Child Magazine | Durban February 2011

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February 2011

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Hunter House

Welcome back and welcome to our very first issue for 2011.

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 Elaine Eksteen • elaine@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Tamlyn Vincent • durban@childmag.co.za Editorial Assistant Lucille Kemp • lucille@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Debbie Hathway

Art Designers Mariette Barkhuizen • mariette@childmag.co.za Nikki-leigh Piper • nikki@childmag.co.za

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

Client Relations PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: Brooke Fasani

Client Relations Manager

A new year brings with it new beginnings and lots of possibilities. Granted the first few months can be stressful and even scary for our children, no matter what their age, but these months are also filled with miracle moments.

This might be the year you get to witness the wonder of your child taking his first step, making his first friend or playing his first note. Perhaps you’ll get to see him form his first letter or swim his first proper length.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching our children grow into their own, make their own paths, overcome obstacles and acquire new skills.

Each of these big moments, however, requires us to let go a little, to allow them to live a little – and letting go is not so easy.

As my youngest makes the progression from her nurturing prepschool into a new, much bigger primary school and my oldest prepares for a three-month exchange to Australia, I have had to learn a bit about letting go.

In doing so I’ve marvelled at how time flies, and it’s forced me to take stock. So, my New Year’s resolution is to rush a little less and savour my children’s miracle moments a little more. I’m determined to be a more present parent this year. Join me in making this year mean more.

And let us know how it goes; keep your letters coming and be part of the conversations on our new and exciting website.

Have a fabulous Feb.

Michele Jones • michele@childmag.co.za Client Relations Consultants Tracy Long • tracylong@childmag.co.za Natasha Whittaker • natashaw@childmag.co.za

To Subscribe Helen Xavier • subs@childmag.co.za

Durban’s Child magazineTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: 1st Floor, MB House, 641 Ridge 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

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February 2011

contents

february 2011

upfront

20

3

a note from lisa

6

ver to you o readers respond

7

r eader’s blog Dawn Botha recounts a shopping trip with her two young sons

features

regulars

16 r aising a trier unleashing the go-getter in your child. By Glynis Horning

10 wins 11 u pfront with paul what to do when the children hijack your grown-up time. By Paul Kerton

20 m emory10 enjoyable exercises for boosting your child’s memory. By Tracy Ellis 24 g ood food for little people inspirational lunch box ideas from Justine Drake’s book Simply Good Food 26 o ld wives’ tales Lucille Kemp unravels some modern health myths

12 d ealing with difference dyslexia can be overcome, says Elaine Eksteen 28 r esource – fun(d)raising your guide to topping up the school kitty the fun way. By Chareen Boake

health

28

15 l evel with me Catherine Rice unpacks diabetes

32 a good read new books for the whole family 34 what’s on in february 42 l ast laugh when it comes to resolutions, do as men do, says Sam Wilson

24

classified ads 36 family marketplace 41 it’s party time

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

February 2011

Cape Town

Johannesburg

Durban

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

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February 2011

letters

over to you choosing your battles I’m not a doctor or a psychologist. I’m just a mom. I have two children; one with ADHD and the other with ADD. My son is seven and my daughter is five. I recently learnt something I would like to share with other moms… Why spend your whole life fighting with your children? I now have a limit of three battles a day.

Mornings used to be the worst. I would fight with the children to wake up. Then fight with them to brush their teeth, followed by a fight to get them dressed. Not to mention getting them to eat breakfast! We used to get to school late every morning.

But then one day my son’s teacher asked me what my shoe size was. First I thought she liked my shoes, but then she explained to me that I needed to put my little foot down. I had heard the limiting-your-battles theory before, and decided to try it out.

The first battle I chose was meal times. I would not let my children leave the table until they’d eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner. After a very rough two weeks, they’d begun to eat properly.

My next battles were getting them to brush their teeth and wash their hair. After another two weeks they were eating, brushing their teeth and washing hair.

The battle plan was working and I felt great. At this stage, at least, my husband left a calm home in the

February 2011

morning and returned from work to a home where there was no screaming.

By the fifth week I’d decided that homework, getting them to school on time and taking their medicine in the mornings would be my next battles. In so doing, I’d used up my daily allowance of three battles, and had made no provision for extra fights – which was exactly when the children decided to paint my passage walls! I took one deep breath, suggested they clean it up, then disappeared into the kitchen to get a well-deserved cup of coffee. I sat there quietly contemplating all manner of evils, but after half an hour they reappeared and told me how sorry they were and how much they loved me. I followed them into the passage and was impressed to see that they’d tried to clean the walls. Next they directed me to their bedrooms and, to my surprise, their rooms were clean. For now, the three-battles-a-day idea is working!

Stacy Heilbronn

the taming of the tantrum Thanks for such a wonderful magazine. I must say I really look forward to sitting down and relaxing with my copy when my son brings it home from playschool each month. My son is nearly two, and I have been dreading the onset of the terrible twos since he was born. The sulks and screams have already started,

and his stubborn nature (inherited from my husband and me) is starting to show.

So I was extremely happy – yes, relieved – to see the article on taming tantrums. It is comforting to hear that we are not alone; and even though we know what we should be doing to stop the tantrums, it is so useful to have a list of steps to fall back on. I doubt my son will get any less stubborn with age, but at least I now feel (a bit more) empowered.

So thank you for all of your articles, and I look forward to another year of relaxing moments and useful tips from Child magazine.

Candice Walter

write to us We would like to know what’s on your mind.

Send your letters to: marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing. You can also post a comment online at childmag.co.za

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blog

shopping for four with three DAWN BOTHA negotiates a grocery buying trip with her two young sons.

ILLUSTRATION: NIKKI-LEIGH PIPER

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ith the recession, and the hint of a 40 percent electricity price increase, online shopping for moms is no longer a viable option. So I psyche myself up (read tell myself “It’s got to be done”) – and begin the manual shopping ordeal…

1. Change my youngest son’s nappy and make sure my other child has used the loo.

2. Strap the children into the car.

3. Switch on the Beautiful Creatures CD, and sprint back into the house hoping that my younger son will not notice I’m gone.

4. Grab my keys, handbag, the plastic bags and nappy bag, and lock up the house with my other hand.

5. Unstrap my youngest son, who has produced a dirty

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appy; unlock the house with my other hand; change n his nappy; wash my hands; lock the house while holding his wriggly body with my other arm and re-strap him into his car seat.

6. Jump into the car and head for the nearest supermarket singing “I’m Lucas the Lazy Lion” for the millionth time.

7. Park the car; unstrap eldest son; dash to other side of the car and unstrap youngest son (who is antsy because his brother is already out of the car) and, with my free hand, dump my handbag into the shopping bags and shut the car.

8. Manage to bypass the Wimpy (with a small protest from my eldest son about “chips”), the escalator and the lifts (both favourite shopping mall “toys” for boys) and make it into the grocery store.

9. Allow eldest son some choice about the trolley in which he and his brother will be contained; hook plastic bags with handbag on the trolley handle and start to gain momentum… (At this point, if I haven’t got my list out and choreographed how to grab each item off the shelf in aisle order, the shopping trip will not end successfully.)

10. Race to the bakery to grab some rolls and give the children one each. My shopping must be finished by the time those rolls have disappeared into their stomachs.

11. Make it to the till with two crumbs to spare. Son number two tries to grab chocolate bars from the display that’s so conveniently close to the till. When thwarted, he starts howling and this does not stop until I pick him up.

12. So there I am, one son in one arm, one son sitting on my groceries, while I try to unpack them onto the counter.

13. Make it to the car, the car attendant packs all my squashed groceries into the boot in record time – before I have managed to strap even one wriggly body into its car seat – and waits for his tip.

14. Finally make it home singing “Joy to the world” with relish. Unstrap son one and plonk him in front of TV to watch his favourite movie. Quietly, unstrap son two who has fallen asleep and put him down for his nap. Unpack groceries and collapse with a cup of extra caffeinated coffee – just in time to hear son two wake up, and remember that I forgot to get milk!

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

February 2011

wins

giveaways

in february do sweat it

playtime perfected Ideal Toy is a wholesale family-run business that supplies educational toys to various retail stores countrywide. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options on offer when choosing an educational toy, but with Ideal Toy you are guaranteed top-quality toys and games focusing on multilevel challenges, logical thinking, and visual and spatial perception. A few of Ideal Toy’s brands include Orda, Foxmind, Zoob, Smart Games and University Games.

For more info email idealtoy@iafrica.com or visit idealtoy.co.za One reader of Durban’s Child stands a chance to win an Ideal Toy hamper valued at R2 339. Toys include “Zoologic”, “Memo Spell”, “Go Getter Cat & Mouse” and “Zoob Cube”. To enter, email your details to win@childmag.co.za with “Ideal Toy DBN Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Ideal Toy DBN Win, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010 before 28 February 2011. Only one entry per reader.

Fitness First, along with the former Spice Girl Scary Spice, is set to launch Get Fit with Mel B, designed for maximum fat burning, toning and weight loss. It is suitable for all fitness levels and combines high-intensity aerobic and boxing moves with conditioning exercises.

Get Fit with Mel B will bring you real-time advice and feedback on several disciplines such as dance fit, cardio, step, pump, tone and kickboxing. The game also delivers a personal nutritional programme aligned to your fitness workout. Get Fit with Mel B is available at CNA, BT Games and Look & Listen. For more info visit getfitwithmelb.com Three readers of Durban’s Child stand a chance to win a copy of Get Fit with Mel B valued at R399 in a platform of their choice (Wii, XBox or PS3). To enter, email your details to win@childmag.co.za with “Get Fit DBN Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Get Fit DBN Win, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010 before 28 February 2011. Only one entry per reader.

adventures in learning saving monkeys one breakfast at a time Kellogg’s and wildlife charity Born Free have teamed up – simply by eating their favourite breakfast cereal, Coco Pops fans help illtreated monkeys in Malawi. Participate in the “Adopt a Monkey” promotion (running until April 2011) by buying any two promotional packs from the Kellogg’s Coco Pops range: Chocorillas, Crunchers, Jumbos or the original oven-toasted rice grains. SMS (R1/ SMS) the two monkey codes found inside any two of these promotional packs to receive your unique code, which your child will use to adopt a monkey on adoptamonkey. co.za. Children will be able to read each monkey’s own incredible survival story and will be able to rehabilitate their own virtual monkey by playing an online game. To find out more about how Kellogg’s is helping Born Free, visit adoptamonkey.co.za or cocopops.co.za Seven readers of Durban’s Child stand a chance to win a hamper valued at R300, including a soft toy monkey and Coco Pops munchies. To enter, email your details to win@childmag.co.za with “Kellogg’s DBN Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Kellogg’s DBN Win, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010 before 28 February 2011. Only one entry per reader.

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February 2011

Leapster Explorer is a new learning experience that encourages children to discover something new every day. It offers endless ways to play and learn through games, e-books, videos and online play. Skills are covered in the area of school (reading and maths), special interest (nature and science) and life skills (sharing). Parents can view the games their child plays most and see how they are doing with different skills. The Leapster Explorer is available at most major toy retailers. For more info visit leapfrog.com/explorer/ One reader of Durban’s Child stands a chance to win a Leapster Explorer Console (R799) and a game (R249) of your choice valued at R1 048. To enter, email your details to win@childmag.co.za with “Leapster DBN Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Leapster DBN Win, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010 before 28 February 2011. Only one entry per reader.

congratulations to our November winners Lisa Doble who wins a Treehouse gift voucher; Cherie Armitage-Graves, Humaira Paruk, Nalini Govender, Salomi Kisten and Maria Dalmonte who each win a Green Cross voucher.

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upfront with paul

show time Sometimes, being a parent means you just

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

need to smile and clap, says PAUL KERTON.

e arrive for a dinner party with friends. The children immediately disappear into some secret corner of the house. You don’t hear a whimper. You know they are up to something, but are reassured that nothing dodgy is going down. Nothing has before.

They appear briefly when you shout for them (many times) to come and get some food, which is on the table and going to get cold. The pack arrives; the food disappears fast; and they also disappear, a slight smirk on their faces – that conspiratorial, we-know-you-don’t cockiness. No matter, they are enjoying themselves. There are no “Mommy, I hurt my arm” or “Daddy, Brian pushed me and called me a nerd” complaints from the children. Their silence is uncanny.

The grown-ups don’t really notice because they are relishing their temporary opportunity to be adults again, discussing

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really important stuff like property, sport and fashion, and that beautiful Lalique vase that Sue bought in Venice. They are having such a good time that they have literally forgotten the children exist.

Then, disaster strikes.

With a loud fanfare from one of the more exuberant children, the troupe arranges every seat into an impromptu theatre, around a suitable household space and it is “Show Time”. Suddenly the audio-system is mercilessly hijacked and that smooth, funky, Argentinian tango-jazz is replaced with a nonsense of Abba and Justin Bieber, and worse, rap, with its ugly gangstabitching and parental-advisory lexicon.

The parents cringe; Maureen instinctively reaches to cover her little son’s ears, but bravely stops herself. This is life.

The laughter of the parents dies. Faces and shoulders drop (like Man United players after throwing away a two-goal

lead), but they manage to raise heroic halfsmiles in the face of adversity, stop their conversations and obediently sit down and pay attention.

Irritating though the timing is, the children (bless ’em) do make a supreme effort. They have rehearsed their lines to perfection and their stage management is second only to that of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. They pirouette through their dance moves with ease and the older children (who always claim star billing) have included the very youngest, even if she is just banging a pot lid out of time.

The parents applaud enthusiastically, eager to get back to the sparkling wine and equally sparkling conversations. But wait, there is more. That was just the First Act. Oh no! The parents cannot disguise a collective sigh as they slump back down in their seats to endure Act Two. This is slightly more difficult since the children are

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

now on borrowed time. The problem with children is that they just don’t know when to stop.

Luckily the hostess has seen this movie before and with a cheerful burst of enthusiasm directed at the cast, she first applauds them for their ingenuity and unbelievable talent and then invites the children to have some “special” late night chocolates. A masterstroke. The curtain falls. Conversations resume…

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

February 2011

11

dealing with difference

sound sense Dyslexia – and its associated reading and writing difficulties – doesn’t need to leave your child locked out of learning. Its challenges can be overcome, says ELAINE EKSTEEN.

moving forward Dyslexia can be a debilitating condition, if not overcome.

However, a dyslexic child can almost certainly learn to be a successful reader and, with things such as spell check and voice recognition software, it’s possible for those with dyslexia to succeed in tertiary study and to go on to operate very effectively, and even excel, in the workplace.

As with most learning differences, the earlier it’s picked up the better. If you suspect your child has dyslexia, and if you have a history of reading difficulties in your family, speak to your child’s school about having her assessed by a specialist educator or educational psychologist.

Once she has been properly diagnosed you can set

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February 2011

about getting her the appropriate help – this may include seeing an educational psychologist, speech and language therapy, tuition from a remedial educator and, in some cases, occupational therapy.

The most powerful tool in helping a child with dyslexia, says Nadler-Nir, is “demystifying” their difficulties. “This helps the child understand why they find reading and writing so difficult,” she continues. Following this, dyslexic children generally need assistance in the areas of phonics and fluency. They “need to understand how words are put together and at the same time they need to become smoother readers,” says Worrall. One of the challenges for dyslexic children who have learnt to read is then developing the ability to express themselves in writing.

My inability to perform the most natural tasks of reading and writing made me ashamed of who I was.

Depending on “a child’s ability to compensate with other cognitive strengths and the type of support there is for them,” says Nadler-Nir, “many are able to cope adequately at a mainstream school.” One such success story is a Grade 5 child Nadler-Nir worked with for five years, who recently received the most prestigious award at her school. “It was for determination and perseverance,” explains Nadler-Nir. “She also got 78% for English and has read the Twilight Series. She is a dyslexic learner who shows that academic success is possible.”

Other dyslexic children make better progress at a special needs school. In fact, says Worrall, whose school was set up specifically for children with learning differences, “many children whose dyslexia is picked up early attend specialised education like ours for just one to three years before being ready to switch to mainstream education”.

sons can both now read and write and they no longer consider themselves stupid. They know that they are bright and that their brain just works a little differently. I would love to say their lives are easy, but that’s not true. But they now have tools to face being in school,” explains Sharon.

homework Whatever your journey is with your child, there are a few very important things parents can do to assist the child thought to have dyslexia. These are: • Take action. Don’t delay having your child assessed if you are concerned.

• “Read to them. This is most important,” says Worrall. Read to your child every night and ask them questions, discuss what’s happening. “Once your child is into the pleasure of reading you are halfway there,” she encourages.

• Keep new teachers informed about your child’s learning barriers.

• “For some children the image they have of themselves as a dyslexic can interfere with their progress,” says Worrall. Make sure you are feeding into your child’s strengths. This will help their motivation levels and is key to their moving forward.

• Accept that overcoming their difficulties will take time and be patient, says Nadler-Nir.

useful reading • Dyslexia-friendly Practice in the Secondary Classroom by Tilly Mortimore and Jane Dupree (Exeter: Learning Matters) • Dyslexia: A Parents’ Guide To Dyslexia, Dyspraxia And Other Learning Difficulties by Dr Helen Likierman and Dr Valerie Muter (Ebury Publishing) • The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D Davis (Davis Dyslexia Association) • International Dyslexia Association (USA): interdys.org • British Dyslexia Association: bdadyslexia.org.uk

different strokes For Durban-based mom Sharon Gerken, herself dyslexic, the schooling of her sons, both dyslexic, was an enormous frustration. “My eldest son could not read and write by nine and my youngest could not read. If I had not stumbled on the Davis method my boys would not have been accepted into any school – their IQ was too high for remedial school,” says Sharon.

The Davis programme, developed by American Ron Davis, focuses on eliminating the perceptual distortions many dyslexics experience. The dyslexic, says Davis, thinks in pictures, not words; making them creative and imaginative, big-picture thinkers. Although some mainstream practitioners are dismissive of the programme, there are many parents who swear by it, claiming Davis’s book The Gift of Dyslexia has transformed their children’s lives. “My

don’t believe it These statements about dyslexic learners are myths, say Tilly Mortimore and Jane Dupree in their book Dyslexia-friendly Practice in the Secondary Classroom (Exeter: Learning Matters): • The majority of dyslexic learners are male.

• Dyslexic learners will never learn to read.

• Most dyslexic learners suffer from some form of attention disorder.

• It is impossible to identify dyslexia before the age of seven.

• Dyslexic learners cannot cope at university.

• All dyslexic learners are of average or above average intelligence.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

b

ehind this smiling face, I’m not like the others.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had difficulty absorbing information, I’ve struggled to read and write. All the simplest, most natural things the children around me learnt to do without questioning, I just couldn’t seem to do. By age 10, the creeping tentacles of shame already had a grip on me. My inability to perform the most natural tasks of reading and writing made me ashamed of who I was,” says local 20-year-old Erin Levitas in her book Through a Dyslexic Looking Glass, which she co-authored with Mariëlle Renssen.

“The most difficult part was that throughout my early teenage years, no-one would give my condition – clearly a form of learning disability – a name. I always believed that if only we could label it, it’d be much easier for me to deal with,” says Erin.

“I was 16 when the big black mushroom of a cloud that hovered over my head was torn open,” she continues. The “cloud” was given a name; Erin was found to be dyslexic.

“Dyslexia can be summed up as the inability to make sense of the sound system of language,” says Dr Anita Worrall, psychologist and director of Pro Ed Assessment & Therapy Centre/Pro Ed House School in Cape Town.

Dyslexia runs in families and has been linked to problems with information processing, particularly in the language centres of the brain.

Its signs and symptoms are varied, “depending on the child’s patterns of strengths, barriers, attention, personality and so on. Generally a dyslexic child is slow to ‘break the code’ to reading and spelling, and gets frustrated at school because it is so difficult. Their self-esteem is often affected,” says speech-language therapist Elizabeth Nadler-Nir of The Reading Language Gym in Cape Town.

The child with dyslexia will have difficulty understanding rhyme and manipulating sounds, may jumble up words and mix up directionals (up and down, for example).

They often have trouble breaking things up into logical steps, and have difficulty with lists and sequences. These children also struggle to access their “working memory, finding it difficult to retain and recall information when they want it,” says Worrall.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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health

level with me CATHERINE RICE helps parents understand the ups and downs of diabetes in children.

d

iabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease, affecting people of all ages, including infants. Currently 220 million people are diabetic. The World Health Organisation predicts that deaths due to diabetes will increase by 50 percent in the next 10 years. In South Africa, reliable statistics are not available, but Johannesburg paediatric endocrinologist, Dr David Segal, estimates that about 6 000 children under the age of 14 are currently diagnosed every year.

There are many different types of diabetes, with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus being the most common. Type 1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes, and used to be known as juvenile diabetes because it most commonly is diagnosed in the young. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces the insulin

treatment, it can be life threatening.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive drinking, excessive urination, extreme hunger, lethargy, sudden weight loss, infections that don’t heal plus stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

treatment and management Once diagnosed, the disease is treated with insulin injections, which are given in appropriate doses. To do this effectively, sugar levels need to be monitored frequently.

A finger pricker (a technologically advanced device that pricks the skin painlessly) is used to draw a tiny amount of blood. This is then fed into a small device called a glucometer.

It is not uncommon to have to check sugar levels 10 times in 24 hours. Most important is checking between midnight and 2am, leading to sleep deprivation for parents of diabetic children.

People think that children with diabetes cannot be given sweet things. But this is not true. the body needs. Type 1 diabetes develops before the age of 35 years old. In type 2 diabetes, the most common form, there is often a genetic susceptibility, combined with lifestyle choices that lead to obesity which, in turn, leads to insulin resistance. It usually affects older people with sedentary lifetstyles, and is easier to manage.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

could type 1 diabetes affect your child?

According to Segal, there is not necessarily a genetic predisposition for type 1 diabetes.

“An environmental or viral trigger can set off the autoimmune process.” What exactly that trigger is, doctors do not know.

Once the autoimmune process kicks in, there is no turning back. The body mounts an attack against its own pancreas, and the cells that make insulin are destroyed.

Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas manufactures, that “tells” cells how to extract sugar from the blood, turning it into the energy necessary for survival. Without insulin, the unusable glucose remains in the blood. The body then breaks down fat and protein to use as an alternative energy source and weight loss is, therefore, one of the common symptoms of the disease.

Cape Town paediatric endocrinologist Dr Michelle Carrihill lists the symptoms to look out for. If you suspect that your child has diabetes, she urges parents to seek medical help immediately – without magazine durban

Parents need to be continually aware of the possibility of a hypoglycaemic attack. A hypoglycaemic attack happens when the sugar levels in the blood drop to unacceptably low levels, due, ironically, to an over supply of insulin. When blood sugar levels fall below a minimum threshold the child feels unwell, eventually lapsing into unconsciousness. To raise blood sugar levels, sugar or glucose, usually in food or liquid form, must be given immediately. This can be problematic if the diabetic is a young child who is asleep, and not interested in eating or drinking anything at that moment.

In recent years, there have been significant technological advances in the treatment of diabetes. One major innovation has been the introduction of insulin pumps.

The insulin pump is connected to the body by tubing which feeds into a canula

or indwelling catheter placed under the skin, usually on the buttocks. It obviates the need for injections, delivering insulin on a continual basis. However, every time the child eats or drinks, blood sugar levels must be checked, carbohydrate intake estimated, and the insulin pump adjusted accordingly. The pump is usually clipped to a piece of the child’s clothing. The catheter site needs to be moved every three days. The insulin pump makes life for a diabetic more flexible and manageable, but is only affordable for people with a decent medical-aid scheme.

looking ahead The harsh truth is that, currently there is no cure for diabetes on the horizon. Although stem cell research shows promise, it will be many years before meaningful results will be seen. The current focus is on more efficient therapeutic technology, such as the insulin pump, and continuous glucose monitoring devices. Segal says the cases

of very young children being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is increasing by about one percent every year. Doctors are not sure why this is, but there is the hypothesis that our continually changing environmental factors affect this.

I have learnt a lot about diabetes in children in the last few years. Three years ago my younger daughter was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 23 months.

It has been a stressful journey, but, as a family we have tried to acquire as much knowledge as possible, in our attempts to give Maya a normal life. Life is more complicated. We can no longer just decide on a whim to go somewhere. Everything must be meticulously planned. Today, we celebrated her fifth birthday and as she ran around the garden, giggling with pure joy.

She looked like any other child revelling in the delights of a birthday.

common misconceptions Type 1 diabetes is not caused by a child’s dietary patterns. People

where to turn

commonly confuse type 1 and

• Red Cross Children’s Hospital Diabetes Clinic, Cape Town, 021 658 5035

type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is

• Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Johannesburg 011 712 6000

found in older people, and is easier

• Diabetes South Africa (non profit organisation to promote awareness and

to manage.

provide support): 011 886 3721/3765, diabetessa.co.za. Contact the Durban office: 031 764 3953

People think that children with

• childrenwithdiabetes.com is a valuable forum that provides support

diabetes cannot be given sweet

by allowing parents to communicate with thousands of other parents in the

things. This is not true. If insulin

same position.

levels are effectively controlled, a

• Probably the most authoritative book on the subject is Type 1 diabetes in children, adolescents and young adults by Dr Ragnar Hanas (Da Capo Press).

diabetic child can enjoy a normal and healthy diet.

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15

parenting

raising a trier Children who are open to new experiences can grow and go further. But how

w

e all want our children to be successful in life, but this takes more than talent and hard work – it takes the courage to keep pushing to new heights, which means risking failure. “To grow, you need to learn to deal with the discomfort of leaving your comfort zone, and take risks,” says Elise Fourie, a Pretoria counselling psychologist and executive coach. “And some find it more difficult than others.”

Part of this is genetic and to do with personality, and part is shaped by life experiences and the way you are raised. Negative childhood events can erode self-esteem, making you insecure and reluctant to expose yourself by taking risks or being judged by others. The challenge for parents is to help children to be positive risk-takers – to raise them to be confident, curious and courageous enough to try things that stretch and strengthen them.

This can be particularly hard for parents today, when we’re blitzed by media coverage of dangers from unsafe toys to drugs, school violence, bullying, teen sex, teen stress

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and suicide, cyber predation and crime in general. Small wonder we’ve been labelled a generation of “helicopter parents”, hovering over our children, supervising their every move and robbing them of opportunities to test and hone

We do our children no favours when we bubble-wrap them, keeping them from difficult choices when they are still young enough to be guided by us. their abilities – and to feel the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and achieving things for themselves.

I remind myself of it whenever my 16-year-old limps in from teaching himself a new trick on the unicycle he

saved for, or my 13-year-old signs up for some tough music competition.

“We do our children no favours when we bubble-wrap them, keeping them from difficult choices when they are still young enough to be guided by us,” says Michael Ungar, family therapist and author of Too Safe for Their Own Good: How Risk and Responsibility Help Teens Thrive (McClelland & Stewart). “We seem these days to have a magical notion that children can learn common sense by just watching and listening to others talk about it. That isn’t the way our brains develop.” We are experiential beings, he explains. “We need to be pushed, not too far, but just enough to learn something new.”

“Recent research indicates that cognitive development and growth is linked to overcoming obstacles and mastering age-appropriate learning tasks and milestones,” says Fourie. “This includes learning to ride a bicycle, sleeping alone at night, even simple things such as bathing and dressing.”

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

can we encourage them – and still keep them safe? GLYNIS HORNING reports

PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

build confidence Help your child spot talents and develop passions that make them feel special, because the greater their self-esteem, the more open they will be to new experiences.

“Children with positive self-esteem have good selfawareness, and their knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses gives them the confidence to continually seek ways of growing,” says Durban-based child and educational psychologist Dr Caron Bustin. “This enables them to use opportunities to advance, and apply their judgment to resist those that go against their radar.”

lighten up

Strange as it may seem, there’s a connection between the security we offer children, and their violent behaviour, experimentation with drugs, and risk-taking with their bodies, minds and emotions, says Ungar. “According to the children, the real problem is that they must search hard these days to experience danger or risk or responsibility that makes them feel more adult.”

Children who are good risk-takers are better able to cope with the social and emotional dangers that come with peer pressure, say Susan Davis and Nancy Eppler-Wolff, authors of Raising Children Who Soar: A Guide to Healthy

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Risk-Taking in an Uncertain World (Teachers College Press). “They have the courage and the confidence to risk their own position in the social hierarchy, and they are prepared to express their own convictions and feelings – even if they go against the group’s norm.”

Children not exposed to risks arrive at adulthood unprepared for its challenges, and confronted by these they resort to fight (aggression and rebellion) or flight (retreat and withdrawal). Encouraging them to take appropriate risks from an early age makes them feel trustworthy, responsible and capable. Here’s how.

Be vigilant where real risks exist, but lighten up when your fear gets the better of you, says Unger. “Well-founded worry conveys to children they are loved; senseless ungrounded worry debilitates children in ways far worse than the few bumps and bruises they may experience without us.” Letting children explore at the cost of those bumps builds self-confidence, resilience and self-reliance, says Wendy Mogel, author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee (Penguin). Girls may need more encouragement than boys, so look for chances for your daughter to ride the high slide and swings.

As Tony Hawk, the legendary American skateboard champion and father of three athletic, daring sons put it in a recent interview: “Let their passion trump your fear. My oldest has learned an important lesson through his injuries: don’t make the same mistake twice. I trust his sense of judgment and commitment, and my job is to support him however I can.”

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parenting

give guidance Barbara Coloroso, author of Kids Are Worth It!: Giving Your Child the Gift of Inner Discipline (Harper), talks of “jellyfish” parents, who don’t give children boundaries, and “brick-wall” parents, who enforce rigid rules that allow no room to learn to think independently. Aim to be what she calls “backbone” parents, by providing children with structure and flexibility to negotiate for what they need as they develop, and to take more responsibility for their own decisions. So, yes, your child can skateboard – but only if they wear a helmet at all times. And, yes, they can go to a party, but only if you drop them off, meet the other parents, and collect them at 11pm. Agree on consequences and enforce them.

hurt of some kind. “By nurturing risk and recognising challenge and failure as a normal part of life, we can help our children,” say Davis and Eppler-Wolff. Teach them that failure gives us the feedback we need to get good at the things we choose to do. Teens can be particularly afraid of denting their image, so share this gem from local rocker Arno Carstens: “Success is buried in the garden of failure – if you’re prepared to go dig there, you’ll eventually find it.” And remind them that it took Thomas Edison around 10 000 attempts to invent the electric light bulb. “I often tell parents it’s their task to prepare their child for life, not to protect them from life, so children should be encouraged to dare,” says Fourie.

go gently give safe alternatives Provide safe substitutes for inappropriate risk-taking or “responsibility-seeking” behaviour, says Ungar. Find challenges that help your child feel adult in ways acceptable to you both. “Any child who has not learnt to take good risks will take poor ones instead,” reason Davis and Eppler-Wolff. “Children of all ages need to challenge themselves by taking everyday risks that promote accomplishment and a greater capacity for tolerance and compassion.”

listen up!

When children ignore sound advice or rules, and take a risk that is clearly dangerous or for which they are not prepared, ask why they’ve chosen to take on more responsibility than they’re ready for. Listen closely – chances are they are trying to tell you something. They may need reassurance, guidance or simply attention. “Often dangerous behaviour is an expression of anger towards a parent for lack of attention,” says Fourie. “But it can sometimes be revenge for being reprimanded or punished, or exposed to what they perceive as rejection.”

Children with ADD or ADHD can engage in risky behaviour from impulsivity and a decreased sense of danger. “In this case, education is important, rather than merely attempting to inhibit risktaking behaviour.”

teach them it’s okay to fail You can’t learn to skateboard, speak a new language, make a new friend, or be a class leader, without risking

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If children are hesitant to try new things, challenge them, but gently and supportively.

Ask for their reasons, and acknowledge the feelings behind them, but point out alternative ways of seeing them. “Also suggest coping strategies, as a child often cannot generate these if they feel under threat or fear failure,” says Fourie. So yes, trying out for the school play is scary, but think what fun rehearsals will be, and how good they will feel entertaining everyone.

Remind them of times they’ve tried other new things and found they enjoyed them.

Share your own experiences, without being coercive or patronising. Motivate but don’t push, especially if their resistance is strong, which it can be in matters far out of their comfort zone. Forcing a very shy child to try out for a play or debating team can make them more risk-averse. “Parents often incorrectly believe that public performance is good for a shy child,” says Fourie. “It’s only good if they are really interested in it and have some talent for it. If not, it creates even more opportunity for failure, and already negative self-esteem can become more resistant to change.” Talk through the challenge and break it into achievable steps, which will give a sense of mastery to carry them forward, advises Bustin. “Work with them and be patient.

Suggest how to deal with setbacks, and celebrate small successes along the way.

Remember to praise not only the result but the effort and intention – after all, it’s the effort, not the goal, that’s required forever.”

The moment something is no longer fun, let them stop – they also need to know how to say “no” to things that are genuinely not for them.

“If the resistance appears to be due magazine durban

It’s a parent’s task to prepare their child for life, not to protect them from life, so children should be encouraged to dare.

more to lack of interest than fear of risk or failure, the child should be encouraged to choose another activity,” says Fourie.

“Parents shouldn’t remain stuck on the idea that public performance is the only activity from which a shy child can benefit. Have them consider team sports, art, singing in a choir, even starting a new sport.”

don’t label them Calling a child “shy” or a “picky eater” pegs them in other’s perceptions and their own, removing the incentive to change and grow, and giving them an excuse not to. “Children can be remarkably intuitive about how others perceive them, and take on labels readily,” says Bustin. “In the end they never realise their true potential, and it results in learnt helplessness.”

“A label almost becomes a safe haven – if it fits, there’s no need to change,” adds Fourie. “Everything is predictable and there is no chance of being caught by surprise, therefore no chance of failing.” Yet many labels are untrue, including “picky eater”.

According to one study, if children have repeated opportunities to try new foods, they’ll accept at least some of them. This may mean you need to offer a spoonful of beans 10 to 15 times before they’ll give it a go, but they will.

it’s added to your life. Be truthful: “That wasn’t much fun, but I’m pleased I tried it, at least I know what to do next time.”

Never berate yourself for failing when you tried something that didn’t turn out as planned, or let them hear you criticise or mock people for not succeeding at things. Model tolerance and respect for others and for yourself, whatever their or your shortcomings. Praise their and your efforts and good points, and you will teach children they don’t need to be perfect.

“Parents who model healthy risk-taking behaviour and dealing with failure teach their children one of the most important coping mechanisms in life,” says Fourie.

Concludes Bustin: “We can’t do better than to show our children that we cannot be anything we want to be, but we can be more of who we already are.”

model an open attitude Children learn most from your attitude and example, says Bustin. “Parents need to examine their own issues, motivations and attitudes before setting expectations.”

How often do your children see you try something outside your comfort zone – eating something exotic in a restaurant, taking a course, or agreeing to speak in public? Share your hesitation, fear or distaste, the persistence or courage it took, and how good you felt afterwards – or how magazine durban

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19

education

memory

10

TRACY ELLIS looks at some fun exercises and tactics we can teach our children

oncentration and memorisation go hand in hand with learning. Our brains store new information by forming a specific neural pathway to where that information is stored. In order to recall that data correctly, we need to trigger our brain to follow the same pathway back to it.

Sound complicated? According to experts, it really isn’t! Daren Denholm, four times Southern Hemisphere and African Continent Memory Champion, says we are all born with the same mental equipment

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but it’s how we use our brain that makes all the difference. Memory is much like muscle: the more you exercise it, the better it gets and helping our children to exercise their memories can have a huge impact on their ability to retain and retrieve information and improve their success at school. Stress and anxiety can severely impair memory retention so it is important to keep learning relaxed and exciting. Here are some fun memory games, tactics and tips, which are useful for developing concentration and boosting memory power.

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ILLUSTRATIONS: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

c

to boost their memory power.

ILLUSTRATIONS: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

1

letter logic

memory tool An acronym is a word that is formed using the first letters of other words and can be used effectively to remember a group of words that might otherwise be difficult to memorise on their own. brain training Underline the first letter of each word you need to remember.

Arrange the underlined letters to form your acronym. For example, if you need

2

acrostically speaking

memory tool An acrostic works in a similar way to an acronym by using the first letter of each word in a group of words you need to remember. Instead of making a new word, though, the letters are used to make a new sentence or poem, which often relates back to the original word. Humorous acrostics are easier for children to remember. brain training Write down the first letter of each word you need to remember, then create a sentence using words beginning with the same letters as the

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to remember the points on a compass, you might use the acronym NEWS (North, East, West and South). Acronyms can be a real or made up word, but acronyms that are easily pronounced are more effective. For example NEWS is a better acronym than NSEW. Acronyms can be used in reverse to remember the spelling of difficult words. Take a word, such as “because”, and create a fun sentence using the corresponding

ones on your list. A common acrostic used to remember the nine planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto is My Very Eager Monkey Jumps Swiftly Under Nine Planets. practice drill Children can have fun practising acrostics by using the letters of their name and the names of their friends. The resulting sentence or group of words should describe the person concerned. For example: GAIL might be Generous And Incredibly Loving or Gifted, Arty, Interesting, Lady.

letters: Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants. practice drill Children use acronyms everyday without even realising it. Test your child on the meaning of common ones such as ASAP, PTO and ATM. Ask your cellphone savvy child to teach you some common chat acronyms such as ROFL (Rolling On Floor Laughing), LOL (Laughing Out Loud) and BFF (Best Friends Forever).

3

sing-song

memory tool Rhyme, rhythm, melody, repetition and alliteration can all assist us in remembering facts by committing them to our auditory memory.

Adding rhyme or melody to an acronym or acrostic makes it even more powerful than just speaking it, as it activates both sides of the brain. brain training Singing the ABCs to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or chanting “Thirty days has September, April, June and November” are examples of learning through rhyme and rhythm. Take a list of words and ask your child to put a melody to them. practice drill Try putting new words to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to teach your child something. For example: “We live in South Africa; 11 languages spoken here; Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans…”

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education

4

let’s make a list

5

word chains

memory tool Play a game by building a growing list with your child to practise your collective memory power. brain training Each player takes a turn to remember one thing he saw or bought on an outing to the shops, park or beach. The next player repeats and adds to the list. For example: we went to the park and saw a ladybird; we went to the park and saw a ladybird

memory tool Making inks and chains are effective tactics for remembering short- to medium-length lists of words that don’t necessarily have to be remembered in order, such as shopping lists. brain training Start with your list of words and visualise each word. Link the first image with the second, then the second with the third, and so on. For example, if you need to remember to buy cat food, lettuce, soap and orange juice, you might imagine a cat with a lettuce balancing on its head, then a lettuce taking a bath and finally a bathtub filled with orange juice. The more crazy the images, the more you are likely to remember them. practice drill Have fun with your children by writing lists of words and getting them to imagine and describe the crazy images. When you are done, see how many items they can remember from the list.

7

the case of the missing object

memory tool Use any household objects to create a fun memory game for children. This game tests their ability to concentrate and recall information. brain training Place five to 15 different household objects on a tray or table in random order. For younger children, choose a few bigger objects; for older children choose many smaller objects.

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and a tree; we went to the park and saw a ladybird, a tree and a dog…

Keep taking turns and adding items to see how long the list can get and who remembers the most things on it. practice drill This game can be played after any outing and the list can include anything you bought, saw or did.

Change the intro and verb accordingly.

For example: we went to the shop and bought apples, or we went to the beach and swam in the sea.

6

mental gymnastics

memory tool Word and number puzzles such as crosswords, Sudoku, riddles and maths trivia can help us think laterally, improve our concentration and train our brains to create new neural pathways, all important for boosting memory power. brain training Killing time in the doctor’s waiting room? Keep a handbag-sized puzzle or trivia book (available at most bookshops and stationers) close by and take five minutes a day to do some brain gym with your child. Children as young as seven can begin solving simple Sudoku puzzles. practice drill If all you have is a pen and paper, simple games like hangman, noughts and crosses, and incomplete sequences and patterns can work just as well.

Tip: for our brains to get the most benefit, the puzzles need to be sufficiently challenging.

Give them a minute to study the objects, then ask them to turn around while you remove an object. They must now identify the missing object. practice drill Make the game easier by touching each object and naming it out loud before they turn around. If they are still battling, give them a clue by telling them the first letter of the missing object. Make the game more difficult by shuffling the remaining objects before you reveal them.

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8

making sense of learning

memory tool Involving multiple senses and combining left and right brain activity while learning gives you the most reward from your memory. Try combining colours, textures, music, smells and tastes when learning. brain training Ask your children to close their eyes and visualise their work. Then ask them to describe it to you in vivid detail. What does it look like? What colour is it? Does it make any sounds? What does it say? What does it smell like?

If it had a taste, what would that be? Get them to add humour and emotion to engage all the senses.

Rewriting and reading text out loud is a more effective way of studying than just reading it silently as it involves multiple senses. Adding in coloured pens, diagrams and classical background music is even better. practice drill Make your own Stroop test (a psychological measure of mental flexibility): write the names of colours in alternatecoloured inks, then ask your child to say only the colour and not read the word. For example, write “red” using blue ink, then have her say the word as “blue”. By combining colour and language, this exercise resolves conflict between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

10

do the loci-motion

memory tool The Method of Loci is an ancient memory technique in which facts, words or numbers are assigned to places along a familiar path or route. It works on the assumption that you can best remember places or routes that you are familiar with, so linking things you need to remember with these locations will trigger your memory. brain training Make a list of 10 words for your child to remember in order.

Write them on pieces of paper and then walk with him on the path he would normally take in your house to get from the front door to his

9

cups of fun

memory tool This game is a version of the classic memory card game Concentration or Pairs, but is a little more fun. brain training Take an even number of plastic or polystyrene party cups.

You should have at least eight cups per player. Gather enough matching pairs of household objects such as buttons, small toys or dried beans. Place one object under each paper cup.

Players take turns to lift two cups.

If the objects match, they remove them. The winner is the one with the most objects at the end of the game. practice drill Raise the stakes by mixing coins and small treats in among the household objects.

Each player gets to keep the treats he matches from memory.

bedroom, placing a word at various locations along the way, such as on the couch, kitchen counter and piano.

Say the words aloud together as you place them. When you are done, ask her to visualise the walk you just took and to say the words as she remembers them. practice drill For older children this exercise can be done mentally without actually walking through the house. By visualising the journey and mentally linking words with objects along the way, she should be able to remember the words. Adding another memory tactic such as alliteration or sensory stimulation will improve the results.

healthy bodies, healthy brains Keeping our children healthy through diet and exercise and reducing their bad stress can help to improve their concentration and memories. Make sure your child gets enough sleep and has limited TV time, and encourage him to get active every day. Ensure he eats a balanced diet including memory-boosting foods such as blueberries, broccoli, spinach, onions and grapes. If he is a picky eater and you are concerned he is not getting sufficient vitamins and minerals in his diet, consider giving him a daily vitamin supplement that includes B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.

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February 2011

23

book extract

good food

for little people

Healthy lunch box inspiration from Justine Drake’s Simply Good Food.

turkey and avocado wrap (serves 1) 1 wholewheat tortilla ¼ cup (60ml) shredded lettuce ¼ cup (60ml) shredded rocket 4 cucumber ribbons 4 slices shaved cooked turkey, halved

¼ avocado, thinly sliced 4 tsp (20ml) fat-free plain yoghurt mixed with 2 tsp (10ml) wholegrain mustard or sweet chilli sauce

delicious things to add • Create your own flavour combinations by using 1 Tbsp (15ml) reduced sugar chutney or hot English mustard.

• Wraps are great for combining small portions of leftovers – the last spoonful of cottage cheese or hummus, a few lingering roast vegetables, salad leaves or cold chicken slithers.

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February 2011

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PHOTOGRAPHS: Dawie Verwey

Place the lettuce and rocket on the first third of the tortilla that is closest to you. Be sure to keep clear a 4cm border around the circumference of the tortilla.

Top the lettuce with cucumber ribbons, turkey and avo.

Stir the yoghurt and mustard or sweet chilli sauce together and, if eating immediately, drizzle on top otherwise, to prevent the wrap going soggy, store and serve as a dipping sauce.

Fold the side flaps in to enclose the outer edges of the filling and roll up tightly.

Wrap in wax paper or plastic wrap.

bean dip a great source of soluble fibre and health-boosting B vitamins (makes 1 cup) 1 x 400g can butter beans, rinsed and drained 1 small clove garlic, crushed 2 tsp (10ml) lemon juice 1 tsp (5ml) grated lemon zest

1 Tbsp (15ml) roughly chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup (60ml) fat-free plain yoghurt milled pepper

Whizz all the ingredients together in a food processor or use a hand blender. Alternatively mash the beans and stir through the remaining ingredients.

Season and stir through a little water to achieve the desired consistency.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3 to 4 days.

how to use it • Serve with raw vegetables as a snack.

• Spread onto wholewheat bread or high-fibre crackers instead of margarine.

root vegetable chips use any root vegetables that take your fancy (serves 4) 2 large parsnips 2 large beetroot 2 large carrots olive oil cooking spray Preheat the oven to 120°C. Scrub the vegetables and top and tail them.

Shave into long ribbon-like strips using a potato peeler – there will be lots of them! Or use a mandoline if you have one.

Coat the strips with a little olive oil spray.

Scatter the vegetables in one haphazard layer onto a couple of baking trays. Don’t pile on top of one another or they won’t get crispy.

Bake for 40 minutes until golden and crispy.

Season and serve or cool and store in an airtight container for up to two days.

about the book Simply Good Food by Justine Drake is filled with “food that tastes as fabulous as it looks and is good for you too…”. The recipes will inspire the healthy eater in you. All dishes are low in salt, sugar and monosaturated

PHOTOGRAPHS: Dawie Verwey

fat, but don’t skimp on taste-appeal. Think Roast Salmon with Atchar, Chickpea and Ricotta Salad, and Not-So-Naughty Creamy Rice Pudding. Commissioned by Discovery Vitality and published by Lannice Snyman Publishers, Simply Good Food is available from good booksellers nationwide.

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February 2011

25

health

old wives’ tales LUCILLE KEMP looks into the latest generation of myths surrounding mothering.

hile blowing the whistle on these modern folklores, the experts suggest that you keep your head. One day these titbits currently convincing you up the garden path will sound as silly as “feed a cold, starve a fever”.

“I need to go on an allergen-free diet so my baby isn’t born with food allergies.”

Canadian food allergist and author Dr Janice Joneja, discussing her research at the 23rd Biennial Congress of the Nutrition Society of South Africa held in Durban in September 2010, said the number of children under five years old who have a peanut allergy doubled between 2002 and 2007.

She suggests that moms, who are not themselves allergic to anything, should “educate the infant’s immune system to recognise that foreign proteins (allergens) are not a threat.

By eating a wide range of foods and exposing an infant before and after birth to small quantities of foreign proteins, the child’s immune system is stimulated to produce its own antibodies.” (She encourages exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first four months of a child’s life.) Need more proof?

A study of 8 600 children in Israel and England published in November 2009 in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found Israel’s incidence of peanut allergies to be 10 times less than that of England. Interestingly, Israeli families use peanuts as a weaning food while English families tend to avoid peanuts until the child is older.

“I must cut out coffee during my pregnancy.”

The fear is in caffeine and the solution is in moderation.

Researchers have found no harm in drinking coffee if you limit your consumption. “Too much caffeine is not healthy for anyone, pregnant or not, but one or two cups a day will not do any harm,” says Johannesburg-based gynaecologist Dr Johan van der Wat. There are alternatives: tea generally contains less caffeine than coffee, and there are decaffeinated options such as Rooibos, the poster child of hot drinks for pregnant women.

“I can’t eat sushi while I’m pregnant.”

The usual fear is that raw fish may carry harmful bacteria – but that’s only the case if the fish is not fresh. The other concern is about the mercury content but salmon is classified by the FDA as low in mercury. The same goes for eel, crab and shrimp, each of which is perfectly fine for a pregnant and nursing women to eat. Tuna is a different story, with some species having high quantities of mercury. But, according to Van der Wat: “Eat as much as you like, Japan has one of the biggest populations in the world.” Plus fish is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet, “containing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and low levels of saturated fat,” says the FDA. For peace of mind, contact the Food Advisory Consumer Service (FACS): 012 428 7122 or visit foodfacts.org.za.

“I shouldn’t carry or lift anything during my pregnancy because it will hurt my baby.”

Okay, let’s let the doctor rephrase: “You should not lift or carry excessively heavy things during pregnancy,” says Van der Wat, but there’s no need to wrap yourself in cotton wool. Ignore the fear-mongering advice not to carry your toddler, unless your gynae has specifically told you otherwise. Pregnancy changes your centre of gravity, making you vulnerable to strain but it doesn’t make you fragile. Simply listen to your body and you’ll know your limits – carrying two light grocery bags will not hurt your baby, while moving a heavy pot plant can cause problems.

Practise safe lifting habits. Don’t be a hero.

“I can determine the sex of my baby by the way I am carrying.”

Although it’s a sweet, harmless old wives’ tale, it’s interesting just how many people want to believe it. All Van der Wat can say is a bewildered: “No, the sex of a baby can only be determined by ultrasound.” It is actually the baby’s position, size of your torso, your body’s shape before you

became pregnant, and the amount of fat deposited around your abdomen that will determine the way you carry.

“My son has had his tonsils out so he should get fewer throat infections.”

Johannesburg-based paediatrician Dr Alison Baxter says that if a child has his tonsils removed “they won’t get tonsillitis but it won’t stop them from getting an infection of a different area of the throat,” such as pharyngitis or laryngitis. Johannesburg-based paediatrician Dr Jennifer Geel says that only if a child has tonsillitis six or more times a year, should she have a tonsillectomy.

“My child should wait an hour after eating before swimming.”

“As a child I used to love to eat sandwiches under water,” recalls Geel. She goes on to say, “I seem to remember that the reason our parents told us not to eat then swim was to prevent drowning and I have never understood the logic of this one. Certainly, if you eat or drink something and then swim quite vigorously, you may taste the food or drink at the back of your throat but this cannot cause drowning.” The real issues when it comes to swimming safety are that your child is a competent swimmer and it’s worth it to invest in some lessons. It is also important that your pool is properly secured with a fence or net or both.

“If my son reads in dim light it’ll weaken his eyes.”

“Not at all, in my opinion,” says Geel, “Being short- or long-sighted is genetic. This may worsen with time, so a child may seem fine at age five and only later will you

fact, in fact Just when you thought you could spot a myth a mile away: it turns out that these have more than a dash of truth in them…

• An apple a day keeps the doctor away Apple phenols help protect the DNA from colon cancer cells. Research has shown that apple consumption may be an effective strategy for cancer protection.

• Long hot baths reduce sperm count Men’s testes are outside the body for a reason. They need sperm. Heat from a hot bath can be temporarily damaging to the sperm, which is why it can affect male fertility. If you’re trying to conceive, men should steer clear of the hot tub and Jacuzzi.

• Eating carrots is good for eyesight It doesn’t make you see any better in the dark, nor does it sharpen your vision but it does reduce the risk of getting macular degeneration, a condition common in seniors and one which causes blindness.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

to be in a cooler environment to produce healthy

notice their poor vision, which some parents may then associate with reading.” Baxter goes on to say that though reading in dim light puts strain on the eyes at that time, and may make them tired, the eyes will recover after a period of rest.” Research shows that there really is very little you can do that will permanently damage your eyes.

“If my daughter has a cold I should not give her dairy products.”

As Baxter puts it: “Teething causes teeth.” She says that some children do get a low-grade fever with teething, but if the fever is over 38 degrees Celcius (normal is 37 degrees Celcius) then you should look for another cause for the fever. With teething some children do also produce a stool that is looser than normal, but this does not equate to gastroenteritis, when the child will go three or four times a day.”

“My daughter has white spots on her fingernails; she must have a calcium deficiency.

Baxter says, “White spots or white lines on the nails are due to a mild trauma or bump to the nail and can also

occur following periods of illness. Some other systemic diseases can be associated with nail abnormalities, so white spots on nails are not one and the same as calcium deficiency”. Geel says, “Generally you don’t notice the trauma at the time it occurs and the spots grow out weeks later.” So, they’re like bruises on the skin: they are harmless, and will grow out.

“If my daughter goes outside with wet hair she will get a cold.”

“A cold is caused by a virus, so you won’t get a cold just because your hair is wet or because of the weather,” says Baxter. So there you have it: wet hair or cold weather can only aggravate the symptoms of an alreadypresent cold.

PHOTOGRAPHS: THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

“Dairy products won’t increase mucous production, but if your child has a cold and is producing a lot of mucous, the milk will coat the mucous so it sounds worse,” says Baxter.

But there’s no need to stop giving them milk altogether.

Geel says moms should increase their child’s intake of clear fluids, especially those containing Vitamin C.

“My child has diarrhoea, it must be because she is teething.”

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resource

fun(d)raising Chareen Boake suggests 17 ways to put the fun back into fundraising for your child’s school.

a night with the stars Children arrive at school just before sunset. There’s lots of excitement and chatter and the smell of popcorn and hot dogs fills the air. Just like at a movie theatre, the pre-purchased tickets are handed in at the door and moviegoers make their way to their seats. The school hall is darkened and the big screen flickers into action. You can make this a themed night by showing some children’s favourites like High School Musical or a Disney classic. Children are encouraged to dress-up as their favourite character and the hall is decorated according to the theme. An all-night movie marathon on the school field is also a great option for hot summer nights. You’ll need to get permission from the movie’s distributor before your big showing. fund facts: just like a real movie theatre, children buy tickets for the show. Additional money is raised through the sale of refreshments.

Have you ever put your T-shirt on back to front or inside out and only realised something was amiss when strangers started looking at you a little oddly? Well, this idea gives you licence to sport an entire wrong-way-round outfit – it’s a really easy way to raise funds and will cause lots of laughs, too. fund facts: you’ll have to charge a fee for the privilege of wearing clothes back to front or inside out.

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February 2011

bag a book Ask parents and teachers to donate their used books. Advertise your book sale in local shops, through community forums and by making large posters to hang outside the school. You’ll be amazed at the number of people keen to snap up an armful of second-hand books. fund facts: charge a fee for the books and rent tables to people selling crafts.

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

back to front day

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

the weakest link This is a take on the golden oldie quiz night, and it’s a really challenging but fun way to raise money. You can consider approaching event organisers, who will be able to assist you with technical quiz night setups, or you can compile your own questions and answers – there are lots of websites that’ll give you ideas.

Consider approaching a local restaurant or pub that hosts pub nights and ask whether you could use their facilities for your quiz night. fund facts: charge a cover fee at the door.

bring and buy Advertise the event well in advance and approach local crafts people to sell their goods. In addition, ask families to donate good quality used goods and sell these on a jumble-sale basis – after all, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

fund facts: charge a table-rental fee; since used goods are donated, all the profit will go towards your fundraising.

cupid’s corner If they don’t receive a gift from a secret admirer, children can feel very left out on Valentine’s Day. But you can make this a happy occasion for everybody.

Sell different coloured ribbons – white for friendship, red for love, blue for the funniest person in class and whatever else you can think of. Attach a card to each ribbon so children can write their own messages. fund facts: sell each ribbon for a set price.

how does your garden grow?

Ask parents to donate egg cartons and empty tins as well as packets of seeds or bulbs. Alternatively, they can donate a cash amount and you can purchase the seeds or bulbs. Plant the seeds in the holders and watch them grow. This fundraiser will need some forward planning so that your plants have time to grow to a decent size before you sell them. fund facts: hold a plant sale at the school or ask your local shopping centre if you can set up a table and sell the plants there on a Saturday morning.

This would work well around themed days like Arbour Day or Mother’s Day.

magazine durban

ready, steady cook All the children have to submit their favourite recipes. The younger children might have to dictate theirs, but the older children can write their responses down as follows: the recipe’s name; ingredients; how to prepare the dish and the cooking instructions. Take the responses down exactly as they tell you. Then get the children to draw a picture of the meal.

Compile the recipe book using the children’s own writing and pictures where possible. It’ll make for some hilarious reading and is a great keepsake. You can also adapt this to make a more “serious” recipe book by asking parents to submit their recipes. A parent I know admits that she still uses the recipe book compiled when her children were at preschool, more than 20 years ago. fund facts: the recipe books are sold for a set price.

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resource

mom, dad, you’re embarrassing me!

For a fun take on karaoke, pit learners against parents, choosing the music of popular preteen favourites such as Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and Locnville. Make the event really challenging by getting the youngsters to sing music from our teenage years – bet they’ve never heard of Rick Astley, Wham! and Vanilla Ice. Step aside Justin Bieber! fund facts: like all good karaoke spots, a cover charge is payable.

The school can earn extra money by selling refreshments.

restaurant takeover calling all triathle-tots A toddler triathlon is a great idea for a preschool fundraiser, plus it’s really cute and makes for a fantastic family fun day. First of all, get your “triathletots” to stand at the starting line.

When the whistle blows, they’ll set off on the gruelling 20-metre run. The great thing about this triathlon is that everyone sets off from each transition point together.

When they’ve all completed their run, line them up again for the 100-metre cycling leg. Bicycles, tricycles and plastic scooters are all legal for this event and no “triathle-tot” will be disqualified for sporting fairy wheels. The third leg of the event is a treasure hunt. The athletes each search for a token and, once they’ve found it, dash for the finish line. Of course their eager seconds have been advised where the tokens are hidden so help is on hand. The token is then exchanged for their medal or certificate and everybody is an “Iron-tot”. fund facts: children collect sponsorship for each leg they complete. We’re sure Granny and Grandpa will be keen to cheer them on, literally and financially speaking that is. Selling food and drinks is always a money-spinner.

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Approach some of the familyfriendly restaurants in your area and ask whether they’d consider allowing a “takeover” during which the older children play waitron. The children assist the waiters serving dinner and the tips they receive are then donated to the school kitty. Send invitations to the parents and ask them to forward these to their friends. A school in Johannesburg holds a “takeover” four times a year and managed to raise almost R10 000 during a year. Hint: don’t request their busiest nights like a Friday or Saturday because they’ll probably turn you down. Rather suggest a quieter night like a Monday or Tuesday. fund facts: the school collects the tips that the children receive. Some restaurants may even offer to contribute a percentage of the night’s takings.

sun, suds and fun A wash-a-car-athon is a really festive occasion. Music plays through the school’s speaker system; wors for the boerewors rolls sizzles on the braai; there’s a stand selling cold drinks – and the teacher’s parking area is transformed into the coolest car wash in the suburb. Classes can split into groups of five car washers. You can even have a competition to see who washes the most cars. fund facts: charge a car-wash fee of about R25 per car. If five groups wash five cars at R25 per car, that’s a grand total of R625 per group.

magazine durban

teacher torture The headmaster selects five teachers to be tortured. Each teacher is assigned a “torturous” activity, such as tinting their hair purple, dressing up like a clown or coming to school in their pyjamas. The teachers are each assigned a money jar and children, parents and other teachers can vote them into the torture “chamber” by placing R5 into that teacher’s jar. The votes are counted and the three teachers with the most money in their jars have to complete their activity. Select a day and hold a special assembly where the “winning” teachers have to make their appearance in front of the school. Just a warning though: laughter may reach seriously thunderous levels. fund facts: votes are cast at R5 each. You’ll need jars or money boxes in which to collect this.

so you think you can dance?

A dance marathon is lots of fun, especially if you dedicate different musical themes – think “Night Fever”, “Bollywood” or modern day hits – to allotted times. Each grade can be allocated a theme and dress accordingly. Watching your children shimmying to the golden oldies can be entertaining. fund facts: the dancers receive sponsorship for every 20 minutes of dancing.

race to riches This is a one-year challenge for all athletic parents and children who participate in racing or endurance events. Each competitor gets a sponsorship form from the school stating that they are raising funds for the school for that particular year. You could even have T-shirts or caps made with your logo on them, so competitors stand out at races. Incentivise the challenge by offering a grand prize at the end of the year to the person who raises the most money. You could even approach local businesses about donating a prize. Mike, a marathon runner, ran every race with a pet rock. When people asked why he was doing it, he explained it was to raise funds for animal welfare. At the end of a year he and his rock had raised almost R4 000. fund facts: challengers are sponsored for each of the events in which they participate. At the end of the year they collect sponsorship money for the number of events completed.

techno savvy This one might take a bit of extra planning as you’d need to design a suitable site and have a pay-to-download facility. Design screensavers and wallpapers, load them onto your school website and have a download facility. You could even include this as an assignment in a computer science class. Who knows? You could have a future Bill Gates in your very own school. fund facts: you’ll need to install a pay-to-download facility on your website.

the amazing race You can take over the neighbourhood, arrange this event at your school campus (if it’s large enough) or at a big park. The other option is to find an event planner that hosts Amazing Race and Survivor parties. You’ll have checkpoints where competitors have to complete a task or answer a question.

Before leaving a checkpoint they will be given a clue that’ll get them to the next checkpoint. The first team home wins. fund facts: the competitors approach sponsors and raise funds for every checkpoint they complete.

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February 2011

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books

a good read for toddlers

for preschoolers

A Slide and Surprise Numbers Book

By Natalie Boyd and Barbi Sido

Postman Bear

By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Wild Alphabet – An A to Zoo Pop-Up Book

By Mike Haines and Julia Frölich (Kingfisher Books, R110) Animals literally jump off the pages in this illustrated pop-up book featuring 26 wild animals. Young children can discover facts about these creatures with the help of the pop-ups and moving parts. With each animal on its own spread, there is enough space to inform children where each creature lives and what they eat. Some of the animals might be unknown to South Africans, but it’s still a fun way to learn the A–Z.

(Priddy Books, R59) This is an interactive early-learning book for children aged two and older. It’s a fun and innovative way for little ones to learn their numbers and the sliding pages help with hand-eye coordination as well as problem solving. The boardbook is easy to wipe clean and the colourful drawings and photos will keep a toddler captivated.

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R70) This is another delight from the Tales from Acorn Wood series brought to you by award-winning writer/illustrator duo Donaldson and Scheffler. Deep in the heart of Acorn Wood, Bear is writing letters to his friends. Your child can visit Frog, Squirrel and Mole by lifting the flaps that are the doors to their homes. Scheffler beautifully illustrates this sturdy boardbook. Also look out for Fox’s Socks, Rabbit’s Nap and Hide-and-Seek Pig in the series.

What the Ladybird Heard

By Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks (Macmillan Children’s Books, R85) Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow.

Among all the noisy farm animals lives a tiny silent ladybird. This beautiful glittery creature (little fingers will love to feel her sparkly shape) is so quiet that she hears the two crafty robbers plotting to raid the farmyard. The ladybird has a plan of her own and urges the animals to put their mooing, quacking, neighing and baaing to cunning use. The crooks get so confused that they end up getting caught. The book comes with a CD, read by Alexander Armstrong.

for early graders Nature Got There First

By Phil Gates (Macmillan Children’s Books, R105) This book is perfect for children eight and older who are inquisitive. Nature came up with ideas behind many of the great inventions of the modern world. Solar cells, sonar and jet power are just a few of the technologies that nature was using long before humans set them to work. Inside your child can see a high-rise built entirely by insects and learn how the construction industry got tips from beavers for building dams. With plenty of photographs and illustrations, this book will be a hit with your child.

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The Happy Handwriter’s Printing Book 1, The Happy Handwriter’s Printing Book 2 and The Happy Handwriter’s Number Book

By Bunty McDougall (The Happy Handwriter TM, R60 each) Bunty McDougall is a South African OT who has worked in the field of learning difficulties for over 20 years. Her special interest in handwriting has led to this series and her passion is to find ways to reduce the need for specialist intervention.

These books were developed to assist Grade 0 to Grade 1 children with laying down the motor maps required to form letters and numbers independently, thereby reducing difficulties with letter and number formations and reversals.

For orders and more info, visit thehappyhandwriter.co.za

magazine durban

for preteens and teens What Goes On in My Head?

By Robert Winston (Dorling Kindersley Publishing, R135) Children between the ages of nine and 11 can join Robert Winston, scientist and TV presenter, on a mission around the mind to explore the most miraculous and complex organ in the human body.

Learn about the brain’s intricate anatomy and how it creates your emotions, behaviour, memory and personality. Ever wondered what makes you laugh? Or, how your parents know when you are telling a lie? From taste to telepathy, the book gives fascinating insight into how your brain controls everything you do and who you are.

Wow! Human Body

By Richard Walker (Dorling Kindersley Publishers, R175) This is a book on the human body unlike any you’ve seen before. Aimed at children aged nine to 11, it is crammed full of facts and pictures. It covers cells, organs, pregnancy, muscles, the brain, hearing, hormones, blood, breathing, spare parts… everything your child needs to know about this walking “machine” we live in. Photography is cleverly used to explain intricate systems. This book will be a welcome companion for biology projects and when studying for exams.

The Mystery of the SS Waratah and the Avocado Tree

By MJ Honikman (Tafelberg Publishers, R99) This is a slice of our South African maritime history examined and made palatable for young readers. Four friends, Bobby, Ted, John and Zanele look for the answers to the mystery surrounding the steamship Waratah’s voyage from Sydney to London 100 years ago. The mystery is connected to a massive avocado tree in the garden of Bobby and Ted’s house on the Durban Berea. Why has this mystery, a true story, never been solved? Join the children as they hunt for clues. Youngsters will love this fascinating story: it’s a real mystery and a gripping tale (it also does not include a vampire…), and it’s a local story by a local author.

magazine durban

for us Hangman

By Faye Kellerman (HarperCollins Publishers, R144) Murder, a missing woman, and a sociopath from the past sweep Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus into a labyrinth of mystery and danger in this electrifying new tale of suspense from this New York Times bestselling author.

When LAPD Lieutenant Decker reluctantly agrees to do an old friend a favour, he knows that his involvement will bring the friend’s sociopath husband back into his life. But then both his friend and her killer husband disappear, leaving behind their 14-year-old son. Having to work two cases, and with so many lives hanging in the balance, the 60-year-old Decker wants to get answers quickly. This is another fast-paced novel by Kellerman.

parenting books Getting Ready to Start School

By Hilary Pereira and Hollie Smith (Headline Publishing Group, R148) Getting Ready to Start School offers comprehensive advice on everything you need to know about this allimportant step, whether it is adjusting to a whole new daily routine, or just helping your little one hold a pencil.

There are lots of suggestions for making the transition a smooth one, including guidance on what to expect from school life and how to get the best out of it. Experts and other mothers share advice and experience. This book is aimed at British parents, but there are enough pointers and sufficient advice relevant for parents all over, helping them and their little ones start this exciting journey.

Feeding Sense

By Megan Faure, Katherine Megaw and Dr Simon Strachan (Metz Press, R116) Are you uncertain of what to eat during pregnancy or while breastfeeding or just looking for practical guidance on introducing solids? Feeding Sense guides you through your baby’s feeding milestones. Meg Faure, bestselling co-author of the books in the Sense series looks at your baby’s sensory and emotional relationship with food and the developmental journey you embark on when feeding your baby. Bringing 15 years of experience as a dietician specialising in paediatrics, Kath Megaw covers every curve ball from allergies to weight concerns as well as getting picky eaters to enjoy their food. Paediatrician Simon Strachan reassures you with simple guidelines on your baby’s health and common baby illnesses plus tips on why your baby won’t eat when sick.

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calendar

You can also access the calendar online at

what’s on in february

childmag.co.za

Things to do, places to go, ways to give back, talks and exhibitions plus loads of fun for the whole family. compiled by Tamlyn vincent

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wed

special events

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FUN for children

37

only for parents

39

bump, baby & tot in tow

40

how to help

40

SPECIAL EVENTS

34

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Beginner’s belly dancing courses Shake up your month with these invigorating lessons.

Meryl’s School of Cooking Every class offers a wide assortment of culinary delights.

Little Life Pregnancy and Baby

The Baby House works to find adoptive parents for abandoned and HIV-positive babies.

February 2011

Workshops Educational talks for expectant moms and dads.

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, aQuellé Midmar Mile – ACTION PHOTO

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with a visit to the theatre.

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February 2011

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, aQuellé Midmar Mile – ACTION PHOTO

calendar

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 tuesday Nite Fever This show brings you songs and soundtracks from the ’70s. Relive that decade with tunes from Grease and Saturday Night Fever. Ends 6 March. Time: varies.

Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway.

Cost: Wednesday–Saturday R125, Tuesday night and matinee R90. Contact: 031 566 3045 or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za

2 wednesday Durban North College Grade 8 open day Time: 6pm. Venue: Durban North College, Prospect Hall Rd, Durban North.

Cost: free. Contact: 031 564 1347/8 or info@durbannorthcollege.co.za

4 friday Makin’ Whoopee This musical tribute goes back in time with classics like “Mack the Knife” and “My Baby Just Cares for Me”.

Also 5–6 and 12–14 February. Time: Friday– Saturday 8pm, Sunday 7pm. Venue: The Stirling Theatre, The Italian Club, Durban North. Cost: R80. Contact: 076 786 1127 or bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za Maternity information sessions Expectant moms are invited to attend a number of talks by speakers, including a paediatrician, gynaecologist, occupational

11 fri

Valentine’s dinner in the dark An event to create public awareness and raise funds for the blind – guests dine wearing blindfolds.

Time: 6:30pm. Venue: The Hellenic Greek Hall, 6 High Grove Rd. Cost: R350. Contact: 031 202 7277 or

12 February – aQuellé Midmar Mile

visit durbanbotanicgardens.org.za or book

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

An international musical comedy exploring love, relationships and being parents. Ends 20 February. Time: Wednesday–Saturday 7:30pm, Saturday 2:30pm, Sunday 6pm, and Monday 14 February 7:30pm. Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood. Cost: R100 or R120. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

this race. Also 13 February. Time: varies, depending on category. Venue: Midmar Dam, Howick. Cost: varies. Contact: 086 164 3627, info@midmarmile.co.za or visit midmarmile.co.za Homeopathy in the home A workshop for parents, held by homeopath, Dr Alex de la Rouviere. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: 18 Musgrave Rd, Musgrave. Cost: free, optional additional notes R90. Contact Cherald: 031 202 3082 Little Life pregnancy and baby workshops Educational talks by healthcare specialists for expectant moms and dads.

There are also demonstrations, useful tips, prizes, samples and goodie bags.

Time: 9am–12pm. Venues: Life Chatsmed Garden, Life Mount Edgecombe, Life The Crompton, Life Westville Hospital and Life Empangeni Garden Clinic. Cost: free.

Contact: 031 313 7907

10 thursday

13 sunday

Eat, Love, Save campaign launch The Sunflower Fund and Nourish exhibits the work of local artists while raising funds.

Steve Mandy exhibits 10 February–27 March. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Nourish, Kensington Dr, Durban North. Cost: R120.

Contact Stephanie: 078 207 9041 KZN Philharmonic Orchestra World Symphony Series summer season. Also 17 and 24 February. Time: 7:30pm. Venue: City Hall, Anton Lembede St, Durban. Cost: R40–R180. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

My Funny Valentine For one night only, Belinda Dolphin and Jaziel Vaugh’hann celebrate love and romance with the songs of Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Bryan Adams and others. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Rd, Umbilo. Cost: R100. Contact Roland: 031 205 7602, 082 499 8636 or roland@stansell. za.net or book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Maris Stella open evening Includes presentation and tour. Pupils are encouraged to wear their current school uniforms.

Time: 6:30pm. Venue: 558 Essenwood Rd, Durban. Cost: free. Contact Rosemarie: 031 209 9426 or ms@marisstella.co.za

5 saturday Open day at the Kloof and Highway SPCA All charity shops are open; children can play on the open lawn while you browse. Every Monday and Saturday. Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: Village Green, 29 Village Rd, Kloof. Cost: free entry. Contact Barbara: 031 764 1212

9 wednesday

12 saturday aQuellé Midmar Mile The world’s largest open-water swimming event and swimmers of all ages can participate in

14 monday Old Mutual Music at the Lake Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Mango Groove. Enjoy the melodies of this South African band, while children play in the Kids’ Zone. Time: 7pm. Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: tbc. Contact: 031 309 1170 or

through ticketbreak.co.za World Orphan Week SOS Children’s Villages asks you to do something “WOW” this week and make a difference to the many orphans in South Africa. Companies are encouraged to dress to “WOW”, with participants donating R5, or to display WOW posters. You can also donate time, money or goods. Ends 20 February. For more info: visit sos.org.za

15 tuesday International Cancer Awareness Day CHOC appeals to all schools to support this day by dedicating a Valentine’s Day fundraising event to create awareness about the early warning signs of childhood cancer. For more info: 031 240 2917 or dbn@choc.org.za

16 wednesday

17 thursday The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon It’s the 60th race this year. Ends 19 February. Time: 6am. Venue: Camps Drift, Pietermaritzburg. End venue: Blue Lagoon, Durban. Cost: varies. For more info: visit dusi.org.za

18 friday Topsy Turvy Join Jonathon Roxmouth as he takes a fresh look at Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic characters from operettas such as

family marketplace

juanita@kznblind.org.za

therapist and more. Partners welcome. Ends 5 February. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Netcare Parklands Hospital, Hopelands Rd, Overport.

Cost: free. Contact Suraiya: 031 242 4138 Wild Coast/Pondoland mountain biking weekend Exlpore the Wild Coast on a mountain bike, with two nights accommodation in self-catering units. Experience on a mountain bike is essential. Ends 6 February. Time: tbc.

Venue: Munster. Cost: one-bed unit R2 870, two-bed unit R3 210, three-bed unit R3 670. Contact Lauren: 031 312 1827 or laurenlowry@leisureandtravel.co.za

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February 2011

magazine durban

The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance.

Ends 27 February. Time: Friday–Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm and 6:30pm. Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Rd, Umbilo. Cost: R100. Contact Roland: 031 205 7602, roland@stansell.za.net or book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

26 saturday Match Attax World Championship 2011 Players can test their strategies with these soccer cards and try to become the South African Champion. The winner will get an all expenses paid trip to take part in the World Finals. The Durban winner competes against the Cape Town winner on 27 February in Durban. Time: registration 7:30am, heats start 10am. Venue: Gateway.

Cost: free. For more info: 011 248 3537 or collectables@rnad.co.za

27 sunday Mind, Body, Soul Fair Features over 100 health, holistic and spiritual exhibitions as well as talks, belly dancing and food. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Westville Civic Centre, Buckingham Terrace, Westville. Cost: free entry. Contact Shalini: 072 428 3431

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science artSPACE Julie Mayo’s photography exhibition and Petros Ghebrehiwot paintings from 24 January–12 February, and “Shooting Southern Africa”, a photography exhibition from 14 February–5 March. Time: Monday– Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday/holidays 10am–1pm. Venue: artSPACE, 3 Millar Rd, Stanford Hill. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 312 0793 or visit artspace-durban.com Old Mutual MTN Sciencentre Experiment and explore with gadgets and gizmos.

Time: 9am. Venue: Upper level, Gateway.

Cost: adults R24, children R29. Contact: 031 566 8040 or visit sciencentre.co.za Phezulu Village Experience Zulu culture and learn about their traditions. Entry includes a snake park visit. Time: daily from 8am–4:30pm; dancing at 10am, 11:30am, 2pm and 3:30pm. Venue: Old Main Rd, Botha’s Hill. Cost: R90, game drive R120.

For more info: visit phezulusafaripark.co.za

magazine durban

The Durban Natural Science Museum Home to exhibits about the earth, including displays of animals and insects. Time: Monday–Saturday 8:30am–5pm, Sunday and public holidays 11am–5pm. Venue: City Hall, Anton Lembede St, Durban CBD. Cost: free. Contact: 031 311 2237

classes, talks and workshops Beginner’s belly dancing courses For children aged 5–11. Time and venue: Tuesday 4:30pm–5:15pm in Sunningdale, Thursday 4:30pm–5:15pm in Glenwood.

Cost: eight-week course R440. Contact Senta: 082 829 3658, senta@mayadance. co.za or visit mayadance.co.za Dharma for Kids Aims to teach love, compassion and wisdom. For parents and children 5–12 years. 27 February. Time: 10am– 11am. Venue: Mahasiddha Buddhist Centre, 2 Hollings Rd, Malvern. Cost: R10. Contact: 031 464 0984, info@meditateindurban.org or visit meditateindurban.org Heather Clark summer surf lessons Offers individuals or groups the opportunity to take lessons from this world surfing champion. For ages 12–17. Time: varies.

Venue: KwaZulu-Natal beaches. Cost: R300–R400 an hour, depending on the venue. Contact: 082 437 7839, fergie33@ hotmail.com or visit heatherclark.co.za Holistic Healing for Kids Focus on mindnastics, building self-esteem, and goal setting for children 6–12 years. Time: Monday–Saturday 2pm. Venue: North Beach. Cost: R200. Contact Rookaya: 031 332 9724 or rookayavawda@mweb.co.za Mosaic workshops For moms and children. Time: 10am–12pm, every Thursday. Venue: 50 Haygarth Rd, Kloof.

Cost: R125. Contact: 031 764 6454 or visit kznmosaics.co.za New Daisy Arts Studio Drawing skills, painting and sculpture lessons for anyone 6 years and older. Time: call to select a time that suits you. Venue: 65 Ethelbert Rd, Malvern or 33 Athlone Rd, Durban North.

Cost: varies. Contact: 073 540 9210 or daniella.hartman@gmail.com Nippers Learn beach and swimming safety while having fun. Weekly training sessions for children 8–13 years. Time: Sunday 10am– 12:30pm. Venue: Warnadoone Club House, Doonside. Cost: R200 per year. Contact: 074 149 9084 or mel@homemail.co.za

Roxy Learn to Surf Group or individual lessons for ages 7 and older. All surfboards, rash vests and wetsuits provided. Time: 12pm–5pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Suncoast beach. Cost: R150 per hour.

Contact Alan: 076 877 5143 Tots n Pots Children learn to cook with fun recipes, have craft time and take home a creative box every week. Term 1 runs from 24 January–1 April. Time: Tuesday– Thursday 2:30pm–3:30pm. Venue: Crawford Pre-Primary, La Lucia. Cost: class R90, full term R850. Contact: 073 631 2299 or karen@totsnpots.com Yoga for Children Develops core strength and flexibility while improving concentration.

Time: 2:30pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Centre for Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North. Cost: R40. Contact Angela: 076 410 1410 or angela@rautenbach.co.za

family outings @tap coffee corner Features a children’s playground. Time: Tuesday–Friday 9am– 4pm, Saturday 8am–2pm. Venue: 20 MacKeurtan Ave, Durban North. Contact: 031 563 2678 or 031 563 0882 Bon Vie Shop for clothes and furniture or have coffee while the children play in the sandpit or on the jungle gym. Open daily.

Time: Monday–Friday 8am–4pm, Saturday– Sunday 9am–3pm. Venue: 16 Bute Rd, Windermere. Contact: 076 735 4394, 082 378 0279 or bonvie@sia.co.za Books2You Find popular titles by your favourite authors at affordable prices. Time: 15 February 10am–4pm, 16 February 7:30am–2pm. Venue: Highbury Preparatory School, Hillcrest. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 907 1577, info@books2you.co.za or visit books2you.co.za Fabulous Flavours Moms can enjoy a meal or cappuccino while their toddlers play in the safe, indoor play area. Feeding and changing rooms available. Time: Monday– Friday 7:30am–4pm, Saturday–Sunday 8am–2pm. Venue: The Well, Albertina Way, Ballito. Contact: 032 946 1527, 082 657 4170, kids@fabulousflavours.co.za or visit fabulousflavours.co.za Horseback Beach Adventures Ride along the beach or take a moonlit ride. Time: Friday–Wednesday 3pm. Venue: Isipingo, directions sent on booking confirmation.

Cost: R250–R350. Contact: 084 467

0752, horsebackbeachadventures@gmail. com or visit horsebackbeachadventures. bravehost.com Moses Mabhida Stadium offers familyfun activities. Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: Masabalala Yengwa Ave, Stamford Hill.

Cost: SkyCar adults R50, children 6–12 years R25, Big Swing R595, professional tour R75, general tour adults R20, children 6–12 years R15. Contact: 031 582 8242 or visit mosesmabhidastadium.co.za Rayz Kids World Spend the day visiting Crabby Beach, Black Skulls Treasure Cave and Rayz Gold Diggers. For children 2–10 years. Tiny tots and parents also catered for.

Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: uShaka Marine World. Cost: R35. Contact: 031 328 8000 or visit ushakamarineworld.co.za Splash Waterworld Water slides, children’s slides, lazy river, mini golf and more. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: 97 Beach Rd, Amanzimtoti. Cost: adults R60, children R40, party of four R200. Contact: 031 904 2273, 082 781 5535 or visit splashwaterworld.co.za The Inchanga Choo Choo travels through the scenic Valley of 1000 Hills to Inchanga. 27 February. Time: departs 8:30am or 12:30pm. Venue: Stoker’s Arms, Kloof Station. Cost: adults R150, children R120. Contact: 087 808 7715, 082 353 6003 or visit umgenisteamrailway.co.za

finding nature and outdoor play 1000 Hills Bird Park Home to rare and exotic birds. Now featuring a new 150m zip line for those who are adventurous enough.

Time: Tuesday–Sunday 8am–4pm. Venue: 1 Clement Stott Rd, Botha’s Hill. Cost: adults R25, children R15. Contact: 072 927 8242 or visit 1000hillsbirdpark.co.za

Heather Clark summer surf lessons

February 2011

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Hybrid Living Parents can browse in the shops or have a meal while children play in the Grubby

Knees

garden.

Time: 8am–4pm. Venue: 1 Old Fort Rd, Umhlali (exit 214 from highway).

Contact: 032 525 5115 or visit hybridcentre.co.za

Crocodile Creek This is the place that 7 000 Nile crocodiles, alligators, slender snouted and dwarf crocs call home. See baby crocs hatching. Open daily. Time: 9am–5pm; guided tours at 10am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3pm; feedings at 11am and 3pm. Venue: Tongaat. Cost: adults R50, 11–18 years R30, 4–10 years R20. Contact: 032 944 3845 or visit crocodilecreek.net Dangerous Creatures Face some of the world’s fastest and most poisonous reptiles.

Time: 10am–5pm daily. Venue: uShaka Marine World. Cost: R25. Contact: 031 328 8000 or visit ushakamarineworld.co.za Duck and Deck animal farm A chance for children to touch, feel and interact with animals. Closed Mondays. Time: 9:30am– 4pm. Venue: 3 Willow Way, Assagay.

Cost: R15. Contact: 031 768 1029 or visit duckanddeck.co.za Flag Animal Farm See all types of farm animals, enjoy pony and horse rides, tea garden and more. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Umhlali. Cost: R25. Contact: 032 947 2018 or visit flaganimalfarm.co.za KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Enjoy a presentation and shark dissection and displays. Time: Tuesday–Thursday 9am and 2pm, Sunday 2pm. Venue: 1A Herrwood Dr, Umhlanga. Cost: adults R30, children R15.

Contact: 031 566 0499 or visit shark.co.za The Animal Farmyard Offers daily milking demonstrations, the chance to bottle-feed newborn animals, have fun pony rides and play on the foefie slide. Time: open daily 9am–4:30pm, milking 10:30am and 3:30pm. Venue: 3 Lello Rd, Botha’s Hill.

Cost: entry R10, rides R4. Contact: 031 765 2240 or visit animalfarmyard.co.za The Barn Swallows Take your own chairs, drinks, snacks and mosquito repellent and watch the swallows coming in to roost.

Playground available. Children 8 years and older can join monthly bird-ringing sessions. Time: 5pm. Venue: swallow view site, Mt Moreland, Umdloti. Cost: R10 per car. For more info: visit barnswallows.co.za

Time: 10am–3:30pm, every Sunday. Venue: Uitsig Rd, Durban North. Cost: free entry.

Contact Lyn: 083 262 3693 i heart market Food and design market showcasing locally produced crafts, food and fresh veggies. 5 February. Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: DLI Hall, 5 DLI Ave, Greyville. Contact: 079 496 4788 or thejoyteam@gmail.com Karkloof Farmer’s Market Indoor market with a variety of goodies, music and children’s activities. Time: 7am–11am, every Saturday. Venue: off the D507, along the Karkloof Rd. Contact Andrea: 082 820 8986 or visit karklooffarmersmarket.co.za Our Country Market Natural, fresh produce and a range of other stalls.

Animal-petting farm and pony rides for children. Time: 9am–1pm, last Sunday of the month. Venue: The Heritage Market, Hillcrest. Contact: 031 765 2500 Shongweni Farmer’s and Craft Market Gourmet food, 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 Stables Lifestyles Market Craft and products market offering clothing, toys, jewellery, food and more. Time: Wednesday and Friday 6pm–10pm, Sunday 10am– 5pm. Venue: Jacko Jackson Dr, off Smiso Nkwanyana Rd, Stamford Hill. For more info: visit stablesmarket.co.za The Food Market Offers locally produced coffee, cheese, breads, children’s corner, mini flower market and tea garden. 26 February.

Time: 8am–2pm. Venue: The Hellenic Community Centre, Durban North. Contact: 083 777 5633 or visit thefoodmarket.co.za The Litchi Orchard Farmer’s Market Features live music and a children’s playground. Time: 9am–1pm, first and third Saturday of the month. Venue: Seaforth Ave, Foxhill. Contact: 084 205 6151

markets 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 Farmer’s Market Non-refrigerated fresh produce. Time: 10am–1pm. Venue: Thursday Jimmy Bellows Sport Field, Westville, Wednesday Autumn Drive, Umhlanga, Tuesday Amanzimtoti Sports Club. Contact Rob: 082 413 1887 Golden Hours Family Market Fundraising initiative of Golden Hours Special School.

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The Food Market

magazine durban

The Riverside Market Offers high-quality products, including ceramics, woodwork, food, jigsaws and more. Proceeds go to local charities. Time: 10am–3pm, first Sunday every month. Venue: northern entrance of Scottburgh, Scottburgh River Mouth.

Contact Sue or Tony: 039 975 3893

on stage and screen Nite Fever This show brings you songs and soundtracks from the ’70s. Ends 6 March.

Time: varies. Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway. Cost: Wednesday–Saturday R125, Tuesday night and matinee R90. Contact: 031 566 3045, gateway@barnyardtheatres. co.za or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za Old Mutual Music at the Lake Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the popular Mango Groove. Enjoy the melodies of this South African band, while children play in the Kids’ Zone. 14 February. Time: 7pm.

Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea.

Cost: tbc. Contact: 031 309 1170 or visit durbanbotanicgardens.org.za or book through ticketbreak.co.za Topsy Turvy Join Jonathon Roxmouth as he takes a fresh look at Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic characters from operettas such as The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance.

18–27 February. Time: Friday–Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm and 6:30pm. Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Rd, Umbilo. Cost: R100. Contact: 031 205 7602, roland@stansell.za.net or book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

playtime and story time Books and Books children’s story time Time: 10am, every Saturday. Venue: Shop 42 Kensington Square, 53 Kensington Dr, Durban North. Cost: free. Contact: 031 563 6288 or booksandbooks@telkomsa.net Children’s story time 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 Clamber Club Jungle gym, hoops, balls, sandpit and more. Time: 12pm–4:30pm, every Friday. Venue: Hellenic Community Centre, High Grove Rd, Durban North. Cost: R20. Contact Michaela: 074 101 2616 Steam train rides Ride a miniature steam engine at the Durban Society of Model Engineers. Playground and tea/coffee are available. Time: 11am–4pm, second and fourth Sunday of the month. Venue: 4 Hinton Grove, Virginia. Cost: R5 per ride.

Contact: 083 284 6469

sport and physical activities Adventure Golf Three courses with nine holes each. Time: Monday–Thursday 9am– 10pm, Friday–Sunday 9am–11pm. Venue: The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Westville.

Cost: adults R45, under 16 years R39, under 7 years R29. Contact: 031 265 1570, info@adventuregolf.co.za or visit adventuregolf.co.za Durban Ice Rink Open seven days a week, with five skate sessions daily. Don’t forget to take socks. Time: varies. Venue: 81 Somtseu Rd, Durban. Cost: R40; includes skate hire. Contact: 031 332 4597 or visit durbanicerink.co.za magazine durban

Little Kickers Football training and the development of ball skills for children aged 18 months to 8 years. Classes vary depending on age group. Time: varies.

Venue: Indoor Sports Action Arena, Rinaldo Park, Durban North. Cost: varies. Contact: 0861 088 888 or admin@littlekickers.co.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops A women’s circle A safe place for women to be themselves and meet others. Meeting once a month for one year. 17 February.

Time: 8:30am–11:45am. Venue: Umhlanga.

Cost: R120. Contact Tracy: 082 852 4890 or tracy.mills@telkomsa.net Beginners’ belly dancing courses Learn how to belly dance. For anyone 12 years and

older. Time: varies depending on venue.

Venues: Glenwood, La Lucia, Morningside, Westville. Cost: eight-week course R440.

Contact Senta: 082 829 3658, senta@ mayadance.co.za or visit mayadance.co.za Childcare first-aid workshop Emergency procedures for all childcarers. Time: 9am– 3pm, last Saturday of the month. Venue: New Era House, 6 Joseph Ave, Glen Anil.

Cost: R500. Contact Kate: 083 271 5127 or durban@edubabe.co.za Gecko Culinary School Offers mini chef and gourmet courses, plus singles evenings. Time: varies. Venue: 596B Musgrave Rd, Berea. Cost: varies. Contact Megan: 082 467 8088, 031 209 4555 or megan@geckoschool.co.za Homeopathy in the home Workshop for parents, held by Dr Alex de la Rouviere.

12 February. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue:

18 Musgrave Rd, Musgrave. Cost: free, optional additional notes R90. Contact Cherald: 031 202 3082 Meditation classes for moms Learn how to develop and maintain a peaceful mind. Time: 8:30am–9:30am, every Friday.

Venue: Hillcrest Library, 22 Delamore Rd. Cost: R25. Contact: 031 765 2162, meditateinhillcrest@gmail.com or visit meditateinhillcrest.org Meryl’s School of Cooking Offers culinary courses from Thai food to courses for domestic workers. Time: morning courses 9:30am–11am, evening courses 5:30pm–8pm. Venue: 1 Wingfield Rd, Kloof. Cost: varies. Contact Meryl: 031 764 6577, meryl@absamail.co.za or visit merylschoolofcooking.co.za Weight Loss Challenge Twelve-week course in which you lose weight, learn February 2011

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Bread tags for Wheelchairs

about nutrition and gain energy. 17 February. Time: 5:30pm–6:30pm. Venue: 14 Northmoor Ave, Umhlanga Rocks. Cost: R350. Contact Tracy: 082 852 4890 or visit nutritionsolutions.co.za Yoga on the beach Classes held for adults and teens, from beginners to advanced.

Time: 5pm–6pm, every Thursday. Venue: Suncoast Zone. Cost: free. Contact: 031 201 8585

on stage and screen I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

An international musical comedy exploring love, relationships and being parents. 9– 20 February. Time: Wednesday–Saturday 7:30pm, Saturday 2:30pm, Sunday 6pm, Monday 14 February 7:30pm. Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood. Cost: R100 or R120. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Makin’ Whoopee This musical tribute goes back in time with classics like “Mack the Knife” and “My Baby Just Cares for Me”.

Also 4–6 and 12–14 February. Time: Friday– Saturday 8pm, Sunday 7pm. Venue: The Stirling Theatre, The Italian Club, Durban North. Cost: R80. Contact: 076 786 1127 or bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za My Funny Valentine For one night only, celebrate love and romance with the songs of Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Bryan Adams and others. 13 February. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Rd, Umbilo. Cost: R100.

Contact: 031 205 7602, roland@stansell. za.net or book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

support groups ADHASA support groups For adult and child ADHD. Meetings are irregular.

Contact Stuart: 031 298 8896 or Robin: 082 499 1344 for details on ADHASA, meeting times and support.

CANSA Support Durban North For survivors, relatives and friends. Second Tuesday of the month. Venue: Durban North Methodist Church Hall. Contact: 031 564 2510 (for CANSA support groups in other areas call 031 205 9525) Childhood cancer parent support group CHOC schedules regular support meetings. Contact Gill: 084 831 3683 or visit choc.org.za Childline Offers counselling to abuse victims, education and training. Call the toll-free line at any time on 0800 055 555 or visit childlinesa.org.za

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February 2011

Compassionate Friends Support group for family and friends who have lost a loved one. Time: 3pm–5pm, Fourth Sunday of the month. Venue: ABSA premises, 20 Hunter St, Durban CBD. Contact: 031 335 0463 or 082 458 3663 Depression and Anxiety South Africa For depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and other mood and anxiety disorders. Call the national helpline on 0800 20 51 21 for referral to the relevant support group.

Diabetes South Africa Contact: 0861 222 717 or durban@diabetessa.co.za Down Syndrome Association KZN Intuthuko support group every third Saturday of the month. Venue: Anglican Church Hall, Umbilo Rd. Contact: 076 978 9811 or 031 464 2055 FAMSA Family and relationship counselling, parental guidance, conflict resolution and more. Contact: 031 202 8987 or visit 30 Bulwer Rd, Glenwood Hi Hopes Provides support and information to families of babies with hearing loss.

Contact Cheryl: 082 447 1142 or cheryl. devnath@gmail.com Hoping is Coping Nationwide support groups for those newly diagnosed with cancer and their families. Contact: 011 646 5628, lgold@icon.co.za or visit cansa.org.za Reach for Recovery breast cancer support group Meets over bring-andshare morning teas. Contact: 072 248 0008 or 03l 205 9525 SADAG South African Depression and Anxiety Group offers assistance to those suffering from depression or drug abuse, or who may be suicidal. For more info: visit sadag.co.za Speak Easy Support group for those who stutter, their family and friends. Contact: 082 786 3718 or visit speakeasy.org.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Baby Bond workshop Moms are invited to this structured baby massage training course, to engage in nurturing touch and baby education. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Limelight Spa, 15 Bedale Rd, Malvern. Cost: R800 for four sessions. Contact Jaycie: 033 463 1044, 082 450 5332, limelightspa@telkomsa.net or visit spalimelight.co.za Little Life pregnancy and baby workshops Educational talks by healthcare specialists for expectant moms and dads.

12 February. Time: 9am–12pm. Venues: Life

Chatsmed Garden, Life Mount Edgecombe, Life The Crompton, Life Westville Hospital and Life Empangeni Garden Clinic. Cost: free. Contact: 031 313 7907 Maternity information sessions Expectant moms are invited to attend a number of talks by speakers, including a paediatrician, gynaecologist, occupational therapist and more. Partners welcome. 4–5 February. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Netcare Parklands Hospital, Hopelands Rd, Overport.

Cost: free. Contact Suraiya: 031 242 4138 Pregnancy Yoga Teaches beneficial posture, relaxation and breathing techniques for pregnancy. Time: Wednesday 3pm, Saturday 10am. Venue: Centre for Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North.

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

playtime and story time Durban Botanical Gardens Get together with some other moms and take a stroll around the gardens. Time: 7:30am–5:15pm daily. Venue: Sydenham Rd, Berea. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 309 1170, dbginfo@durban.gov.za or visit durbanbotanicgardens.org.za Moms and Tots and Moms and Babes workshops Programmes designed to build relationships through play and fun activities.

Time: varies. Venues: Umhlanga, Durban North, the Highway area, Glenwood.

Cost: varies. Contact: info@momsandtots. co.za or visit momsandbabes.co.za or momsandtots.co.za Muslimahs and Tots workshops Interactive programmes designed to build relationships through play and fun activities, geared specifically towards Muslim parents. Time: Monday 9:30am–12pm. Venue: 59 Milkwood Dr, Umhlanga. Cost: R600 per term. Contact: 031 561 6615, 084 478 6322 or visit muslimahsandtots.co.za Story time at La Lucia Library Join other moms and tots for a children’s story and the chance to relax. Time: Wednesday–Friday 1pm. Venue: 1 Library Lane, behind La Lucia Mall. Cost: free.

Contact: 031 572 2986 Toptots Children from 8 weeks–4 years can join an age-appropriate class to learn and play. Activities range from music to free play to pilates. Time: varies. Venues: Durban North, Ballito, Kloof, Hillcrest, Westville, Hilton. Cost: about R810 per term. Contact: 031 266 4910, info@ toptots.co.za or visit toptots.co.za

the topic covers how to boost your child’s immune system at crèche. 8 February.

Time: 9am–10:30am. Venue: Alberlito Hospital, Ballito. Cost: free. Contact: 032 946 6956 or 032 946 1826 Post-natal Depression Support Association of South Africa Call the National Helpline: 082 882 0072 or visit pndsa.co.za The South African Multiple Birth Association Support group for families with multiples. Join for resources, newsletters, contacts and social network. Contact: 082 338 2625 or visit samultiplebirth.co.za

how to help Bread tags for Wheelchairs A project aimed at saving and recycling bread tags in order to acquire wheelchairs for those in need. Sasko and Kwikloc are doing their part by providing collection boxes at various drop-off points. They have also pledged to donate two wheelchairs for every one gained through the bread tags project. Help by collecting bread tags for recycling. For more information: 071 083 5219 or visit polystyrenepackaging.co.za Just Us 4 Children Runs abuse awareness courses for children, teachers and parents at Addington Hospital. These courses help to enable victims of abuse while also empowering others to help them. You can sponsor a child for R100 a year.

For more info: 073 565 1691 or nicky@ justus4children.za.org SPCA Born to Love campaign Aims to raise funds for the sterilisation and care of animals in order to prevent unwanted litters being born. Buy a silicone wristband for R10 or make a donation to the programmes.

Contact Janine: 031 764 1212/3, janine@ kloofspca.co.za or visit kloofspca.co.za The Baby House A home for abandoned and HIV-positive babies. The babies are cared for until they can be placed with adoptive parents. They are in need of funds, formula, Cerelac, Purity food, nappies and other necessities such as nappy sacks, wipes, bottles and dummies. Contact Justin: 082 3541839 or justin@sayhello.co.za

support groups La Leche League Breastfeeding support organisation. There are currently no meetings in KwaZulu-Natal, but for breastfeeding support and questions contact Jane: 031 309 1801 or visit llli.org/southafrica Moms and Babes support group Meets monthly for a talk – this month

SPCA Born to Love campaign

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 2 February 2011 for the March issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online or browse events, visit childmag.co.za

magazine durban

it’s party time

magazine durban

February 2011

41

last laugh

men don’t make resolutions

Joe, Sam and Benj

ith the start of the New Year and the fresh bliss of new pencils (is there anything as happy-making as a brand new, pointy pencil?), comes the time-honoured urge to make broad sweeping promises to oneself about the year ahead.

“This is the year I lose 10 kilograms!”

I’ll say to myself, with ferocious conviction.

(I am way too smart to say this out loud to anyone else.) The weight one always sparks off a whole series of others, which I do say out loud.

“This is the year I figure out e-filing!” I told the family over New Year’s breakfast.

“And take all that bitter rocket out of the herb garden! And actually call someone in to fix the chest freezer’s slow leak

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February 2011

instead of just squishing old newspapers under it once a week! And clean out my wardrobe! And...”

I tapered off there, as everyone just quietly spooned cereal into themselves while staring at me in slightly distracted bemusement. (That look, where your family is trying as hard as possible to pretend they are listening without having to sacrifice their much more entertaining daydreams.)

“Seriously,” I said to my family, in bewilderment. “Not one of you wants to make New Year’s resolutions?”

The boys stared pointedly at their father, which is well-known boy code for: “You tell her.”

Andreas cleared his throat.

“Well, no, but don’t let us stop you; you love making resolutions,” he said, supportively. “Um, how about exercise?

You usually make a resolution about exercise. Doesn’t she, boys?”

The boys nodded their heads vigorously in unison, before ducking back down to their cereal.

And that’s when it struck me. Boys don’t make New Year’s resolutions. It’s an almost exclusively chick pursuit. Think about it: when last did you hear a man proclaim: “This is the year I sort out the shed!” or “In 2011, I am conquering my DIY phobia!”?

Exactly. Never.

I took this little light bulb with me to my Monday Mommy date with my friend Rosie.

“This year,” she began, while spooning Pad Thai onto her plate and signalling the waiter for more spring rolls, “I am going to get fit, and...”

“Ha! Stop right there!” I interrupted. “See what you are doing? You’re in automatic New Year’s resolution mode, right?”

“Well, duh,” she replied, through a mouthful of noodles. “It’s New Year.”

“But men don’t do this!” I exclaimed, spearing our third spring roll before she noticed. “Only women make New Year’s resolutions! And I think I know why. Women are so bad at accepting themselves for who they are that we feel the need to choose a whole lot of sticks to beat ourselves with

at the beginning of each year. It’s a terrible indictment of society as a whole and the way women never feel good enough!”

Rosie’s eyes opened wide. (But that may just have been her noticing my sneaky spring-roll move.)

“You’re right,” she said, re-signalling the waiter. “Now that I think about it, I have never heard a man make a New Year’s resolution. And it’s not because they are without flaw as an entire gender.”

At this point, we cackled so loudly the waiter decided to deposit our additional spring rolls on another table entirely.

So this year, dear readers, I am making not a single resolution. (Even that silent weight one.) This year, I am going to take a leaf out of Andreas’s book, and just get on with being myself and as happy as possible. And instantly, 2011 is looking a whole lot less stressful.

Sam Wilson is the Editor-in-chief of Women24, Parent24 and Food24. She likes Chinese dumplings almost as much as spring rolls.

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH: Andreas SpÄth

SAM WILSON begins 2011 with a light-bulb moment. And lots of spring rolls.