Child Magazine | Durban December 2011 / January 2012

D U R B A N ’ S

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

p ar e n t s

going potty? toilet training tips

keep them safe in the sun, the water and everywhere else

what’s on in

december & january

www.childmag.co.za

Dec 2011 / Jan 2012

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health

education

entertainment

I am not a fan of creepy crawlies, but as the first Christmas beetle settles on my kitchen counter, my spirits soar.

The cicada, or Christmas beetle as it’s commonly known, brings with it the promise of lazy summer days, gaudy tinsel on the tree and magical, festive family time. The little, shiny brown bug reminds me of Christmases past, at home with my mom, dad and brother. My dad – ever the gracious and generous Father Christmas, my mom – happy to put up her feet after a long year of primary school teaching, and my big brother – kind and caring, always.

Nowadays, with my brother in Australia and my sister-in-law in the UK, achieving a complete family Christmas is rare. To add to this, my dad died in June, so sadly this year will be the first without our gentle Santa. But it will be the first Christmas with my mom and my in-laws all together. To get the remaining grandparents together for Christmas is a coup and great cause for celebration. We’re planning fish on the braai, plates of paella and as many Lilos as the pool can manage.

My wish this festive season is that you too can spend fabulous family time together, that you too can put your feet up and play mind-numbing hours of Monopoly, relishing the time to breathe and smile knowing that your family is close.

Happy holidays from me, and all of us at Child magazine.

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

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Hunter House P U B L I S H I N G

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Anél Lewis • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Tamlyn Vincent • durban@childmag.co.za

monthly circulation Cape Town’s Child magazineTM 45 120 40 241 Durban’s Child magazineTM 52 146 Joburg’s Child magazineTM

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Durban’s Child magazineTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: 1st Floor, MB House, 641 Peter Mokaba Road, Overport, 4091. Tel: 031 209 2200, fax: 031 207 3429, email: durban@childmag.co.za. Annual subscriptions (for 11 issues) cost R165, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by Paarl Web. Copyright subsists in all work published in Durban’s Child magazineTM. We welcome submissions but retain the unrestricted right to change any received copy. We are under no obligation to return unsolicited copy. The magazine, or part thereof, may not be reproduced or adapted without the prior written permission of the publisher. We take care to ensure our articles, and other editorial content, are accurate and balanced, but cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or inconvenience that may arise from reading them.

December 2011/January 2012

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contents

december and january

12

24 these shoes are made

for walking

upfront 3

26 festive food for family and friends

a note from lisa

6 over to you

Anél Lewis consults the experts on how to choose the right shoes for your child

Maia du Plessis and Simon Scarboro give inspiration for a feast on the beach

health

readers respond

15 reader’s blog

Claudia Eicker-Harris wants to send her four year old to a nudist colony

10 while you were sleeping

Jessica-A’isha Mouneimne looks at ways to prevent cot death

regulars

features 12 festive family traditions

6 upfront with paul

Paul Kerton hopes his daughters will grow up to be more than the next Kim Kardashian

hristina Castle finds out how families C with different beliefs and backgrounds celebrate this time of year

16 here comes the sun

8 wins

28 resource – get out there!

advice on how to be safe in the sun this summer. By Vanessa Papas

a selection of the best outdoor family outings. Compiled by Tamlyn Vincent

32 a good read

new books for the whole family

34 what’s on in december and january 42 last laugh

Sam Wilson is not going to pull out all the stops this festive season

classified ads

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41 let’s party 42 family marketplace

19 stay safe in the water

Lucille Kemp looks at the importance of being water-wise

20 one, two, wee!

Donna Cobban investigates the science of toilet training

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22 safe and sound

Ruwaydah Lillah gives 10 tips to keep your children safe these holidays

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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December 2011/January 2012

Cape Town

Johannesburg

Durban

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

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December 2011/January 2012

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upfront with paul

almost famous Today’s celebrities do very little to earn their few seconds of fleeting fame. PAUL KERTON

i

read a snippet recently about a researcher who asked a classroom of four year olds what they wanted to be. Half said “famous”, which I found very telling.

Having once worked on a biting British tabloid newspaper selling 3,25 million copies every Sunday, I confess that even then, much of the content was celebritybased (and often controversial). But the culture of celebrity has since exploded out of all proportion. Everything now seems to be celebrity-centred.

There are so many new routes to fame, whether it’s the explosion of reality TV shows where ordinary people are whisked away to the gilded cage of fame and money; or selfcreated celebrity phenomena on YouTube.

Never before has there been an age when so many people, largely under 25, are so keen to get in front of the camera, and have the technology to do so.

The thing is, celebrities used to actually do something to earn their celebrity. Whether through sport, entertainment, business or general notoriety, natural celebrities rose

letters

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

above the clutter as the public’s champions.

Today, teenagers want to be famous but they don’t want to actually do anything to become famous. They just want to be a celebrity for the sake of being one.

Admittedly, some of their icons – Justin Bieber, Hannah Montana and others – do contribute something and work seriously hard. But check out the biggest celebrity milkmaids on the planet – the Kardashian family. Kim Kardashian earned $250 000 (almost R2 million) a day during her 72-day

over to you

swimming for life

five generations of “awesome”

why halloween?

My daughter, Jordyn, started swimming at 10 months. It was an indescribable pleasure to watch my child learning to swim. If it weren’t for her good teacher, we certainly would not have a little girl who loves water so much. Swimming lessons should be a priority on each family’s list.

Leigh Dean

It doesn’t happen every day and it doesn’t happen to everyone. In our family, there are five generations of awesome women.

The day my daughter came home from hospital with my second grandchild, we all got together to welcome her. It was at this gathering that we realised that there were five generations of women in one room. I know quite a few people who have never had the chance to meet their grandparents, let alone great grandparents. So, when you have the chance to meet your great-great grandmother, it’s pretty awesome.

Karen Meyer

I want to ask why South Africans celebrate Halloween? It is not part of our culture or history. Every year, I see how the shops expand their range of decorations, using this as another moneymaking scheme. I challenge parents to read the history of Halloween to understand what it means.

Why would any parent want their children to dress up like a devil, a witch or an evil spirit? We could still have fabulous neighbourhood parties by celebrating spring or summer, where we could knock on our neighbours’ doors and give one another a flower from our gardens.

J from Cape Town

on our website In response to the “heavy school bags” article I often see children with very serious spinal stress in my body stress release practice, and the sad thing is that these aches and pains are easily prevented. The weight of school bags, coupled with ergonomically incorrect desks and chairs, are responsible for many spinal problems in children. In a young, developing body these problems can become irreversible. A UK charity called BackCare has done a fantastic job of lobbying the authorities to take the spinal health of children seriously.

Sadly, no organisations like this exist in South Africa. More articles are needed to highlight these issues. Thanks for once again taking the lead.

Melody Mitchell

on our facebook page In response to the website article “motor development therapy” I’m a preschool teacher and I think that children don’t spend nearly enough time playing. They are not being allowed to explore and make up games. It’s not just parents who are at fault, preschools are pressured to do school “work” with the children, which detracts from play (the real work of children).

Sarah Ashwell

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sham marriage and gets $10 000 (about R78 000) for a mention of products on her Tweets. You can’t argue with the money – the whole family is a moneymaking factory – but what does she actually do?

Fame also used to have longevity, but now it is as instant as freeze-dried coffee and disappears as fast. Pop artist Andy Warhol’s famous quote, “Everybody will be famous for 15 minutes”, was probably true when he said it. But today that should read five minutes, as fame is fleeting. And when

stars are fading and the famous are on their way down after being at the top, there is nothing more depressing.

While celebrities were once chosen as reliable role models, we now have cricketers who take a “bung” (bribe); rugby players who act like children (especially in England), footballers whose every second word begins with “f” (said as they face the camera); while actresses wear drug-taking as a badge of pride as they casually pinball between rehab and prison.

This celebrity culture is having an adverse effect on our children and has been eroding their sense of reality for some time. I don’t want my daughters to be famous; I want them to do something that defines their lives.

If fame comes with that, then so be it. But celebrity itself is not a noble ambition.

No wonder the Western world is collapsing around us. Nobody is doing or making anything anymore; everybody is too busy queuing up to be famous.

Paul Kerton is the author of Fab Dad: A Man’s Guide to Fathering.

December 2011/January 2012

Follow us on twitter.com/ChildMag and facebook.com/ childmag.co.za

write to us 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. 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.

You can also post a comment online at

childmag.co.za

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PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

hopes his daughters will rather strive to do something worthwhile with their lives.

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December 2011/January 2012

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wins

giveaways

in december and january

geared up The BPA-free, funky Cool Gear range keeps your snacks and drinks cooler and fresher for longer, thanks to its patented EZ-Freeze technology. For more info, visit diversicor.co.za Two readers stand a chance to each win a Cool Gear Hamper valued at just more than R1 000. See the “how to enter” box and simply email us or post your details and mark it as “Cool Gear DBN Win”.

get schooled Computer Skills 4 Africa offers a primary school curriculum, which is a full teacher’s guide for Grades 1 to 7 with structured outcomes for each grade.

Included are activity and assessment sheets, an annual learning plan and posters and completed examples. With over 300 activities in Microsoft Office, the curriculum prepares learners for high school. For more info, 034 326 4624, greta@cs4a.co.za or visit cs4a.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a R 5 000 Computer Skills 4 Africa primary school curriculum. See the “how to enter” box and simply email us or post your details and mark it as “Skills 4 Africa Win”.

funkiest footwear Skechers Twinkle Toes sneakers with hot lights, a sequined toecap and colourful print designs, are the ultimate in funky footwear for young fashionistas!

Skechers is available from Skechers stores in Sandton City, Rosebank, Cresta, Eastgate, East Rand Mall, Clearwater, Menlyn and Canal Walk. Also available from Edgars, Tekkie Town and other leading fashion retailers nationwide.

Skechers hotline: 011 630 4000.

Five readers strand a chance to each win a pair of Skechers Twinkle Toes shoes valued at R400. See the “how to enter” box and simply email us or post your details and mark it as “Skechers DBN Win”.

The multi award-winning Sistema storage range is BPA-free, dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe, and modularly stackable. The patented clip-lock technology makes the Sistema range convenient and easy to use. For more information, visit diversicor.co.za Two readers stand a chance to each win a Sistema Hamper valued at just more than R1 000. See the “how to enter” box and simply email us or post your details and mark it as “Sistema DBN Win”.

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how to enter

congratulations to our October winners

Unless it is otherwise stated, emailed entries go to win@childmag.co.za and postal entries go to PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Only one entry per reader is allowed and entries must be received by 31 January 2012.

Nickie Karshagen wins a uDraw Game Tablet with games; Varsha Puran, Kim Blom, Kyle Blundell, Cher Dedekind, Jillian Takurparsad, Annette Stow, Kirsty Sangster and Shelley Pflugler each win a Green Cross gift voucher.

December 2011/January 2012

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

package deal

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December 2011/January 2012

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health

while you were sleeping Although the exact cause of cot death remains unknown, parents can take steps to avoid the risk of it occurring. By JESSICA-A’ISHA MOUNEIMNE

know the risks While there are many theories about what causes Sids, or cot death, there is still no definitive explanation for this sad occurrence. Possible triggers include foetal neurological abnormalities, chemicals from

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December 2011/January 2012

the infant’s mattress, sleep positioning, exposure to smoke and temperature. But Megan Faure, co-author of Baby Sense (Metz Press), says that rather than looking for an exact cause, one should understand and minimise the risks. “Tummy sleeping has been proven to dramatically increase the risk of cot death and since the launch of the international Back to Sleep campaign, advocating side sleeping, there has been a dramatic reduction in the mortality figures.”

While co-sleeping, or sharing your bed with your baby, has many advantages, it has been proven to increase the risk of Sids. “Usually when co-sleeping occurs, the infant is not sleeping on a firm surface, under his own bedding or in a sleep sac.

This increases the risk of smothering and overheating, and if the mother is taking medication or has consumed alcohol, the risk is even higher,” says Faure.

Maternal smoking, whether during or after pregnancy, is also extremely dangerous.

“In fact, no smoking should take place anywhere near an infant and parents should

be strict when dealing with friends and family who smoke too,” adds Faure.

The risk is higher in babies born to mothers younger than 20 or who have had little antenatal care, and in babies born prematurely or underweight. Ninety percent of Sids deaths occur before the age of six months. It’s most common in babies between two and four months.

get help Families who have lost a child through Sids should seek counselling. There is no support group in SA, but Compassionate Friends supports parents who have lost a child in any way.

Johannesburg: 011 440 6322 or tcfsa@mweb.co.za Durban: 031 463 1890 Cape Town: 0861 227 464, support @tcfcape.co.za or visit tcfcape.co.za Nationwide: compassionatefriends. org.za

reduce the risks • Breast-feeding can lower the risk of Sids.

• Ensure the baby’s sleeping place is firm. Use a sleep sac to prevent your baby’s face from being covered by blankets. If you do use a blanket, opt for a cellular one.

• In the early weeks, put your baby to sleep near your bed.

• Ensure that your baby’s room temperature never exceeds 21°C and that your baby is appropriately dressed (not too warm or cold).

• Put your baby to sleep in a left lateral position and make sure his nasal passages are not obstructed.

• Ensure that your child’s mattress absorbs vomit so that it doesn’t sit on top of the mattress.

• Use a baby monitor that will alert you if your baby stops breathing.

• Do not use the propping method if you are bottle-feeding.

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

s the mother of a young baby, one of my worst fears is discovering the lifeless body of my child in his cot in the morning. This is probably every parent’s worst scenario.

The American Sids Institute describes sudden infant death syndrome (Sids) as “the sudden death of an infant under one year of age, usually during sleep, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation”. In the United States, 2 500 infants die from Sids each year. There are no reliable statistics for the incidence of cot death in South Africa, but research shows that Sids is more prevalent in poorer communities. Durban paediatrician Dr Das Pillay says SA lags behind in providing reliable statistics and support for parents.

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December 2011/January 2012

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our stories

festive

family traditions

CHRISTINA CASTLE talks to South Africans of different beliefs and

t

he festive season is about embracing tradition and putting your own stamp on it, spending large amounts of time with family and friends and eating yourself into a stupor.

I’ve always loved the festive season. As a child growing up in Australia, it meant six weeks of no school, hot days and equally hot nights, colliding with Christmas beetles, drinking more fizzy cool drinks than I was allowed to in a year, playing cricket with my brother and father in the back yard, watching the Ashes, swimming in the neighbour’s pool, eating mountains of prawns, sunburn, salty skin, wrapping presents with my grandmother, decorating the tree, singing Christmas carols with my sister and making coconut ice and rum balls with my mother.

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December 2011/January 2012

Years later, South Africa is now my home and the festive season is still my favourite time of the year, with my children getting up to the same kind of nonsense. The only difference is that while we hang on to what was so special to us in the past, we are also forging our own traditions.

And it seems that many South Africans do the same.

oh christmas tree It’s a bit of an institution, our Christmas tree. There is absolutely nothing glamorous about it. But we are talking the Eastern Cape here and glamorous is not really part of its make-up. It took me a good few Christmases to get my head around the wonky branch that is our Christmas tree but, this being my husband’s turf, I was determined to embrace

it. And besides, I could always do the fancy tree with my family every second year. But, as the years have rolled by, this Christmas tree has inched its way into our family and became part of a much-loved ritual. Almost the very day we arrive for the summer holidays, the boys head off into the veld in search of an appropriate specimen. “Watch out for snakes, be careful with those weapons and bring us a nice one,” I yell as they climb into a bakkie with pangas, axes and mates.

They usually come back with a specimen loaded with character. Our tree is never straight or uniform, and it bears clear signs of the prevailing coastal winds. It is placed in a bucket with rocks and soil where it pretty much leans against the lounge wall. No one dares to shift it for fear of it taking a tumble and knocking out some old relative.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

backgrounds to find out what makes this time of year so special.

The decorations document the boys’ artistic journey through their school years. Some ornaments have been gifts from friends, others a feeble attempt to make the misshapen tree moderately “designer”. But the best part of it all is my husband’s unashamed love for tinsel. “A Christmas tree is not a Christmas tree if you don’t have tinsel,” he says. And so we have mountains of it that adorn not only the tree, but also every possible space where tinsel just might work. Even the fishing rods are draped in the stuff. I take a deep breath and place the presents at the base of this masterpiece. And secretly, I think it looks pretty cool.

family feasts and granadilla lollies

crayfish and cricket on the beach Loki Osborn is American and Lucy is English. And while their children, Scarlett, four, and Felix, seven, are born and bred South Africans, their extended families are very much on the other side of the world. But they always spend the summer holidays at home in Cape Town, honouring the traditions they have created for themselves over the years.

Christmas Eve is reserved for a more traditional family and food encounter. “The cooler evening is conducive to eating typical Christmas fare,” explains Lucy. However, Christmas Day has taken on a whole new format as the Osborns celebrate summer, family and friends. So, while their relatives and friends feast on turkey and gammon in the freezing northern hemisphere, they prepare dozens of crayfish, rustle up a group of friends and make their way to Llandudno. Here, they spend a not-so-lazy but highly indulgent afternoon on the beach, devouring local delicacies. And when that’s done, the wickets come out and teams are drawn for the annual Christmas Day beach cricket challenge. Whether you can hit a ball or not, or whether you have had just one too many crayfish, every age group is represented, participation is compulsory and festive fun is guaranteed.

While many families indulge in the commercial side of Christmas, for some, the festive season signifies a much-needed time-out. They prefer to call it a day after lunchtime, taking the opportunity to indulge in quality family time. Lauren Smith and her family are Jewish so she and her husband often work through the festive season. But they still manage to find some time to enjoy a picnic on the beach with other families, watching the children surf and the sun going down while sucking on granadilla iced lollies. “Why granadilla iced lollies? They are just synonymous with summer, like mangoes and watermelon. So too are tired, tanned and happy children.

The festive season is about sleeping late and catching up on the family time we often miss out on during the busy school year,” says Lauren.

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December 2011/January 2012

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our stories

barszcz, uszka and pierogi Welcome to the Ranoszek’s “Wigilia” – the traditional Polish celebrations on Christmas Eve, but with South African undertones. Imagine devouring 12 courses of food in one sitting? In the Ranoszek household, the entire family rolls up its sleeves and pitches in to prepare this massive feast. I think they know it’s worth the slog.

Central to the meal are dumpling-like dishes, known as pierogi and uszka. These ravioli-sized parcels are either filled with wild mushrooms, potato and cream cheese or cabbage. Each parcel needs to be individually made so parents, Claudia and Marek, Stefan, 14, and Luke, 12, line up to form a production line.

Fish is baked, herrings prepared and the table is traditionally set with cloves of garlic at each corner for health. An extra place is always laid for the unexpected visitor (I think I might just pop in this year).

When the first star of the evening appears, it’s time to eat. And that they do, kick-starting the occasion with a generous bowl of barszcz (clear beetroot soup, served hot) which is followed by fish, herring, potatoes and, of course, the prized pierogi. There is fierce competition in the Ranoszek household as to who can eat the most pierogi. The current record stands at 37 pieces, but I’ll keep you posted as both Ranoszek boys are growing at a rate of knots. From there they waddle to the tree to open presents, reminisce and, wait for it, eat walnut torte.

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December 2011/January 2012

do it united nations style Every Christmas Eve, Nadia Surve and her family are invited to dinner at the house of their friends, Soraya and Mukhtar Joonas. Soraya spent her childhood in Canada and Mukhtar grew up in Mauritius. Although they are Muslim, Christmas presents an ideal opportunity to get together with family and friends who would not necessarily be celebrating Christmas. Soraya goes big and decorates her house from top to bottom with an extensive collection of Christmas paraphernalia.

Every detail is considered and perfected. The fare is traditional Christmas food, offered in vast quantities.

At the beginning of the dinner, they light a Christmas candle – a travelling light – that is passed around the table. The guests help their neighbour light his or her candle, taking a moment to reflect on the past year and to share their own festive stories. “It’s a fun way of connecting people, who are often strangers, around the table. We get to share and appreciate everyone’s traditions,” says Soraya.

At Soraya and Mukhtar’s Christmas Eve dinner, it’s not unusual to find Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians and other interesting people sharing this festive event.

“That, in itself, is worth celebrating. And it’s what Christmas is really all about,” says Nadia. I couldn’t agree more.

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blog

the naked truth CLAUDIA EICKER-HARRIS considers sending her clothing-intolerant daughter to a nudist colony.

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

i

t occurred to me this morning that I should move to a nudist colony. Rather, it occurred to me after my four-year-old daughter had rejected outfit number 75 because “the socks have a seam”, that she should move to a nudist colony. The rejection of clothes is a regular occurrence in our house (for my daughter, not the rest of us) and some mornings it takes 45 minutes to get her to accept that she will have to feel the clothes she is wearing on her skin.

The other day she told me that I should go and find a shop where they sell seamless dressing gowns and that I should get clothes that make you “feel like you’re naked, mama”. She wants to know why no-one has invented clothes that stretch without having elastic in them, or shoes that don’t have a join where the soles meet the uppers (I told her that clogs are perfectly acceptable footwear in many countries), hats that don’t

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make your head itch or scarves that don’t make you feel “causticphobic”. I can’t wait until she has to start wearing bras – what fun that will be.

Every morning, we spend at least seven minutes sorting out her “bum-eating panties”, we then set our teeth on edge as we pull at the arms of a perfectly good long-sleeved top until the threads snap so that she knows it won’t be too tight. The only way we can ever get her to wear socks is if we pretend that they are “toedissolving socks” by putting them on her and then, in mock horror, whipping them off and counting all her toes.

The situation in which we now find ourselves is entirely our own fault. When Her Majesty was a baby, she was only clothed when we went out. We sniggered at people whose little darlings were ensconced in lace and ribbons.

We tut-tutted at little feet squished into shoes that made a horrible sucking sound as the wearers struggled through muddy puddles. And, heaven help the parents who actually put their littlies in full costumes on the beach. The poor things were sure to develop some sort of sensory problem in later life. Yes, I see the irony now.

When she started toddling, our daughter waddled around in a nappy (or mostly not) through the house, through the garden and, yes, sometimes through the local garden centre or park. We believed that children should be free of the constraints of clothing, the prickles of manufacturers’ labels and the rub-a-dub-dub of seams. But, I see now how very wrong we were.

So, here’s my advice to all of you with newborns. Dress your little darlings in the highest of polo necks, the laciest of christening gowns, the most sequined princess dresses, the knobbliest socks and the most label-ridden, buttoninfested, zip-clad, seam-swamped clothes you can find, because (and don’t say I didn’t warn you) the more you let it all hang out, the more it will end up biting you on the...

Readers, this is your column – it’s a space to air your views, share a valuable parenting lesson, vent your frustrations or celebrate your joys. Send your writing to features@childmag.co.za

December 2011/January 2012

15

health

here comes

the sun

here are so many reasons to love summer. Few things beat eating watermelon around the pool, building sand castles on the beach or going on a fun-filled family holiday. But summer also means increased exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. At least 80 percent of suninduced skin damage happens before the age of 18, so your child’s precious skin needs proper protection to limit the risk of them developing skin cancer in later years.

higher than in white skin. However, this does not mean that darker-skinned children cannot get sun damage and skin cancers.

All skin types need to be protected from the sun’s harmful rays,” she says.

block it out The first line of defence is applying a high factor sunscreen on your child whenever they are exposed to the sun. “While no lotion, cream, spray or ointment can totally

“Children have very delicate skin because the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin, is still thin. This means high doses of ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach the deeper layers of the skin quickly,” says cosmetic doctor Maureen Allem from Johannesburg. “While skin cancers are fortunately rare in children, one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chances of developing a melanoma later in life, so it’s vital to start sun protection at an early age.”

Although children respond differently to the burning effect of UV radiation, (a dark-skinned child will burn slower than a freckled, red-haired child with milky skin), the effects can be just as damaging.

“Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, helps protect the skin against the effects of the sun, but only to a certain degree. In dark skins, melanin provides a sun protection factor (SPF) about four times

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December 2011/January 2012

block out the sun’s rays, depending on the SPF of the product you use, your child should be protected from 90 to 98 percent of UV rays,” says Michelle Armstrong, brand manager of a sunscreen manufacturer in Durban. “Sunscreen is made from a long list of ingredients (see “what’s in your sunscreen?”). This is because there is a combination of UV filters, which have to be included to ensure full broad-spectrum protection. In a SPF50+ product, more than a third of the raw materials are filters. The higher the SPF, the thicker the formulation will feel on your skin.”

Armstrong recommends choosing extra water-resistant products with a high SPF. “Urocanic acid (UCA) is a biochemical substance naturally occurring in human skin. Together with melanin, UCA is among the most important components of the skin’s own UV protection system.

Swimming can cause the amount of UCA

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PHOTOGRAPH AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / NIKKI-LEIGH PIPER

While skin cancers are fortunately rare in children, one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chances of developing a melanoma later in life.

Protecting your child from the damaging effects of the sun doesn’t have to put a damper on their fun. VANESSA PAPAS explores ways to keep your child burn-free.

in the skin to decrease, which is why it’s important to choose products that are extra water resistant to ensure they stay on longer while your child is in the water.”

Different sunscreen brands have different shelf lives, but if you apply sunscreen correctly, enough for a visible layer before rubbing it in, a bottle should last only four to five full body applications. If there is no expiration date, throw away any sunscreen that is older than three years. Extreme temperatures will also shorten the shelf life of your sunscreen, advises The Cancer Association of SA (Cansa). Sunscreen should be applied anywhere your child’s skin is exposed, including their lips, ears, back, neck and the tops of their feet. It’s also important to only buy a reputable brand of sunscreen or one that has the Cansa seal of approval. Use lip balm with a UV factor to protect their lips.

cover up For additional protection, wear clothing or swimming costumes made from UV factor fabric. “The materials used in UV fabrics themselves are not special, rather it’s the way the fabric is constructed, the quality of the filaments and the density of the weave that gives swim wear fabrics a higher UV rating,” says Peter Constan-Tatos, of a protective clothing manufacturer based in Johannesburg. “Cansa administers this with a range of colour-coded labels, ranging from 30+ to 50+ ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).” A UPF50+ garment allows you to stay in the sun 50 times longer than if you were not wearing any protection. Your child should also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect their face from harmful UV rays.

Some hats are available in UPF fabric.

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shade your eyes Cape Town optometrist Magdel Lindemann says children’s eyes are more vulnerable to sunlight because their corneas, lenses and fluids are clearer, allowing more light to reach the retina. “Studies show that small amounts of ultraviolet radiation over a period of years may increase the risk of developing cataracts and may cause irreversible damage to the retina, the nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing.” She says, “Cumulative damage of repeated exposure may also increase the risk of developing skin cancer around the eyelids.”

what’s in your sunscreen?

It’s important to choose a sunscreen that does not contain chemicals that can damage your child’s skin. Sunscreen ingredients fall into two categories: absorbers, which create a chemical reaction to absorb UV, and reflectors that are physical barriers that block or reflect UV rays away from the skin.

• Absorbers that are tested and approved as safe to use by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are homosalate, octisalate (also called octyl salicylate), octinoxate (also called octyl methoxycinnamate or OMC), octocrylene, avobenzone and oxybenzone. Oxybenzone, a chemical that helps other chemicals penetrate the skin, can however trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals so caution should be taken when choosing products with oxybenzone.

• Reflectors that are considered safe to use are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

• Avoid products that contain retinyl palmitate, which is a form of vitamin A that can form free radicals, and sunscreens with added bug repellent, as toxic pesticides can be harmful to your child’s skin.

If your child has sensitive skin, opt for sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, kaolin or talc, which provide the best sun protection. Organic sunscreens are available at local health shops and pharmacies and do not contain toxic cosmetic ingredients.

Remember that tanning oils and creams, such as cocoa butter or coconut oil, do not protect the skin, unless it clearly states on the container that sunscreen protective ingredients have been added.

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health Lindemann says effective sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. According to Cansa, UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, causing aging and increasing the risk of cancer. UVB rays cause the browning reaction, known as “tanning”, and also increase the risk of skin cancer.

“How light or dark the lenses should be is a matter of personal preference. As the UV protection comes from a chemical applied to the lenses and not their colour, I recommend a medium tint. Light lenses don’t offer much comfort in bright sun and very dark ones will prompt your child’s pupils to expand to let in more light – along with more UV radiation. Large lenses and wrap-around styles that fit close to the eyes are best as they protect the delicate areas around the eyes.”

sun safety tips • Keep your child out of the sun between 10am and 3pm, when rays are at their most harmful.

• Never expose babies to direct sunlight. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies younger than six months.

• Always apply sunscreen on dry skin and reapply often if your child is swimming.

• You can’t add SPF numbers. If an SPF 10 product gives your child an hour in the sun, adding another layer won’t give your child another hour. If you want longer exposure use a higher SPF sunscreen.

did you know?

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with about 20 000 reported cases every year and 700 deaths.

• UV radiation is not felt as heat on the skin, so even on a cool and cloudy day, the radiation may be just as damaging as on a clear, sunny day.

• You can monitor harmful UV rays with a Cansa UV-Smart armband that turns darker in colour as the UV rays intensify.

• The UV radiation in sunlight is an important source of vitamin D, essential for bone growth and the immune system. This means that some exposure to the sun, outside of the danger period, may be good for you.

shark-spotting conditions are good

shark-spotting conditions are poor

For more about vitamin D, go to childmag.co.za/ content/sunshine-vitamin

SPF or sun protection factor refers to how long it will take for your particular type of unprotected skin to burn. If you are wearing sunscreen with SPF20, you can spend 20 times as long in the sun as someone who is not wearing any sunscreen. If your skin is fair and takes 10 minutes to show signs of burning, you can stay in the sun for 20 x 10 minutes, or three and a half hours. A darker-skinnned person, who takes longer to burn, would be able to spend more time in the sun using the same SPF. All sunscreen products have to comply with the South African Sunscreen Standard. Manufacturers must label the product with the following SPF categories: low for SPF6 and 10; medium for SPF15, 20 and 25; high for SPF30, 40 and 50 and very high for SPF50+. Always use a sunscreen with at least SPF20 and reapply regularly.

December 2011/January 2012

When it comes to clean and safe beaches, we are spoilt for choice. If you see this blue flag flying on the beach, it means it has met stringent international standards for safety, cleanliness, the amenities it offers and its environmental standards. South Africa has 27 Blue Flag beaches this season. For a full list, visit blueflag.org Be flag-savvy when heading into the water:

high shark alert

sp what?

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beach basics

a shark has been spotted the designated area is monitored by lifeguards and safe for swimming swimming is unsafe, so stay out of the water designated area is used for water sports and is not safe for swimming

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health

stay safe in the water Get your child water-wise by equipping them with the

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

d

necessary skills, says LUCILLE KEMP.

rowning is the second highest cause of unnatural death in children in South Africa, and in a balmy climate where we swim a lot, children are often exposed to the dangers water can pose. Now that school’s out for the summer, your child will probably spend much of the holiday in the water, whether at the beach or in the pool.

To ensure your child’s safety, you probably make sure that you are always there when they are swimming. You may also have prepared yourself to deal with emergency situations by having a first-aid or CPR course qualification under your belt. However, because of the unfortunate margin for human error – forgetting to close a pool gate properly or briefly turning your attention to a ringing phone, Netcare says that 90 percent of children who drown are under some sort of supervision at the time. So, the question is: how equipped is your child – how well can they swim? You can decrease the likelihood of your child drowning if you send them to swimming lessons and ensure they are taught basic water survival skills as early as possible.

Olympic gold swimming champion Ryk Neethling went to water safety classes after a near drowning incident at the age of six. It’s not surprising then that Ryk, who runs swimming schools in Pretoria and Cape Town, believes that water safety classes covering vital basics such as “floating

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and breathing, knowing how to correctly get out of the pool and always respecting the water”, should be taught to children from six months right up to seven years. This is a crucial time for your child to become a strong and confident swimmer, as Netcare reports that a huge portion of the drowning calls it receives, especially inland, are for children between the ages of two and eight years old. Netcare also

swimming best practices 1 Always supervise children near water, but especially at home. Less than two percent of near-drowning incidents occur at the beach, but a staggering 72 percent happen at home.

2 Ensure your swimming pool is fully fenced with a self-closing and self-latching gate. You also get pool fences with SABS specifications.

3 Do not prop open pool fence gates.

4 Make sure there is nothing for your child to climb onto near the pool, such as pot plants or trees.

5 Ensure your child does not have access to the pool from the house.

6 If you do not want to make use of a fence, install a pool safety net. These should always be attached

found that most drowning cases involved children who were not used to being around swimming pools.

Childsafe, the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa, says, “Three-year-old children are vulnerable and constitute 45,45 percent of the total reported drowning cases.” Drowning happens quickly and a child can drown in 4cm of water. Brain damage can occur within minutes.

when the pool is not in use and, once it is removed, make sure children are supervised near it. Always use pool nets according to their instructions.

7 Never rely on flotation devices alone to protect your young child.

8 The fish pond should always be covered with mesh or a net to prevent infants from drowning.

9 Be sure to empty paddling pools after use or close them up safely.

10 If you live near natural hazards such as rivers, dams or a vlei, fence off your backyard or property.

11 When boating, make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket.

12 Learn CPR and be prepared for emergencies.

Courtesy of Childsafe.

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parenting

one, two, wee!

Toilet training is often a time of great anxiety for parents and their toddlers, but it doesn’t have to be. DONNA COBBAN lifts the lid on this important milestone.

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firm while he perched himself precariously over the toilet seat – and that sealed the deal. He had just turned three by the time he was toilet trained and I was none the wiser as to why it happened when it did.

Some toddlers resist potty training because they like the attention they get at nappy-change time.

Jann Watlington, of the Parent Centre in Cape Town, points to some distinctive signs that will indicate your child may be ready to start toilet training. “Signs may include tugging at their nappy, hiding behind the couch or requesting that the nappy be removed.” Peer pressure from other parents and family needs to be strongly avoided as “long-term emotional damage can occur if a child is forced when he is not ready”. Parents must not be bound by any training programme, book, ideal or idea, she advises. Instead, just do what is best for you and your family.

to pee or not to pee Dr Christopher Green, paediatrician and author of Toddler Taming (Vermilion), says, “No child can be trained until the appropriate nerve pathways have sufficiently matured, a process that is completely outside the influence of even the most brilliant parent or doctor.” He goes on to say, “Once sufficiently matured, the process is controlled by the child’s will to comply or his determination to defy, which in turn is dependent on the child’s temperament, as well as the skill and cunning of the trainer.”

tips to get the show on the road Robin Barker, author of the popular The Mighty Toddler (Struik) suggests “dimming the attention down” when you change a nappy as “some toddlers resist potty training because they like the attention they get at nappy-change time”. Nadia Evans, a consultant at the Johannesburg Parent and Child Counselling Centre, advocates for time spent just sitting on the potty – with clothes on if need be and in front of the television if that helps – just to get your

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

uring my fairly short stint of mothering thus far there are two issues that win hands down in the amount of attention and unsolicited advice that they garner – teething and toilet training. My son has always done things in his own time. He was a late walker and talker and so I presumed he would be late to use the toilet too. “Bribe him,” suggested well-meaning friends. “Give him a star chart,” another advised. I resisted both – something in me thought that the skills needed to get to the toilet and pull your pants down, sit or stand, aim and succeed was pressure enough without adding dangling carrots and after-the-act stars to the whole fiasco.

I bought a potty – he seemed too large for it, so I bought an inside lid for the toilet seat to stop him falling through. But the seat wobbled and he hated it. I bought another potty that looked larger, but it turned out to be an illusion. Then I became cross that potties are not penisfriendly – who thought to put that massive thing in the front that crushes the family jewels? My final purchase was a small stool that allowed him to rest his feet on something

child used to the idea. “Whenever your child shows signs of needing to urinate or have a bowel movement, you should ask him if he wants to use the potty or take him to the toilet and explain to him what you want him to do.”

However, she quickly cautions that you should only keep him seated for a few minutes at a time. “Don’t insist, and be prepared to delay training if the child shows resistance.

Until he is going in the potty, you can try to empty his dirty nappies into his potty chair to help demonstrate what you want him to do.”

• Have either of the parents not been ready or been inconsistent with training?

Fouzia Ryklief, a manager at the Parent Centre in Cape Town, says, “Toilet training is an individual process and it is important not to give this process too much emphasis in front of the child. An extreme critical reaction or exaggerated praise can create too much performance anxiety for the child (and this can continue into adulthood).

Instead, try a simple ‘good job’ or ‘well done’ when there is success.”

when to back off

girls versus boys

Some experts believe “control over your bodily functions“ is one of the most important phases your child will go through – mess it up for them and they might be messed up for life, seems to be the general message. Doctors sometimes get concerned when they hear of a dry child regressing and starting to wet their bed. The general consensus here, says Green, is that there is either an infection or emotional trauma present. With regards to the latter, he believes it may well be the cause but in most cases, he doubts “whether even Sherlock Holmes could find the real trigger”. Watlington suggests you consider the following questions when toilet training shows no immediate progress.

• Is your child just not ready?

• Perhaps there is a new baby on the way?

• Has Mom recently returned to work?

• Have punitive, harsh potty-training techniques, characterised by blaming, shaming or shouting, been used?

• Is there any family stress, such as marital problems?

According to Evans, the only real difference between boys and girls is that “generally” girls sit on the potty or seat, and boys stand. “Copying the same sex parent will help, but if your child desires to do the ‘opposite’ to what is considered ‘normal’, so what? It’s not a train smash.”

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elimination communication (EC) This is the practice of potty training right from birth, through the use of observation and timing. The infant is moved to an appropriate place (hopefully the toilet, if it is near enough) in which to urinate and defecate once the signals and cues are in place. While this technique is practised in many cultures, and is perhaps the answer to nappy-laden landfills and expensive child-rearing, Watlington says EC is not recommended. “There is so much going on during the infant’s early development that needs constant attention – the focus is on bonding and building trust through consistent care and response to the baby’s physical and emotional needs.”

some insights from parents who have been there • Get a better, more comfortable potty.

• Try not to force the issue. If “Captain Underpants” is adamant that there is not a wee on board, even if I am sure there is, I accept (his word).

• Get the sturdy children’s toilet seat; not a loose-fitting one, which slips around and can be alarming.

• Expect the occasional accident and have a ready supply of spare clothing and undies available.

• Buy a seat together. Let the child choose (for standing, this allows a better aim and for sitting, there is less chance of dangling legs and slipping into the toilet bowl).

• Don’t rush it. Let them page through a book while they wait.

fun and helpful books to get you through the wet times Boys’ Potty Time and Girls’ Potty Time (Dorling Kindersley) come with special reward stickers.

They also have a potty-shaped cover to get your toddler in the mood.

Potty Time by David Bedford (Penguin Group).

December 2011/January 2012

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parenting

safe and

sound

Holidays are not just about the fun in the sun.

There are also hidden dangers as your child spends time on the beach, in malls or out with friends.

RUWAYDAH LILLAH offers 10 safety tips.

1

Keep your environment childfriendly and safe for small children.

If you are staying in hotels or holiday apartments, check the rooms for open plugs, electrical cords and anything dangerous that may attract your baby or toddler’s attention. Make sure to baby-proof the room and block off access to stairs or windows that they can reach easily.

2

Don’t leave small children alone at home or in the care of an older child this holiday season.

Children may not have the mental and emotional capacity to properly take care

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December 2011/January 2012

of younger siblings. They may not know how to handle an emergency and often they won’t realise that their behaviour could have an impact on their siblings.

Younger children are less likely to respond to discipline by an older sibling.

3

Teach small children their name and surname, address and telephone numbers.

Make sure your child carries identification and contact details on them all the time, irrespective of their age.

4

Teach simple safety rules.

Get them to memorise emergency numbers for the police, ambulance and fire services, home security company (if you have one), Childline and the number of the nearest relative or close family friend who can respond quickly. Put this list on your fridge or notice board at home.

5

Implement internet safety rules.

Block access to adult sites on a family computer. Teach your child never to divulge his or her real name, age or address on the internet. Advise your child against communicating with strangers on the internet and monitor the websites they visit. magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

i

t is important for your child to have a safe and fun childhood, while having some independence. “You need to find a balance in educating your child about their personal safety without making them paranoid or scared of the outside world,” says Ally Cohen, child safety advisor for Arrive Alive. Joan van Niekerk, training and advocacy manager at Childline SA, says children may become soft targets in an environment where there’s a lack of adult supervision. But there are a few things you can do to keep your child as safe as possible, without curbing their holiday fun.

6

The incidence of road accidents increases dramatically over the festive period.

By law, all passengers should wear seat belts and children under three must be securely strapped in a baby car seat.

7

Drowning increases significantly over the December holidays.

Don’t allow children to swim without adult supervision, even if they are good swimmers. Make sure a fence or safety cover protects your swimming pool (as well as fish ponds). Avoid beaches with strong currents or areas that are not patrolled by lifeguards.

8

Always keep your children close to you on outings.

You could use safety harnesses for small children or child-locating devices to help keep older children in range and safe.

Dress young children in bright colours so that they stand out and do not blend into a crowd. Tell older children to seek help from the centre management or a security guard should they be separated from you.

9

Don’t drop children off at malls, the movies, arcades or parks without supervision.

These places are not safe, especially over the holiday season. If older children go to public places, such as shopping centres and stadiums, make sure they use the buddy system, where at least two friends

stay together, and they must keep in contact with you telephonically.

10

Check out and research holiday camps, workshops and programmes.

Get full references and make sure there will be adult supervision at all times.

Your child’s best deterrent to becoming a target is his understanding that no-one has the right to threaten his safety. You can also warn him about the dangers so that he can be more vigilant. But sometimes, for added peace of mind, you need to arm him with more than just common sense.

• ID wristbands with your telephone number, in case your child wanders off or gets lost.

• Child locators and alerts will help you find your child in open areas and shopping centres.

• Safety harnesses and wrist straps can be used to keep your child close to you, especially in crowded areas.

• A seat belt positioning harness is an affordable replacement for a booster seat to ensure children are properly buckled up. It’s suitable for children over three years.

• Pool alarms set off a siren if a child falls into the water. It’s suitable for all types of pools, ponds, rivers and the sea.

• A car strap clip ensures that your toddler doesn’t get out of the seat belt straps in his car seat.

DNA profiling About 800 to 1 000 children go missing in South Africa every year. The first few hours are critical, as quick action is needed to reunite a child with his family. Distraught parents are often unable to give an accurate and detailed description of their child.

Law enforcement says having a complete profile of your child on hand could lead to a quick and safe recovery. DNA profiling is mostly done by child safety specialists who visit schools. You could suggest this to your school principal or Parent/Teacher Association (PTA). Pre-printed order forms are sent to each parent who wants a DNA profile of their child. The completed kits, with the child’s fingerprints, photo and personal information, are delivered to the parents to keep in case of emergency. It includes vital information that will proactively assist in recovering a missing child.

who to contact for help or information Ambulance and fire: 10177 Childline’s national helpline: 0800 055 555 or visit childlinesa.org.za Missing children: 072 647 7464 or visit missingchildren.org.za (there is no waiting period to report someone as missing) Nationwide emergency response: 10111

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December 2011/January 2012

23

fyi

these shoes are made for walking When your child takes her first steps, make sure she puts her best foot forward by choosing the correct type and fit of shoe. By ANÉL LEWIS

It is important to allow them to go barefoot regularly to help them develop balance, coordination and posture.

barefoot is best Podiatrists advise that you let your novice walker go barefoot where possible, unless she is walking outside and needs protection from sharp objects. Babies and crawlers don’t need shoes; socks will do. Podiatrist Vernon Lever, of Lever Amler Podiatrists in Johannesburg, adds that shoes at this stage may in fact impede normal foot development, especially if the fit is incorrect. Children learning to walk get important sensory information from the soles of their feet. “It is important to allow them to go barefoot regularly to help them develop balance, coordination and posture.” Anette Thompson and Michael Els, of the footwear committee of the SA Podiatry Association, agree.

“Barefoot is still best, at any age.”

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walk this way Once they have been walking for a couple of months, you can start looking for suitable shoes. Jo Frost, of the Supernanny series and author of Confident Baby Care (Orion Books) says you will know your child is ready for shoes when his toes are flat on the floor. Toddlers can still go barefoot indoors, but if you want them to wear shoes outside, opt for a lightweight shoe. Lever says, “The fit of a shoe at this stage is very important so as to not impede the development of those feet. Podiatrists agree that a first walking shoe should be slightly flexible and have a thin sole. A toddler should be able to feel the ground underneath their feet.”

if the shoe fits Always put a good fit and comfort ahead of fashion.

“You’ve got to remember that even though your baby’s walking, the bones in her feet are still soft, so it’s incredibly important for that first pair of shoes to be the right fit,” says Frost.

Lever offers the following shoe-shopping advice: • Shop later in the day. “Their feet will expand about five percent by the end of the day, which makes for a better fit.”

• To check for a good fit, have your child stand up.

“There should be just enough room to squeeze your pinkie between the heel and the shoe, and the full width of your thumb should fit between the end of his toe and the tip of the shoe. That will offer some wriggle room.”

• Choose shoes made of breathable, lightweight fabric, such as canvas, cloth or soft leather. Lever says synthetic fabrics should be avoided, as they will make your child’s foot sweat.

• If you can’t grab any material from the top of the foot, the shoe may be too tight at the ball of the foot.

• Abandon the myth that your child will be able to “break in” his shoes. They should be comfortable from the start.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SA Podiatry Association

y 10-month-old daughter is starting to take her first tentative steps. She still holds onto things for support, but she loves being able to stand and move freely, albeit on tiptoe. I make sure she wears socks with rubber grips on the soles for added traction, but lately I’ve been looking at baby shoes and wondering whether it’s time to get her a few pairs.

Let your child walk around the shop for a while, wearing the shoes, so that you can check her feet for irritated spots.

• The shoe should be 12 to 16mm longer than the longest toe.

• The sole must be flexible, to at least 55 degrees in the ball of the foot area. You should be able to bend the shoe at the ball of the foot with one finger.

• A closed heel or heel strap is recommended. “The goal is to have a shoe that follows the foot in any movement in space without needing effort from the foot to keep it on.”

• Shoes for infants should not weigh more than 30g, 110g for toddlers and less than 220g per shoe for teenagers. “If a child’s shoe weighs much more than your cellphone, don’t buy it.”

The same guidelines apply when it comes to buying shoes for older children, says Lever. “Healthy shoes for children are similar to healthy shoes for adults – not too high a heel, plenty of width in the toe box, soft natural materials to conform to the shape of the foot and good support.”

will lead to foot or toe abnormalities in later life. Heels for children should be banned,” say Thompson and Els. They may also cause internal problems. “When barefoot, the forward angle of the pelvic bone is 25 degrees. When a little girl wears even a 30mm heel, this changes the angle to 45 degrees, causing internal organs to shift position.”

Lever says high heels could increase the risk of twisted ankles. “High heel shoes can cause physical risks of heel muscle tension, changes in the plates’ growth (the areas of developing cartilage tissue at the ends of long bones) or bone fractures.”

Other shoes to be avoided include those with built-in wheels, shoes or sandals with rigid soles, flip-flops and sandals without back straps and pumps that don’t have a strap across the foot, say Thompson and Els. And don’t buy shoes with built-in arch supports. Your child needs a light flexible shoe that allows the arch to form naturally.

Specialised footwear, such as rigid-soled skateboard shoes or gumboots, should not be worn as everyday wear.

growth high heels and other no-nos Five-year-old Suri Cruise, the daughter of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, has controversially made high heels fashionable for young girls. But the SA Podiatry Association says children should not wear heels of more than 15mm, to avoid possible bone deformity, muscle imbalances, and potential spine alignment issues later. Toddlers should never wear heels, while children wearing shoes from size 12 to 2 should not have a heel elevation of more than 8mm. “Wearing heels, even if just for a little while, carries enormous risk of developing muscle imbalances which

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Thompson and Els estimate that your child’s feet will grow an average of two sizes per year in the first four years. But the growth may be sporadic, with a lull and then a sudden spurt of several sizes within a short period. It depends on the child and their rate of growth. So, check your child’s feet for growth (length and width) every school term, or every three months. Generally, the main growth period for girls’ feet is between eight and 13, while boys’ feet grow the most rapidly between the age of 10 and 16. To keep pace with your child’s growing foot, start a foot length chart at home, similar to a height chart. The association

urges parents to especially monitor their children’s school shoes. A survey at a Johannesburg school found that all 180 children measured were wearing the wrong size shoes

by September. Some of the children already showed signs of foot problems. Don’t be fooled by advertisers who imply that January is the only time to buy new school shoes, say Thompson and Els. Replace ill-fitting school shoes when needed. “It is far better for a child to be barefoot than to be in outgrown school shoes.”

did you know?

• The bones in your baby’s foot are partiallydeveloped and made of cartilage, making them pliable. They will only develop fully into bones by the time she is 18.

• A baby’s feet can sweat twice as much as an adult’s.

• The growth of your baby’s foot is seasonal, with the fastest growth occurring in the warmer months.

• By the age of 12, your child’s foot is about 90 percent of it’s adult length.

December 2011/January 2012

25

book extract

festive food for family and friends Get into the holiday mood with these wholesome dishes from Halfaampieskraal Celebrates, compiled

by MAIA DU PLESSIS and SIMON SCARBORO. Without snow and sleet, Christmas in the southern hemisphere usually invol ves sand and sea. Thes e recipes can be cooked on a skottel or braai at the beach, or in your backyard, and make a refreshing change from the traditional, festive season fare.

braaied whole crayfish Using a sharp knife, split the crayfish along the underside from the head to the end of the tail.

Leave the shell intact. Clean out the intestines and head cavity. Brush the flesh lightly with olive oil. Place on a grill flesh side down, over medium coals with no flame. It should take a couple of minutes for the flesh to colour.

Turn the crayfish over and spread liberally with garlic and parsley butter. It will melt immediately on the warm meat, filling the shell.

Grill for another few minutes until the flesh is just firm. Do not be tempted to overcook, as the crayfish will continue cooking in the shell after you take it off the heat. Add more garlic and parsley butter if desired.

smoked mussels over the coals Lightly steam the whole mussels in sea water, or fresh water with enough salt added to replicate sea water. As soon as the mussels open, remove them from the water. Discard any unopened mussels. Remove the beard from the mussels. Push the mussels to one side of a pan and sprinkle a tablespoon of oak wine-barrel shavings over the empty side.

Cover with a lid or tinfoil and place on the coals. The mussels will smoke very quickly; a minute will be enough.

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December 2011/January 2012

magazine durban

chocolate roulade serves 6 6 large eggs at room temperature ½ cup castor sugar plus a further 4 tablespoons of castor sugar small pinch of salt 6 tablespoons cocoa powder 250ml whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla essence Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line a shallow rectangular baking tin or Swiss roll tin with non-stick baking paper.

Separate the eggs and beat the yolks with half a cup of castor sugar until pale and light.

Beat the egg whites to soft peaks, adding the salt and two tablespoons of castor sugar.

Keep beating until firm peaks form. Fold the cocoa powder and the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Try to retain as much air as possible.

Spread evenly in the baking tin and bake for 25 minutes. Leave to cool and turn out on baking paper. Trim off the hard crusts.

Whip the cream, vanilla essence and the remaining castor sugar together using an electric beater. Spread the cream evenly over the cake. Start to roll the cake, removing the paper as you go. Don’t worry if cracks appear, as they can be hidden by dusting icing sugar or cocoa over the cake. Decorate the roulade with melted chocolate or chocolate shavings if you prefer.

about the book Halfaampieskraal Celebrates (Human & Rousseau), by Maia du Plessis and Simon Scarboro, brings the goodness of farm life into your kitchen. The recipes, which are beautifully illustrated with full-colour photographs, document life on this 250-year-old working wheat, sheep and goat farm in the Overberg, which also boasts guest rooms and a Cuban-inspired function venue. The food is simple, sumptuous and worthy of any celebration – a wedding, Mother’s Day or a convivial birthday picnic.

Available at good bookstores nationwide.

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December 2011/January 2012

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resource

get out there!

TAMLYN VINCENT gives her top four spots to enjoy the outdoors with your family these holidays.

animal parks Interact with a variety of exotic birds and learn about our feathered friends.

Children can take a ride on the zip line, or visit the ice cream doctor and oldfashioned sweet shop. You can also take a picnic basket or order a snack basket in advance.

Contact 076 810 8013, raredleg@iafrica. com or visit 1000hillsbirdpark.co.za

Animal Farmyard There are plenty of baby animals, and children can bottle-feed the calf, or cuddle the pygmy goats. There are

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horse rides, tractor rides and a zip line available, as well as a playground with a jungle gym and slides. You can also enjoy a light meal and a milkshake in the coffee shop.

Contact 031 765 2240, 082 979 6030, jenny@animalfarmyard.co.za or visit animalfarmyard.co.za

Crocodile Creek This reptile park in Ballito is home to 7 000 Nile crocodiles, alligators, and slender–snouted and dwarf crocodiles, ranging from 30cm hatchlings to crocs that are over 600kg in size. There are

also pythons, mambas and more to be seen on one of the five daily tours.

Contact 082 920 0730, crocodilecreek@ mweb.co.za or visit crocodilecreek.net

Duck and Deck This established animal farm in Assagay offers children and parents the chance to see a variety of farmyard animals and birds. Children will love feeding the animals, horse riding or playing in the garden. The delightful tea garden offers light meals and refreshments.

Contact 031 768 1029 or visit duckanddeck.co.za

PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

1000 Hills Bird Park

1000 Hills Bird Park

Crocodile Creek

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beaches and water parks has shark nets, lifesavers, ablutions and parking.

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

uShaka Marine World

Splash Water World

Splash Water World There are rides to suit everyone in the family, like the Kamikaze or Stuka free fall for the adrenaline junkies, or the water mushroom and river ride for younger children. Lifeguards are stationed throughout and entrance fees include braai facilities and putt-putt. The park is alongside a safe bathing beach.

Contact 031 904 2273, 082 781 5535 or visit splashwaterworld.co.za

Umhlanga Beach This holiday destination offers beachgoers the opportunity to relax on the golden sands, take a stroll along the promenade, or visit the nearby shops and restaurants. The popular venue

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Wet ’n Wild offers families their choice of slides, rides and swims, with a selection of supertubes, free falls and rafting.

You can wander around the aquarium, take in a dolphin show and visit the penguins. uShaka Kids World offers fun activities for the younger children including a giant sandpit and jungle gym. There are also an assortment of activities for the adventurous, as well as shops and restaurants.

Contact 031 328 8000 or visit ushakamarineworld.co.za

camping spots Dolphin Holiday Resort The forest-like setting and easy walking distance to the beach make this an ideal camping spot in Ballito.

Sites have electricity, and there is a trampoline, jungle gym, giant chessboard and swimming pool for the children. Parents can enjoy light meals and refreshments at the Waterberry Coffee Shop.

Contact 032 946 2187, info@ dolphinholidayresort.co.za or visit dolphinholidayresort.co.za

There are grass, slab and shade camping sites, all with electrical points and nearby modern ablutions.

Contact 036 468 1031 or visit dragonpeaks.com

Glengarry Days Families will enjoy camping at this beautiful, country spot in the Midlands.

Campsites are level and grassed, and have electricity and ablutions.

Campers can swim in the river or enjoy riding mountain bikes along graded routes. Plus there is a tea garden that offers light meals, and is also open to day visitors.

Contact 033 267 7225, 082 867 7620, info@glengarry.co.za or visit glengarry.co.za

Wessa: Treasure Beach

Mac Nicol’s Bazley Beach

Families or groups can book to go on a guided exploration of the beach’s rock pools, or through the forest or wetland.

Packages are tailor-made for groups and include various activities. Groups should be of 10 or more people and are supervised by qualified guides.

Remember to take along sun block, old walking shoes and a hat.

Contact Claudalle: 031 467 8507 or tbeachedu@wessakzn.org.za

With a play area, swimming pools and access to the lagoon and beach, children will never get bored. The resort hosts regular communal braais, pancake evenings and more for the guests. The spacious, shaded sites have electricity and there are ablution and laundry facilities, and a recreation and television room.

Contact 039 977 8863, info@macnicol. co.za or visit macnicol.co.za

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort This fun, family-orientated resort in the Drakensberg offers activities from horse riding, to swimming in the pool or playing on the jungle gym. Families can also visit the outdoor adventure centre for paintball and abseiling.

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resource

day walks and hikes Beachwood Mangroves

Palmiet Nature Reserve

Visitors to this national site can see a mangrove swamp forest, coastal dunes and an estuarine habitat, as well as an abundance of wildlife. There are several crab species, water mongooses, the dwarf chameleon and many bird species to spot. The reserve is open by appointment only, or from 8am–1pm every third Saturday of the month.

Contact Basil: 082 559 2839 or patherb@kznwildlife.com

This Westville reserve offers visitors the chance to take recreational hikes while looking out for wildlife such as the crowned eagle, water monitor or the blue duiker. There are braai and picnic sites, and a cascade where you can stop for refreshments. You should also visit the iron-age excavation site or the glacial pavement on Natal sandstone.

Contact Michael: 031 266 6191 or visit palmiet.za.net

Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

Springside Nature Reserve

Visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, or guided walks, and viewing spots from which you can see waterfalls on the reserve. This area is home to rare and varied plant, bird and animal species, including the thick-tailed bush baby and blue duiker. There are also two picnic sites with braai and ablution facilities.

Contact 031 764 3515 or visit kznwildlife.com

Families can walk along any one of three nature trails, which range from half an hour to an hour in length. There is a river running through the reserve where you can see a variety of animals and birds, such as duikers and fish eagles. You can also enjoy a picnic or braai, with clean ablutions nearby.

Contact 031 765 1583, 084 501 5045 or khozaj@durban.gov.za

Beachwood Mangroves

game reserves Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve Albert Falls dam, just outside Pietermaritzburg, offers visitors game viewing, water activities and a range of accommodation. Water skiing, canoeing, or fishing are on offer, or take the opportunity to see rhino, giraffe, warthogs, a variety of buck and an array of bird life.

Contact 033 569 1202 or visit msinsi.co.za

Phezulu Safari Park Situated just outside of Durban, this game reserve has a Zulu cultural show and village, as well as a crocodile and snake park. Visitors to the park can go on game drives, and hopefully catch a glimpse of the new baby

Phezulu Safari Park

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December 2011/January 2012

giraffe. Accommodation, a curio shop and a restaurant is available.

Contact 031 777 1000, info@ phezulusafaripark.co.za or visit phezulusafaripark.co.za

Protea Hotel Hluhluwe and Safaris This family friendly hotel is situated next to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park on the Elephant Coast, where you can go for game drives. The children’s zone has a variety of activities to keep them occupied. There is a restaurant, swimming pool and walking trails, and you can enjoy a bush braai or picnic.

Contact 035 562 4000, 086 111 9000, reservations@hluhluwehotel.co.za or visit proteahotels.com

Tala Private Game Reserve This wildlife conservancy spans over 3 000 hectares and boasts diverse natural environments, over 380 bird species and many distinctive plant species. Game viewers can also see rhino, hippo, giraffe, the rare sable antelope and more. Game drives are held throughout the day or explore the reserve on a bush walk, while experienced riders can take a guided horseback ride to the water’s edge.

Contact 031 781 8000, info@tala. co.za or visit tala.co.za

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mountain biking/bicycle trails

Giba Gorge MTB Park

Cumberland Nature Reserve

Holla Trails

This privately-owned nature reserve in Pietermaritzburg boasts a diversity of game and bird life, as well as picnic and braai facilities with ablutions.

Visitors can make use of the selfguided mountain biking trails, while younger children will enjoy riding around the picnic site.

Contact John and Stella: 033 001 7538, 082 337 1056, 082 376 5600 or cumberland@edelnet.co.za

With over 300km of mountain bike trails, your family is sure to find a trail to suit them. There are also shorter trails designed especially for children seven years and older. The venue is easily accessible and promises to be a wonderful family outing.

Contact the Trailmaster: 082 899 3114, Louise: 032 947 9224, Ben: 074 897 8559 or visit hollatrails.co.za

Giba Gorge MTB Park

Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve

This Westmead park houses an enviable off-road bike network that offers something for everyone, from a BMX track and skills park, to singletrack trails through lush indigenous bush. There is also a coffee shop, entertainment area for parties, art gallery, clinic, ablutions and more.

Contact Jason Nichol: 031 769 1527, jason@gibagorge.co.za or visit gibagorge.co.za

This coastal forest and grassland reserve in Yellowwood Park is home to zebra, impala, bush babies, mongooses and more. There is a range of mountain bike trails with differing levels of difficulty. Beginners should stay on the road and cyclists are asked to stay on the trails and not go into the bush.

Contact 083 423 0843 or visit kznwildlife.com

picnic spots Durban Botanic Gardens These beautiful gardens have sprawling lawns, a lake, abundant birdlife and many species of trees and flowers.

Visitors can take their own picnics and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

There is no entry fee but donations are appreciated. Call to confirm if space is available. Braais are not allowed.

Contact 031 309 1170 or visit durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

Mandela Truth shop is also on site for those who want to browse.

Contact: 082 895 1042, horizonspicnics @iafrica.com, annie@horizonsgourmet. co.za or visit horizonsgourmet.co.za

Lucky Linton Gold Mine and Animal Farm Yard This fun venue has picnic and braai sites along with wide lawns and a dam.

Also on offer is a visit to a genuine gold mine, gold panning demonstrations, a scratch patch, foefie slide and playground. Children can also feed the farm animals and meet, and have a ride on, Thunder and Lightning, the resident ponies.

Contact Sandy: 083 255 1277, Anne: 083 287 8383, annesandybell@ webmail.co.za or visit luckylinton.com

Makaranga Garden Lodge

Horizons Gourmet Picnics

Horizons Gourmet Picnics This is a unique picnic experience with luxury picnic hampers in a beautiful country setting. Children can play on the open lawns, while mom and dad relax on rugs with blankets and cushions, or at a table if you prefer.

Book your picnic ahead of time. The

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These cultivated, private botanical gardens in Kloof offer visitors an interactive and multi-sensory garden experience. Stroll through the forest and along the stream, or visit the Japanese garden. Art lovers can admire the sculptures situated around the gardens. The gardens are family orientated and picnics can be ordered from the Makaranga Deli.

Contact 031 764 6616 or info@ makaranga.com

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books

a good read for toddlers Jack and the Flumflum Tree

By Julia Donaldson and David Roberts

Zoe and Beans: The Magic Hoop and Zoe’s Christmas List

By Chloë and Mick Inkpen (Macmillan Children’s Books, R118 each) In the second title of this series, The Magic Hoop, Zoe has found a fun new game to play. When Beans jumps through her hoop he magically transforms into different animals. But could Beans the elephant be a jump too far? In Zoe’s Christmas List, Zoe knows exactly what she wants for Christmas, and to make sure Father Christmas does too, she and Beans take a trip all the way to the North Pole. But with a baby polar bear to rescue and a snowstorm to conted with, will they make it?

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(Macmillan Children’s Books, R118) This is a fabulous and very funny new story from this winning picture book team.

Jack’s Granny is sick with a bad case of the moozles and the only cure is the fruit of the fantastic flumflum tree, which grows on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose. It’s a perilous journey, but Jack bravely sets sail with a motley crew of only three – and a large patchwork sack that Granny has filled with an odd assortment of items, from chewing gum to tent pegs. But what use will they be against hungry sharks, a leaky boat and a thieving monkey?

for preschoolers Dr Seuss – A Classic Treasury

By Dr Seuss (Harper Collins Children’s Books, R284 hardcover) Every child should have a Dr Seuss treasure on their bookshelf and this omnibus includes five classic stories: The Cat in the Hat, The Cat in the Hat comes Back, Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Socks and How the Grinch Stole Christmas – the perfect gift for any little reader.

great gift id ea

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for early graders

for teens and preteens

Milly-Molly-Mandy’s Things to Make and Do Based on stories by Joyce Lankester Brisley

Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune

By Rick Riordan

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R190) Whether she is baking a cake, planting a miniature garden or having a dolls’ tea party, Milly-Molly-Mandy is always having fun. Packed with teatime treats, crafty fun and big ideas to brighten up a gloomy day, this is the perfect book for long holidays, rainy days and adventures in your own back garden. With easy-tofollow instructions for lots of activities, including baking blackberry crumble, sewing patchwork, knitting a scarf, planting sunflowers, building a fort and making a bird feeder, little girls will have hours of fun with this book and the lovable Milly-Molly-Mandy.

(Puffin Books, R165 each) Everybody was over the moon when Rick Riordian brought Percy Jackson back last year in The Lost Hero, with three new heroes, a missing demigod and a curse that threatened to destroy them all. In the second book, The Son of Neptune, Percy and his fellow demigods must face the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven. If they fail, it’s not just their camp at risk. Percy’s old life, the gods and the entire world might be destroyed.

The third book, The Mark of Athena, will be released around April next year. The series comes highly recommended for children from the age of 10.

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for us

Justin Bonello Cooks… for friends

By Justin Bonello (Penguin Books, R260) Justin writes: “My dad always says, ‘A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.’

I think the same can be said about eating on your own. Let’s face it. No one should eat alone. My worst nightmare is rushing home, fixing up a quick grub and standing in my kitchen stoksielalleen and wolfing it down.” He suggests getting together with your mates, lighting a fire, having a laugh and cooking food that creates memories. Whether your kitchen is in the great outdoors, somewhere on a beach or at home, this is the kind of book that is best enjoyed with your friends. And remember, there are no bad cooks… just friends who aren’t hungry enough.

Riveting Rhymes and The Bright Blue Frog CDs

By Gregory Pastoll

audio books

(Gregory Pastoll, R80, plus postage outside Cape Town) Riveting Rhymes is a collection of 19 amusing short stories told in rhyme, read by a variety of readers. The titles range from Beetle Ka-Teetle and Alien Annie to The Chewing Gum Champ and The Column of Wollum. The Bright Blue Frog is a story narrated by John Richards, a well-known radio announcer, with a variety of readers playing the various parts. Freddie is a little blue frog who wants to be green, like all the other frogs in his pond, but nobody knows how to make him green. His whole clan goes on a mission to get help with this problem from King Frongo, the biggest-frog-in-the-world. But it is King Frongo’s wife, the stately Queen Francesca, who solves the problem. Both CDs are suitable for children aged five and upwards. To order, visit gregorypastoll.co.za

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calendar

what’s on in december and january

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

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

18

FUN FOR CHILDREN – p37

ONLY FOR PARENTS – p40

King’s Camps Sporting games and activities for children.

Alice in Wonderland A pantomime that takes a fresh look at this classic.

bump, baby & tot in tow – p40

how to help – p40

Lucky Bean Moms can have some me-time while the little ones play.

Read and play to educate Donate to help build a resource centre.

SPECIAL EVENTS – p36 The Umhlanga MTN Summer Carnival Trail Run is part of the festive beach carnival, which brings families two weeks of fun outdoor activities.

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December 2011/January 2012

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / Cinderella – Val Adamson

sun

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December 2011/January 2012

35

calendar

2 friday Peter Pan Pre-Primary Christmas Market Shop early for gifts and treats.

Time: 5:30pm–9pm. Venue: 3A Cobbleset Lane, Pinetown. Cost: free entry. Contact Shereen: 031 701 5513, 073 881 1617 or peterpanprincipal@telkomsa.net Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas Party See fun characters, including Noddy and SpiderMan. Parents should bring a wrapped marked present for Father Christmas to give to their child. Also 3 and 5–10 December.

Time: 7pm. Venue: Kloof Civic Hall field.

Cost: R35. Contact Ross: 083 309 6538 or ross@paprika.co.za

9 fri

3 saturday

1 December – Christmas Lights and Fantasy Garden

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 thursday Christmas Lights and Fantasy Garden Enjoy a picnic supper. Runs throughout December. Time: 6pm. Venue: Kloof and Highway SPCA, 29 Village Rd, Village Green, Kloof. Cost: free entry, donations welcome. Contact: 031 764 1212/3 or fundraising@kloofspca.co.za Teddy Bear Early Learning Centre Daycare open day A school for children 2–5 years old. Time: 8am. Venue: 16 Solstice Dr, Umhlanga. Cost: free. Contact Nelly: 031 562 0672 or fairwood@webmail.co.za

Highway Hospice fête Enjoy some great bargain hunting or visit the tea garden.

Time: 8:30am–2pm. Venue: Highway Hospice, 59 Locksley Dr, Sherwood. Cost: free entry. Contact Cheryl: 031 208 6110 or cheryl@hospice.co.za Sunflower Fund kids’ day Children can take part in activities around the centre. Proceeds go to the Sunflower Fund.

Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: Heritage Market, Hillcrest. Cost: R30. Contact: 031 765 2500 or visit heritagehillcrest.co.za

8 thursday Elvis The Legend Returns Relive the magical moves and sounds of Elvis. Nathan Belt delivers the look, the moves and the songs. Ends 8 January. Time: 8pm, Thursday–Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, La Mercy.

Cost: R220. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs This magical adventure features dancing dwarfs, mysterious mirrors and dazzling sets. Ends 8 January. Time: varies. Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, UKZN, Glenwood. Cost: R130, children under 12 R100. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Freshlyground in concert Time: 7pm.

Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea.

Cost: R100. Book through Webtickets: 0861 225 598 or visit webtickets.co.za

9 friday Christmas in the Berg A music and comedy festival, with a food and gift market. Ends 11 December. Time: varies.

Venue: Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School, Champagne Valley. Cost: contact the school.

Contact: 036 468 1012, bookings@dbchoir. co.za or visit dbchoir.co.za Tree of Light gets switched on It’s set to light up Durban’s skyline. Time: 7:45pm.

Venue: Jameson Park, Morningside. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 208 6110 or visit hospice.co.za Umhlanga MTN Summer Carnival Funfilled beach activities for the whole family.

Ends 23 December. Time: varies. Venue: Umhlanga Main Beach. Cost: varies. For more info: visit umhlangatourism.co.za

11 sunday Andrew Walford Pottery open day A Zulu Zen experience with flame-fired pots, good music and tasty food. Time: 10am–6pm. Venue: Walford Pottery, Shongweni Valley. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 769 1363, 082 794 7796 or visit andrewwalford.co.za Love Christmas Pack a picnic and enjoy the carols. Time: 6pm. Venue: The Rock Church, 1 Tamarind Close, Sunningdale. Cost: free.

Contact: 031 562 1961 or visit therock.org.za

10 saturday

2 December – Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas Party

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December 2011/January 2012

Cake Boss Enter a cake or enjoy tasting cakes. Proceeds go to Ingane Yami Children’s Village. Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: Heritage Market, Hillcrest. Cost: adults R20, children R10. To enter a cake, contact Tricia: 078 342 0539 or visit heritagehillcrest.co.za

9 December – Umhlanga MTN Summer Carnival

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14 wednesday FNB Dolphins by Starlight A spectacular variety show. Ends 18 December. Time: 7pm. Venue: uShaka Marine World. Cost: adults R110, children R95. Contact: 031 328 8000 or visit ushakamarineworld.co.za

15 thursday

11 December – Andrew Walford Pottery open day

12 monday Imagikids open shop Get your Christmas shopping done early, with a wide variety of children’s books, toys and more. Ends 23 December. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: 17 Sandra Place, Gillitts. Cost: free entry.

Contact Michelle: 031 762 1231, michelle@ imagikids.co.za or visit imagikids.co.za

13 tuesday Animal Tails Five stories entertain children while teaching them positive goals and morals. Ends 23 December. Time: 11am.

Venue: Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf.

Cost: tbc. Contact: 031 305 6889 or book through strictlytickets.com Gary the Gecko and the Underbugs Gary and his insect friends go on an adventure.

Ends 23 December. Time: 10am, Tuesday– Friday. Venue: Under the Fig Tree Amphitheatre, Durban Botanic Gardens.

Cost: R30. Contact: 082 560 7185

Christmas Carols Features Jaziel Vaugh’hann and the St Anne’s Gospel Choir. Ends 16 December. Time: 7:30pm, Thursday; 2pm, Friday. Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Umbilo. Cost: adults R100, children R50. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Old Mutual Christmas Festival Concert Candles are on sale for the carol singing. Donations of toys and clothing are welcome. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: early birds R60, children 6–12 R20. Contact: 031 309 1170 or book through ticketbreak.co.za

13 tues

16 friday Annual Leechee (litchi) Picking Festival Take a tractor ride into the orchard, to pick and eat litchis. Ends 15 January. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Cane Cutters Resort, Sheffield Beach. Cost: adults R70, children R20–R40. Contact: 032 947 0851, stay@canecuttersresort.co.za or visit canecuttersresort.co.za Kloof and Highway SPCA Christmas Lunch A three-course Christmas buffet.

Time: 12pm. Venue: Kloof and Highway SPCA, 29 Village Rd, Kloof. Cost: R125.

Contact: 031 764 1212/3, fundraising@ kloofspca.co.za or visit kloofspca.co.za Shongweni Christmas Market For handmade crafts, gifts and original Christmas décor. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: cnr Kassier and Alverstone Rd, Assagay.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 083 777 1749 or visit shongwenimarket.co.za Sky Dining Dine under the stars, or during the day, on a 22-seater table suspended

Kurt Darren and Bobby van Jaarsveld Two homegrown superstars perform hits.

Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Wet ’n Wild, uShaka Marine World. Cost: R120. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Tales

from

January 2012

the

Brothers Grimm An exciting,

educational

and fun show. Ends 13 January.

Time: Venue:

11am, Under

Amphitheatre,

Monday–Friday. the

Fig

Durban

Tree

Botanic

Gardens. Cost: adults R40, children R30. Contact: 081 384 5706 or visit 60m up in the sky. Ends 5 January. Time: varies. Venue: Suncoast Casino, Durban Beach. Cost: R150–R750. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN

17 saturday

art, culture and science

Jes Foord Charity Market Different charities sell a variety of goodies. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Heritage Market, Hillcrest. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 765 4559 or visit heritagehillcrest.co.za

9th Annual Affordable Art Show Featuring a wide range of art at affordable prices. 28 November–28 January. Time: 9am, Monday–Saturday. Venue: artSPACE, Stamford Hill. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 312 0793 or visit artspace-durban.com Old Mutual MTN Sciencentre Look at science in a fun and interesting way. Time: 9am, Monday–Sunday. Venue: upper level, Gateway. Cost: adults R25, children R30.

Contact: 031 566 8040, info@sciencentre. co.za or visit sciencecentre.co.za

Umhlanga MTN Summer Carnival Trail Run 18km or 12km routes take runners along inclines, beaches and rocky roads. Time: 6am. Venue: Breakers Resort, Umhlanga. Cost: 18km R100, 12km R60.

Contact: info@umhlangatourism.co.za or visit umhlangatourism.co.za

21 wednesday

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28 wednesday

2 monday

18 sunday

9 December – Christmas in the Berg

Green, Kloof. Cost: free entry, carol sheets R5, candles R10. Contact: 031 764 1212/3 or fundraising@kloofspca.co.za Litchi Fest Live music, fresh produce and Christmas goodies. Time: 12pm–8pm.

Venue: Seaforth Ave, Salt Rock. Cost: free entry. Contact Jeremy: 032 525 5118, info@ litchiorchard.co.za or visit litchiorchard.co.za

Carols by Candlelight Take along a picnic supper. Time: 7pm. Venue: Kloof and Highway SPCA, 29 Village Rd, Village

classes, talks and workshops Audiblox and school readiness classes Starts 9 January. Time: varies. Venue: 70 Enniskillen Crescent, Morningside. Cost: R80 per hour. Contact Shahida: 031 209 0675 or 081 270 2360

December 2011/January 2012

37

calendar Roxy Surf School Surf lessons for children 7 and older, and moms. Time: 8am–9:30am, every Saturday; 9:30am–11am, every Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Marine Surf Lifesaving Club, Addington Beach. Cost: R250 per month. Contact: 076 877 5143 Yoga for children Time: 3pm, every Friday. Venue: Centre of Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North. Cost: R40.

Contact Angela: 076 410 1410 or angela@ rautenbach.co.za

family outings Books2You Fair Discounts on thousands of titles. 5–10 December. Time: 8:30am–5pm.

Venue: unit 6 Afriscan Park, 22 Shepstone Rd, New Germany. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 907 1573 or visit books2you.co.za Horseback Beach Adventures Ride through the bush or along the beach.

Time: 3pm, Friday–Wednesday; pony rides 2pm, Saturday–Sunday. Venue: Isipingo.

Cost: R250–R350, pony rides R10. Contact: 084 467 0752, horsebackbeachadventures@ gmail.com or visit horsebeachrides.co.za

Horseback Beach Adventures

Umgeni Steam Railway The train travels through the Valley of 1000 Hills. 11, 18 and 26 December and 1, 2 and 8 January. There are Christmas carols on 18 December at 5pm. Time: 8:30am and 12:30pm. Venue: Stoker’s Arms, Kloof Station. Cost: adults R150, children R120. Contact: 087 808 7715 or visit umgenisteamrailway.co.za

finding nature and outdoor play Children’s holiday trail A two-hour nature walk. Parents welcome. 14 December. Time: 8:30am. Venue: Palmiet Nature Reserve, Old New Germany Rd, Westville. Cost: free, donations welcome. Contact Michael: 031 266 6191 or visit palmiet.za.net The Barn Swallows Witness three million barn swallows coming to roost daily. Take along a picnic, binoculars and mozzie spray.

Time: 5:30pm. Venue: Mount Moreland, Umdloti. Cost: R10 donation. Contact: 031 568 1557 or visit barnswallow.co.za

holiday programmes Broadway – Our Way! A musical theatre workshop. 12–15 December. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Westville Theatre Club, Attercliffe Rd, Westville. Cost: R1 000.

Contact Gill or Andrea: 083 326 3257, 082 994 0984, enquiries@risingstaracademy. co.za or visit risingstaracademy.co.za Busyballers holiday clinic Fun obstacle courses, races and other age-appropriate

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12–15 December – Broadway – Our Way!

games for children 3–10 years old. Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: 12 and 14 December: Morningside Sports Club, 13 and 15 December: Mt Edgecombe. Cost: R80 per morning. Contact Lisa: 083 236 0059 or lisa@busyballers.co.za Christmas at The Crescent Craft corner, photos with Santa and more. 3, 4, 10, 11 and 16–21 December. Time: 11am–3pm.

Venue: Sunset Crescent, Umhlanga Ridge.

Cost: free. Contact: 031 566 2887 or visit thecrescent.co.za Clamber Club holiday programme Creative fun, singing and dancing, plus there are snacks for everyone. Time: 10am–11:30am, 13 and 20 December; 2pm–3:30pm, 15 and 22 December. Venue: Hellenic Community Centre, High Grove Rd, Durban North. Cost: R50. Contact: 083 785 4332 or dbn-north@clamberclub.com Computer workshop To teach and enhance your child’s computer skills. For Grades R–7. 12–15 and 19–22 December.

Time: 8am–10am. Venue: suite 125 Ridgeton Towers, 6 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Ridge. Cost: R120 per session. Contact: 031 566 1110, umhlanga@computers4kids.co.za or visit computers4kids.co.za Cooking Kids Make fun festive dishes.

12 and 13 December: 7–11 year olds. 14 and 15 December: 12 years and older.

Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Meryl’s School of Cooking, 1 Wingfield Rd, Kloof. Cost: R380.

Contact: 031 764 6577, meryl@absamail. co.za or visit merylschoolofcooking.co.za Drumkidz holiday programme A day of fun with craft activities, drumming and more. 12 December. Time: 10am–12pm or 1pm–3pm. Venue: St Elizabeth’s Anglican Church, 45 Salisbury Ave. Cost: R80 per session. Contact Tina: 082 852 3688 Holiday club A fun holiday programme for children 5–9 years old. 12–21 December. Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: The Litchi Orchard, Umhlali. Cost: R100 per child, R80 per sibling. Contact Cheryll: 082 857 6374 or theparents@telkomsa.net Interactive cookery classes For children 10 and older. 4–10 January. Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: Fat Cow Catering and Training School, 33 Churchill Rd, Musgrave.

Cost: R300 a day. Contact Dayle: 031 303 3742, 074 183 1663 or visit fat-cow.co.za JB holiday club A fun-filled holiday programme for children 3–7 years old.

Extramurals are an additional extra. 12–23 December. Time: 7:30am–5pm, Monday– Friday. Venue: 62 Silverton Rd, Essenwood.

Cost: R75 per day. Contact Lilian: 083 242 1677 or lilianrez@hotmail.com King’s Camps Activity day camp for children. 5–9 and 12–15 December. Time: 8am–3:30pm. Venue: Highbury Preparatory School, Highbury Rd, Hillcrest. Cost: varies.

Contact: 031 100 1011, info@sa.kingscamps. org or visit sa.kingscamps.org Little Chefs holiday baking workshop 19–22 December, 4–6 and 9 January. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Food Inc., 6 Sackville Place, Durban North. Cost: R100. Contact Linda: nicolin@telkomsa.net Lucky Bean Activities such as sand art and cupcake icing. Pedicures for moms on week days from 6 December. Time: 9am–4:30pm.

Venue: 10 Cadmoor Rd, Assagay. Cost: varies.

Contact: 082 216 3892, info@luckybean.co or visit luckybean.co

and more. 12–15 December. Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: unit 1, 71 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest. Cost: R75 per day. Contact Lynette: 079 102 4956, info@rainbowroo. co.za or visit rainbowroo.co.za Santa in Centre Court Meet Santa and have your photo taken with him. 7–24 December. Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: La Lucia Mall. Cost: varies. Contact Cindene: 031 562 8420 or visit laluciamall.co.za Sugar Bay holiday camps For children 7–17 years old. Surf’s Up week, Jelly week and more. Camps run throughout the holidays. Time: varies. Venue: Zinkwazi Beach, North Coast. Cost: varies. Contact: 032 485 3778, holidays@sugarbay.co.za or visit sugarbay.co.za Tots n Pots holiday cooking classes Bake and decorate Christmas goodies.

12–23 December. Time: 10am–11:15am.

Venue: Oscar’s, Mackeurtan Ave, Durban North. Cost: R100, three classes R250, five classes R400. Contact: 079 124 8839, sam@totsnpots.com or visit totsnpots.com Umhlanga holiday club For children 4 years and older. 12 December–10 January.

Time: full day, 7:30am–5pm; half day, 7:30am–12:30pm. Venue: 9 Pioneer Close, Prestondale. Cost: full day R100, half day R70. Contact Liza: 074 135 9511

markets Bergtheil Museum Craft Market Homemade goods, a Victorian tearoom and a museum. 10 December. Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: 16 Queen’s Ave, Westville. Cost: free entry. Contact Lilian: 079 377 3399 or Shirley: 078 507 9395 Essenwood Market Fresh food, children’s activities and a range of stalls.

Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: Essenwood Rd. Contact: 031 208 1264 or visit essenwoodmarket.com I Heart market Craft market with treats.

3, 10 and 17 December. Time: 9am–2pm.

Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Masabalala Yengwe Ave, Stamford Hill. Contact: 079 496 4788 or thejoyteam@gmail.com Kloof Country Market Find quality products and homemade goods. 3 and 17 December, 7 and 14 January. Time:

10, 16, 17 and 19 December – Meet Father Christmas

Meet Father Christmas Also post letters to Santa. 10, 16, 17 and 19 December.

Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: Heritage Market, Hillcrest. Cost: free. For more info: visit heritagehillcrest.co.za North Pole Neverland With Christmas elves, magicians, and craft activities for children. 10, 17, 22 and 23 December.

Time: 10am–1pm. Venue: Hillcrest Corner, Old Main Rd, Hillcrest. Cost: free. For more info: visit hillcrestcorner.co.za Rainbow Roo Christmas Club Fun Christmas art and craft activities, baking

12–23 December – Tots n Pots holiday cooking classes

magazine durban

9am–12:30pm. Venue: Robyndale Centre, 10 Msenga Rd, Kloof. Cost: free entry.

Contact Linda: 082 454 3181 or linda@ healinghandskzn.co.za Quay’s Whole Food Night Market With a deli-type vibe and live music. 1 December and 5 January. Time: 5pm–10pm. Venue: Brown’s Rd, Point Development. Contact: 031 201 0090 or 072 552 8152 Shongweni Farmer’s and Craft Market Organic and local produce and crafts.

Time: 6:30am–10am, every Saturday.

Venue: cnr Kassier and Alverstone Rds, Assagay. Contact Christine: 083 777 1674 or info@shongwenimarket.co.za The Litchi Orchard Farmer’s Market Covered market featuring live music and a children’s playground. 3 and 17 December, 7 and 14 January. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Seaforth Ave, Foxhill. Contact: 084 205 6151 or jeremy@litchiorchard.co.za The Ridge Country Market and Dog Walk Take your dogs on leads and join in the doggie mile. 4 December. Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: Coastal Horse Care Unit, Cato Ridge. Cost: R10 donation per dog. Contact: 073 550 3061 or visit coastalhorsecareunit.org.za Wonder Market There is something for everyone, from stilt walkers and puppet shows to Chilean woven rugs and food vendors. 18 December. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Chris Saunders Park, Gateway. Contact Tarryn: 079 747 7661, wonder@wondermarket. co.za or visit wondermarket.co.za

22 thurs

The food market For locally produced foods.

Time: 4pm–10pm, 22 December; 8am–1pm, 28 January. Venue: The Hellenic Community Centre, Durban North. Contact: 084 505 0113, info@thefoodmarket.co.za or visit thefoodmarket.co.za

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December 2011/January 2012

39

calendar

only for parents

Read and Play to educate Imagikids and Tinklepea are collecting

classes, talks and workshops

1 December and 5 January – Quay’s Whole Food Night Market

on stage and screen Animal Tails Children can sing along between scenes. 13–23 December. Time: 11am. Venue: Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf. Cost: tbc. Contact: 031 305 6889 or book through strictlytickets.com Cinderella 26 November–31 December.

Time: varies. Venue: The Playhouse Opera Theatre, Durban CBD. Cost: R80–R130.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Gary the Gecko and the Underbugs This hilarious, interactive show delights all ages. 13–23 December. Time: 10am, Tuesday–Friday. Venue: Under the Fig Tree Amphitheatre, Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: R30. Contact: 082 560 7185 or visit durbanbotanicgardens.org.za Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 9 December–8 January. Time: varies.

Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, UKZN, Glenwood. Cost: R130, children under 12 years R100. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Tales from the Brothers Grimm Looks at three old favourites. 2–13 January. Time: 11am, Monday–Friday. Venue: Under the Fig Tree Amphitheatre, Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: adults R40, children R30. Contact: 081 384 5706 or visit durbanbotanicgardens.org.za Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas Party A children’s pantomime. 2, 3 and 5–10 December. Time: 7pm. Venue: Kloof Civic Hall field. Cost: R35.

Contact: 083 309 6538 or ross@paprika.co.za

playtime and story time Children’s story time A story followed by a craft or activity. For ages 3–8 years. Time: 10am, every Saturday. Venue: 26 Rockview Rd, Amanzimtoti. Cost: free. Contact: 031 903 6692 or thebookboutique@gmail.com Steam train rides Ride a miniature steam engine at the Durban Society of Model Engineers. 11 December, 8 and 22 January.

Time: 11am–4pm. Venue: 4 Hinton Grove, Virginia. Cost: R5 per ride. Contact Gerald: 031 205 1089 or 082 569 1383

sport and physical activities 2011 Junior Championships of South Africa SA’s top junior showjumpers compete. 9–17 December. Time: varies.

Venue: The Durban Shongweni Club, cnr Cliffdale and Kassier Rds. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 768 1251 or info@ shongweniclub.co.za

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December 2011/January 2012

Life purpose workshop Reconnect with yourself. 28 January. Time: 9am–4pm.

Venue: Durban North. Cost: R400. Contact: 071 889 5121, info@stephensmith.co.za or tracy.mills@telkomsa.net Meditation classes Time and venue: 7pm–8pm, every Tuesday, Kloof Library; 8:30am–9:30am, every Friday, Hillcrest Library; 6pm–7:30pm, every Sunday, Forest Hills. Closed 19 December–8 January.

Cost: R30. Contact: 071 355 8225 or meditateinhillcrest@gmail.com Pilates holiday classes 19 and 22 December, 9 and 12 January. Time: varies.

Cost: two-day package R100. Contact LauraMay: 082 443 4533, info@pilatesinmotion. co.za or visit pilatesinmotion.co.za Pilates Precision Beginner classes. Time: 5:30pm. Venue: Monday and Thursday, School of Modern Montessori, Gillitts; Tuesday, Kloof Civic Centre. Cost: four classes R280. Contact Sarah: 071 183 4161 or saraxevans@hotmail.com Understanding adult ADHD Discussing symptoms, challenges and treatments. 5 December. Time: 6:30pm–8:30pm. Venue: Solution Church, Westville. Cost: R150.

Contact: 031 266 9283, 082 331 3434 or jordan.psychologist@gmail.com Weight-loss challenge Lose weight and learn about nutrition. Starts 19 January.

Time: 9am–10am. Venue: Umhlanga Rocks.

Cost: R350. Contact: 082 852 4890 or visit nutritionsolutions.co.za

on stage and screen Alice in Wonderland An adult pantomime supper theatre. 1 November–31 December.

Time: varies. Venue: Suncoast Casino. Cost: R100–R120. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Elvis The Legend Returns 8 December–8 January. Time: 8pm, Thursday–Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, La Mercy. Cost: R220. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

support groups Adhasa Support Groups Meetings are irregular. Contact Stuart: 031 298 8896 or Robin: 082 499 1344 Childhood cancer parent support group Choc schedules regular support meetings. Contact Gill: 084 831 3683 or visit choc.org.za Hi Hopes Home intervention programme for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Programme free for children up to the age of 3. Contact: 082 897 1632, dianne. goring@hihopes.co.za or visit hihopes.co.za Hoping is Coping Support groups for those newly diagnosed with cancer.

Contact: 011 646 5628, lgold@icon.co.za or visit cansa.org.za Overeaters Anonymous Share solutions to the problem of compulsive overeating.

Contact: 031 708 6014 or 083 456 6971 Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer Support Group Gets together for bringand-share morning teas. Contact: 03l 205 9525 or 072 248 0008

second-hand educational books and toys to start a resource centre at Mnamatha Primary School in Botha’s Hill. Contact: michelle@imagikids.co.za or jenny@tinklepea.co.za

Sadag For those suffering from depression or drug abuse or who may be suicidal. For more information or referral to a support group visit sadag.co.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Mom and baby yoga Interactive classes for moms and babies. Time: 1pm, every Thursday. Venue: Centre for Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North. Cost: R170 per month. Contact Angela: 076 410 1410 or angela@rautenbach.co.za Pregnancy body stretch Moms and babies welcome. Time: 1pm, Monday and Wednesday. Venue: Lasting Impressions, 35 Caefron Ave, Westville. Cost: one lesson R60, eight lessons R320. Contact: 031 267 0435 or lasting.impressions.studio@gmail.com Pregnancy yoga Beneficial postures, breathing techniques and relaxation for moms-to-be. Time: 4pm, every Wednesday; 9:30am, every Saturday. Venue: Centre of Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North.

Cost: R170 a month. Contact Angela: 076 410 1410 or angela@rautenbach.co.za

playtime and story time Lucky Bean Moms can relax while children play in the safe, gated playground. Time: 9am–4:30pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: 10 Cadmoor Rd, Assagay. Cost: first child R20, second child R15. Contact: 082 216 3892, info@luckybean.co or visit luckybean.co Moms and Tots and Moms and Babes workshops Children learn through play and socialisation. Time: varies. Venue: branches in Amanzimtoti, Umhlanga, Durban North, Highway area and Glenwood.

Cost: varies. Contact: info@momsandtots. co.za or visit momsandbabes.co.za or momsandtots.co.za Toptots Children 8 weeks–4 years can join age-appropriate classes to learn and play.

Time: varies. Venue: branches in Durban North, Ballito, Glenwood, Kloof, Hillcrest, Westville and Hilton. Cost: about R810 per term. Contact: 031 266 4910, info@ toptots.co.za or visit toptots.co.za

support groups Mothers 2 Mothers For moms who are finding motherhood challenging. Time: 10am–11:30am, every Monday. Venue: Hillcrest Private Hospital, Kassier Rd. Cost: free. Contact Hayley: 078 640 7949 The South African Multiple Birth Association Contact: 082 338 2625 for counselling, kzn@samultiplebirth.co.za or visit samultiplebirth.co.za

how to help Christmas giftwrap fundraiser Volunteers are needed to wrap gifts to raise funds for Reach for a Dream Foundation.

Ends 24 December. Time: varies. Venue: Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga.

Cost: free. Contact Anna: 031 566 2220 or prkzn@reachforadream.org.za Foodbank SA For R20 Foodbank SA can supply meals to 12 people. To donate R20 SMS “Foodbank” to 40421. For more info: visit foodbank.org.za Visit a Granny Spread the festive cheer by taking your child to visit a granny or grandpa and make their day a bit brighter. For more info, contact Kim: robinhoodfund@telkomsa.net

looking ahead aQuellé Midmar Mile Get into shape now for the 2012 event in February. For more info: visit midmarmile.co.za

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to durban@childmag.co.za or fax it to 031 207 3429. Information must be received by 6 January 2012 for the February 2012 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

magazine durban

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

childmag.co.za/resources/birthday-parties

magazine durban

December 2011/January 2012

41

last laugh

spread the joy SAM WILSON has concocted a plan for a stress-free festive season – and it involves a lot less trimmings and gravy.

i

have a new family plan for the festive season. I know, I know, you’ve heard me say that before, some of you more than once. But this time, THIS time I think it just might work.

Remember that first big family roast you ever did? You thought the meat was the big deal, didn’t you? But all you really do with the roast itself is bung it in the oven and whack a meat thermometer in it. No, it’s the evil trimmings that cause all the hassle.

Over the years, I’ve really grown to hate that word... “trimmings”. It sounds so innocuous, doesn’t it? Like a fluffed napkin or the good silver – the final festive flourishes.

But if you’ve ever stood in a sweltering kitchen – with potatoes crisping too fast in the fryer, cauliflower cheese softening

with neglect in the warming drawer, rice catching on the bottom of the pot and recalcitrant gravy lumpily glomping around a spoon – you’ll know exactly what I mean.

It’s not the trimmings themselves that are the hassle (I mean, how hard is it to roast a potato?), it’s getting them all ready at the same time that makes mothers around the world groan inwardly.

And what is Christmas, but a full year’s worth of consolidated trimmings? Not only are most of us synchronising our veg with our roasts, but we are also trimming trees with tinsel, fireplaces with stockings, presents with ribbon and puddings with glacé cherries. And all for what? One day’s celebration?

“It’s too much,” I wailed at Andreas.

“You know I love a family knees-up as much as the next girl, but thinking about

all the stuff that needs to be done just makes me so very tired. And I can nail this stuff, you know I can. But all in one go?

It’s not a holiday, it’s an Ultimate Woman’s Challenge and it drains the last scraps of energy from my soul just thinking about it.”

Dreas dropped his book to his chest and patted me on the shoulder.

“That’s a little dramatic, don’t you think? Especially since I always do most of the shopping. But I see what you’re saying.

So, (and here there’s an almost audible click from his logical scientist mind), why don’t you just spread it out a little?”

Brilliant! The man is brilliant!

So this is my cunning plan: why does Christmas have to be all in one day? Our Wilson-Späth December is going to be a festival of little celebrations instead. Yes, we’ll do a (less trimmed) roast on the 25th,

but maybe we’ll spread our giving of gifts throughout the month and trim the tree over a lazy weekend. And save the trifle for New Year.

While I love the festive season and seriously cherish my family, this year I am going to cherish myself too. And I am going to build in a lot of new “me trimmings”. Like a DVD day with my BFF and a fair bit of relaxed swimming at the gym, possibly with a fetching pool noodle or two. And maybe, dare I say it, cooking with packet gravy?

I’ll let you know next year how the whole month turns out, and I hope you get to trim back your trimmings a little too.

Sam Wilson is the Editor of Women24.com, Food24.com and Parent24.com. And, yup, you guessed it... she’s never really cracked the secret to gravy.

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December 2011/January 2012

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PHOTOGRAPH: Andreas SpÄth

Joe, Sam and Benj