Child Magazine | Cape Town July 2013

C a p e

To w n ’ s

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

pa r e n t s

25

things for your bucket list

get up &

do it

getting children off the couch

singapore on a 3-day gastronomic adventure

happy

holidays

www.childmag.co.za

July 2013

free

health

spotlight on moms • dealing with postnatal depression • your baby and your back • considering a preventive mastectomy

education

entertainment

Hunter House PUB L IS H ING

Holidays are a great time to scale down on parental intensity.

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

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

In our house, this means escaping the taxing juggling of lift clubs, extramurals, homework and the morning lunchbox rush.

Of course, keeping children busy during the long winter holidays comes with its own challenges, but hopefully we’ll all find the space to create joy and fun as families.

As I write this note, we’re at the height of “protest season”, which seems to spill into our homes as we strive to reach unattainable parenting standards. So I’m really looking forward to taking a few days

Resource Editor Lucille Kemp • capetown@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Debbie Hathway

Art Designers Nikki-leigh Piper • nikki@childmag.co.za Alys Suter • studio2@childmag.co.za Mariette Barkhuizen • studio@childmag.co.za Mark Vincer • studio3@childmag.co.za

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off to watch my husband run the Knysna half marathon, to eat oysters with Robyn and hopefully do a bit of my own running with my eldest (beagles in tow) in our quest to get fit for summer. Let our Bumper Holiday issue inspire you and check our jam-packed “what’s on” pages for ways to have fun with your family.

Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za

Client Relations

P.S This month we turn the spotlight on two issues close to my heart: PND (page 8) and breast cancer (page 16), as we honour the women worldwide who fight these diseases and their partners who support them. “Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of.” – Angelina Jolie

Lisa Waterloo • waterloo@childmag.co.za

Subscriptions and Circulation

PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: BROOKE FASANI

Helen Xavier • subs@childmag.co.za

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July 2013

3

contents

july 2013

upfront

regulars

3 a note from lisa

8 pregnancy news – more than just a mood swing Lynne Gidish

6 over to you readers respond

features

looks at treatments for postnatal depression

10 best for baby – lighten the load

16 making a clean breast should you consider a preventive mastectomy? Glynis Horning investigates the odds

20 up and at it children can now get fit in numerous creative ways.

By Lucille Kemp

22 what’s it worth? Ruth Rehbock says children should learn the true value of money, charity and self-worth

24 feasting in Singapore Christina Castle grabs her preteen son for a gastronomical adventure in the Garden City

26 nutrition’s little helper there are so many vitamin supplements on the market, it can create confusion. Tori Hoffmann sheds some light

Françoise Gallet suggests ways to support your back when carrying or bathing your baby

11 upfront with paul what’s in a name you may ask? Plenty, says Paul Kerton

12 dealing with difference early detection of cancer signs in children could save lives. By Glynis Horning

28 resource – make a memory Child magazine recommends a bucket list of things to do with your children while they’re young

30 a good read new books for the whole family

34 what’s on in july 46 finishing touch Anél Lewis warns against instilling gender stereotyping in our children

health

classified ads

15 warts and all Tamlyn Vincent looks

41 family marketplace

at ways of to get rid of these unsightly skin deformities

43 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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July 2013

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

EARTHCHILD Clothing earthchild.co.za

Mr Price mrprice.com

EARTHCHILD Clothing earthchild.co.za

EARTHCHILD Clothing earthchild.co.za

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July 2013

5

letters

how do I get my copy?

I have had the pleasure of reading Child magazine for the first time. It says on the cover that it is “free”. The magazine is amazing and I will not mind paying for it, but, if it is free, where can I get a monthly copy? If not, where can I buy it and what does it cost?

Adri Grant Childmag says Welcome to our community of readers. Our magazine is free, but if you can’t get hold of a copy, why not subscribe for R165? This means the magazine is sent to your mailbox for a year and you won’t need to hunt for a copy. Send your details to subs@childmag.co.za and we’ll take it from there. Happy reading!

can’t get my child into a school Our government, in particular the Department of Education, has suggested that all parents have their children registered at public schools, for 2014, by the end of May 2013. This is a brilliant idea. However, has this minister considered that there are not enough public schools or places in the schools for all children? I have registered my son at five schools in our area and have had five calls to say that they are full. They also added that I should have sent my child’s siblings to that school. I understand that siblings get first priority, but how do I get my eldest into a school that is already full? I am now desperate as to where to send my son to school next year and being told that “he’s on the waiting list” does not help. I’ve also been told that schools are not allowed to have a waiting list anymore.

over to you

My child needs to go to school next year. I’ve done all the right things to get him there: stood in queues at 4am; given the schools all the information they might require, but I now have to pray that 15 or 20 other parents will take their child out of school so that my child can go to Grade R. When is the government actually going to do something about educating the children in this country?

Roisin Losco

it was a great journey After just over three years delivering Child magazine, I believe it is now time to concentrate on various other pursuits and pastimes. I must say that it has been fun. Although it had its moments in the rainy season, it saved me a whole lot of cash in gym fees and it has given me the opportunity to make friends with numerous dedicated childminders.

I guess when you hear some of the school children calling you “Grandpa” as you struggle through the door with four bundles of magazines in your arms, it makes one think! The reaction and feedback over the years to your very popular magazine has always been highly complimentary and positive. The only negative comment I ever received was on the size of the magazine, people saying it’s just too big, but then I always told the teachers that “lots of good articles need a big magazine.” Thank you again for the opportunity.

Forbes Horncastle

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.

what a weekend!

thank you for giving me hope

We have recently returned from a weekend at Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, which I won through Child magazine. Trying to organise a romantic getaway without the children was an enormous task. We had both forgotten how wonderful it is to be spoilt, cared for and pampered in every way possible. I cannot describe the game drives, our great host Phillip, the animals and adventures we were taken on, the people we met, the adult conversation and the food; oh my word – five star service every minute. Thank you so much for such an incredible experience. We all forget how important quality time is for us parents.

Bonny Cooke

I am a young mother of a two-year-old baby girl who was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital. (This is a rare congenital disorder that is characterized by multiple joint contractures – Ed.) It was not easy accepting that she would not experience her development stages like other children would, but with the help of the internet and access to publications like Child magazine, I’ve found hope again. I have learnt that giving your child your full attention and showing them that you love them regardless of their disability, will encourage them and help them develop self-esteem. Thank you for a magazine that informs us on how to deal with specialneeds children.

Anonymous

meningitis scare Thank you Child magazine for making us aware of meningitis (May 2013). Most people only realise the severity of these diseases when they occur in their own home. Education is important, and even though the number of cases are reduced due to vaccinations, the advances of modern medicine and early diagnosis and treatment, most people are misinformed. Most mothers do take their children for vaccinations, but parents and young adults are not educated, hence we often miss the signs until it is too late. Let’s spread the word and not just give vaccinations and medication.

Matsepo Manyokole

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July 2013

the need for alternative schools I think an alternative to traditional schooling is definitely a must. Having to deal with a child who does not conform to how most children learn is something I do understand. However, my problem with some of the alternative schools I have investigated is that these children are limited from a more inclusive view of the world on a social level. The schools are often too small and offer no valuable physical extramurals, so the child does not have access to team sports, which I believe is a very important life lesson in how to manage conflict, play fair and get exercise. The other downfall

to these schools is that, because they are either small or exclusive, they are very expensive and certainly do not suit many parents’ budgets. There was also a quote about traditional schools being based on memorising information. OBE (outcome based education), which has just been thrown out of the GDE (Gauteng Department of Education), did not focus on memorising work or rote learning at all and this is proving part of the problem in higher learning. As much as we need to understand and experience something to learn it properly, it is naive to discount the value of rote learning in exercising the brain.

Leigh Thomas

it’s chocolate or (vanilla) ice-cream My daughter is the loving offspring of a mixed race marriage. When she was four years old, while bathing her, she looked at me and she said “mommy, you and dad don’t look the same. You are chocolate and he is ice cream, and I’m fabulous”. Even now, at age six, she still doesn’t call a black person “black” and a white person “white” – its chocolate or ice cream.

Nunki Khoza subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competition.

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We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

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

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

magazine cape town

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July 2013

7

pregnancy news

more than just a mood swing

m

airéd Edwards, of Joburg, started feeling anxious and weepy about six weeks after her son’s birth, but she thought these were normal “new mommy” feelings. The attorney, and mother of David, now two, and Ciara, six months, shares her experience: “My mother had returned home after being with me and I was feeling increasingly isolated and overwhelmed about not being able to do the motherhood thing perfectly when I was doing everything else in my life so well. Control is a big issue for me and I found being at a baby’s mercy very hard. The day that I had a complete meltdown and couldn’t stop crying, quite unlike the usually calm and collected me, my husband took it seriously and contacted my gynae. We’d been told during our antenatal classes that people with A-type, perfectionist personalities like mine are susceptible to postnatal depression (PND).”

Mairéd was referred to a psychiatrist who put her onto medication and she also went for counselling. “Employing a nanny and another visit from my mom made a huge difference as I managed to get a lot more sleep (sleep deprivation played a huge part in my postnatal depression) and gave the medication a chance to start working. Realising that it was my body’s reaction to a massive drop in hormones, and not a weakness or fault of mine, made me feel a lot better and I stopped beating myself up and feeling ashamed and inadequate.”

Postnatal depression is a medically recognised disorder that can be treated, says LYNNE GIDISH.

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July 2013

Mandy Rodrigues, a Joburg-based clinical psychologist, says, “There’s a vast difference between having the baby blues and PND. Baby blues affects between 50 and 70 percent of new moms between days three and 10, with bouts of weepiness and feelings of insecurity in being able to cope. But unlike PND, these symptoms are temporary.

PND develops slowly at any stage of your baby’s first year, and may progress into a chronic low-grade depression if it’s not treated. There are many misconceptions about PND, which is why there’s so much guilt and shame involved. There’s also a great deal of stigma attached to the condition as many people think having it implies that you are a bad mother, that you’ll harm your child and that you are weak because you’re unable to cope with something that should be completely natural. But this is not true. PND is a medically recognised mood disorder that affects women indiscriminately. It’s important to understand that motherhood is not easy no matter how capable you may be in every other aspect of your life.

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ILLUSTRATION: shutterstock.com

maybe it’s just the blues?

Bonding with your baby may take time. You may have difficulty breast-feeding, and be sleep deprived, which is often used as a form of torture because it causes depression, confusion and even psychosis after 48 hours, and plays havoc with your emotions and hormones. This sets you up for developing PND, especially if you are an “of-course-I-cancope” A-Type perfectionist. The good news is that there is help out there. It’s important to see a professional for medication and therapy and to ensure you get support at home.

Don’t beat yourself up – you are not a failure as a mother; you may just need a little time to adjust.

caught off guard Shelley Ball, Joburg-based mother of Bianca, 14, Joshua, four, and Catherine, nine months, never suspected that she would develop PND with her second pregnancy.

“Bianca’s pregnancy and birth were problem-free and I coped perfectly well as a new young mother, so the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that engulfed me when I had Joshua took me completely by surprise. I was older, had done it before, and should have known it all, especially as a successful juggler of a high-flying career and motherhood, who had handled the stressful emotions of a divorce and was happily remarried.”

But things were different this time. Shelley was bedridden for three months with an “incompetent cervix”, a diagnosis that constantly played on her mind. “I felt completely inadequate, unable to naturally carry my own child, go to work or be a wife or mother.

Things got worse after the birth. I was an absolute mess, crying all the time as I battled to cope with the children. I thought that going back to work when my son was four months old would help, but it only made things worse. Since I’ve always been a high achiever I felt like a failure. I was referred to a psychologist who diagnosed PND and prescribed antidepressants. That, together with therapy, allowed me to slowly reclaim my life.”

That was until she fell pregnant with Catherine, and the same thing happened again.

“This time I spent four months in bed, but as soon as I started spiralling down I went onto medication, which helped. I now understand that PND can happen to anyone, regardless of how capable you may be.”

Lynne Gidish holds the Pfizer Mental Health Journalism Award for 2012/2013. This is the second year that Pfizer SA has sponsored the award in partnership with Sadag.

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one in 25

the number of dads that suffer from postnatal depression

what to do if you think you have PND Elizabeth Matare, chief executive officer of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), offers the following advice: • Remember that PND is a very common illness that can be successfully treated and you are not suffering from it because you are weak or hopeless.

• Seek professional help at the first sign of any symptoms.

• Grab as much sleep as you can at every possible opportunity.

• Make sure that you eat regularly and healthily to keep your energy levels up.

• Get some exercise – even a walk outside will do wonders.

• Communicate with your partner; you need his support. Having a young baby will be difficult for him and he’ll be concerned about you too.

• Don’t suffer in silence. There’s no embarrassment or shame when it comes to PND. Talk to other new mothers – you’ll find that many of them also feel the same things you do.

watch out for these symptoms • • • • • • •

Anxiety Weepiness Feelings of guilt and insecurity Irritability Exhaustion Loss of interest in usual activities Loss of confidence and self-esteem • Living from feed to feed

where to go to for assistance South African Depression and Anxiety Group Contact the tollfree helpline: 0800 753 379; the sms line: 31393 or visit sadag.org Post Natal Depression Support Association Sms “help” to 082 882 0072 and they will contact you, or visit pndsa.org.za

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best for baby

lighten the load

i

f you’ve balanced your baby on your hip, with your cellphone tucked under your ear, and then bent down to pick up a heavy nappy bag, you may well have strained, or even injured, your musculoskeletal system.

a pain in the back New mothers find that the first three months of a newborn’s life are particularly physically demanding. The combination of breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, lifting and carrying a baby, sleep deprivation and the stress of coping with a new baby makes new moms susceptible to back pain of all types.

Joburg-based chiropractor Dr Michael Marinus explains that, during pregnancy, the body releases hormones that relax the ligaments to allow the pelvis to move for natural birth. Your body also undergoes rapid weight gain. Then post pregnancy, as your ligaments are still loose from the hormone release, your subsequently weakened postural muscles have to work “double time”, says Marinus. The functionality of the core stabilising muscles will be compromised further if you have a Caesarean.

And what exacerbates matters, asserts Joburg chiropractor Dr Monica Fiandeiro, is that new mothers are often not taught correct postural breast-feeding techniques, carrying methods and lifting positions. “While mom is so busy caring for her little one, she will often compromise herself into awkward positions.”

tips for tending your back and your baby Power nap Fatigue affects your physical coping strategies and makes it difficult for your body to heal. Avoid the temptation of doing housework while your baby is sleeping and get some rest too. Even 10 minutes can be beneficial.

Bath time Place the baby bath on the kitchen sink where it does not require heavy lifting to fill and empty. Your working surface needs to be at elbow height. For older babies, place a pillow under your knees, a folded towel under your ribs and let the bath brace you underneath your arms.

Picking your baby up from a cot, a playpen or the floor Face your baby and then squat by bending your knees, keeping your back straight and sticking your bottom out to maintain the lumbar curve. With your body in this position, bring your baby close. Use both arms to lift your baby.

Carrying your baby Change sides regularly.

Using a pram Adjust the handles so that your elbows are comfortably bent and your back is straight. Buy wisely; opt for a lighter weight stroller.

Putting your baby in a car seat Avoid bending and twisting by ensuring the seat is easily accessible in your car.

Baby pouches A pouch that positions your baby in front is ideal when they’re still small. As they get older, they can face forwards. Reduce strain by keeping your baby close to your body and positioned in the midline.

Gentle exercise This helps your body regain its muscle tone and strength. Note that mothers who have had a C-section need to wait at least six weeks and get their doctor’s approval first.

Carrying a baby can be a back-breaking

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activity. Françoise Gallet suggests ways to spare you the strain.

Breast- and bottle-feeding Sit in an upright chair and slide a small pillow in above your buttocks to keep the lumbar spine concave. Prop your baby up on your lap with pillows to avoid slumping forward or lifting your baby with your arms.

Lift your head frequently to break the flexed position of your neck when looking down. If possible, you can try breastfeeding while lying in bed on your side. Avoid crossing your legs while sitting and keep both feet on the ground.

Changing nappies Make sure your hands touch the surface with a slight flexion at your elbows.

who to see Chiropractors assess, diagnose and provide treatments for drug-free pain relief. Physiotherapists treat musculoskeletal dysfunction during or after pregnancy. If you want the problem looked at holistically, an osteopath who specialises in the biomechanics of the body will also offer long-term care, such as advice on how to sit correctly.

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upfront with paul

naming rights PAUL KERTON says if you are determined to give your child a name that better suits a demented poodle, you are not doing her any favours.

o PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

kay, I admit, it really isn’t my problem anymore; having two daughters with what I consider to be great names – Saskia and Sabina – to match their fabulous personalities.

My friend though, a pending new father, is struggling with names and it is painful watching him grapple with the pressure to find something different, but not too different, distinctive, without being pretentious, authoritative without being naff... Tarquin? No. Dante? No. Eric? No. You have to give a name some real thought since your child is going to go through life bearing the weight of it. This can range from the sublime – John, that is unduly neglected (as it does not pass the put-some-work-into-it test), to the ridiculous, as personified by numerous

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pop icons, often while under the influence of artificial stimulants. David Bowie gave his son a girl’s name, Zowie (a bastardisation of Zoe), simply to rhyme with Bowie. Luckily Zowie overcame this disability to become a feted, awardwinning film director, now under the more sedate name, Duncan Jones (Bowie’s real surname). I was working with Paula Yates when she called her first baby Fifi-Trixibell.

I told her it sounded like a demented poodle, but she loved it and called her second daughter Peaches Honeyblossom.

Her “love child” with INXS’s lead singer, Michael Hutchence, is a real mouthful: Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily.

The hippy era caused all sorts of ghastly aberrations as well-meaning, tepee-dwelling parents sought to connect

with nature and a more tranquil lifestyle.

Parents actually called their children names like Peace and Love. The late actor River Phoenix’s hippy parents also called his siblings, Rain, Summer and Liberty.

The problem is that baby names are often part of trendy fads that fade fast.

Should Prince William and Kate name their daughter Jessica, then half the world will be teeming with Jessicas. Teachers hate it when they have more than two of the same name in class. Can you imagine teaching five Jessicas?

The main advice is to keep it simple and avoid undue complications. On a practical level, think how many forms and official applications your child is going to write in their lifetime. Using the name of every member of Manchester United’s

cup-winning team is not a good idea. It is handy too if people can actually spell the name and pronounce it. I spent half my life listening to my wife, Tziona, first spell and then pronounce her name a thousand times to strangers. It gets tedious.

When I arrived in Africa I thought the traditional naming of children after emotions or personal qualities was quite charming, but it’s a big ask for the child to live up to the name as they grow up. I have met a helluva lot of women called Patience who don’t have an ounce of it. I once went into a restaurant and when I asked the waiter his name, he said, “Pardon.” After about half an hour spent repeating myself, I twigged that Pardon was his Christian name. (Honestly, I couldn’t make that up).

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

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dealing with difference

of adults, so while, for instance, bowel cancer cells in adults double in about 300 days, those in children may double in 30 days or even 30 hours. But this more rapid growth makes these cancers more sensitive to treatment, and even those in stage four – the most advanced – can today often be cured.

Of the

2 500 children who develop cancer each year in SA, only

childhood cancers and treatment

c

Robert undergoing treatment

olleen and Mike Eddles were taking a brief break together in the Okavango when they had the call every parent dreads: “Robert’s not well,” their au pair told them from their Durban home. The week before, they had taken their six-year-old son to the GP to check out a small lump in his groin, and been told it was nothing antibiotics would not sort out. Now it was red and tender, and when the au pair took him back to the doctor, his spleen was enlarged and there was activity in his blood. The doctor advised a biopsy. Colleen and Mike rushed back and, two days later, on 31 May 2006, heard the words they feared most.

“I’m sorry to tell you your son has cancer; acute lymphocytic leukaemia.”

“Why are you crying?” their pale but composed boy asked later, as sisters Megan, nine, Gilly, 14, and other family and friends gathered around. “You have baddies in your blood,” explained his father. “But doctors are going to bring in an army of goodies to fight them.”

That weekend the Eddles began to wrestle with the inevitable questions. Why them?

And would their son be all right? In the eight months of intensive treatment that followed, they found answers “and incredible support” from the Durban paediatric haematologist who supervised Robert’s blood transfusions and chemotherapy injections and drips, from the psychologist who counselled him and them, and from the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (Choc).

800

Worldwide, the most common childhood cancers are leukaemia (around one in three get diagnosed and treated of all cancers in under 15s), followed by brain tumours (around one in five) and lymphomas and neuroblastomas. Though in South Africa Wilms’ tumours (kidney cancer) are the third most common, Davidson reports.

Childhood cancers now have an overall cure rate of around 70 percent, rising to 80 percent for some leukaemias like Robert’s (which some 50 years ago stood at just five percent), and over 90 percent for localised Wilms’ tumours and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This progress is due largely to the establishment of specialist childhood cancer referral units linked to major academic hospitals, which include support services, from laboratories to social workers and therapists, for a multidisciplinary team approach. It can also be attributed to medical advances. Chief among them, says Davidson, are improvements in the treatment of infections and other side effects, allowing for more intensive treatment; the advent of implantable ports and lines to take blood samples and deliver chemotherapy; and surgical advances like minimally invasive surgery and bench surgery, where organs are removed for surgery and then replaced. Other advances are the use of titanium clips to mark surgical beds for radiation treatment, new forms of radiation therapy to make it safer and more effective, bone marrow transplantation, and new biological agents.

In January 2009, Robert’s haematologist did a marrow biopsy and it came back clear. She kept him on medication and he had further chemotherapy and lumbar punctures every three months. Then in July 2011 this too stopped. Today he goes only for biannual checkups. “Strangely, this has been almost as hard for us as Robert’s treatment,” confides Colleen. “A security blanket – the routine reassurances of the tests and of the doctors and nurses, who have become like family – has been pulled away. Sometimes Robert asks ‘Can I get cancer again?’ And I tell him, ‘we can never say never.’ In the dead of night I still worry. But counselling has helped me deal with this, and with the anger you feel at times.”

there is a bright side diagnosis and support One of Colleen’s biggest comforts has been chatting with mothers of other children with cancer. “Whenever you think you’re having a bad time, there’s always someone at Choc who has had it worse than you, and you realise how much you have to be grateful for.”

While around 700 children diagnosed with cancer in South Africa are reported to the Children’s Tumour Registry each year, it’s believed that this is only a third of the actual number of sufferers. “The rest are either not reported, for example children who undergo surgery without being referred to an oncologist or who die before referral, or are never diagnosed and receive no treatment,” says Davidson.

In addition, many children are diagnosed only in the final stages when treatment has less chance of success. “Some parents first consult traditional healers or try alternative remedies, and even when they do use conventional clinics or hospitals, the cancers may go undetected for varying periods,” he explains. Many also struggle to raise the transport costs to hospital, which prevents them from bringing sick children back for chemotherapy or checkups.

coping with childhood cancer The prognosis for children with this disease is usually good. So spot the signs and find the right help fast, says Glynis Horning.

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July 2013

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PHOTOGRAPHS: Michael Eddles / GLYNIS HORNING

What they learnt began lifting the fears that weighed them down. First, they were in no way “to blame”. It has been established that childhood cancers, which affect around one in every 600 children before the age of 15, are different to adult cancers, which are often linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking, environmental factors (pollution, radiation, sunburn), and genetics. Most have no discernible cause. “Some parents struggle with the fact that there is in most cases no easy answer; nothing or no one to blame,” says Prof Alan Davidson, associate professor in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Cape Town and head of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

Second, the prognosis is amazingly good. The overall cure rate for childhood cancer has improved considerably over the past 25 years, even for aggressive types, Davidson says. And Robert’s type was the most common childhood cancer, one that progresses rapidly but responds well to treatments and has a good chance of curing. Children’s natural resilience is one of the biggest factors countering cancer. They tolerate treatment better than adults and have fewer side effects. Their cancers grow more rapidly than those

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July 2013

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dealing with difference

This is where Choc helps, assisting where possible with transport costs and providing parental accommodation for families living far from town. “Our family has so much to be thankful for,” says Colleen, hugging Robert as he runs up for a photograph.

Today he’s an engaging, energetic 11-yearold who has now started playing water polo.

Confident beyond his years, he also speaks at blood donor rallies. “I want people to know about cancer in children, especially, so they can watch for signs and catch it early,” he says earnestly. “And I want them to be able to get stuff they need, like blood and bone marrow donations. I didn’t need marrow at my stage, but blood donations helped save my life.”

check your child

parenting pointers

If the following signs persist, they can indicate cancer: • lump in the abdomen, pelvis, head, neck, limbs, testes or glands (armpits, groin); • b ulging eyeball, impaired vision, new squint, white spot in the eye; • enlarging head; • easy bruising or bleeding; • unexplained fever, loss of appetite and weight, pallor, fatigue; • u nexplained headaches and vomiting and fits; • aching bones, joints or back; • easy fractures; • a change in balance or gait and • a change in behaviour or achievement of milestones.

Dr Brenda Talbot is a Durban-based child psychologist with a PhD in the field of childhood cancer. Her son was diagnosed soon after birth with a life-threatening blood disorder and passed away in 2005 at age 21. She and Alta Bence, Choc’s psychosocial support services manager in Joburg, advise: • Answer your child’s questions honestly in age-appropriate terms.

• Never lie; it breaks trust. Even giving blood is not painless, so explain that it hurts a bit but will be over fast if they stay still.

• Illness and hospitals disempower, so empower your child with choices wherever possible – even just to offer their left arm or right when giving blood.

• Encourage your child to play out fears with toys or in drawings – acknowledge and name their emotions, and listen actively.

• Treat your child with cancer the same as others in terms of discipline; don’t overcompensate.

• A young child may wonder if they’ve done something bad that made them sick – reassure them. The same is true for siblings, who may feel they’re to blame for the illness.

• The sick child will receive attention and gifts; set aside one-on-one time and

Sms the name of your province to 34486 and a Choc representative will contact you. Or contact Choc: 086 111 2358 (Joburg), 086 110 6441 (Cape Town), 086 111 2182 (Durban), 012 323 3490 (Pretoria) or visit choc.org.za If cancer is diagnosed, consult a paediatric oncologist, preferably attached to a specialist referral centre in a major hospital with a multidisciplinary team.

small treats for siblings too.

• Know that a child with cancer has the potential to be as well adjusted as their healthy counterparts. Get counselling to help if necessary.

• Encourage your child to participate as much as possible in ordinary activities – achievement builds self-image and socialisation is vital.

• Some parents become intensely involved with the sick child, but others immerse themselves in activities like work – this reflects different coping styles to protect themselves from the reality of the situation.

• Try to be involved in the illness as a couple so it doesn’t come between you.

• If you have difficulty resolving differences, get professional help.

Colleen and Robert celebrate his good health

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magazine cape town

health

p

warts and all

ut a frog in front of a girl, and she’s likely to squeal that it will give her warts if she touches it. But warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and spread by contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, and infected people, rather than a chance encounter with a hapless amphibian. Most people develop immunity to HPV over time. Younger children with a still-developing immune system are therefore more prone to developing warts.

how you get them The spread of this contagious virus is made easier if there is some breach in the barrier of the skin, says Dr Ilshpi Browne, a Cape Town-based dermatologist. This may occur if the skin is injured, or has been in water for too long, perhaps if the child has been swimming. Warts can also be spread around a child’s body if they pick at a wart and then scratch themselves elsewhere. Warts can grow anywhere on the body, including the soles of the feet, or on the lips and inside the mouth. Warts that develop on the bed of the nails are difficult to treat and could affect the nail’s growth.

getting rid of those bumps Fortunately, warts seldom exist for more than 18 months in people with a normal immune system. “Warts are not life-threatening and will run their course anyway,” notes Browne. But treatment is still recommended, as warts can get bigger or spread, says Durban pharmacist Peter

magazine cape town

Although generally harmless, warts are an unpleasant skin condition that can easily be treated. By Tamlyn Vincent

Carruthers. They may also be uncomfortable or even embarrassing for children. Plantar warts, which grow on the bottom of the foot, need to be treated by a doctor. For other warts, there are various treatment options.

One home remedy worth trying is using an occlusion tape, such as duct tape. This should be left on for a week at a time, which will cause the wart to soften and dissolve.

This will cause an inflammation that will activate the immune system to get rid of the wart. Browne says that, although a safe option, it often doesn’t work as people don’t keep the tape on for long enough. Using plant juice, such as aloe, may work if it causes some inflammation. But Browne cautions against using substances on children, especially on fingers that could come into contact with the mouth.

Over-the-counter medications are also available.

Salicylic or lactic acid treatments can be painted onto the wart. It may also help to file the wart down with an emery board. However, it could be several months before you see results. Carruthers says these treatments need to be used with care and noninvasive homeopathic lotions or tablets may be better for children.

A doctor can also surgically cut out or remove a stubborn wart with liquid nitrogen. Although quick, a surgical procedure may be painful and more likely to leave a scar. Brown adds that as the immune system is not involved in getting rid of the wart, the child is not building immunity to the virus and there is a chance of recurrence.

prevention is better than cure • C hildren should not share towels and washcloths.

• Encourage them to wear slip-slops in communal changing rooms and around pools.

• Keep their feet clean and dry, and change socks and shoes daily.

• Boost their immune system with a healthy diet to prevent warts from recurring.

old wives’ tales There’s no guarantee that any of these remedies will work, but there’s also no harm in trying.

• Peel a thin slice of potato skin and rub it onto the wart. Repeat this twice a day.

• Rub garlic onto the wart and then cover the wart. Repeat twice a day.

• Cut off a small piece of banana skin and tape it, inside skin down, onto the wart.

• Rub apple cider vinegar onto the wart using some cotton wool, then cover. Repeat every 12 hours.

• Paint a layer of clear nail varnish over the wart, repeating whenever the nail polish comes off.

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15

spotlight

making a clean breast Angelina Jolie has made headlines with her decision to have a preventive double mastectomy. Yet this is a decision ordinary South African women have been

a

t 37, Angelina Jolie is at the peak of a profession obsessed with appearance and, with partner Brad Pitt, is part of one of the world’s most attractive brands – Brangelina. But when she learnt she carried the cancer gene that caused her mother’s death at age 56, having a risk-reduction double mastectomy seemed the sensible choice. As she wrote in the New York Times in May, “My doctors estimated I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and minimise the risk as much as I could.”

Spelled out this way, what woman would not do the same, if she could afford it? Especially a woman like Jolie with young children: Maddox, 11, Pax, nine, and Zahara,

eight (who Angelina adopted), as well as Shiloh, six, and twins Knox and Vivienne, four (who she had with Brad).

“They know that I love them and will do anything to be with them as long as I can,” she noted movingly.

should more of us consider gene testing, and taking this route? “A risk-reduction double mastectomy is no walk in the park. It’s major invasive surgery with risk of complications,” says Cape Town breast cancer surgeon Prof Justus Apffelstaedt, president of the Breast Interest Group of Southern Africa and head of the Breast Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town. “On the other hand, with modern surgical approaches we can preserve the outer contour of the breast as well as the nipple and areola and give these women a virtually normal appearance. For women who are at high risk, and who have it done in reputable centres by experienced specialists with proper counselling and appropriate testing and treatment, it can give welcome reassurance and save lives.”

If you test positive for a causative BRCA mutation there’s a 50 percent chance with each pregnancy that you may pass on the faulty gene to your children.

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If Jolie could make this call, and declare herself delighted by both the reduction in her risk of developing breast cancer (now five percent) and the aesthetic results of breast reconstruction (“small scars and that’s it”),

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

making for some time, reports GLYNIS HORNING. Should you consider it?

“The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) doesn’t promote risk-reduction mastectomy without ensuring the patient has access to a comprehensive health team in respect of counselling and support after surgery.

This includes consulting her loved ones before taking this decision,” adds Cansa CEO Sue Janse van Rensburg.

“Every person is different and should make an informed decision within their own realities.”

Services Task Force estimates this to be just two percent of women. “Breast cancer is common, so someone in most families will have had it,” he says. “We worry only if you’ve already had cancer in one breast before the age of 35; if you have two immediate relatives (sister, daughter, mother) who had it before menopause, or one immediate relative with ovarian cancer before age 30; or if you have one immediate male relative (father, brother, son) with breast cancer. This cancer is very rare in men and a strong indication of a gene problem.”

so, should you consider it?

Official South African statistics give the incidence of breast cancer as one in 29 women, but this is inaccurate as cancer often goes undiagnosed and unrecorded, says Apffelstaedt. He and other specialists such as Dr Devan Moodley, an oncologist at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Joburg, estimate it to be one in eight urbanised

magazine cape town

women, the same as in the UK and Australia. But only women at “genuinely high risk” should contemplate gene testing, they say, and if that’s positive, preventive surgery.

You should consider genetic testing only if you have a family history of breast cancer that’s been “checked and substantiated”, Apffelstaedt says. The US Preventive

getting tested Genetic testing is done by sending a blood sample or saliva swab for analysis, and is now offered in most major South African centres. It’s done at two levels, says Prof Maritha Kotze of Stellenbosch University and the

July 2013

17

spotlight

Gknowmix genetic service. The first test is for “known abnormalities in the South African population”, which costs around R2 000, and “delivers positive results in around 10 to 20 percent of patients depending on their ethnic group”.

If this test proves negative, the cancer risk with a strong family history is so serious that it warrants having full gene sequencing, says Apffelstaedt. This looks for rare BRCA1 and BRCA2 abnormalities specifically associated with cancer and costs around R6 000 to R10 000. Results are available in one to three months, says Kotze, which can be a long wait. No testing should be done without extensive pre-and post-test counselling, which includes considering whether you will have a preventive mastectomy, and when.

“It’s a tough decision, but risk-reduction mastectomy is a common and well-supported intervention,” says Apffelstaedt. “It takes care of a problem that can kill. Breast cancers linked to BRCA1 problems, which Jolie had, are generally very aggressive and treatment is not very successful.”

It’s important to understand, however, that while the operation can reduce your risk of breast cancer by up to 95 percent, you still have a five percent chance of developing it, as you can’t remove all breast tissue during surgery, he says. Also, if you carry the cancer gene you will still be at risk of ovarian cancer, depending on your particular family history. Jolie’s risk is estimated at 50 percent and her only defence against it would be the removal of her ovaries.

For women who are at high risk, and who have it done in reputable centres by experienced specialists with proper counselling and appropriate testing and treatment, it can give welcome reassurance and save lives.

It’s a difficult decision, and women take on average two years to make it, says Apffelstaedt. “But if you carry the BRCA mutation, there’s no knowing when the risk may become a reality.” He tells of a 40-something patient from abroad, whose strong family history made her a candidate for genetic testing. This came back positive. “She made up her mind to have preventive surgery and wanted it when she returned to South Africa on holiday in six months. I alerted her that you never know when the gene becomes applicable.

She arrived in my office six months later, saying ‘Let’s do it!’ But when I examined her she had developed advanced cancer that needed a mastectomy and chemotherapy.”

options for ops There are two basic forms of preventive mastectomy: total mastectomy, where the whole breast and nipple are removed, or subcutaneous mastectomy, where the surgeon removes the breast tissue, but keeps the nipple and skin intact. A total mastectomy gives the greatest protection against cancer, but for aesthetic and psychological reasons many women favour the subcutaneous kind, often combined with immediate reconstructive surgery.

The most common option for this is the one Angelina has taken and involves inserting silicone or saline implants. But high-end specialist centres offer tissue-flap reconstruction.

This uses your own fat and tissue removed from your buttocks or back, or from your stomach in a combined “tummy tuck”.

A double mastectomy, with immediate reconstructive surgery using your own tissue, is a major procedure. One patient ruefully told Apffelstaedt that when he advised her that

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immediately afterwards she would feel as though she’d been hit by a lorry, he lied: “It was like a lorry with a long trailer behind it!” But even this patient felt it was a good investment in her health, he says.

Like all surgery, double mastectomy and reconstruction carries a risk of complications such as bleeding and infection. And in some women the change in body image and loss of normal breast function, especially the ability to breast-feed, can be distressing.

“This is where the importance of counselling comes in,” he says. “There is inevitably loss of sensitivity in the breasts, but some may come back. And the peace of mind is mostly well worth it.” Studies have found that most women who have had risk-reduction mastectomies are glad they did.

The biggest factor holding women back may be the cost. Genetic testing, risk-reduction surgery and breast reconstruction amount to around R150 000. But against that, run-ofthe-mill treatment for breast cancer, with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, costs around R400 000 to R600 000. The testing, preventive surgery and reconstruction are done free of charge for poor women in the public sector. Large academic centres such as Tygerberg and Groote Schuur Hospitals in Cape Town, Albert Luthuli in Durban, and Baragwanath and Helen Joseph in Joburg, all run high-risk familial breast cancer clinics.

In the private sector, the procedures are covered by medical aids according to your individual plan. Genetic tests are funded from member’s day-to-day benefits, says Nozuko Basson, media relations consultant for Discovery. “We will fund a risk-reducing mastectomy that’s in line with specific criteria, including the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes tied in with a strong family history of breast cancer. All requests are reviewed on a case-bycase basis. Breast construction is also funded.”

“It’s good that medical aids understand that risk-reduction surgery is a very costeffective way to prevent cancer, the treatment of which is very invasive, very expensive and not always successful,” Apffelstaedt says.

choices and children Depending on your specific medical and psychological profile, some doctors may advise close monitoring instead of surgery for carriers of BRCA mutations, says Dr Moodley.

This would include monthly breast self-examination, frequent professional checkups, and periodic mammograms or MRI scans. They may also prescribe medications such as Tamoxifen or Raloxifene in some circumstances. These have been shown to lower the chances of getting breast cancer even in women at high risk, but carry side effects, he says. “Lifestyle changes such as a low-fat, high-fibre diet, limited alcohol and regular exercise also help.”

One of the most worrying aspects of testing positive for a BRCA mutation is that there’s a 50 percent chance with each pregnancy that you may pass on the faulty gene to your children, says Kotze. “But genetic testing is not indicated before the age of 18.”

The risk for cancer doesn’t become important before that, explains Apffelstaedt, “so don’t worry your children about it before then”. A daughter who inherits the gene is at risk of breast and ovarian cancer; a son who inherits it risks a variety of cancers – breast, prostate, colon, pancreatic, blood, and even certain skin cancers. “Speak to your specialist,” he urges. “Be alert to the possibilities and encourage regular checkups.”

for more information Call Cansa toll-free: 0800 226 622 or visit http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/ factsheet/Risk/BRCA.

magazine cape town

July 2013

19

ideas

and

at it

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July 2013

Five alternative activities guaranteed to get children of all ages off the couch. By LUCILLE KEMP

1

yoga

Described Yoga classes for children include interactive poses and games designed to hold the child’s attention and stimulate their physical, mental and emotional abilities.

They can also be used as a form of therapy for children with different physical and emotional ailments. Children’s classes are usually more focused on the introduction of yoga basics than memorising and perfecting poses and routines. They learn the basic techniques for relaxation, self-control and proper breathing, which can be taught at a very young age. Unlike most traditional physical activities, yoga teaches creativity rather than competition. Classes for preschool children usually involve imitating, playing, singing and moving. As many yoga postures are named after animals and resemble them, this activity makes use of children’s natural interest in, and affinity for, animals when asking them to make a specific pose.

Benefits Yoga has been shown to be a highly efficient method for treating different ailments in children. This includes reducing headaches, the improvement of concentration and it can even help minimise the risk of obesity. Studies prove that children with autism spectrum disorders or post-traumatic stress disorders can benefit from the breathing exercises and yoga postures. Children get to work on their flexibility, strength and balance with the various postures, while working on their sense of focus and self-awareness. For children with disabilities or chronic health conditions, yoga postures can be adapted to match their physical abilities and needs.

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

up

2

tag rugby

Described This is a fast moving, noncontact team game that allows boys and girls to play together. Each player wears a belt with two Velcro tags attached to it, or shorts with Velcro patches. Attacking players attempt to dodge, evade and pass a rugby ball while defenders work to prevent them from scoring by “tagging” or pulling the tag from the ball carrier, rather than making a full-contact tackle. The teams are usually seven-a-side.

Benefits The most apparent benefit of tag rugby is that, thanks to its noncontact nature, it is regarded as a safe sport for children. Many tag rugby coaches believe young players should focus more on the fun of the game, rather than the competition, and this makes it an enjoyable sport for players of all skill levels. It will also improve the older child’s performance on the field during a “traditional” rugby game as it develops fitness, pace and evasive running.

3

zumbatomic

Described Zumbatomic is a fun dance and fitness programme designed specifically for children with age-appropriate songs, games and dance steps that encourage enthusiastic participation. It combines high-energy to classic Zumba rhythms – salsa, cumbia, reggaeton and merengue – with games to provide a safe, effective and fun workout. The classes are supportive, noncompetitive and no costumes or make-up are required. Zumbatomic classes take into consideration a child’s developing motor skills and shorter attention span, so the classes are usually split into two main age groups: for four to seven year olds and for eight to 12 year olds.

Benefits Along with physical fitness, Zumbatomic develops balance, coordination, discipline, memory, creativity and self-esteem, and teaches leadership, respect, teamwork, confidence, responsibility and social skills.

magazine cape town

4

blokart sailing

5

fencing

Described This fast and somewhat extreme sport uses a blokart, which is a light, compact three-wheeled buggy and sail. Your child sits in a sling seat, with their legs stretched out in front of them and they take hold of the steering bar and sheet rope. The blokart is manoeuvrable and requires few sailing adjustments, which make learning to sail particularly easy. Blokart sailing can be done along the beach or through a park.

Benefits It can be as relaxing or as thrilling as you want it to be and all you need to get going is a long stretch of ground. Blokart sailing is easy to learn and the blokart is simple to assemble and use. It is also a great way to spend quality time outdoors with your thrill-seeker child.

Described Fencers do battle following fixed movements and strict rules. In a competition, three types of swords are used: the foil, épée and sabre. Fencers compete in intense individual contests and in team events. Matches require speed, focus and on-point technique. Your opponent can make an attack in any number of ways and your defence and counter-attack need to be lightning fast. There are fencing schools that will take students as young as 6 years old.

Benefits This individual sport has physical and cognitive benefits with students describing fencing as a “physical game of chess”. Fencers need to develop strategy and quick reflexes to be good at the sport. They also learn good sportsmanship, self-discipline and how to make complex decisions, analyse problems and think on their feet. Research has revealed that fencing can enhance mathematical performance, and help children learn to pay attention and develop their decision-making abilities. Fencing helps people with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to focus.

July 2013

21

parenting

what’s it worth?

Children need to develop a healthy understanding of money, the importance of charity and true meaning of self-worth. By RUTH REHBOCK

w

respect and share

hen I was 10 years old I used the R40 I had saved to buy myself a watch. It was the first thing I bought with my own money.

I still have the watch, but I have over the years lost the carefree, positive attitude I had towards money when I made that first purchase as a child. If you search for “children and money” on the internet you will find a plethora of books, articles and programmes that teach children about money, but the one thing that stands out is how our attitude towards this commodity has changed. We have to introduce children to money as early as we can and be active in giving them opportunities to learn how you get it, how to spend it and how to save it. Children of this generation have a unique opportunity to learn good financial habits early in life.

teach good habits Linda Gibbon, an educational psychologist in Joburg, says delayed gratification is one of the most important factors in developing a healthy relationship with money. “A good first step is to teach children the difference between needs and wants, according to their level of understanding. It’s important for a child to recognise that they can’t get things on demand.” Gibbon says learning to tolerate not getting what you want immediately is critical to learning to set goals and to work towards achieving them. For her, a child must learn that “needs” such as food, a bed and schooling are a right, whereas “wants” such as toys, games and cellphones ought to be appropriately open to negotiation. “As with all things, when to give or withhold ought to be based on a healthy relational foundation between parent and child,” she adds.

In our consumer-driven society we are at risk of placing too much emphasis on material objects. “More often than not, adults and children tend to base their self-worth on what they have rather than on who they are,” says Gibbon. It’s important to help our children value other things such as being a good person; taking responsibility for important things, showing kindness and compassion towards others and respect for parents. And the idea of respect is critical too when it comes to your child’s relationship with money.

“I strongly believe that learning about money in junior and primary school is imperative.

Learning the life skills involved with handling money equips them with knowledge they will use for the rest of their lives. You can see how empowering it is when the children are able to check their own change after buying tuck,” says Margi Kopping, a Grade 2 teacher at King David Junior School in Joburg.

As far as learning about money at school, and how it works, children are taught economic management sciences (EMS) from Grade 7 as part of the curriculum.

This involves understanding who creates an economy, how it functions, 21st-century banking technology and how to write up a business plan. Other useful aspects covered include drawing up a budget, types of personal income and the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur.

One of the problems parents face is teaching children to develop a respect for money. They need to understand that it doesn’t come from a machine in a bank or shopping mall but from hard work. “Give your child tasks for which she will earn money, but also instil an understanding that some tasks don’t have a price tag.

Children need to know there are things they must do that are based on what’s good for them and the family,” says Gibbon. “Don’t reward a child materially for managing their daily (chores).”

The other no-no is using money to make your child feel guilty or threatening not to give or to take something away, to discipline them. If you use money in this way you will teach your child that money is a tool of praise or punishment, and they will possibly use it against you, and others, to the detriment of their personal relationships. And the corollary is also true. Don’t allow your child to manipulate you into getting them what they want.

The refrain: “I am the only one who does not have a... so you have to get me one”, is used to make you feel guilty, and it is exacerbated by the fact that many 21st-century children learn to define themselves by, for example, access to technological gadgets.

One of the ways in which we can teach children responsibility and the power of money is by sharing it with others. “Charity and sharing are values learnt within the family, at school, and within communities, and parents should persevere with the lessons even though sharing requires a degree of sacrifice, which little children struggle to understand,” says Gibbon.

And, as always, watch what you say in front of your children because they will emulate you. “Negative speech and derogatory statements about others who are less fortunate will leave a big impression,” she warns. “The best thing you can do is to help your child understand why we share and, most importantly, to act on your own words. If you are compassionate towards others, you will impart the lesson of charity and caring to your children.”

Teach children the difference between needs and wants, according to their level of understanding.

It’s important for a child to recognise that they can’t get things on demand.

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Talk about money openly Explain how you earn the money that pays for groceries, toys and school fees. Convey to them how it’s far easier to spend money than to earn it. Answer their questions honestly.

Don’t give money on demand If you do, it confuses wants and needs and doesn’t allow them to learn that once they have spent their pocket money or savings, they have to earn more.

Make it possible to earn money at home This way they learn that work leads to reward.

But be sure to keep a few tasks that must be done without any incentives. magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

dos and don’ts around children and money

Give your child tuck money Be sensible about how much is needed and how much items cost. Tell children not to be fooled if someone asks for food in return for friendship, for instance.

Teach children to save Give children a sensible amount of pocket money that’s related to your budget and to the child’s age. Provide a piggy bank or open a savings account for an older child (most banks now offer safe, inexpensive accounts for under-16s). Offer guidance on how best to manage their money.

Explain the difference between cash and a bank card If your child is able to understand, explain that using a card when your money is used up leads you into debt, as owing the bank will cost more in the long run. Show them how they can get access to their accounts using the internet.

Avoid exposing children to family conflict around money When parents are separated or divorced, they may disagree constantly about money issues, and children may feel they are a financial burden. Negative feelings about money can lead to more serious problems.

give in order to receive • T each children that the recipient of your donation also has dignity. Charities are not the dumping ground for things that are beyond repair. For example, through the Santa Shoebox Project, children can get personally involved with giving to underprivileged children throughout South Africa. Ask your children’s teachers to put collection tins in every classroom.

• Relate sharing to the child’s experience and don’t use guilt to get your child to share with others.

• Pick a worthwhile charity for the family to sponsor. Decide what each family member is able to contribute, whether time or money, and only involve children in age-appropriate tasks or commitments. A few well-known charities are Choc, St Luke’s Hospice and Childline.

Explain how saving and investing is important for the future This applies to toys, books, holidays, education or eventual retirement.

more reading • Raising Money Smart Kids by Janet Bodnar (Kaplan Publishing) • Raising Wealthy Kids: Seven Steps For Creating The First Financially Responsible Generation by Melanie Jane Nicolas (Kids Wealth International Club) • The Child Who Finds Money – Bedtime Stories For Children by MassiMo (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform) • Little Kids Big Money: Tools for Teaching Kid Friendly Finance by Andrea Travillian (Smart Step) • What’s in the Yellow Envelope? by Leoni Webster and Annelie Sdralis (Money is Childsplay CC t/a Money4kids)

magazine cape town

July 2013

23

getaway

feasting in

t

Bargain-hunting in Chinatown; a great place to test your skills

here was a time when my now 12 year old thought the world of me. He even used to say he wanted to marry me one day. Recently, however, I have become well and truly ditched and replaced big time by mates and BBM. It’s okay. I have an older son and I know this is temporaryish. I also know that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So when the chance came to gap a few days in Singapore, I knew exactly who I wanted (and needed) as my travel mate. For me, this was a chance to reconnect before he became a positively revolting teenager.

Singapore is not new to us. It has often been a stopover of sorts en route to visiting family in Australia, so many of the tourist spots have already been ticked. This was to be a wandering experience, to follow our noses, meander the streets of Chinatown and Little India and eat ourselves stupid. And because Alex is an adventurous eater, I was almost guaranteed a marriage proposal after this trip.

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July 2013

Chinatown was our hood; and the perfect place to base and pace ourselves. This quaint yet bustling neck of the woods is a cultural blend of local and colonial. Many streets are lined with heritage buildings and old shop fronts that have been cleverly and colourfully restored and now house boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, speciality shops and businesses.

But Sago, Pagoda, Smith and Temple Streets are bustling market streets with stalls selling cheap souvenirs, fresh juices and good local food.

Chinatown is also home to a number of mosques, ornate Buddhist and Hindu temples, shrines and museums. They are inviting and offer the chance to observe the daily spiritual practice of the locals.

While Chinatown’s market streets offer tourists good local fare, the Maxwell Road Hawker Centre became our favourite eating spot. This is more of a local hang-out, where tables are shared and ceiling fans are permanently on high to offer a brief reprieve from the high wall of humidity. The food is authentic and fresh – Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, chilli crab, 1st Born Egg Tarts and lime juice. I was scoring huge points here.

Little India is a sensory journey and is just as its name suggests – a petite, yet vibrant Indian enclave of markets, restaurants, shops and stalls selling incense, spices, fabrics, oils, gold and garlands of jasmine and marigolds. Like Chinatown, Little India boasts its fair share of mosques and temples. The Tekka Centre is a

wet, fresh produce and hawker market that is worth a morning visit to experience it in full swing. The Hindu Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is particularly beautiful.

Leave your shoes outside and indulge your spirit. By lunchtime, however, we needed to indulge our appetites and feasted on amazing South Indian cuisine with a South African expat friend (they always know the best places to go).

By late afternoon we “rolled” into Raffles. No, not in the Bentley those other guests were arriving in, but by foot; and certainly not with any luggage. This beautiful heritage hotel is a landmark in the centre of town. It is the epitome of luxury and colonial architecture, worth a very slow stroll around the grounds. It is also the home of the Singapore Sling, and the only place to down one. Yes, they even make them for 12 year olds (and a more potent version for 44 year olds).

By dusk we were heading in the direction of Lau Pa Sat or “old market”. Originally Singapore’s first wet market, today Lau Pa Sat is foodie-hawker heaven, housed in a spectacular national monument. There is a vast selection of Asian food to choose from, but we had come specifically to experience the fare of Satay Street. Stall owners sizzle away their satay on a street in the middle of the busy financial district, which is closed each evening and set up with informal tables and chairs. The atmosphere is festive, the food filling and it’s loads of fun.

A laser show over Marina Bay against the backdrop of spectacular modern architecture was a surreal way to digest all that we had consumed in the day.

On our third and final day in Singapore we decided to slow down on the food intake a little and rather work off the indulgences of the previous days. A sweaty stroll

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PHOTOGRAPHs: christina and alex castle

Singapore

When Christina Castle organised a spur-of-the-moment trip via Singapore, she grabbed her near-teenage son to take along for the ride and discovered just how

I am not going to tell you how many of these we really ate

delicious a travel companion he is. through the Singapore Botanic Gardens in the humidity would at least help us shed some pounds. We’d visited the gardens on a previous trip, and knew this vast, beautiful, and very peaceful sanctuary was worth returning to. Famous for their orchid garden, Alex discovered two orchids named after famous South Africans – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. We left without locating the Julius Malema orchid.

We laughed, ate, talked, bantered and snuggled our way around Singapore. I loved watching Alex travel, experiment, explore and grow. But I don’t think he wants to marry me, which I think is a good thing.

There are over 1 000 species of orchid found at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Sizzling up a storm in Satay Street

getting around We like to think we walked our way around Singapore, and that we walked off everything we ate. However, to be completely honest, we spent a lot of time on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) too. Slick, safe and easy to use, Alex was in charge of transport and had the whole system taped within two days. He plotted our routes, organised connections and even bought the tickets at the machines. I could have dropped him on the other side of the city and told him to find his way back to the hotel, and I have complete confidence that he would have done it. Buses are just as easy to get around on. In fact, once, while at a bus stop, we looked a little lost and all the local commuters helped us find the correct bus to the botanic gardens.

... and 2 000 hybrids as well

other things to do with children

where to stay We love a little character and stayed at Naumi Liora Hotel in a quieter area of Chinatown. It is a beautifully restored heritage building in a vibey little back street, but perfectly safe any hour of the day. Visit naumiliora.com

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A fine pair/pear! Even the leaves look edible

• • • • •

ingapore Zoo and Night Safari S Sentosa Island Gardens by the Bay ArtScience Museum Jurong Bird Park

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fyi

nutrition’s little helper Should you give your children vitamin supplements or not? Tori HoffmanN gets advice from the experts.

t

here’s a reason why there are so many vitamin supplements on the shelves today, for parents and children. It’s not just because popping a pill has become a marketing ploy and a quick fix for a poor diet and a busy lifestyle. It’s because picky eaters, overprocessed food and trying to pack too much into an often stressful day has left the majority of us needing a supplement in one form or another.

According to Michelle B Lewis, a Cape-Town based nutrition and natural health coach, “We all need some sort of assistance when it comes to our diet, largely because of the stresses of environmental pollutants and the fact that a lot of the foods we eat today are processed and over-processed. The western diet also includes artificial additives and we lose a lot of nutrients along the way.” She explains that proper eating and correct food combinations are very important and good nutritional development starts in the womb. We all need a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and the forgotten nutrient, water. Of course, eating healthily isn’t always possible, Michelle admits, especially when

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterSTOCK.COM

what’s lacking and why?

it comes to picky eaters, and this is where vitamin supplements serve a purpose.

do we need a supplement?

Opinion on whether or not you or your child needs to take a vitamin supplement is divided. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that it’s up to you and your family doctor to decide what you need to take and why. Some doctors don’t believe in vitamin supplements and some, like Cape Town-based paediatrician Dr Lara Smith, don’t advocate multivitamins unless there’s a specific medical concern, such as an iron deficiency or the need to supplement a child’s dairy-free diet with calcium. She adds that there is now also a recommendation to give vitamin D supplements to exclusively breast-fed babies. “I don’t dissuade parents from giving supplements if they want to, as I’m not aware of any compelling evidence against giving them to (otherwise) healthy children, but I don’t routinely prescribe vitamins unless indicated. Each case needs to be assessed individually,” she explains. Michelle says that while we don’t have to take supplements, she believes that we do need to help our bodies as much as possible. However, she emphasises that a supplement should never be used to replace a meal.

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what you need and when • Toddlers and children who are picky eaters or going through a phase of unbalanced eating will benefit from a supplement for that period, says Dr Smith. Also, families that consume vegetarian diets that completely exclude dairy products, for example vegans who exclude all animal products and their by-products, would need a supplement too.

• Growing children often need a supplement for general health and development. If your child has been sick or has a low immune system, then a vitamin C and zinc supplement may be helpful. While the sun is the best source of vitamin D, children who don’t get enough sunshine might also benefit from a vitamin D supplement.

“Natural sunlight is the best form of Vitamin D (before 10am and after 3pm),” says Michelle.

• Older children and teenagers are said to need cold-pressed oils such as omega and essential fatty acids.

This is especially true for sporty children and those who are busy with exams. Not only are the omegas believed to help with bone and brain development, they help with peak endurance and concentration too. They’re also thought to assist with hyperactivity. When your daughter starts menstruating, you might consider an iron supplement or evening primrose oil to combat premenstrual tension.

• Parents who find themselves feeling rundown would need a vitamin supplement and taking one should be part of their daily routine. “They help combat stress and a vitamin B complex is very important for women,” says Michelle.

Tip: Parents wanting to give their children vitamin and mineral supplements should make sure that it contains no more than the RDA (recommended dietary allowance) of the vitamins and minerals for the ages of their children.

RDAs are set high enough to more than meet the needs of most individuals in that category.

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resource

make a memory Here are 25 experiences to share with your child before they turn 18, or let them inspire you to come up with your own list of truly memorable things to do with them. By CHILD MAGAZINE

out and about 11 Go for an extended road trip and take in unfamiliar sights, such as the seaside, a desert or a mountain range if they’ve never seen them before.

12 Show them how to safely light a fire and cook something on it.

13 Go to an art gallery together.

14 Teach your child to pitch a tent.

15 Visit South African landmarks such as Robben Island, God’s Window, Pilgrim’s Rest, Sara Baartman’s grave, the Big Hole in Kimberley, Maropeng, Table Mountain and the Union Buildings.

16 Stargaze. This works best far away from city lights.

17 Go strawberry or apple picking.

18 Build the biggest sandcastle you can.

19 Watch a pantomime.

20 Go to Kruger Park to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.

wish list Be sure to include a few big-ticket, aspirational ideas that you can dream about and work towards with your family. Here are a few suggestions…

close to home 1 Learn to play an instrument together or make it possible for your child to take lessons.

2 Get involved in volunteer work in your community.

3 Plant something and watch it grow. A sprouting bean is an old favourite.

4 Build a kite together and then fly it.

5 Read an age-appropriate classic novel together or a book you loved as a child.

6 Cook or bake something with your child.

7 Make a fort in the lounge.

8 Get them to dance and sing without restraint and video it so they can watch the performance later on in life.

9 Teach them the value of money. Reward them for certain chores, open a bank account with them and teach them budget basics.

10 Show them how to play the schoolyard games of your youth, such as marbles, French skipping and hopscotch.

21 See the seven wonders of the ancient world or visit as many countries as possible.

22 Visit Disneyland when they are old enough to go on the rides.

23 View the world from the lofty heights of a hot-air balloon.

24 Learn a second language.

25 Go tubing or whitewater rafting. suggestions from facebook Jane Reuben: Horse-riding, camping in the wild for at least a week, trekking through the mountains of Colorado, travelling anywhere in South America, and enjoying a boat ride with a whale sighting…

Michele Mistry: Visiting the Etosha plains, ice-skating on a river, seeing the Himalayas at dawn, starting a family band, my list is endless...

Carmen Louise Harper: A helicopter ride – my son loves them Rona Mirimi: A trip to the Far East for six months, especially India

down the rapids Frank Muller says he’s taken his two sons on two separate canoeing trips – one son at a time – along the lower reaches of the Orange River. On both they travelled about 70km over four days. “You sleep in the sand by the riverside, under stars so bright you can read a book by their light. The rapids make it exciting, but you are never in any PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

real danger. The guides prepare three great meals every day, so you can focus on canoeing, enjoying the majestic scenery and getting to bond in a special way.”

This activity is recommended for children from the age of seven and it’s best to go Frank and Ludwig

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in late April and early October, when the temperatures are mild and rain is less likely.

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books

a good read for toddlers

Doll’s House

By Sarah Powell and Dan Green

A Kiss like This

By Mary Murphy

(Published by Priddy Books, R55) Children from the age of two will love exploring all the beautiful rooms as they pay a visit to the doll’s house in this delightful board book. There are toys hidden in the cupboards, a parrot called Cindy asleep on her perch, Toodles the cat hiding in the kitchen, a cake for tea time, a mouse in the grandfather clock, fresh lemonade for after a day’s toil in the vegetable garden, cupcakes baking in the oven and beautiful party dresses in the wardrobe. With fun flaps to lift on every scene and easy-to-turn, tabbed pages, this sturdy board book turns reading into an adventure.

(Published by Candlewick Press, R137) A giraffe kiss is very tall, just turn the page and see what a tall giraffe kiss looks like.

Elephant kisses are long, of course, while tiny mice and bubbly fish have kisses all their own. Using a clever split-page format that makes for charming surprises, authorillustrator Mary Murphy shares a series of animal kisses that are sure to have babies and toddlers gurgling, giggling, smiling, and leaning over for their kisses. The creator of I Kissed the Baby! celebrates animal moms and babies in an irresistible novelty book. This delightful read will also make mom and dad smile.

My Dog, My Cat, My Mum and Me

By Nigel Gray and Bob Graham

an absolu te deligh t

(Published by Walker Books, R78) There are puppies, kittens and babies galore in this fun lift-the-flap book from the awardwinning partnership. The story begins: “My dog got fatter and fatter. I didn’t know what was the matter!” When a litter of puppies arrives, the reason becomes clear. Lift the flaps as the little girl meets puppies, kittens and finally her very own little baby brothers in this fun, simple introduction to the concept of birth and life cycles for children from the age of two.

for preschoolers Baby Baboon

By Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway (Published by Hodder Children’s Books, R89) This is another stunningly illustrated book by the author and illustrator that also brought you Lazy Lion and Greedy Zebra. Leopard is hungry, but he is also lazy. How will he catch his dinner? He recruits the help of Baboon and Baby Baboon to trap Hare in an underground tunnel. But as Leopard goes off to the dam to get a drink of water, and Baboon stands guard at one end of the tunnel, clever Hare makes his escape out the other side. This is the story of how Leopard came to lie in wait in the trees and why you just might hear Baby Baboon laughing and laughing.

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for preschoolers

read and sha

re

Kaliya the Serpent King

By Joshua M. Greene and Patrick Wire

Tao in the Box

By Mia von Scha (Published by Light Page Publishing, R141) This is an inspirational children’s picture book with vivid and enticing illustrations.

It explores the passage in the Tao Te Ching: “The Tao begot one. One begot two. Two begot three. And three begot the ten thousand things.” It shows, in simple, entertaining verse, how the world began from nothingness, expanded to the Yin and Yang of opposites, and how you were created to connect these opposites and bring the rest of creation to life. This is a great tool for parents trying to help their children find their place in the world and learn. “So hold hands tightly and keep in mind you are the most precious thing that you could ever find.”

(Published by Mandala Publishing, R172) Kaliya, king of ancient India’s serpent people, crosses the gods and must leave. He relocates to the pristine Yamuna River, which flows by young Krishna’s village of Vrindavan. The serpent king’s venom poisons the river. Birds fall lifeless to the ground, trees and vegetation dry up, and the lives of the villagers are in danger. Although only a child, Krishna has sworn to protect and safeguard the many animals and people who depend on the river for their existence. Whether one views Krishna as a divine being or as a mischievous child, his respect for nature is exemplary.

for early graders Ronny-G’s Travels

By Gina Wolfenden-McDowell (Published by Logogog, R60) Not many people know what dolls think and do. This enchanting story transports you into the world of Ronny-G, a doll made in Thailand.

From heart-stopping adventures up the Eiffel Tower in France, to meeting a cuckoo bird in a cuckoo clock in Switzerland, Ronny-G interacts with toys from all over the world. This unique tale blurs fact and fiction and includes lessons for everyone. Ronny-G’s travels were born out of the author’s many travels and life experiences. Most of the experiences of Ronny-G are factually based, besides, of course, the story being about a talking doll. To read more about Ronny-G and to order books, visit ronnygstravels.com

The Lil’ Five and the Secret of the Black Cave

By Franz Scholl, Michael Crafford and Karl Mostert (Published by They Did This!, R130 plus R30 postage) Welcome to the world of The Lil’ Five and join Leo, Kitty, Ellie, Rox and Hoofer as they embark on adventures that will capture the imagination. From vine forests to the Black Caves, pirate coves to mountain monkey villages, a whole new world full of adventure, excitement and danger awaits. The Lil’ Five is the first creatorowned publication by Cape Town-based creative studio They Did This! Secret of the Black Cave is intended to be the first of a series of Lil’ Five adventures. They Did This! aims to make The Lil’ Five as synonymous with South Africa as Asterix is to France and TinTin is to Belgium. To order, visit lilfive.com magazine cape town

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books

for preteens and teens Children’s World Atlas (Published by Map Studio, R150) The Children’s World Atlas for South Africans brings an understanding of the world to your child. It introduces children to continents, time zones, countries’ flags, countries’ facts and much more, while they follow Globeman, a globe with “personality” travelling in a yellow Beetle, through interactive map-related activities.

This atlas for children includes detailed country-bycountry maps showing national capitals and towns.

Other content includes facts like sizes in comparison, number of countries per continent, length of road and rail networks, population and population density as well as population growth per annum. This introductory guide to the world for your child is perfect for ages 10 to 15.

Darkness, Be my Friend & Burning for Revenge

By John Marsden (Published by Quercus, R107 each) This is books four and five in the very popular series for children from the age of 12. After the trauma of the invasion and the pain of their tragic loss, Ellie and her friends have finally found sanctuary. After five months, though, they are called upon to return to the fight. The gang has got used to feeling safe, but sometimes there’s only one answer: they’re going back. In the fifth book they find themselves in the heartland of the enemy, and they have the chance to carry out their deadliest attack yet. But terror takes it toll. Kevin’s very sanity is at stake and the friendship that has kept everyone together for so long is under strain.

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for us scarily relatab le

The 50 List

By Nigel Holland Secrets, Lies & Locker 62

By Lil Chase (Published by Quercus, R108,95) Secrets have a special home at Mount Selwyn High. For years, students have posted their deepest desires and fears in Locker 62. And then this locker is assigned to new girl Maya. She could use the knowledge to help people, or she could use it to become popular.

Maya, who was bullied, who has never been cool, who will do anything to be popular, is now the most powerful girl at school. What will she choose to do next? This funny, and scarily relatable book is recommended for girls between the ages of 10 and 15 years old.

(Published by HarperCollins Publishers, R125) Nigel has a disability, a degenerative disease (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), that means his nerves do not tell his muscles what to do. But he does not consider himself disabled. His youngest child, Ellie, has been diagnosed with the same condition. To inspire Ellie, Nigel set himself a list of 50 challenges. As the years pass, his mobility will gradually get worse and many of them, sadly, will no longer be possible. But for now he is focusing on being his daughter’s superhero. This is the heart-warming story of the adventures that sparked this list.

Inspiring and surprising, it will move you to tears and laughter, and leave you believing that you really can accomplish anything.

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for us

parenting books

Recognising Postnatal Depression

By Paula Levin, Zahava Aarons and Andy Taub-Da Costa (Published by Penguin South Africa, R171) Having a baby is hard for everyone, and for some women it’s worse than hard – it’s a living hell. The journey to motherhood is sometimes clouded with unrealistic expectations and society’s unfair judgment of any woman who isn’t immediately blissfully happy with her new baby. This title offers hope, support and comfort and a clear path out of what may feel like an overwhelming situation. Written by a medical doctor, a clinical psychologist and their patient, a writer, each author contributes her own experience and expertise in the area of postnatal depression to an open, enlightening discussion of just what this illness is, how to recognise it and ways to achieve recovery of body, mind and spirit.

Pilates for All

By Patricia Lamond

get th e balanc e right

(Printed by Nooitgedacht Pers, R250) This book, with its instructional DVD, gives an introduction to Pilates and speaks about how we use and overuse our bodies. It tells you how to diagnose and prevent problems, looks at the medical professionals who can help and explains more about our anatomy and posture. It details the foundation of Pilates and shows, in photos and with descriptions, the specific exercises for certain conditions. The author, for many years a classical ballet and national dance teacher and now a fully qualified Pilates instructor, also talks about diet and how to educate our children about posture. The DVD offers basic principles, and shows a balanced class and other routines that range from 15 to 20 minutes.

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Parenting the QBQ Way

By John G. Miller with Karen G. Miller

Play Learn Know

By Melodie de Jager and Liz Victor

(Published by Perigee Books, R108) Learn to parent the QBQ way, and bring personal accountability to life within your family. Based on the same concepts that have made John Miller’s signature work, QBQ: The Question Behind the Question, an international bestseller over the last decade, Parenting the QBQ Way provides the tool called the QBQ or The Question Behind the Question that will help every parent look behind questions such as “Why won’t my children listen?” or “When will they do what I ask?”. It will help them to find better ones, like “What can I do differently?” or “How can I improve as a parent?” This simple but challenging concept turns the focus, and responsibility, back to parents and to what they can do to make a difference.

(Published by Metz Press, R220) These are simple, playful solutions to developing complex skills, preparing children aged three to seven for school and life. A child is a work in progress who thrives when everyday living becomes an interactive game. Play Learn Know is a guide to help parents and caregivers shape their child’s body, heart and mind with care and thoughtfulness. A child needs to experience it to become part of life. You can help your children to belong by exposing them to everyday life by teaching them to name the things they touch. Explain what happens around them and show them how things work. Allow children the opportunity to discover-learn, to move and ask questions freely.

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calendar

what’s on in july

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

Here’s your guide for what to do, where to go and who to see. Compiled by LUCILLE KEMP

3

FUN FOR CHILDREN – p36

ONLY FOR PARENTS – p41

Opening of Create.Hobby Centre Students learn to sew and children 8 years and older can learn how to use a sewing machine.

Nothern Suburbs Mom’s Nights Topics include “Super Granny’s five secrets to a brand-new child” and more.

bump, baby & tot in tow – p42

how to help – p42

BabyCalm four-week mother and baby course BabyCalm helps parents understand how to calm their baby’s crying, avoid colic and aid restful sleep.

Giftbearer’s Association The organisation’s mission is to establish 1 500 industrial kitchens, which will feed 500 to 3 000 children daily.

SPECIAL EVENTS – p36 Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to Disney’s magical worlds.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

wed

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calendar

SPECIAL EVENTS 3 wednesday Disney On Ice: Passport to Adventure Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch. Explore the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage under the sea with Ariel and all her aquatic friends; tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy, before flying to Never Land; and travel to Hawaii to visit Lilo and Stitch.

Ends 7 July. Time: 11am, 3pm or 7pm.

Venue: CTICC. Cost: from R195. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.co.za

11 thursday Kidz Discovery meet-and-greet open day Learn more about the Bridging BrightStart School and for those interested in joining the Kidz Discovery baby and toddler classes. Pop in and play, join them for tea and register for their dynamic classes. Time: 3pm–5pm. Venue: The Drive, Camps Bay. Cost: free entry. Contact: 083 654 2494, info@kidzdiscovery.co.za or visit kidzdiscovery.co.za

26 fri

13 saturday Franschhoek Bastille Festival Indulge in wines from some of Franschhoek’s wine estates and dishes created by some of the valley’s highly acclaimed chefs. Other festival activities include boules, The Waiters’ Race, the Franschhoek minstrel parade, fencing, and the popular barrel-rolling contest. A farmers’ market, craft market stalls, musicians and children’s activities are also included. Time: 12pm–5pm. Venue: Food and Wine Marquee, Franschhoek.

Cost: R150 per person. Book through Webtickets: visit webtickets.co.za and for more info: visit franschhoekbastille.co.za

18 thursday Pick n Pay cookery demo Sarda is the beneficiary of the charity cooking demonstration. Limited space only. For age 15 years and older. Time: 7pm–11pm. Venue: Pick n Pay head office, Kenilworth. Cost: R60. Contact: 021 794 6191, capetown-pr@ sarda.co.za or visit sarda.co.za

20 saturday

SABC Education Baba Indaba This baby, toddler and parenting expo aims to inspire you, the parents and moms-tobe, to enjoy your baby and pregnancy and have fun while being a good parent. Ends 28 July. Time: 9:30am–5pm. Venue: CTICC. Cost: adults R60; children over 6 years old R20. Contact: 021 689 3262, info@babaindaba.co.zaor visit babaindaba.co.za

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Farmer Angus winter harvest table lunch Angus McIntosh, Spier’s resident biodynamic farmer, is passionate about ethical food production, focusing on pasture-reared beef and eggs on Spier’s pastures. Join the ‘The Barefoot Farmer’ for a winter harvest feast prepared by Spier’s Chef Lolli. Teetotallers can substitute wine with grape juice. Time: lunch served

from 1pm. Venue: Old Wine Cellar at Spier Wine Farm. Cost: R295 for a threecourse meal paired with wine and R100 for 4–12 year olds. Contact: 021 809 1100, reservations@spier.co.za or visit spier.co.za

27 saturday German International School Cape Town open day It is a regular school day for the learners so prospective students and parents have the opportunity to experience a class, pose questions to the staff and visit the upgraded facilities, which includes a multimedia library, eight new classrooms and a multifunction room.

The German International School is a bilingual school with South African and European university entrance qualification.

The German Foreign Language Stream starts in Grade 5 and is aimed at all children whose mother tongue is not German. Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: 28 Bay View Ave, Tamboerskloof. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 021 480 3830 or info@dsk.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Clay classes Hand-wheel work and sculpture. Beginners welcome. Time: 6pm–9pm, Thursday; 9:30am–12:30pm, Friday. Venue: Oude Molen Village, Pinelands. Cost: varies. Contact Belinda: 082 504 7063 or belinda.romond@afrihost.co.za

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Collect-a-Can’s CAN Craze Competition This year, learners again create characters or structures using used beverage or food cans in the most creative ways. Individuals or teams, building the three most creative structures, will each receive their share of R60 000. Ends 30 September. For more info: 011 466 2939 or visit collectacan.co.za Crafty Sunday @ Butterfly World Tropical Garden Craft activities include candle dipping, sand art, chess and snakesand-ladders. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Butterfly World Tropical Garden, Route 44, Klapmuts. Cost: varies. Cost adults R53, children R32. Contact Sumarie: info@ unique-events.co.za Free two-hour introductory fabric painting workshop For adults and children. 20 July. Time: 8:45am–10:45am.

Venue: Pinelands. Cost: R30 per kit. Contact Wendy: 021 531 8076, 082 391 4954 or wendyadriaan@telkomsa.net Sand art at Little Creek Spur Order a children’s meal and your child gets to do sand art. For 4–10 year olds. 7 July.

Time: 3pm–5pm. Venue: Tokai Main Rd. Cost: sand art is free when a children’s meal is bought. Contact: 021 715 8283 or littlecreekspur@africanspiritcpt.co.za

classes, talks and workshops Opening of Create.Hobby Centre In the classes, students learn to sew; young children use hand-sewing needles. Everyone older than 8 can learn how to use a

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sewing machine. There are sewing machine introduction classes and intermediate and advanced sewing classes. Classes are for 6–8 year olds, 8–12 year olds, teens, adults, expectant moms, moms and craft groups.

Everyone that joins in June or July receives a 10% discount. Time: call to enquire. Venue: 142 Lower Main Rd, Observatory. Cost: +/- R180 per lesson, all materials included.

Contact Andrea: 084 653 8935, andrea@ createhobby.co.za or visit createhobby.co.za

Sue Nepgen’s children’s art classes The third term’s programme consists of a variety of creative 2-D and 3-D work in different mediums. Term starts 19, 20 and 25 July. Children may join in at any stage after those dates as the programme allows for that. For 4–13 year olds.

Time: held in the afternoons and Saturday morning. Venue: Michael Oak Waldorf School, Kenilworth or 28 Klaasenbosch Dr, Constantia. Cost: R590 a term, including materials and firing. Pro rata fees for late joiners. Contact Sue: 021 794 6609/4723, 083 237 7242 or snepgen@xsinet.co.za

family outings Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival Highlights include The Pick n Pay Women’s Walk and The Young Oyster Festival. Older children enjoy a fun fair as well as obstacle courses and competitions at The Yard, the local skate park. There is also the annual oyster shucking and oyster eating competition plus the Pick n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras and Oyster Hotspots that sell oysters in a variety of flavours.

28 June–7 July. For more info and the full programme: visit oysterfestival.co.za or knysnacycle.co.za Somerset Mall charity book fair Along with the book sale there is children’s entertainment including face painting, photo booths, balloon sculptors and pony cycle rides. 4–7 July. Time: 9am–6pm Thursday–Saturday, 9am–4pm Sunday.

Venue: Somerset Mall, Somerset West. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 852 7114, chad@ mseed.co.za or visit somersetmall.co.za

finding nature and outdoor play Table Mountain Cableway Kidz Season special Two children under 18 years old ride free when an adult return ticket is bought over weekends, public holidays and the June and September school holidays.

Ends October. Time: 8:30am. Venue: Tafelberg Rd. Cost: R205 per adult return ticket, which includes two children under 18 (return fares only). Contact: 021 424 8181 or visit tablemountain.net

holiday activities Artjamming winter holiday programme Monday: Andy Warhol workshop; Tuesday: the art of comics; Wednesday: Jackson Pollock collage; Thursday: graffiti workshop; Friday: mosaic art workshop. For 7–14 year olds. Time 10am–12pm daily. Cost R135 per person including all materials. Venue and contact: Cape Quarter: 021 421 6129; Cavendish: 021 683 5050; Paddocks: 021 552 8772; Willowbridge: 021 914 9224 or visit artjamming.co.za

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calendar Aunty K’s Holiday School: preparing for Ramadaan Make your own Ramadaan fasting calendar, decoupage napkin, and boeka treats. For 6–12 year olds. 1–4 July.

Time: 10am–12:30pm, daily. Venue: Stages Lifestyle Centre, Littlewoods Ottery. Cost: R30 per child per day or R100 per child for all days booked. Contact: 021 704 1462, 074 106 0713 or kidsklub1@polka.co.za Buffalo Drift adventure boot camp Three-day camp: 30 June–3 July; 5-day camp: 30 June–5 July. For 7–14 year olds.

Time: tbc. Venue: Buffalo Drift. Cost: R1 250 (3-day) and R1 950 (5-day). Contact: 082 455 6723 or capetown@bootcamp-sa.co.za Cricket School of Excellence winter coaching Students are taught the basics of the game. For 4–14 years old. 24–27 June, 1–4 and 8–11 July. Time: varies.

Venues: Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Herzlia Constantia, Jan van Riebeeck Primary School, Parklands College Secondary School, Durbanville Cricket Club and Van der Stel Cricket Club. Cost: R220 per one-on-one session, R500 per four-day clinic. Contact: 0861 123 273, info@cricketschool.co.za or visit cricketschool.co.za Garden Safaris! Children develop their own fire-inspired adventures using the natural environment of Kirstenbosch. The group design a collaborative adventure, embark on it and record their journey on film. For 6–11 year olds. 8–12 July. Time: 9am–4pm daily. Venue: Kirstenbosch Stone Cottages.

Cost: R190 per day or R800 per week.

Contact: 084 873 4711, 4elementalkids@ gmail.com or visit elementalkids.co.za Gumboot Parties holiday club Crafts, games, baking, dress-up and more on the farm. For 4–13 year olds. 24 June–12 July.

Time: 7am–5:30pm. Venue: Gan Eden Farm, Vissershok Rd, Durbanville. Cost: R100 (from 7:30am) or R110 (from 7am) per child per full day or R50 per child per half-day. Contact: 072 182 9333, info@gumbootparties.co.za or visit gumbootparties.co.za Holiday Musical Stage School Three hours tuition in singing, dance and drama

by Helen O’Grady Drama Academy. They stage a show at the end. 8–12 July. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Athenaeum, Newlands.

Cost: R950. Contact: 021 674 7478, info@ dramaafrica.com or visit dramaafrica.com JellyBean winter workshop Baking, crafts, dancing and acting. For 5–13 year

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olds. 8–12 July. Time: 9am–1pm (8am for early birds). Venue: Erin Hall, Erin Rd, Rondebosch. Cost: R200 a day or R900 per week. Contact Amanda: 083 392 9593, bookings@ jellybeanworld.co.za or visit jellybeanworld.co.za Kids Ahoy winter holiday at V&A Waterfront The different activity areas are the Market on the Wharf, the Blue Shed and Two Oceans Aquarium. For 6–11 year olds.

29 June–6 July. Time: 11am. Venue: varies.

Cost: R100 per workshop. Contact: 021 408 7633 or hmathys@waterfront.co.za Kidz Discovery Fun Factory holiday club Monday and Friday mixed age groups; Tuesday and Thursday for under 5 year olds and Wednesday art club for 5–8 year olds. TotChef cooking classes are 3 and 5 July for 5–8 year olds; 3–5 year olds must be accompanied by mom. 1–12 July. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: The Drive, Camps Bay. Cost: R140 per child per morning or R200 per child per day for the TotChef classes. Includes snacks, baking and craft materials. Contact Kathy: 083 654 2494 or info@kidzdiscovery.co.za Kronendal holiday club Crafts, drumming, baking, a mountain hike, a walk to the beach and swimming. Time: 8am–6pm. Venue: Kronendal Primary School, Andrews Rd, Hout Bay. Cost: until 1pm R80 (bring own snack), until 3pm R110 (includes lunch and snack), until 6pm R140 (includes lunch and snack). Contact: 076 402 2333 or joannefrost.s.a@gmail.com Learn to Swim holiday special Indoor heated pool offers one-on-one lessons. 1–5 July. Time: 15 minutes, 9am–5pm. Venue: Observatory. Cost: R300. Contact Nikki: 083 747 9196, info@flippersswimschool. co.za or visit flippersswimschool.co.za Mosaic Works holiday workshops Choose from a selection of themes: cupcakes, frames, stars and lady bugs.

Book a group of 10 friends and get 25% discount. 24 June–12 July. Time: call to enquire, weekdays. Venue: Montague Gardens. Cost: R120, which includes a mini mosaic kit. Contact: 021 552 4870, moira@ mosaicworks.co.za or visit mosaicworks. co.za or mosaicworksonline.co.za N1 City Mall Monday fun day Enjoy the Kowee show Tjiff & Tjaff (11am–12pm), then children can play in the Shop and Drop Zone (12pm–4pm). 1 and 8 July.

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Kirstenbosch winter wonders The garden offers activities such as storytelling sessions, puppet shows, adventure walks and craft work using things from the garden.

24 June–12 July. Time: call to enquire. Venue: Kirstenbosch

National

Botanical Gardens. Cost: free for 6–17 year olds.

Contact: 021 799 8783 or visit sanbi.org.za

Time: 11am–4pm. Venue: N1 City Mall Food Court, Goodwood. Cost: free. For more info: visit n1citymall.co.za Nice Touch children’s cooking course 25 June: sushi and Rice Krispies treats; 26 June: cupcakes and happy face cookies; 27 June: pizza and cupcake decorating with fondant; 28 June: plaited bread, bagel dogs and mini pizza; 1 July: pancakes, waffles and milkshakes; 2 July: cutout butter cookies and pizza; 3 July: chocolate chip cookies and fruit kebabs; 4 July: sushi and chocolate making; 5 July: mac and cheese and cinnamon buns. For 3–7 and 8–12 year olds. 25 June–5 July. Time: 3pm–5pm (25 and 26 June); 10am–12pm (27 June–5 July). Venue: 5 Montana Rd, Camps Bay. Cost: R100 a lesson or R475 for five sessions. Contact Janis: 021 437 1150, 082 319 9215 or visit nicetouch.co.za Observatory Library holiday programme Activities per day can be either paper and paint activities or crafts out of paper and waste products. For 2–12 year olds. 24 June–11 July. Time: 24 and 27 June and 1, 4, 8 and 11 July, 2pm–3pm; 26 June and 3 and 10 July, 11am–11:30am; 26 June and 3 and 10 July, 11:30am–12pm. Venue: Observatory Library, 83 Station Rd. Cost: free. Contact: 021 447 9017 Rococoa holiday workshops Children tour the plantation and museum, then make their own chocolate slab and design their wrapper. They get a wafer cone filled with warm liquid chocolate, and they watch an educational movie. For children 7 years and older. 21 June–12

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July. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Rococoa, The Palms Lifestyle Centre, 145 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock. Cost: R75. Contact: 021 461 2301, info@rococoa.co.za or visit rococoa.co.za Sporting Chance holiday programme Coaching clinics in rugby, soccer and hockey. 24–28 June and 8–12 July. Time: 9am start, varies according to age group.

Venue: varies in Atlantic Seaboard/CBD, southern suburbs, northern suburbs and Helderberg region. Cost: call to enquire.

Contact Marike: 021 683 7299 or visit sportingchance.co.za Stir Crazy holiday cooking and baking classes Teaches young children the basics of cooking and how to look after themselves in the kitchen. For 5–12 year olds depending on class. 8–14 July.

Time: tba; at least three classes per day.

Venue: Cavendish Square, Claremont. Cost R200. Contact: 021 447 0323 or info@ stircrazycatering.co.za The Scrapbook Claremont Doublepage scrapbooking with photos: 26 June. For 6–15 year olds. Cost: R120. Card-making: 29 June. For 6–15 year olds. Cost: R100. 3 July: bunting using scrapbook paper. For 6–15 year olds. Cost: R120. 6 July: card-making class.

For 12–18 year olds. Cost: R185. 10 July: make a memory board game. For 6–15 year olds. Cost: R120. Take your own glue and scissors. Time: 9:30am–11:30am.

Venue: unit D, Colstine Terrace, Belvedere Rd, Claremont. Contact Karen or Helen: 021 674 6425

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calendar Tots n Pots holiday workshops Fun-filled cooking and baking workshops. For 2–10 year olds; parent participation for 2–5 year olds. Dates tbc. Time: tbc. Venue Stodel’s Cafe, 62 Doordrift Rd, Constantia. Cost: R120 per workshop. Contact: constantia@ totsnpots.com or visit totsnpots.com

markets My Favourite Things Baby & Kiddies Market Good quality baby and child products are on sale. 27 July. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Backsberg Wine Estate, Paarl. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit myfavouritethings.co.za Platteland Market Farm-fresh produce and platteland cuisine are on sale. Also their monthly sister market, The Lock Stock, is a showcase of authentic designs and collectibles. Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday​. Venue: The Palms Centre, 145 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock. Cost: free. For more info: visit palms.co.za Schoolyard Market A community market offering a selection of fresh foods, art and crafts and a hint of Parisian flair. 27 July.

Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Elkanah House High School Campus, 85 Sunningdale Dr, Sunningdale. Cost: free entry. Contact Michelle: 021 554 8586, michellej@ elkanah.co.za or visit elkanah.co.za

on stage and screen Peter Pan Fly away with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the children to the magical Never

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up but ends up blowing himself up. 24 June– 6 July. Time: 11:30am, Monday–Saturday.

Venue: Cavendish Square, lower ground floor, Vineyard Rd, Claremont. Cost: R45 per person. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or for more info, contact Elton: 083 364 8284, elton@lilliputplayers.co.za or visit lilliputplayers.co.za Winx The Winx have to face a new dreadful villain, Tritannus, who has mutated into a powerful monster because of pollution.

His main goal is to rule the entire world by entering the Infinite Ocean. New episodes start on 6 July at 11:45am and continues on weekends on Disney DStv channel 303.

Virgin Active Kids Holiday Camp The Holiday Camp, for Virgin Active Club-V members, is packed with fun, creative and energising activities. Each child who signs up for the camp receives an Adidas backpack. For 3–7 year olds. 24 June–5 July. Time: find out at your nearest Virgin Active Club. Venue: all Virgin Active Club-Vs. Cost: free for all Virgin Active Club-V Members. Contact: 0860 200 911

Land. See the mysterious mermaids from Mermaid Lagoon; the Indian Princess Tiger Lily and her brave Panther; the Lost Boys and the evil Captain Hook and his band of pirates aboard the Jolly Roger. 22 June–14 July. Time: 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: Canal Walk Theatre, Central Court. Cost: R70. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 Pinocchio presented by Lilliput Players Follow Pinocchio and Geppetto on their adventures. Watch Pinocchio’s nose grow when he lies. 8–13 July. Time: 10am, Monday–Saturday. Venue: Nassau Theatre, Groote Schuur High School, Palmyra Rd, Newlands. Cost: R45. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or for more info, contact: 083 364 8284 or visit lilliputplayers.co.za

Rumpelstiltskin This classic fairy-tale is about a dwarf named… can you guess his name? 6, 13, 20 and 27 July. Time: 10am and 11:15am, every Saturday. Venue: The Rainbow Puppet Theatre, Constantia Waldorf School, Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia. Cost: R20 at the door for adults and children. Contact Alison: 021 783 2063 or therainbow.puppettheatre@gmail.com The Three Little Pigs This children’s classic takes place in the Karoo where the three little pigs leave their farm to build houses of their own. One wants to be a diski dancer, another wants to be a kwaito singer and the third wants to be a successful businessman and play for Bafana Bafana. The big bad wolf pretends to be a travelling salesman in order to get into their homes. When none of his disguises work, he tries to blow the houses

playtime and story time Afternoon story time – Space! Today the group reads stories about space and rockets and they make their own space picture with different shapes. For 4 year olds and older. 26 June. Time: 2:30pm.

Venue: The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St, Gardens. Cost: free. Contact Verushka: 021 462 2425 or booklounge@gmail.com Café Paradiso baking project Parents relax with breakfast or lunch while little ones are entertained in the bakery. Children choose from one of four projects: baking gingerbread men, baking chocolate-chip cookies, icing cupcakes or baking a pizza.

Each project runs for 15–20 minutes. Time: 9am–7pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 10am–7pm, Sunday. Venue: Café Paradiso, 110 Kloof St. Cost: R45. Contact: 021 423 8653

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sport and physical activities Dance Totz Age-appropriate dance classes for 3–5 year olds incorporating a variety of dance styles to teach coordination, rhythm and gross motor skills. For time, venue and cost contact Inge: 072 904 4848, fun@ dancetotz.co.za or visit dancetotz.co.za Kirstenhof Dance and Pilates Studio Offers ballet, modern, hip hop dancing and Pilates. Time: varies. Venue: 14 Windhover St, Kirstenhof. Cost: varies. Contact Liane: 021 701 2750, 082 739 0100 or lianepenny@gmail.com Spur Schools MTB League #2 School mountain bike racing has become very popular, with schools competing in races.

For children from the age of 7. 13 July. Time: 9am. Venue: Boy Louw Sports Grounds, Paarl. Cost: R50. Contact: 021 884 4547, info@amarider.co.za or visit amarider.co.za Teddy Tennis at The Glen Country Club Tennis for children accompanied by music. For 2–8 year olds. Time: Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Venue: The Glen Country Club, Clifton. For more info, contact: 083 679 0731, mark@ teddytennis.com or visit teddytennis.com V&A Waterfront has launched a new running route The picturesque running route snakes past the Aquarium, One&Only Cape Town and the Cape Grace before winding its way over the Bascule swing bridge, past the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, the Cape Wheel and the Amphitheatre before reaching the

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only for parents classes, talks and workshops

V&A Waterfront launches a new running route

Table Bay Hotel. The route then reaches the Breakwater and the newly developed Boardwalk Path. Runners then make their way to Granger Bay, before finally heading back to the Tourist Information Centre.

Time: 9am. Venue: the route starts at the V&A Tourist Information Centre. Cost: free. For more info: visit waterfront.co.za Winter Triple Trail Run #2 All routes offer jeep track climbing among the vineyards towards Klapmutskop with rewarding single-track trails and scenic winelands views from the water point, with Table Mountain in the distance. For children from the age of 10. 7 July. Time: 9am. Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Agri-tourism complex, R44 near Stellenbosch. Cost: R50 (5km); R75 (7,5km); R95 (12,5km); R105 (15km). Contact Dirtopia: 021 884 4752, info@dirtopia.co.za or visit dirtopia.co.za

ADHD talk with Elf Montessori A talk on what is ADHD and ADD? Get practical advice on how to manage children with either ADHD or ADD in your classroom.

Thereafter practical ideas are given on how to tell if a child has a sight difficulty and how to assist them. Aimed at parents and preschool teachers. 25 June. Time: 9am–1:30pm. Venue: ELF Montessori Teacher Training, 28 Main Rd, Mowbray.

Cost: R50 a session or R100 for the day.

Contact Claire: 021 685 8119, elfsecretary@ gmail.com or visit elfmontessori.co.za Basic home cooking course This foursession course is aimed at beginner cooks and people interested in learning basic kitchen skills. The emphasis is on easy-to-prepare, healthy dishes and cooking technology.

It is ideal for students, domestics and beginners. 1–4 July. Time: 9am–12:30pm.

Venue: 432 Main Rd, Observatory. Cost: R1 500 for 4 sessions. Contact: 021 447 0323 or info@stircrazycatering.co.za Bergvliet Mommy’s Club This group is suitable for all moms with babies and toddlers. Coffee or tea is provided. Time: 10am–12pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Bergvliet Methodist Church. Cost: free. Contact: 021 715 3045, bergvlietmommysclub@gmail. com or visit their Facebook page Bergvliet Mommy’s Club

Christmas in July A fun-filled class with a selection of recipes to be enjoyed with bubbly. Booking essential. Time 6pm–10pm.

Venue: Stir Crazy Cooking School, 423 Main Rd, Observatory. Cost: R420 per person or R700 for two. Contact: 021 447 0323 or info@stircrazycatering.co.za Family and Friends CPR 6 July.

Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Constantiaberg Mediclinic, Burnham Rd, Plumstead. Cost: R250 per person. Contact: 021 705 6459, training@pec.co.za or visit training.pec.za First aid course for parents and au pairs Be prepared for an emergency by learning to deal with everyday accidents.

27 July. Time: 9am–12:30pm. Venue: Deer Park House, 2 Deer Park Rd, Vredehoek.

Cost: R350. Contact: 021 461 6508 or info@supernannies.co.za Northern suburbs mom’s nights Attend all three nights and receive a R60 discount.

22 July: Super Granny’s five secrets to a brand new child. 25 July: shaping the will without breaking the spirit. 29 July: sibling rivalry. Time: 7pm. Venue: 13B Fivaz St, Aurora, Durbanville. Cost: R120 per person and R180 per family. Contact: events@ monsterstomunchkins.co.za Paediatric first aid course Seta accredited for two years. Aimed at parents and preschool teachers. 24 June. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: ELF Montessori Teacher Training, 28

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calendar Main Rd, Mowbray. Cost: R300. Contact Claire: 021 685 8119, elfsecretary@gmail. com or visit elfmontessori.co.za Rave-O training This is a reading, writing and spelling programme using multisensory activities based on the science of the brain. Conducted by Dr Stephanie Gottwald from The Centre for Reading and Language Research at Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA. 3–5 July. For more info, contact Bianca: 011 788 5454 or admin@bellavistaschool.co.za Sensory profiling for the classroom Dealing with diversity and individuality within the classroom. For teachers, classroom facilitators, education support staff and school-based therapists. 29 July. Time: 1:30pm–5pm. Venue: Kenridge Primary School, Van Riebeeck Rd, Durbanville. Cost: R385 per person or R325 for group booking of four plus. Contact: 082 397 3606 or sandra@sensoryintelligence.co.za Super Nannies nanny training course Give your nanny the confidence and skills to care for your child. They cover childcare, first aid, stimulation and nutrition. For babies, toddlers and young children.

26 July–23 August (Cape Town) and 31 July–21 August (southern suburbs). Time: 9am–12pm, Cape Town – Friday; southern suburbs – Wednesday. Venue: Deer Park House, Cape Town and Birth Options, Plumstead. Cost: call to enquire. Contact: 021 461 6508 or info@supernannies.co.za The Four Regions of India Learn Indian cuisine and get to grips with the basic techniques. 1, 8, 15 and 22 July. Time: 6pm–10pm, every Monday. Venue: Stir Crazy Cooking and Catering School, 432 Main Rd, Observatory. Cost: R1 600 for four sessions. Contact Noleen: 021 447 0323 or info@stircrazycatering.co.za

on stage and screen The Rocky Horror Show Richard O’Brien’s hit musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist, who is unveiling his new creation − a muscle man named Rocky Horror. 10 July–24 August. Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Friday; 4pm and 8pm, Saturday.

Venue: The Fugard Theatre, District Six. Cost: R90–R230. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or the Fugard Theatre box office: 021 461 4554

out and about Soetes and Soup Purchase a pass at any of the participating wineries in the Breedekloof Valley and you receive free entry and a complimentary steaming cup of soup at every winery you visit. Time: 8am–5pm (19 July) and 9am–3:30pm (20 July). Venue: participating wineries in Rawsonville. Cost: R50 for Soetes and Soup passes. Contact: 023 349 1791 or visit breedekloof.com

support groups LGBTI Parents support group The group meets for either a discussion for parents or for a casual playdate for the children. Time: 7pm–8:30pm for the parents’ session and 2:30pm–4:30pm for the playdates. Venue: Elta House, 3 Caledonian Rd, Mowbray and Millstone Ecovillage, Pinelands. Cost:

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19 and 20 July – Soetes and Soup

free. Contact: 021 686 1475 or visit their Facebook page Proud 2B–LGBTI Parents or http://triangle.org.za Moms First therapeutic group A safe, supportive space to look at the unique challenges of being a mother. Time: 10am–11:30am, every Wednesday. Venue: 3 Prospect Hill Rd, Wynberg. Cost: R200 per group. Contact Penelope: 073 786 6781 or visit momsfirst.co.za My Aspergers Child Supports and educates parents of children and teens with Asperger’s syndrome and highfunctioning autism. For more info: visit myaspergerschild.com

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops BabyCalm four-week mother and baby course It is designed to help parents understand how to calm their baby’s crying, avoid colic and promote restful sleep. The workshops empower parents to raise their baby with confidence, turning stressed, exhausted babies and parents into calm babies and happier parents. Classes are for moms and their babies 0–20 weeks of age.

18 June–9 July. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Green Point. Cost: R1 100, which includes a CD, massage oil and morning tea. Contact Lauren: 079 450 6779, lauren@babycalming.com or visit babycalming.com Baby Yoga and Baby Development combined workshops Reconnect with your body by doing stretching exercises with your baby. Starts 6 July. Time: 2pm–4pm, every Saturday. Venue: Sunshine Health, 2 Deer Park Dr, Vredehoek. Contact Rona: 021 790 5923, roxanacu@hotmail.com or visit first-step.co.il/en/ Moms and Babes Claremont A weekly play activity programme, developed by an occupational therapist and physiotherapist specifically for babies 2–12 months old.

Time: 10am and 3pm, Monday–Thursday.

Venue: Claremont. Cost: call to enquire.

For more info: visit momsandbabies.co.za Motherhood Matters baby massage classes This four-week baby massage course allows moms to learn to communicate with their babies through loving touch, and understand the many benefits of massage. Moms get ongoing breast-feeding and baby-care advice from the registered midwives. For 6–8 moms and their babies.

Suitable for babies 4 weeks–6 months.

17 July–7 August. Time: 10am–11:30am,

every Wednesday. Venue: Kirstenhof. Cost: R500. Contact Megan: 071 875 2668 or visit motherhoodmatters.co.za

playtime and story time Babies Read Books puppet show and storytelling For babies and toddlers every Tuesday. Professional storyteller Sharon Geffen is in attendance every second Tuesday. Time: 9:30am. Venue: Kloof Street Library, 122B Kloof St. Cost: call to enquire.

Contact: 021 424 3308 Fun House This play-place and vintage café offers quirky play-pieces, blow-up boats, long picnic tables, a grassy area, old-school jungle gyms and a jumping castle. The toddlers’ play zone has been deliberately sited next to the café’s outside area, offering umbrellas, sandpits and other age-appropriate play pieces such as slides.

Time: 10am–4:30pm, Wednesday–Friday; 9am–5pm, Saturday; 9am–2pm, Sunday.

Venue: Durbanville Winelands. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit their Facebook page Fun House Come Play Wriggle and Rhyme Props, puppets, instruments and movement are used to engage and stimulate the children around a different, fun theme each term. Time: varies. Venues: Claremont, Constantiaberg and Fish Hoek. Cost: call to enquire. For more info: info@wriggleandrhyme.co.za or visit wriggleandrhyme.co.za

Crèche in Strand. They require volunteers to assist with different projects and sponsor the following: non-perishable food items, toiletries, paint and paintbrushes. 25 July.

Time: 8am–4:30pm. Contact Michelle: 0860 000 700, 082 410 3576, michelle@ mealsonwheels.co.za or visit mow.org.za Pebbles Project Their purpose is to enrich the lives of disadvantaged children with special educational needs, especially those whose lives are affected by alcohol, by providing support and training to local wine farm and township crèches and establishing after-school provision for older children. You can sponsor a child with R150 a month. They are currently looking for books to sell at the Somerset Mall Charity Book Fair in July. Contact Angela: 072 124 4271, angela@pebblesproject. co.za, sponsorachild@pebblesproject.co.za or visit pebblesproject.co.za Pets This registered, pro-life, animal rescue organisation alleviates pain, hunger, illness and abuse, and look after the homeless with feeding, educating, medicating and loving.

They desperately need food for kittens and puppies, collars and toys, monetary donations for medicine, vets’ bills and food, a bakkie or similar vehicle, foster or forever homes, advertising and exposure.

If you would like to help, contact: karyn. pets@gmail.com or visit pets.org.za Team Hope This organisation is planning an event at Hillcrest Estate in November, the proceeds of which go to a cancer fund for children who need treatment. If you would like to be involved with supporting this cause, via food stalls, entertainment, radio or music, contact: tamsynlivings@ gmail.com The Giftbearer’s Association One in four of the world’s children are stunted and it’s this organisation’s mission is to eradicate stunting nationally by establishing 1 500 industrial kitchens. Each kitchen will feed between 500–3 000 children a daily nutritional meal. To help, contact: 021 709 0988 or visit thegiftbearers.yolasite.com

support groups The Parent Centre Moms-to-be and Moms and Babies groups These groups are suitable for moms with babies up to one year old. Mediclinic Cape Town. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm, every Tuesday. Mediclinic Constantiaberg. Time: 10am–12pm, every Thursday. Cost: R50, including refreshments. Contact: 021 762 0116, reception@theparentcentre.org.za or visit theparentcentre.org.za or visit their Facebook pages: Tuesday Moms Group (Parent Centre) and Thursday Moms Group (Parent Centre) for the monthly programme.

how to help

Registered, pro-life, animal rescue organisation, Pets

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to capetown@childmag. co.za or fax it to 021 462 2680.

Adopt a Grandparent In the spirit of Mandela Day, Meals on Wheels will have volunteers assisting them with preparing, cooking, packing and delivering meals to the less fortunate via the Somerset West branch. They will be doing two make-overs: one at Sencit Resthaven, a retirement home in Strand, and one at the Morkel Cottage

Information must be received by 5 July for the August 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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it’s party time continued...

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finishing touch

it’s a girl thing – or is it?

g

irls wear pink and boys play with trucks. Really? Or do we as parents inadvertently impose these gender stereotypes on our children? I confronted this uncomfortable notion recently when Erin decided to wear Conor’s clothes for the day. Conor’s clothing cupboard is at just the right height for her to be able to “window shop”. She usually just dumps his stuff on the floor, but on this occasion she announced that she wanted to wear his shirt and jeans. I decided not to make a big deal of this, and duly dressed her in her brother’s gear. Craig was less enthusiastic about her clothing choice. He tried to encourage her to put on a dress instead, but she was having none of it.

I didn’t think it bothered me much, until we got to the market and I suddenly became acutely aware of all the little girls dressed beautifully in skirts or dresses.

Erin is also not a fan of hair accessories, so when dressed in her brother’s khakis and denim, she looked just like a boy. And

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Erin, Anél and Conor

when she started playing with another little girl, attired in the de rigueur pink, I found myself explaining to the mother that Erin was in fact a girl, and that she was just going through a phase.

But why should it matter so much what Erin is wearing? Surely it’s limiting to presume that only boys can wear blue and that girls can never wear functional shorts and neutral colours? I am starting to realise how insidiously these stereotypes creep

into the way we speak and act. We recently bought Conor a toy train to play with, and Erin a doll. Of course, she was more interested in the locomotive and insisted on getting one too.

This being said, it has been fascinating to observe how differently brother and sister play. Erin naturally gravitates towards a more nurturing role. She talks to her ponies and will cook up imaginary dishes in her wooden oven, while Conor is fascinated with wheels

and other moving parts that make a noise. In an article on gender norms, Australian family psychologist Ian Wallace explains that this is partly because the Y chromosome kicks in at about the eighth week in utero for boys and this causes them to be “wired” differently to girls. They need more physical activity to learn, for example, and will therefore engage in rougher, action-driven play. But despite their different wiring, parents should still be cautious about unconsciously imposing gender labels. Think twice before referring to your son as “my big boy”, but your daughter as your “little girl” as you lead her towards the dolls in the toy shop. Let them tackle similar activities and expose them to the same experiences.

Erin’s “cross-dressing” exercise was, say the experts, a normal and healthy exploration of her free will. She does not have any gender biases yet, and she is not constrained by any stereotypes. I just hope we can keep this in mind should Conor show an interest in wearing her princess pyjamas.

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PHOTOGRAPH: STEPHANIE VELDMAN

ANél LEWIS hopes her children grow up without gender stereotypes limiting their sense of adventure.