Child magazine | CPT May 2014

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

let’s

party your bumper

birthday guide

plus

magical themes and recipes birthday party etiquette at school

dealing with a

shy child

should you choose your child’s friends? taking the sting out of

queen

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May 2014

free

health

bees

education

entertainment

Hunter House PUB L IS H ING

We’re in a celebratory mood – we’ve turned 10 and it’s our party issue.

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Marc de Chazal • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor

To mark the occasion, we bring you more features, more recipes, great books, something to laugh about and “the ultimate party guide” (page 26). Whether your child is celebrating at home, at school or having a mega bash, we’ve covered every party whim from baby to teenager. This issue is a keeper.

But parenting is not all fun and games, so we also explore difficult topics, such as fighting the urge to interfere in your child’s friendships (page 14), what happens when your daughter gets caught up in the manipulative world of the queen bee (page 20) and how to deal with a shy child (page 12). In this piece, Glynis Horning gives you

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

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

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

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

Subscriptions and Circulation PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: BROOKE FASANI

Nicolene Baldy • subs@childmag.co.za

Accounts

10 tips to help your child. And then we get back to celebrating with Durban resource editor Tamlyn Vincent, who shares her magical week with her four-year-old son at Disney World in Florida (page 22).

Enjoy this month’s issue and keep it close for when your child gets to wear their birthday crown and dish out the cupcakes.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

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

Cape Town’s Child magazineTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 7, Canterbury Studios,

If you love the magazine you’ll love our website. Visit us at childmag.co.za

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May 2014

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contents may 2014

16 upfront

regulars

3 a note from lisa

7 upfront with paul we should think

5 over to you readers respond

features 14 choosing their friends parents should think twice before interfering with their child’s choice of friends, says Gary Koen

16 party politics Cassandra Shaw chats to a few teachers to find out how they celebrate birthdays at their schools

18 creative cakes we give you party inspiration from Arina du Plessis’s latest book

twice about our children walking about with expensive gadgets, says Paul Kerton

9 pregnancy news – not thinking straight Anél Lewis sheds some light on momnesia or “porridge brain”

10 best for baby – wrap them with care Katherine Graham looks at the age-old practice of swaddling

12 dealing with difference – how to deal with a shy child there’s much parents can do to help their shy child. By Glynis Horning

20 girl world your daughter needn’t

26 resource – the ultimate party guide Compiled by Lucille Kemp

22 a family fantasy Tamlyn Vincent

38 what’s on in may

fall victim to the queen bee’s bullying tactics, says Lucille Kemp

took her family to Disney World for her son’s fourth birthday

24 chew on this Vanessa Papas dishes out the truth about processed foods

46 finishing touch Cassandra Shaw believes parents should also enjoy a good party

47 a good read for the whole family

health 8 mirror, mirror... when children start showing an interest in beauty routines. By Marina Zietsman

classified ads 45 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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May 2014

Joburg

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Durban

Pretoria

Ackermans ackermans.co.za

Claudia De Nobrega Photography claudiadenobrega.com

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over to you loving vermin In response to your article “more than just a pet” (March 2014): leaving the pet shop with bags of compressed sawdust, rodent cubes (different to the ones you put in the roof) and an expensive cage, I muttered to myself, “All this for vermin!” Excitedly gesturing toward the contents of the little cardboard box he was clutching, my little blonde asked, “So is his name Vernon, Mom?” And so Whiskers Vernon Joubert joined our household.

Since becoming a single mom and relocating to an upstairs unit fondly referred to by me as “Freedom Flat”, we had been through a lot of ups and downs. The excitement of having a new home and a new routine had worn off and the reality of my working and the permanence of aftercare had been difficult. I’d implemented a reward chart to keep us all headed in the right direction. And that direction led us to vermin. Well, the first choice would have been a feline but the regulations of complex-living restricted us. Fish were boring and died too easily and I have a parrot named Tequila who bites with more ferocity than her namesake. So in search of something cuddlier and hardier, we chose a rat, as I have never met a good-tempered hamster.

My second little blonde was going to settle for a female fish to go with the blue male known as Seaside. He has outlived his red counterpart, Liquorice, only because he is actually the second Seaside to grace the tank… but unluckily for me, there were no females to be found,

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letters

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.

resulting in a trip back to the rodent cages for a mouse. My darling ignored the cute variegated specimens with the ink drop eyes and chose one of the white ones with creepy red eyes that remind me of laboratories… and it’s hello to Stuart Speedy Joubert.

As luck would have it, Stuart fits perfectly into Ben 10’s jet. Sorry Ben, your wings have been clipped. Stuart is king of the cockpit now, and boy did he make it his own. After the children were sound asleep, I found myself haunted by a pungent ammonia smell that did not seem cage-related.

After an unpleasant treasure hunt I settled on the green jet.

Opening the cockpit revealed the most toxic smell I’d been subjected to in years – mouse urine. While attacking the area with all of the brands of disinfectant in my possession, I wondered why this excretion has not been used in biological warfare. The toxicity of this tiny amount of fluid seems unreal and completely wasted. Whiskers Vernon, although at least three times the size of Stuart Speedy, was not nearly as talented in the art of stench warfare.

It took some doing but the cockpit is clean and odour free – ready for Ben or Stuart to log some more frequent flyer miles. Whiskers and Stuart have settled in well. After having their cages cleaned, they spent the entire night tearing paper and rearranging their homes. I imagine they do this in quite a foul mood seeing as they have to do it on such a regular basis. But they knuckle down and get it done with their tiny paws and sharp teeth.

As much work as they are for us parents, I feel it is so important for children to grow up with pets. The happiness they bring outweighs the extra work and smelly side effects.

I was pondering this thought when my gaze settled on the packet of rodent cubes. It read: “Rodent cubes fed to your rodent colony are an investment in the health and wellbeing of your reptiles.”

Ag, shame man.

Nicole

not just another glossy magazine We love the articles in Child magazine, not because we revel in others’ sorrow or problems, but because we learn to have patience when dealing with our struggles in raising a boy.

Child magazine is not only a list of places to go to and things to buy and see with children, but a mini-book of stories on how to raise children. We do not always know where to go for help, but reading Child magazine is a primary source, and sometimes just a source of inspiration. If these folks can handle their problems, so can we. No skinny models on the front cover and no stories inside about great people doing great things, but triumphant stories about normal people overcoming their child-rearing issues. When the magazine comes out and we’ve read it from cover to cover, I make sure to take it to my paralysed mother-in-law. She loves reading it too.

Helen

May 2014

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letters

it’s a sensitive topic In response to “spirituality and school” (April 2014): I am a mom of two school-going children and I consider myself a spiritual person, currently on my journey to reverence. But I feel that education and spiritually should be completely separate. Spirituality is a personal choice and, until you can make that choice for yourself, it is up to your parents to teach and guide you. Why then are people still putting this role into the hands of our educators? They are there to impart knowledge, not guide a child on a spiritual path.

Some schools say they are not associated with a religion, yet they still read from religious scripture at assembly and pray. If you want to teach morals and good behaviour, do it. You don’t need religion to do so.

Cheryl

apraxia awareness Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a disorder that seriously interferes with a child’s ability to develop clear speech. CAS makes it difficult or impossible for an affected child to plan the movement of the lips, tongue or jaw, which is needed for speech. Children with CAS generally have a good understanding of language – they know what they want to say, but have difficulty learning or carrying out the complex movements that underlie speech.

Apraxia is one of the most severe childhood speech and communication disorders.

Wednesday, the 14th of May 2014 marks the second annual Apraxia Awareness Day. I want to bring awareness

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May 2014

to our community about this speech problem in children because, although there is little that is known about the disorder, and it is still very misunderstood, it has a huge impact on children and their families. Speech and communication are critical skills for young children to develop. We need to find ways of supporting affected children and their families, because speech therapy, the only proven treatment for apraxia, is quite costly and will extend over many years for these children. They must work and struggle so much more just to learn to speak, a skill that comes effortlessly to other children.

My son, Evan, was diagnosed with apraxia in 2012 when he was two and a half years old. With the speech and occupational therapy that he has been receiving since his diagnosis, he has made significant progress, from not being able to say “mommy” at age three to now speaking in excess of five words consecutively. I have teamed up with two other moms of apraxic/dyspraxic children to start creating awareness in South Africa. We have created a Facebook page called “Apraxia Awarness South Africa” and intend to launch our website, aarsa.co.za on 14 May. Deidre Warner

online feedback In response to “being classified” I am a divorced “single father”. I find it ridiculous that our child sees his parents at times in the same place but “miles apart”. Communication of any sort is almost impossible.

Blaming is, I now understand, a fruitless emotion and will only make you bitter. I would certainly have loved for it all

to have been different, but it is not. I am trying now, as best I can, to embrace the “single parent” label. I travel abroad often with my child. I have been to Disney World in Florida and it was fantastic. This year though, for us, it’s Lapland for Christmas, just to prove once and for all, that Father Christmas really does exist. Take a trip and enjoy every moment with your children.

JH In response to “active learning” My nine-year-old daughter and I use Google to learn about things. The last topic was “different species of rhino”. We do this as a team activity, so there is never any chance of viewing inappropriate material. We used YouTube to find out how to draw Olaf from the movie Frozen, and within minutes she had drawn a good likeness. Having a tablet is like having an entire library at home – wonderful.

Heather T

erratum In the article “childhood depression” (April 2014), Linda Naidoo is credited as the director of Childline Durban.

Naidoo is in fact a former director. We apologise for any inconvenience this error might have caused. subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competitions.

To subscribe, visit childmag.co.za

We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

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

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

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upfront with paul

with money in hand Parents should think twice about the luxuries their children leave home with, advises PAUL KERTON.

ILLUSTRATION: MARK VINCER

i

f I gave your daughter, whether 10 or 17 years old, R10 000 in cash and said, “Please give this money to your mother for me,” before dropping her off at the bus stop, you would think I’d lost my mind. Nobody – not even grown-ups – carry that much cash on them. Yet every day, thousands of children are doing just that – walking around with a cellphone, tablet or laptop worth R10 000.

When the school bell rang the other day, I watched as children poured out of a typical school in a “good area”. The children were 11 to 15 years old and I’d guess that more than half of them had a very slick cellphone in their hand. One 11 year old walked past my car with the latest iPhone 5s, her eyes trancelike, fixated on

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the screen in the classic default position – totally unaware of her surroundings.

The latest iPhone 5s 64GB costs an eye-watering R15 000. Older models are between R6 000 and R8 000, and lesser brand smartphones clock in at R4 000 to R6 000. A MacBook Pro is between R13 000 and R18 000. A good tablet is approximately R5 000. These figures are astonishing.

The trouble now is that the technology is so advanced; it’s all squeezed into one hand-held unit, and mobiles are seriously expensive luxury items. We have lost the argument that they are not an integral part of our lives. Cellphones have gone from a “nice-to-have” to an “extra part of our brain”. And we are seemingly lost without them. Everybody wants to have the latest model. But not everybody can afford one,

which means that some people prefer to take everybody else’s, either for their own use, or to sell on.

Last month, for the first time in 20 years of living in South Africa, I was mugged when two guys with knives “jumped” me at a railway underpass. It was stupid of me to walk there knowing that the station staff had gone home.

They took my smartphone, but luckily I was unharmed. Just last week, however, a schoolboy had his throat slit outside a school in Somerset West for his cellphone.

Incredibly, he survived.

If it is any consolation, it is not only a South African problem, but a global one. In Syracuse, New York, cellphone thefts are up by 64% in a year and they even refer to it in street slang as “apple picking”.

Every phone has a unique ID: the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The authorities, the phone companies and service providers could do something about it if they felt like it. They could kill the trade in second-hand phones by blocking stolen phones, immediately rendering them unusable. For instance, they could track my stolen phone right now to within 10 metres if they wanted to.

The question is, do they really want to?

And if not, why?

As cellphones become ever more sophisticated and expensive, government needs to act to force cellphone companies to respond. At the moment nobody could care less. And our children are prime targets.

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

May 2014

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health

mirror, mirror…

Many of Hollywood’s “beautiful people” are moulded and “chipped at” to look like angelic beings. MARINA ZIETSMAN finds out what we should do when our children start showing an interest in a beauty routine.

Puberty is all about raging hormones, when common changes such as the appearance of more body hair and acne occur. These can be very embarrassing and can also come with various stigmas, but there are ways to help minimise them. skincare routine Children should start with a skincare routine at around 11 to 13 years of age when puberty sets in, recommends Lindey Visser, general manager at the International Health and Skincare Academy in Cape Town. Visser advises that children use products that are age appropriate and do not contain alcohol. They should not use soap, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Aline Venter, training manager for the Sorbet Group, adds that “boys should definitely also start a skincare routine”. She suggests that a pubescent use a cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunscreen daily.

“They can also exfoliate once a week and use a mask, and there is no harm in going for a facial once a month.” removal of facial and body hair If your child shows an interest in removing unsightly hair to avoid being teased by peers, it’s probably the right time to do something about it. But Dr Dagmar Whitaker, a specialist dermatologist in Cape Town, says one should probably not start hair removal before puberty. “If hair is soft and light, it is best left alone. Let girls enjoy some freedom before they get roped in by peer pressure,” she says. Waxing and

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shaving can cause ingrown hairs, infections and unsightly scarring, says Whitaker.

The most popular hair removal method is shaving. “It is cheap, but has the highest risk of ingrown hair,” says Whitaker. It can also lead to a thickening of the hair shaft and the hair then becomes more visible than before. “Bad shaving habits can scar you for life.

It can also cause a viral infection (plane warts), which can be most unattractive, so the proper technique and hygiene is of utmost importance,” says Whitaker. She adds that hair-removal creams are gentle, but stay away if you have eczema or sensitive skin.

Venter opts for waxing as the long-term benefits are great, but this must be done professionally. Visser adds that laser therapy is the safest option, but must be done with a registered laser therapist.

Young girls should not be concerned about getting pubic hair.

“Pubic hair develops at the onset of hormonal changes, indicating the beginning of puberty. But the chances of developing ingrown hair is a lot higher when shaving the pubic area,” says Whitaker.

She adds that the area is also more prone to infections and even the development of sebaceous cysts. “If one chooses to shave pubic hair, then meticulous hygiene is imperative.”

The bottom line is to gauge what motivates this interest in hair removal. Speak to a professional to find the right method for an age-appropriate result.

other beauty treatments Spray tans are not recommended.

Spray tanning has been banned in New Jersey in the US for children under 14 years old, as DHA-exposure (DHA is present in the most effective sunless tanning products) has not been tested properly by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Pedicures and manicures are harmless, but if you do choose nail polish, use a water-based formula, as they are chemical-free.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

puberty lurking

pregnancy news

not thinking straight Momnesia – myth or malaise of motherhood? ANÉL LEWIS looks at possible causes of “porridge brain” during pregnancy.

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

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knew something was up when I found myself pushing my car key into the ticket slot at the mall’s parking pay station. I was four months pregnant, and it felt like my brain was in a thick fog. I would walk into a room and forget why I was there. And if I didn’t write it down, or put a reminder on my phone, it would be forgotten in the haze of what was once my memory. When I fell pregnant again, it was the forgetfulness that made my husband suspect another baby was on the way. But what causes this “porridge brain”, also known as pregnesia or momnesia, that so many women seem to experience during, and for some time after, their pregnancy?

While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that it’s a very real condition, there’s no conclusive scientific evidence that it exists. In fact, a 2012 study by the Medical Research Council Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders at Stellenbosch University suggests that a pregnant woman becomes even more alert, as she develops a heightened sensitivity to danger.

Other studies found that lack of sleep and a shift in priorities may have something to do with the memory lapses.

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Louann Brizendine, director of the Women’s Mood and Hormone Clinic at the University of California, says the upsurge in progesterone and oestrogen can affect the neurons in the brain. The rush of oxytocin when a woman gives birth also affects the brain’s functioning, which could explain why the brain fog tends to linger after birth.

Then there’s the evolution argument – that women simply develop temporary memory loss so that they can focus on their pregnancy and child.

The American Psychological Association concluded that while pregnancy may have some mild effects on cognitive functioning, it was actually the expectation or stereotype that pregnant women are a bit addled that makes them think they have pregnesia. I’m sure the many new mothers who’ve found their TV remote in the fridge, or left the house wearing a face mask, would strongly disagree.

Despite what the science says, the good news is that momnesia is not permanent, and within a year you should be back to your lucid self again.

in the meantime write it down – phone numbers, special dates and things you need to buy for your baby set reminders on your phone or computer to alert you store your car keys and wallet in a conveniently placed bowl so you know where to find them don’t procrastinate – the quicker you do something the less likely you are to forget about it use timers when cooking

you’re not alone • Nikki Homann of Cape Town says: “I was shopping for fabric softener and I saw those dryer sheets that you can use in the tumble dryer instead of putting softener in the washing machine, and thought I would try them. I got home, and took the box of dryer sheets through to the laundry… at which point I remembered that we didn’t own a tumble dryer.”

• Georgia Millad, also from Cape Town, recalls how she unwittingly started putting items into someone else’s trolley while shopping. When she realised her mistake, she abandoned the trolley and “made a dash for it”.

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best for baby

wrap them with care Mothers have been doing it for centuries, yet the age-old practice of swaddling

ll eyes were on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they first appeared in public with their baby – not only because it was the world’s first glimpse of him, but because he was seen swaddled. A favourite among nurses and nannies for lulling babies to sleep, swaddling has recently lost some of its lustre due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and hip dysplasia.

Proponents say that swaddling soothes babies and helps them sleep longer – especially if they suffer from colic. “Studies have shown that babies have more coordinated sucks and swallows when they are swaddled,” says Richardson, “so if your baby is a fussy feeder, keep him swaddled for the duration of the feed.”

risks benefits “Swaddling is the best way to imitate the tight hug of the womb environment,” says Ann Richardson, co-author of Baby Sense.

“It provides deep-touch pressure and prevents your baby’s limbs from shooting out in a startle reflex – a common cause of night wakings.”

Other experts agree. Registered nurse Cindy Homewood of the Bowwood Baby Clinic says the practice is very common in South Africa and for good reason. “Swaddling provides babies with the comfort, security and warmth they need,” she says.

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If you do decide to swaddle, it’s crucial that you do so correctly. Always place a swaddled baby on his back in the cot, never face down, to avoid the risk of SIDS. It’s also important not to wrap his legs straight. There should be enough room at the bottom of the blanket for him to bend his legs. “Improper swaddling by tightly wrapping your baby’s legs down straight may loosen the joints and damage the soft cartilage of the hip sockets, leading to hip dysplasia,” cautions Richardson.

Another risk is overheating. Make sure the blanket is 100% cotton and avoid

using polyester or polar fleece wraps. If it’s hot, use a light muslin cloth so your baby remains cool.

“It’s important that the swaddling blanket should keep the baby’s hands near his face in order to be able to soothe himself by sucking,” adds Homewood.

“Previously the baby’s arms were pinned down at his sides or across his chest, which was frustrating. Another method of swaddling could be under his arms across his chest, therefore leaving his arms free.”

Your baby will be ready to stop being swaddled between six and 12 months. “It’s a very individual decision as each child develops at his own pace,” comments Homewood. “Once the baby’s neurological system matures, he may not need the boundaries that swaddling provides.”

Whether you use a cotton blanket or a custom-made swaddle, the benefits of swaddling are known. Any technique that helps your baby sleep better is worth considering, as long as you are mindful of the risks.

how to swaddle 1 Lie the blanket diagonally with the top corner folded over.

Place the baby on the blanket with her hands close together in the midline near her mouth.

2 Wrap one side of the blanket across her body and tuck it in under her back and legs.

3 Fold the bottom end of the blanket up and tuck under the baby’s uncovered shoulder.

Ensure enough room for her legs to move and bend.

4 Wrap the other side of the blanket over the opposite shoulder and tuck in around her body.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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is not without its detractors. KATHERINE GRAHAM investigates why.

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May 2014

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dealing with difference

how to deal with a

shy child

Shyness can hold a child back in our outgoing culture, but there’s much you can do to help. By GLYNIS HORNING

be professionally assessed and treated as early as possible.

They generally respond well to cognitive behavioural therapy that progressively exposes them to social situations.

“Medication is usually not as successful, and should only be given when the anxiety is overwhelming and therapy is not producing success on its own,” says Ladikos.

Most children, however, require only guidance and patience, outgrowing their shyness as they mature and acquire better social skills. There’s much parents can do to help. refrain “Calling a child ‘shy’ encourages them to define themselves that way and resist change,” says Patricia Tau, an educational psychologist at Sunshine Hospital in Benoni and Dalpark 6 in Brakpan. Rather tell them and other people that they can be “a bit reserved at first” but will “soon warm up”, she advises. nurture Noticing a child’s needs from babyhood and responding to them teaches them to trust and feel secure, says Tau. Also, expose them early to the care of loving others, from relatives to baby-sitters, so they learn to trust them, says Ladikos.

unpacking the problem Being shy is not a fault, it’s largely a personality trait – part of being an introvert, says Pretoria psychiatrist Dr Annemarie Potgieter. In some cases it may be linked to a traumatic event or to life experiences, such as Janine’s.

These children feel awkward in social situations, but once they become desensitised to them they usually relax, says child psychiatrist Dr Androula Ladikos, also from Pretoria.

It’s only when they don’t, and extreme embarrassment or fear prevents them from socialising, that they need professional help. They may have an anxiety disorder or social phobia (though this usually shows up only in adolescence), or Asperger’s syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder that makes social interaction difficult). The causes are complex and unclear, and some researchers suggest they may include genetic factors or a chemical imbalance in the brain, but there is not enough proof of this, says Ladikos: “It’s rather a temperament trait.”

Left untreated, acute shyness can restrict a child’s social development and education and impact their work and personal lives. It can even trigger co-morbid conditions, such as depression. “The low self-esteem that often goes with it may also predispose youngsters to substance abuse,” says Ladikos. These children need to

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empathise Acknowledging how they feel without criticising builds confidence: “I know it can feel a bit scary starting a conversation with someone you don’t know, but that’s how I’ve made all my friends.” Pushing them builds resistance: “Go on, don’t be silly, Mr X won’t bite!” Many parents need to be taught to resist the urge to say such things, says Tau. encourage “Encouraging and supportive parenting, where you allow a child to do things on their own without constantly correcting them, builds self-esteem, as opposed to controlled parenting,” says Ladikos. Also, help them to identify talents and interests that make them feel special, and develop them. “It gives them things to share with others, making it easier to connect,” says Tau. model Children learn most from watching us and rolemodelling, says Ladikos. Smiling readily and making eye contact with others, greeting them, paying compliments, and chatting casually with check-out staff and car guards can all help foster a relaxed attitude to social interactions and teach your child social skills. “Also model tolerance, respect and forgiveness, as it teaches them that they don’t need to be perfect,” says Tau.

facilitate Create opportunities for your child to socialise safely, stretching them slowly – from having one child over to play a few times, to having them visit that child, Tau suggests. Involve them in sport and cultural activities that interest them, from soccer to choirs, and remind teachers to involve them in class activities. role play Ask what situations your child struggles with and act them out, from breaking into a play group to answering questions in class or coping with party nerves: “How would it be if you help serve the eats?” Also practise basic social skills, such as introductions, handshakes and making conversation. Suggest questions they can ask, says Ladikos. respect Don’t put the child on the spot: “Go on, sing for your aunt. You do it so well.” Ask them in advance and accept it if they decline, says Ladikos. Not all children are born performers. applaud Praise every attempt they make to socialise on their own, says Tau: “I know it wasn’t easy asking Siyabonga to play, but you’ll have fun. Well done.” Also teach them that failure is okay. It provides the feedback we need to grow. step back Whatever you do, don’t constantly speak for your child. It can be tempting when they’re shy, especially if you’re an extrovert. If someone addresses them, give them time to answer for themselves, Tau says, otherwise you are signalling that you don’t have confidence in them and could be keeping them from developing the very communication skills you want them to have. * Names withheld for privacy

don’t shy away ost children outgrow shyness, but get M professional help if your child: • avoids eye contact and interaction; • is socially isolated; • has learning or behavioural problems; • leaves others feeling uncomfortable in their presence and • has a family history of anxiety disorders, depression or substance abuse.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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ost of us have experienced shyness – arriving at a dinner party where we don’t know a soul or facing a first day at work. We also know how important it is to be able to handle such situations and make social connections comfortably. So, having a child who clams up in company and clings, or who mumbles monosyllabic replies and retreats, can be disturbing. “My daughter would rather sit alone than make conversation with other children,” says Durban bookkeeper Janine* of her 11 year old. “At the school gala she was on tenterhooks wondering when she was going to be called to swim, but too shy to ask her teachers or her team-mates, who weren’t in her grade. She discovered afterwards she was just a reserve so she’d suffered for nothing.”

Janine understands her daughter’s shyness – she experienced it herself as a child. “My dad died when I was five and my mom moved around, so we often changed schools and homes. I remember sitting at school with everyone talking around me and not feeling comfortable.

I preferred to be on my own. I eventually got over it, but I don’t want that for my child.”

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May 2014

13

parenting

choosing their friends We want to nurture and protect our children as much as we can, but we can’t live their lives for them.

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May 2014

but none of it will really amount to anything if your child is unable to relate properly to themselves or to others. In many ways, these activities are largely secondary. The goal is to meet and make new friends, to share new experiences and to find out more about themselves. Parents have a vital role to play in teaching their children how to make choices, but that role does not extend to making those choices for them. That defeats the purpose of developing their ability to choose wisely. While it remains the parents’ responsibility to shield their children from destructive, harmful or threatening influences, which can include some of the friends they make, parents need to be cautious that they don’t dictate who their children’s friends should be.

learning to stand Most parents would agree that it’s their duty to nurture and protect their children. However, an equally important task is teaching them how to stand on their own two feet. Children do not naturally know how to look after themselves. The only way they are going to learn is by practice, before the real separation starts to happen when they are teenagers. Seven to 12 year olds are in the safest, most golden childhood years. This period of time in your child’s life is known as the “latency years” and is often misrepresented as a dormant phase during which nothing of great importance happens to them developmentally.

This is simply not true.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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hen signing our children up to do swimming, cricket, horse riding, cooking, dancing, music or tapestry lessons, we tend to forget why we help them acquire these skills in the first place. The main reason is to help them develop into grown-ups who will one day leave home to pursue happy, successful lives of their own. Whether or not these lives will include their parents is largely dependent upon the parents’ ability to listen and talk to their children while they are growing up.

Parents who get this right will hopefully build a relationship with their children that will last a lifetime.

Having a child with a range of different skills, abilities and plenty of hobbies and pastimes may be laudable,

GARY KOEN explains.

Describing these years as “latent” is apt, because something is definitely happening to them beneath the surface. Children of this age group are sufficiently independent to be able to view and appreciate the outside world, yet they are still close enough to their families to feel safe and protected. During this time a wonderful blurring of boundaries occurs between themselves and this outside world, which is social and concrete and filled with so many more “things”. It is a truly delightful time as your child begins to discover, not only how they are able to engage with and influence the outside world, but also how the outside world can enrich their own internal life. It’s a time of great curiosity and learning when children acquire and put into practice all the skills they will need when faced with the challenges of real interpersonal relationships.

During these years children need to be encouraged to identify and to act on their own needs and to discover their own power to fulfil them. This is a time to feel proud of themselves for trying something new, for joining in, for participating, for sharing and for appreciating their own abilities as well as those of others. All of these experiences will constellate and provide them with an anchor and a sense of direction.

It is our hope for our children that they will start to develop minds of their own, so it’s vital that we do not take up too much of their lives with our own judgements and prejudices, because this will cut right across your child’s need to work these things out by themselves.

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natural separation The important thing to grasp is that the only way your child is going to learn how to look after himself is by separating from his parents. The most normal, natural way of doing this is by making his own friends. Parents who have tried to dictate who their children’s friends should be will find this essential aspect of being a teenager very threatening.

They will end up feeling betrayed by their child’s natural need to separate and may even seek to undermine

It is during this time that children acquire and put into practice all the skills they will need when faced with the challenges of real interpersonal relationships. the appeal of the group. Some parents may even be secretly pleased when their children suffer setbacks and disappointments with their chosen circle of friends.

They welcome the opportunity to expose the group as harmful and dangerous, and never hesitate to remind their teenager that their family must always come first.

A teenager will become very anxious, resentful and even fearful if the message they receive is to choose between their friends and their family. If they are threatened

with being cut off from their family for making the “wrong” choice or they are told that their family can’t survive without them, this can severely cut across a teenager’s natural need to develop into a grown-up.

If you have provided your child with a solid and safe family experience, it’s not necessary to remind them of the importance of their family. They will instinctively know and understand this. But the importance of family will be measured by how successful you are at helping your teenager grow and develop a separate and fulfilling life of their own. After all, how is your son or daughter ever supposed to start a family of their own if they are never allowed to separate from their own parents?

about the author Gary Koen is a clinical psychologist in private practice with over 20 years’ experience, working mainly with adults and adolescents. He also does presentations at schools on a range of teenagerelated topics. These include all the general aspects of normal adolescent development. He developed, and successfully runs a course, “An introduction to adolescence”, aimed at parents. He is also working on a book that deals with the challenges facing parents and teenagers and, as a father of three, he is heavily invested in everything he says. For more information, visit garykoen.co.za

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15

education

party politics There’s a lot to think about when planning a birthday celebration at school. CASSANDRA SHAW gives advice.

ask first While some schools celebrate birthdays in the classroom, others might not. So it’s important to contact your child’s school about their party policies. If they allow small celebrations, check if they have any limitations. Hawa Tayob from Elf Montessori Teacher Training says that they advise their educators to limit what parents can bring into the classroom so they don’t feel like it’s a competition. She feels that it’s important not to make parents with financial restraints feel uncomfortable and pressurised.

every school celebrates their own way

longer be “cool”. To spare yourself, and your child, any embarrassment, why don’t you get your child to bake and bring in the cupcakes themselves? Liz says that’s what some of her Grade 7 to Grade 9 students do as most parents stop bringing things in once their children get to Grade 5 or 6.

special diets and allergies If you’re thinking of bringing something to eat, it’s a good idea to contact the school about their policies on allergies, as well as if there are any children with allergies or specific diets in your child’s class. Make your plans around these rules and try your best to accommodate everyone. Sonya says that if they have a student with a particular allergy, they “would ask parents to provide a little extra for this child”. Hawa suggests bringing alternatives such as a gluten-free cake. Ann Owgan, the headmistress at Brescia House Primary School in Joburg, says to make things easier at their school, parents are able to place orders for cupcakes with the tuck shop, which can be delivered to the class the morning of the birthday.

timing The classroom schedule is very important as it gives children a sense of order and structure to their day, says Hawa.

Children seem to be more relaxed and calm if they know what to expect ahead of time. If you’re planning to bring something in, find out what time of day is best for the class.

Like in most schools, Liz says that they ask parents to bring celebration goodies in the mornings, and that the items are kept in the school kitchen until break, when they will be distributed and the children will celebrate together. Sonya says that although the younger children tend to celebrate a little longer, her Class 5 students usually spend about 15 minutes having a birthday party.

Celebrations can come in all shapes and sizes, so find out how your child’s school celebrates, and what you can do to help out.

Sonya le Roux, a Class 5 teacher at Constantia Waldorf School, says celebrations change from grade to grade.

In Class 1, a child chooses two friends to help decorate their birthday table with items that are important to the birthday extras child: a cake, as well as a handmade gift Some parents like bringing party packs or item of nature from their teacher. The to the school. Check first to make sure child is given a birthday crown and, before the school allows them. Hawa says singing a birthday song and eating cake, that some schools she consults don’t. extra tips each child whispers a special birthday It’s also wise not to fill party packs • Check if the school has plates and cutlery. If not, provide them. wish into the child’s ear. In Class 5, the with overly sugary and unhealthy foods, • T

o save costs and clean-up time, send cupcakes so only the cupcake wrappers children say aloud to the birthday child as some parents may not want their need to be dealt with. what they admire in them most. children eating them. Ann says that they • A

void a mess: make a vanilla rather than a chocolate cake, or leave out the Hawa says they advise parents to try to limit snacks with a high sugar sticky, coloured icing. participate in “The Birthday Circle” – a content, and Belinda Brinckate, head of universal Montessori celebration of the the Ashlings Phase at Ashton International birthday, which may vary slightly from College in Ballito near Durban, says school to school. It focuses on the child’s personal life journey, highlighting milestones and their parents usually only include three or four small sweets and a party favour in their experiences. Parents are asked to bring photos of their child and write what their child did party bags. or enjoyed most at each age. Once the ceremony is completed, the class sings “Happy Birthday” and the birthday child offers a cupcake to those participating in the celebration. invitations At Abeille Ruche in Cape Town, founder principal Liz Simpson says that their classes For your child’s afterschool party, it’s advisable that you hand out the party invitations with pray for the birthday child in the morning; “Happy Birthday” is sung in three languages – care. If you can’t invite the whole class, Belinda says that the best way to distribute the English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, and cake is shared. invitations is to do so outside of the school environment. Contact the school and ask for the other parents’ details so you can email or mail the birthday invitations. Alternatively, age appropriate only invite a small portion of students, or just the boys or just the girls in the class.

Before you hit the shops, make sure you first ask your child how they feel about a party But don’t ever leave out only one or two individuals, says Liz. This could cause some at school. Once children reach a certain age, their mommy bringing in cupcakes may no hurt feelings.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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child’s birthday is an event that’s jam-packed with anticipation, fun, friends, laughter and joy, but most importantly, it’s a time to celebrate. Last year I was surprised when a mother from my son’s class brought in treats and party favours to celebrate her child’s birthday at school; especially since I knew they were throwing a party the following weekend. But as the year went on, I noticed that this was commonplace.

And this year, my son’s teacher mentioned how much fun the children have celebrating their birthdays in class: they eat cake, their name gets put on the board, they sing “Happy Birthday” and take a group photo.

The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a great way to make your child feel special on their big day, and as parents we’re always trying to find ways to make them feel good about themselves. But it’s important to remember that every school is different, and each has their own rules and ways of celebrating. So, if you’re as clueless as I was, here’s a list of things to consider when preparing for your child’s next birthday celebration at school.

magazine cape town

May 2014

17

book extract

Put your best cake forward this year with the help of Party Magic 5. ARINA DU PLESSIS shares some decorating ideas that your children will love.

what you’ll need • 1 x 20cm round sponge cake • 100ml light pink butter icing • 750ml light green butter icing • 8–10 finger biscuits • 6 wafer biscuits • extra green food colouring • sugar flowers (available from baking shops) • brightly coloured sweets

step 1 Cover a cake board with paper and plastic. Cut the cake in half horizontally and ice the layers together with light pink butter icing. step 2

Ice the entire cake with light green butter icing. Cut one end of the finger biscuits and stick the biscuits around the cake an equal distance

butter icing makes about 500ml butter icing what you’ll need • 125g soft butter or margarine • 500ml icing sugar, sifted • 10ml vanilla essence • boiling water or lukewarm milk

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apart. Cut the wafer biscuits into thin pieces, just long enough to fit between the finger biscuits. Stick the wafers in place to form a fence.

step 3 Colour the remaining green icing slightly darker. Spoon most of it into a piping tube or bag with a rosette nozzle and ice around the bottom of the cake for the grass. Then ice a square on the top of the cake to make a flower bed. Decorate the grass with a few sugar flowers. step 4 Spoon the remaining green icing into a small plastic bag and cut off a small corner. Ice a rambling creeper pattern on the sides of the cake and use sugar flowers for the creeper’s flowers. Arrange the brightly coloured sweets in rows of the same colour to represent the flower bed. method Cream the butter or margarine and icing sugar. Beat in the vanilla essence and a little boiling water or milk to make a spreadable icing. Keep beating until the icing is light and creamy. Use as is or beat in food colouring to make coloured icing. For chocolate icing add 30ml cocoa powder to the icing sugar and slightly more boiling water or milk.

slab/loaf cake makes 1 large slab cake what you’ll need • 20ml margarine • 250ml milk • 5 extra-large eggs • 375ml sugar • 580ml cake flour • 15ml baking powder • 3ml salt method Preheat the oven to 190°C. Grease a baking tin with butter, oil or with nonstick cooking spray. Line the tin with baking paper and grease or spray again.

Bring the margarine and milk to the boil; leave to cool. Beat the eggs well until

light and add the sugar a spoonful at a time. Beat well until thick and light for about 10 minutes – the mixture is ready when it runs off the beater in a thick ribbon. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together and fold into the egg mixture. Gradually add the warm milk mixture. Pour into the baking tin and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes until well risen and golden brown or a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool it in the tin for a few minutes.

Turn on a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate cake: replace 80ml cake flour with cocoa powder. For two large loaf cakes, pour the batter into two greased and lined loaf tins (approximately 33cm) and bake for 35–45 minutes.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: BERNA COETZEE

flower garden party flower-bed cake

ahoy, me hearties! pirate ship cake what you’ll need • 2 x 30cm loaf cakes • 1 x 20cm round sponge cake • 875ml white butter icing • pretzel sticks • 3 wafer biscuits • 6 red Astros • 125ml small red sweets • 4 each of blue, yellow and black Liquorice Allsorts other • kebab sticks • cotton string • 1 small plastic skull for the figurehead (available from toy and party shops) • 3 blue-and-white striped paper straws • 2 pirate flags on toothpicks • red cardboard • paper punch • 1 red-and-white checked paper serviette • double-sided tape • birthday candles

step 1

Cover a cake board with paper and plastic. Place the two loaf cakes next to each other on the board. Round off the two back corners. Cut the front into a curved point so that the cakes have a boat shape.

sponge cake makes 2 x 20cm sponge cakes what you’ll need • 125ml water • 125ml milk • 100ml cooking oil • 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature • 450ml sugar • 500ml cake flour • 10ml baking powder method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease two round or square 20cm baking tins with butter or oil, line with baking paper and grease again. Bring the

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step 2

Ice the cake with white butter icing. Cut off a piece of the sponge cake that is as long as the back of the cake and is approximately 5cm wide.

Place it on the back of the cake and secure with kebab sticks to form the cabin. Ice this with white icing too.

step 3

Push pieces of pretzel stick around the edge of the “deck”. Make a railing by winding string around the sticks. Stick two wafers on the front of the cabin and another on the bow. Put the “figurehead” in place. Push two kebab sticks into the deck for masts and slip a straw over each. Make flag poles in the same way: cut straws in half and put the flags in them.

step 4

Decorate the cake with Astros, small sweets and Liquorice Allsorts (see the photo).

Cut sails out of red cardboard and curl the edges. Punch holes in the sails and put them on the masts. Cut four double flag shapes out of the serviette, fold around the masts and flagpoles and stick in place. Push the candles into the cake.

water, milk and oil to the boil and remove from the heat. Beat the eggs well. Add the sugar a little at a time and keep beating until the mixture is thick and pale yellow. (This should take about 10 minutes – the mixture is ready when it runs off the beater in a thick ribbon.) Sift the flour and baking powder together and fold into the egg mixture. Add the warm milk mixture and fold in to combine. Divide between two baking tins and bake for 25 minutes until done or until a cake tester inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. For chocolate sponge cake replace 80ml of the cake flour with cocoa powder.

about the book Brush up on your decorating skills with the help of Arina du Plessis’ Party Magic 5. In her book, she offers parents a range of creative ideas for their children’s parties; everything from invitations and snacks to cakes and party favours.

The book has 20 themed-cake recipes

with

eight

additional

decorating ideas for cupcakes; giving you something for every taste, age group and budget. Party Magic 5 is published by Human and Rousseau and can be found at all good book stores for R185.

May 2014

19

your child’s life

girl world The queen bee – your daughter needn’t become one nor be victim to one when you provide for

he’s no longer invited to parties, she’s on the receiving end of sarcastic comments and has been deleted from the BBM group; she’s slowly being ejected by her own friends. This was the case with Lauren, Grade 8, who was bullied by Beth, a girl she had been friends with since Grade 5. She became so depressed, as a result, that she refused to go to school.

This scenario is rife among girls at pre-adolescent age, when they are entering into “girl world”, which is often dominated by cliques led by queen bees – those girls in a position of power over their peers. Cape Town-based psychologist Mareli Fischer says queen bee behaviour is described as relational aggression, a subtle form of bullying.

Rosalind Wiseman, in her book Queen Bees and Wannabes, illustrates the problem with this remark from a 12 year old: “Yes, we’re exclusive, but it’s just popularity. I’m the queen, but I’m not mean. People exclude themselves. Nobody has the power to do that.

I’m perfect and I’m not in denial.”

From early on, Beth stood out as the leader, the trendsetter, the one with the best ideas. She also controlled all decision making for the group and would punish, ridicule or ignore anyone who disagreed with her, outshone her academically or in sport, and received too much attention from a boy. Beth decided who was allowed in the group, where they would spend break times and what kinds of activities were desirable for them to participate in. And the group fell in line.

Lauren, being more an observer than a leader, found it difficult to stand up to Beth because, while Beth railroaded everyone, being friends with her brought Lauren status, popularity and a social compass.

In an emotionally mature world, behaviour such as this carries no weight because friends value kindness and loyalty over being cool, pretty and popular. Until then, however, “friendship” with a queen bee can be devastating to your daughter – the nota-girl, not-yet-a-woman.

profiling… … the victim It can be difficult to tell when your child is being led by a queen bee because during the preteen years girls tend to be more in the presence of their friends than their parents, says Kathryn Muir, resident psychologist at a private all-girls school in Joburg. Listen to

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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her emotionally. By LUCILLE KEMP

your intuition. Out of her own adolescent feelings of awkwardness and ineptitude, you may sense a loss of individuality and values and an almost obsessive “needing” what a particular girl or group has. Her words are not her own and you may see her being mean or acting in a way that you never expected of her.

She may also withdraw, seem down and confused, and struggle to pinpoint situations that made her feel uncomfortable. Doubting herself is true of the girl being targeted by the queen bee. … the queen bee It’s important to note that a queen bee label is not an attack on a strong personality, but rather on bad behaviour. “There is nothing wrong with being popular, admired and socially adept; rather it becomes an issue when the particular girl uses these admirable qualities in ways that are hurtful and destructive,” points out Cape Town psychologist Gary Koen.

Although parents play a vital role in managing this issue, the classroom and playground may be the best place to gauge queen bee behaviour. Muir highlights that teachers should be alert for subtle, nonverbal behaviour such as rolling eyes, a sideways glance, a sarcastic look, turning a back on another, sending notes and excluding others. Be aware of girls who are able to persuade other girls. Muir says, “Call this behaviour inappropriate just as you would when a child swears at or hits someone.” The bullying is not as overt as it often is with boys. It is easy to miss, leaving everyone feeling confused as to what really just happened.

Listen to girls who tell you that there’s a problem; don’t dismiss it or doubt what you saw.

do as I do So, what causes your sweet girl to grow into a bully? Fischer speaks about a dysfunction in making friends, which is a developmental skill. “Today’s children grow up with fewer siblings and opportunities for unstructured play and less freedom to explore friendships than that of children a decade ago,” she says. Also, a popular parenting style today promotes a high sense of individual entitlement ahead of getting along with others. Parents often focus on their child’s academic skills and can quite easily neglect social skills, which results in a selfcentred child.

Children are quite egocentric, says Fischer, and parents are the first teachers of empathy, which is needed to successfully negotiate the many social situations they will find themselves in. Giving reasons for the rules you enforce and offering explanations for your decision making, can result in children who cooperate, share and initiate positive social connections.

“Although girls see the adult world as far removed from theirs, they’re watching us.

Model what it looks like to enjoy positive relationships, deal with conflict constructively, maintain healthy individuality and make good choices,” states Muir. By observing how you share, support and communicate respectfully with people outside your family, as opposed to disregarding them or behaving in an exclusive way, your children are likely to do the same.

Setting a good example is an unwritten rule that extends, of course, to all the adults in a child’s life. When the guidance counsellor at Lauren and Beth’s school was alerted to the bullying, she thought to take a step back and remind the girls in the grade about sisterhood and how women should collaborate with and celebrate each other.

dealing with it Take the situation seriously but deal with it calmly, showing compassion while being firm. Whether your child is the bully or the bullied, your job is to empower your child by equipping them emotionally.

“I’m going to call you on it.” Name her behaviour as you see it. “When you roll your eyes at Samantha, it’s like you’re saying ‘You’re pathetic’, and that’s not on.”

Let’s build a strong inner life. This means developing a healthy self-esteem and strong intuition. When your daughter is comfortable with who she is deep down, without feeling reliant on her looks, talent or a particular skill, she may feel more secure about her place in the world.

Confidence is your friend. Bullying ends when she takes responsibility for herself and moves away from the clique.

Behaviour you can respect. Model appropriate behaviour, especially when you feel angry, disappointed and threatened, and ensure you aren’t engaging in bullying yourself.

Don’t abuse Facebook. Monitor their social media interactions and intervene with a timeout, if needed.

“I get it.” Try to grasp your daughter’s world; ask questions and show a real interest in her experience. Don’t lecture.

“I won’t make threatening calls to the school.” Do not coerce your child into a course of action – that is no different to being the queen bee.

Talk and walk assertively. Show her she can be firm without being mean.

Express your emotions. She should express anger in a direct manner and not underhandedly.

Seek a more accepting friendship circle. Ask her to identify the characteristics of a good friend. magazine cape town

May 2014

21

getaway

a family

fantasy TAMLYN VINCENT and her family spent a week

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hen we decided to take a family holiday, Walt Disney World was not my first choice.

I’m more of an ancient ruins type of girl, but it was going to be my son Hayden’s first major holiday, so we decided on the world’s largest theme park. And after experiencing the magic-comes-standard that is Disney, I’m glad we chose this destination, despite the travel: three flights, 19 hours in the air, seven hours in airports, two customs checks, a train and a bus trip; and that was just getting there. Luckily, the long-haul flight was overnight and we slept most of the way. It isn’t comfortable, but a bag full of toys, an activity book and an iPad loaded with movies and games did come in handy.

Customs and security checks, normally not a hassle, become a difficult task with an excitable, curious four year old. But after racing through Atlanta airport and finding our shuttle at Orlando, we finally made it to the hotel, where we were greeted by smiles, balloons and five-storey high models of Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz.

a magic kingdom We opted to stay at one of the Disney resorts. There are plenty to choose from, as there are perks that come with being on the inside. The All-Star Movies resort is geared towards children, with its cafeteriastyle restaurant, pool, play area and daily activities, such as decorating pumpkins

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for Halloween. There is also a steady flow of shuttles from the resorts to the Disney parks, and the Park Hopper option meant we could get into any of the theme parks on any day. The alternative was to pay for entry at one park every day, but this would mean sticking to a stricter schedule, something not always possible with a four year old.

Another perk of staying at a Disney resort is the extended hours at some of the theme parks for resort guests.

So, where to start? The Magic Kingdom, of course. Every young child’s dream must surely come to life inside this theme park.

From princess and pirate makeovers, to meeting favourite characters, there really is something for every child.

The Buzz Lightyear ride had us shooting laser guns at Emperor Zurg. We flew around planets in the Astro Orbiter, rode Goofy’s Barnstormer rollercoaster (about nine times) and took a spin in the teacups. There are countless rides and we did them countless times. We started with the smaller rides, but soon graduated to bigger ones, such as Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad, a runaway rollercoaster that had everyone screaming, as did the supertubes at Blizzard Beach, one of two waterparks.

Hayden wasn’t big enough for all the rides, something I was secretly relieved about, but he did measure up for Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom. This is a loud, dark, bumpy ride with remarkably realistic dinosaur roars magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS: TAMLYN VINCENT

in the magical land of Walt Disney World.

and a Carnotaurus that comes hurtling towards you seconds before you reach safety. Hayden didn’t think it was all that bad, probably because his eyes were shut for most of the ride.

Meeting the Disney characters is another must-do, although Hayden did want to know how Mickey always managed to be at the same park we were visiting, and why none of the characters said anything.

We didn’t tell him about the Utilidors, an underground network of corridors that characters use to get around without being seen outside of their area.

The show Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios was our favourite, with its pyrotechnics and water displays. The fireworks at the Magic Kingdom were breathtaking, if slightly deafening. We also bumped into a parade on Main Street, with floats, dancers and characters, and saw a play staged in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

something for everyone Walt Disney World is an exciting destination for younger children, especially when they still believe they’re actually meeting Mickey Mouse. But the Disney tunes never turn off and it’s busy, even out of season, with an estimated 17 million visits to the Magic Kingdom in 2012 alone. Excited children seem happy to run great distances to the next ride, but keeping up is tiring. You do also have to queue, with longer waits at the more popular rides. Still, it’s hard not to be impressed by the scale and production of everything. Waiting to go down Splash Mountain, you hear chipmunk voices from

Meeting Minnie and Mickey Mouse at Animal Kingdom

tiny treehouses along the path and the crypts at The Haunted Mansion play sounds when you run your fingers over them.

Epcot, a theme park in Disney World, is more suited to older children and adults.

There are a few rides that Hayden enjoyed there, especially Soaring, where you’re lifted high into the air in front of a giant screen. The wind on your face and the smell of orange orchards make the flight over California that much more real. Also worth a visit is the World Showcase, where you can experience cultures from around the globe.

Downtown Disney, with its warehousesized shops and life-sized Lego models, is the place to go for retail therapy. Toy shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants line the cobbled streets. Disney dolls, themed clothing, shoes, jewellery and even Disney bakeware is on offer. But it took a while to find anything not covered in Mickey Mouse shapes and, like everywhere else, the shops are crowded. Downtown is also home to entertainment spots, such as Planet Hollywood, packed with movie memorabilia.

Street food is the staple though, with hot dog and ice-cream stands offering quick bites and refreshments. Try the turkey drumstick, a delicious, if sizeable snack from Frontierland. After a week of this, I was craving a big, healthy salad at home.

After hanging around in airports and in flight for another 26 hours, we touched down in Durban. Jet-lagged to the hilt, it took us a week to get back into the swing of things. But the very next day, and every week since, Hayden has wanted to know when we are going back to Disney World.

Snacking on a turkey drumstick at Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom

top tips • S pend some time on the website (disneyworld.disney.go.com) before you go. It details the rides, entertainment and dining options at the parks.

• Have a good idea of what you want to do, but be willing to change your plans to fit in additional park operating hours, character experiences or other extras.

This is where the Park Hopper is useful.

• Take your children’s height into consideration before booking. Younger children may love meeting the characters, but probably won’t be able to go on all the rides. Heights for rides are given on the website.

• Wait for a time of year when there is a celebration, such as Halloween or Christmas, as there will be themed decor and shows.

• Pack light, depending on the time of year you go, as Florida doesn’t get all that cold, and pack a pair of comfy walking shoes.

magazine cape town

May 2014

23

health

chew on this We know that processed foods are bad for us, but so many foods are made that way. VANESSA PAPAS dishes out the truth on what is

ithout processed foods our grocery stores would look very different to what we’re used to. Think bright, fresh, colourful vegetables and fruits; organic gluten-free wholegrains; less plastic, tins and cardboard boxes; freshly caught wild fish; and organic eggs and dairy. Instead, when shopping for our family, we’re faced with chemically-laden, mass-produced and sugar-filled aisles.

processed foods defined Food processing is the transformation of raw ingredients into food, or of food into other forms. Think of it as taking clean, harvested crops or animal products and using these to produce attractive and marketable food products, often with a long shelf life. While there are certain benefits of food processing – from toxin removal and preservation to food consistency – there are many more disadvantages.

“As a general rule of thumb, processed food is anything that has sugar as one of the top three ingredients (or high

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fructose corn syrup), has been chemically altered from its natural state, has ingredients you cannot pronounce and has colours not found in nature,” explains Vanessa Ascencao, a nutritionist and wellness speaker from Cape Town. “The more refined something becomes the less it is in its natural whole-food state and therefore loses some, if not all, of its nutrient value. A good example is oats. What we eat when we eat quick-cooking oats is actually far from what the oat groat looks like and the nutritional value it contains.” The same can be said for white flour, processed sugar and fruit juices, says Ascencao.

A number of chemicals and additives are found in processed foods, which is why it’s important to read the ingredients on the packaging. Anything with the letter “E”, followed by a number, indicates an additive. Parents should be especially mindful of tartrazine (a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye – E102) found in fizzy drinks, ice creams, sweets, chewing gum, jam, yoghurt and certain infant medicines.

Tartrazine is known to cause anxiety, migraines, asthma

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

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acceptable and what should be avoided.

attacks, blurred vision, eczema, other skin rashes, thyroid cancer, Eosinophilia (increase in specific forms of white blood cells), clinical depression, ADHD or hyperactivity, hives, permanent DNA damage, heart palpitations, rhinitis, sleep disturbances/insomnia, general all-over weakness, hot flushes and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

unappetising additives Some of the most commonly consumed food products by children are ironically some of the most “chemically laden”: chicken nuggets, soft drinks, hot dogs, burgers and fries, sugary cereals, doughnuts, crisps and certain yoghurts. “Food experts claim chicken nuggets are at the pinnacle of industrialised foods,” says Ascencao. “While

hormones and also causes obesity. Sometimes it’s tricky to see what foods contain MSG, so parents should look out for words such as monosodium glutamate, free glutamate, hydrolysed protein, autolysed yeast, yeast extract, caseinate, and natural or artificial flavours, as all of these can be indicators of MSG,” says Ascencao.

There are other foods that should be avoided, such as chocolate, crisps, porridge and cornflakes, as these often contain something called GMOs (plants or animals that have had their DNA modified). GMOs can increase food toxicity, allergy susceptibility, immune suppression, resistance to antibiotics, and the incidence of cancer. Takeaway outlets are notorious for serving foods fried in oil that has been used and left to cool and then re-heated and used again.

The typical chicken nugget bought at a fast food outlet often contains more than 50% fat and more carbs than protein. you may think that chicken nuggets are mostly protein, the typical chicken nugget bought at a fast-food outlet often contains more than 50% fat and more carbs than protein.

The vast majority of hot dogs and other highly processed meats on the market contain loads of salt (often labelled ‘sodium’), artificial flavours and cheap unhealthy fillers,” says Ascencao. She adds that most soft drinks include artificial sweeteners, which can alter brain neurochemistry and increase insulin levels, leading to obesity, gallstones, gum disease and cavities, bloating, migraines, arthritis, fatigue, weight gain, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and lowered immune function. “MSG – a food enhancer added to a number of foods attractive to children – destroys nerve cells in the brain, inhibits natural growth

magazine cape town

The oil is often treated with something called butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which prevents fat spoilage. BHA and BHT can cause insomnia in children and long-term health issues, including liver and kidney damage, baldness, behavioural problems, cancer, foetal abnormalities, and even growth retardation. Other preservatives commonly found in foods include sodium nitrate and nitrite (added to canned foods and many cold meats), which can cause colon cancer, and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, commonly found in foods such as crackers, cookies, cakes, doughnuts and French fries. It’s associated with heart disease, breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis and elevated cholesterol.

good to know • Vitamin C is destroyed by heat and therefore canned fruits have a lower content of vitamin C than fresh ones.

• Processed foods are high in refined sugar, which suppresses the immune system, causes hyperactivity, and affects blood-sugar levels, which affects your child’s ability to concentrate and focus, and their overall mood.

• When wholegrains are refined, the bran and the coat of the grain are often removed. Some nutrients are lost, most significantly fibre.

foods to avoid Processed foods made with trans fats, saturated fats and large amounts of sodium include: • canned foods with large amounts of sodium or fat; • pasta meals made with refined white flour; • packaged high-calorie snack foods such as crisps, chocolates and sweets; • frozen fish sticks and frozen dinners high in sodium; • packaged cakes and cookies; • boxed meal mixes that are high in fat and sodium; • sugary breakfast cereals and • processed meats.

healthy non-processed/less-processed foods • fruits and vegetables; .• organic oats, quinoa and brown rice; • coconut milk and almond milk; • good fats (almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds); • home-made chocolates (less dairy and sugar); • dips using hummus and or mashed avocado; • gluten-free or rye bread; • oat cakes; • quality free-range eggs, chicken and meat and • omega 3 fish (salmon, sardines, pilchards).

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accessories and services

ultimate

the

party guide Your comprehensive guide of everything party related. Compiled by LUCILLE KEMP

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Abby’s Aquarium Adventures For marinethemed craft kits and party packs.

Packages can be tailor-made. Situated in Sunningdale, but arrangements can be made for other areas. Contact: demaine2@gmail.com or visit abby.co.za All Designs For invitations, party stationery, printable table decor, party packs, graphic e-invitations and photo albums. E-invitations from R150 for a standard A6 jpeg. Contact: 083 324 7134, info@alldesigns.co.za or visit alldesigns.co.za Amazing Kids Dress-up costumes for sale – from Snow White and Cinderella to Ben 10 and Spider-Man. Rondebosch East. Contact: 021 839 2087 A–Z Creative Entertainment They organise junior chefs’ parties, drumming workshops and combo parties.

Catering, party equipment and operators also available. Nationwide. Contact: 011 682 2660, 079 697 7745, info@ creative-entertainment.co.za or visit creative-entertainment.co.za Babazoo Designs and supplies themed party buckets and party decorations. Themes include Barney, Mickey Mouse, Despicable Me and Spider-Man. View prices online. Tableview.

Contact: jackie@babazoo.co.za or visit babazoo.co.za

B-Day Parties Party shop with over 120 themes to choose from. Contact: 021 853 1727 or visit bdayparties.co.za Caring Candies Manufactures sugar-free candies and chocolates without artificial sweeteners, colourants or allergens.

Montague Gardens. Contact: 021 552 7575, 082 824 4418, info@caringcandies. co.za or visit caringcandies.co.za Castles4Rascals They hire out a variety of imported jumping castles, water slides, ball ponds and a trampoline. Northern and southern suburbs. Contact Tamara: 083 227 8537, jump@castles4rascals. co.za or visit castles4rascals.co.za City Sightseeing Hire a double-decker bus for four hours. Take your own party packs and food and join their Kids’ Club. V&A Waterfront. Contact: 021 511 6000, info@citysightseeing.co.za or visit citysightseeing.co.za China Town For gifts, toys and novelties.

Milnerton, Ottery and Parow. Contact: 084 659 9110 or ou_angel@hotmail.com Crazy Concepts They sell high-quality playground equipment and toys, ball ponds, rock climbing walls, funny mirrors, rides and jumping castles. Contact: 021 850 0102, info@crazyconcepts.co.za or visit crazyconcepts.co.za Crystal Print Designers of personalised invitations and party stationery.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 031 205 7284, info@crystalprintsa.co.za or visit crystalprintsa.co.za

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ILLUSTRATIONS: shutterstock.com

resource

Crystelle’s Pinatas Handmade party piñatas. Unfilled and filled piñatas available. Delivers to all areas. Contact: 076 256 5753, crystellepinatas@gmail.com or visit partypinatas.weebly.com Enchanted Creations A party hire and decor shop supplying invitations, personalised banners, jumping castles, themed decor, accessories, themed bags, 3-D cakes and more. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 084 567 5220 or info@ enchantedcreations.co.za Funky Bananas For balloons, themed or plain decor, party packs, piñatas, novelty toys, sweets, cake and cupcakes as well as tables and chairs, banners and flags and photo boards hire. They rent out jumping castles, bubble, popcorn and candyfloss machines. Contact Parklands: 021 556 7808, Durbanville: 021 976 3061 or Brackenfell: 021 981 9844 or visit funkybananas.co.za Funky Star Suppliers of balloons, masks, tableware, costumes and more in various themes. Belville. Contact: 021 945 1004 or visit funkystar.co.za Funtacee Parties They stock decor, novelties, dress-up outfits and accessories as well as a range of entertainment and equipment for hire. Nationwide delivery.

Contact: 011 425 0689, 072 952 6519, info@funtaceeparties.co.za or visit funtaceeparties.co.za Fusion Function Design Shop for custom-made stationery, decor and

magazine cape town

accessories. Durbanville. Contact: 082 680 9902 or louisagibbons@yahoo.com Gelli Baff Completely safe powder that turns ordinary water into colourful goo.

Contact: 031 502 6135, 072 474 9566, wendy.ekman@altiustrading.com or visit altiustrading.com Hazels Costumes Fancy-dress costumes and accessories sold to the public.

Contact: 082 742 4526, hazelscostumes@ gmail.com or visit hazelscostumes.co.za Hi Ho Cherry O Educational Toyshop For educational games, puzzles, toys, and art and crafts. They offer a birthday gift registry. Meadowridge. Contact: 021 715 9033, 083 285 2635, info@hihocherryo. co.za or visit hihocherryo.co.za In Good Company Shop online for imported and local linen, tableware, decorations and party favours. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 011 447 1628, 071 217 1240, contactus@ingoodcompany.co.za or visit ingoodcompany.co.za Its Mine Labels Offers fully magnetised birthday invitation packs in a variety of themes that can be paired with party stickers or tattoos. Personalised ribbon and wrapping paper also offered.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 011 646 3640 or visit itsmine.co.za Jitterbugs Invitations, edible icing prints, party pack stickers, personalised T-shirts and party favours. Nationwide delivery.

Contact: 031 261 1030, orders@jitterbugs. co.za or visit jitterbugs.co.za

Just Labels Colourful personalised stickers for children’s birthday presents.

Nationwide delivery. Contact Maryanne: 031 266 1738, sales@justlabels.co.za or visit justlabels.co.za Kids Labels Offers a wide variety of gift labels, party pack stickers and invitations posted countrywide. Contact: 021 794 6637, dawn@kidslabels.co.za or visit kidslabels.co.za Kids Like Us Piñata Factory Offers a range of handcrafted piñatas. They can also custom design to suit your theme and budget. Contact: 072 228 0563, kids_like_us@live.com or visit kidslikeuspinatas.com Kidz-a-Peal One-stop shop for educational and fun toys, inexpensive novelties for party prizes, face paints, colour hair spray, dress-up costumes and a large variety of craft supplies suitable for party activities. They offer a birthday club for children up to 12 years old.

Plumstead. Contact: 021 762 3543/8580, kidz-a-peal@telkomsa.net or visit kidzapeal.com Kidz Cardz and Party Buckets Get personalised party buckets, party packs, invitations, piñatas and banners. Contact Elizna: 072 584 7083, info@kidzcardz. co.za or visit kidzcardz.co.za King Cake Party City A party shop stocking party decor, tableware, dress-up outfits, themed party accessories, novelty and themed cakes. Contact Access

Park: 021 671 0869, Gardens: 021 461 9448, Kenilworth Centre: 021 671 1176, Kuilsriver: 021 906 4419, N1 Value Centre: 021 595 3314, Parow: 021 930 2455, Table View: 021 556 7969, Tokai: 021 715 3150, Sunningdale: 021 554 2347 or info@ kingcake.co.za or visit kingcake.co.za Labels Inc. Stocks a selection of invitations and gift labels. Contact: 082 556 4232, info@labelsinc.co.za or visit labelsinc.co.za Let’s Go Party Kidz Thomas Train for hire. Packages include Thomas Train on a track, a 4x4 jumping castle and an operator/supervisor. Contact: 084 669 7389, letsgopartykidz@gmail.com or visit letsgopartykidz.wozaonline.co.za Lorraine Evert Invite Design From R300 per design. Contact: 084 440 1899 or lorraine@vandl.co.za Love From Me Shop online for personalised invitations to match your theme, party pack stickers, posters, ribbon and paper runners.

Contact: 082 461 8604, mel@lovefromme. co.za or visit lovefromme.co.za Matilda’s Partyware Inspirational designer paper party ware delivered to your door anywhere in SA. Contact: 084 777 5125, ebeth@partyware.co.za or visit partyware.co.za Mauve – Stationery and Invites Personalised invitations, coordinating decor and accessories. Contact: 084 701 1009, kameshnee@mauve.co.za or visit mauve.co.za

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resource Money Box Party Packs Novel and affordable party packs. Ranges include Blank, Set Designs, DIY, Chalkboard, DIY Colouring-In, DIY Scratch-Art and DIY Licensed Stickers. Contact Tracy: 082 422 7872 or visit jorsam.co.za My Cupcake Wrappers Personalised cupcake wrappers and party favours.

Contact: 072 891 2000 Nox Designs Personalised labels for party packs. Contact: 082 496 2930 or nstark@mweb.co.za Parties4africa For a wide range of party accessories in a variety of themes from Barbie to Camp Rock and Smurfs. Shop online for plates, serviettes, centrepieces and a range of other accessories. Contact Sally: 073 942 1730, info@parties4africa. co.za or visit parties4africa.co.za Party Corner Supplies balloons, dressup accessories and tableware. Sea Point. Contact: 021 433 1355, 083 745 3413, info@partycorner.co.za or visit partycorner.co.za Party Lady Online shop for stationery, printables, tableware, balloons and more.

They have first-birthday themes as well as themes for boys and girls. Contact: 0861 100 800, lady@partylady.co.za or visit partylady.co.za Party Pizazz Decor Supplies For helium balloons, party accessories, decorations, and customised invitations and cards.

They also supply cakes, cupcakes and themed party packs. Welgemoed.

Contact: 021 913 6732, info@partypizazz. co.za or visit partypizazz.co.za Photoboothinc Photo booth rental service. Packages include unlimited duplicate set of photo strips printed instantly, an operator for the duration of the event, use of props and a DVD with all the photos for the host. Rental time starts at two hours. Contact: 083 377 9449, rob@photoboothinc.co.za or visit photoboothinc.co.za Pick a Bucket Party buckets in all themes. Brackenfell. Contact: 083 782 1081 or pickabucket@gmail.com Piñata Africa Piñata manufacturer.

Choose a piñata and basher or the pull-string option. The cost includes a decorated stick and 200 sweets. Contact Marianne: 082 457 2276 POPtastic Party invitation and stationery design. Invite design from R150.

Plattekloof Glen. Contact: 082 478 8584 or neliagcsmit@gmail.com Pretty Little Party They design and make party stationery. Choose from one of the standard themes or let them custom design something for you. They also have a range of party printables. Contact: 084 586 2370 or 082 410 9719 Sensation Lab Manufactures and hires out Bedouin tents, furniture, dance floors, marquees, fairy and disco lights. Contact: 011 023 5940, info@sensationlab.co.za or visit sensationlab.co.za Sky Toys A wholesale balloon company selling all kinds of balloons. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 011 837 3924, info@ skytoys.co.za or visit skytoys.co.za Star Dot Toys A shop with dress-up clothes, helium balloons, themed decor, goodies for party bags and gifts. Hout

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Bay/Tokai. Contact: 021 790 0384 or 021 702 4081 Stick With Us Design and printing of personalised party stationery, invitations, thank-you stickers and cards, party box stickers, banners and more. Contact: 082 377 0513 or mandy@stickwithus.co.za Stuck 2 Labels Personalised custommade stickers. Choose from a wide variety of logo options. Southern suburbs and Atlantic seaboard. Contact: 082 923 2517 or sophia_m@polka.co.za Sunshine Parties For bunting, digital invitations, cupcake toppers and food labels. They can do custom designs.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 031 764 6350, parties@sunshineshabby.com or visit sunshineshabby.com The Bean People Custom-made magical bean packets that work as thank-you gifts. Based in Fish Eagle Park, Kommetjie Road. Contact: 021 783 1118 or sharon@ thebeanpeople.co.za The Crazy Store For party packs, invitations, cards and stationery, themed plates and cups, lucky packets, streamers, balloons, bunting, gift bags and gift wrap, dress-up costumes and more. Contact: 021 505 5500, info@ crazystore.co.za or visit crazystore.co.za The Fairy Shop For fairy, mermaid, princess, Tinkerbell, Queen Elsa, wizard and king dress-up outfits, and accessories, party packs for boys and girls, flower lights, teepees and fairy decorations. Claremont. Contact: 021 671 0935 or visit fairyshop.co.za and like their Facebook page The Toy Factory Shop Importers, retailers and wholesalers of branded and non-branded toys. For more info: visit thetoyfactoryshop.co.za Wild Kids Entertainment For a paintball target shooting range, archery, jumping castles, children’s tables and chairs, a candyfloss machine, photo boards, a bubble machine, a face painter, cakes, party packs, a train and gazebos. They deliver. Contact Naomi: 021 979 1729, 072 324 2607 or wildkids@telkomsa.net Willow Custom Prints Personalised invitations and other party printables digitally designed in themes such as minion parties, circus parties, princess parties and more. Contact: willowcustomprints@gmail.com or visit willowcustomprints.etsy.com

animal parties Adventure Farm Mobile Petting Zoo They take a variety of tame animals to entertain children at a venue of your choice. Contact: 084 515 2626, joellehardaker@yahoo.co.uk or visit adventurefarm.co.za Furry Feet Parties Safe interaction with rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies, goats, sheep and more. Children can also enjoy pony rides. There is a slip n slide, jungle gyms, photos with the animals, chocolate moulding and fondues, a jumping castle and snake shows on offer. Durbanville. Contact: 071 641 7270, ronelplant@vodamail.co.za or visit furryfeetparties.co.za magazine cape town

Hilltop Farm Two-hour parties where children can feed the farm animals, which include goats, pigs, ducks, chickens and tortoises. Choose between pony rides or quad bike rides. Play facilities also include a ball pond, jungle gym, toy room, drawing room, trampoline, sandpit and more.

Honeyvale Rd. Contact: 078 195 5121 or hilltopfarm@hotmail.co.za Ottery Barnyard They offer an animal petting zoo, treasure hunts, craft parties, pony rides and a jumping castle. Party for 10 children includes venue setup, balloons, juice, eats and animal feed. Southern suburbs. Contact: 021 703 9182, wgf@iafrica.com or visit otterybarnyard.co.za The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre Party venue that includes venue, setup, animal show, animal feeding, and real African animals to see such as giraffe, crocodiles, monkeys, ostrich, foxes and zebra. Contact: 021 884 4506, giraffehouse@gmail.com or visit giraffehouse.co.za

art and craft parties Artee Parteez Art and crafts, Lego parties, puppet shows and themed parties. Contact: 061 344 3344, capetown@arteeparteez.co.za or visit arteeparteez.co.za Artjamming Creative painting parties include paint on tap, brushes, tools and music. Book for 10 or more children and each child gets a complimentary party pack. V&A Waterfront, Cape Quarter, Cavendish, The Paddocks and Willowbridge. Contact: manager@ artjamming.co.za or visit artjamming.co.za Aunty K’s Kids Klub and Party Service An indoor and outdoor party offering invitations, decor, party favours and treats, birthday cake and games. Craft themes include canvas or fabric painting, decoupage, scrapbooking, card-making, beading, bath salts and sandart. The birthday child receives a mystery gift.

Littlewoods, Ottery. Contact: 021 704 1462, 074 106 0713 or kidsklub1@polka.co.za Bambury Stocks a range of sticky mosaics to create sparkling diaries, mirrors, jewellery, cards or to decorate notes. Contact: 083 680 5976, nikiw@ bambury.co.za or visit bambury.co.za Candle Avenue candle parties Twohour party, at their Durbanville venue or yours, where seven different colours of wax are used to make candles to take home. Suitable for children from 5 years old. Contact: 083 274 4110, antonettes@ telkomsa.net or visit candleavenue.co.za Clay Cafe Ceramic painting and a play area with a jumping castle and a climbing wall.

Hout Bay. Contact: 021 790 3318, chasms@ houtbay.com or visit claycafe.co.za Cool Kidz | Crafty Kidz They supply craft kits, which include tools and crafts to do a project of your choice. Contact: 079 873 0546, info@coolkidz.co.za or visit coolkidz.co.za Crafty Play Art and crafts for all children and Lego parties at a venue of your choice.

Contact: 082 998 0825, craftyplayct@gmail. com or visit craftyplay.wix.com/kidz magazine cape town

Crafty Supplies Suppliers of art and craft materials and kits for party activities.

Kenilworth. Contact: 021 671 0286 Create Art Studio Offers a portrait party, mosaics party, play with clay, and art and crafts parties. Freebies include face painting or tattoos, an invite, photo booth and self-service tea or coffee. Catering and party boxes are also available at an additional cost. Durbanville. Contact: 072 766 3246, create.artclasses@gmail.com or visit createart.co.za Eazy Stitch Kidz Hosts a workshop at your child’s birthday party. Hundreds of sewing and craft projects to choose from.

For more info: visit eazystitch.co.za Just Kidding Around Perler bead parties for children six years and older. They can use their creations for cards, bag tags or jewellery. Kits are available to host your own party or contact an agent to host it for you. Contact: 031 562 0200, 082 856 8140, julie@justkiddingaround.co.za or visit justkiddingaround.co.za Kidz Only Sandart home kits let you throw your own sandart party. Gift packs, single card packs and party packs are also on offer. Contact: 083 453 4032, admin@ kidzonly.co.za or visit kidzonly.co.za QT Pie Crafts Craft parties, at a venue of your choice, in mosaics, candle dipping, soap making, fabric painting, ceramic painting, gel candles, tiedyeing, beadwork and more. Contact: 021 556 2010 (a/h), 084 580 7497 or cindyannperry@hotmail.com Sue Nepgen art studio A wide variety of educational art and crafts sessions.

Sue can also provide entertainers such as musicians, magicians, puppeteers and face painters. Location of your choice.

Contact: 021 794 6609 or snepgen@ xsinet.co.za The Scrapbook Two-hour lesson parties in scrapbooking, card making, memory box making and more. For children 7 years and older. They can set up tables in the garden area for eats. They also make crafting lucky packets or party packs on order. Claremont. Contact: 021 674 6425, 082 926 9397, scrapbookct@webafrica. org.za or visit thescrapbook.co.za Zizamele Ceramics pottery parties Choose from painting one of the handmade creations and/or making something with clay. They will fire the items for you. There are two restaurants and a petting farm.

Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie. Contact: 021 789 1491, 084 556 6423, info@zizamele.co.za or visit zizamele.co.za

cakes and catering A+ Gourmet Finger Foods A variety of finger food platters such as health sandwiches, savouries and pastries, chicken and meat, mixed chicken, breakfast, brunch and antipasti. Strictly halaal. Contact: 084 403 5717 or ielhaam.petersen@gmail.com Cake Deco Mania Supplies edible cake image printing products comprising of printers, edible icing sheets, edible inks and licensed pre-printed images. Contact: 083 657 9225 or sarel@inkredible.co.za May 2014

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resource Cakes for Kidz Themed birthday cakes and cupcakes. Based in Sea Point.

Contact: 021 434 1796, 082 921 2803 or fleishmn@telkomsa.net Calobella Cakes Unique 3-D cakes and cupcakes. Table View. Contact: 083 229 4513 or calobella@mweb.co.za Charly’s Bakery Order your birthday cake in any theme from the renowned Charly’s angels. Previous themes include Minnie Mouse, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Under the Sea and Super Heroes.

Gardens. Contact: 021 461 5181 or charlysbakery@gmail.com Chocswirl Cakes Custom celebration cakes and themed cakes. Contact: 082 813 0032, robyn@chocswirl.co.za or visit chocswirl.co.za Cold Gold Artisan Ice Cream and Sorbet Artisan producer of ice creams and sorbets and homemade cones, icecream sandwiches, ice-cream cookies, ice-cream cakes and cream pops. They cater for special dietary requirements.

Contact: 074 182 5510, vzjanine@hotmail. com or visit coldgold.co.za Cupcakes by Design Unique cakes and cupcakes. Constantia. Contact: 082 571 0589, grace@cupcakesbydesign.co.za or visit cupcakesbydesign.co.za Cupcakes etc Provides designer cupcakes, fun cupcakes and birthday cakes. City Bowl. Contact: 082 855 8966, michelle@cupcakesetc.net or visit cupcakesetc.net

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Cupcakes n Candy Custom-made cakes, cupcakes, iced shaped biscuits and cake pops. Sun Valley. Contact: 021 785 1545, 083 318 1762, cupcakesncandy.jill@gmail. com or visit cupcakes-n-candy.co.za Decadent Delights and Cakes Birthday and special occasion cakes as well as cupcakes. Specialist in modelling figures onto cakes. Edgemead. Delivery can be arranged. Contact: 082 431 5870 or decadentcakes@webafrica.org.za Delite Foods Sugar-free, low-fat sweets, jellies, biscuits and chocolate drinks. All goodies can be purchased online. Contact: 021 702 0721/2, info@ delitefoods.co.za or visit delitefoods.co.za Feather’s Cakes & Gifts Birthday and theme cakes. Big Bay. Contact: 021 554 2468, vincec@lms.co.za or visit featherscakes.co.za or weddingcakes.co.za Florentine’s Choose from a variety of birthday cakes and themes. Cupcakes can also be themed. Kenilworth. Contact: 021 761 0581, florentines@mweb.co.za or visit florentines.co.za Frosted Dream Cakes Cupcakes, cakes and other eats. Choose from vanilla sponge cake, carrot cake and more. Various fillings available. Durbanville. Contact: 079 663 6378, toni@frosteddreamcakes.co.za or visit frosteddreamcakes.co.za Frostings Cupcake Boutique Work-ofart cakes and cupcakes for all occasions.

Durbanville. Contact: 021 975 0878, info@ frostings.co.za or visit frostings.co.za

Gina’s Cake Creations Novelty and traditional cakes, cupcakes and Marie Biscuit lollipops. Table View. Contact: 021 557 8309 or gwaterhouse@mweb.co.za Hansel & Gretel Cake Design For bespoke cakes and cookies. Northern suburbs. Contact: 084 255 7856 or hanselandgretel@rocketmail.com High Tea Tighty For themed cakes such as Noddy, Hello Kitty, Spongebob Square Pants, Thomas Train, Ben 10 and more. They also host cupcake parties.

Claremont. Contact: 021 671 2375, 076 263 0143, zaheera@highteatighty.co.za or visit highteatighty.co.za Hmmm...Tastes and Flavours Cakes, biscuits and gingerbread men. Gardens.

Contact: 021 462 1950 Jorja’s Cakes Character cakes and themed cupcakes, from edible picture cakes to 3-D cakes. Table View. Contact: 082 562 6186, info@jorjascakes.co.za or visit jorjascakes.co.za Kauai They have an extended catering menu for big parties. Contact: 021 552 0222 or visit kauai.co.za Little Bake Boutique Custom cakes for all occasions. Each cake is designed and made to order. Blouberg. Contact: 072 501 8271 or littlebakeboutique@gmail.com Nikki’s Cakes Novelty cakes and cupcakes. Claremont. Contact: 083 320 8397, nikkimurray@telkomsa.net or visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/ nikkis-cakes

Patisserie Claire Specialises in cakes, cupcakes and pastries. Milnerton.

Contact: 074 196 1793 or claire@ patisserieclaire.co.za Peppadill and Picnix Options include platters, hampers, picnics, themed and spit-braai options. They can tailor-make a menu for you. Constantia Valley. Contact: 021 762 3888, 073 195 4298, info@ peppadill.co.za or visit peppadill.co.za Picnic Company For picnics, snacks and party packs. The picnic menu includes savoury biscuits, cheese, chicken burgers, fresh fruit, fruit juice and more. Diep River.

They deliver. Contact: 021 706 8470, info@ picnics.co.za or visit picnics.co.za Popkins Cupcakes and Cake Pops Also cakes, chocolate covered Oreos and iced biscuits. Milnerton. Contact: 079 791 1719, info@popkins.co.za or visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/popkinscpt Sassy Shuga Creations Handmade, 3-D and 2-D decor for cakes and cupcakes.

Tamboerskloof. Contact: 083 768 3709 or colleenrens@gmail.com Sprinkles A new baking supply store in Kloof Street, Gardens. Contact: 021 424 3343, info@sprinklesct.com or visit sprinklesct.com Sugar-Free TLC Sugar-free cakes, cupcakes, biscuits and desserts. Also dairy-free, gluten-free and egg-free cakes and desserts. Delivers to all areas. Contact: 082 601 6552, tracy@sugarfree-tlc.co.za or visit sugarfree-tlc.co.za

magazine cape town

Supacakes Gourmet and novelty cakes as well as cupcakes. For orders contact head office: info@supacakes.co.za or visit supacakes.co.za Taylored Tots Custom-made cupcakes and cakes, party platters, focusing on healthy fun food. Plumstead. Contact: 083 785 0021, nicky@tayloredtots.co.za or visit tayloredtots.co.za The Baking Tin Claremont A speciality baking supply store offering children’s novelty cake tins, baking tools, moulds, Jem cutters, edible glitter, icing colour powders and gels, edible sugar paste decorations, flowers and cake toppers, and specialised baking equipment. They also have a wide range of novelty cake tins, glass cupcake stands, wedding cake stands and beautiful mirror stands available for hire. Contact: 021 671 6434, info@bakingtin.com or visit bakingtin.com Too Sweet to Eat Custom designer cakes, cupcakes and other delectable treats. Durbanville. Contact: 082 469 1019 or visit toosweettoeat.co.za

cooking parties Bake Dates With Bobbie Fun, interactive and educational mobile baking classes for groups of 2–4 children aged 3 years and older. They come to a venue of your choice. Contact: robynne. nest@gmail.com or visit bobbiesnest. wordpress.com

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Creative Cakepops Children shape and decorate eight of their own cake pops.

Contact: 083 779 7649, nicola@cake-pop. co.za or visit cakepop3.wix.com/creativecakepops#!contact Good Food Fun Food Each child prepares their own cake, cupcake or pizza. Sweets, popcorn and juice are supplied. They can come to a venue of your choice. Contact: 084 625 0225, goodfoodfunfood@gmail.com or visit goodfoodfunfood.co.za Italian pasta parties with The Dante Alighieri Society Children make animalshaped ravioli, tagliatelle, gnocchi or chocolate creations. All ingredients, equipment, aprons and chef’s hats supplied. At their venue in V&A Market on the Wharf, Gardens or your home. Contact: 021 465 8261, info@ladante.co.za or visit pastaparties.co.za Julie’s Cake Studio This cake studio hosts parties. Newlands or venue of your choice. Contact: 021 686 2372, julie@juliescakestudio.co.za or visit juliescakestudio.co.za Mike’s Kitchen Little Chefs Parties Children dress-up like chefs and make their own food. Party includes an ice cream and cool drink, party pack and balloon and a gift for each child. Mike’s Kitchen N1 City Mall. Contact: 021 595 0085 or visit mikeskitchen.co.za Little Cooks Club There are new and exciting cooking themes available such as

spade to spatula, kids vs kitchen, liquorice and lime, frosting and fondant, and more.

For children 2–15 years old. Contact: headoffice@littlecooksclub.co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za Nice Touch Cooking Parties Children 3 years and older take part in MasterChef, Cake Boss, and baking parties at their Sea Point venue or your venue. Contact: 021 437 1150, 082 319 9215, janis@nicetouch. co.za or visit nicetouch.co.za Pizza Party People Children 5 years and older make their own pizza while the professional team makes pizza for parents.

They also make provision for Halaal, Kosher and vegetarians. Parties can be organised at a venue of your choice.

Contact: 083 255 6355, darinsac@mweb. co.za or visit pizzapartypeople.co.za The Kids Cooking Club parties Two hours spent baking, creating, cooking, crafting and more at your venue or their venue at Stodels in Constantia (play area and coffee shop available). They provide table and chairs, utensils and ingredients, aprons and chef’s hats. For boys and girls 3–15 years old. Contact: 083 309 8024, thekidscookingclub@gmail.com or visit thekidscookingclub.co.za Tots n Pots Offers tailor-made baking parties. Various packages are available such as Junior MasterChef, ladies high tea, teddy bears’ picnic and chef of the day. Contact: for a branch near you, visit totsnpots.co.za

educational parties Atom Ant Science Fun Parties For 5–12 year olds at your venue. Contact: 021 785 4459, 082 570 5796, ann@atomant.co.za or visit atomant.co.za Cape Town Science Centre Entertaining science parties with an educational twist. You book an enclosed area with tables and chairs.

Party venue available for two hours, but entry tickets allow you access to the centre the whole day. Observatory.

Contact: 021 300 3200, info@ctsc.org.za or visit ctsc.org.za Rococoa chocolate themed parties Includes a tour of the cocoa plantation, moulding chocolates, a chocolate pamper party or a chocolate high tea. Woodstock. Contact: 021 461 2301, info@rococoa.co.za or visit rococoa.co.za Toby Tower The range consists of three categories: creative activities, stickers and wall decor for gifts, party favours or party edutainment. Contact: 0800 220 488, tobytower@pyrotec.co.za or visit tobytower.co.za

entertainers Abracadabra A magic show that includes the very popular live rabbit production. Contact: 021 554 1404

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resource Alexander May – Magic Entertainment Fun-filled magic show and balloon animals for all ages with participation and interaction. Contact: 082 298 2882, info@magicentertainment.co.za or visit magicentertainment.co.za Babies read books and toddlers too Old-style party fun with music, movement and puppets. For children 2–5 years old.

Contact: 021 461 2843, 082 222 4082 or sharon.geffen@gmail.com Balloon Angels Balloon characters and face painting. Contact: 076 604 7524 or fvs1@telkomsa.net Blue Flame Events Entertainment, face painters, balloon twisters, jumping castles and more. Contact: 072 599 2288 or visit bflame.co.za Clamber Club parties Mobile obstacle courses and games are provided. For 1–9 year olds. Contact: 071 909 7318, partiesanthea@clamberclub.com or visit clamberclub.com College of Magic Hire a magician, juggler, mime artist, face painter, ventriloquist, clown or stilt walker. Claremont. Contact: 021 683 5480, info@collegeofmagic.com or visit collegeofmagic.com Crazy Carlo A magician who performs for 4–8 year olds and does puppet shows. Contact: 084 343 7505 or crazycarlo1986@gmail.com Dance Accent One hour with a dance coach learning a routine choreographed for the party’s theme or to a song. Contact: 082 563 1733, bringthebeat@danceaccent. co.za or visit danceaccent.co.za Enchanted Parties A variety of themed party entertainment. Also face painting, games, magic, puppet shows and crafts.

Contact: 021 683 0295, 083 602 5563, penny@enchantedparties.co.za or visit enchantedparties.co.za Foo Ling Yu – Party Magician Magic shows for 5–8 year olds or 9–11 year olds. Contact: 082 959 1015 Glendini Magic shows for 4–7 year olds including Rocky Raccoon. Contact: 073 405 1199 or escapemagic@gmail.com Golden Bridge Tales Classic puppet shows, puppet-making workshops and party games. Contact: 082 535 0838 or suziq1111@gmail.com Henna Tattoos Henna body decoration at your child’s birthday. Contact: 082 324 3741, preetha@hennatattoos.co.za or visit hennatattoos.co.za Interactive reptile and creepy crawly show The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre road show includes animals, handler and free photo time.

Contact: 021 884 4506, giraffehouse@ gmail.com or visit giraffehouse.co.za Layer Cake Professional face painting.

Themes include fairies, princes, pirates and clowns. Gardens. Contact: 072 117 6221, tarashesays@gmail.com or visit layercake.yolasite.com Minimo Shows Presented by the Imhoff Snake and Reptile Rehabilitation Centre in Kommetjie. The experience is interactive and inclusive. The show has a green initiative towards conservation and education, which provides an overview and introduction to nature. Contact: 083 244 5194 or visit minimoshows.com

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Mungo and Dixie’s Suitcase Circus For clowning, juggling, magic, balloon art, face painting, Chinese yo-yo, laughter yoga, clown karate, and more. They also have a jumping castle, DJ and children’s karaoke, mimes, puppet shows, stilt walkers, pamper parties, dress-up and theme parties. Southern suburbs, but can go to a venue of your choice. Contact: 081 807 9875, 072 348 4675, balloonzoo@gmail. com, dixielandentertain@yahoo.com or visit clowns.co.za Party Pro For children’s rides, circus acts and entertainers, a petting zoo, children’s karaoke and a disco. Belville. Contact: 021 917 1710, 079 994 4100, info@ partypro.co.za or visit partypro.co.za Puddles the Clown A professional performing clown. Contact: 079 717 1916 or visit puddlestheclown.co.za Puppet Shows for All Interactive puppet show using a professional stage, lighting and music at a venue of your choice.

Shows for age groups: 2–3 year olds, 4–6 year olds or 7 years and upwards.

Contact: 021 448 0794, 082 562 4588, dpjasmin@telkomsa.net or visit puppetshowsforall.co.za Puppet World Interactive puppet show with music, lighting and characters to suit your theme. Contact: 082 318 7525 or amylee.emdon@gmail.com Sonic Weaver Productions For childfriendly clowns, balloons, face painters, stories, music and stilts. Contact: 072 243 2194 or info@shamanzi.co.za Sparks Mobile Disco By arrangement will play music to accommodate the theme. Enquire about their party-planning service. Contact: 084 484 1878, 072 900 7344 or sparky06@telkomsa.net The Incredible Dog Show A world-class dog show that features dogs that have been multiple national champions and that have broken Guiness world records.

Contact: 084 500 0415, lloyd@dogzcool. com or visit dogzcool.com Tony Lee the Magician Children’s magic shows. Contact: 082 899 0109

equipment for hire AA Castle Hire Jumping castles, children’s tables and chairs, and a popcorn machine to hire. Contact: 021 534 8471, 084 434 8471, harry.dv@gmail.com or visit aacastlehire.synthasite.com Biembie Playtime Rentals For equipment rental such as rollercoasters and ball ponds. Durbanville. Contact: info@ biembie.co.za or visit biembie.co.za Blackball Rentertainment An extensive product range including the L-shaped pool table, jukeboxes, rodeo bulls, carnival items, fun foods and inflatable equipment. Contact: 021 701 1275, gina@ blackball.co.za or visit blackball.co.za Candy Kids fun rides For equipment rental such as rollercoasters and ball ponds. Nationwide. Contact: 073 228 4180 or candykidsfunrides@gmail.com Cape Chocolate Fountain Hires out chocolate fountains. Cape Town. Contact: 083 455 4988, info@capechocfountain. co.za or visit capechocfountain.co.za magazine cape town

Carnival Games Hire Games, such as bulls-eye target game, ring toss, spinning wheel and the duck target game to hire, including party planning. Contact: 061 321 2510, carnivalgames10@gmail.com or visit gamehire.co.za Chilli Moon Productions Face painting, tattoos, fashion shows, disco divas and entertainers that dress up as pixies, pirates and more. Contact: 021 424 7054, 082 504 4130 or chilli_moon@yahoo.com Crazy Kidz Parties Themed tables, chairs, chair covers, tablecloths, themed plates, cups, napkins, photo boards, banners, jumping castles, ball ponds, water slides, bikes, rockers, teeter totters as well as birthday cakes. Northern suburbs. Contact: 083 406 8591 (sms only), 083 557 7281 or keithnaylor789@gmail.com Debby Doo Entertainment Action songs, nursery rhymes using colourful props, hand puppet shows, musical instruments, ball games, bubbles, musical statues, dancing parties and art and craft parties. Prizes offered. Contact: visit debbydoo.co.za Family Games Hire croquet, bocce, giant jenga, a portable putt-putt course, a dunk tank, a portable tenpin bowling alley and more. Southern suburbs. Contact: 082 760 8814, info@familygames.co.za or visit familygames.co.za Funtasia Party Décor Helium balloons, tables, chairs, tablecloths, party boxes, jumping castles, cakes and cupcakes and more. Delivers all over Western Cape.

Postal orders nationwide. Contact: 021 914 6935, funtasiaparties@telkomsa.net or visit funtasiapartydecor.co.za Jam Parties They hire out chocolate fountains, and popcorn, candyfloss and bubble machines. Southern suburbs to city centre. Contact: 076 035 9926, janetamorris@yahoo.com or visit jamparties.co.za Jolly Jump Castles Inflatable entertainment. Full delivery, setup and collection in CBD, Atlantic seaboard, Northern and Southern suburbs, Strand, Winelands and West Coast: Contact: 021 552 6757, 021 979 1729, 082 827 7999, 072 324 2607 or visit jollyjumpcastles.com Jumping Candy Castles Hires out jumping castles, water slides and ball ponds. Also hires out and operates popcorn and candyfloss machines.

Includes delivery and setup. Northern and southern suburbs. Contact: 021 715 9502, 082 842 4007, jumpingcandy@mweb. co.za or visit jumpingcandycastles.co.za Jumping Castles & Slides Cleaned and sanitised after use. Delivery to most areas.

Contact: 082 574 6124 or 072 371 7825 Kiddie Rides Rent automated children’s rides. Contact: 021 448 2541, info@ kiddierides.co.za or visit kiddierides.co.za La Petite Mademoiselle Party decor hire including children’s wrought iron furniture, and ottomans and chairs. Contact: 083 353 1876 or nadiabenard@hotmail.com Marietjie’s Jumping Castles Hiring out of jumping castles. Based in Table View.

Contact: 021 553 1465, 082 392 3033 or marietjie@longacres.co.za Mark’s Jumping Castles Hires out a wide variety of inflatables, which include jumping castles, water slides, ball ponds magazine cape town

and pony hop races. Durbanville. Contact: 083 732 2561 or mark@markofleather.co.za Rumble Grumble Parties Hires out jumping castles and decor. Also supplies cakes, party boxes and sells party supplies. Full party packages available.

Southern suburbs, Atlantic seaboard, City Bowl and south peninsula. Contact: 074 903 8468 or visit rumblegrumble.co.za Softly Does It Soft-play equipment for 0–4 years old. Contact: 074 173 0034, mel@softlydoesit.co.za or visit softlydoesit.co.za Urban Hiring services They offer 3x3 jumping castles as well as 8–10 seater rectangular tables and plastic chairs for hire (not children’s size). Newfields. Contact: 079 471 9586 or urbanhiringsa@gmail.com Wild Wheels Slot Car Racing A mobile six-lane slot car track for parties. They can setup under carports, in garages, lounges, event rooms or on your lawn. They manage the track throughout the event.

Cape Town and surrounds. Contact: 083 678 8180 or info@wild-wheels.co.za Xtreme Fun Rents mechanical bulls and surfboards, jumping castles, pedal carts, a rocket shoot, mobile teacups, miniature train, dunk tank and more. Contact: 082 390 0900 or xtremefun1@gmail.com

fancy dress hire Costumes4Kidz For boys and girls 1–13 years old.

Also caters for group hiring. Kommetjie. Contact: 076 393 6775 or cos4kidz@gmail.com Costume Wonderland Adult and children’s fancy-dress costumes for hire and for sale as well as accessories such as helium balloons and selected party supplies. Durbanville. Contact: 021 976 5749, info@costumewonderland.co.za or visit costumewonderland.co.za Kidsfancydress.co.za For boys and girls.

Themes include superheroes, Disney characters and more. Contact: 021 557 6891, info@kidsfancydress.co.za or visit kidsfancydress.co.za Mardi Gras Fancy dress and costume hire. Bree St. Contact: 021 424 9716, cara@mardi.co.za or visit mardi.co.za Princesa Bella Custom-made children’s wear to hire or for sale for children up to 10 years old. Contact Lara: 079 801 5011 or laraharfoush@gmail.com Showstoppers Fancy Dress and Costume Hire Fairy, princess, fireman and more costumes to hire or for sale.

Blouberg. Contact: 061 086 5919 or 073 702 8858 or thepropshop01@gmail.com Stage Creations Fancy-dress costumes, hats, wigs, masks, professional makeup, glitter and eyelashes. Maitland.

Contact: 021 510 1820, 083 789 2970, stagecreations@mweb.co.za or visit stagecreations.co.za Sweet n Sassy Creates party dresses, tutus, hair accessories, diaper darlings, tutu tops and more. Design your own tutu online. Contact: 082 878 7544, lesley@ sweetnsassy.co.za or visit tutus.co.za Vanessa’s Party Emporium Adult and children’s fancy-dress costume hire and a wide variety of fancy-dress costumes to purchase. Costumes can also be May 2014

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resource made to order. Wigs, masks, hats, feather boas, jewellery, face paint, and latex and foil helium balloons are also available. Delivery of balloons can be arranged. Sea Point. Contact: 021 434 3862 or visit vanessaspartyemporium.co.za

full party planning service 123events4kids Offers dress-up, treasure hunt, play dough, cakes, balloons, cupcakes, a themed party room, jumping castles, party packs and more. Hiring services offered. Contact: 082 897 1880, 071 862 1118, 123events4kids@gmail.com or events4kids@mweb.co.za or visit 123events4kids.co.za Butterfly Inc Kids Zone One-stop service from the cake and eats to the decor and thank-you treats. Contact: 084 966 6667, vanessa@butterflyinc.co.za or visit butterflyinc.co.za BuzyBugz Creative Kids Parties Party planning, creative 3-D cakes and cupcakes, and craft activities. Somerset West, but will travel. Contact: 082 886 8514, marthie@buzybugz.co.za or visit buzybugz.co.za Cuppycake Parties For party packages and services, whether it is full party planning, a birthday cake or just a few party packs. Parow North. Contact: 084 558 3976 or cuppycakeparties@yahoo.com

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Dottibug Parties Decor and accessories hire, personalised party planning and candy buffets offered. They can source a venue for your party or offer their venue in Meadowridge. Contact: 021 712 7810, 083 377 9260, dottibugparties@gmail.com or visit dottibugparties.co.za Events by Elana Party planning including party packs, catering, cakes, equipment hire, decor and invitations. Contact: 072 310 7965 or eanneska@yahoo.com Every Little Detail Custom-designed parties. They do dessert tables, candy buffets and arrange everything required for your children’s parties. They also sell themed party supplies and offer payment plans. Contact: 074 723 9362, 082 637 4974, everylittledetailsa@gmail. com or visit everylittledetailsa.wix.com/ everylittledetail Humpty Jumpty Includes decor, party packs, cakes, cupcakes, jumping castles, candyfloss machines and anything else you need to make your child’s party special.

Contact: 082 564 0599, humptyjumpty@ mweb.co.za or visit humptyjumpty.co.za Kids on Cloud 9 Parties Three packages are offered, “basic”, “frills” and “bells and whistles”. Over 50 party ideas for you to choose from, tailored to your needs. Suitable for boys and girls 4–13 years old. Select venues in the southern and northern suburbs and Atlantic seaboard. Contact: 084 777 1212 or visit kidsoncloud9.co.za

Kids Parties Galore Party shop and indoor venue hire. They offer under 18 disco parties, decor and costume hire, party supplies, party packs, balloons and cakes. Montague Gardens. Contact: 083 736 0661, info@kidspartiesgalore.co.za or visit kidspartiesgalore.co.za Kids Themed Parties Various themed party packages that include tables and chairs, linen, decor, catering, a candy buffet, a bubble machine, a popcorn machine, face painting, jumping castles, play sets and sandart. Southern suburbs and Peninsula, Atlantic seaboard and City Bowl. Contact: 021 786 2338, 072 565 1520, donnathemedparties@gmail.com or visit kidsthemedparties.yolasite.com Kidz Party Hire Party For personalised invitations, decor, catering, entertainment, party equipment, children’s furniture, photo boards and jumping castles as well as themed parties. Contact: 021 697 1339, kidzpartyhire@gmail.com or visit kidzpartyhire.weebly.com Limitless Events They offer full children’s parties, and specifically pamper parties, as well as jumping castle hire, cakes, candy tables, face painting and catering. Based in Ottery/Wynberg. Contact: 084 654 4444, 079 809 9727, limitlessevent12@ gmail.com, rehanafebruary@gmail.com or staceyryan008@gmail.com Little Creations Kids Event Solutions Children’s craft parties, with invitation design, hosting the event and catering

including halaal. Venue of your choice.

Contact: 082 997 3593, info@littlecreations.co.za or visit little-creations.co.za Memories Forever Events Party planning, from venue sourcing to setup and catering. Contact: 021 712 0428, 074 121 0313, 074 136 8403, info@ memoriesforeverevents.com or visit memoriesforeverevents.com My Shindig Event stylist and coordinator.

Contact: 071 870 8086, queen@ myshindig.co.za or visit myshindig.co.za Paula’s Party Stuff They supply a variety of ball ponds, water slides, jumping castles, play sets, trains-on-tracks and disco lights. They also include cakes, popcorn and candyfloss machines, tea sets, tables and chairs, photo boards, piñatas and bubble machines. Tokai. Contact: 021 713 2020, paula@paulaspartystuff.co.za or visit paulaspartystuff.co.za Polka Dot Parties Packages include party equipment and linen hire, cake, party packs, cupcakes and party supplies.

They offer various themes and experiential parties and they can source entertainment for you. South Peninsula. Contact: 072 262 4686, info@polkadotparties.co.za or visit polkadotparties.co.za Rainbow Parties For themed decor, balloons, party packs, cakes and entertainment. Delivery, setup and collection. Contact: 084 515 1078, lizelle@ rainbowparties.co.za or visit rainbowparties. co.za or thecaketheatre.co.za

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Ring A Rose They offer cakes, decor, inflatable and mechanical rides hire, entertainers, catering, balloons and balloon printing, fancy-dress hire and carnivals.

Southern and northern suburbs. Contact: 021 824 3322 or emma@ringarose.co.za Supakids Plans affordable, bespoke, parties. Contact: 083 298 6178, office@ supakids.co.za or visit supakids.co.za Vanilla Milkshake Events From cakes to entertainment to decor and more. Contact: 072 380 8100, margot@vanillamilkshake.co.za or visit vanillamilkshake.co.za Whimsical Parties Offers themed parties, custom party designs, decor, catering, craft parties, pamper parties and entertainers with activities, games and prizes. Contact: 071 444 0953, info@whimsicalparties.co.za or visit whimsicalparties.co.za

indoor and outdoor parties Adventure Farm Activities include horse rides, petting and feeding the sheep, goat, deer, teacup pigs, alpaca, rabbits and guinea pigs.

There is also a jungle gym, swings and jumping castle. Just outside Durbanville.

Contact: 084 515 2626, joellehardaker@ yahoo.co.uk or visit adventurefarm.co.za Adventure parties Popular themes are tea party, pamper party, ninja party, finger painting party and archaeological dig

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party. Offers a wide range of activities from a horse-drawn cart ride, a jungle gym, outdoor playhouse, chalkboard, guinea pig and rabbit enclosure, photo booth and dress-up area.

Durbanville. Contact: 084 515 2626, adventurepartiesdurbanville@gmail.com or visit adventureparties.co.za Bizzy Bodies Play and Party Venue A selection of standard or decorated themed parties with space to run, play, jump and ride. Westlake. Contact: 021 702 1212, info@bizzybodies.co.za or visit bizzybodies.co.za Blue Rock If you bring more than nine friends, the birthday child can waterski or play paintball free of charge. Somerset West. Contact: 021 858 1330, info@ bluerock.co.za or visit bluerock.co.za Buddy Bear Children choose their bear, stuff and fluff it, add a heart and make a wish, dress and accessorise. Contact: 082 664 7107, leanne@buddybear.co.za or visit buddybear.co.za Bugz Family Playpark The park offers a huge outdoor playground and an indoor play area. It has swing horses, paddle cars, water slides, jumping castles, horse rides and more. Variety of themes to choose from. For 2–10 year olds. Kraaifontein.

Contact: 021 988 8836, party@bugz.co.za or visit bugzplaypark.co.za Col’cacchio Pizzeria Westlake An undercover, heated and secure patio with a play area that is equipped with jungle

gyms. Children can roll dough and cut shapes and draw. Parties at 2pm and 5pm during the week. On weekends parties finish at 5pm. Contact: 021 702 4327, westlake@colcacchio.co.za or for a restaurant near you, visit colcacchio.co.za Fun House Come & Play Venue on Mountain View Farm, Durbanville. Contact: 082 770 3286, funhouse4every1@gmail. com or visit funhousecomeplay.co.za Fun in the Forest Jumping castles, slip n slide, treasure hunts, horse riding, fishing at the dam, balloon target and egg war or fabric painting, mosaic art, kite making and cupcake decoration. Winery Road Forest, Somerset West. Contact: 072 390 0884, info@wineryroadforest.co.za or visit wineryroadforest.co.za Gordons Gymnastics Club A two-hour party facilitated by qualified coaches with a built-in trampoline, foam pit, jumping castle and various other equipment.

Mowbray. Contact: 021 686 9213, info@ gordonsct.co.za or visit gordonsct.co.za Gumboot Parties From tractor rides, horse riding, zip-lining, horseshoe slinging and relay races on surfboards on the dam. Farm in Durbanville. Contact: 072 182 9333, info@gumbootparties.co.za or visit gumbootparties.co.za JellyBean Events Entertainment and party planning to set themes or one of your choice. Contact: 083 392 9593, info@jellybeanworld.co.za or visit jellybeanworld.co.za

Kidz Discovery An indoor venue with a large ball pond and slide, toddler roller coaster, play house, sea-themed climbing wall, Hello Kitty dress-up area with SpiderMan Climber for older ones, new TotChef hats feature, standard catering equipment and more. The outdoor play area has a jungle gym, octopus round-about, sandpit and spring rocker. Take own eats and balloons. For 1–5 year olds. Contact: 083 654 2494, info@kidzdiscovery.co.za or visit kidzdiscovery.co.za Lasertag and Paintball Games Laser tag for ages 6 and up and paintball for ages 11 and up. Take your own catering to the venue. Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie. Contact: 021 790 7603, info@actionpaintball.co.za or visit lasertag.co.za or actionpaintball.co.za Le Bonheur Croc Farm They host children’s parties. Contact: 021 863 1142 or visit lebonheurcrocfarm.co.za Mondeor Garden Restaurant They offer anything from venue-only rental, to full option parties. Somerset West. Contact: 021 858 1608, mondeor@telkomsa.net or visit mondeorrestaurant.co.za Planet Kids Standard or themed parties for all including children with disabilities.

Additional entertainment can be arranged.

Muizenberg. Contact: 021 788 3070, info@ planetkids.co.za or visit planetkids.co.za Scratch Patch Contact V&A Waterfront: 021 786 2020; Simon’s Town: 021 419 9429, topstones@topstones.co.za or visit scratchpatch.co.za

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resource Valley Farmstall This nursery with a play area is equipped with jungle gym and sandpit. They offer the full services of party planning and have a variety of vendors to complete any function. Valley Road, Hout Bay. Contact: 079 323 6290 or eventsatthevalley@gmail.com Vredenhof Organic Estate Party options include plant potting in the nursery, animal petting, art and crafts and face painting. They also have an undercover play area. Between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Contact: 021 855 0363 or vredenhof@telkomsa.net Wakaberry Frozen Yoghurt Bar Waka parties are for children 14 years old and younger. Choose from different party packages, which include decor, party packs, food platters and more. Visit the website for a list of Cape Town stores. For more info: visit wakaberry.co.za

indoor parties Berg Toys They have opened the first indoor pedal go-kart track in Cape Town. They also hire out and sell pedal go-karts for parties. Brackenfell. Contact: 082 899 2221, 082 847 4727, info@ bergtoys.co.za or visit bergtoys.co.za Build-A-Bear Workshop Children make their own cuddly animal, give it a heart and personalise it with a selection of outfits and accessories. Each child takes home their toy and a “party bear” keeps guests entertained. There is a free gift for the guest of honour and printable invitations and thank-you cards. Contact: 08611 BEARS (23277) or visit buildabear.co.za City Rock Indoor Climbing Supervised, two-hour parties with rope-climbing, large-wall climbing, bouldering and more for 6–25 children. Booking essential.

No catering. Observatory. Contact: 021 447 1326, tarryn@cityrock.co.za or visit cityrock.co.za Dragonland Family Entertainment New theme party venue and shop offering roller ring, mini play city, arcade games, cosplay dress-up and coffee shop.

Parklands. Contact: 021 554 0008 or 021 838 1478 Funky Frogs Indoor Playcentre and Party Venue Colourful, spacious party rooms for small and large parties, offering flexible party options for children up to age 8. Catering, decor and specific party packages can be arranged by them or you have the option to do your own.

There’s a separate play area for under 2 year olds. Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, Bellville. Contact: 071 441 1081, lesley@ funkyfrogs.co.za or visit funkyfrogs.co.za Go-Karting parties Well-built track, high-quality, regularly maintained karts in a modern, clean and safe racing environment. Enquire about their under 16 parties. Minimum height of 1,5m–1,6m tall. Junior track closes at 5pm every day. Contact Kenilworth: 021 683 2670 or Century City: 021 525 1720 or visit karting.co.za Ice Skating parties Takes place at the Ice Station in Grand West. Refer to the website for full details. Contact: 083 303 4907 or visit icerink.co.za

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Jilda G Photographic Studio parties A two-hour photoshoot party at a photographic studio. Party is captured and saved on CD for the host. Durbanville.

Contact: 082 592 6750, jilda_g@mweb. co.za or visit jildagphotograhy.co.za Jimmy Jungles indoor adventure playground Supervised, secure facilities for children from 6 months old. They provide everything from invitations to the birthday cake. Cape Town International Airport. Contact: 084 661 4747 Kay Pee Zee Daycare and Party Venue Certain packages include decor, catering, party buckets, supervised play, a large ball pond with slides, jumping castles, soccer area and toys. Lansdowne.

Contact: 082 675 3765 or visit k-p-z.co.za Kids Kingdom and Rochelle’s Kitchen Two-hour parties that include venue hire, entertainment and catering.

Muizenberg. Contact: 072 348 7223 or rochellepascucci@gmail.com Margies Parties Indoor party and play venue, party planning and rentals.

Brackenfell. Contact: 082 729 9743 McPherson’s Offers a barnyard area, platters and a restaurant for adults while they wait. Table View. Contact: 021 556 6012, info@mcphersonsa.com or visit mcphersonsa.com Spur Steak Ranches A safe venue for children’s parties plus a great birthday combo meal. Contact: 0860 007 787 or visit spur.co.za Swimmable School The pool is indoors, heated and chlorine-free and for hire for four hours. Facilities include pool access, play equipment, changing rooms, viewing deck, kitchen and lifeguard. Gardens.

Contact: chelsea@swimmable.net The Playshed Indoor play venue, with coffee shop and party facilities including an array of activities and party themes. For children from 6 months to 10 years old. Pinelands. Contact: 021 801 0141, 021 825 4277, 084 445 6824, playshedparties@gmail.com or visit theplayshed.co.za Two Oceans Aquarium sleepover parties Various packages to choose from, including Amazing Race, magic show and movie, and sugar craft and cupcake decor. Parties include a mini aquarium tour, activity, party table, dinner and breakfast. For 14–30 children. Suitable for 8–13 year olds.

Contact: 021 418 3823, party@aquarium. co.za or visit aquarium.co.za

music and drama parties Dance Starz parties Dancing fun and games for 3–6 year olds. Break dancers, cake specials, Dance Starz party packs; colourful fun with hair chalk and more.

Venue of your choice. Contact: 072 904 4848 or parties@dancetotz.co.za Dramatots Themed puppet shows, drama activities, face painting and dress-up. Contact: 083 445 5978, info@ dramatots.co.za or visit dramatots.co.za Drumkidz Parties Energetic drumming to stories and songs; drumming games are also played. Contact: 021 434 7610, info@ drumkidz.co.za or visit drumkidz.co.za magazine cape town

Drumming SA A 45-minute drumming party for children aged 5 and upwards.

Nationwide. Contact: 021 715 2450, 084 686 3872, catherine@drummingsa.co.za or visit drummingsa.co.za Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Children play drama games and work on a short, themed performance piece.

Contact: 021 674 7478, info@dramaafrica. com or visit dramaafrica.com Musical Rascals Blaauwberg Djembe drumming parties for ages 3–12 years old. Contact: 079 161 3999, melanie@musicalrascals.co.za or visit musicalrascals.co.za

outdoor parties Acrobranch Two-hour parties combining sport and adventure. Constantia.

Contact: 081 851 1765, constantia@ acrobranch.co.za or visit acrobranch.co.za Battlefield Live Authentic army parties. Girls parties include GI Jane, Bond Girl and Lara Croft. Cape Town and surrounds. Contact: 084 364 9979, renar@battlefieldlive.co.za or visit battlefieldlive.co.za Boot Camp SA Military-themed parties that include Survivor courses, forest missions, paintball (Stellenbosch) and archery (Tokai). For 6–15 year olds. Tokai Arboretum and Delvera Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. Contact: 082 455 6723, capetown@bootcamp-sa.co.za or visit bootcampcapetown.co.za Helderberg Farm Create your own parties. Somerset West. Contact: 021 855 4308, helderbergplaas@mweb.co.za or visit helderbergfarm.co.za Jolly Roger Pirate Boat Choose either the Robinson Crusoe theme or the Captain Hook theme. V&A Waterfront.

Contact: 021 421 0909, info@pirateboat. co.za or visit pirateboat.co.za Opikopi Farm Parties Activities include army drill, watergun war, paintball with slingshots, Barbie goes to the border and more. Contact: 021 976 6788, 083 458 3476 or visit opikopipartytjies.co.za Ratanga Junction Packages for children under 1,3m or over 1,3m. The cost per head includes unlimited access to the appropriate rides, a party pack and ice cream. Century City. Contact: 021 550 8504, info@ratanga. co.za or visit ratanga.co.za Sunscene Outdoor Adventures Outdoor parties including sandboarding and an adventure course. Contact: 021 783 0203, 084 352 4925, info@sunscene.co.za or visit sunscene.co.za SWAT Laser Tag Outdoor two-hour laser tag games for children 7 years and older.

Mobile option available. Can play in an undercover area. Minimum 12 children.

Melkbos, Somerset West or your venue.

Contact: 074 188 8777, don@swatlasertag. co.za or visit swatlasertag.co.za Victory Paintball Two-hour parties.

Melkbos. Contact: 021 551 0884, 082 355 5111, info@victorypaintball.co.za or visit victorypaintball.co.za Waterworld Strand There are four different rides covering all ages, a pool, and a variety of food and beverages on offer. Strand. Contact: 021 854 4702, info@ waterslides.co.za or visit waterslides.co.za magazine cape town

Wild Clover Farm A farm near Stellenbosch with lots of space. Contact: 021 865 2248, info@cloverfarm.co.za or visit wildclover.co.za

pamper parties Cherry Dreams Pamper and Foam Parties Pamper and foam parties. Contact: 082 771 1832, cherry.parties@gmail.com or visit cherrykidsparties.weebly.com/ Gorgeous Me Make-up, face painting, hair styling, nail art, glitter tattoos, fashion shows and more. Venue of your choice. Contact: 079 896 9588 or gina@gorgeousme.co.za KidStation VIP makeover parties Twohour makeover parties, including rock star, princess and island girl. Northern suburbs. Contact: 084 683 8702, fun@ kidstation.co.za or visit kidstation.co.za Sparkle Parties Pampering experience for 5–13 year olds. Contact: 076 585 5779, pamper.parties@hotmail.com or visit sparkleparties.withtank.com

sports parties Action Sports A combination of netball, soccer or cricket. All equipment and an umpire provided for a two-hour party for children 5 years and up.

Contact: 0861 122 8466, info@actionsports. co.za or visit actionsports.co.za African Brothers Football Academy soccer parties They provide bibs, balls, referees, the field and catering for a braai.

Contact: 072 425 5983 or 071 115 0231 Cricket School of Excellence Two-hour sports parties focused on cricket, rugby, hockey and soccer. The team coordinate the entire party. Southern suburbs, Constantia, Hout Bay, CBD, West Coast, northern suburbs, Stellenbosch. Contact: 0861 123 273, events@cricketschool.co.za or visit cricketschool.co.za En Garde School of the Sword Party based on a fencing lesson, but with swordfighting themes such as pirates, musketeers and Zoro. Masks and jackets are provided, and they use foam and plastic swords.

Venue of your choice. Contact: 072 194 1926 or info@engardefencing.co.za Karate Partyz 4 Kidz Karate-themed party and entertainment at your home or at the Bergvliet studio. Contact: 082 710 7734 Learn 2 Surf Surf parties at Muizenberg Beach. Contact: 083 414 0567, info@ learn2surf.co.za or visit learn2surf.co.za Little Kickers Football-related activities and games for boys and girls. For children from preschool to 8 years old. Contact: 0861 088 888 or visit littlekickers.co.za Rugbytots Parties for boys and girls with birthday cake, party packs and entertainment. For 10–30 children.

Contact: 079 410 1728, steed@rugbytots. co.za or visit rugbytots.co.za/parties.aspx Soccercise Starz Soccer fun with coaches at a venue of your choice. They supply equipment. Contact: 011 882 3428, info@ soccerstarz.co.za or visit soccerstarz.co.za Surf Emporium Surfing lessons, photos, equipment hire and certificates.

Contact: 021 788 8687, 082 562 8687, roxy@surfemporium.co.za or visit surfemporium.co.za May 2014

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calendar

what’s on in may

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

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

Compiled by LUCILLE KEMP

9

FUN FOR CHILDREN – p40

ONLY FOR PARENTS – p43

Peter and the Wolf presented by Parklands College The story is a traditional children’s tale with a twist.

Johnny Clegg at GrandWest Clegg is bringing A South African Story, to the Grand Arena.

bump, baby & tot in tow – p44

how to help – p45

Pregalates A 60-minute workout for mothers-to-be. It’s a great way to keep fit during your pregnancy.

Tekkie Tax An annual fundraising campaign for a large mix of selected welfare organisations.

SPECIAL EVENTS – p39 Greenpop Platbos Reforest family fest The festival in Platbos Forest features Hula Hooping, forest walks, musical sessions as well as a Mother’s Day tree-planting session.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

fri

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 thursday Cederberg Rooibos Arts Festival A lineup of activities, great music and entertaining live acts and plays, together with local cuisine offerings. Ends 4 May. For more info, bookings and updates, contact: 027 482 1090 or visit cederbergfees.co.za and like them on Facebook: Cederberg Arts Festival Teddy Bear Fair at Buitenverwachting Wine Farm Meet the teddy bear collectors and crafters. You can also enter competitions with prizes to be won. Children can enjoy face painting, colouring-in competitions, a jumping castle and more. Time: 10am–4pm.

Venue: Buitenverwachting Wine Farm, Klein Constantia Rd, Constantia. Cost: adults R30, children R10. Contact Truida: 082 723 3690, theteddybearfair@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/capeteddybearfair

Elgin Cool Wine and Country Festival Participating estates are open for tasting in the mornings and afternoons. Visitors are welcome to move freely from one estate to the next. The lunch session consists of each estate offering a unique dining experience, showcasing their venue and wine selection.

Visitors select the lunch destination and book accordingly. There are live bands, art collections, tractor rides and playgrounds.

Time: 9:30am–5pm, divided into a morning, lunch and afternoon session. For more info: visit elginwine.co.za The Riebeek Valley Annual Olive Festival While olives take centre stage at the farm, there are also wine tastings, an array of local produce, art and local crafts, food stalls and entertainment. Stalls stock quality cured meats, imported cheeses, sweet and savoury waffles, biscuits and cupcakes. There is a selection of local metal works and jewellery as well as indigenous plant stalls to browse. Also 4 May. Time: 9:30am–3pm. Venue: Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate, Riebeek Kasteel. Cost: varies. Contact: 022 448 1635, info@ kloovenburg.com or visit kloovenburg.com

9 friday

3 May – Elgin Cool Wine and Country Festival

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3 saturday

Greenpop Platbos Reforest family fest This includes Hula Hooping, forest walks, yoga, a tree meditation, interactive musical sessions and instrument making, art and crafts. There is a special Mother’s Day

Nuy Valley Feast

sat

Activities across the four estates include wine and olive tastings, farm markets, walks along vineyard trails, a vineyard trail run as well as old-school tractor and wagon rides. All venues provide live music, award-winning local wines and olive products, exotic cuisine and more.

For the adventurous, camping facilities are available at Conradie Family Vineyards. Cost: adults R40, children under 18 years old free and wine glasses R20. Contact: 084 585 5557, info@nuyvalleyfeast.co.za or visit nuyvalleyfeast.co.za

tree-planting session on Sunday. Camp in Africa’s southernmost forest and be part of growing Platbos Forest back to its original abundance. All tickets include six meals (Friday dinner to Sunday lunch), live music, tree planting, yoga classes, forest walks and more. Ends 11 May. Venue: Platbos Forest, Platbos, Gansbaai. Cost: R320–R590.

Contact: tickets@greenpop.org or visit webtickets.co.za

10 saturday Neon Run An electric 5km night running, walking, skating, rollerblading and cycling event where you glide through different glow zones that bring your neon to life.

It ends at a festival zone with loads of neon, music and entertainment featuring some of South Africa’s top artists. Time: 5pm–11pm. Venue: Cape Town Stadium Forecourt. Cost: adults R170 early bird, R220 normal and children R90. For more info: visit neonrun.co.za Open day at Imhoff Waldorf School Interested parents and children can find out more about the school, which accommodates preschool to high school learners. Time: 9:30am–12pm. Venue: Imhoff Waldorf School, behind Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie Rd, Kommetjie (preschool, preprimary and primary school) and No 8 Wolf Power Close, Noordhoek, off Sea Cottage Dr (high school). Cost: free. Contact: 021 783 3056, helen@imhoffwaldorf.org or visit imhoffwaldorf.org Mommy and Me walk Moms and their little ones can participate in a relaxing 1,6km walk followed by entertainment at the finish line. Time: 8:15am–11am.

Venue: Canal Walk, Centre Court. Cost: tbc. Contact: 021 529 9600

14 wednesday David Kramer, Dinner and Donkeys Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary patron and acclaimed stage personality David

May 2014

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calendar Kramer is an avid supporter of the fine work of the sanctuary. This fundraiser offers some surprises, a sumptuous three-course meal complemented by specially bottled Eseltjiesrus wine, and a chance to learn more about the donkeys and the work of the sanctuary. Time: 6:30pm for 7:30pm.

Venue: Kelvin Grove. Cost: R500, including wine and dinner. Contact: 023 625 1908 or jennifer@donkeysanctuary.co.za

17 saturday Imhoff Waldorf School presents the Zip Zap Circus A show featuring acrobats, trapeze artists and jugglers. Time: 3pm–5pm (with a short interval). Venue: Zip Zap Circus Dome (next to the Artscape Theatre), Founder’s Garden, Jan Smuts St, The Foreshore. Cost: R45, under 2 year olds free. Contact: 021 783 4237, admin@ imhoffwaldorf.co.za or visit zip-zap.co.za

23 friday Cape Town Midwifery and Birth Conference The event is open to all birthing professionals and to the public. Panel topics focus on positive birthing experiences and stories, babies in the womb and post-partum, midwifery and midwifery education. There are opportunities for discussion, questions and debate. Ends 25 May. Time: starts 6pm on Friday and 8:30am on Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Observatory Community Centre. Cost: R500 for the first 80 tickets, R650 thereafter. Contact: 081 753 7746,

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info@midwiferyandbirthconference.co.za or visit midwiferyandbirthconference.co.za Zip Zap golf day This Zip Zap Circus fundraiser sees all proceeds going towards a future permanent home in Salt River.

The evening includes a prizegiving

dinner and Zip Zap performance. Time: tbc. Venue: Durbanville Golf Club. Cost: R750 per player, R3 000 per four-ball.

Contact Carla: 021 421 8622 or pr@zipzap.co.za or Richard: 021 919 8944 or richard@corp-golf.co.za

The Good Food and Wine Show

24 saturday Parklands College open day Time: 10am–1pm. Venue: 91 Raats Drive and 50 Wood Drive, Parklands and 1 College Avenue, Sandown. Cost: n/a. Contact: 021 521 2700 or visit parklands.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN

For children, the culinary expo presents A Focus on Children and Food guided by CBeebies’ Katie Ashworth from the show I Can Cook as well as a new foodie tour for preschoolers on the mornings of 29 and 30 May. For the adults, highlights include Gourmet Tourism, which allows you to meet the chefs; Regional Wine Tasting Tours, which showcase the best wines, restaurants, delis and eateries of your region and Celebrity Television Cooking Shows Go Live, where you get to meet contestants, judges and celebrities from your favourite television shows.

Ends 1 June. Time: starts 10am daily. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, 1 Lower Long St. Cost: adults R125, children under 12 years old R50, under 3 year olds free; preschool tour R25 per child. Contact: 021 410 5000 or to book a preschool tour, contact Amy: 021 702 2280 or visit goodfoodandwineshow.co.za

29 thu

art, culture and science Art and Poetry Competition The Chaeli Campaign is running its annual Art and Poetry Competition. This year’s theme is “Power”, and gives the entrant the opportunity to explore questions like what makes you powerful; if you are strong or wealthy, does that make you powerful, and if you are able-bodied are you more powerful than if you have a disability? The Art and Poetry Competition culminates in an exhibition where each work is displayed for a week at The Chaeli Cottage (2–7 June).

Competition closes 5 May. For entry forms contact: info@chaelicampaign.co.za or for more info: visit chaelicampaign.co.za Choco Mania! Saturday morning Italian cooking classes Make chocolatebased Italian recipes. For 3–14 year olds.

10, 17, 24 and 31 May. Time: 11am–12pm.

Venue: Demo Kitchen, V&A Market on the Wharf, V&A Waterfront. Cost: R100 per class or R550 for a six-class package. Contact: 021 465 8261, info@ladante.co.za or visit ladante.co.za or their Facebook page

magazine cape town

Cooking with Hannah

Clay Cafe Mother’s Day special A special day out with lunch, painting and music. Time and cost: call to enquire.

Venue: Old Oakhurst Dairy Farm, Main Rd, Hout Bay. Contact: 021 790 3318 Introductory fabric painting workshop For adults and children. 31 May. Time: 8:45am–10:45am. Venue: Pinelands. Cost: R35 per kit. Contact: 021 531 8076, 082 391 4954 or wendyadriaan@telkomsa.net Sue Nepgen’s children’s art classes For 4–13 year olds. Classes start 24, 25 and 26 April. You can join later. Time: afternoons and Saturday mornings. Venues: Michael Oak Waldorf School, Kenilworth or 28 Klaasenbosch Dr, Constantia. Cost: R640 a term, including materials and firing; pro-rata fees for late joiners. Contact: 021 794 6609, 083 237 7242 or snepgen@xsinet.co.za

classes, talks and workshops Brain Gym sessions Boost confidence, performance and wellbeing through simple, fun exercises. Time: children 3pm–3:45pm, teens 4pm–5pm, adults 5:30pm–6:30pm,

magazine cape town

every Wednesday. Venue: Amani House, 14 Martingale Ave, Hout Bay. Cost: R500 for five sessions or R100 for a drop-in class.

Contact: 079 800 2749, aureliebraingym@ gmail.com or visit aureliebraingym. wordpress.com Cooking with Hannah Term 2 includes a Mother’s and Father’s Day class. For 2–10 year olds. Venues: Tuesdays: Noordhoek at Elly’s Deli; Wednesdays and Thursdays: The Bay in the Constantia Sports Centre. Cost: R810 per term; once off cost tbc. Contact: cookingwithhannah1@gmail.com Cricket School of Excellence smallgroup coaching For 4–10 year olds.

Time: tbc depending on what’s convenient for parents. Venues: UCT Indoor Sports Centre, Jan van Riebeeck Laerskool, DF Malan High School, Sunningdale Sports Club. Cost: R600. Contact: 0861 123 273 or visit cricketschool.co.za Dramatots open day Activities include a puppet show and an interactive drama class for moms/carers and tots together. For 1–5 year olds. 13–15 May. Time: 9am–10:30am (1–2½ years old) and 3:30pm–5pm (2½– 5 years old). Venue: contact for invitation; on Atlantic seaboard. Cost: free. Contact: 083 445 5978, info@dramatots.co.za or visit dramatots.co.za Eggs Benedict for Mother’s Day Children learn how to make poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, and put together the Eggs Benedict. For 10 years and older.

10 May. Time: 9:30am–12pm. Venue:

Julie’s Cake Studio, shop 5, Newlands Quarter, cnr Main St and Dean St, Newlands. Cost: R175. Contact: 021 686 2372, julie@juliescakestudio.co.za or visit juliescakestudio.co.za Kidz Discovery The variety of programmes offered include: baby and toddler mother and child development groups for 3 month–5 year olds, the BrightStart preschool preparedness programme and Bridging BrightStart school extension for 2,5–4,5 year olds, craft classes for 3–5 year olds (accompanied with parent) and multi-medium art classes for 6–12 year olds. Time and cost: varies, call to enquire.

Venue: The Drive, Camps Bay. Contact: 083 654 2494, info@kidzdiscovery.co.za or visit kidzdiscovery.co.za The Kids Cooking Club Creative learnto-cook classes for 2–15 year olds. Time: varies. Venue: Stodels Nursery, Constantia.

Cost: R90 per class. Contact: 083 309 8024 or thekidscookingclub@gmail.com Winter cooking Hands-on cooking lessons for girls and boys 4–13 years old. They cook a healthy option and a sweet option. 5 and 12 May and 2, 9, 23 and 30 June. Time: 3pm. Venue: 5 Montana Rd, Camps Bay. Cost: R110 per lesson. Contact: 082 319 9215 or visit nicetouch.co.za

family outings Table Mountain Cableway Kidz Season The promotion allows two children to travel free with every adult return ticket bought.

The special is valid on weekends, public holidays and during the June and October school holidays. 1 May–31 October. Time: varies. Venue: Table Mountain Cableway, Tafelberg Rd. Cost: R215 per adult, valid until 30 September. For more info: visit tablemountain.net

Two Oceans Aquarium

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calendar clothes you will wear). There is a play area with sandart and face painting. 10 May. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: 39 Albertyn Rd, Muizenberg. Cost: free. Contact: 073 537 8007 or 083 436 5109

on stage and screen

Catherine Chambers Pilates for kids

finding nature and outdoor play Two Oceans Aquarium The Afrisam Children’s Play Centre provides hours of fun for young children. Popular with children up to the age of 13. Arts and crafts, puppet shows, penguin and fish feeds happen daily. Time: puppet shows: 10:30am, 1:30pm and 4pm. Penguin feeds: 11:30am/11:45am and 2:30pm. I&J predator feed: 3pm daily. Shark feed on a Sunday at 3pm. Venue: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront. Cost: R60–R125. Children 3 and under enter the aquarium free. Tickets are available online and are discounted by 10%. Contact: 021 418 3823 or visit aquarium.co.za

markets Chilled Market at The Range in Tokai A new evening market for the family among the pine trees and vineyards of the Constantia Valley. Time: 4:30pm–9:30pm, every Friday. Venue: Orpen Rd, Tokai.

Cost: free. Contact: 021 713 2340 or chilledmarket@therange.co.za Elkanah House Schoolyard Market A community market with a mouthwatering selection of fresh foods, stunning art and crafts and a hint of Parisian flair. 31 May. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: 85 Sunningdale Dr, Sunningdale. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 554 8586 or michellej@elkanah.co.za Mother’s Day brunch at Jolly Carp Organic Market Moms, daughters and granddaughters are welcome. Light snacks, cakes and drinks are served. 10 May. Time: 12pm. Venue: 38 Sasmeer Rd, Sasmeer Estate, Retreat. Cost: a R50 voucher or a donation of any baby or mothering item for less fortunate women. Contact: 082 688 5215 or vee.destadler@gmail.com The Dirty South Fashion and Goods Market The market also hosts The Travelling Clothes Swap (bring 5–10 items of clothing and R20 to participate and swap the clothes you don’t wear anymore for

Peter and the Wolf presented by Parklands College Join the Bird, Duck, Cat and many other characters as they journey through the forest with Peter. The story is a traditional children’s tale with a twist and will entertain all ages. 16 and 17 May. Time: 6pm Friday, 2pm Saturday.

Venue: 50 Wood Dr, Parklands. Cost: R70.

Contact: 021 521 2700 Steven Universe season one premieres on Cartoon Network Steven is the proverbial little brother to a team of magical guardians of humanity, the Crystal Gems.

He may not be as powerful as the Crystal Gems, or as smart. He also may not have any control over the magical powers that come out of his bellybutton, but that doesn’t stop him from joining Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl on their magical adventures, where Steven always finds a surprising way to save the day.

Premieres 5 May at 4:15pm. Watch it until 21 May on DStv channel 301 The Rainbow Puppet Theatre presents Little Red Riding Hood 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 May. Time: 10am and 11:15am. Venue: The Rainbow Puppet Theatre, Constantia Waldorf School, Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia. Cost: R20. Contact Alison: 021 783 2063 or therainbow.puppettheatre@ gmail.com

playtime and story time Brackenfell Library activities 14 May: aeroplanes. 21 May: owls. 28 May: animals. For 2–5 year olds. Time: 10:30am Wednesday. Venue: Paradys St, Brackenfell.

Cost: free. Contact Trudi: 021 980 1375 or gertruida.duplessis@capetown.gov.za Build-A-Bear Workshops at Cavendish Children get to pick from a wide variety of stuffed animals and select from a range of unique fashions and accessories. Ends 19 May. Time: 9am. Venue: Cavendish Centre, Claremont. Cost: varies. For more info: visit cavendish.co.za

sport and physical activities Catherine Chambers Pilates for kids For 9–12 year olds. Time: 2:45pm, every Monday. Venue: Health Junction, 29 Derry St, Vredehoek. Cost: R360 monthly. Contact: 021 461 2159 or info@ healthjunction.co.za

10 May – The Dirty South Fashion and Goods Market

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16 fri

Show Boat presented by Cape Town Opera A top-class show with lavish sets and costumes, ingeniously directed by Janice Honeyman. 16–18 May. Time: 7:30pm Friday, 1pm Saturday, 6pm Sunday. Venue: Opera House, Artscape Theatre. Cost: R140, R270 or R380. Contact: 0861 915 8000

Cymbidium Farm Playschool mini walk and fun day Join them for a mini walk around the farm, a jumping castle, children’s rides, games, food and drinks on sale, and stalls including Morgan’s Playroom, Starkidz, The Book People and others. 10 May. Time: 10am–1pm. Venue: Vineyard Ave, Constantia. Cost: children R50, adults free entry. Contact: 072 834 0251 Falke Autumn Trail Run Children aged 8 and older choose between 5km, 7½ km, 12½ km or a 15km. 11 May. Time: 8am with 15-minute intervals for distances. Venue: Delvera, R44, Stellenbosch. Cost: from R55; pre-entries get discount. Contact: 021 884 4752, info@dirtopia.co.za or visit dirtopia.co.za

Sports derby day Compulsory sports derby where all children from Grade R–7 play hockey, netball and soccer. 24 May. Time: 9am–1:30pm. Venue: Bergvliet Primary School, Children’s Way, Bergvliet.

Cost: free. Contact: 021 715 1103 or betsha@bps.wcape.school.za Teddy Tennis at The Glen Country Club Lessons accompanied by music.

For 2–7 year olds. Time: Monday–Friday afternoons. Venue: 1 Victoria Rd, Clifton.

Cost: call to enquire. Contact: 083 679 0731, mark@teddytennis.com or visit teddytennis.com

only for parents classes, talks and workshops

11 May – Falke Autumn Trail Run

Kids on Cloud 9 Bookings open for terms 2 and 3, for group and individual coaching and extramurals. They cover soccer, cricket, kinetics, dancing and more. For boys and girls from Grade R–7. Time: 9am–6pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: southern and northern suburbs and Atlantic Seaboard.

Cost: R390 per term. Contact: 084 777 1212, coachgrant@kidsoncloud9.co.za or visit kidsoncloud9.co.za Kirstenhof Dance and Pilates Studio For ballet, modern, hip-hop dancing and Pilates. Venue: 14 Windhover St, Kirstenhof.

Cost: varies. Contact: 021 701 2750, 082 739 0100 or lianepenny@gmail.com Soccer classes with Little Kickers in the Boland For boys and girls aged 18 months–7 years old run in Paarl, Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Four age groups are available in midweek or Saturday classes. Free trials available. Contact Neil: 076 265 0196 or boland@littlekickers.co.za magazine cape town

Adults and nannies basic cooking lessons Learn to cook family favourites such as soups, roasts, casseroles, puddings, breads and more. Time: 9am–12:45pm.

Venue: Nice Touch Kitchens, Montana Rd, Camps Bay. Cost: R1 550 or R1 700.

Contact: 082 319 9215, janis@nicetouch. co.za or visit nicetouch.co.za Family and Friends CPR and paediatric first aid 3 May. Time: 9am–1:30pm.

Venue: Constantiaberg Mediclinic, Burnham Rd, Plumstead. Cost: R270 or R320. Contact: 021 705 6459, training@ pec.co.za or visit pec.co.za Sensory profiling for the classroom A talk on how to deal with diversity and individuality in the classroom. Teachers, classroom facilitators, school-based therapists and education support staff are all welcome. 16 May. Time: registration from 1:15pm; talk 2pm–5pm. Venue: Blouberg Ridge Primary School, Blouberg Rise. Cost: R450 per person or R375 group rate when booking for four or more people.

Contact Sandra: 082 397 3606 or visit sensoryintelligence.co.za The Vine School open day for principals A chance for Christian school principals to find out what Ambleside education is all about. 6 May. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: 37 Denver Rd, Lansdowne. Cost: free. Contact: 021 696 3220 or info@thevineschool.org.za May 2014

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calendar

7–31 May – Show & Tell at Kalk Bay Theatre

on stage and screen Johnny Clegg – The Royal Albert Hall Concert 31 May. Time: 8pm. Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino. Cost: R175– R375. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 Show & Tell at Kalk Bay Theatre Featuring Michele Maxwell and Roland Perold. The show highlights the talents of these pianists as they share a baby grand and play new arrangements from a selected repertoire. 7–31 May. Time: 8pm.

Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre. Cost: R70 or R90.

For more info: visit kalkbaytheatre.co.za

out and about Majestic Queen’s Tea Be pampered with massages, pedis, manis and facials while you indulge in a feast. 10 May. Time:

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12pm–4pm. Venue: Valley Farmstall, Valley Rd, Hout Bay. Cost: R150, which includes a voucher to any of the beauty therapists on duty and offerings from the Queen’s table.

Contact: 079 323 6290 or Tarin: 076 678 0258 or eventsatthevalley@gmail.com Off the Rails fashionista evening Get a sense of winter 2014 trends, win prizes, listen to guest speakers on make-up and skincare, shop from vendors selling local and imported clothes, and accessories. 13 May. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Kelvin Grove ballroom, Newlands. Cost: R210. Contact: julie@offtherails.co.za or visit offtherails.co.za Val du Charron Theatre of Wine The estate showcases their new Theatre of Wine range with an evening of dress-up, makebelieve, theatrical displays, carnival cuisine, live music, dancing and award-winning wine. Dress is dramatic and theatrical. 1–3 May. Time: 7pm–midnight. Cost: R250 (no under 18s), which includes a glass of bubbly and a three-course meal paired with wine. Contact: 021 873 1256, sales@ vdcwines.com or visit webtickets.co.za

support groups Grief counselling course Learn about the grieving process and how to deal with a grieving person. Trained professionals or lay persons wanting to help, are welcome. Hosted

by The Compassionate Friends. 8 May. Time: 7pm. Venue: Constantiaberg MediClinic.

Cost: donations welcome. Contact: 021 981 9540 or support@tcfcape.co.za

Moms and Tots Fish Hoek/Noordhoek

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) parents support group The organisation holds regular meetings for LGBTI Parents. 3 May. Time: call to enquire. Venue: Triangle Project, Elta House, 2nd floor, 3 Caledonian Rd, Mowbray. Cost: free. Contact: 021 686 1475, info@triangle.org.za, health2@ triangle.org.za or visit triangle.org.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Mama Bamba Way weekend antenatal workshop Antenatal classes designed to create empowering and transformative

birth experiences for women, their partners and their babies. 31 May–1 June. Time: 10am–5pm, Saturday and Sunday, plus one evening. Venue: Mama Bamba, Rustenberg Farm, Stellenbosch. Cost: R1 650 per couple. Contact: 021 783 3763, susan@ mamabamba.com or visit mamabamba. com/wp/antenatal-classes Pregalates A 60-minute workout designed for mothers-to-be. A great way to keep fit during your pregnancy and to share the experience with other prospective mothers. Time: 10:15am, every Wednesday. Venue: 41 Almond St, Newlands. Cost: R90 per hour. Contact: 021 671 1224, claire@thestudiogroup. co.za or visit thestudiogroup.co.za

magazine cape town

The Parent Centre moms-to-be and moms and babies groups Suitable for moms with babies up to one year old.

Time and venue: 10:30am–12:30pm, every Tuesday at Mediclinic Cape Town or 10am–12pm, every Thursday at Mediclinic Constantiaberg. Cost: R50, including refreshments. Contact: 021 762 0116 or visit theparentcentre.org.za

playtime and story time Moms and Babes Claremont A mom and baby stimulation class using ageappropriate toys and exercises such as messy play and baby massage. For 2–12 month olds. Time: 10am and 3pm, Monday–Thursday. Venue: Claremont.

Cost: call to enquire. Contact: 082 746 3223 or reesdi@mweb.co.za Moms and Tots Noordhoek/Fish Hoek An interactive workshop for moms and toddlers. Classes from 9 months old (only Fish Hoek branch).

Time: 9:30am–11:30am, Tuesday–Friday.

Contact: 021 785 7721 or 083 487 5446 Toptots Claremont mother and child workshop The classes incorporate creative messy play, age-appropriate massage, music and more. You are able to join a class in the middle of the term at a pro-rata rate.

For 8 weeks–4 year olds. Term 2 ends 13 June. Time: morning and afternoon, call to enquire. Venue: 74 Ranelagh Rd, Claremont. Cost: R1 000 per term. Contact: 079 248 8083 or lisam@toptots.co.za

support groups La Leche League breast-feeding support groups Rondebosch: 8 May. Contact Bridgette: 021 712 5767. Parklands: 28 May. Contact Simela: 021 553 1664 or Juliet 021 556 0693. Weekend group in Parklands: 10 May. Contact Kim: 082 330 5352. Parow: 21 May. Contact Dilshaad: 021 930 2475. Durbanville: 8 May. Contact Trudy: 021 913 2816, Tiffany: 021 913 3586 or Vania: 021 910 2885. Kenridge: 5 May. Contact Rosemary: 021 910 0606 or Irma: 021 979 1425. Paarl: 1 May. Contact Jonette: 021 872 5297 or Wilma: 082 922 8195. Stellenbosch: 8 May. Contact Francia: 082 940 9685

how to help Challenges for Children Make your sport- and health-focused resolutions part of a fundraising campaign. By achieving

your objectives, the challenges of underprivileged children are recognised, and money is raised for a worthy cause. The campaign runs across four set categories: cycling; running or walking; a nutritionfocused, weight-loss programme and a yoga/Pilates challenge. To sign up, contact Genevieve: 021 761 7251 or register via homefromhome.org.za Tekkie Tax An annual fundraising campaign for a large mix of carefully selected welfare organisations, schools and institutions that are accountable, reliable and have a history of good service and have been chosen as beneficiaries of this campaign. You just need to get a Tekkie Tax sticker for a R10 donation from any of the participating welfare organisations. 30 May. Contact: 012 663 8181, tekkietax@ mweb.co.za or visit tekkietax.co.za World Play Day The theme is “the right to play”. Cotlands is hosting a series of activities across the country to advocate for the right to play. Participate by donating to their activities or by promoting this fundamental right. 28 May. Contact Lois: 011 683 7201, lois@cotlands.org or visit cotlands.org

Parties With A Purpose This registered NPO is an organisation that supports charities with a focus on children and education by meeting once a month to raise money and network.

They are helping Philippi Children’s Centre during this year. To assist or donate, contact: 082 780 8444 or pwpcapetown@gmail.com

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to capetown@childmag.co.za or fax it to 021 462 2680. Information must be received by 2 May for the June 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 28 May – World Play Day

family marketplace

magazine cape town

May 2014

45

finishing touch

a time to party i

t was my son’s birthday recently.

Naturally, that entailed a lot of planning, time and hard work for both his father and me: get the class list from school; design and send out the invitations; manage email correspondence; keep track of who’s coming; think of party activities; make party favours; design the world’s most amazing Spider-Man cake; and cater for about 30 children, their parents and our friends – enough to drive any parent slightly batty.

A birthday party for a young child is a big event in their lives and as parents you want it to be special. From the moment our son’s party ended last year, he was putting in requests about what his next party should include – something I’m sure most children do. Knowing exactly what he wanted, I thought that starting the preparations a few weeks in advance and leaving the food planning until the last couple of days would be fine. Yet, you forget how much time it takes to prepare food and bake and decorate a cake for so

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Cassandra and her son

many people. Every spare moment from Friday night until “party time” on Sunday was spent in the kitchen. Well, almost every moment…

The evening before the party, I surprised my husband with concert tickets to see his favourite band, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), at an outdoor venue in Paarl. We both grew up listening to their music, and our son often requests and sings along to

their songs while we drive in the car. So, this surprise was a big one.

Once our kitchen shackles had been released, we left our son with a friend, a.k.a. the best baby-sitter in the world, and headed out to see the show. We were both really tired, but it was great to get out and have a bit of well-deserved “us time”. It was surreal being outside overlooking the Winelands while listening to the sounds of

ELO playing only a few rows ahead. It felt like we were children again as we giggled and sang along to every song. At one point we even walked down to the front of the stage and danced around like complete fools – something we used to do when we first started dating; and haven’t really done since parenthood started.

I realised at that moment the importance of two things: it’s great to focus your attention on your child – plan and create a special, over-the-top day for them that they’ll hopefully remember or look back on fondly forever, but it’s also extremely important to let loose once in a while and to create time for your own little “party”.

That’s what this night was for – a party for us to relax, appreciate how far we’ve come in life and to celebrate, in our own way, the little boy that we brought into this world, all of our hard work and how much we are grateful for.

Both Cassandra and her son had a wonderful “party” and, true to form, her son is already putting in his requests for next year’s do.

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: MENKE BONNEMA

You can’t let your children have all the fun. CASSANDRA SHAW describes the best way to plan a party.

books

a good read for toddlers

for preschoolers One Fine Day Love Came to Visit

By Rus Nerwich and Amanda Bayda

Rover

By Michael Rosen and Neal Layton

Black Dog

By Levi Pinfold

(Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Group, R135) This is a tender and funny book about the adventures of a small dog and his pet girl. Meet Rover; no, not the dog, the little girl. She is the four-legged narrator’s pet human.

Today they are going to play in the giant sandpit. The trouble starts when Rover wanders off while her parents are taking a nap on the beach. Pet human’s mom and dad get a bright idea: they let the dog sniff the little girl’s toy rabbit and send him off to help find her. This book, with its refreshing humour, will delight children up to the age of five, as well as parents.

(Published by Templar, R206) A black dog appears outside the Hope family’s home. As each member of the household sees it and hides, the dog grows bigger and bigger. Only Small, the youngest Hope, has the courage to face Black Dog. When it chases her she shows no fear, so it grows smaller and smaller. Back to the size of a normal hound, he is welcomed into the Hope household as their newest addition. This title was the winner of the Cilip Kate Greenaway Medal 2013, and the “What’s The Story” category for the favourite book for children aged 4–7 years old in the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards.

for early graders Dogtective William and the Poachers

By Elizabeth Wasserman and Chris Venter (Published by NB Publishers, R120) This is the third book in the Dogtective William series.

In this edition Alex and his extraordinary dog, William, find themselves packed off to Aunt Ada’s game farm. Trouble brews right from the start of their bushveld holiday – poachers are on the trail of the rhino on the farm, and have already wounded a large bull. The scoundrels are now using a helicopter to trace their prey. Can a boy and a dog get the better of these fearsome hunters? William’s training as a dogtective has not prepared him for the dangers of the African bush and, for once, Alex might be the one to save the famous dog’s skin.

(Published by Tones of Note Publishing, R200) Love is explained through an interactive audio book. But this is much more than the simple story of love explained. After writing it, the author, who is an internationally acclaimed jazz musician, developed an interactive app, creating the possibility to interact with the illustrations and make musical compositions. It provides a platform for children to practise reading and experiment with sounds. Charming illustrations are brought to life by a warm, engaging narrative. Children can interact with the original score by Nerwich with the musical soundboards. There are fun audio VO and SFX hotspots to discover. Other features include “Record myself”; “Play my voice” and more. To get the app or book, watch a short film or listen to the original score, visit lovecametovisit.com

for preteens and teens

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck

By Jeff Kinney

Later Years at Malory Towers

By Enid Blyton

(Published by Penguin Books, R113) This is Jeff Kinney’s eighth book in this hilarious and highly successful series, and Greg Heffley and his friends now have a whole new set of adventures. Greg is on a losing streak. His best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has ditched him, and finding new friends in middle school is proving to be a tough task. To change his fortunes, Greg decides to take a leap of faith and turn his decisions over to chance. Will a roll of the dice turn things around, or is Greg’s life destined to be just another hardluck story? The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has again been nominated for the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2014 for Favourite Book.

(Published by Egmont Children’s Books, R167) Malory Towers is a boarding school for girls in Cornwall. Enid Blyton wrote six books for this series between 1946 and 1951. The heroine is Darrell Rivers, who enters the school in the first form and becomes head girl when she is in the sixth. But of course it’s not all plain sailing for Darrell and her friends. In this fantastic bumper volume of classic stories from the much-loved author, Darrell and her friends grow together as they share their school days. There are new students to induct, sporting matches to be won, tempers to control and tricks to play on teachers.

Readers from the age of eight can join Darrell in mischief, mayhem and midnight feasts. These timeless stories of the famous girls’ school are in Blyton’s hugely popular and successful style and the book includes three popular tales.

for us The Lost Art of Having Fun: 286 Games to Enjoy with Family and Friends

By Gyles and Saethryd Brandreth (Published by Hodder and Stoughton, R402) This book picks out over 250 games, guaranteed to make even the grumpiest child or adult laugh. With all kinds of interesting stories and lovely illustrations, it shows you clearly, and very entertainingly, how to play them. Nine chapters cover pretty much every eventuality: “Rainy Day Games”, “Car Journey”, “Analogue Fun in a Digital World”, “Music and Drama”, “Word Games and Brainteasers”, “Racing Games”, “Party Games” (split between children’s birthday parties and dinner parties), “Weekend-away Games” and “Seasonal Games: Christmas, New Year and Easter”. With this book, you don’t need consoles or board games.

parenting book Mummy and Me Craft: Make and Learn Together Editor Jo Casey (Published by Dorling Kindersley, R177) Introduce your child to the wonderful world of crafting with this colourful and inspiring book of 20 fun craft projects for the whole family. From felt creatures and paper jewellery to origami and paint projects. It is packed with things to make and do. Plus, little ones can learn about the materials they’re working with.

Painting, drawing, cutting and pasting, and using a range of crafting materials such as scissors and glue sticks help children develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.