Child magazine | CPT December 2014 / January 2015

C a p e

To w n ’ s

b e s t

g u i d e

happy holidays

f o r

pa r e n t s

25 in december things

to do

all set for

summer?

boredom busting

stay safe in the sun and water

pen & paper

everyday skincare

games

plus

for delicate skin

www.childmag.co.za

Dec 2014 / Jan 2015

free

health

back-to-school basics covered education

entertainment

Hunter House PUB L IS H ING

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za

The spirit and sparkle of Christmas reawakens a childlike wonderment in me.

Features Editor Marc de Chazal • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Lucille Kemp • capetown@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Debbie Hathway

Do you feel the same way about the festive season?

I have always loved Christmas and the promise of lazy family time that surrounds it. Once again, we have done all the hard work for you and rounded up literally hundreds of things to do as a family these holidays.

It’s time to let go of the stress and strain, and the mundane, and take in all that the holiday season has to offer. Whether you are keen to get out and catch a Christmas show or simply laze around at home, we hope you draw your inspiration for some serious family fun from

PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: BROOKE FASANI / ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

Art Designers Nikki-leigh Piper • studio@childmag.co.za Mark Vincer • studio3@childmag.co.za Louise Topping • studio@childmag.co.za

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

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

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

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

Child magazine Online

childmag.co.za Online Content Manager Marc de Chazal • online@childmag.co.za

Cape Town’s Child magazineTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 7, Canterbury Studios, 35 Wesley Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Tel: 021 465 6093, fax: 021 462 2680, email: info@childmag.co.za. Annual subscriptions (for 11 issues) cost R165, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by Paarl Web. Copyright subsists in all work published in Cape Town’s Child magazineTM. We welcome submissions

this, our bumper Happy Holidays issue. Why not capture the mood of the season by making your own Christmas decorations, mince pies or gingerbread men? Or if you are feeling more energetic, pack a picnic and head for the park for a game of Frisbee.

With none of the usual school or work commitments, your options are endless and the joy of giving your time to your children has to be the greatest gift of all. ’Tis the season for holiday fun… enjoy!

Lisa Mc Namara Publisher

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

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December 2014 / January 2015

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contents december / january

14 3 a note from lisa

health

6 over to you readers respond

8 make safety your priority Marc de Chazal gives you tips on how to stay safe in the sun and water

features 16 what’s the right age to start school? some say it’s to your child’s advantage to start school early, others disagree. Glynis Horning considers both arguments

regulars 10 pregnancy news – bump on the move expert advice for pregnant drivers. By Marina Zietsman

11 best for baby – in the clear 19 old-fashioned fun all you need is pen and paper to play these simple family games. By Tamlyn Vincent

20 keep it green in her recipe book, Star Fish, Daisy Jones only uses the 10 most sustainable fish on the SASSI green list for her delectable dishes

22 the blame game children often feel it’s their fault when bad things happen at home. Glynis Horning gives advice on how to handle self-blame

Lucille Kemp discusses the sensitive skin of babies and how to prevent and treat certain skin irritations

12 dealing with difference – travelling with a special needs child Deirdré Amy Gower and her wheelchair-bound son travelled far and wide through South Africa

14 resource – what should we do today? Child magazine compiles 25 inspirational activity ideas to keep boredom at bay this festive season

33 a good read for the whole family 25 blogging in bali one family relocated to Bali for three months.

Marc de Chazal finds out about their unforgettable experience

28 the joy of giving Marc de Chazal gives tips on how you can support

40 what’s on in december and january 54 finishing touch Cassandra Shaw hopes her son makes time for nature in his busy city life

classified ads

Child Welfare

30 checked off Child magazine compiles a handy checklist to help you prepare for the new school year

49 family marketplace 52 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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December 2014 / January 2015

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

Spree.co.za spree.co.za/kids

Sheldon Moultrie sheldonmoultrie.co.za

Sarah-Jane Photography sarahjanephotography.co.za

Tanya Rudman De Sousa trphoto.co.za

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December 2014 / January 2015

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letters

dangers of drugs and alcohol Thank you for writing about the dangers of drinking alcohol. There are many health dangers, but I’d like to elaborate a bit on the dangers a woman is exposed to if she is intoxicated. The rate of sexual violence in South Africa is one of the highest in the world. Women must understand that if they drink alcohol they are disempowering themselves and putting themselves at risk of being abused. I’ve given self-defence workshops to underprivileged young adults. One of the first things I tell them is: don’t drink or do drugs. Drinking alcohol or taking drugs impairs your judgment and hampers your ability to respond to a potentially dangerous situation.

It is hard enough to defend yourself against an attacker when sober. It is exponentially harder to defend yourself when one is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sadly many people, both male and female, gravitate towards using alcohol and drugs. Somehow, no matter the warnings, the appeal is too great for them to resist. In my opinion, there is nothing positive about taking drugs

or alcohol, but there is much damage that can be caused by using them.

Michele Engelberg

children rule the home I think children watch too many movies featuring monsters, and they are glued to their electronic games and screens, some even as much as eight hours per day. It cannot be good for their eyes or their minds. They start acting like “crazy monkeys”, and parents don’t have any control over them. Mothers mostly ignore this, when actually their children should be disciplined; instead they’re ruling the home. I take care of two children: a boy of eight years old and a girl of six years old, who I love dearly. The two of them are cousins and their moms are both single. What concerns me is the way these children talk to their moms, and the way they talk about them behind their backs. It is shocking to say the least. It is clear they are in charge of their homes. I have four sons and I’m a grandmother. My sons grew up in a military home. Their dad disciplined them, but never hit them, and their manners are impeccable. They

over to you your voice on childmag.co.za in response to “have you lost your marbles?”

We have just introduced our four-year-old son to marbles, out of sentimentality, and it has been one of his favourite pastimes ever since. There is a lot of merit in going back to old-fashioned toys. Through games like marbles, children interact with other people, which will surely teach them life skills and emotional intelligence.

Surisa foul language My daughter is 13 years old. This year is her first year at a new school. I was very concerned when I saw the WhatsApp exchanges between her and two other classmates. The other girls were cursing a lot in the conversation. The three of them apparently love anime and writing stories. So, they often start a story and each of them write a part of the storyline. A few days ago, I read my daughter’s notebook and found that she had written curses as part of the storyline. She said one of her friends asked her to. Then I saw photos of anime characters online with sexual innuendos. There were even photos of Ninja Turtles with sexual themes and

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December 2014 / January 2015

greet people and help old people across the road. There are plenty of youngsters out there with good manners; it’s obvious they have been disciplined.

Concerned child caregiver

be alert Some time back I had the unfortunate experience of being hijacked with my child strapped in the car. That particular Friday I had left home 10 minutes earlier to fetch my three year old from play school. The car park was quiet, but as usual, I opened the gate and walked to the car with my little one. I then strapped her in, unaware that two men were approaching me from behind. They threatened me with screwdrivers, but adrenaline kicked in and I managed to fight and pull my girl out in the process.

I threw the car keys away from me, which they went for, giving me time to run to the school gate. They drove off with my car and all our belongings. Things will never be the same again. This has made me very paranoid and bitter, yet very grateful at the same time. Moms, be safe out there, stay calm and watch your surroundings.

Malvika

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

a discussion going on about the sexual preferences of the characters.

We do not curse at home and have never even uttered anything worse than “damn”. It’s frightening to see my girl exposed to these kinds of friends. What should I do?

Anonymous Childmag asked Gary Koen, a clinical psychologist and one of our regular writers, to respond: “Well, the good news is that your daughter has presented you with the opportunity to talk about a whole range of very important aspects of being a teenager – from sex and sexuality, freedom of expression and creativity, to the value of friendship and how the company you keep is a reflection of who you are – not to mention the omnipresent internet.

Your daughter and her friends certainly sound very creative, which in itself is a wonderful ability, but while 13 year olds definitely do swear, to use swearwords as a means of creative expression sounds to me more for shock value and an attempt to appear more sophisticated than they really are. Their real challenge is to develop and expand their range of creative

expression so, at this stage, to use swearwords is both inappropriate and quite limited. I wouldn’t necessarily simply blame the friends though, because one of the hallmarks of adolescence is the process of leaving home and encountering the outside world, which is full of sex and swearing, and our teenagers’ eyes and ears are wide open.

Your role as a parent is to build your relationship with your teenager so that you are able to continuously talk about all these changes and challenges, and this would include, among other things, the type of friends they want to hang out with.” in response to “10 fun teaching games for children” These are great ideas. I am going to adjust them to suit my students.

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

To subscribe, visit childmag.co.za

We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

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feature

magazine cape town

December 2014 / January 2015

7

outh Africans love sunshine – we get plenty of it, after all.

In the heat of summer families hit the beaches, pools and garden sprinklers in their numbers. It’s up to parents to ensure their children are adequately protected from the cancer risks of the African sun and from the dangers of drowning.

sun safety

water safety

When your family is out and about in the summer sun • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

• Use appropriate sunscreen. Dr Daynia Ballot, paediatric neonatologist and chairperson of the Wits Paediatric Fund, recommends we use sunscreen with an SPF factor between 15 and 30 for children. “Anything higher has certain chemical additives best avoided for young skins,” says Ballot.

• Covering up with sunhats and UV protective swimwear is also a good idea. “UV protective clothing provides extra protection from the dangers of sun exposure and can also help ease a parent’s conscience if the hourly sunscreen reapplication is forgotten,” points out Ballot.

• Try to avoid the strongest rays of the sun between 10am and 4pm.

According to the Medical Research Council, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under the age of five years old. The sea, rivers and dams are all potentially dangerous, but public and private swimming pools are the main danger hotspots.

make

safety your

priority

Ensure your family stays safe while enjoying the summer sun with these handy tips.

By MARC DE CHAZAL

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December 2014 / January 2015

Important things you should do to prevent tragedy • Make sure your children never swim alone and are always supervised by an adult.

• Learn life-saving skills such as CPR in the event of an emergency.

• Ensure your children can swim properly, but know their limits.

Cape Town-based swimming instructor Ross Johnston advises that children start swimming lessons as early as possible.

“A child who starts swimming before his first birthday will be swimming on his own by three years old,” he says.

• Make sure they only swim in safe areas.

The Childsafe campaign cautions homeowners with pools against relying on only one safety barrier as this can create a false sense of security. Studies in the US reveal that 70% of all pool drownings occur in fenced pools. To make your pool safer, use multiple layers of safety. Your pool fence should be SABSapproved and have a lockable, self-latching, spring-loaded gate.

You should also have a well-fitted, good quality net that can hold your child above water over the entire surface of the pool. To really beef up safety, use a subsurface pool alarm that will alert you if your child enters the water without you noticing.

Sunlight is one of our main sources of vitamin D, but unprotected exposure can lead to skin cancer. We have one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, reports the Cancer Association of South Africa.

flying the flag There are 57 Blue Flag beaches in South Africa.

This international award is given to beaches that meet the criteria for safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards. So if you’re looking for a beach with excellent life-saving standards, top-rate parking and clean ablution facilities, then opt for one with Blue Flag status. Visit blueflag.org.za

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

s

health

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December 2014 / January 2015

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pregnancy news

bump on the move Being pregnant doesn’t mean you shouldn’t drive.

any pregnant women believe a seatbelt and airbags can cause more harm than good to them in an accident. Car safety for unborn children still needs more research because foetal injury and death are rarely part of statistics, but Swedish car manufacturer Volvo has developed a virtual crash test dummy called Linda, which is of average size and approximately “36 weeks pregnant”. Linda simulates how a pregnant woman moves in a crash and how the foetus moves inside her. They also researched how the seatbelt and airbag affect the woman and the foetus. After Linda was used in several simulated frontal collision tests, the conclusion was that everyone should wear a seatbelt – and in the case of pregnant women, it should be used correctly. The virtual tests also proved that airbags offer protection for both the mother and the foetus.

a snug fit Petro Kruger, director and cofounder of The Road Safety Foundation, explains how seatbelts should be used. “The lap-belt portion should be placed well under your pregnant tummy, snugly fitting over your pelvis and pubic bone and across your hips as high up on your thighs as possible. It’s really important that while driving you constantly check to see the lap belt has not risen up onto your bump,” says Kruger. “The shoulder strap should be positioned off to the side of the uterus and between the breasts. Again it’s important that while driving you routinely check that the shoulder belt is not lying directly over your bump as this could increase the risk of injury to your unborn baby during a high-speed collision.”

The aim is to be restrained over the body’s stronger areas, like the upper torso and pelvis, thus protecting the weaker parts of the body, such as the soft abdomen containing the fragile foetus. Kruger advises you make sure the SA National Standards Authority or the European Standards authority has approved your seatbelt.

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December 2014 / January 2015

sitting pretty Kruger says it’s advisable to sit as far back from the steering wheel as your legs will allow with the steering wheel tilted, normally downwards, to suit the size of your bump and stature. Your seat should not be too far back to compromise safe driving and control – about a 10cm space between your belly and the steering wheel is recommended.

air force “Pregnant women worry unnecessarily about injuries to their unborn baby following deployment of airbags,” says Kruger. “Any injuries that have been reported as a result of airbag deployment are most likely because of sitting too close to the steering wheel, or the incorrect wearing of seatbelts or not wearing one at all.” Kruger emphasises that airbags should never be seen as an alternative to seatbelts.

general safety • I f you are involved in a car accident, inform emergency medical personnel that you are pregnant.

• Even if you are involved in a low-speed bumper bash, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

• Carry a letter from your doctor confirming your pregnancy with your medical aid card. In case of a serious road accident, medical personnel will find this letter when looking for your medical aid details.

Courtesy of The Road Safety Foundation

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

m

MARINA ZIETSMAN gives some safety tips.

best for baby

in the clear A baby has an immature immune system and a far

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

a

more delicate skin than ours, making them more prone to developing skin sensitivities, writes LUCILLE KEMP.

part from a once-off bout of nappy rash during teething, Cape Town mom Alison’s son Jude didn’t suffer at all from the issues that affect many babies with sensitive skin. This could have been simple luck or it could have been due to the fact that she heeded professional advice to not disrupt his natural skin barrier.

As standard practice from the time he was born, she stayed away from soap, bathing and moisturising Jude only with emollient cream.

If your baby suffers from dry skin, hives, nappy rash, cradle cap, heat rash, welts that flare up from insect bites or eczema, Cape Town paediatrician Dr Salome Abbott and Durban specialist dermatologist Dr Imraan Jhetam both suggest as a starting point to adopt a skincare regime that addresses the specific needs of a baby.

effective everyday skincare Abbott says that colourants and perfumes have been found to irritate the skin and can cause flare-ups. For this reason dermatologists always recommend soapfree cleansers, according to Jhetam, as this will not strip the skin of moisture, as well as fragrance-free moisturizers to hydrate and maintain the delicate skin

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barrier. What works for one child may not work for another. Some moms have found surprising fixer-uppers for various skin irritations that are available without a prescription and have actually been suggested to them by their doctors – zinc ointment has helped bad nappy rash and welts have been effectively treated with petroleum jelly.

If your baby has been diagnosed with eczema, hydration with the use of a fragrance-free moisturizer needs to be more frequent, also bathing with glycerine soap maintains skin hydration. Jhetam says that if the skin is very dry, such as during winter, very fatty moisturizers such as an emulsifying ointment may be required more often; Abbott recommends at least twice a day.

Under a dermatologist’s supervision, treatment with mild cortisone cream may be needed to ease the inflammation of eczema and antihistamine syrup may be required to reduce the itching.

what to avoid Jhetam says water-based creams are not ideal for use, and you should look out for moisturizers that contain humectants like Cetamacrogol and fatty ingredients

like ceramides, glycerine and shea butter. Also, avoid products with urea as this may irritate the delicate skin and lanolin-based creams that may also cause irritation.

“Research has shown that fabric softeners and detergents do not adversely affect a baby’s skin, but rather the type of fabric, so avoid wool and opt for cotton,” advises Jhetam.

for severe eczema A study was done on eczema sufferers between six months and 17 years old and published in the May 2009 issue of Paediatrics. Bleach baths were found to be safe and effective when you soak the child for five to 10 minutes twice a week in a diluted bleach bath; scientists used a scant but specific dosage. “Diluted bleach baths are effective in treating children whose eczema is difficult to control,” says Abbott. “It works by helping clear the skin of bacteria. However, it should only be done under the supervision of a doctor.”

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dealing with difference

travelling with a special needs child DEIRDRÉ AMY GOWER has travelled around South Africa with her wheelchair-bound son and shares some practical tips for families facing similar challenges.

i

n June 2013, after taking my wheelchair-bound son, Damian (15), out of school for scheduled surgery and resigning from my job to be able to care for him during the four- to six-month recovery period, we found ourselves at a loose end when the surgery was unexpectedly cancelled. I decided on a three-week road trip to visit family while determining the way forward. Fourteen months later, that road trip has taken us on an extraordinary journey – discovering new places, forging friendships and finding a gentler way to live. We left Cape Town with some surprises in store for us, and I have packed – and unpacked – our car more times than I can count.

The first leg of our trip included stops in Swellendam, the Garden Route, Port Elizabeth and then on to East London to our family. From there we travelled to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, exploring the area as well as further afield to Durban – visiting a number of attractions and overcoming accessibility challenges when they arose. With time to spare en route back to Cape Town, our real adventures began. We stopped in Plettenberg Bay for two weeks as part of a farm volunteer programme – and ended up staying five months. Exchanging my office stilettos for gumboots, and with Damian by my side, we spent our days looking after and riding horses – a far cry from rushed city life. Returning to Cape Town to pick up where we left off, after a brief holiday with several more adventures in our own city ranging from a boat trip to Seal Island and a horseback safari, we found ourselves on another volunteer farm. Once again, one month became five.

We have learnt to adapt to diverse environments, to streamline our travel preparations and appreciate every moment – good or bad – as part of the journey. After all, a good journey is not just a physical trip, it is an exploration of self, broadening of horizons and building of resilience – and if we can share these things with our children, how fortunate we are.

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December 2014 / January 2015

packing the car I have mastered the art of getting the maximum number of items into the minimum amount of space. Make sure wheelchairs are easily accessible – the first inclination is to pack bulkier items first. Whether stopping at attractions along the way, or doing a trip in one go, the wheelchair will be the first item needed at your destination. Pack clothing into smaller bags that can be used to fill spaces rather than one big bag that takes up space.

seating “The child should be well positioned and should be moved or stretched at least every two hours,” says occupational therapist Megan Giljam. “Positioning in the car is really important to prevent developing any deformities, inhibiting any patterns of movement like extension and ensuring adequate comfort and pressure relief. It is also quite important for the child to be able to see out the window and experience the excitement of a road trip.”

accommodation challenges Staying in different establishments, each with their own set of accessibility challenges, is a lesson in flexibility. Access to buildings is the first obstacle. Even if there are ramped entrances, the terrain leading to the place may be unpaved, making manoeuvring a wheelchair an exercise in strength and patience. The next hurdle is the bathroom. Some accommodation venues only have showers, which makes washing a differently-abled child difficult.

refreshments and bathroom stops “Special needs children need nutrientdense food,” says Cape Town nutritional therapist Heidi du Preez. “The journey alone might be stressful enough for them to cope with and should not be filled with sugarladen junk food. Plan ahead and pack healthy snacks.” I find Damian loses his appetite while travelling long distances, so keeping him hydrated is vital, though he will occasionally snack on yoghurt, bananas or magazine cape town

Enjoying the scenery on a bicycle trail

As volunteers on a farm in Malmesbury

Troy, the horse, and Damian on the farm in Plettenberg Bay

biltong – all of which are easy to pack and eat. Bathroom stops are tricky ordeals, so easy access to a wheelchair is essential.

benefit from games such as I-spy and count the lampposts or simply paging through books and cuddling a fluffy toy.

entertainment

activities and adventures

Music is always a winning choice for us, whether relaxing melodies or fun songs.

When music isn’t doing the trick, “spot all the white cars” is an excellent concentration game. Sometimes, after 10 minutes of silence and the game forgotten (at least for me), Damian will pipe up with an insistent “There!” indicating the approaching white car with his eyes. Special needs teacher, Joanne Heinen, from Alta du Toit School in Cape Town, often travels with her students and finds that the higher functioning children love to amuse themselves with iPads, while the lower functioning children

• Animal parks and aquariums are popular choices, and many cater for wheelchair users.

• River rafting is a fun option and a child can be seated snugly in the nose of a rubber croc, with a life jacket, while Mom and/or Dad paddle.

• With a selection of bicycle trailers now on the market, special needs children can be included on cycling outings.

• Horse riding is therapeutic as well as enjoyable. Many riding schools have suitable ponies on which special needs children can be led with assistance.

tips for flying Zelda Mycroft, CEO of the Chaeli Campaign and mom to inspirational International Children’s Peace Prize winner 2011, Chaeli Mycroft, shares tips from their travel experiences. booking your flight • When booking wheelchair assistance, some domestic carriers will give you a pile of additional medical forms to complete.

• Book middle and aisle seats, which are easier for access to the toilet and the passenger assist unit (PAU). Online bookings often don’t have the wheelchair/ disability information related to booking readily available.

• When booking an international flight, it’s essential to mention that you will need assistance. Make sure when you book that there is a slipper seat available on board for in-flight use (to take larger children to the toilet).

checking in and boarding • Ask questions – do not assume people know what to do.

• Request a seat that works best for you.

• Ensure PAU is booked.

• Ensure that the slipper seat is available for transit onto the plane.

• Flight attendants are generally friendly and especially helpful.

additional tips • Prepare for any eventuality – pack a spare emergency bag with clothes, antidiarrhoea meds and other essentials.

• Be patient and prepared to be last off. Don’t be in a hurry to go anywhere if you need assistance getting off the plane.

• Wet wipes are essential, along with a well-cultivated sense of humour.

• Introduce yourself to the person you are sitting next to – you might need their help at some stage.

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December 2014 / January 2015

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resource

watch a children’s play In December the Tygerberg Children’s Choir Christmas Concert is on at Endler Hall in Stellenbosch. collect pine cones Turn them into pine cone animals, angels or mini Christmas trees with some spray paint, glitter and cardboard.

have a water balloon contest Fill up small balloons with water, making sure each person has enough. Then give chase around the garden and see who can avoid getting wet.

dress-up, choose a theme and stage your own play.

write a letter to family overseas and include some photos.

take a cultural tour City Sightseeing’s township tour, LaGuGu, visits the townships of Langa and Gugulethu.

make or do something from your parents’ childhood One idea is to learn a traditional family recipe, like mince pies.

visit an indoor playground Try Fun House in Durbanville Hills, Dragonland in Table View, Kids Shack in Wynberg, Planet Kids in Muizenberg and Bugz in Kraaifontein.

play mini golf Try out Belville’s Megaputt course, or Sea Point’s outdoor putt-putt course, which has fantastic ocean views.

what should we do today?

Keep your children busy in the holidays with these 25 family-friendly activities from CHILD MAGAZINE. Each day, you can do something new.

freeze dinosaurs or other visit a library for story time and choose a book to take home. Most libraries run holiday programmes and libraries such as Table View Library and Claremont Library offer storytelling more than once a week.

camp out in the garden, roast marshmallows and stargaze.

visit a Christmas market and bargain hunt for unique gifts. The Gabrielskloof Favourite Things Market is situated on the outskirts of Bot River in the Overberg and is offering all things local, lekker and lavish on 12 and 13 December.

ride a train

spend a day at the dam Pack a picnic lunch, blankets and a ball, hire a canoe, swim and skim stones.

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Atlantic Rail runs their popular Heritage Steam Train to Simon’s Town two Sundays a month and occasionally to Spier Wine Farm in the Stellenbosch winelands.

December 2014 / January 2015

alphabet pebbles and play Scrabble outside. Play giant Jenga, grass twister or tic-tac-toe. Play pool noodle croquet, with noodles placed over tent pegs in a hoop. Have sack, threelegged and egg-and-spoon races.

sing christmas carols by candlelight or attend a candlelit concert. Bishops hosts an evening of Christmas carolling with a choir and orchestra led by conductor Richard Cock on 16 December.

play frisbee Find a park, nature reserve or beach with enough space to throw a Frisbee. If there are enough of you, set up teams and try scoring Frisbee goals.

ride a horse Imhoff Farm Equestrian Centre in Kommetjie offers guided beach rides on Noordhoek Beach.

plastic toys in a tub of water, then chisel the toys out.

visit a bike or skate park Delvera Farm in Stellenbosch runs a children’s BMX track.

Langebaan Skate Park has a large and active park that welcomes BMXs, and they host a skate contest in December.

start a garden Plant a veggie patch, start a herb box, make a flowerbed or turn an old fish tank into a fairy garden or terrarium.

bake a gingerbread man Decorate it with small sweets and icing (mix icing sugar and water together for a basic icing).

Feeling more creative? Try a gingerbread house.

go on a treasure hunt Draw a map and let your children set off in search of hidden treasure. make stained glass windows Cut a frame out of black cardboard and stick coloured tissue paper behind the frame, or use clear contact and stick everything onto this.

make a book or film a movie.

Write a story from your holidays and illustrate it, or film Christmas on a smartphone and turn it into a family movie.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

play garden games Make

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December 2014 / January 2015

15

education

what’s the right age to

start school?

While some educationalists insist starting school early gives children a head start in life, others argue a delayed beginning brings an accumulative advantage.

i

n an era when we all want to give our children the best start in life, the pressure of parental competition can be fierce. No wonder we agonise over the most advantageous age to start school.

In South Africa, moves are afoot to drop the age to five years old by making schooling from Grade R level compulsory, but currently the earliest we can enrol our children is at five-and-a-half. They must turn six by 30 June of their Grade 1 year, and have to start school by the year in which they turn seven.

The Department of Education stipulates that no child may be tested for school readiness before they have been accepted by the school, and that denying a child

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December 2014 / January 2015

admission on the grounds that they’re not “school-ready” is discriminatory. This puts the onus on us to decide when our child should start, within the government’s framework.

For many parents, the earlier they start the better. “Kayla’s really smart. She began reading by three, and I wanted to send her at four to give her an edge,” says her mother, Sandra*, a 28-year-old Durban clothing designer. “That’s the age children start school in the UK where my sister lives, and her two are now ahead. It doesn’t seem fair.”

Starting early can help keep bright children stimulated, boost their self-esteem (at being “smart enough” to go), and enable them to finish school earlier and start a career younger, maximizing their earning years. Internationally,

however, a growing number of parents are delaying the start of their children’s schooling, many inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s best-seller Outliers: The Story of Success (Black Bay Books).

Gladwell cites a study showing a disproportionate number of top Canadian hockey players were born early in the school year. Because they were older, and therefore bigger, stronger and more mature than younger competitors, they were more likely to be identified early as better athletes, given extra coaching, and selected for elite leagues. The implication is that a similar “accumulative advantage” could apply academically and in other areas for children who start later.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

GLYNIS HORNING weighs the pros and cons.

There is increasing evidence to support the benefits of a later start to formal education – but it rests less on “accumulative advantage” than on the importance of children spending more years at play. As British psychologist and researcher David Whitebread, author of Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education (Sage), puts it, “Neuroscientific studies have shown that playful activity leads to synaptic growth, particularly in the frontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for all the uniquely human higher mental functions.” And his and other studies have demonstrated “superior learning and motivation from playful, as opposed to instructional, approaches to learning in children.”

School readiness has as much to do with emotional readiness and independence as cognitive ability.

Disturbingly, Whitebread says studies have documented the loss of play opportunities for children over the past few decades, and demonstrated “a clear link with increased indicators of stress and mental health problems.”

Recent New Zealand studies of children who started formal literacy lessons at ages five and seven, showed that by 11 there was no difference in reading ability level between them – and those who started at five developed less positive attitudes to reading, and showed poorer text comprehension. A separate study of 15-year-olds in 55

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countries showed “no significant association” between reading achievement and school entry age.

ready to perform “School readiness has as much to do with emotional readiness and independence as cognitive ability,” says Cape Town educational psychologist Dr René Daniels. It requires having the self-esteem and confidence to handle different situations, and generally a child of five is developmentally less confident and able to cope than one of seven.

Starting primary school is a major milestone, and older children are usually better able to separate from their

parents, interact with other children, listen to teachers, follow instructions, and remember things, says Daniels – “especially if they’ve been in educare before entering formal schooling.”

Older children are also better able to tolerate an 8am to 2pm school day without tiring easily, says Benoni educational psychologist Matshidiso Maseko.

Children can sense success and failure keenly, and if they cope better, they are more likely to be positive about school and do better. If they struggle compared to classmates, it can crush their confidence and discourage them, putting them off school and learning. “It’s

should your child repeat a year?

If your child doesn’t cope at school and proves emotionally or cognitively unready, should you hold them back?

Children can understand the idea of failure as young as three years old and feel bad repeating a year, questioning their self-worth, unless you convey the message to them carefully, says Dr René Daniels. But promoting them when they’re not ready can cause similar self-esteem issues and the feeling of not being good enough.

1 Rule out physical and emotional issues such as sickness, changes or traumas.

2 Explore alternatives: extra homework, tutoring, reading more with them, using stickers to reward progress.

3 Get advice from teachers and an educational psychologist – they may require specialised educational intervention, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, ADD monitoring or a remedial school rather than retention.

4 If they are to be retained, preferably do it in the first grade.

5 Know that some studies show gains in achievement for the first year, but these are small and grow smaller.

6 Know that retention has been associated with increased problems with behaviour and peer relationships.

7 Know too that some children forge ahead and flourish by being more mature than many new classmates.

8 Once you’ve decided, adopt a positive attitude about why this is the best thing and will help them catch up.

9 Give them an explanation to give others: “I was sick a lot when I was little” or “I just need more practise”.

10 Encourage them to express their feelings – they may need to grieve being separated from their friends.

11 Have them meet their new teacher and set up playdates with children who will be in their class.

12 Ditch self-doubt – even if this is a loss for your child right now, it doesn’t mean you’re not doing the right thing.

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education

heartbreaking when little ones aren’t able to meet the demands of a structured academic environment,” says Daniels. “It really damages self-esteem if parents pressurise children to perform when they’re not ready.”

In a study by Britain’s Institute of Fiscal Studies Research, children born at the end of the year, and therefore younger than others in class, were likely to score substantially lower in assessments, and were more than twice as likely to report being unhappy at school and being bullied.

Lacking emotional maturity, independence and resilience and being generally smaller than others makes younger children vulnerable, and in large classes teachers can struggle to give them the extra attention and care they need, says Daniels. They can also be unfairly labelled as failures or as not wanting to carry out instructions, says Maseko, when they’re simply not ready for formalised tuition.

Ironically, bright or gifted children such as Kayla can suffer the most from starting school early. A major US study over eight decades found that their intellect benefited from being slowed down in the early years so they could develop naturally. And according to Dr Richard House of Roehampton University’s Research Centre for Therapeutic Education in the UK, pushing smart children into formal schooling too early can result in their growing up in an “intellectually unbalanced” way, with possible lifelong negative health effects.

Not all children benefit from delayed entry. The US National Association for the Education of Young Children reports that some children who start older worry that they have failed, and develop poor attitudes toward school. They are more likely to have behaviour problems and drop out.

Bottom line? There is no “perfect time” for a child to start school. “Each case should be treated on merit,” says

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Daniels. Every child is unique, and a holistic view of them should be taken, including their cognitive and emotional development. Factors to consider include their personality, home circumstances, medical history (such as recurring ear infections), even their position in the family – first-borns tend to mature earlier, says Daniels, although Maseko observes that they can sometimes be immature “due to parental anxiety”.

The key, say both psychologists, is to understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and to start them at school only when you are quite sure they are ready and will be happy – whatever their age. *Name has been changed.

is your child ready for school?

Most preschools assess children for school readiness in their final year, or an occupational therapist can do this. You can form an idea yourself with key criteria: Visual perception • Can they see similarities and differences between objects, match and sort them logically, and copy a pattern?

• Can they tell left from right?

• Can they draw a house or a person?

Gross motor skills • Can they balance on one leg, kick a ball and climb?

Fine motor skills • Can they grip a pencil properly?

• Can they draw lines accurately, colour in and cut within borders?

Emotional readiness • Can they accept separation from you?

• Can they interact with other children, share and take turns?

• Can they recognise and express feelings and needs?

• Can they make independent decisions and follow them through?

• Can they follow two or three instructions at once?

• Can they concentrate on tasks?

• Can they cope reasonably well with frustration?

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how to

old-fashioned fun Whether you’re travelling long distance

and need to pass the time or are just at a loose end during the holidays, beat boredom by playing these simple games with your children.

All you need is pen and paper.

By TAMLYN VINCENT

2 or more players Choose four numbers under 10.

Players must add, subtract, multiply or divide with these numbers to reach a total of 24. The first player to reach 24 wins.

word ladders

2 or more players Each player takes a sheet of paper and draws a head or face at the top. Players can be as creative as they like. They then fold the paper over so that only the lines for the neck are visible. Players pass their drawing to the person on the right, who draws the body of any creature they fancy, folding the paper over again so that only the tops of the legs are showing. On the next turn, players draw the legs, and then unfold the paper to reveal the drawing.

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1 or more players Players are given two words. Changing one letter at a time, the player must change the first word into the second.

other fun games to play

dots and boxes 2 players Create a grid of dots. Each player takes turns joining two dots together, using horizontal or vertical lines. If a player’s line creates a box, he may write his initial in the box and go again.

The player with the most boxes at the end wins.

ILLUSTRATIONS: shutterstock.com

heads, bodies and legs

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• Noughts and crosses • Hangman • Battleships

Visit childmag.co.za/content/ pen-paper-games to download these and more games.

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book extract

keep it green In Star Fish, DAISY JONES uses only the top 10 most sustainable seafood off SASSI’s green list for her scrumptious recipes. Here are some delectable dishes to enjoy with your family.

delhi kedgeree ingredients • 4 eggs • 1 potato, cut into chunks • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 pack frozen haddock steaks • 2 bay leaves • 225ml long-grain or basmati rice • 125g unsalted butter • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 1 clove freshly chopped garlic or 1 tsp chopped garlic from a tub • 2 heaped tsp curry powder • 1 can brown lentils • 2 lemons • 2 good handfuls fresh coriander, roughly chopped method

1 2

Preheat the oven to 150°C, if you are planning to take a break between

cooking and serving.

Boil the eggs and potato chunks together, in salted boiling water. The

eggs will be done after 6 to 8 minutes; the potato may need a little longer. When the eggs are done remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon and leave them in a bowl of cold water. When the potato is done, drain it.

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3

Put the haddock (defrosted or not) into a frying pan with some water and the bay leaves. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the fish is heated through. Remove from the pan and, when cool enough to handle, flake and set aside.

Cook the basmati. It must rest for 5 minutes.

Melt the butter in a pan over a low heat and add the onion and garlic.

Allow to soften without colouring for about 5 minutes, then add the curry powder and cook for a couple of minutes more. Add the lentils, potato and juice of 1 lemon.

Peel and cut the eggs into quarters.

Add the rice mixture to the pan. If you are serving immediately, gently heat the mixture over a low heat, adding the egg and coriander towards the end – and being careful not to break the egg quarters.

If you are taking a break now, before serving, put the fish and rice mixture in an ovenproof casserole dish, arrange the egg and coriander on top, and put the dish, covered, into the preheated oven.

Serve with the second lemon, cut into wedges, creamy yoghurt and hot mango pickle or atchar.

4 5 6 7

PHOTOGRAPHS: Craig Fraser

serves 4

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salad nicoise

hake in beer batter

serves 4

serves 4

You can use seared tuna steaks (two steaks, 100g–200g each) in place of the tinned tuna. Please only use local albacore or yellowfin tuna that’s been pole-caught.

cold tap. This will arrest the cooking

ingredients • 200g fine green beans • 2 eggs, hard boiled and peeled • cos or gem lettuce, a handful per person • 1 large handful rocket or basil, or mix • ¼ cucumber • 3 ripe tomatoes, quartered • 8 baby potatoes, boiled and halved (optional) • ¼ red onion, peeled and thinly sliced or 2 spring onions, thinly sliced (optional) • 12 black/calamata olives, stones removed • 1 can tuna in oil • 10 anchovy fillets

cucumber and slice it lengthwise with

method First blanch your green beans. Drop the beans into boiling, unsalted water and allow them to cook for 2 minutes or so. Taste one. It should be firm and just tender, retaining all its bright green colour. They should not be cooked through. Now get the beans into a colander and run them under the

1

process so they keep their colour and don’t get soft. Wash the lettuce leaves and rocket/basil. Cut off a quarter of a cucumber. Now quarter that bit of the peeler, making sure you have a border of skin on all your peelings.

Thinly slice your onion, if using. Get the eggs in to boil. Cook for 10 minutes then leave in cold water until cool enough to handle. Peel and quarter.

2

De-stone the olives by squashing the olive with your thumb to split

the fruit. You should be able to pick out the stone, leaving the two halves joined. Make salad dressing.

3

Now place the gem or cos lettuce leaves flat on a plate and pile

the rocket/basil leaves in the middle.

Sprinkle with dressing. Now pile the green beans on top, and add a layer of cucumber slivers and onion. Sprinkle dressing all over the salad again. Place the tomato quarters, stoned olives, egg quarters and potato halves (if using) in a rough ring around the green heap in the middle. Drizzle with dressing. Scatter the tuna on top. Lastly, lay the anchovy fillets over the chunks in the salad. Dress the salad once more but don’t toss it.

ingredients • sunflower oil, for deep-frying • ½ tsp sea salt • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper • 4 hake fillets (225g each) • 225g flour, plus extra for dusting • 285ml beer, cold • 3 heaped tsp baking powder method Unless you’ve got a really big fryer, don’t make fish and chips at home for more than four people. Start cooking the fish only when your oven chips are in the oven. They’ll be in there for half an hour, about the same amount of time you’ll need to cook your fish in batches.

Pour the sunflower oil into your deep-fat fryer or a large frying pan and turn up the heat to high. (We are aiming for 190ºC). Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the fish fillets.

This will help to remove any excess water, making the fish really meaty (the same principle as pre-salting). Whisk together the flour, beer and baking powder until shiny. It should be as thick as semi-whipped double cream. Dust each fish fillet in a little of the extra flour.

Before you dip the fish in the batter, check that the oil is ready. A raw chip

1

2

or cube of bread should rise to the top easily, but the oil should not be smoking.

Dip the fish into the batter and allow any excess to drip off. Holding one end, lower the fillets into the oil one by one, carefully so you don’t get splashed – it will depend on the size of your fryer how many fish you can do at once.

Cook for 4 minutes or so, until the batter is golden and crisp. When one batch of fish is done, drain it on kitchen paper then simply pop it in the oven with the chips to keep warm (though don’t leave the fish in there too long; remember the oven is scorching hot).

I like lemon and tartar sauce with my fish, and malt vinegar and sea salt with my chips.

3

4

about the book In this fresh take on ocean-friendly fish, Daisy Jones gives us recipes that are simple, delicious and contemporary. This book is for home cooks who want to eat more fish and want to do the right thing. There are family favourites and crowd-pleasers featuring fresh fish and shellfish, but there are also bold flavours here to complement oily, salted, smoked fish… Switching to green fish is an adventure. Star Fish (Quivertree Publications) is available in all good bookstores for R450.

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December 2014 / January 2015

21

parenting

the blame game When things go wrong in the family, from divorce to death or abuse,

hen seven-year-old Hayley stopped eating and started acting out at school, her mother attributed it to grief for her late grandmother. She was shaken when a therapist said it was more than that. “Hayley actually blamed herself for Nana’s death,” says the Pietermaritzburg hairdresser.

“She was eaten by guilt, sure that if she’d remembered to water Nana’s pansies [a chore she’d neglected] and been a good girl, Nana wouldn’t have had a heart attack and died.”

Many children blame themselves when those they love fall ill or die, fight or divorce, neglect them or even abuse them, and it can affect them years later as adults.

“Young children, especially, don’t have access to the hard facts that we as adults

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December 2014 / January 2015

Take steps to prevent it, writes GLYNIS HORNING. do, or are unable to grasp them entirely,” says Joburg clinical psychologist Liane Lurie. “The only tangible source they have is themselves, and so the cycle of selfblame begins.”

A child’s world is centred on the stability of structures around them, Lurie says. “Adults are seen as omnipotent and as only good, so if something goes horribly wrong, the only reasonable explanation is to attribute it to themselves. Children are also often asked to behave better or be quieter in the face of a potential crisis, and are prone to interpret this as a message that the ensuing chaos is their fault,” she explains.

Self-blame is fed by children being naturally self-centred. At this stage of their development they believe that everything

that happens to them is linked to them, and often believe that by thinking about or wishing for something, or by doing or not doing something, they can make things happen. If only they had watered the flowers, or not made Mom and Dad angry, or had been kinder or cleverer or somehow better, this would not have happened.

Magical thinking, as it’s called, can sometimes offer a sense of control, which children crave. It’s frightening to deal with the reality of being powerless in the face of traumatic events, explains Joburg educational psychologist June Manala.

So it’s preferable to believe that if they just try harder or become better, they can change things back – the dead person may come back to life, or Mom and Dad may get together again. “This is necessary

for psychological survival, but beyond a certain period the repercussions can be considerable,” she says.

“it’s not your fault” Self-blame can leave children weighed down by guilt for years, or wrapped in shame, preventing them from functioning fully and growing to their potential, Manala explains – more limiting self-beliefs are formed in childhood than at any other stage. They are also at risk of depression and anxiety disorders, and adolescents may attempt to escape in substance abuse and risky sexual, or other, behaviour (see “signs of self-blame in children” box).

It’s essential to overcome self-blame in order to heal. And the best way a parent can help lift the burden is with the words

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

w

children may blame themselves – with serious consequences.

“It’s not your fault”. “These four words are truly one of the most powerful gifts an adult can give a child,” says Sue Bohlin, contributing author to Marriage, Family and Sexuality (Kregel). “This is a powerful truth that children need to hear and they can’t tell themselves; only an adult can.”

Be sure your body language reflects the words, adds Manala. “Younger children rely on nonverbal communication and can easily pick up inconsistencies, particularly in the facial expressions of adults.”

If a child still doesn’t respond, get professional help. “They must feel they are being taken seriously and that they are

understood,” says Manala. Play therapy can help them express their feelings and resolve psychosocial challenges. Or cognitive behavioural therapy can show them how their thinking patterns are colouring their views, and teach them to examine their views more objectively, so they feel and cope better.

Through therapy, Hayley has come to terms with her gran’s death, and accepted it wasn’t her fault. “We’ve planted more pansies for Nana,” says her mom.

“But she knows it’s just a lovely way of helping keep our memories of Nana alive – nothing more.”

signs of self-blame in children

‘It’s not your fault’ is a powerful truth that children need to hear.

• Acting out (from anger, fear or subconsciously seeking punishment because they feel guilty) • Withdrawing (from feeling overwhelmed, worthless, depressed) • Complaining of aches or pains • Change in sleep and eating patterns • Regressing (bed-wetting, thumb-sucking) • Dropping in school grades • Engaging in risk-taking and sexual behaviour • Using alcohol or drugs (to soothe uncomfortable emotions) • Self-harming (chewing fingers, pulling out hair, cutting themselves) Ask your doctor about counselling or contact Sadag: 0800 21 22 23 or sms 31393

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December 2014 / January 2015

23

parenting

stopping self-blame Self-blame can play out differently depending on its source, and should be addressed preemptively if possible “so the child can get on with the business of being a child, unburdened by it,” says educational psychologist June Manala. “Provide children with as much information as possible about what is happening in age-appropriate terms,” adds clinical psychologist Liane Lurie.

“Remember that a child’s imagination is vivid and will fill in any remaining gaps.” after divorce When parents divorce, a child’s world falls apart, with changes in their family structure and routine, and often in where they live and go to school.

Self-blame thinking: “If I’d been a better person/behaved better, my dad or mom might still be here.”

What you (and your ex) need to say: “It’s not your fault – it’s about us.

We won’t be getting together again, but we both love you and will always be there for you.”

Take care: “Avoid criticising each other in front of your child,” says Lurie. “Any

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December 2014 / January 2015

conflict a child has about which parent to choose, or fear of displeasing the other, will create more self-blame.”

they may be more prone to open up if the setting is more relaxed and you gradually introduce potentially emotional topics.”

after illness or death When someone a child loves gets seriously ill or dies, it can be too difficult to understand and too painful to accept, as can the fear it may bring that others they love could also get ill or die.

Self-blame thinking: “If I’d been a better person/behaved better, they might still be fine.”

What you need to say: “Sometimes children think a sickness or death is their fault. Do you? It’s sad, but nothing you said or did made this happen. Are you frightened I may get sick or die too? Even if I did one day, you would be well cared for by X.” Take care: “Be careful of amplifying your child’s fears through incessant questioning,” says Lurie. “Introduce the topic and see what their questions are. Let them know that if there’s anything they’re worried about, you will always try to answer it as best you can. Remember that a child’s primary language may be play –

after physical or sexual abuse When a child is abused, especially by a family member or adult in a position of trust, they often find it easier to blame themselves.

Self-blame thinking: “I must have made them want to do that to me; I let them do it. I must be wicked or worthless. If they’re sent away, it’s my fault for telling.”

What you need to say: Sexual abuse can cause the most self-blame for numerous reasons, which you need to counter individually: • They may feel guilty that they didn’t fight: “It’s not your fault, you don’t yet have the mental or physical power of an adult – you could only do what you had to in order to survive.”

• They let the abuse go on: “It’s not your fault; you were confused (or led on, threatened or scared).”

• They were aroused: “It’s not your fault; touch can feel nice or exciting, and our bodies respond automatically.”

• They enjoyed feeling special: “It’s not your fault – you deserve to feel loved and special, but adults must do it in an appropriate way.”

• They were told by the abuser it was their fault: “It’s not your fault. They said it because they knew what they were doing was wrong and they didn’t want you to tell on them.”

• The abuser was sent away because the child told on them: “It’s not your fault. It was right to tell – they need help, and now they can get it.”

• They have been abused before by different people: “It’s not your fault.

People who do these things often pick on people who have been hurt before. I will see that you are safe. We will manage together.”

Take care: “A child will be especially prone to self-blame if they’ve been told by the abuser to be silent about what transpired,” says Lurie. “This enhances their sense of shame. Self-blame is also amplified when there’s been no appropriate adult intervention to stop the abuse. The child begins to believe they were not good enough for anyone to rescue them.”

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getaway

blogging

in bali

magazine cape town

MARC DE CHAZAL tells how Andrea Kuti, her three children and husband relocated to Bali

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for three months on a trip of a lifetime.

hen Cape Town mom Andrea Kuti read about a natural birthing centre in Bali, Indonesia, a dream was born of furthering her knowledge and experience as a midwife. In 2012, Andrea was accepted to intern at the centre, which meant taking her husband and three young children, then aged nine, eight and three, to Bali for three months. Their plan, which had been two years in the making, entailed her husband, Greg, homeschooling their children for two months, while Andrea interned long hours at the centre. They would then spend their final month in Bali enjoying a family holiday.

The natural birthing centre is in the village of Nyuh Kuning near Ubud. “They arranged for us to live with a local family in the village for October and November, which was exactly what Greg and I wanted for our family – to live among locals and experience something of their culture,” Andrea says. “We went to Bali knowing very little about the place, and now that we’re back in South Africa, I really wish we could have stayed longer.”

Andrea’s children, especially her sons Tantan (8) and Mani (9), are well travelled, so the prospect of living in Bali for a few months was just another globetrotting adventure for them. The children had to be taken out of school for a term, but their parents were confident that they would not fall behind. Andrea and Greg came up with an unconventional idea for home schooling them. “We are very cautious about letting our children loose on the internet,” Andrea says, “but blogging was a perfect opportunity to allow them to use it for a constructive purpose. I set up a blog for each of the boys before we got to Bali, which I made private, so only family and friends we invited could access their posts. They could write about whatever they wanted to, which we supervised, and this soon covered literacy, social and cultural studies, computer skills as well as keeping in touch with loved ones around the world. It was wonderful to see their writing skills develop and observe how they perceived their experiences in a foreign land.”

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getaway

base camp Andrea admits they were a bit sceptical when they arrived in Bali and saw what was to be home for two months. The small two-roomed house was located in a family compound. The tiny kitchen was in a corner of the veranda, which also served as the lounge and study area, and the children bathed in buckets in the bathroom. But as they adjusted to a simpler way of life than the one they’d left behind in Cape Town, Andrea says they settled in to their natural surroundings, and cramped spaces eventually seemed more expansive.

“We would wake in the mornings to a plethora of unfamiliar sounds and smells – prayerful incense, crowing roosters and clucking chickens,” she says. “After breakfast I would head off to the birthing centre, which was within walking distance, and Greg and the children would take

like this all the time. Andrea points out that the slower pace of life on the island impacts the roadways too. “No-one speeds, but there is a lot of hooting – not because of road rage, but to alert other road users to watch out for you,” she explains.

They did fall off their scooter once while travelling home on a bumpy road from a trip to a restaurant located deep in the rice fields. “First my dad fell right into the ditch, then my brother holding my baby sister fell next to him onto the ground, and then me straight onto my brother and sister,” wrote Tantan in his blog. “My dad’s knees were bleeding, my brother’s left elbow was bleeding, my sister bumped her head and I never hit, grazed or made anything bleed, for as I said, I fell on my brother and sister.” Andrea wasn’t involved in the tumble as she was following behind on a bicycle. Fortunately, no-one was seriously injured.

We went to Bali knowing very little about the place, and now that we’re back in South Africa, I really wish we could have stayed longer. living local Mani and Tantan had read up about Balinese culture before their trip. They’d learnt that one shouldn’t sit with your toes pointing towards another person, as this is considered rude, so when they got off the plane they did their best to walk with their toes pointing inwards. It’s not a very practical way to walk, so it didn’t last very long, but Andrea was impressed that her children were trying to be respectful of a foreign culture, even if it was mostly child’s play.

One predominant aspect of Balinese culture is religious ceremony, which happens on a daily basis. Mani blogged about one: “We are invited to our taxi driver’s son’s baby ceremony… In Balinese-Hindu tradition, a baby is not

Clockwise from top left: Yasmin trying on a handmade sarong; on a two-wheeler on the streets of Bali; at an organic restaurant in the middle of a rice field outside Ubud

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December 2014 / January 2015

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS / ILLUSTRATIONS: ANDREA KUTI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

care of the daily running of the home and their home-school projects.” This included washing clothes by hand, which the children were unaccustomed to, coming from a city where there are washing machines to do the dirty job. In retrospect, Andrea says that everyone pitching in to do menial housework actually made the family more appreciative of one another.

But it wasn’t all mundane chores. There was a lot of adventure to be found in Bali.

Reading their blog posts reveals exciting excursions, including trips off the beaten track. Their main mode of transport for the first two months was a hired scooter, which Greg commandeered. The two boys sat behind him, with their three-year-old sister, Yasmin, sandwiched between her brothers. Entire families travel about Bali

Clockwise from left: On a home-schooling trip to the Arma Museum; Yasmin at a temple ceremony; drinking raw coconut at a household blessing ceremony in full Bali garb

allowed to touch the ground for three months, so this was the ceremony that he touched the ground for the first time.

It was highly interesting, and they put all this gold and jewellery on him, probably representing the hope that he might get good luck and be rich in his adult life ahead. The priest blessed him with holy water, and they did a mini ceremony, going around the big Balinese family compound, spraying holy water, and throwing petals everywhere.”

One can appreciate aspects of a foreign culture by simple observation, but language can pose a very real barrier to effective communication. Andrea and her family learnt some common Balinese words and phrases from a language programme she had downloaded before the trip, and these proved very useful, especially at the birthing centre. “The children interacted easily with our host family’s children because they simply found common ground through play,” says Andrea.

Andrea says there were many other exciting highlights of their time in Bali, such as a minor earthquake that rattled their Nyuh Kuning home in the family compound, but the life lessons were especially memorable. “I wanted my children’s assumptions about what is ‘normal’ to be challenged – and they were,” she says. “There are many things that we simply take for granted in our home culture or social environment, and these may not be the norm at all for others. We were often surprised, however, and deeply moved to see how aligned our family’s value system was with the various people we met.”

Blogging also taught their children important lessons. One home-school excursion was a three-day camp at the Green School in Sibang Kaja, an environmentally-friendly private school made entirely out of bamboo. Mani was involved in a minor spat with a few children at the school and unwisely used his blog

We would wake in the mornings to a plethora of unfamiliar sounds and smells – prayerful incense, crowing roosters and clucking chickens. life lessons An unexpected highlight took place one day when they decided to explore Amed and its surroundings – by car this time, not by scooter and bicycle. They ended up high in the mountains… and got lost. They had asked locals if the road they were travelling on was good, but what they thought was confirmation was actually a classic example of broken telephone. It turns out that the road’s name was Jalan Bagas, not jalan bagus, which means “good”. So it wasn’t wise to choose this road for a joyride. They managed to find their way back to the hotel eventually, and the children had great material to blog about. magazine cape town

to call them out. “We explained to him why it’s never a good idea to do this on the internet, because in our digital age everything is recorded and forever accessible. We encouraged him to delete the problematic bits from his post, which he did,” explains Andrea.

The blog posts the boys wrote during their three-month Bali adventure have given Andrea and Greg some special insight into their children’s thinking, which they may not have been mindful of had they spent these three months at home.

And blogging about their experiences has likely strengthened their memories of Bali, which turned out to be so much more than a family holiday.

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how to

the joy of giving MARC DE CHAZAL speaks to Child Welfare, and offers us some

elson Mandela said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Many children are dealt an unfair hand when they’re born: their homes and communities are rife with drug and alcohol abuse, physical and sexual abuse is rampant, and poverty casts a grim shadow over their futures.

Various child welfare organisations around the country bring hope to these children and can make a real difference in their lives, but not without our help.

cape town child welfare Cape Town Child Welfare (CTCW), South Africa’s oldest child welfare organisation, has been around since 1908. They help children emerge from crisis situations to ultimately live fruitful, productive lives.

3%

Children legally removed from crisis situations that are successfully reunited with their biological families.

“We are first and foremost a child protection organisation,” says Ina Vermeulen, who manages the intervention aspects for CTCW. “We investigate incidents of child neglect, abandonment and abuse.

About 42 new cases come through our doors every week. We also facilitate the foster care placements of children who are removed from harmful situations.” Sadly, only 3% of children legally removed from crisis situations are successfully reunited with their biological families. CTCW reaches around 4 500 children each year.

Their holiday programmes are a regular way of reaching out to many children at the same time, including those who may be at risk. These children also benefit from a nutritious meal each day during the programme. “Our community development workers organise and run the various holiday programmes for us, which have been developed to teach children life skills as well as leadership skills,” says Vermeulen.

It costs money to help this number of children. Only 48% of the organisation’s annual budget is subsidised by government; the rest of the R4 million needed to

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operate their intervention, food parcel and prevention projects each year comes from the private sector. That’s where you and I come in. Fundraising for the organisation involves direct mail, organised events, and social donor platforms such as GivenGain channels donations to worthy causes.

“Our adoption service is quite established,” says Penny Whitaker, who heads up this department for CTCW, “so it’s not our greatest need. There is a lot of interest in adopting children. We facilitate this process, which includes screening to ensure that children are adopted by caring, loving people. The best interest of the child is always our number one priority. We also offer counselling courses for families who adopt cross-culturally and the Rainbow Support Group provides ongoing support for them.”

So, if their greatest need is not for more of us to line up to adopt children, important as this is, how can we help? Here are other practical suggestions: • Emergency kits, which include essentials such as nappies, for emergency foster care placements; • Social relief – food vouchers and food parcels for when children are removed from high-risk situations and placed into safe care; • School shoes, and • Donations to finance holiday programmes and other projects.

Contact Cape Town Child Welfare: 021 638 3127 or visit helpkids.org.za

joburg child welfare Joburg Child Welfare (JCW) has been helping children in Gauteng for 100 years. They have a strong emphasis on community involvement, encouraging people to do their bit to change the lives of children for the better. It can be daunting for the most proactive of us to actually organise a fundraising event, which is why they have come up with some great magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

n

practical ways to help out this season.

ideas to help you plan your event. Here are a few: • Quiz night – hold a quiz in your local pub or community venue and charge teams to enter. Ask a local business to donate a prize.

• Golf days and other sports tournaments can be turned into a fundraiser with prizes for the winners.

• Set up a stall at a local fête and sell crafts and baked goods.

You can even try to get sponsorship for an event you’re already signed up for, which is what Jannie Smit did. He raced in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge and managed to raise R2 710 for JCW. Tristan Green, on the other hand, asked his friends to bring a pair of pyjamas in lieu of a gift for his 15th birthday. He then donated these pyjamas to children in the care of JCW. Contact Joburg Child Welfare: 011 298 8566 or visit jhbchildwelfare.org.za

child welfare tshwane For 95 years, Child Welfare Tshwane has been helping children in seven communities throughout Pretoria. Bramley Children’s Home is one of their current projects, which takes care of 54 children. This home depends on community involvement. You can help them in the following ways: • Donations for a December holiday programme for children that do not have families to spend time with over the Christmas period;

• Food donations, clothes or any secondhand items; • Cleaning materials, stationery or educational toys, and • Getting involved in one of their many fundraising events during the year.

A BBEE certificate and tax certificate is available for all donations over R200.

Contact Child Welfare Tshwane: 012 460 9236 or visit childwelfare.co.za

child welfare durban “We’ve been offering child protection services to communities in the Durban area for 95 years,” says Saveetha Matthews of Child Welfare Durban and District (CWDD). “But the expense of service delivery and the complete cost to raise well-rounded children is enormous, so funding from the business sector and donations from individuals is always appreciated.”

Their services are similar to those provided by other child welfare organisations in the country. Here’s how you can assist to meet their immediate needs in Durban: • School supplies and stationery, and • School uniforms and school shoes.

CWDD has recently opened a charity shop called Donation Station, which accepts donations of clothing, books, ornaments and toys.

Contact Child Welfare Durban and District: 031 312 9313 or visit cwdd.org.za

one man’s trash…

Spring-cleaning your house may produce all sorts of unwanted stuff you could give away to worthy causes. However, used goods should not be donated if they are in an embarrassing state of disrepair or of questionable quality. Give essential, practical items that can make a difference in a child’s life, not simply because you want to get rid of it.

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December 2014 / January 2015

29

education

checked off Use the holidays to prep for the frantic back-to-school period, armed with CHILD MAGAZINE’S helpful reminders for every stage of your child’s schooling. preschool routine and schedule • Start preparing for the new school year by getting your child back into a routine. Get her to wake up at the same time she would for school, get dressed and have breakfast.

• Talk to your child about school and their first day. It is natural for children to experience separation anxiety and to shed a few tears during their first few days or weeks. Let her know what to expect and reassure her that you will see her at the end of the day.

• Find out who your child’s teacher will be and where the classroom is located in the school.

• Figure out how your child will get to school. Will you use a lift service or will either you or your partner be able to drop them off?

• Come up with a short and sweet goodbye ritual – a high five, a quick hug or “see you later alligator”. Routines are comforting and help your child to understand what is happening.

Whatever you decide, make sure you say goodbye. Don’t quickly disappear when she’s distracted. You want your child to trust you and not think you’ll disappear every time she turns her back.

• Ensure your child’s school bag is big enough and still in good condition.

• Some schools request that your child has a change of clothes available in the event of mishaps and a blanket or pillow for nap times.

• Ensure your child has a hat and sunscreen for outside play.

• Does your child have the right footwear?

Consider getting your child to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off (no laces).

• Ensure that your child has suitable clothes for messy play and tumbles on the playground.

• Be considerate of the person changing your child’s nappies by opting for clothes that are easy to slip on and off.

play time • You may need to arrange for aftercare or extramurals if the preschool closes before you’re able to pick your child up.

Find out what the school’s operating hours are and note what activities they offer.

ready for school

create a budget • • • •

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Set up a budget and decide what you need to buy now and what can wait.

Prioritise items that are compulsory, such as summer school uniforms.

Set aside an amount for expenses that come once school starts, like locker deposits.

Find out if you need to order through a specific store or stock shop. Or look around for good quality second-hand items, like textbooks.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

• If your child has any medical conditions or allergies, stock up on extra medication that the school may require in case of an emergency.

• Check that you have purchased all the necessary stationery and school supplies. The school should have supplied you with a list.

• Make sure everything is labelled. Use a laundry marker or order labels from a label company.

primary school routine and schedule • Before school starts, get your child into a good bedtime routine.

• If your child’s schedule is going to be different next year, explain this to them ahead of time. Talk to your child about what to expect after school has finished, such as where to go for aftercare, who will be picking her up and when.

ready for school • If you need to visit the school stock shop, find out when they are open and schedule time early in the holidays.

• Find out what school bags are acceptable or whether you have to buy bags from the school. Take into consideration how much your child will need to carry. Older children may have more books or your child may need different clothes for extramurals.

• Buy stationery, textbooks and exercise books early to avoid the rush. Use contact to cover books and textbooks to keep them in good condition.

• Label books and stationery, especially items such as pencil bags, scissors and calculators.

• Label all clothing items – school uniforms, sports and PE gear (if you already know what you need), hats and shoes. If your child is attending aftercare, label these clothes as well. Don’t buy or use new clothes for aftercare.

• Make an appointment for a haircut just before school starts. Boys’ hair should be out of the eyes and off the collar.

For girls, make sure clips or hairbands are the right colour. If hair is short, ensure it’s off the face.

play time • Does the school offer aftercare or do you need to pick up your child when school ends? For aftercare, find out what clothes and food is required and what’s provided.

• If your child is required to do sport, get any uniform or equipment early on.

• If extramurals are offered, discuss the options with your child and sign up early if you can.

• Check in advance what sort of swimming ability the school requires of children. If necessary, send your child to swimming classes during the holidays.

healthy lunchbox ideas • A sk your child what she’d like for lunches. Plan a few healthy lunches in advance and write a shopping list.

• Check if the school has a no nuts, sweets or junk food policy.

• Does your child have a water bottle?

• There are companies that deliver school lunchboxes directly to the school or to your door. Find out if there is one in your area.

• If your child is allowed to buy from the tuck shop, chat about healthy choices and what she should and shouldn’t buy.

Lunchbox fillers: • Cheese blocks, nuts and biltong, grapes, fruit kebabs, berries, cookie cutter veggies and cheese, apple bites with peanut butter dip

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Finger snack lunches: • C heese squares, mini cheese biscuits, chicken pieces, ham slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber rounds and carrot or celery sticks Sandwich fillers: • C hicken mayo, cream cheese and cucumber, hummus, carrots and tomatoes Other ideas: • Sushi sarmies (cut the crust off the bread and roll it up with the filling inside), salad jars (layer salad ingredients in a bottle or plastic container; pack a fork).

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education

high school routine and schedule • Given that the first week is orientation for Grade 8s, make sure you know where and what time they need to meet on the first day.

• Remind your child to check the procedure for ordering name badges and booking lockers, and be prepared to pay a fee.

ready for school • Fit and buy school wear – uniforms, shoes and costumes – preferably only in January, to allow as much time as possible during the holidays for growth spurts.

• Take up hems to uniform standards ensuring that your daughter feels comfortable with the result.

• Wash new school uniforms before your child wears them so the fabric is not hard.

• Make sure your daughter has ample hair elastics that meet requirements, that your son’s hair is the right length, and that nails are short. Check the school’s ear piercings policy.

• For hygiene, suggest that your teen packs deodorant. Buy antibacterial waterless soap for school bags. If girls have just started their menstrual cycle,

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remind them to always carry backup in their school bag and to not flush pads or applicators.

• Labels need to be done. You can use iron on labels for uniforms, but these often have to be redone throughout the year, so perhaps sew them in. It is recommended to buy a label printer, which works well for uniforms and stationery.

• Stock up on project stuff, such as flip files, cardboard and coloured paper.

• Buy pretty paper, cellotape and labels to cover books.

• Purchase plasters for blisters caused by new shoes.

• A laminator is handy for lesson handouts and study material.

• Keep a cupboard or shelf for spare stationery at home instead of sending all of your child’s stationery on the first day.

play time • Visit the school’s website with your child and discuss what sports, activities and possible language electives are available.

• Start a conversation with her about what to expect from initiation.

• Buy your teen that new hockey stick or pair of cricket gloves; the gesture makes a special occasion of starting high school.

health checks for the new year • • • • •

Get eyes tested, once your child can read or recognise letters.

Visit a dentist every six months.

Deworm your family at the beginning of the year and again after six months.

Check that immunisation cards are up to date.

Consider starting your child on a multivitamin before school starts, to avoid the inevitable spread of germs.

• Buy sunscreen to pack in your child’s bag. body awareness and safety When your child is ready, have a conversation about HIV and Aids. To start with, learn the facts yourself. Keep your conversation simple and age-appropriate, focusing on what your child can understand. For preschoolers, start with germ awareness. For older children, explain that HIV is a germ passed between people when they share body fluids. Be careful to explain that you can’t get HIV by being friends with someone, hugging them or sharing with them. If your child knows about sex, then perhaps mention that this is one way the germs are spread. If you haven’t discussed this topic yet, avoid mentioning sex, so your child doesn’t associate it with disease. Regardless, be prepared to answer questions about sex and death. Speak to children about their bodies and their private areas and let them know that no one is allowed to touch them there. For older children and teenagers, let them know it is okay to wait to have sex, and that they shouldn’t feel pressured into it.

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books

a good read for toddlers Pig and Small

By Alex Latimer

Bear in Love

By Daniel Pinkwater and Will Hillenbrand (Published by Walker Books, R123) One morning, the bear finds something just outside his cave. It is orange, long and pointy with bushy green leaves at one end, and it’s sweet and crunchy. Where did it come from?

The next morning, there are two more of the sweet crunchy things. The bear knows that someone nice is leaving him the treats. This is a charming little mystery about unexpected kindnesses, and finding that extra-special someone. It’s perfect to read out loud to children from the age of two years old, and young children will be drawn to the repetitive element of storytelling, which is worked into the text as songs.

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(Published by Random House Struik, R76) When Pig hears a strange squeaking noise coming from his nose, he thinks something is very wrong. But it is just a little bug. The two decide to be friends, but their difference in size soon becomes a big problem, and they can’t seem to find anything that they can both enjoy. Playing a game of chess is a waste of time, because by the time Bug finishes his first move, Pig has fallen asleep. But when it comes to friendship, does size really matter? This book about friendship and finding inspiration where you least expect it, is perfect for children up to five years old.

My Daddy Says

By Justine Smith and Angie Stevens (Published by Campbell Books, R93) This padded board book is perfect for children up to five years old to share with their dads. It’s the second title in a new series about special relationships in the lives of little children. Beautifully illustrated, warm and humorous in tone, this is a story about friends who meet regularly in the park to chat and play until it’s nearly dark, and about the very special relationship that exists between children and their dads. It is a soft and gentle take on family life and of those people who hold a special place in the lives of children.

6 Friends have Fun in the Wild

By Brenda Apsley and Marie Allan (Published by Human and Rousseau, R139) Who is it going to be: lion, hippo, monkey, tiger, zebra or elephant? Which of Griff the Giraffe’s best friends can help him with his big surprise? Children from the age of three to six years old can create the story as they go along. They choose bumper picture magnets to complete the pages, and the big bonus is that the magnets can be detached so they can play again. The six soft and thick magnets attach to certain areas on each page, and children love the interactive nature of the story that enables them to decide which animal character will take part in every activity suggested by Griff. The book is not recommended for children under three years old due to the small parts, which may be a choking hazard.

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books

for preschoolers Mu’s Wolf Problem

By Maria Lebedeva (Published by Print Matters, R134) Mu is home alone – and afraid to be all by herself. What’s more, she can hear scratching and sighing. Whatever can it be? Is it a wolf perhaps? What can she do? Will Mu’s mom get home in time?

Maria Lebedeva was born in Moscow and arrived in South Africa at the age of 6 years old and now lives and works in Joburg.

She holds a Masters Degree in visual art illustration from Stellenbosch University.

Her illustrations are created using mixed media techniques, which give her work a distinctively whimsical and original style. Maria’s work captures in-between moments, memories and observations from life, mixed with folk-tale influences.

Mu’s Wolf Problem is her first children’s picture book, ideally for children up to the age of six years old.

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My Teacher is a Monster! (No, I’m Not.)

By Peter Brown (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R238) Monsters, and teachers, are not always what they seem. Bobby has a problem at school. It’s his teacher, Miss Kirby. She stomps and roars, and she won’t even let him throw paper aeroplanes in class. One day the unthinkable happens when Bobby bumps into Miss Kirby outside school. He soon finds out that there’s more to her than meets the eye. This beautifully illustrated and funny book from awardwinning artist Peter Brown for children from the age of five to eight years old, shows that monsters, and teachers, are not always as bad as they seem.

The Dinosaur that Pooped the Past!

By Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter and Garry Parsons (Published by Random House Struik, R76) Read along with Tom and Dougie as Danny and Dinosaur make history in their third adventure for children up to the age of seven years old. When they accidently go back through history on a time-travelling comed y swing, Danny and Dinosaur meet some new dinosaur classic friends. But soon there’s a rumbling noise; it’s a volcano about to erupt. Can Dinosaur save the day by pooping them back to the future? Find out in this hysterical historical adventure from the creators of The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas and The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet. The authors love reptiles and space, and after writing songs together for nine years in the band McFly, they wrote The Dinosaur that Pooped books the same way they write their song lyrics.

Lilli-Pilli’s Sister

By Anna Branford and Linda Catchlove (Published by Walker Books, R240) Lilli-Pilli’s mother is having a baby, and Lilli-Pilli is sure the baby is going to be a sister. She can feel it in her wings. But the white-winged flycatcher says his wings tell him it’s a little brother. The flycatcher’s wings have never made a mistake before.

Then the big day arrives and as Lilli-Pilli nears home, she can hear a squeaking bundle, and Mom introduces her to a little brother. Then there’s a squawking from her father. Dad is snugly holding a tiny baby fairy – a little sister. They’re twins!

Award-winning author Anna Branford beautifully tells this gentle celebration of new beginnings for children from the age of five years old. Stunning illustrations from debut illustrator Linda Catchlove make this book a keepsake.

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for early graders Fantastic Mr Fox

By Roald Dahl (Published by Puffin Books, R75) Someone’s been stealing from the three meanest farmers around, and they know the identity of the thief – it’s Fantastic Mr Fox. Working alone they could never catch him, but now fat Boggis, squat Bunce and skinny Bean have joined forces, and they have Mr Fox and his family surrounded. What they don’t know is that they’re not dealing with just any fox, and Mr Fox would rather die than surrender. Only the most fantastic plan can save him now. All children should own at least one Roald Dahl storybook and Fantastic Mr Fox is ideal to get children from the age of seven to nine years old hooked on tales by one of the world’s best storytellers. Quentin Blake, the original Dahl illustrator, also collaborated on this version.

How Crab lost his Head

By Nick Greaves and David du Plessis (Published by Random House Struik, R117) Why are dog and man friends? Why does a bat hang upside down? Author Nick Greaves continues the ancient tradition of storytelling in this renamed and freshly jacketed edition by recounting the myths and legends of southern African tribes.

Aimed at seven to 12 year olds, the 19 stories in this volume introduce a magical cast of characters, from a feisty buck, greedy vultures and a bewitched crocodile to an arrogant bat and the perpetually crafty hare. The collection of tales is a delightful addition to the successful series by the author, including When Hippo was Hairy, When Lion Could Fly, When Elephant was King, and When Bat was a Bird. With stunning, full-colour illustrations

by David du Plessis, and extra facts on the animals featured in the stories, this is a book that can be enjoyed and treasured by the whole family.

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wond e world r

A Middle School Story: I Even Funnier

By James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein (Published by Random House Struik, R130) Middle schooler Jamie Grimm has big dreams of being the best stand-up comic in the world – and he won’t let the fact that he’s in a wheelchair get in his way.

After winning the New York state finals in the Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic Contest, Jamie’s off to Boston to compete in the national semi-finals. But when one of his best buddies runs into trouble at school and a sudden family health scare rears its head, Jamie has to put his comedic ambitions on hold and stand by the people he cares about. Can Jamie pass up the big competition for the sake of his friends and family? The Middle School series is very popular with children from the age of nine years old.

The Complete Book of Flower Fairies

By Cicely Mary Barker (Published by Penguin Group, R344) This complete collection of Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies for children aged five to nine years old is also perfect for all fans of flower fairies. This wonderful collection includes all the original flower fairy poems and illustrations by Cicely Mary Barker from her classic books.

Barker’s Flower Fairies have been ethereal companions to girls and women around the world ever since the publication of her first book in 1923. The magical illustrations have inspired generations of children to search for fairies at the bottom of their gardens. There is something delightfully charming about the delicate, childlike fairies of Barker’s imagination. Once seen, they are never forgotten.

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books

for preteens and teens s

es mel a ti ale t

Lockwood & Co.: The Whispering Skull

By Jonathan Stroud (Published by Doubleday, R247) Ghosts and ghouls beware – London’s smallest, shabbiest and most talented psychic detection agency is back. Life is never exactly peaceful for Lockwood & Co. Lucy and George are trying to solve the mystery of the talking skull trapped in their ghost jar, while Lockwood is desperate for an exciting new case. Things seem to be looking up when the team is called to Kensal Green Cemetery to investigate the grave of a sinister Victorian doctor. Strange apparitions have been seen there, and the site must be made safe. As usual, Lockwood is confident; as usual, everything goes wrong.

The author of the blockbuster Bartimaeus Sequence delivers another humorous and chilling instalment in the critically acclaimed Lockwood & Co. series for children from the age of nine to 12 years old.

The Children of the New Forest

By Frederick Marryat (Published by Faber and Faber, R212) This classic was first published in 1847, but a tale of children making decisions for themselves, getting into life-threatening situations – and getting out of them – still fascinates young ones today. When Roundhead soldiers drive the orphaned Beverley children from their home, they have no idea where they will go or how they will survive. But taken in by their late father’s gamekeeper, Jacob, they learn to live a new life. They gradually shed their aristocratic sensibilities and adapt to the simple ways of the forest, working Jacob’s farmstead and befriending other inhabitants of the woodland. But when Charles II raises an army and the spectre of war returns to haunt the Beverley children, they realise they cannot hide from their true identity.

Warp: The Hangman’s Revolution

By Eoin Colfer (Published by Penguin Group, R167) FBI agent Chevie Savano is trapped in a nightmare future. Unless she can return to 19th-century London and change the course of history, millions will die. Luckily she has Riley, the boy magician, and a Victorian gangster with lovely hair to help her battle two crazed villains, who have brought the military technology of the future back in time – with potentially disastrous consequences.

The stakes are higher than the hangman’s noose and only Chevie can save the day – assuming she can avoid being killed by a couple of psycho warriornuns first. This is the second book in the Warp series for children from the age of nine years old, by the same author who created the popular Artemis Fowl.

Dodger’s Guide to London

By Terry Pratchett (Published by Doubleday, R260) Sir Jack Dodger brings you a most excellent guide to London. Children from the age of 12 years old will find out things about this city that they didn’t necessarily want to know, but they’re just too funny, weird and totally freaky not to discover. Did you know that if a Victorian couldn’t afford a sweep, they could drop a goose down their chimney to clean it? Or those nobby lady’s unmentionables could weigh up to 18kg? Did you know that parliament had to be suspended during the Great Stink of 1858? By the way, that was the smell of untreated human waste and effluent from other activities, which was very strong in central London. From the wretches of the rookeries to the fancy coves at Buckingham Palace, Dodger will show you every dirty inch of London. There is a slight warning: it includes “orrible murders, naughty ladies and plenty of geezers”.

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for us Cook. Better

By Nikki Werner and Brandon de Kock (Published by Quivertree Publications, R395) This is not a cookbook; it’s a book about cooking. Think of it as cooking between the lines. Or what your mother should have told you. It is the “ta-da” moment for those who have been cooking, duty-bound, for years, but didn’t show up for the basic training.

There are recipes, but this book is about the journey, not the destination, so taking centre stage are the hows and whys behind everyday ingredients and techniques – when to use coarse or finely ground salt; best pairings for common garden herbs; extracting and building flavour; champion chopping techniques; and foolproof fillet.

After reading this book you will realise what’s been missing from your life, and you will never again add sugar to your Napoletana sauce and will get lamb chops crisp and medium-rare on the braai.

Weekend Trails in the Western Cape

By Mike Lundy (Published by NB Publishers, R160) The Western Cape boasts some of the world’s most beautiful walks, and Mike Lundy’s books remain the most popular guides on hiking in and around Cape Town.

The walks in this collection have been carefully chosen because of particular points of interest, such as waterfalls, caves, unusual flora and spectacular viewpoints.

Every walk includes an accurate map, route description, information on the hiking time, the availability of water and practical advice on mountain safety and weather conditions, all enhanced with historical anecdotes and notes on the environment.

The guide first appeared in 1992, and for this edition all route descriptions and maps have been meticulously updated.

So, whether you are an out-of-towner or a local, it’s time to start exploring the treasures of this unique land.

The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving

By Jonathan Evison (Published by Head of Zeus, R206) Ben Benjamin was at rock bottom. Homeless and down to his last penny, enrolling in a short night course in the fundamentals of caregiving seemed the smart thing to do. But nothing in the manual could have prepared him for Trevor, a sarcastic teenager stuck in a wheelchair. And that’s assuming Ben read the manual properly in the first place. The first rule of caregiving is: be professional. So little m sunsh iss Ben probably shouldn’t tell Trevor why his wife Janet is meet ine s rain divorcing him. He probably shouldn’t mention that he contemplated man suicide last night either. The second rule of caregiving is: don’t get emotionally involved. So Ben definitely shouldn’t pack Trevor into the back of a campervan and drive hundreds of miles through the desert so he can patch things up with his father, especially when Trevor’s mother has absolutely forbidden it. Funny and tragic, this is the story of an unlikely friendship and a man and a boy’s journey back to life.

parenting book Ready to Learn, Ready for School

By Melodie de Jager (Published by Metz Press, R135) This is a practical guide to help parents, teachers and caregivers keep a watchful eye on and enhance a child’s development. The first six years write the script for a child’s school life, and there is a direct correlation between a child’s self-image and his ability to learn easily at school. This book is a map that activates a blinking red light when a developmental problem starts to grow and makes the green light shine when the skills discussed here are ticked off. Red lights don’t mean that all is lost; they simply mean that skilled professionals could be called on to help overcome developmental hiccups. The book includes practical tips, advice as well as a glossary of terms. magazine cape town

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calendar

what’s on in december and january

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

Your guide for what to do, where to go and who to see.

Compiled by Lucille Kemp

12 fri

special events

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SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Route 360 Kayamandi township tour You can enrol in a Xhosa cooking lesson, witness how a “Smiley” (sheep head) is prepared or share some love at the Foodpods vegetable hub.

WhatWhat This, Rob van Vuuren’s award-winning comedy show, is a high-energy, hilarious celebration of a hidden gem in the South African vocabulary – “WhatWhat”.

Blockbuster Babies with Nu Metro Take your little one along for the Blockbuster Babies film and be entertained by Nu Metro’s top baby-friendly pick.

The Pink Ladies Organisation for Missing Children They visit schools to create awareness of missing children, and offer a fingerprinting service for school children of all ages.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

The Art of the Brick Lego exhibit Children, adults and art lovers can see up to 70 art sculptures on display, created from more than a million Lego bricks by US artist Nathan Sawaya.

SPECIAL EVENTS

december 2014 2 tuesday The Galileo Open Air Cinema Watch a romantic comedy, cult classic, adventure sports, documentary or action flick under the stars. Food and drinks are on sale.

Ends 30 April. Time: 6pm doors open, 7:30pm–8:15pm movie starts (light depending). Venue: Hillcrest Quarry, Durbanville (Tuesdays), Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Wednesdays) and the croquet lawn, V&A Waterfront (Thursdays). Cost: R70–R95. For more info and to buy tickets: visit thegalileo.co.za

3 wednesday Kings of Chaos The supergroup, formed by some of the best rock musicians, is coming to South Africa. Special guest Steven Tyler features. Time: 8pm.

Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino, Goodwood. Cost: R950–R1 450. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000

2 December – The Galileo Open Air Cinema

5 friday Cape Ballet Centre’s Cirque du Ballet This is a circus-themed ballet production with a vintage twist, featuring performers of all ages as well as international guest artist Cito Pilini from Germany. Also 6 December. Time: 6pm Friday and Saturday, 1pm Saturday. Venue: Mountain Road Primary School, Woodstock. Cost: adults R90–R130 and children under 16 years old R60–R80. Contact: 073 107 8787, info@ capeballetcentre.co.za or visit quicket.co.za

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Ice Slide Wonderland Sessions run every hour on the hour and last 45 minutes; the last session is at 9pm. For 2–12 years old.

5 December–11 January. Time: 10am–10pm.

Venue: Canal Walk Shopping Centre.

Cost: full rider R80, mini rider R60, nonrider R25. Contact: 021 529 9699/98 or centremanagement@canalwalk.co.za War Horse The award-winning UK stage production makes its South African premiere. Ends 4 January. Time: varies, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: Artscape Theatre. Cost: R100–R450. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000

The Color Run

21 sun

A non-timed run renowned in more than 50 countries. The finish line is close to the start, and Color Runners and their families are invited to enjoy music, local food, giveaways and the festival zone afterwards. 21 December (Plettenberg Bay) and 27 December (Hermanus). Time: 10am. Cost: R220 per person, four-team entry R200 per person and free for children under 10 accompanied by an adult. Contact: hello@thecolorrun.co.za or visit thecolorrun.co.za

6 saturday Cape Fillies Guineas horseracing day The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) hosts a special fundraising function on race day. Time: tbc. Venue: The Somerset Room, Kenilworth racecourse.

Cost: R395, includes a three-course buffet meal, soft drinks, entertainment and a day at the races. Contact: 082 787 6154 or dianehayden@mweb.co.za

7 sunday FamFest There are interactive dance sessions and various workshops to keep the children busy as well as live music, a fully licensed bar and food. Time: 10am–6pm.

Venue: The Wild Clover Farm, R304. Cost: R60 and children 2 years and younger free.

Contact: 021 462 1529 or visit famfest.co.za Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series With Just Jinjer, Hot Water, Oliver Mtukudzi, Barbara Hendricks, The National Youth Orchestra, Mango Groove and Arno Carstens for New Year’s Eve, Matthew Mole, Freshlyground, Johnny Clegg, Goldfish, Mi Casa and more. Pack a picnic. 23 November–5 April. Time: 4pm gates open, 5:30pm–7pm concert. Venue: Kirstenbosch

6 December – Cape Fillies Guineas horseracing day

National Botanical Garden. Cost: adults R100–R160, 6–21 year olds R75–R140.

Book through webtickets.co.za Wiggle Waggle Walkathon This is the biggest dog-walk to hit the suburban streets.

This event supports the work of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Time: 7am registration, 9am walk. Venue: Cape Academy of Maths and Science, cnr Firgrove Way and Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia. Cost: R45 per person and R35 per dog. Book through webtickets.co.za and for more info, contact: 021 700 4141, frreception@spca-ct. co.za or visit spca-ct.co.za

9 tuesday Kidz Discovery meet and greet Register with the Bridging BrightStart School for 2,5– 5,5 year olds, as well as for the baby and toddler and art and craft classes. Time: register for school 10am–12:30pm, register for classes until 4pm. Venue: The Drive, Camps Bay. Cost: free. Contact: 083 654 2494, info@ kidzdiscovery.co.za or visit kidzdiscovery.co.za

children R95, under two year olds free. Book through Computicket: visit computicket. com and for more info, contact: 083 651 8430 or visit theartofthebricksa.co.za

14 sunday Langebaan Summer Skate Championship Join local riders as well as some of South Africa’s top amateur skateboarders for this annual championship. Time: 9am–5pm.

Venue: cnr Suffren St and Noord St, Langebaan. Cost: R30 skateboarder entry, R10 parents entry. Contact: 074 450 4294, push.school7560@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page: Push Skateboarding

20 saturday Cape Town Old Skool Music Festival For one night only, this inaugural festival consists of three dance floors: The Flashback Show at The Main Arena, is transformed into a chic, smart nightclub. Think Club 54, with music by greats such as Donna Summer and the Bee Gees. The Planet

12 friday The Art of the Brick Lego exhibit All art lovers can see up to 70 art sculptures on display, created from more than a million Lego bricks by US artist Nathan Sawaya.

Artworks include Yellow, as well as the T-Rex skeleton constructed from over 80 000 Lego bricks. Visitors can also see some of the world’s most famous artworks recreated with Lego such as the Mona Lisa, Starry Night and the Venus de Milo. Ends 28 February. Time: 9am. Venue: Watershed Exhibition Centre, V&A Waterfront. Cost: adults R140 and

7 December – FamFest

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calendar

Jazz on the Vlei food and jazz festival The festival features Richard Caesar, George Anderson, the bass guitarist from Shakatak in the UK, Janine “Blaq Pearl” and her band, and Tucan Tucan. Time: 10am–3pm food and gift festival, 5pm till late for jazz festival. Venue: 38 Sasmeer Rd, Sasmeer Estate, Retreat. Cost: free for the food and gift festival, R200 for the jazz festival, which includes a R50 food voucher. Contact: 021 761 5411, 074 302 3254 or menngos@mweb.co.za

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Base Reunion at The Basement transports you back to the 70s, 80s and 90s. The third venue is Jazz Revival at The Drommedaris Hall. Time: 2pm till late. Venue: The Good Hope Centre. Cost: R160 or R200. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com, for more info, visit capetownoldskool.com

30 tuesday Electric Vines NYE Music Festival Sun City, Goodluck, Jeremy Loops, Pascal & Pearce, Jesse Clegg and more feature.

Time: 12pm till late. Venue: Arabella Wine Estate, Ashton. Cost: R300–R1 500. For more info: visit electricvines.co.za

january 2015 31 saturday Delheim harvest celebration Guests are welcomed to toast the new vintage.

Grapes harvested on the day are available for sampling and there’ll be a grapestomping contest. Chill out on the grass at the river and enjoy eats to the sounds of a live band with a buffet harvest table.

Also 1 February. Time: 12pm–5pm. Venue: Delheim Wine Estate, Knorhoek Rd, Stellenbosch. Cost: adults R285, children under 12 R175, children under 2 free.

Contact: 021 888 4607, 079 735 3257 or restaurant@delheim.com Riesling and Rarities Rock Festival Taste the finest flagship Rieslings from South Africa’s top wine producers, paired with

20 December and 10 January – Bright Star summer art workshops

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gourmet deli fare, as well as other rare varietals. Your ticket includes all tastings as well as a tasting glass. There is live entertainment and treats available from the various deli stalls. Time: 12pm–5pm. Venue: Hartenberg Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. Cost: R120 entry; R150 for a picnic hamper. To book, visit: webtickets.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Bright Star summer art workshops 20 December: watercolour workshop. 10 January: pastel workshop. For 6–12 year olds. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm. Venue: The Zen Studio, 10 Viola Rd, Blouberg. Cost: R120 per workshop. Contact: 072 421 3489 or brightstarcape@gmail.com Free two-hour introductory fabric painting workshop 31 January. Time: 8:45am–10:45am. Venue: Pinelands. Cost: R35 per kit. Holiday classes 1–12 December, for children and adults. Contact: 021 531 8076, 082 391 4954 or wendyadriaan@ telkomsa.net Route 360 Kayamandi township tour Their tour offers you a colourful slice of the locals’ unique lifestyle, traditions and tastes. Packages range from performing and visual arts to hands-on cooking and baking experiences. Enrol in a private Xhosa cooking lesson, see how a “Smiley” (sheep head) is prepared and get green fingers at the communal Foodpods vegetable hub.

Time: 10am–1pm Monday–Saturday. Venue: depart from 36 Market St, Stellenbosch.

Cost: R400, includes transport, a meal, beverages and a tour guide. Contact: 021 883 3584 or ann@stellenbosch360.co.za Sue Nepgen’s children’s art classes First term’s programme consists of creative clay work, painting on canvas, sketching, watercolour work, chalk pastel pictures, as well as drawing and painting projects on personal themes. For 4–13 year olds. Starts second week of the first term in January.

Time: held in the afternoons and Saturday mornings. Venues: Michael Oak Waldorf School, Kenilworth or 28 Klaasenbosch Dr, Constantia. Cost: R685 a term, including materials and firing. Pro-rata fees for late joiners. Contact: 021 794 6609/4723, 083 237 7242 or snepgen@xsinet.co.za

Unbound, a Story Exhibition This is an exhibition of two collections, Katitu in the Snake’s Village and Your Secret Poet, that celebrates the transition of spoken words to bound books and framed images. 7 December. Time: 4pm. Venue: Kalk Bay Studio, 122 Main Rd, Kalk Bay. Cost: free.

Contact: 021 788 5888, 083 392 5153 or marlene.winberg@gmail.com Weekly term-time art groups The focus is on self-expression and connecting with peers through art. Groups start in January 2015 on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. For 8–11 year olds. Time: call to enquire. Venue: Frank Joubert Art Centre, Newlands. Cost: R140 per weekly session. Contact: 076 581 1794 or rebecca. solveig@gmail.com

classes, talks and workshops Info session on the Montessori method Ideal for adults wanting to study the Montessori method to support their parenting or to make it a career. 17 and 20 January. Time: 10am–11am. Venue: 1st floor, 28 Main Rd, Mowbray. Cost: free. Contact: 021 685 8119, elfsecretary@ gmail.com or visit elfmontessori.co.za Nice Touch Kids Cooking Club Handson cooking classes. The menu changes daily, email for more info. For 4 years old and upwards, children under 4 years old must be accompanied by an adult. 11– 19 December. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm.

Venue: Montana Rd, Camps Bay. Cost: R100 per child. Contact: 082 319 9215, janis@ nicetouch.co.za or visit nicetouch.co.za Preparing learners for Grade 8 Ensuring that learners have the skills needed to make a success of Grade 8. Includes adapting to high school and how to make the most of it, study skills, and managing social life and social media. Maximum seven learners.

6 and 13 January. Time: 8:45am–1pm.

Venue: 9 Firfield Rd, Plumstead. Cost R1 200; early bird fee R900. Enquire about the afternoon workshop for parents on how to support their Grade 8 learners. Contact: 021 762 1355, 083 417 1271, sharonaitken@ telkomsa.net or visit sharonaitken.co.za Tyger Valley biscuit decorating and baking classes This forms part of Santa’s Workshop at the mall. 21 November– 11 January. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Tyger Valley Centre. Cost: baking classes R95 and cookie decorating R50. Contact: info@kiddycooks.co.za

family outings Concert fundraiser for Sinethemba Daycare This daycare for children with special needs is holding a concert with Anelisa

Sue Nepgen’s children’s art classes

Mahlungulu (soprano) and Martin Beukes (violin). The Fish Hoek Ladies Choir and the youth brass band, Izivunguvungu, make an appearance. 7 December. Time: 3pm–6pm.

Venue: Fish Hoek Civic Centre. Cost: adults R50 and children R25. Contact: 021 782 8530 or gilean_norman@hotmail.com The Children’s Christmas Service An informal Christmas service for children up to Grade 7. 23 December. Time: 4pm. Venue: Church of the Holy Spirit, 38 Raapkraal Rd, Kirstenhof. Cost: free. Contact: 021 701 3201 or cathi@chscapetown.org

finding nature and outdoor play Cape Town Adventure Ziplines Seven ziplines that span a total distance of 2,3km across Table Mountain range’s southern reaches. Time: 1,5–2 hour tours can be booked throughout the day. Venue: Silvermist Mountain Lodge and Wine Estate, Constantia. Cost: R480 per person. For more info: visit saforestadventures.co.za Table Mountain Sunset Special Watch spectacular sunsets from the summit of Table Mountain. 1 November–19 December and 8 January–28 February. Time: valid for adult and child return tickets purchased from the ticket office from 6pm. Venue: Table Mountain Cableway. Cost: adults R112,50, 4–17 year olds R55. Contact: 021 424 8181 or visit tablemountain.net

holiday activities Adventure summer camp An Americanstyle four-day summer camp featuring an obstacle course, fishing competitions, shelter-building and raft-building, beach volleyball and more. For 7–14 year olds.

12–16 December. Time: varies. Venue: Buffalo Drift, Yzerfontein. Cost: R2 000, sibling discounts apply. For more info: visit bootcampbookings.co.za Breede River Rafting in December Explore the Breede River with the rafting crew and enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks or relax in camp while enjoying safe swimming and fishing. Minimum age for rafting is 6 years old. Time: Friday– Sunday or Tuesday–Thursday. Venue: Xama Fish Eagle River Camp, near Swellendam.

Cost: R950–R1 600. Contact: 021 685 7305, info@xama.co.za, visit xama.co.za or breederiverrafting.co.za Bugz December holiday programme Cooking classes, pot-painting and planting classes with Cape Garden Centre. For children 3 years and older. 17 December–4 January (excluding 25 December). Time: 10am–3:30pm daily. Venue: Bugz Family Playpark, 56 Tarentaal St, Joostenbergvlakte, Kraaifontein. Cost: R10–R60. Contact: 021 988 8836 or party@bugz.co.za Busyballers holiday clinics Obstacle courses, races and other age-appropriate games. For 3–8 year olds. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venues: Leisure Centre, Atlantic Beach Estate, Melkbosstrand (17 and 19 December) and Sunningdale Bowls Club, Sunningdale (18 and 22 December). Cost: R90 per child per day. Contact: 084 406 5165 or tammy@ busyballers.co.za Cake classes On 15 December: Christmas cookies for 5 years and older, 17 December: gingerbread teddies for 8 years and magazine cape town

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calendar older, 18 December: Christmas crackers with prizes for 10 years and older, 19 December: French Christmas chocolate log for 12 years and older. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Julie’s Cake Studio, Newlands Quarter, cnr Dean St and Main St, Newlands. Cost: R175 per child. Contact: 021 686 2372 or hello@ juliescakestudio.co.za Cooking with Hannah holiday programme Children make Christmas treats. 15, 17, 18 and 19 December. Time: 9am and 11:30am. Venue: Bergvliet. Cost: call to enquire. Contact: 082 569 8666 or cookingwithhannah1@gmail.com Crafty Play holiday club Theme-based craft activities and interactive games.

Send juice and snacks with your child.

For 5–9 year olds. 12–16 January. Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: Blouberg Sands.

Cost: R60. Contact: craftyplayct@gmail. com or visit craftyplay.wix.com/kidz Dance Totz holiday fun Two hours of dancing games, rock star/superhero hairchalk makeovers, face painting, bubbles and pass the parcel. Christmas cupcakes, tea and coffee, ribbon wands, tutus and other fun stocking fillers are for sale. Booking essential.

Minimum numbers apply. For 3–6 year olds.

15–19 December. Time: mornings (possibly afternoons). Venue: southern suburbs and northern suburbs. Cost: tbc. Contact Sara: 021 712 7656 or fun@dancetotz.co.za Holiday crafts and care Two weeks of crafts and play for 3–8 year olds. 11–19 December. Time: 7am–6pm. Venue: Sunny Skies Nursery School, 26 Howard Dr, Meadowridge. Cost: R45 till 1pm, R50 till 3pm and R55 full day. Contact: 021 712 5657, 082 781 3080 or sunnyskies@ telkomsa.net Holiday programme Yoga, story time, singing, art and crafts, nature walks, obstacle courses, lunch-making activities, sports and more. For 3–11 year olds.

15–20 December and 12–17 January.

Time: 7:30am–6pm. Venue: The Source, 11 Townsend Ave, The Vines, Constantia.

Cost: call to enquire. Contact: 021 794 2640, info@thesourcecapetown.co.za or visit thesourcecapetown.co.za

Hikes and runs in the Cape Winelands Falke summer trail run: 6 December.

Trilogy trail run: 14 December.

Delvera Hi-Tec full moon hikes: 5 and 6 December. Delvera Hi-Tec New Year’s Eve sunset hike: 31 December. Delvera Hi-Tec full moon hike: 5 January. Resolution trail run: 17 January. For more info on all the Dirtopia events, contact: 021 884 4752, info@dirtopia.co.za or visit dirtopia.co.za

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1 November–19 December and 8 January– 28 February Table Mountain Sunset Special

Holiday surf camp For 5–18 year olds.

11, 12, 15–19 and 22–24 December and 5–7 January. Venue: Muizenberg. Cost: R200 per day or reduced price for multiple days.

Contact: 021 788 8687, info@surfemporium. co.za or visit surfemporium.co.za Holiday swimming at Flippers Swim School Learn to swim in an indoor heated pool. Book 1, 5 or 10 days. From 2 years old.

11–19 December and 12–20 January. Time: book between 8:30am and 5pm. Venue: 8 Oxford Rd, Observatory. Cost: R70 per day, R600 for 10 days. Contact: 083 747 9196, info@flippersswimschool.co.za or visit flippersswimschool.co.za Indoor, inflatable play area open for the holidays Bounce World is open for the holidays and will have a coffee shop and free WiFi. 16 December–10 January. Time: 9am–12:30pm and 1:30pm–5pm. Venue: 15 Montague Dr, Montague Gardens. Cost: children 4 years and older R60, adults and children under 4 years old free. Contact: 021 552 3165, actioncricket@mweb.co.za or visit montaguearena.co.za Kidz Discovery fun factory holiday club Offers art and crafts, baking, face painting, dress up, role play, clambering, dancing, story time and more. Under 3s must be accompanied by an adult.

The programme for 2–4 year olds is on Thursdays. A programme for a broader age group and siblings is on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and TotChefs and a special craft club for 4–9 year olds is on Wednesdays.

10–19 December and 6–9 January. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: The Drive, Camps Bay. Cost: R150 and TotChefs and special craft club R200 per morning. Contact: 083 654 2494, info@kidzdiscovery.co.za or visit kidzdiscovery.co.za Kidz on The Move holiday programme The programme focuses on exercise sessions to increase fitness levels, build confidence, lose weight, improve balance and proprioception, and to have fun while exercising. For 7–14 year olds. 15 and 17–19 December. Time: 8:15am–12pm.

Venue: The Sport Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Rd, Newlands. Cost: R800 for the week. Contact: 021 659 5600 Kronendal holiday club A fully supervised day with art and crafts, baking, a mountain hike, a walk to the beach and swimming. Time: 8am–6pm. Venue: Kronendal Primary School, Andrews Rd, Hout Bay. Cost: half-day R85 (bring own snack), three-quarter R115 (includes lunch and snack), full-day R145 (includes lunch and snack). Contact Joanne: 076 402 2333 or joannefrost.s.a@gmail.com

Matai youth camp Day camps offer skillbuilding activities for 8–14 year olds. 1–12 and 15–17 December, 5–10 and 12–17 January. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: the Cape Winelands and Overberg region. Cost: R150 per child per day. Contact: 021 638 5709, 071 885 7659, 083 298 3254, info@ mataiyouth.co.za or visit mataiyouth.co.za Musical Stage School Helen O’Grady Drama Academy’s A Musical in a Week is performed at the Magnet Theatre after a week of dancing, singing and acting. For 5–18 year olds. 15–20 December. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venue: The Athenaeum, Boundary Terraces, 1 Mariendahl Rd, Newlands. Cost: R950.

Contact: 021 674 7478, info@dramaafrica. com or visit dramaafrica.com Nature’s Treasure Box art workshop Children take part in games, storytelling and walks in the magical garden where they can collect treasures from nature. Then they create and decorate their own treasure box for their collections from nature. For 6–9 year olds. 11 December. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Gold Fields Environmental Education Centre, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Cost: R60. Contact: 021 799 8670, s.hey@ sanbi.org.za, w.jonga@sanbi.org.za or visit sanbi.org.za Pilates holiday classes Supervised by a physiotherapist. 1–18 December. For 5–12 year olds and 12–17 year olds. Time: 2:45pm–3:15pm (5–12 year olds) and 3:45pm–4:30pm (teens). Venue: Catherine Chambers Physiotherapy and Pilates, Health Junction, 29 Derry St, Vredehoek. Cost: R50 per class, take a friend free. Contact: 021 461 2159, info@healthjunction.co.za or visit healthjunction.co.za Ratanga Junction is open 30 November–20 January, subject to the park’s operating schedule as it has privately booked park days. Closed Christmas Day. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Century City. Cost: R60–R172. Contact: 021 550 8504 or visit ratanga.co.za Santa’s Workshop The arena is transformed into a magical castle, allowing children to make their own Christmas presents. Santa is visiting 10–23 December, 10am–5pm. Six work stations, which include Build-a-Bear, Kiddycooks, Easy Stitch and Game Hire, keep them entertained while you shop. 21 November–11 January.

Time: varies. Venue: Tyger Valley Shopping Centre. Cost: varies. For more info: visit tygervalley.co.za/event/santas-workshop Spier Kids Clubhouse programme Activities include sand art, painting, colouring in, board games, jenga, farm tours, puppet shows, story time and movies. 12 December–9 January. Time: 8am–

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8pm. Venue: Spier Wine Farm. Cost: free for children of families eating at the hotel on the day. For more info: visit spier.co.za Summer holiday club A fun-filled summer holiday club for primary school children including crafts, games, socialising, singing and more. For Grade 1–7. 13–15 January.

Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Church of the Holy Spirit, 38 Raapkraal Rd, Kirstenhof.

Cost: R30 per day. Contact: 021 701 3201 or cathi@chscapetown.org The Kids Cooking Club and Party Club holiday programme Creative holiday fun in the kitchen. View the full programme/ menu on their website. There’ll be guest chefs with new classes. For 3–11 year olds.

8–19 December. Time: 9:30am–11:30am.

Venue: Stodels, 62 Doordrift Rd, Constantia, play area and coffee shop too.

Cost: R120 or R130 per child per class, sibling discounts apply. Contact: 083 309 8024, thekidscookingclub@gmail.com or visit thekidscookingclub.co.za Tots n Pots Constantia holiday workshops These are held in Plumstead.

For more info and the schedule, contact: Deirdre: 076 816 3892 or constantia@ totsnpots.com for the schedule.

Zip Zap Circus at V&A Waterfront 15–23 December and 14–16 January.

Time: 2pm–3pm. Venue: V&A Waterfront amphitheatre. Cost: free. For more info: visit waterfront.co.za

markets Gabriëlskloof Favourite Things Market Vintage finds, children’s clothing, decor treasures, trendy accessories, flowers and indigenous fynbos wreaths, ceramics, pamper products, artisanal cheeses, pesto and chocolates, craft beers and Gabriëlskloof wines. 12 and 13 December. Time: 5pm–9pm Friday, 11am–9pm Saturday.

Venue: Gabriëlskloof, Bot River. Cost: free entry. Contact: 028 284 9865 or nicolene@ gabrielskloof.co.za Groote Post monthly market Shop for artisan foods, art and crafts, homeware and decor, and enjoy live entertainment, Groote Post’s well-loved wines and fun activities for children. Locals present a selection of Darling gourmet produce. 28 December and 25 January. Time: 10am–3pm.

Venue: Darling. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 877 6677, eldre@iloveyzer.co.za or visit grootepostcountrymarket.co.za Kloovenburg Christmas market day Stock up on produce and ideas for your Christmas table and buy stocking fillers and presents such as Kloovenburg festive season hampers, which include products from their luxury body product range,

Birds of Africa Show and climbing event An interactive experience with free-flying birds followed by an opportunity to gear up and tackle the in-store climbing wall with the assistance of trained staff. From 6 years old. 13 December.

Time: Birds of Africa Show 11am–12pm, climbing wall 12pm–2pm. Venue: Cape Union Mart, Canal Walk Adventure Centre. Cost: free, refreshments and discounted shopping included.

For more info: visit capeunionmart.co.za/events

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calendar olives and olive oil as well as the estate’s wines. 13 December. Time: 9:30am–3pm.

Venue: Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate, Riebeek Kasteel. Cost: free entry. Contact: 022 448 1635, info@kloovenburg.com or visit kloovenburg.com Lat Wai Sunday Farm Market Outdoor market offers bungee jumping, pony rides, mini train and tractor rides, pedal go-karting and a food and craft village. Time: 10am, every Sunday. Venue: Joostenbergvlakte.

Cost: R10. Contact: 081 402 7483 Noël market with The French School For French pastries, cheese, wines, jewellery, clothes, crafts, face painting, a Father Christmas visit, a Santa wish tree and French music. 6 December. Time: 9:30am–2:30pm.

Venue: Ecole Française du Cap, Kings Rd, Sea Point. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 434 1278, ecole@efdc.co.za, noelfrancophone@ gmail.com or visit ecolefrancaiseducap.co.za Pinelands craft and gift fair 8–21 December. Time: 10am–8pm Monday– Friday, 10am–5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Venue: Pinelands High School, Forest Dr. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 661 6080 Rock a Buy Baby Market 7 December.

Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: 2nd Bergvliet Scout Hall, Constantia Main Rd, Alphen.

Cost: free. Contact: scato@absamail.co.za Sweet Valley Christmas Market An organic food market. 29 November.

Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Porters Market, Spaanschemat River Rd, Tokai. Cost: R5 entry per car. Contact: 084 582 5822 or dslabbert@sweetvalleyprimary.co.za The Village Summer Market A family market offering entertainment for the children, a whisky tour and bar, crafts and fantastic food stalls. Time: 10am–4pm every Sunday. Venue: 11 Lansdowne Rd, Claremont. Cost: free entry. Contact: info@ thevillagesummermarket.co.za The Watershed craft market There is a great selection of children’s clothes and toys. Time: 10am–7pm daily. Venue: V&A Waterfront. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit waterfront.co.za Tokai Forest Market A newly managed market outdoors in Tokai Forest. There is a jumping castle, jungle gym, sand pit, laser tag, face painting, balloon animals and pony rides for the children. Time: 9:30am–3pm every Saturday. Venue: Orpen Rd, Tokai. Cost: R5 parking. For more info: visit tokaiforestmarket.co.za Val de Vie market and polo This monthly Sunday market allows you to shop for food and wine, clothing and jewellery. You can also enjoy a polo match. Entertainment for children varies each month. 7 December and 25 January. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: Val de Vie Wine Estate, Paarl-Franschhoek Valley. Cost: free. Contact: 021 863 6100, events@valdevie.co.za or visit valdevie.co.za

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White Christmas market with Slow Market Buy from crafters, local designers, and bakers. Items on sale include gingerbread houses, decor, festive season gifts and more. 28–30 November.

Time: varies. Venue: Oude Libertas Estate, cnr Oude Libertas Rd and Adam Tas Rd, Libertas, Stellenbosch. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit slowmarket.co.za Willowbridge white Christmas Slow Market Among the white-styled Christmas trees, lanterns, lights and snowflake origami you will find a vast selection of fine foods, gifts and decor items. 17–23 December.

Time: 10am–7pm. Venue: Willowbridge Shopping Centre, Durbanville. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit slowmarket.co.za

on stage and screen Big Hero 6 in 3-D premieres on 26 December Robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada learns to harness his genius thanks to his brother Tadashi and their friends. When a turn of events catapults them into a dangerous plot, Hiro turns to his companion, a robot named Baymax, and transforms his group of friends into a band of high-tech heroes. Showing in cinemas countrywide.

For more info: visit disney.com/BigHero6 Cinderella Featuring the outrageous Ugly Sisters and the benevolent Fairy Godmother, this is classical ballet at its humorous best.

19 December–10 January. Time: 7pm.

Venue: Artscape Theatre. Cost: R50–R150.

Contact: 021 421 7695, boxoffice@artscape. co.za or visit artscape.co.za Hansel & Gretel at CapeGate A holiday theatre production for the family. 11 December–10 January. Time: 11am, 1pm and 3pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: CapeGate Shopping Centre. Cost: R55.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit capegatecentre.co.za Legend of the Neverbeast premieres on 9 January This Disney film takes Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies on an epic action adventure that’s full of heart and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Showing in cinemas nationwide. For more info: visit disney.go.com/fairies/ Pinocchio After each show the audience can meet Father Christmas. Parents are asked to take a present or a second-hand toy for an underprivileged child. Follow Pinocchio and Gepetto on their adventures to Stromboli’s Puppet Theatre. 15–20 December. Time: 10am Monday–Saturday. Venue: Nassau Theatre, Groote Schuur High School, Palmyra Rd, Newlands. Cost: R55 per person.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or for more info: visit lilliputplayers.co.za The Castle of Silence This is a musical storytelling with an African flavour by Pedro the Music Man, which features African instruments and audience participation. In

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sport and physical activities

15–20 December – Pinnochio

a little kingdom in Africa, Benjamin, the baker’s son, and Princess Lulama, have to bring music back to the castle. For 4–10 year olds. 13 December–10 January.

Time: 2:30pm Tuesday–Saturday, except for public holidays. Venue: Kalk Bay Community Centre Hall. Cost: R40. Contact: 073 902 2914 (sms) or musicman@iafrica.com The Frog Prince Presented by Stagecraft Drama Studio, this show is recommended for children 2 years and older. 6–20 December. Time: 10:30am, except Sundays.

Venue: Artscape Theatre Foyer. Cost: R70.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or Artscape Dial-a-Seat: 021 421 7695 The Gift of Dance This dance show and Christmas market is a fundraiser for Support a Child to Dance, a project that offers free dance training to disadvantaged children.

5 December. Time: 5pm–8pm market, 6:30pm show. Venue: Fish Hoek High School. Cost: market R10, R40 dance show.

Contact: 083 444 0777 or 084 573 0503

playtime and story time Noddy’s Xmas Party at Vergelegen Take a gift per child plus an extra gift for charity if you want. Tractor rides begin at 6pm. Parents can take a picnic to enjoy while Noddy and friends entertain the children. 4–6 and 10–13 December. Time: 5pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends.

Venue: Erinvale Field, Vergelegen Wine Estate, Lourensford Rd, Somerset West.

Cost: R55–R70. Contact: info@noddyparty. co.za or visit noddyparty.co.za

My Forever Friend

Cricket School of Excellence Holiday Clinic Four days of cricketing fun covering all aspects of the game. For 4–13 year olds. 15–18 December and 12–15 January. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: UCT Cricket Oval. Cost: R600 per clinic.

Contact: 0861 123 273 or adam@ cricketschool.co.za Free active outdoor programme at V&A Waterfront Free boot camp classes led by the Sport Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA). 7 October–24 March. Time: 5:30pm–6:15pm every Tuesday. Venue: Croquet Lawn. Contact: 021 659 5700 or fit@ssisa.com. Free running club led

by Nike+. 1 October–29 April. Time: 5:30pm–7pm every Wednesday. Venue: V&A Running Route. Contact: 011 256 0700 or visit nike.com. Free yoga classes led by Gururamdas Yoga Studio.

8 October–25 March. Time: 7am–8am every Wednesday. Venue: Pierhead Deck.

Contact: info@gururamdas.co.za or visit gururamdas.co.za Golf lessons with SNAG All areas of the game are covered and there are games and competitions during each cycle. The lessons run according to the school term with holiday programmes offered. All equipment is provided. For 5–9 years old. Time: varies. Venue: The River Club, Observatory. Cost: R650 per term or R80 per session. River Club members get a discount. Contact: 021 300 0140, bookings@sagolfinstitute.com or visit sagolfinstitute.com Intensive swimming lessons Sets of five swimming lessons are taught on consecutive days in an indoor, heated pool. Lessons are 15 minutes each, taught on a one-on-one basis. For children from 3 years old and upwards. 1–5 and 8–12 December. Time: 2pm–6:30pm. Venue: Laughing Waters Swim School, 21 Fairview Crescent, Milnerton Ridge. Cost: R400 per set of five lessons. Contact: 083 458 5897, laughingwaters@yahoo.com or visit laughingwatersct.co.za

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An original, quirky and uplifting play wed that uses music, mime and the magic of mirrors to teach children about friendship and the power of believing in themselves. For 6–12 years old. 10 December–10 January. Time: 10am and 12pm Monday–Saturday. Except 25 December and 1 January. Venue: Baxter Flipside, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch. Cost: R50 each or R175 for four tickets. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit baxter.co.za. Two families each stand a chance to win four tickets to the show and the book My Forever Friend, valued at R305. To enter, visit childmag.co.za/content/win-my-forever-friend

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calendar

River Rascals Kids Club Now open at the newly launched River Club, leave your rascals in a fun, supervised environment while you improve your golf on the driving range or enjoy a meal at The River Club’s resident restaurant, The Slug & Lettuce. Time: 10am–6pm Monday, 9am–6pm Tuesday–Thursday, 9am–8pm Friday and Saturday, 9am–6pm Sunday.

Venue: The River Club, Observatory. Cost: free for River Club members and diners, R50 for nonmembers for three hours. Contact: 021 448 7906 or visit riverclub.co.za

YogaWise for children An effective programme shows children how to calm themselves and feel happy. 4, 11 and 18 December and 8, 15, 22 and 29 January.

For 3–12 year olds. Time: 3:30pm–4pm for 3–7 years old and 4:15pm–5pm for 8–12 years old. Venue: Atlantic Beach Golf Estate Leisure Club, Melkbosstrand. Cost: free trial available. Contact: 072 693 3347, info@ yogawise.co.za or visit yogawise.co.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Chilton advanced course for au pairs A six-week, full-time advanced childcare training programme, which includes

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theory and practical to ensure you are well-equipped and confident to begin your career in professional childcare. Starts 26 January. Time: 9am–12pm Monday– Thursday for the theory classes. Venue: Chilton College, The Scalabrini Centre, 2nd floor, 47 Commercial St. Cost: R6 000.

Contact: 079 842 6599, chiltontraining@ gmail.com or visit chiltonaupairs.co.za Family and Friends CPR 6 December.

Time: 9am. Venue: Constantiaberg Mediclinic, Burnham Rd, Plumstead. Cost: R270 and with paediatric first aid R320.

Contact: 021 705 6459, training@pec. co.za or visit pec.co.za Help co-design Muizenberg Park The Friends of Muizenberg Park invite you to join the discussion on how to improve the

community park. There’s an interesting panel of experts participating to help highlight what would make a public space work for children. 3 December. Time: 7pm.

Venue: Muizenberg Bowling Clubhouse, Main Rd, Muizenberg. Cost: free to anyone who is interested. Cash bar available.

Contact: 072 917 9997, muizenbergpark@ gmail.com or visit Facebook: Friends of Muizenberg Park Nanny cooking and baking lessons Basic hands-on cooking lessons teaching healthy everyday meals for the family covering nutrition, health and safety, table settings and lunchboxes. Recipes can be altered to suit your diet. 2–23 December.

Time: 9am–12:30pm, every Tuesday.

Venue: Montana Rd, Camps Bay. Cost: R1 700, including ingredients, recipe folder and certificate for all four-week courses.

Contact: 082 319 9215, janis@nicetouch. co.za or visit nicetouch.co.za

on stage and screen Hope@PaulCluver 6 December: McCully workshop; 3 January: Barry Hilton; 10 January: The Parlotones; 17 January: Watershed. All proceeds from these events go to support the Thembalitsha Foundation. Time: gates open 6pm, show starts 7:30pm. Venue: Paul Cluver Wines, De Rust Estate, Elgin. Cost: varies. For more info and to book, visit: hope.org.za The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale of romance during the golden

years of the Jazz Age is brought to life in Simon Levy’s brilliant adaptation.

26 November–6 December. Time: 8pm– 10:30pm. Venue: The Masque Theatre, Muizenberg. Cost: R50–R70. Contact: 021 788 1898, masquetheatre@mweb.co.za or visit masquetheatre.co.za This is Captain Lottering Speaking Marc Lottering brings side-splitting stand-up comedy, featuring popular characters such as Auntie Merle. 2 December–10 January.

Time: 8:15pm. Venue: Baxter Concert Hall. Cost: R85–R180. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 WhatWhat Rob van Vuuren’s awardwinning comedy show, is an hilarious celebration of the hidden gems in South African vocabulary. Van Vuuren manages to tie love, life, death, koalas, adoption, fire pools, gay slang, dancing and more to this linguistic stranglehold. 1 December– 10 January. Time: 8:15pm. Venue: Baxter Golden Arrow Studio. Cost: R110 for preview tickets, R130 Monday–Thursday, R150 Friday and Saturday, R215 for the New Year’s Eve ticket. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000

out and about Fancourt festive season Karoo high tea Offers a selection of treats. 20 December.

Time: varies. Venue: manor house gazebo, Fancourt, George. Cost: R150 per person.

Contact: 044 804 0186, festiveseason@ fancourt.co.za or visit fancourt.com

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and their Born Free granddaughters. Ends 30 June. Time: 10am. Venue: Iziko Slave Lodge. Cost: free. Contact: 021 481 3861, lcollison@iziko.org.za or visit iziko.org.za

support groups LGBTI parents support group Contact Heather for further details on the regular meetings. Venue: Triangle Project, 2nd floor, Elta House, 3 Caledonian Rd, Mowbray.

Cost: free. Contact: 021 686 1475, health2@ triangle.org.za or visit triangle.org.za 3 December – Help co-design Muizenberg Park

NEO Boutique Trunk Show by Zoja Mihic This festive trunk show features South African jewellery designer Zoja Mihic in a glittering showcase of stunning pieces. A bespoke selection of dazzling items are available, making it the perfect opportunity to shop for gifts. This is the first of many trunk shows to come in 2015 at Neo Boutique. 22–24 December.

Time: 10am–7pm. Venue: NEO Boutique, One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit oneandonlycapetown.com There’s Something I Must Tell You exhibition by Sue Williamson The exhibition focuses on women activists involved in the political struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and an installation documenting conversations between iconic women involved in the struggle

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Executive antenatal birth preparation six-week course This is a pregnant couple’s one-on-one course with a nurse practitioner who has 35 years’ national and international experience. Time: 7pm–9pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Venue: in your home environment. Cost: R1 800 for two hours a week. Contact: 074 101 6704, grovemediconsulting@gmail.com or visit grovemedi-consulting.wozaonline.co.za GAP mom and baby classes GAP Mini for moms and their very young babies on 7 January: Table View and on 22 January: Durbanville. GAP Playdate for babies, toddlers and their moms/carers on 7 January: Table View and on 22 January: Durbanville. GAP Groups term starts in Table View and Durbanville

on 27 January. Contact your area for more info. Contact Tableview: 083 617 6180 or gapsunningdale@gmail.com; contact Durbanville: 083 306 2527 or gapdurbanville@playwizz.co.za Mama Bamba Way weekend antenatal workshop These birth preparation classes are designed to create empowering and transformative birth experiences for women, their partners and their babies. 6 and 7 December. Time: 10am–5pm Saturday and Sunday plus one evening. Venue: Mama Bamba, Rustenberg Farm, Stellenbosch.

Cost: R1 650 per couple. Contact: 021 786 1291, susan@mamabamba.com or visit mamabamba.com/wp/antenatal-classes/ Moms and Babes Claremont A playactivity programme using age-appropriate toys, messy and outdoor play, “feely” play, music, fine and gross motor play

and massage. Meet other moms and have a cup of tea. For 2–12 month olds. Time: 10am and 3pm Monday–Thursday. Venue: Claremont. Cost: call to enquire. Contact: 082 746 3223 or reesdi@mweb.co.za Positive Birth Movement To hear positive birth stories or share an experience, parents, with or without their babies, midwives, doulas and healthcare professionals meet monthly. 13 December.

Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: Fish Hoek Library hall. Cost: free; donations welcome.

Contact: pbmsouthpeninsula@gmail.com Toptots Claremont For creative messy play, perceptual development, age-appropriate massage, sensory motor activities, fine motor activities and a music programme.

For 8 weeks–4 year olds. Registration is ongoing so you can join a class mid-term at a pro-rata rate. Term 4 ends 5 December.

Time: call to enquire. Venue: 74 Ranelagh Rd, Claremont. Cost: R1 000 a term, first lesson is a free trial. Contact: 079 248 8083 or lisam@toptots.co.za

playtime and story time

Moms and Babes Claremont

Blockbuster Babies with Nu Metro Take your little one for the Blockbuster Babies film on the first and third Thursday of every month and be entertained by Nu Metro’s top baby-friendly pick. They don’t turn the lights off completely, and keep the volume a bit lower to protect their ears. There are baby-changing areas and space to park your baby stroller.

family marketplace

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calendar

The Keen Movement

You also don’t need to leave your baby to get a drink or popcorn, because refreshments are offered during the movie.

For more info: visit numetro.co.za/content/ blockbuster_babies/ Moms Club with babies and toddlers At least once a month there is a speaker on a baby-related topic. Time: 10am–12pm every Tuesday. Venue: Medway Community Church, cnr Medway St and Milford Rd, Plumstead. Cost: free. Contact: 084 428 4128 or eachus.rosemary@gmail.com

support groups La Leche League Breast-feeding support group meetings Southern suburbs: 9:15am–11:15am every second Thursday. Contact Natashia: 082 814 7210 or Bridgette: 083 460 5753. Parklands: 10am–12pm every fourth Wednesday.

Contact Simela: 021 553 1664, Juliet: 021 556 0693 or Bahia: 079 524 5008. Parklands: 2pm–4pm every second Saturday. Contact Kim: 082 330 5352. Parow: 10am–12pm every third Wednesday. Contact Dilshaad: 021 930 2475. Durbanville: 10am–12pm every second Tuesday. Contact Trudy: 021 976 2598, Tiffany: 021 913 3586 or Vania: 021 910 2885. Kenridge: 10am–12pm every first Monday. Contact Rosemary: 021 910 0606 or Irma: 021 979 1425.

Paarl: 9:30am–11:30am every third Tuesday. Contact Wilma: 082 922 8195.

Stellenbosch: 9:30am–11:30am every second Tuesday. Contact Francia: 082 940 9685. Leaders to call from other areas include Strandfontein: contact Sophia 021 393 1634; Malmesbury: contact Selma 083 265 5458; Botrivier: contact Tess 082 524 4243; Northern suburbs: contact Elaine 021 976 8537 or Olga 082 062 0206 The Parent Centre Moms Circle groups They are closed from 8 December and reopen from 21 January at Mediclinic Cape Town. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm every Tuesday and on 23 January at Mediclinic Constantiaberg. Time: 10am–12pm every Thursday. For all relevant information regarding the programme visit Facebook: The Parent Centre

Keedo has launched the Little Miracle Babygro range. With each one sold, Keedo is able to provide a warm meal for six disadvantaged children. The range, endorsed by Strauss, supports the company’s ongoing Feed a Child campaign, while launching Keedo’s new Let them Grow project. The baby grows are manufactured for boys, girls and unisex wear from newborn to 9 months old and is available online from 1 December. To support and learn more: visit keedo.co.za The Keen Movement The team works with a children’s home in Athlone, planning and hosting various events. They also partner with other community organisations by sharing skills and resources. They need monetary funding, art and crafts supplies, paint and paintbrushes, a Wendy house for storage of equipment and play equipment for children 3–16 years old. To assist, contact: thekeenmovement@gmail.com or visit thekeenmovement.co.za The Pink Ladies Organisation for Missing Children As partners of the SAPS, the organisation visits schools to create awareness around missing children, and offers a fingerprinting service for schoolchildren.

The information appearing on the fingerprint form is precisely what is required to report a missing child and speeds up the process when an official missing report is made to the SAPS. This information is retained by the parents, caregiver and/or school to be used in an emergency. The goal is to attend every school in South Africa to offer this service to children and their parents. To do this effectively, The Pink Ladies require a monthly sponsorship to cover all expenses for full-time volunteers, which includes accommodation when travelling, fliers, and fingerprint forms, uniforms, banners and gazebos. To assist, contact: admin@pinkladies.org.za or visit pinkladies.org.za

Animaltalk calendar in aid of Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre Animaltalk magazine has released the 2015 kittens and puppies calendar. The original 14-month calendar, with stunning full-colour photos and plenty of space to write, is the perfect way to support animal welfare while you get organised.

The gorgeous pictures will lift your spirits as you face the challenges of day-to-day life. So order one for yourself, and for family and friends.

It is the ideal Christmas stocking filler. One calendar is R149, two calendars are R260 (save R38), three calendars are R345 (save R102). Free postage in RSA. For more info: visit coolmags.com to buy the calendar online and for assistance, contact: 011 468 2090 or subscriptions@

how to help

panorama.co.za

Keedo Feed a Child campaign Local children’s designer clothing store, Keedo, has partnered with former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss to fight for the many underprivileged and starving children of South Africa. Through this collaboration,

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if you’re visiting durban 5 december–11 january Aladdin A family pantomime, which features popular songs, jokes, costumes and amazing sets. Time: varies. Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, UKZN, Glenwood. Cost: R130–R210. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

13–23 december Umhlanga Summer Festival Daily exercise classes, face painting, beach Olympics, beach volleyball, musical towels, tug-of-war, a promenade walk and more. The Lizzard Summer Surf Event, 13 and 14 December, is for novice surfers from 6 years old to masters over 50. Time: varies. Venue: Umhlanga, North Coast. Cost: varies.

Contact Umhlanga Tourism: 031 561 4257 or visit umhlangafestivals.co.za

if you’re visiting joburg 12–15 december DStv Kids Xtravaganza Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants perform daily. Time: shows at 9:30am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm. Venue: Vodacom World, 082 Vodacom Boulevard, Midrand. Cost: R135. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

3–7 december The Montecasino Christmas Village Time: varies. Venue: Montecasino, Fourways. Cost: free. Contact: 011 510 7995 or visit montecasino.co.za

2 december–1 march Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures A reconstruction of the tomb of Tutankhamun to scale. Time: 9am–7pm Sunday–Thursday, 9am–9pm Friday– Saturday and public holidays. Venue: Silverstar, Muldersdrift, Mogale City. Cost: R100–R160. For more info: visit tut-exhibition.co.za

if you’re visiting pretoria 1–31 december Jakaranda Christmas Light Festival Houses at the Jakaranda Children’s Home have been festively decorated. Time: 6pm–10pm. Venue: 1 Talitha Kumi St, East Lynne. Cost: R10 per person, R20 per person on concert nights. Contact: 012 800 4700 or visit jacarandachildren.co.za

2–7 december Kamersvol Geskenke A pop-up market that combines design, food, wine and live music. Find quality, handcrafted products that have been carefully sourced and selected from craftsmen around the country. For more info: visit kamersvol.com

6, 7, 14 and 16 december Train trip to Cullinan Take a steam train trip to the charming streets of Cullinan where you can go on a mine tour, visit the museums and craft shops and have lunch. 6 December, Santa on the train. For more info: visit friendsoftherail.com

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to capetown@childmag.co.za or fax it to 021 462 2680. Information must be received by 6 January for the February issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

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

childmag.co.za/ resources/birthday-parties

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finishing touch

wild things CASSANDRA SHAW recalls her carefree childhood and hopes that her son also gets to develop a sense of wonder for nature.

i

had a big backyard when I was a child, where I often climbed trees. I also caught bugs in jars, ate wild flowers and spent a lot of time beachcombing.

In most of my early photos I looked like a carefree child with wild, sun-kissed hair and a fine layer of dirt coating my skin.

In comparison to my son, our early years couldn’t be further apart. He lives in a flat and his backyard consists of a fake section of grass that lines the base of our balcony. There’s nothing wrong with being a city boy, but it’s very obvious where he comes from whenever we take him out into the country. For starters, he’s like a child in a sweet shop. There is endless space for him to explore and be as noisy as he likes.

He loves it! But there are other times when the elements are just too much for him, like

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when he insists on wearing snow boots in 27 degree weather and being carried by his dad because he keeps getting sand in his shoes.

The most distinguishing characteristic though is how he reacts to the unexpected.

We recently went away for a weekend

he was quite nervous being around these gigantic, prehistoric-looking birds strutting their stuff. Surprisingly, though, he had no problem when it came time to feed a couple of cheetahs their breakfast and dinner... sure, they were in captivity, but it made me think there was hope for him yet.

There is endless space for him to explore and be as noisy as he likes. He loves it! to the Klein Karoo, and one morning he called out for us, slightly panicked, when a large fly landed in front of him – he thought it was a bee coming to sting him. And when we were out for a walk and were followed by a couple of ostriches in heat who decided to perform for my husband,

I was definitely more scared in that instant than he was.

I suppose that exposure to such things is the main way for children to become more adjusted and well-rounded. With exposure I’ve certainly become more “citified” over the years – perhaps a little

too much, especially since moving to South Africa. In my defence though I think living in a place where you haven’t grown up knowing what all of the plants, animals and bugs are capable of, can put you a bit on edge – especially when it comes to your children and their interaction with them.

Perhaps we both need to explore the countryside a bit more and see what’s out there. I’m pretty sure my son would be up for it, but I think the retired tomboy I am, is more nervous of the prospect than he is.

Cassandra has enjoyed sharing the Shaw clan’s stories and experiences with you this past year. She and her family wish you and your families a very happy holiday season and an eventful New Year filled with fun and memorable stories of your own.

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PHOTOGRAPH: MENKE BONNEMA

Cassandra and her son