SpongeBob, Tweetie and others. Costumes are ideal for parents wanting to dress for their children’s theme party. R100 for rental plus R200 refundable deposit. Contact Bernhard: 073 198 6623, bkernst@gmail. com or costumerental.bkernst.net Costume Wonderland Fancy Dress Costume Hire & Accessories This Durbanville store offers a variety of accessories for sale to complement their rental outfits (available for children and adults) as well as a range of SA supporters’ gear for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Helium balloons and piñatas available in-store. Rental R50–R350 plus a refundable deposit on each item R50–R500. Contact: 021 976 5749/91, costumes@juliaperry.co.za or visit juliaperry.co.za/costumes Fancy Dress Costume Hire Themed party costumes for rent. Hiring price starts at R60 per full costume excluding deposit. Also sells face paint, masks, wigs and party items. Bothasig. Contact: 021 558 8758, 084 558 8758 or patryss@telkomsa.net Fancy That Costumes Stocks a variety of fancy-dress costumes and accessories for hire. Contact: Plumstead 021 797 3002, Parklands 021 557 7012, Bellville 021 949 5782, Pinelands 021 531 5919 and Sea Point: 021 434 3862, info@ fancydress.co.za or visit fancydress.co.za Freaky Feast Costume hire for children and adults in Muizenberg. Horror props, wigs, masks, face paint and make-up. From R60. Contact Henriette: 021 788 6368 Kidsfancydress.co.za Collection of costumes imported from the US and Europe exclusively for children. Latest characters plus pirates and Cape Town’s
fairies. R150 for two nights’ hire. Contact: 021 557 6891, info@kidsfancydress.co.za or visit kidsfancydress.co.za Kidz Costumes Costume hire for children 2–10 years. From R60. Monday–Friday 3pm–6:30pm. Edgemead. Contact: 021 559 6666 or kidzcostumes@gmail.com Loadsafun Hire or buy from a huge range of quality children’s costumes, accessories, capes, fairy goodies, tutus and other dress-up products. Countrywide. Contact Carol: 072 703 3006, info@loadsafun.co.za or visit loadsafun.co.za Mardi Gras fancy dress and costume hire Based in Bree St. From R60–R450. Deposit required. There’s also a wide range of contacts and suppliers to help with party-planning. Contact: 021 424 9716, info@mardi.co.za or visit mardi.co.za Stage Creations Fancy-dress costumes, hats, wigs, masks and other accessories such as stage, film and professional make-up, glitter, masks, hats and eyelashes. Children and adults. From R40. Gardens. Contact: 021 465 2510, 083 789 2970, stagecreations@mweb. co.za or visit stagecreations.co.za Starz Fancy Dress Costume Hire A large variety for children. Accessories such as wigs, masks, hats and more also available for sale and hire. Rental R60–R80 plus R100 refundable deposit. Sybrand Park. Contact: 021 696 5605 or 082 495 3455
Indoor parties Action Cricket Offers a combination of two sports including netball and soccer. All equipment and an umpire provided for a two-hour party. Suitable for children 5 years and older. R750 for 20 children. Contact: Claremont 021 671 3665, Montague Gardens 021 552 3165 or Brackenfell 021 981 6100 Build-A-Bear Workshop’s Build-AParty Offers a hugely entertaining and fun experience for any child aged 3 and older. Each party has its own bear builder associate to get the party started. From R89. Contact: V&A Waterfront 021 418 8544, Canal Walk 021 555 0085, Somerset Mall 021 852 2338 or visit buildabear.co.za Cape Mobile Spa Professional therapists bring the day spa to your venue of choice, throwing pamper parties for girls 6 years and older, teens and adults. R550 per hour for girls and teens’ spa parties; adult treatments priced individually. Contact Pam: 082 393 5848, pam@capemobilespa. co.za or visit capemobilespa.co.za CityRock Indoor Climbing Supervised, two-hour parties with rope-climbing, large-wall climbing, bouldering and more for 6–25 children. Booking essential. No catering. R150 per child for two hours including up to five instructors and full equipment rental. Observatory. Contact: 021 447 1326, diane@cityrock.co.za or visit cityrock.co.za Cape Town’s
Clay Café ceramic painting parties Each child makes their own masterpiece. Unfired bisque and colourful paints included. This Hout Bay venue also has a jumping castle, a playground and garden to explore. R50–R70 per item. Contact: 021 790 3318, chasms@houtbay.com or visit chasms.co.za Dros Restaurant A family restaurant with a fully equipped playroom. Tables can be reserved for parties and they will cater to customer requests and needs. Contact head office: 012 803 5969 or for your nearest party outlet visit dros.co.za Funky Monkies Hosts children’s parties at their venue in Zevenwacht Mall, Kuilsriver. There is a soft play area for toddlers, plus jumping castles and slides. Contact: 021 903 6565 Fun Time Kids This two-hour party venue in Epping is halal. Party packs, birthday cake and platters can also be ordered. Children 9 months–12 years. There’s a jumping castle and climbing wall too. Contact Salegga: 082 298 1193 or funtymkids@gmail.com Jimmy Jungles Ball pond and climbing play centre with a separate area for toddlers. Two-hour party costs R75 per child including a party pack, cake and a two-hour free-play voucher for the birthday child, drinks and eats. Invitations received when deposit paid. Coffee shop available for parents. Minimum 10 children. Contact: Claremont 021 683 0005 or Tygervalley 021 914 1705 Kids Party Palace Adventure playground in Ottery for two-hour parties. R65 per child includes party packs, popcorn, drinks and a choice of two items from the menu such as hot dogs, cake and ice cream. For 10–19 children. Bring your own birthday cake. Contact: 021 703 2122 Kidz Playzone Play and party venue in Durbanville for children aged 1–12 years. You may use venue activities and private party rooms. Any theme of your choice and lots of extra activities from crafts and pottery to treasure hunts. Parents play free of charge. Parties from R65 per child. Contact: 021 979 4872, 084 575 2546, bev@kidzplayzone.co.za or visit kidzplayzone.co.za Laserquest Offers children’s birthday parties in its party zone for R65 per person, which includes a 45-minute game, the party table, balloons, party accessories and invitations. Party packs, food and cake can be arranged at an additional cost. You may also supply your own eats. Claremont. Contact: 021 683 3931 or laserquest@telkomsa.net Let’s Go Bowling Bowling parties for children 6 years and older. R80 includes one game, a party pack, a game of bowling and a lunch option. Bring your own cake. Contact: Claremont 021 671 1893, Tygervalley 021 914 8217, N1 City 021 595 2100 and Somerset West 021 850 0254 Pamper Parlor Offers pamper treatments and parties for girls of all ages at the Durbanville salon or at a venue of your choice. Mini makeovers, mani- or pedicures, facials, hair-streaks, makeMay 2010
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up, tattoos, nail art and free gifts. Cost varies; call to enquire. Contact: 073 919 9442, pamperparlor@gmail.com or visit pamper.yolasite.com Parties R Us Provides a party room within the Toys R Us store in Parklands. The party costs R570, which includes a R100 Toys R Us gift voucher for the birthday child, R10 vouchers for children who come to the party, a visit by Geoffrey the Giraffe, balloons, fridge magnets and temporary tattoos. Maximum 25 children. Contact Rochelle: 082 565 7748 (office hours) Partycle at the MTN Sciencentre Semienclosed area with picnic benches and tables for exclusive use for two hours. Children can spend unlimited time in the MTN Sciencentre itself as tickets are valid for the whole day. Venue hire R60. Monday–Friday 2pm–4pm. R22 per child for groups of 10 or more; accompanying adults are free. Weekends, public and school holidays 10am–noon or 2pm–4pm. R22 per child for group of 10 or more; R22 per adult. Extras include party packs R19, hot dogs R9, science shows R300. Contact Gabi: 021 529 8100, gabi@mtnsciencentre. org.za or visit mtnsciencentre.org.za Plinka Plonka Play An indoor play area in Gardens that offers exclusive use when hosting a child’s party. By arrangement they can supply the cake, party packs, balloons, catering and entertainers. Call
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to enquire about costs. Contact: 021 465 0503, playatplinkaplonka@ gmail.com or visit plinkaplonkaplay.com Scallywags Play Café Indoor fantasy play venue in Claremont decorated to your theme. Scallywags makes up a party box and provides a jumping castle, ball pond, gingerbread house, castle, train and toys. Also available are face painters and a collection of dress-up costumes. All parties include balloons and a gift for each child. R95 per child, minimum 10 children. Contact Lindsay or Sydney: 021 671 5988, info@scallywagsplaycafe. co.za or visit scallywagsplaycafe.co.za Silly Billy’s Fun World This venue in Eversdal offers four different packages. All options include the Silly Billy lunch box, bottle and invites; balloons; food and drinks for children and a two-hour party with activities such as face-painting or placemat-making. Monday–Saturday 9am–6pm; Sunday and public holidays 9am–1pm. Contact Kirstie: 021 981 1656, 083 233 9662 or visit sillybillyfun.co.za Splash! Swimming Two-hour supervised swimming parties all year round in large, indoor, heated pools in Wynberg and Bergvliet. Price includes two lifeguards, who lead various games, plus the use of pool toys and inflatables. R1 200 for up to 20 children. Contact: 021 762 9357, info@splashswimming.co.za or visit splashswimming.co.za
Spur Steak Ranches A safe venue for children’s parties. Each child gets a selected children’s meal, soda, ice cream and party cup, filled with sweets at R39,95. Invitations optional. Balloons, headdresses and play canyons are available. Visit or contact the Spur to make your booking. Contact: 086 000 7787 or visit spur.co.za The Ice Station Birthday parties on ice. R60 per child, minimum 10 children. GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, Goodwood. Contact Dawn: 083 303 4907 or visit icerink.co.za The Magic Company A secure party area with entertainment and electronic rides for children. R85–R100 includes popcorn, cake, luxury party bucket and R50 worth of entertainment. Cakes available to order. GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, Goodwood. Contact: 021 534 0244 or magiccompanygw@telkomsa.net The Playshed A new venue in Pinelands offers fully catered parties, from basic to themed, or you create your own. Private party room and personalised décor, party packs, small gifts and catering for adults. Basic party from R50 per child, includes use of party room, two hours play, party box with treats and small gift. Themed parties from R85 per child. Contact Madré or Jeanne: 021 801 0141/2, 074 196 2778, madre@iafrica.com or visit theplayshed. appspot.com
Yello Armadillo This Parklands venue specialises in themed parties. Facilities include a modular jungle gym with trampoline and slides, toddler clamber area, baby corner, jumping castle, creative area with sand art and crafts table. Open seven days a week. Contact: 021 557 3460, 082 897 1880, yelloarmadillo@gmail.com or visit theyelloarmadillo.webs.com
Indoor and outdoor parties AWI Functions Venue in Green Point with inside and outside area, is ideal for children’s parties. R850 for four hours. Crusader Memorial Sports Club. Contact Claudia: 021 439 7724 or claudia@arrowwoodint.co.za Bizzy Bodies Play and Party Venue A selection of well-presented and organised standard or themed parties beautifully decorated with a 700m2 space to run, play, jump and ride. From R80 for two hours. Westlake. Contact: 021 702 0505, 021 702 1212, info@bizzybodies.co.za, visit bizzybodies.co.za Blackball Rentertainment Has rodeo bulls, slides, surf simulator, climbing wall, bouncy boxer, jumping castles, ball ponds, video games, pool tables, soccer
Cape Town’s
tables, jukeboxes, karaoke set-up, saloon bar shoot out, Gold Cup horse racing, children’s rides, disco lights and more. Great package deals on multiple items. Contact Gina or Grace: 021 701 1275, info@blackball.co.za or visit blackball.co.za Blue Water Café A party venue at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie where children can run freely on the expansive lawns and enjoy safe play areas, jungle gyms, swings, the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard, snake park and camel rides. Party catering and venue R50 per person. Contact Lesley: 021 783 2007, info@bluewatercafe.co.za or visit bluewatercafe.co.za BouncyKidz Jumping Castles For hire of jumping castles. Also offers picture cakes, cupcakes, customised invitations and party packs to suit your theme. Jumping castles R300–R500 (excluding setup and delivery fee); picture cakes R200; picture cupcakes R5,50 each; party buckets R20; party packs R16; invitation cards R8. Northern suburbs. Contact: 084 259 4161, marcelle@bouncykidz. co.za or visit bouncykidz.co.za Buddy Bear A bear-building experience at affordable prices. For more information on parties, school events and functions, contact Janine: 082 324 8770 Bugz Family Playpark Facilities include pedal cars, steam locomotives, rowing boats, jungle gyms and a train. Bugz parties from R65; themed parties R115;
Cape Town’s
tea parties R200 per child. Kraaifontein. Contact: 021 988 8836, bugzparty@ mwebbiz.co.za or visit bugzplaypark.co.za Clamber Club Obstacle course parties for children 1–9 years. Clamber Club can come to your home or chosen venue with equipment to clamber and climb on and entertainers to keep the children fully occupied for 1½ hours. They can also host your child’s party at the Clamber Club party venue in Durbanville set in a beautiful garden with swings, sandpit and Clamber Club climbing equipment. For 1–5 year olds. Venue hire R900 for 12 children. Contact head office: 011 325 2031, headoffice@clamberclub. com or visit clamberclub.com. For venue hire contact Leilani: 083 290 2526 or durbanville@clamberclub.com Clever Cats Party Venue Farm-style parties for children. Includes petting farm with goats, geese, rabbits and chickens plus a jumping castle with slippery slide at Kraaifontein premises. Catering or self-catering option. Minimum of 10 children. R70 per child for two hours includes party pack, meals and décor to a theme of your choice. Contact Tana: 076 311 3090, clevercats@vodamail.co.za or visit clevercats.co.za Fish Eagle Creek Golf Course Bring your children aged 7 years and older for a casual day of golf in Somerset West. Refreshments and snacks for sale or bring
your own. R50 per child for nine holes. Golf clubs available for hire. Contact Jennifer: 084 359 4544, fecreek@mweb. co.za or visit fisheaglecreekgolf.co.za Fun in the Forest This private farm on Winery Rd, Somerset West, hosts parties for children under 10. The forest is surrounded by fields and rolling lawns. Hire the venue or they’ll assist with a tailormade party. Contact Lize: 072 390 0884 or visit wineryroadforest.co.za Funtasia Stocks party décor and supplies, including cakes and themed props. Durbanville. Contact: 021 914 0830, 021 914 6935 or funtasiaparties@telkomsa.net Gordon’s Gymnastics Club For fully supervised jumping, swinging and balancing parties for girls and boys aged 3–12 years. R600 for 10 children and R50 per child thereafter. Non-refundable deposit of R300 confirms your booking. Deposits due a month in advance. Mowbray. Contact: 021 686 9213, 082 545 6675, admin@gordonsct.co.za or visit gordonsct.co.za Gumboot Parties Offers two-hour parties for children from one-year-old and up. Based on a farm in Durbanville in a peaceful and safe environment, there is a farm party for younger children and a Survivor party for 8 years and older. Farm party R65; Survivor party R80 per child. Price includes party packs. Contact
Chané: 072 182 9333, gumbootparties@ hotmail.com or visit gumbootparties.co.za KC and the Drinks Factory Frosty Fred Slush and cocktail machines to hire. Kosher and halal. For hire any day of the week. They will deliver, set up and collect after the party. Contact Chris or Kathy: 083 558 5966, cfbrown@telkomsa.net or visit slushdrinksfactory.co.za Karate Partyz 4 Kidz Full karate-themed party and entertainment service at your home or the Bergvliet studio with games, karate demonstrations and karate toys and equipment. Catering available. Contact Ian: 021 712 3394 or 082 710 7734 Karmanel Party Farm Indoor and outdoor facilities with jumping castles, pony rides, play park and a touch animal farm in Joostenbergvlakte. R62 per child includes meal, party pack and juice. R10 per adult includes coffee/tea. Adults to bring their own eats. Contact: 087 802 6280, karmanelfarm@telkomsa. net or visit karmanel.co.za KIDZ Discovery This Camps Bay party venue offers a safe, hassle-free, spacious, temperature-controlled fun indoor space as well as a recently revamped outdoor play area with jungle gym, large sandpit and spring rocker. For children 1–5 years. Also includes a large ball pond and slide, toddler roller coaster, octopus roundabout, play house, stunning seathemed climbing wall and dress-up
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area. Venue hire R600 plus a basic fee for helper. Up to 25 children. Optional extras include sand quarry, extra roller coaster and indoor jumping castle. Contact Kathy: 083 654 2494, info@kidzdiscovery.co.za or visit kidzdiscovery.co.za Major Mongoose Adventure Parties Offers activities such as tree-climbing, rope-swinging, foefie-sliding, tyrecrawling plus other team-building games. Includes camo face paint and arm band, party/group leader supervision, games, equipment and winner’s treats. Suited for ages 7–12 years. Minimum 12 children. R40. Picnic facilities available. Winery Rd, Somerset West. Contact Jennifer: 084 359 4544, fecreek@mweb.co.za or visit majormongoose.co.za Marietjie’s Jumping Castles A range of indoor and outdoor castles of all shapes and sizes, plus a ball pond. R200–R280. Delivery and set-up can be arranged. Contact Marietjie: 021 553 1465 or marietjie@longacres.co.za Mozart Ice Cream Classics Sells ice cream in a variety of different cones, cups and take-away tubs. Ask about their new chocolate-dipped wafer cups. Hout Bay, Cavendish and Tygervalley. Contact: 086 110 5724 or visit mozart.co.za Parachute Fun Sells a 12-handle brightly coloured parachute made of durable, non-rip nylon, which makes for fantastic fun entertainment at parties. Great for
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pre- and primary schools too. R750, including ideas for party games. Contact Mary-Lynn: 082 558 0511, marylynnkapp@iafrica.com or visit busybuddies.co.za Party Tots Offers children’s party equipment and services for all your party needs, ranging from jumping castles to face painting, balloon artists and magic shows. Cost: jumping castles from R250, children’s equipment such as trains, carousels, ball ponds and slides, R50–R300, party services from R250 an hour. Contact: 021 939 7169, 083 654 3893, rozelle@partytots.co.za or visit partytots.co.za Paula’s Party Stuff From water slides and jumping castles to candyfloss and popcorn machines. Go-karts, trains on tracks, disco lights, bubble machines, tea-party crockery and an Ice-Cream Shoppe. They also have piñatas, photo boards, cakes, play sets and jumping castles that are perfect for indoor parties too. Jumping castles R450. Bergvliet/Meadowridge. Contact: Paula: 021 713 2020 or visit paulaspartystuff.co.za Place of Play Enjoy a two-hour party in this indoor and outdoor play park with a variety of themes to choose from. Full party-planner menu. Each child receives a party pack with a gift and balloon. Play facilities include Danceheads,
Lazermaze, scratch patch, slippery slide, a three-storey jungle gym, Wacky Trikes and pedal cars. R1 485 for 10 children and 10 adults. Canal Walk. Contact: 021 555 0303, heidi@placeofplay.co.za or visit placeofplay.co.za Planet Kids An inclusive play and activity centre in Muizenberg, which also caters for children with disabilities as well. Offers basic birthday party packages starting at R80. They can organise additional entertainment such as a face painter or magician, photographer or clown. Adults enter free. Contact 021 788 3070, info@planetkids. co.za, or visit planetkids.co.za Rosy’s Party Corner Specialises in children’s parties – from planning the party to providing décor, furniture, jumping castles and cakes. Also stocks themed party décor, tableware, helium balloons, party toys and packs, photo boards, costumes, banners, tablecloths, chair covers and overlays. From themed parties with jumping castles and clowns to basic balloon and jumping castle hire. Contact Mohammed: 021 762 9259, 084 416 8088 or rosysparty@mweb.co.za Scarecrows Family Restaurant & Events Management A one-stop party venue in Hout Bay for adults and children. The service includes an on-site party planner, décor, helium balloons, catering, birthday cakes and cupcakes,
party packs and activities such as jumping castles, pony rides, water slides and entertainers. Open 9am–5pm daily. Contact Natalie: 021 790 0841, 072 202 8599, scarecrows.events@gmail. com or visit scare-crows.co.za Scratch Patch Fill a bag of tumblepolished gemstones from only R14. Contact: Simon’s Town 021 786 2020 or V&A Waterfont 021 419 9429 or visit scratchpatch.co.za
Music parties Music@Work Your child records his own CD with friends at this professional recording studio in Welgemoed. The full package includes six custom-designed CDs and 90 minutes of fun creating the music at R1 400. Contact Laurika: 072 293 0954 or info@musicatwork.co.za TJ’s Music School Discos and music for children’s and adults’ parties. A 4–5 hour disco from R1 300, depending on distance travelled. Based in Pinelands. Contact: 021 531 7234 (mornings), 072 900 7344 or glenn@amapct.co.za The SoundHouse Children create music or digital media projects and the birthday child receives a CD or DVD. A music party from R60; music video party from R70. Contact Meryl: 021 686 2825, info@soundhouse. co.za or visit soundhouse.co.za
Cape Town’s
Outdoor parties Action Pursuit Group A 3½-hour paintball party for 11-year-olds and up at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie. Includes a paintball marker, 100 paintballs, a face mask, throat protector and bush jacket at R120 per child. Additional paintballs cost R35 for 100. 10–80 children. Self-catering. Contact: 021 790 7603, info@actionpursuit.co.za or visit actionpaintball.co.za African Brothers soccer parties Organises and hosts 2–3 hour soccer parties for girls and boys at their venue in Gardens. From R500. They will set up the goals, mark the field and supply bibs and balls for the teams. They can take as many as 140 children. A full party-planning service, which includes a braai, party packs and balloons, is also available. Contact Craig: 072 425 5983, craig.abfa@gmail.com or grturtle@mweb.co.za Boot Camp SA Military-themed, 2½ hour children’s parties, covering everything from invitations and venue to the cake. Suitable for 6 years and older. Tokai Forest. Contact: 082 455 6723, capetown@bootcamp-sa.co.za or visit bootcamp-sa.co.za Bounce About Jumping Castles Rental of jumping castles, water slides and Belgian-chocolate fountain.
Cape Town’s
From R250 half-day to R400 full-day. Contact Charmaine: 082 777 1544 or bounceabout@telkomsa.net Café Dulce at Stodels This eatery in Belville hosts parties plus there are animals on the premises for children to enjoy. Pay a 50% deposit in advance to secure your party. Monday–Sunday 10am–noon. R45 per child includes party food and nibbles to feed the animals. Contact Fred: 021 910 4607 Carousel Carnival Creations Offers an old-time carousel and Little Tommy Train (including driver). R1 200 per item for three hours; thereafter R150 per hour or R2 000 for both items for three hours and R200 per hour thereafter. Contact Aubrey: 021 919 7447 or oberon@intekom.co.za Driftwood Café Activities at this Parklands restaurant include face-painting and sand art. Facilities include jumping castle, swings, soccer, tug-of-war and volleyball. Sand-art party packs and face-painting R20 per child. Order your cake through them or bring your own. Contact: 021 557 8401, 072 496 8899, info@driftwoodcafe. co.za or visit driftwoodcafe.co.za Helderberg Farm Children’s parties for all ages in an old farm atmosphere 5km from Somerset West. You may provide your own catering. Up to R20 per person including party tables. Contact: helderbergfarm@mweb.co.za or visit helderbergfarm.co.za
Hot Shots Paintball Specialises in children’s parties and offers braai facilities and a large spectator area for you to sit and watch the game. Their field in Somerset West is all bush. Contact: André 084 657 4466 or Mathew 074 182 0514 or visit hotshotpaintball.co.za Jolly Roger Pirate Boat/Yacoob Tourism Enjoy a two-hour party aboard the Jolly Roger Pirate Boat at the V&A Waterfront, which includes an adventure trip into the bay towards Sea Point where the pirates put on a live show for the guests. Minimum 10 children. R80 per child. Pay extra for exclusive use of the boat. Contact: 021 421 0909 (9am–6pm) or info@pirateboat.co.za Millstone Farmstall & Café This Pinelands spot offers a garden with a ship-themed tree house, swings, a Wendy house, slide and sandpit. Venue hire: R250 for two hours or longer. Catering according to your budget. Indoor facility with fireplace available. Children can also watch or ride the horses next door. Tuesday–Sunday 8am–5pm. Contact: 021 447 8226 or Linda 082 407 8910 Mondeor Garden & Life Provides exclusive use of its sophisticated, yet rustic party venue in Somerset West. R35–R95 per child. Contact Annette: 021 858 1608, 021 858 1087, 082 565 0615, mondeor@telkomsa.net or visit mondeorgardens.co.za
Nature Discovery Holds adventure birthday parties for maximum 10 people. Two-hour adventure quad bike ride, stop for snacks or enjoy your party at the Elgin Grabouw Country Club at your own cost. R500 per child for quad biking only. Suitable for all ages (children under 12 ride with their parents). Contact Brian or Anne: 021 859 1989 or visit naturediscovery.co.za Out There Kids Adventures Adventure birthday parties range from adventure racing to mountain biking. Also may include orienteering, hiking and tubing. Minimum 15 children. R1 500–R1 850; cost depends on venue and party option. Contact Beryl: 072 853 5802, berylpenny@ mailbox.co.za or visit juniar.co.za Ratanga Junction Party combinations for children under 1.3m or children over 1.3m. Includes unlimited access to rides appropriate for child’s height, party pack, ice-cream treat and gift for birthday child. R85 for child under 1.3m or R150 for children taller than 1.3m. Century City. Contact: 021 550 8504, 021 550 8566 or visit ratanga.co.za Riversdale Riding school Offers a two-day horse-riding adventure sleepover. R650 per child includes food and accommodation. Contact Eugene: 072 990 0359, riversdalryskool@vodamail.co.za or visit riversdaleridingschool.co.za
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Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens There’s an array of picnics on sale for you to take onto the lawns. Silvertree can also host parties on request and caters to your and your child’s personal needs. Entry into the gardens is free for children under 6, R10 for children 6–17 years and R35 for adults. Contact Abida: 021 762 9585, functions@kirstenboschrestaurant.com or visit kirstenboschrestaurant.com Sporting Chance Hosts two-hour birthday parties that consist of games such as soccer, cricket, rugby, beach soccer, beach rugby, beach cricket, rounders, tag and more. The sport code and game chosen is up to the birthday boy or girl. Parties can be tailor-made. Cost depends on number of guests. Contact: 021 683 7299, admin@sportingchance. co.za or visit sportingchance.co.za Sumo’s Playpark Offers two party options: the complete party package at R80 per junior guest including a party pack, decorations, children’s meals and a full day’s access for all guests or venue hire at R45 per junior guest, which includes table cloth and overlay, tables and chairs and full-day access for all guests. Contact Nerisa or Amelia: 021 558 4515, 082 562 2640 or manager@sumosplaypark.co.za Sunscene Outdoor Adventures Hosts parties on its adventure course for 2–3 hours and includes activities on a giant A-frame cargo net and a zip slide over a dam. Situated between the Cape Point Vineyards and the Table Mountain National Park. They also host a twohour sandboarding party at the Atlantis Dune field, 35 minutes from the V&A Waterfront. From R69. Contact Leanne: 021 783 0203, 084 352 4925, info@ sunscene.co.za or visit sunscene.co.za Synergy School The Noordhoek venue has a fenced in area with scooters and track, play water feature and big jungle gym. Exclusive use. Selfcatering. Weekends R600 for two hours. Contact: 021 785 5500 or operations@ synergyschool.co.za Tag Rugby parties A 90-minute party for boys and girls from the age of 7 years old. Please note, this is the safe, non-contact version. Contact: 021 448 0963, 082 440 1921 or stuart@taggroup.co.za The Enchanted Garden Fabulous birthday parties in a school premises
restaurant in Glencairn. Contact: 021 782 0314, info@southernright.info or visit southernrighthotel.com Vodacom Kids Village Children can play a 27-hole game of putt-putt for R30. Extra burger, chips and milkshake for R25. Two lapas available for hire. Small lapa R150; big lapa R350. Tygervalley. Contact Carmen: 021 948 5673 Waterfront Boat Company Hire Southern Cross, the double-decker boat, for a fun boat cruise around the harbour and down the coast towards Green Point. Maximum 85 people. Suitable for ages 5 years and older. No catering. Contact Janine: 021 418 5806 or visit waterfrontboats.co.za Water Walkers Offers the popular Water Walker inflatable balls that can be used in your own swimming pool or in the 10mx10m pond provided by the organiser at your venue. Minimum fee of R650. This includes two inflatable balls for two hours, inclusive of operating staff. Thereafter R150 per ball per hour. If utilising the pond, the price is R3 500 for five balls and the operator. Contact: 021 424 1801, Glenn 082 696 4834, glenn@expo-international. com or Anita 082 891 4834, anita@expointernational.com
in Noordhoek. R500 for the venue for a morning or afternoon. Catering available on request. Contact Sylvie: 084 531 5253 or sylvie.gh@gmx.com The Farmyard This Melkbosstrand venue offers a jungle gym, farmyard playground, animal petting, a children’s car and a jumping castle. Party packs R23,50 each; cakes available to order from R220. Catering for parents also available. Contact: 021 553 2563 or thefarmyard@ telkomsa.net The Southern Right Hotel Facilities for a child’s party include a jumping castle, jungle gym, genuine Pirates of the Caribbean pirate ship and an on-site
you a 3-in-1 party package, which includes a jumping castle, décor with setup for 10 children and a fun ride for R1 000. They also supply cakes, party packs, bubble machines, costumes, sound and invitations. Contact: Eshia 082 503 5170 or Rodney 083 996 8387, kiddierides@yahoo.com or visit classypartyplanners.co.za Crazy Chameleon Kiddie Parties An entertainment business specialising in children’s theme parties, providing décor and accessories from gazebos, entertainers and cakes to themed tableware. Contact Jo: 079 509 8556 or jo@crazychameleon. co.za or visit crazychameleon.co.za
Party Planners All-in-one Parties Includes party entertainers and a selection of activities, your choice of live entertainment as well as karaoke, themed personalised party packs and food, body art (tattoos, mini manicures, face-painting) and crafts. Also birthday cake plus free themed party invitations and free tables and chairs for up to 30 children. They will arrange a venue or will go to a venue of your choice. Call to enquire about costs. Contact: Anita 084 654 4303 or LeighAnne 078 738 5593, allinoneparties@ gmail.com or visit all-in-one-parties.co.za Cherry Dreams Party Décor Foam and pamper parties, hire of jumping castles, bubble machines and electric rides. They also offer catering, cakes, magic shows and face-painting. They deliver and set up for the foam party. Price for two hours R1 450 for Cape Town parties. Outside Cape Town, travel costs apply. Contact Charmion: 082 771 1832, cherry.parties@ gmail.com or visit cherryparties.co.za Classy Party Planners Offers
Cape Town’s
Dipsy Dots Kids’ Parties Offers Charlie’s Chocolate Factory for biscuit- and cupcake-decorating, the Little Miss Princess Parlour for pamper parties and the Dipsy Dino Play Pen, which consists of a jumbo jungle gym, trampolines, a scooter race track, jumping and canteen area. They also offer themed décor and have a party shop on the venue for any party accessories needed. Montague Gardens. Contact: 012 654 1872, 084 654 1115, natalied@unlimitedevents. co.za or visit unlimitedevents.co.za Dolly Dinkle Organises old-fashioned parties with traditional party games, fantasy dress and vintage-inspired décor. Prices start at R800. Will deliver. Contact Jodi: 082 925 1379 or jodi@eca.co.za Doodlebugs Full party service for children based on a wide range of themes such as pirates and mermaids, knights and princesses, fairy ballerinas and more. Party accessories for hire. Order themed thank-you gifts, prizes and birthday cakes. For children 11 and under. Contact: Kerry 082 738 4002, Sue 073 561 8621 or andrew_sue@mweb.co.za Enchanted Creations Specialises in personalised invitations and thank-you cards, picture cakes, balloons, piñatas, candy bags and buckets, children’s tables and chairs, themed party décor and accessories, jumping castles, baby bouncers with ball pond, personalised bubbles favours, banners, hats, superhero capes and more. Contact: Michelle 084 567 5220 or Brenda 072 765 1207, info@enchantedcreations.co.za or visit enchantedcreations.co.za Event Interiors Designs every aspect of your child’s party from the décor, food, invitations and styling to sourcing venue and entertainment. Contact Seon: 021 465 6947, 082 881 1753, seon@eventinteriors.co.za or visit eventinteriors.co.za Functions Xtreme Hires out equipment and makes up party packs according to various themes. Also rents out children’s chair covers for R8, overlays for R15 and table cloths for R30. Sells aprons R45–R50, and various gifts for parties such as candles. Contact: 074 182 0222, lezaan@functionsxtreme.co.za or visit functionsxtreme.co.za Humpty Jumpty Arranges table décor, centrepieces, party packs, cakes, cupcakes, jumping castles, shooting tunnel, Funprix, candyfloss and
delivery (to your home or venue of your choice), supervision and entertainment. Contact Adrian: 082 905 8910 or adleroux@iafrica.com Kidz Fiesta Party Planners Venue hire, themed décor, equipment such as jumping castles and birthday banners, catering for children and adults, entertainment such as face-painters, balloon sculptors, storytellers and puppet shows. Also party packs, birthday cakes and helium or regular balloons on sticks. Choose from five different packages. R30–R135 per child for an approximate four-hour party. Contact: Tracy 083 466 6139, info@ kidzfiesta.co.za or Karen 083 386 0615 or karen.heeger@gmail.com Little Creations, Kids’ Event Solutions Coordinates children’s birthday parties. Choose your theme and budget and they’ll do the rest. Basic fun package for 10 children starts from R695. Contact Abby: 082 997 3593, abby@little-creations.co.za or visit little-creations.co.za No Ordinary Occasion Specialises in planning your party including décor, invitations and catering. Contact: 021 671 9992 or visit noo.co.za Party-in-a-Box Organises parties from invitations to food and entertainment. Packages tailor-made to your budget. Contact Lianne: 021 551 5887, 083 708 3670, liannel@iafrica.com or visit partyinabox.co.za Picnics for Pixies This division of Dial-aPicnic offers a picnic for your little one’s birthday and a full party-planning service. Kenilworth. Contact: 082 789 5478 or visit picnicsforpixies.co.za Ringa Ringa Rosy Plans your child’s party indoors or outdoors including entertainment, venue sourcing and décor. Also manufactures and hires out jumping castles. All areas of Cape Town and surrounds, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Contact: 021 761 1696, info@ringarose. co.za or visit ringarose.co.za. To view the jumping castles visit jumpingjack.za.net Rocking Kids Takes care of all your party needs from catering to themes and entertainment. Contact: 021 788 9026, 082 099 2401 or info@rockingkids.co.za Sparklz Party Planners Themed parties for children 2–8 years. They supply tables, chairs, linen, cakes, cupcakes, party packs, entertainment, a photographer and more, at your home or venue of choice. They deliver, set up and collect. Contact Belia: 021 532 0808, 082 475 2029 or
chocolate fountain, traditional game, Survivor and crafts parties. Parties R65–R85 per child; jumping castle rental R350–R450. Contact Lise: 021 790 6155, 082 564 0599, humptyjumpty@mweb. co.za or visit humptyjumpty.co.za Jax Events Plans and caters for the birthday party; themed parties an option. Call for a quote. Contact: 079 528 7139 or jackyharris@vodamail.co.za Kids’ Grand Prix Specialises in children’s Grand Prix parties for 5–12 years. Party packages include invitations, 36-volt battery-operated Formula One cars, racing suits and helmets, winners’ podium, medals, trophies, “champagne”,
sparklz@cybersmart.co.za Supakids Children’s Parties Plans and implements themed children’s parties for any age and theme, plus fun teen disco parties. Halal catering on request. Contact: 021 556 6177 or visit supakids.co.za Vanilla Milkshake Events Plans customised parties with themes and activities; arranges venues, cakes, catering and entertainment. Cost based on specific needs. Contact: Margot 072 380 8100, margot@vanillamilkshake. co.za or Romy 083 320 0469, romy@ vanillamilkshake.co.za or visit vanillamilkshake.co.za
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books
a good read for toddlers Say Hello to the Dinosaurs! By Ian Whybrow and Tim Warnes
read & play My Magnetic Space Station Illustrated by Joy Gosney
(Macmillan Children’s Books, R90) Bestselling children’s author Ian Whybrow is hugely popular, with over 100 books to his name. Say Hello to the Dinosaurs! is the fifth book in the Say Hello to the Animals series, which also includes Say Hello to Baby Animals. Young children will love to stroke the bumpy scales of the brightly illustrated dinosaurs on every page. Let your child travel with Baby T Rex, meet the other dinosaurs, and have fun joining in with their “chomp, chomp”, “kaaark”, kaaark” and “roaaaar!” noises.
(Campbell Books, R186) This book-and-game set – four fabulous booklets and a space station to fill with magnets – will make a great gift. Your children can read the stories, zoom around in the rocket, arrange the cosmic furniture, and then tuck the magnets back into the galactic attic when the fun is done. In addition to enjoying themselves, children develop manual dexterity. Plus the set introduces new environments that encourage creative thinking. The stories included are Robot Rex, Cosmic Cookies, Dogs in Space and Alien Hide-and-Seek.
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Busy Little Bugs: Pop-Up Toadstool and Pop-Up Garden Illustrated by Benji Davies (Campbell Books, R117) These stunning hardcover books come with over 30 flaps, which lift and pop up. Toddlers can discover secrets and surprises as they look behind the flaps. The books help with visual development, encourage creative thinking and build vocabulary. Children aged three to five will particularly enjoy discovering what Mr Spider is building or which insects are doing somersaults, handstands and cartwheels. Young readers will be delighted by the surprise at the end of each book. Davies also brought us the very popular Hodge the Hedgehog last year.
On Our Way Home By Sebastien Braun
Terrible Trolls By Delphine Durand
(Boxer Books, R107) Join Dad and his little one on their journey home, and share their experiences along the way. They take a walk through the forest and see many wonderful things – the golden leaves falling from the trees, the big yellow sun setting and the beautiful stars twinkling overhead. This warm celebration of the relationship between parent and child is a great bedtime read. Sebastien Braun has the rare ability to combine rich painting techniques with soft and tender observational drawing, perfect for picture books.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, R105) With their googly eyes, warty skin, scratchy feet and matted hair, these trolls and their strange world offer a fun and entertaining story for young children. There are touch-and-feel elements on every page and a surprise smelly scratch-and-sniff ending. This book encourages toddlers to interact with the story and it introduces them to rhyme and rhythm. This is one adventure that will keep “fearless readers” coming back for more.
Cape Town’s
for preschoolers old favour ite
Wake Up! Topple Down Town By Vaughn Hay (Topple Down Town Entertainment CC, R65) This inspirational story promotes healthy life choices for children. The twins – Super and Duper – set out on an heroic and determined quest to revitalise and motivate their falling-apart neighbourhood, which has lost its heart and soul. It’s an engaging story packed with energy, hope and motivation. The book comes with an interactive audio CD, which creates atmospheric sounds and songs to sing along to. This truly South African tale not only educates young ones, it also inspires them to want to go out there and make this world a better place. This review appeared in the May issue of Cape Town’s Child and Joburg’s Child.
My first book of Southern African Wildlife and My first book of Southern African Birds – Volume 2 By Erroll Cuthbert, Peter Apps, Bill Branch and Jennifer Schaum (Random House, R175 and R76) These books introduce young people to a selection of southern Africa’s most fascinating and commonly seen mammals, reptiles and birds. Striking full-colour illustrations are accompanied by brief descriptions in English, Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa and there are visual clues to the diet, size, habitat, nest and footprint of each creature. These books will appeal to pre- and early readers, and will help foster their interest in the natural world.
The Happiest Hippo in the World By Danielle Steel (HarperCollins Publishers, R164) There are many things that are green: grass, leaves, four-leaf clovers and lettuce… but not hippos. Hippos are supposed to be grey. Unfortunately for Greenie, a big, brightgreen hippo, everyone at the circus thinks he’s just too different. So Greenie sets out on a journey to fit in and winds up in New York City. Just when it seems Greenie will never find a true friend, a boy named Charlie comes into his life. This heart-warming story, from one of America’s bestselling storytellers, is all about acceptance and celebrating difference.
Cape Town’s
Return to the Hundred Acre Wood By David Benedictus (Egmont UK Limited, R153) More than 80 years since Winnie-the-Pooh first delighted readers, David Benedictus takes you back to the Hundred Acre Wood for new adventures. From the excitement of Christopher Robin’s return, to the curious business of learning to play cricket, the book allows readers to spend a few more treasured hours with the Best Bear in All the World. Young book-lovers will enjoy having these stories read to them. Return to the Hundred Acre Wood is the much-anticipated official sequel to Winnie-thePooh and The House at Pooh Corner.
Love, Splat By Rob Scotton (HarperCollins Publishers, R72) It’s Valentine’s Day and Splat has a special card for a certain someone in his class. Her name is Kitten and Splat likes her even more than fish fingers or ice cream. But she doesn’t seem to like him at all. And then there’s Splat’s rival, Spike, who also likes Kitten. Will Splat’s heartfelt card win Kitten’s paw? In this funny follow-up to Splat the Cat, Rob Scotton captures the highs and lows of a first crush with humour and understanding. Even Mom and Dad will giggle at Splat’s antics.
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for preteens and teens
Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls – Stage Fright By Meg Cabot (Macmillan Children’s Books, R90) Meg Cabot’s very popular character Allie Finkle is back with even more wit than before. When Allie’s class puts on a play, every girl in Room 209 wants to try out for the part of the princess – including Allie, Sophie and the dreaded Cheyenne – but not everyone can be the leading lady. Who will try to steal the show? Who will get scared? And who will feel a tiny bit jealous? Some not-so-friendly competition puts Allie Finkle’s rules for dealing with drama to the test, as she realises: (1) There are no small parts, only small actors; (2) May the best man – or woman – win; (3) If you want to get anywhere, you can’t play by the rules.
Pixarpedia
pick of the month
(DK Publishing, R390) Your children can dive into the wonderful world of Disney Pixar with this comprehensive guide to Pixar features and short films. Get to know the characters from each movie and explore their film locations. The book also shares fun and fascinating facts, and you can find out from the filmmakers themselves what makes Disney Pixar films so unique. This coffee table book contains stunning visuals. Films covered include Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL-E and Up.
Lost Worlds By John Howe (Macmillan Children’s Books, R245) In Lost Worlds, children can learn about Atlantis, Troy, Camelot and Avalon – longabandoned worlds, buried and forgotten in the mists of time. Now eminent Lord of the Rings illustrator John Howe has delved into the secrets of history to unearth cities from hidden depths and mysterious pasts. His wise words and glorious illustrations give the lost worlds a chance to live again. This hardcover book is sure to become a collector’s item for any young (and even adult) fans of ancient worlds.
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A Field Guide To Fairies By Susannah Marriott (Macmillan Children’s Books, R225) This book is simply beautiful. Explore the secret world of the fairy realm with exquisite pop-up scenes and stunning illustrations. Folklore has it that there is probably a fairy very close to you right now – in the raindrop on the window, within the shaft of sunlight or beneath rustling leaves. Readers discover fairies’ secret hiding places, so they’ll know where to look next time there’s a strange perfume in the air, or the tinkle of tiny bells can be heard…
Cape Town’s
for us
parenting
audio books
The Book of Jacob – A Journey into Parenthood By Lisa Lazarus and Greg Fried (Oshun Books, R125) When Lisa and Greg embark on the life-changing journey of becoming parents, they discover that nothing could have prepared them for the overwhelming changes a baby would bring. In this candid and often amusing account of their child’s conception, birth and first year, the couple share their experiences of adjusting to life with a newborn. Parenthood affects every facet of Lisa and Greg’s previously serene and secure life, irrevocably altering their own relationship as well as their relationship with others. Witty, warm and moving, this true-life story illuminates the frustrations, the joys and, above all, the love inspired by the birth of a child.
Sea of Poppies By Amitav Ghosh (John Murray Publishers, R144) Short listed for the 2008 Man Booker Prize, Sea of Poppies has received rave reviews since it was first published. On an old slaving ship named Ibis, fate has thrown together a motley crew of sailors, convicts and down-and-outs, including a bankrupt Raja, a French runaway and a widowed opium farmer. As their old family ties are washed away, they come to view themselves as jahaj-bhais or ship brothers. Set against the backdrop of the Opium Wars, this remarkable saga is profoundly moving and a masterpiece from one of the world’s finest novelists.
Cape Town’s
The Wizard of Oz (dramatisation), Treasure Island (dramatisation) and More Just So Stories By L. Frank Baum, Robert Louis Stevenson and Rudyard Kipling Partnership Parenting By Kyle Pruett and Marsha Kline Pruett (Da Capo Lifelong Books, R170) This book looks at how men and women parent differently, why this helps your child and how it can strengthen your marriage. You’ll learn why children need the influence of both mom and dad, how to create a positive, nurturing co-parenting environment, the rules for healthy negotiation, effective communication, fighting fair and much more. With wisdom and humour, Partnership Parenting helps you and your partner take advantage of your individual strengths to stay connected, improve your marriage and confidently raise children together.
(BBC Children’s Audio Books, R209,95, R209,95 and R132,95) A full-cast dramatisation of the classic tale of Dorothy and Toto’s adventures in Oz, featuring Maureen Lipman as the Wicked Witch of the West. The two-disc CD was especially dramatised for BBC Radio. Treasure Island is the classic pirate adventure, which will appeal to both the young and young at heart, and features the voices of Jack Shepherd and Iain Cuthbertson. In the third CD, three classic fables from Rudyard Kipling – The Beginning of the Armadillos, The Cat that Walked by Himself and The Butterfly that Stamped – are read by Johnny Morris. All three of these audio books are great as gifts. They are available from leading bookstores as well as The Listeners’ Library.
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calendar
1 saturday Safari Half Marathon and relay race. Time: 7:15am. Venue: Wellington. Cost: call to enquire. Contact: 021 511 7130 or visit safarihalfmarathon.co.za Creative Craft Day at Noordhoek Farm Village Children make paper and beaded crafts while moms and dads relax. Morning sessions end with a puppet show. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm. Venue: The Bandstand, Noordhoek Farm Village. Cost: free. Contact: 021 789 2812 or visit noordhoekvillage. co.za. Call to enquire about their family days on 15, 22 and 29 May. Cool Stuff art exhibition at 34FineArt gallery Ends 15 May. Time: 7pm. Venue: 34FineArt, Buchanan Square, Woodstock. Contact Andries: 082 354 1500, info@34fineart.com or visit 34fineart.com
1 May – Dirtopia Mountain Bike Festival
Table Mountain winter family special includes a special holiday programme for children during the five-week winter holiday period, featuring competitions, spot prizes, magic shows plus art and crafts. Two children under 18 ride free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Valid on weekends and public holidays and every day of the school holidays until 31 October. Cost: adults R160, which includes a free pass for two children under 18 years. Valid on return fares only. Contact: 021 424 8181 or visit tablemountain.net André Rieu tours The Dutch violinist is in Cape Town for three nights. Ends 3 May. Time: Saturday and Monday 8pm; Sunday 3pm. Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000
Franschhoek Seafood Festival Feast your eyes on different types of seafood (and taste some too) and enjoy the live entertainment. Activities for children include jumping castles and face-painting. Time: 8am–6pm. Venue: Franschhoek Circus Grounds, R45. Cost: adults R20, children R10, children under 5 free. Tickets at R120 include a three-course seafood meal, a 500ml bottle of wine and garlic roll. These must be purchased before 20 April. Contact Jennilee: 083 692 2201 or creativespunk@live.co.za Dirtopia Mountain Bike Festival A mountain bike weekend of camping, rides and activities, ideal for families with children 3 years and older. It includes a Spur children’s area and race. Ends 2 May. Time: 9am. Venue: Tarentaalkraal. Cost: R50–R365. Contact: 021 884 4752
family marketplace
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Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
what’s on in may
For a free listing, fax your event to 021 462 2680 or email it to lucille@childmag.co.za. Information must be received by 7 May for the June/July issue and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. Compiled by LUCILLE KEMP
2 May – Tsiba Education Trail Run
Kundalini yoga classes begin today They have a free child-care facility. Time: 10am–noon. Venue: St Joseph’s Marist College, 21 Belmont Rd, Rondebosch. Cost: R350 per eight weeks. For more info: visit stjosephsaep.co.za C’est la Vie with popular actress, singer and musician Michele Maxwell. Wednesday– Saturday, 28 April–15 May. Time: 8:30pm. Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre. Cost: R100. Contact: 073 220 5430 or visit kbt.co.za Supakids Fun Factory opens today A new indoor party and play centre, teen pad, toddlers’ area, play arena and wi-fi coffee shop. Time: Monday–Sunday, 10am–5pm. Venue: Unit 3 Freedom Park, Milnerton.
Cape Town’s
Cost: call to enquire. Contact: Sherree: 021 556 6177, sherree@supakids.co.za or visit supafunfactory.co.za Family Art at Gymboree Play and Music in Newlands An all-weather venue that offers age-appropriate art fun for families today. Time: 11am. Venue: Newlands. Cost: R480 per month includes free-play gym time during the week. Contact Robyn: 021 671 2338. Enquire about what’s happening at Gymboree on 4, 13, 15, 28 and 31 May. Baby Steps is celebrating its first birthday with a big sale. There will be free gift packs for the first 50 customers. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: 309 Main Rd, Kenilworth. Cost: varies. Contact: 021 762 2474
River Camp, Namibia. Cost: adults R2 595, children under 18 R2 345 or under 12 R2 145, family special R8 595. Contact: Nicole: 021 702 9400. Call Felix Unite to enquire about their Breede River weekend trip being held over two weekends in May Tsiba Education Trail Run Runners of all ages can choose between a 6km route (ideal for mothers and children to run or walk) and a 12km route. Both routes will take participants through the majestic Overberg region. Time: 10:30am. Venue: Dirtopia Mountain Bike Festival, Tarentaalkraal Camp Site, Greyton. Cost: R50. Contact Jenni: 083 266 3305 or visit dirtopia.co.za
Grab a takeaway coffee and head for the track alongside Sea Point Swimming Pool and let the children whip around on their push-bikes. Time: 8:30am–5pm. Venue: Beach Rd La Leche League breastfeeding support groups Panorama: today. Contact Rosemary: 021 910 0606 or Irma: 073 513 1056. Durbanville: tomorrow. Contact Trudy: 021 913 2816 or Tiffany: 021 913 3586. Parow: Wednesday 19 May. Contact Dilshaad: 021 930 2475. Time: 10am. Cost: free entry Part-time interior decorating course for homemakers Time: 6pm–9pm. Venue: Domestic Goddess Academy,
10th Annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival
2 sunday Fair Cape Annual Mountain Bike Challenge The race takes place through farms just outside Durbanville. There are two different routes to cater for the super-fit and less competitive. Time: 8am for 55km route; 8:30am for 22km route. Venue: Rondebossieberg Farm, Durbanville. Cost: varies. Contact Tricia: 083 280 8328. For more info: visit pedalpower.org.za Four-day Orange River canoe trip in southern Namibia. Suitable for families with children over 8 years. Ends 6 May. Also 6–10 May. Venue: Felix Unite Orange
3 monday
The festival is a great distraction for families, with a traditional South African food village featuring a variety of local delicacies, live entertainment and a play area to keep children busy
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while parents enjoy the fruits of the festival. Time: starts 9am. Venue: Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West. Cost: free entry. Contact Nichola: 082 896 5022, nichola@phatcatz.co.za or visit riebeekvalley.info
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Happy Mother’s Day! Here’s three different ways to treat Mom. Dad, take note… Spoil her Mom will expect to be treated by her partner and offspring but she may not expect to celebrate the special day with her beloved extended family. Let Mom celebrate Mother’s Day with other moms close to her (sisters, sisters-in-law, best friends) and all the children. Conspire with other husbands and gather them together for a surprise, long, lazy lunch at a relaxed restaurant that has a play area Pamper her Book Mom into a spa – need we say more than the word “pamper”? Invigorate her Sign the adventurous mom up for a bungee jump – she’ll appreciate the daring break… she just doesn’t know it yet!
Or you could head to one of these great events… 8 May Celebrate Mother’s Day at Noordhoek Farm Village Children make cards and gifts to honour their mothers while parents relax. The ever popular puppet show ends the morning crafts session. Face-painting available all morning. Time: 10:30am– 12:30pm. Venue: The Bandstand, Noordhoek Farm Village. Cost: free. Contact: 021 789 2812 or visit noordhoekvillage.co.za One night free at De Hoop for Mom If you book a stay for the family at De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp over Mother’s Day weekend, and Mom has at least one of her children with her, she will get one night’s accommodation free. There is also a Mother’s Day lunch on the day with added TLC for the special guests. Booking essential with De Hoop: 0861 334 667 or info@ dehoopcollection.co.za Mother’s Day big breakfast at The Playshed If Dad orders breakfast for himself and his child, Mom receives one free. Time: 9am–noon. Venue: The Playshed, Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands. Cost: normal children’s play
3 May – Decorating course
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rates apply; breakfast price varies. Contact Madré: 074 196 2778 or Jeanne: 021 801 0142
9 May Heart 104.9fm Mommy and Me Walk This Mother’s Day you and your little ones can participate in a relaxed 1,6km walk to raise funds for St Joseph’s Home for chronically ill children in Montana, just off the Western Cape N2. Pre-registration is at Canal Walk from 30 April–8 May from 9am–9pm next to the information desk near entrance four. Entry is R20 per mom and child and R5 for every additional child. On Saturday moms have to checkin and collect their numbers from 7:15am as the walk starts at 8:15am. Children can get their faces painted while being entertained by clowns before the walk starts. Each mom will receive a goodie bag when they cross the finish line. Entry forms are also available at the Heart 104.9fm studio or at the Canal Walk registration desk. For more information: visit 1049.fm or canalwalk.co.za or tune into Heart 104.9fm.
23 Pascali Rd, Rosendal, Tygervalley. Cost: R1 000 for four consecutive Monday evenings. Bring along two friends and pay half price. Terms and conditions apply. Contact and bookings: 073 887 7225, uys@icon.co.za or for more info: visit lifestyleacademy.co.za Super-nanny au pair course at Educare A full-spectrum child-care course including a paediatric first-aid module. Ends 7 May. Time: 8:30am–1:30pm daily. Venue: northern and southern suburbs. Cost: R900. Contact EduCare in the northern suburbs: 021 979 2307 or EduCare in the southern suburbs: 021 706 4485, educare@discoverymail. co.za or visit edugroup.co.za Cape Town’s
4 May – Sugar and Spice nanny training
4 tuesday Tots n Pots Kiddies’ Fun Cooking Workshops Hands-on cooking and baking workshop that encourages good eating habits. 4–5 May chocolate and hazelnut croissants; 11–12 May butternut and feta mini quiche, 18–19 May yoghurt, berry and white-chocolate muffins. Time: Tuesday 9:30am–10:30am (2- to 3-year-olds), Wednesday 2:30pm–3:30pm (3- to 6-year-olds). Venue: Daisies Coffee Shop, The Garden Shop, Doordrift Rd. Cost: R480 for six weeks. Contact Chene: 083 649 7405, chene@totsnpots.com or visit totsnpots.com The Wine Affair This popular wine and food festival is the only event of its kind that takes place right at the water’s edge, offering fare from top Western Cape wineries and restaurants. Ends 7 May. Time: 5pm–9pm. Venue: V&A Waterfront. Cost: varies. Contact: 021 408 7600 Sugar and Spice nanny four-week training course starts in Panorama Time: every Tuesday 2pm–5pm. Venue: Panorama Breastfeeding Clinic, 14 Dorp St. Cost: call to enquire. Contact Kirsten: 083 406 0028, kmcintosh@telkomsa.net or visit nannytraining.co.za. Sugar and Spice also offers training in Greenpoint and Claremont.
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Discipline for Peace workshops A series of four workshops teaching positive discipline skills relevant to children of all ages. Also 11, 18 and 25 May. Time: 7pm–9:30pm. Venue: 55 O’Okiep Road, Rondebosch East. Cost: R920 per person, R1 500 per couple. Contact Karen: 021 696 1946 or karoy@mweb.co.za
5 wednesday Earth Fair Market Stock up on your weekly food supplies and artisan products. Time: every Wednesday 3pm–8pm and Saturday 9am–2:30pm. Venue: Main Rd, Tokai. Cost: free entry. Contact: 084 220 3856, info@earthfairmarket.co.za or visit earthfairmarket.co.za Drum Mania workshop Every Wednesday. Time: 8pm–10:30pm. Venue: The Tafelberg Restaurant & Bar, 6 Roodehek Terrace, Gardens. Cost: workshop R40; drum hire R20. Contact: info@drummania.co.za or visit drummania.co.za Super Plants hosts talks on gardening every Wednesday. Today the topic is “Indigenous trees”. Also 12 May: sowing and planting vegetables throughout the year; 19 May: design and maintenance of water features; 26 May: water-wise gardening. Time: 10am. Venue: Bothasig or Tokai. Cost: free. Contact Bothasig: 021 558 0190 or Tokai: 021 715 4666. Enquire about talks on 12, 19 and 26 May.
6 thursday Moms-to-be and moms-and-babies group meets every Thursday at The Parent Centre. Time: 10am–noon. Venue: Kingsbury Maternity Hospital, Wilderness Rd, Claremont. Cost: R35. Contact: 021 762 0116, zaiboe@theparentcentre. org.za or visit theparentcentre.org.za Poetry in Motion dance production at Artscape Ends 15 May. Time: varies. Venue: Artscape Theatre. Cost: R60–R200. Contact Elizabeth: 021 650 5250 or info@ capetowncityballet.org.za
7 friday Fine Women Business Network breakfast International speaker and author Dr John Demartini’s topic today is “The heart of a leader”. Time: 8am–10am. Venue: tbc. Cost: R125. Bookings essential. Contact Patti: 083 310 9765 or patti@ finewomen.co.za
Cape Town’s
Open day at Camps Bay Preparatory School Pre-reception Grade 00 to Grade 2. Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: Camps Bay Preparatory School, The Drive, Camps Bay. Cost: free. Contact Vivienne: 082 466 8261 or campsbayschools@gmail.com Nunsense shows at Artscape Now with an all-male cast. Ends 29 May. Time: varies. Venue: Artscape Theatre, DF Malan St, Foreshore. Cost: R70–R110. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 May 2010
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The Winter Good Food & Wine Show
Donate your favourite books to The Bookery Equal Education is a registered non-profit and public benefit organisation, which is doing something special for our schools. They have opened The Bookery, which aims to collect well-kept, quality books that primary and secondary school learners would be compelled to read. They’re appealing to schools, publishers, book clubs and big businesses for donations. Township or rural schools with a library space and a person dedicated to maintaining the library should contact Equal Education to be listed as a possible candidate to receive a full library of books. Major international studies have shown that a functional library in a school will add 10–25% to average learner outcomes. To make a donation, contact Doron: doron@equaleducation.org.za or for more information, contact Rich: 076 593 9310 or rich@equaleducation.org.za. You can also drop by The Bookery in Roeland Street, where Charly’s Bakery used to be.
8 saturday Story Hour at Kloof Street’s Exclusive Books Catch story hour every second Saturday. Children also 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 Porter Estate Produce Market Every Saturday. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Constantia Valley. Cost: free entry. Contact Gail: 082 334 5434
9 sunday Hike from Constantiaberg to Silvermine Cost: non-members R15 per hike; members free. Contact Dolores: 021 785 2191, doloresdonovan@gmail. com or visit meridian.org.za Latefinal performs at Silvertree restaurant as part of the winter concerts line-up. Time: 7pm. Venue: Silvertree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch. Cost: adults R100, children under 5 years free. Contact: 021 762 9585, info@kirstenboschrestaurant. com or visit kirstenboschrestaurants.com
10 monday Open day at Disa Park Preprimary All parents welcome. Time: 9am–noon. Venue: Clifford Ave, Vredehoek. Contact Elizabeth: 021 461 7431
11 tuesday Boeing Boeing Bernard, a successful architect in Paris, thinks he can easily cope with his three fiancées. It’s all a question of timetables and a reliable, long-suffering
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housekeeper who reluctantly plays the role of romantic air-traffic controller. Ends 5 June. Time: 8pm. (22 May, 5pm). Venue: Theatre on the Bay, Camps Bay. Cost: R110–R150. Contact: 021 438 3301
12 wednesday African Brothers Academy Tiny Tots Soccer League caters for boys and girls from 18 months to 8 years old. Your child will learn the basics of football naturally, through playing the game. Time: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2pm–4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am–noon.. Venue: Gardens. Cost: call to enquire. Contact Craig: 072 425 5983
13 thursday Western Province Prep School open evening Time: 5pm–7pm. There will also be an open day on Friday 14 May 9am– noon. Contact: marketing@wetpups.org.za or visit wetpups.co.za
One of the finest food, beverage and lifestyle exhibitions, with an appearance by Gordon Ramsay – a first for the country. Ends 16 May. Time: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am–9pm; Sunday 10am–6pm. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre. Cost: from R40 for children, from R80 for adults. For more info: visit gourmetsa.com Fun day for moms and toddlers Enjoy free play, crafts, singing, story time and more with children 0- to 5-years-old. Second session 27 May. Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: Durbanville Baptist Church. Cost: R10 per child. First session free. Contact Tania: 082 096 9240
14 friday Bonitas De Hoop Track and Trail Family Festival Runners choose between 10km, 21km or 28km. The 10km, 25km or 50km mountain bike event takes place on Sunday. For race enquiries visit dehoopfunfest.co.za Franschhoek Literary Festival For three days Franschhoek becomes a bustling centre for readers, writers, booksellers and publishers. Ends 16 May. Time: from 9am. Venue: around Franschhoek. Cost: varies. Contact Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association: 021 876 3603 or for the programme, visit flf.co.za
15 saturday Women’s Business Showcase Enjoy exhibitions by entrepreneurial women, fashion shows and live entertainment, free massages, refreshments and wine tastings. 19 May – I Love You, You’re
Perfect, Now Change
Time: 2pm–6pm. Venue: SMG BMW, Century City. Cost: R120. Contact Patti: 083 310 9765 or patti@finewomen.co.za CPR and first-aid course at Cape Town Medi-Clinic for parents, domestics, au pairs and teachers. Also 19 May. Time: 9:30am–3:30pm. Venue: Cape Town MediClinic. Cost: single R220, couple R390. Contact Daniele: 084 593 2314 or danola@ mweb.co.za Orienteering in Tokai Forest Navigate your way through the forest using a map and compass. Take the family for an adventurous day out. Time: tbc. Venue: Chrysalis Academy, Porter Estate, Tokai. Contact Jani: 021 529 8100, jani@mtnsciencentre.org.za or visit mtnsciencentre.org.za Sensory profiling and relationshipbuilding within families The workshop clarifies and demystifies the concept of sensory integration for parents and its impact on learning, emotion and attention. Time: tbc. Venue: tbc. Cost: R995 per person (discounted when both parents attend). Contact Romy: 084 582 8263, romy@sensoryintelligence.co.za or visit sensoryintelligence.co.za
16 sunday Kalk Bay Fresh etc Market Time: 9am– 2pm. Venue: Kalk Bay Community Centre on Main Rd opposite Dalebrook Beach. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 788 8088, 083 332 9785, soulgrow@mweb.co.za or visit samarketmaven.wordpress.com
17 monday Baxter Mondays presents Andrew Buckland’s 1 Man… 3 Shows… 100 Characters, a collection of three one-man plays (just one per night), performed by Buckland. The plays are The Ugly Noo Noo, Between the Teeth and Mistero Buffo. Tonight watch a performance of Mistero Buffo. Ends 22 May. Time: 8:15pm. Venue: Golden Arrow Studio, Baxter Theatre. Cost: weekdays, R70; weekends R130. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.co.za Book launch at Two Oceans Aquarium To get onto the guest list, RSVP today for the launch on 22 May. Heidi de Maine will be talking about her new children’s book, Abby’s Aquarium
Cape Town’s
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Parenting conference for parents
and teachers of preprimary and primary school children. Time: 8:30am–1:30pm. Venue: St Joseph’s Marist College, Belmont Rd, Rondebosch. Cost: R120. Contact Sheryl: 021 685 6715 or marketing@maristsj.co.za
Adventures, and will give an insiders look into the workings of an aquarium. To RSVP: 076 854 0699 or sunfishconsulting@ telkomsa.net. Time of launch: 1pm. Venue: Two Oceans Aquarium. Cost: free (does not include entry into the aquarium). For more info: 021 418 3823
day. Their “Be inspired” bridal competition offers prizes valued at more than R220 000. Ends 23 May. Time: Monday–Saturday 9am–6pm, Sunday 9am–4pm. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 914 2852 or cheryl@ cwe.co.za. For further details about the competition visit somersetmall.co.za
18 tuesday
21 friday
International Museum Day Iziko Museums of Cape Town commemorates this day by offering free entry to any of its museums, excluding Castle of Good Hope and Planetarium. Time: varies. Venue: various Iziko Museums. Cost: free. For more info: visit iziko.org.za
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change From the thrill and terror of the first date, to the sacred kiss, wedded bliss and onwards. Ends 12 June. Time: 8:30pm, Wednesday– Sunday. Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre. Cost: R100. Contact: 073 220 5430
Cape Town Marimba Festival A variety of schools entertain at this two-day festival. Ends 22 May. Time: 7:45pm–10:15pm. Venue: Baxter Concert Hall, Rondebosch. Cost: adults R60, children R35 or R100 for two nights. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.co.za Mielie Food Garden Organic Market Shop for tasty, healthy, fresh, organically grown vegetables picked from the Mielie Food Garden in Khayelitsha. Time: 9am– 1pm every Friday (except public holidays). Venue: Montebello Design Centre, 31 Newlands Ave, Newlands. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 685 5574
20 thursday
22 saturday
The Home Expo An extravagant collection of exhibitors from the home, décor and property industry. Ends 23 May. Time: 9am–9pm. Venue: Canal Walk, Century City. Cost: free. For more info: visit canalwalk. co.za for the programme. Somerset Mall Bridal Fair Stroll past the creative displays throughout the mall and find everything you need to plan your special
Children’s story time at the Book Lounge Time: 11am. Venue: 71 Roeland St. Cost: free. Contact: 021 462 2425 or visit booklounge.co.za Sunflower of Hope 10th Anniversary Ball Celebrate in style and for a good cause. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Mount Nelson Hotel. Cost: R750 per person. Contact: 021 701 0661 or visit sunflowerfund.org.za
19 wednesday
Cape Town’s
23 sunday
28 friday
Bed on Bricks performs for the Silvertree Winter Concerts Time: 7pm. Venue: Silvertree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch. Cost: adults R100, children under 5 enter free. Contact: 021 762 9585 or visit kirstenboschrestaurants.com
Constantia Waldorf night market Time: 5pm–9pm. Venue: Constantia Waldorf School, Spaanschemat River Rd. Cost: free entry. Contact John: 082 631 0421 World Play Day 2010 Teach your child a game you used to play as a child, get them to teach you their favourite game or perhaps spend the evening playing board or card games as a family. For information on events in Cape Town celebrating World Play Day, contact Derelda: 021 981 6894 or visit activelearninglibraries.org.za
24 monday Makeover Project Workshop Organised by the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, this provides an inside look into the 12-month makeover of four females, who shed the kilograms and participated in goal events such as duathlons. Time: registration 6pm; workshop 6:30pm. Venue: Sports Science Institute of SA. Contact: 021 659 5649 or workshop@ssisa.com
25 tuesday Theatresports at Kalk Bay Theatre South Africa’s longest running improvised theatre show. A little risqué at times so it’s best to leave young ones at home. Every Tuesday. Time: 8:30pm. Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre. Cost: adults R50, students R40. Contact: 072 939 3351
26 wednesday South African Riding for the Disabled Association at the Village Bistro Two fun-filled evenings at Village Bistro in Meadowridge. Ends 27 May. Time: 7pm for 7:30pm. Venue: Village Bistro, 19 Parken Shopping Centre, Meadowridge. Cost: R150 includes a three-course meal; cash bar available. Contact SARDA: 021 794 4393, capetown@sarda.co.za or visit sarda.co.za.
27 thursday Little Cooks Club Creating a passion for healthy food in 2- to 7-year-old children. Run by a paediatric dietician. Time: call to enquire. Venue: 112 Sunningdale Dr. Cost: call to enquire. Contact Kath: 021 554 4959, megawlk@absamail.co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival A showcase of bands in aid of jazz music education for learners. Ends 29 May. Time: 7:45pm–10:30pm. Venue: Baxter Concert Hall, Rondebosch. Cost: adults R60, children R35 or R150 for three nights. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000
29 saturday Workshop for parents, au pairs and teachers Ideas for ways to keep children aged 3–8 stimulated during the five-week school holiday. Time: 10am–11:15am. Venue: Tokai Library. Cost: R70. Contact: 082 714 4356, rlighton@mweb.co.za or visit reneelighton.co.za Nitida’s Evening Farmers’ Market and Day Market Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: Nitida Cellars. Cost: free entry. Contact Getha: 083 651 0699 or getha@ nitida.co.za Soccer festival and food fair at Bergvliet Primary. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Children’s Way, Bergvliet. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 715 1103
30 sunday Sunday Island Market Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: Northgate Island, on the N1 Highway. Cost: free. Contact Ulna: 076 074 0970 or visit sundayislandmarket.co.za
31 monday Learn CPR Paediatric nursing sister will be running a CPR course for all interested. Time: 10am–noon. Venue: Pinelands. Cost: R220. Contact Lee-Ann: 021 531 4182 or 072 283 7132 Holiday workshop at Bizzy Bodies Crafts, face-painting, baking and sand art for children 2- to 12-years-old. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: 23 Bell Cres, Westlake Business Park, Tokai. Cost: R20. Contact: 021 702 0505 or info@bizzybodies.co.za
May 2010
69
last laugh
do you lie to your children? Of course you do. SAM WILSON,
Joe, Sam and Benj
w
orking on a parenting website means I get to be part of a lot of child-rearing chat... which is mostly fascinating, warm, honest and affirming. Recently, there’s been a lot of rather jocular discussion on the topic of “The lies we tell our children”… and it’s been freaking me out a bit. I get that everyone lies to their children a little. About festive folk or creatures, for example. Or age-appropriate fudging about how babies are made. Although it’s not been along the lines of either of these topics, of course I have lied too. Unfortunately, I am a very bad liar, and as my children age they have begun to make fun of me for it. Just last week, for example, Joey came into the lounge bearing a tooth that had been in his slipper for almost a month.
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May 2010
“It would be really cool if the Tooth Fairy could come back from holiday,” he said to me, with a raised eyebrow. “I know she’s recently been paid and probably has some money in her fairy wallet at the moment.” Feeling horribly guilty I replied apologetically, “I am so sorry honey. I am sure she’ll come tonight. And if not, maybe you could let me know when you go to brush your teeth in the morning?” “Done,” said Joe. “But she should know that teeth that have been allowed to dry out thoroughly are a little more expensive.” “Consider her appropriately informed,” I said. We then grinned mischievously at each other, with the delight of a joke shared but unspoken. It’s not those lies that get to me. It’s the Der Struwwelpeter ones, specifically designed to scare the living daylights out of children, so they’ll do what you want them to do, like: “If you don’t
clean your pee-pee properly, it’s going to fall off!” or “When you chew on bubblegum, you actually chew on your brain”. Or, even more inexplicably, “If you scratch in your navel, your butt will fall off!” (I am not making these up. All three are examples shared by readers on our website.) I believe that most children start out nice, and don’t need to be civilised into acceptable members of society. So why would we want to scare them this badly? Many go on and on about having teenagers who lie to them. But perhaps if you’ve always employed this kind of nasty “behave yourself!” lie to discipline your children, it’s no great leap that they’d get a little two-faced themselves? Honesty and respect are, by nature, two-way streets. Why play so fast and loose with your half of that family contract? And that’s aside from the fact that most of these lies are seriously stupid. And children aren’t stupid; they are just
small, with limited life experience. Once a child gets over the fear inherent in one of these whoppers, it becomes clear very quickly that your butt is not going to fall off, regardless of how much you might dig in your bellybutton. If I was that child, I’d feel very put out if my parents condescended to me to that degree. I know that I am jumping into judgemental territory here, which I try and stay away from, but children don’t often have the platform to speak for themselves about this kind of thing, and I thought I’d have a bash at child advocacy. After all, these are the people who are going to try and sell Shady Pines to us as a fabulous place to live out our remaining years. And isn’t that a scary thought? Sam Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief of Parent24, Women24 and Food24. She hopes her children are saving their Tooth Fairy money for a seriously nice old folks’ home.
Cape Town’s
PHOTOGRAPH: Andreas SpÄth
however, takes issue with the mean lie.