Child Magazine | Durban March 2011

D U R B A N ’ S

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

p a r e n t s

16

festivals

that are fun for you and the children

laugh

out loud

www.childmag.co.za

March 2011

tips for turning your brood into happy campers

getaways

encouraging humour in your family

free

the great outdoors

health

education

entertainment

As my children (and I) have grown older, we have come to share a love for travelling.

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

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

I absolutely love jumping into the car and journeying vast distances to experience places and people very different from those in our home town.

We have been to Hankey to pay tribute to Sarah Baartman’s grave, have been pulled by oxen through muddy roads in the Transkei and have visited Sutherland to ogle the stars. We have stopped over in Kimberley to peer into the Big Hole and have driven along scarily narrow roads from Cape Town to the Kalahari to see the most beautiful antelope on earth, the gemsbok. Just last week we spent 48 hours travelling to and from Bali – all for a three-day visit, and boy was it worth it. It seems such a precious gift to give one’s children: the joy of discovery, of family time, laughter and… tears – as someone takes the open seat next to you on the plane, which would have allowed your child to stretch her little legs, and sleep!

Next on our agenda? Camping. So I’ll be reading “happy campers” on page 14 along with you this month and dreaming of our next family getaway…

May March bring you many good memories.

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

Looking for somewhere to head to for the weekend?

Visit childmag.co.za/resources/getaways

PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: CHRIS MC NAMARA

Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za

Client Relations

Robyn and Lisa exploring Bali’s Tanah Lot Temple

Taryn Copeman • taryn@childmag.co.za Tracy Long • tracylong@childmag.co.za Natasha Whittaker • natashaw@childmag.co.za

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March 2011

contents

march 2011

16

upfront 3

a note from lisa

6

ver to you o readers respond

features 10 h a ha plonk raising children with a sense of humour. By Tracy Ellis

health 8

10 14 h appy campers Marina Zietsman gives tips for the family keen to sleep under the stars 16 f inger snacking good advice from the experts on baby and toddler finger food. By Elaine Eksteen 18 b ullying – the parent’s guide helping your child cope with bullying behaviour. By Joanne Lillie

14

that’s got to hurt!

Marina Zietsman unpacks the most common sports injuries

regulars 7

pfront with paul u Paul Kerton bans the f-word from his home

7

wins

22 r esource – have a ball a roundup of local family-friendly festivals. By Chareen Boake 24 a good read new books for the whole family 26 what’s on in march 34 l ast laugh Sam Wilson on those moments when life just couldn’t be better

classified ads 33 it’s party time 34 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

March 2011

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

magazine durban

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March 2011

letters

over to you read early I found your article on learning to read in the February issue very interesting and very much needed in an age of technology. I have only one comment: children, even very young children, can and are reading before they start school. In fact, several of my friends are primary school teachers, in South Africa and in the United States, and all of them agree that their jobs would be much easier if the majority of children arrived at school already knowing how to read.

I have no formal teaching background, but as a mother, I have sought out the best for my child. Thankfully I discovered an old copy of Teach Your Baby to Read by Glenn Doman in the library. I was sceptical at first and wondered if I would rob my son of his precious childhood by teaching him to read too soon. But I was surprised by how simple and how ultimately beneficial Doman’s approach is. I was even more surprised when my 18-month-old read “Mama” out of a title from the Reader’s Digest.

Doman’s basics are: young children want to read, can read, and should read.

Katie Schultz Coetzee

preschool guide In the past, Child magazine published a resource on preschools. It included a very comprehensive list of schools and I’m in desperate need of a copy. Where can I find one?

Helen Fava Our preschool guide is now available online. Visit childmag.co.za, click on resources, select preschool guide and your city and you’re connected. Short cut link: childmag.co.za/resources/preschool-guide

sweet aisles I have on many occasions witnessed children having tantrums in food stores as parents queue to pay for groceries. The children start to fuss about the sweets and other goodies that are displayed on both sides of them. Although I understand that this is a marketing strategy, I have called a specific store to enquire about this and am still waiting for a reply.

Many children are perfectly behaved in the store, but when they get to the checkout aisle, a pleasant shopping experience turns into a battle of wills.

Many of these stores like to advertise healthy food but their till points don’t reflect this. Why don’t they do the right thing and put fruit, yoghurt or nuts at the pay points so that customers can fill their baskets with a better treat?

Concerned mom

instruction. He also felt isolated because everybody in his class knew he was having remedial lessons.

I then decided to take him to an outside teacher at a remedial school instead. The teacher is brilliant, but the programme tough. He receives remedial homework on top of his school homework – and is given work during the holidays. This takes huge commitment from you as a parent, as well as from a willing and motivated child. The most important input you can give your child is with homework.

Over the years we have developed strategies to make learning less frustrating. A lot of repetition is needed for dyslexic children to grasp concepts. As a parent who is also dyslexic, I developed my own skills as a child, which I am able to use to help my child. We have adopted a multi-sensory approach to studying, which makes learning fun. This allows learning to be experience-based rather than by rote, which assists long-term memory.

Building self-confidence, teaching planning skills, imagery and location strategies all help. You may find, however, that what works now may not in two years’ time, and you may have to re-evaluate your child’s needs.

After-school sport also helps. It gives my son great pleasure and has improved his confidence.

Knowing other mothers who are in similar positions is a great help as you navigate your way through this challenging time – we are able to use our knowledge, resources and emotional support to help each other.

Gill Kruger To view our article on dyslexia visit childmag.co.za/ content/overcoming-dyslexia

a mother’s story

living with diabetes

I am the mother of a dyslexic child. I am also dyslexic. I have come a long way and have learnt so much – a lot of it through trial and error.

My son is in a mainstream school, which comes with its own set of challenges. He was receiving remedial therapy from the school as well as extra speech therapy after school. It seemed like the perfect solution, but after a while I noticed his self-confidence was at a low and he was not progressing. After talking to people in the know, I realised the setup was not working. He was being taken out of his class for remedial therapy about three times a week and then having to catch up on the lessons he had missed, without much teacher

My middle daughter, Alex, was diagnosed at the age of 10 with type 1 diabetes. To say I was shocked, is an understatement. So many questions ran through my mind to which I had no answers. Through diabetic educators, doctors, family and friends we have learnt to live with diabetes. Our diet at home has changed considerably, all for the better. In Alex’s own words, “Mom, if I just eat healthily and exercise, I’ll be fine.”

Alex plays first team sports, has an active life and is a healthy child. There have been mornings where we have been unable to wake her as a result of a severe “low” during the night. It’s on these days that I’ll phone a friend whose child also has diabetes. Through diabetes

March 2011

I have forged friendships with other moms of children with diabetes. These friends have brightened dark days, providing shoulders to lean on. I know I will always worry about my daughter, but isn’t that what being a mom is all about?

Pam Heiberg To view our article on diabetes visit childmag.co.za/ content/understanding-diabetes

very impressed Having spent 15 years in the magazine publishing industry, I am very critical of publications and tend to avoid most magazines because of that. However, my mother gave me a copy of your February 2011 issue and I was most impressed! The articles were informative and even the advertising was very interesting.

I have a toddler and have recently switched careers to become a teacher, so this is all fascinating to me!

Samantha Gibb

wonderful website I manage IT systems and from an IT perspective – well done on childmag.co.za! The website is actually brilliant – professional, clean, crisp and coordinated. I’m especially impressed by the back-copy functionality.

Wow! Very smart!

Bernard Cook Hallelujah! I am so pleased to have found this site! At last I can print and save articles relevant to my teacher training course without having to cut and paste my Child mag.

Pen

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

Send your letters to: marina@childmag.co.za

You can also post a comment online at

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.

magazine durban

upfront with paul

banning the f-word PAUL KERTON on outlawing this conversation killer from his home.

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

i

don’t quite know where they picked up this terrible habit, but both my dear children, in fact, everyone in the household, has suddenly started using the f-word with infuriating regularity. Shocking, I know. But wait, it’s not the f-word you’re thinking of (get out of that gutter right now, before the children notice). The f-word I am talking about is “fine”.

“How was school today?” I ask cheerily, wanting reassurance that the school fees are reaping benefits in the grey-matter department. “Fine,” comes the instant, knee-jerk response. “What was the movie like?” I prod, expecting a very short, but well-crafted description delivered with a spot of enthusiasm and passion. “Fine.”

What was your play date like with that new girl?” I dig, hoping to get a personal

account of the environment in which my child has just spent five hours. “Fine.”

Not quite the answers I was looking for.

“Fine” tells me precisely nothing. It also kills off any further conversation unless you prod a little further and deeper and demand a more eloquent involvement. Saying “fine” is the easy way out. It is complete laziness; an answer from someone who can’t be bothered to think about what they are saying or make the required effort.

But prior to sex, money, and texting, it was conversation that made the world go around.

Conversation has become passive as we’ve taken on the roll of observers not doers, and we’ve bred a world of voyeurs.

There was a report in the New York Times of a man who collapsed and died in Fifth

Avenue. He was surrounded by people, and nobody helped him. Every one of the 100 or so people watching were too busy texting and Twittering and Face-booking to their legion of “friends”: “Wow, I just saw this old guy collapse and die in front of my very eyes, and here’s the picture [click] to prove it. Awesome.” Couldn’t someone have used their Blackberry to call an ambulance?

Communication has changed and it’s no longer face-to-face. But has conversation, with its injections of wit, sarcasm, irony, gossip, passages of great description, enlightenment and inspiration, become boring, or is it simply that there are too many passive distractions?

When, in our house, we turned our TV off and banned the computer for

a week, guess what? We all talked.

We really talked; about feelings, about fears, about fun things, sad things, hopes, memories… the whole tapestry of human existence came blurting out of our mouths and it was very surprising, entertaining and engaging. And, oddly rewarding. It takes courage to be funny and to voice an opinion, and you have to work hard to make language compelling and entertaining. Above all, you’ve got to make an effort and think.

“You see, you can hold a conversation,” I applauded with only a hint of sarcasm.

Which is why I have banned the f-word from our house, forever. Please don’t let on, but the TV is next.

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

giveaways in march home away from home Ocean Eden sleeps up to 40 guests and consists of four luxury self-catering villas, situated right on the South Coast’s Pennington main beach, with private access to this stretch of shore. To create a comfortable feel, the villas have each been built and furnished as homes. All are fully fitted, furnished and secure, serviced daily and have a pool and Jacuzzi. Pets are welcome. The surroundings are tranquil and secluded with indigenous bush and abundant bird and wildlife such as loeries, grey duiker and dassies. For more information contact 039 975 1729, 082 815 1000, hatton1@mweb.co.za or visit oceaneden.co.za One reader of Durban’s Child stands a chance to win an out-of-season two-night weekend stay for eight guests at Ocean Eden valued at R4 800. To enter, email your details to win@childmag.co.za with “Ocean Eden Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Ocean Eden Win, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010 before 31 March 2011. Only one entry per reader.

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functional gear Cape Union Mart stocks a wide range of outdoor gear and technical clothing. With the K-Way Kids range of technical gear catering for your child, your little campers will be kitted out for day and night. Classic K-Way Kids items include the Fozzie Beanie, Snugbug Sleeping Bag, Waldorf Crewneck Fleece and Rascal Day Pack.

For more information contact 0860 034 000 or visit capeunionmart.co.za One reader of Durban’s Child stands a chance to win a R2 000 gift voucher to spend at any Cape Union Mart store. To enter, email your details to competitions@ capeunionmart.co.za with “Child magazine DBN Win” in the subject line before 31 March 2011. Only one entry per reader.

congratulations to our December/January winners Anamika Somera, Jillian Takurparsad, Heather van Loggerenberg, Merilda Tselentis and Beverley Chirobe who each win a Ceres fruit juice hamper; Leverne Dhanesar, Claire Dafel, Toni Mowat, Stacey Bennett, Ashtira Bugwandin, Selvie Naidoo, Kalpana Gopal, Tammy Bennie, Rabia Valli and Sherril Knickelbein who each win a FOFA-XD Single Keyfob plus Flat Wallet Finder; Trevlyn Ainsworth, Ashtira Bugwandin and Kasturi Mohunlal who each win a three-month supply of Huggies Gold nappies; Tamin Coningham and Anri Kok who each win a Nestlé Nestum hamper.

March 2011

health

that’s got to hurt!

MARINA ZIETSMAN looks at the most common childhood sports injuries, and how to prevent and treat them.

Rugby is a physically demanding, full-contact sport, which carries a high risk of injury. “The most common injuries from lower level rugby games are soft-tissue injuries, where there is blunt force trauma to a muscle or joint (most often the knee),” says Neil Hopkins, Cape Town-based biokineticist and director of Athlete Management Solutions.

More severe injuries like fractures or concussions need to be treated by a medical professional immediately.

Even though soccer has less contact, it is still possible to sustain a concussion. “As in rugby the majority of injuries are soft tissue injuries, such as hamstring and groin strains,” says Hopkins. Ankle injuries are also very common. prevention “Children today are more sedentary than previous generations and they need different conditioning to children of yesteryear,” says Hopkins. “They need individualised conditioning. Basic strengthening exercises, using body weight, should be included over and above normal rugby practice,” says Hopkins.

March 2011

treatment Soft tissue injuries are relatively simple to recover from, and if not too serious can be treated conservatively with the Rice method (see box). However, Hopkins advises that if the pain persists you should seek medical advice from a doctor or physiotherapist.

netball

swimming

The most common injuries in netball are finger and ankle sprains. The sudden stopping puts a lot of strain on ankles, and finger sprains occur when catching the ball. prevention Nikki Hyam, head of sport and netball coach at Grayston Preparatory in Johannesburg, says that most netball injuries can be prevented with a good warm-up session that includes adequate stretching exercises and, very importantly, through teaching children the correct techniques for catching, throwing and landing. “And good supportive shoes are a must,” says Hyam. treatment Sprains require strapping. An application of arnica is recommended as well as the regular application of ice.

Swimmers can occasionally suffer from back pain, but the most common injuries are to the shoulder. “Swimmers often have poor postures due to abnormal muscular development and tightness,” says Hopkins. “This predisposes them to abnormal biomechanics (or movement patterns), which in turn leads to over-use injuries.” Hopkins adds that rotator cuff impingement syndrome can be caused by abnormal biomechanics and repetitive strain from hours and hours of swimming. prevention A pre-habilitation programme should help to prevent overloading the shoulder. treatment When it comes to shoulder injuries a biokineticist should be consulted for an assessment.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

rugby and soccer

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

cricket Lower-back injuries, side-back strains, shoulder injuries, ankle strains, cracked ribs and bruises can be sustained. prevention Ryan Maron, director of the Cricket School of Excellence gives advice: “Players must make sure they wear an abdominal protector when batting, wicketkeeping or fielding close to batsmen.” Maron says that the core advice on injury prevention remains a good warm-up session before and a warm-down session after matches.

Being alert in a game like cricket is crucial. “Always keep your eye on the action,” says Maron, who also advises coaches to keep cricketers of the same standard or age in one group when practicing. treatment Most muscle injuries need rest, time to stabilise and core exercises to strengthen the muscle (a physio or good coach can help with these). “Especially with sideback strains, the player must make a comeback slowly,” says Maron. “Shoulder injuries must generally be treated by a physiotherapist. Immediate medical treatment is needed if a player gets hit in the testicle or penis area.” For bruises, Maron advises the Rice treatment (see box).

such as running or jumping. In addition, they should do corrective exercises prescribed by a biokineticist.

hockey The most common injuries for junior hockey players are bumps and bruises caused by the hockey stick or ball.

Pulling a muscle, especially hamstring and groin strains, or spraining an ankle are also common. prevention “The best way to guard against these bumps is through proper coaching,” says head of sport at Eden Schools in Durban, Michael Foster. “From a young age, players should be taught the correct techniques, such as how to avoid playing high back lifts plus how to avoid “bunching” of players and the clashing of sticks.”

Protective gear in hockey is a must. Shin pads and gum guards are compulsory and protective hockey gloves provide a good grip on the stick.” In addition, as with most sports, muscle injuries can be prevented by proper warmups, warm-downs and stretching. treatment Treat sprains, pulled muscles and bruises with Rice (see box). And it’s important for the player to undergo a full recovery before returning to play.

athletics (running and jumping) A child’s body is not mature enough for long-distance running. In fact, children should not run 10 kilometres before they are 13 years old. “Because adolescent bones are weaker than adult bones, overuse results in traction injuries when running and jumping,” says Hopkins. The most common of these are Sever’s disease (which affects the heel) and Osgood-Schlatter disease (which affects the knee).

“These injuries develop over time. However, painful acute symptoms usually present after a sudden increase in activity, such as at the start of athletics season,” Hopkins adds. treatment and prevention Hopkins says the athletes should rest traction injuries and avoid aggravating activity

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tennis The most common injury in tennis is a sprained ankle.

Other injuries are tense or stiff back and shoulders, tearing the Achilles tendon, tearing or pulling a muscle, knee injuries and shin splints. prevention Using the right equipment (proper tennis shoes), warming up and cooling down properly and stretching before and after playing, all help to prevent tennis injuries. treatment Michele Joyce, owner of the International Tennis Academy (ITA) in Johannesburg, has coached the game for 23 years, and says: “For a sprained ankle

or twisting a tendon in the knee, the Rice treatment is advised.” The ankle also needs to be treated with muscle ointment that reduces swelling, inhibits inflammation and relieves pain.

“Players usually suffer from stiff shoulders after lots of strenuous match play, especially if they are not match fit.

The only treatment is rest. Heat packs and sport massages can help, but if the massage causes pain, stop,” says Joyce. When pulling or tearing a muscle or the Achilles tendon, Joyce advises that the player immediately see a doctor and physiotherapist. Players should take a break for “a minimum of three weeks when injured. Especially for shin splints, the only treatment is rest,” she says.

Some final words of wisdom from Hopkins: “School sport, especially at younger levels should be about learning (skilldriven) not winning. It’s not about crushing the opposition and scoring goals.”

rice Use the following four first-aid measures to relieve pain, limit swelling and protect the injured tissues, all of which help speed healing.

Rest – Rest the injured area. If moving the injured area causes pain, this is the body’s way of saying “stop”.

Ice – Never use ice for more than 20 minutes.

Compression – The application of pressure will reduce the effect of any internal bleeding or swelling that may result from the injury.

Elevation – Elevate the injured area as much as possible above the level of your heart to minimise bleeding and swelling.

March 2011

parenting

ha ha plonk TRACY ELLIS looks at the benefits to encouraging our children to laugh their heads off. And some tips on

et my sister, aunts and cousins together in a room and it only takes a mildly funny situation or joke to get us crying. Our belly-rolling laughter is the perfect tribute to my late grandmother, Nana, who had the silliest sense of humour and kept us all in stitches at every family gathering. Most of the time we weren’t quite sure what we were laughing at, but once the laughter and tears had eased it only took a simple sideways glance or twitch of the mouth to trigger the next bout, each one more infectious and intense than

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March 2011

the last. Even now, without Nana around, it always ends the same way: one of us cries out with a diaphragm pain and breathlessly pleads with the others to stop. You may think we’re crazy, but if you’ve never laughed until you thought you would die, you are missing out.

the best medicine Doctors agree that laughter is medicinal: by triggering the release of endorphins (the body’s natural feel-good chemicals), laughter can reduce pain and stress,

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

g

just how to do this.

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

If you’ve never laughed until you thought you would die, you are missing out! thereby enhancing our immune systems and potentially adding years to our lives, all at no cost. Michele Perkins, a Durban-based counselling psychologist, believes a welldeveloped sense of humour is especially important for children as it can be used as an effective coping skill in difficult or stressful situations and can improve selfesteem. “Laughter can be useful to foster positive interpersonal relationships and has been identified as a protective factor in youth, helping to ‘stress-proof’ children,” she says. Johannesburg-based educational psychologist Jolene Knowles agrees. “A sense of humour is important for children as it enables them to see the funny side of things and cope with their difficulties.

Children who are able to laugh at themselves and see things from different perspectives tend to have a higher self-esteem.”

Experts agree that although children have an inherent sense of humour and

magazine durban

clearly love to laugh, the ability to see and appreciate the humorous side of life is a quality that can be developed and nurtured and parents have a role to play when it comes to modelling a healthy sense of humour for their children and encouraging fun and laughter where appropriate.

Essentially the best thing a parent can do to encourage a healthy sense of humour in their children is to have one themselves.

Knowles comments, “Children learn through imitation and example. A parent who is able to see the funny side of things fosters the development of their child’s sense of humour. Parenting with humour creates joy.”

is important for parents to laugh with their children in appropriate ways,” says Knowles. “Laughing at others is inappropriate.” Perkins adds,” Emphasise to your children that a joke is when everyone is laughing together. When only one or two people are laughing, it may be at the expense of another. Racial slurs and teasing are a form of bullying and sarcasm can be a misuse of humour.”

humour at every age no laughing matter

0–2 years

Knowles and Perkins caution against modelling unhealthy humour such as sarcasm and racial jokes, and encourage parents to have humour boundaries. “It

Babies begin smiling in response to outside stimuli somewhere between six and eight weeks of age, with their first giggle following soon afterwards, usually

between the second and fourth month.

A baby’s humour centres largely on her parent’s actions so she will take the biggest delight in the things that they do such as bouncing or tickling her, pulling funny faces or making silly sounds.

Between six and 12 months, she will be laughing regularly at pretend behaviour such as dad acting like a monkey or mom sucking her dummy and will find repetition hilarious such as continually dropping her toy out of the pram for you to pick up.

Between 12 and 24 months, as your toddler’s communication and physical skills improve, he will delight in being chased and in exaggerated language such as waving your hand under your

March 2011

11

parenting

nose and saying “Phew-eee” when you change his nappy as well as general silliness such as putting a facecloth on your head. Be aware that there is a fine line between humour and fear at this age so introduce new games carefully – loud sounds and funny faces can scare as often as they delight. laughter buttons: • Play traditional games such as Peekaboo, This little piggy and Round and round the garden.

• Blow raspberries/zerberts on your baby’s tummy when changing her.

• Have a tickle marathon with your toddler or imitate Jim Carrey’s “the Claw” (from the movie Liar Liar).

• Walk on your knees and pretend to catch him and watch him squeal as he tries to out run (or waddle) you.

• Read books with noises and flaps.

2–5 years As your toddler grows and goes to school, he will begin to enjoy more slapstick social humour and will take the sillies to new levels with increased vocabulary and intellect.

Games such as tickling and catching still delight as he is physically stronger and able to anticipate the “moment” but he will find humour in general nonsensical behaviour, enjoying anything goofy, silly or absurd. By now you may find him chuckling to himself as he watches a silly TV show.

Toddlers enjoy simple word games such as rhyming and alliteration. This age also sees the emergence of toilet humour, a normal part of childhood development, so you may find a phrase like “stinky winky” repeated daily between toddler siblings (Tip: just ignore this – it will soon get stale).

Nonsensical words and stories stretch the growing imagination. Toddlers love to laugh at themselves and may find the simple act of accidentally slipping off their chair hilarious. These accidents are often purposefully repeated for further effect.

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March 2011

With a better grip on language, toddlers will enjoy intentionally misusing language such as calling a hotdog a “hotfrog”. laughter buttons: • Read rhyming stories, such as One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish or Mr Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr Seuss, out loud to your children. Make sure to show the funny pictures to them.

• Throw out the rule book and jump on the bed together. This is sure to delight your toddler.

• Who can tell the silliest or most nonsensical story? In our family, we have “The ongoing adventures of the old lady who lived in a vinegar bottle” and we each get to describe her next adventure. She once met and married a magical breakdancing monkey.

• Have an “Opposite Day” where everyone in the family wears their clothes inside out and back to front, you eat your dessert before your main course and say the exact opposite of what you mean, such as “Goodbye” when you mean “Hello”.

5–7 years Younger children will enjoy simple riddles such as “Why did the chicken cross the road?” and Knock Knock jokes as their language skills develop even further and they start to understand sequences and patterns, although at first they may not understand or catch the jokes they are telling. Physical humour such as acting out a silly scene or doing a crazy dance is common at this age. Children will use humour to win friends but this is the age to watch for sarcasm and teasing. Playing tricks on adults is another favourite. laughter buttons: • Teach them tongue twisters such as “She sells seashells on the seashore” or “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Where’s the peck...”.

• Start a tradition: buy a Knock, Knock book or Google some age-appropriate magazine durban

Parenting with humour creates joy.

jokes and include them in your daily routine, perhaps just before dinner.

• Encourage your children to tell you jokes and laugh at their jokes even if they don’t come out right. Your reaction is more important to them than making sense.

• Play charades.

• Have a staring contest where the first one to laugh loses. Even adults can’t keep a straight face for long.

8–12 years As children mature it becomes more difficult to make them laugh easily as they are not as “silly” as toddlers and younger children. Eight-year-olds will enjoy complex riddles and jokes as their more expanded vocabularies allow them to understand double play on words.

Ten-year-olds will start to appreciate real-life humour and will listen eagerly to anecdotes about your day. They will start to appreciate real-life comedy shows on television such as America’s Funniest Home Videos or Whose Line Is It Anyway? laughter buttons: • Share your most embarrassing moment (if it’s age appropriate). This will encourage them to see the humorous side of a humiliating real-life situation and will show them that you can laugh at yourself.

• Watch funny TV shows and DVDs together to stay in touch with what your child finds funny. Ask your local video store to recommend some that are age appropriate.

• Visit the local library and ask them to recommend the five funniest books for your child’s age group.

13+ years Friendships and sexuality are big themes in the teenage years and humour can be a useful tool in winning and maintaining friendships, attracting friends of the opposite sex or as a defence mechanism to avoid social embarrassment. It is also used to explore sexuality in an indirect way. Intellectual or witty humour is more appreciated at this age and teenagers are capable of sitting through and appreciating a comedy skit at the local theatre. Teenagers are prone to sarcasm so make sure to set boundaries around this; playful sarcasm is okay but when it is hurtful it is inappropriate. laughter buttons: • Attend a stand-up comedy evening or comedy show at your local theatre. Do your research, though, as lots of comedians use bad language and extremely sexual humour in their routines.

• In a social situation, if you hear laughter, move towards it. This simple exercise will encourage your children to seek out humour.

• Laugh with your teenager as often as possible. You may feel worlds apart from your teenager but as Danish entertainer Victor Borge said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”

South African comedian couple Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert, parents of Kaylee (12), Declan (9) and Grace (5), share their favourite ways of making their children laugh: “When I act just like them they find it hilarious – they might say something juvenile and I just go with it and play the child for a while.” (Aaron) “I do a funny dance and sing at the top of my lungs. I also give them obviously bad advice for their not-so-serious problems to help diffuse them – humour is a great way to soften the blows of childhood.” (Lisa)

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getaway

under canvas ready steady When choosing a family tent, opt for either a cabin-style or a dome-style model. Cabin-style tents offer easy access and the vertical walls create bigger living spaces. Some cabin-style tents have extra awnings, which can be used as “room dividers”. Dome-style tents tend to be sturdier in windy and stormy weather, but the rounded walls do reduce the living area inside. That said, your tent is essentially for sleeping in and hiding from unexpected bad weather. in the know Tent capacity is based on how many sleeping bags fit the tent’s floor space, with no provision for storage.

It’s thus a good idea to select a tent that can sleep two more people than the size of your family. Practise pitching your tent before you leave for your destination; and plan to arrive well before sunset – you’ll want to choose the best spot, set everything up and be done before it’s time for sundowners. If you don’t like waking up

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at sparrow’s, pitch your tent so it’s in the shade at sunrise. Older children will love helping to put up the tent, but toddlers may need to be kept busy – so have toys and activities somewhere close at hand.

sleeping on air ready steady Mattresses are essential for a good night’s sleep. The roll-up variety will do fine but a blow-up mattress is a lot more comfortable. Some mattresses self-inflate, for others you’ll need a pump. Consider the time of year and the area’s climate to determine the appropriate weight for sleeping bags. Pack a couple of blankets and don’t forget the pillows. in the know Before pitching your tent, make sure the ground is free of sharp objects. Thorns can damage the under surface of your tent and work their way up into your mattress. Sweep the inside of the tent before you insert the mattresses.

Pitching your tent on a groundsheet will also help.

of rookie campers tips on surviving a weekend in the great outdoors.

what’s on the menu? ready steady Invest in separate containers (plastic crates with handles work really well) for kitchenware, non-perishable food, toys, swimming gear, bedding, the tent, one for Dad’s toys (such as chargers, braai equipment, torches and the like) and a separate one for the cameras, binoculars and other valuables. Never leave home without your first-aid kit. (Visit childmag. co.za/content/safe-and-sound for the essentials that should be included.) The best way to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything is to create a standard checklist.

For kitchenware, your checklist might look something like this: • coffee mugs and glasses • plates and cereal bowls • spoons (big and small) • forks • knives (steak, bread, cutting, spreading) • pan and kettle • fire-proof pot • chopping board

• corkscrew • paper towels • refuse bags • pot holder or oven glove • food preparation tools (tongs, spatula, can opener, potato peeler, mixing bowl) • cleaning tools (scourer, dish cloth, drying rack, washing-up liquid, wet wipes) • tin foil Good non-perishable foods to have as standard in your camp “pantry”: • salt and pepper • herbs and spices • coffee, tea, sugar and hot chocolate • cooking oil • condiments (chutney, tomato sauce) • snacks (rusks, crisps) • spreads (peanut butter, jam, Marmite) • cereals • starch (rice, pasta) Work out a rough menu before you leave and make sure you pack the necessary ingredients. Keep recipes simple. You might like to invest in a portable gas cylinder plus

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happy campers

MARINA ZIETSMAN gives the family

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ring burner. It’s easier for prepairing simple breakfast dishes, boiling the kettle and for making side dishes.

Store perishable foods in a cool box or camp refrigerator. Pre-frozen ice packs or gel packs are a winner for keeping food cool for a few days. Remember to keep your cool box in the shade, drain it of excess water regularly and don’t open and close it unnecessarily. in the know When packing your vehicle, think of what you’re going to need first, and pack this last. Pitching a tent on a hot day can make you thirsty, so make sure Dad’s ice cold beer and some cold drinks are within easy reach.

light up your life ready steady Ideally, you’ll have just the moon and stars to light up the site but this means you’ll need your own lighting.

Choose the option that works best for you: • Headlamps – perfect for tasks that require two hands and for children that need all their limbs free to have a good time.

• Torches – they’re good for trips to the loo and night-time bug hunts.

• Candle lanterns – they’re cheap and ecofriendly, but must be kept off the ground and out of the tent.

• Solar-powered and rechargeable lanterns – a sometimes bulky but good ecofriendly option.

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• Battery-powered lanterns – these can be used inside the tent, but chew batteries.

• Gas-powered lanterns – especially useful for lighting up a large area but should not be carried around or used inside the tent.

Don’t forget to pack the batteries. in the know The campfire is still your best friend: you can cook on it, spend time as a family around it and, when the children are asleep, dream a little dream with the fire as your companion. Remember to put in matches or a lighter, charcoal or briquettes, firelighters and wood. Most campsites sell wood; so don’t go felling your own tree. Some sites allow the gathering of dead wood on their premises. Safety is of utmost importance and children should be supervised at all times once that fire is lit.

in the know It’s sometimes wise to take a pair of slip-slops for each camper to wear to the ablution facilities.

child’s play ready steady Camping with children is great fun. It’s an opportunity for you to see the natural world through their eyes.

Camping with a baby is not impossible, but it will need some planning. You may want to take cooled boiled water from home to use for bottles; and remember to put in sterilising liquid or tablets and a container to use for sterilising. You can use one of your crates as a baby bath.

A baby carrier or rucksack can be a big help; a stroll in nature is the perfect way to calm an unhappy baby. Toddlers are always on the go so make sure there is

enough for them to do and always keep an eye on them. Teenagers can cry boredom quickly, but if you involve them in planning the trip and put them in charge of certain “departments” of the camp site, they should be fine. Stock the children’s toy crate with bats and balls, water toys, board games, cards and disposable cameras. in the know Become a child again. Explore with them. Braai marshmallows. Tell nottoo-scary ghost stories. Play rounders or cricket, throw a Frisbee, or go on a treasure hunt – and let them get dirty.

Visit childmag.co.za/articles/camping -recipes for easy recipes and childmag. co.za/articles/campfire-safety for tips on general campfire safety.

dressed for adventure ready steady Pack only the clothing you’ll need, making sure everyone has something warm and windproof. For summer, bathing suits, sunhats and sun block are a must.

Pack shorts and loose-fitting long pants for hiking. Don’t forget socks and hiking boots or walking shoes. Tracksuit pants and sweatshirts with hoods are great for cooler evenings. Remember raincoats and towels – one for swimming and one for bathroom use. Only take the basic toiletries but pack sufficient toilet paper and insect repellent.

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food

finger snacking

good

ELAINE EKSTEEN asked a number of local baby and toddler experts for healthy finger food ideas. Here’s what they said.

finger snacks for six- to 11-month-olds enni Johnson, registered nurse and childcare J practitioner, The Baby Clinic, Berea, Durban Finger foods should be introduced from six months of age. I keep it simple initially with healthy biscuits in the first month and toast in bite-size pieces with butter and/or Bovril or Marmite in the seventh month. Offer this once a day and don’t expect your baby to eat all of it – it’s fine if there’s a lot of playing and squashing – a mess is good.

I introduce finger foods at nine months as a lunchtime meal. This is your opportunity to try everything. A fruit, a carbohydrate, a protein and a portion of dairy can be happily explored, as well as other non-choking snacks.

An example of a lunchtime meal is: • Three grapes, cut in half • A slice or two of beetroot – one of the best antioxidants • A slice of quiche, easy to eat even with no teeth and a nutritious way to offer cheese and egg • Five baked beans – an excellent source of protein Other ideas are an omelette with filling, cocktail sausages and feta.

My belief is anything goes if it’s healthy and safe.

Kath Megaw, clinical dietitian and co-author of Feeding Sense (Metz Press) Finger foods should be big enough for your baby to pick up easily and free of peels, pips, bones and so on. Don’t

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be fearful of choking, as long as you are always present when your child is eating and as long as food is soft and pieces are small, your child will learn to chew and navigate his way through his finger snacks. Remember practice makes perfect and if you never allow your baby to practise with new foods, including those that need to be chewed, then he won’t become an expert at chewing and will be a choking risk. So, relax, keep it simple and nutritious, and watch as your baby enjoys this new feeding experience.

• Fruit and vegetables – these are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which help to build strong immune systems. Try cubes, pieces or slices of pear, banana, mango and paw paw; dried fruits such as mango strips; small florets of broccoli or cauliflower; baby sweet corn and fingers of peeled cucumber. Boil, steam or blanch vegetables lightly to make them easier to eat but ensure they still have some crunch.

• Starchy foods are a good source of energy, especially for fussy eaters. Try cooked pasta shells or shapes; balls made of cooked rice; small pieces of toast fingers and bread sticks. Rusks and dry breakfast cereals (ones that are easy to pick up with fingers) and date balls. Other options include rice cakes and mini sandwiches cut into triangles, fingers or squares and filled or topped with mashed banana, hummus, grated cheese, creamed cheese or mashed avocado.

• The following foods are high in protein, which is important for your baby’s muscles and digestive system: try cubes of firm cooked fish; fish balls made with minced fish

and tiny meatballs made with minced chicken, turkey or lamb. The best meat to offer is soft white meat such as chicken and turkey. Also offer cubes or strips of hard cheese; cubes of tofu; slices or quarters of hard-boiled eggs or strips of well-cooked omelette.

Lauren Ponting, clinical dietitian with a special interest in paediatrics, Claremont, Cape Town Infants learn new skills and progress through the stages of weaning as they are given the opportunities to learn.

Some progress faster than others. Introduce a wide variety of tastes and textures – the frequency with which they are offered food, rather than the amount they eat, determines how quickly they will learn to like something. The more variety they have been offered by around 12 months the wider the range of foods they will be familiar with and accept before food neophobia begins in their second year.

Vary the texture of foods, try chopping and grating. Make finger foods interesting and vary colours. Different foods provide different nutrients, so it’s good to have variety to ensure a balance of nutrients.

Six- to nine-month-old babies should be given soft finger foods. You can then introduce hard finger foods between nine and 12 months. Try: • Sticks of lightly steamed vegetables such as carrots or courgettes • Grated apple, pear, cucumber or carrot for younger babies (helpful on the side of a plate for self-feeding) • Fresh fruit such as soft pear, chunks of banana, kiwi fruit or orange segments

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baby steps

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• Cooked peas or sweet corn • Grated cheese for younger babies and then cheese slices from nine months • Individually wrapped cream-cheese wedges • Miniature meat or chicken balls • Fingers of toast or rusk equivalent to dip into vegetable purées. To make “rusks” cut thickly sliced bread into three fingers and toast in the oven at 180˚C for 15 minutes (store in an airtight container for a few days).

Toast fingers don’t fall to pieces as readily as bread.

• Pita bread strips with hummus • Trimmed celery stalks, chilled carrot or sweet melon – chewing on something cold and hard can relieve sore gums • A large mango pip to suck on • Dips for breads, vegetables and fruit. Try creamy avo dip (avo and cream cheese with a dash of lemon juice), raspberry-yoghurt dip (plain yoghurt mixed with puréed raspberries), butter-bean dip (puréed butter beans with a little garlic, cumin and olive oil). Cooled dips soothe gums made sore by teething.

• Home-made salmon fish fingers. Cut a piece of fresh salmon into equal-sized fish fingers down the length, dust these in sifted flour, dip in beaten egg and coat evenly in breadcrumbs (they can be prepared in advance to this stage and stored in the fridge for 24 hours or frozen for three months). Drizzle olive oil on a large baking sheet and bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until crisp, golden and cooked through. Add various flavours by adding either parmesan cheese, grated lemon zest or finely chopped herbs to the bread crumbs before coating. Make a tomato and basil dip by puréeing tomato, basil and cream cheese together.

In terms of nutritional value: • Breads and pasta supply energy, B vitamins, some iron, zinc and calcium.

• Fruit and vegetables are good for vitamin C, phytochemicals (plant chemicals) and carotenes.

• Cheese is a source of calcium, protein, iodine and riboflavin.

• Meat, fish, butter beans and peanut butter supply iron, protein, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin A and omega 3 from salmon.

magazine durban

toddler titbits finger snacks for 12- to 24-month-olds Sister Ann Richardson, private nurse practitioner and parent coach, author of Toddler Sense and coauthor of Baby Sense, Lonehill, Johannesburg • Date balls are always a win as they are easy to make, last for ages in an airtight container in the fridge and are packed with fibre and protein • Whole-wheat cheese straws (make your own and roll them in sesame seeds, or powdered biltong when hot).

Dipped into some mashed avo and banana (or any soft fruit), they are great for encouraging fine-motor skills and are also a valuable source of protein and vegetable oil • Cubes of, or a handful of, white cheese such as mozzarella – full of calcium and protein • Finely chopped game or beef biltong – protein • Small pieces of dried boerewors – protein (from about 18 months and older, must have molars to chew) • Toasted seed or rye bread, cut into fingers, spread with cream cheese or peanut butter – fibre, protein and calcium

• Seedless green grapes, cut in half – vitamin C and fibre • Baby tomatoes, cut in half – vitamin C • Hard-boiled egg, cut into cubes – protein • De-pitted green or kalamata olives – omega-6 vegetable oil and fibre • Organic butternut or beetroot chips – good source of vitamin C and fibre • Baby gherkins – vitamin C and fibre.

Claire McHugh, specialist dietitian working exclusively in paediatrics, Durban • French toast fingers • Pita bread with hummus or guacamole • Boiled egg slices/quarters • Skinned sausage wheels • Processed- or cream-cheese triangles • Baked potato slices with melted cheese • Mini fruit muffin • Dried fruit strips such as mango • Frozen watermelon stars. Slice watermelon into 1cm thick slices, cut out stars with cookie cutter, insert lolly stick and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover with a second layer of foil, freeze until firm. Serve frozen.

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parenting

bullying

– the parent’s guide Bullying behaviour is on the increase and it’s being perpetrated in more ways than ever before. What’s important is giving your

elly Gibson was a popular and sporty student at her East Rand school before her peers started victimising her. “I had represented Central Gauteng Aquatics for swimming two years in a row, was in the school’s cross-country team, and had recently made it into the water polo first team. My life couldn’t have been happier,” says Kelly.

But once on tour with the water polo team, Kelly and a friend caused a stir when they refused to participate in an initiation ritual in which they were expected to run naked across a beach. They were immediately ostracised and excluded from team activities.

The abuse only got worse when Kelly got home. “My sister and I were shoved and pushed in the corridors and

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graffiti was written about us in the bathrooms,” she says.

Her belongings went missing and Kelly’s schoolmates even started a Facebook group against her. “They took pictures of me in my full colours blazer, blackened out my teeth and wrote, ‘I r a retard’ all over the picture. The abuse was surreal,” she recalls. Eventually Kelly’s mom moved her and her sister to another school.

why children bully “Many children have been bullied or treated badly for being ‘different’ or not fitting typical stereotypes. It used to be for being ‘too nerdy’, ‘not sporty enough’ or for the way they looked. But nowadays, we find that children and teens are being bullied for being too smart, too pretty or for

excelling in a specific field,” says Cassey Chambers of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). It’s important that we teach our children to have confidence in themselves as well as crucial coping mechanisms to deal with adversity, whatever the situation,” she says.

Johannesburg educational psychologist, Fatima Adam, whose Masters thesis focused on bullying in primary schools, believes bullying is on the increase. “One explanation is that we live in a violent society and children learn that violence is acceptable,” she says. Bullying is a way of expressing strong emotions, dealing with low self-esteem, and a way that some children try to exercise authority over others.

“Violence and a sense of being tough is depicted as cool and children strive to be portrayed that way,” says Adam.

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child the confidence and skills to cope. By JOANNE LILLIE

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When we adults learn to behave and communicate in non-aggressive and non-violent ways, I sincerely believe that the epidemic of bullying we are witnessing in our society will begin to decline.

Anne Cawood, a counsellor at a private girls’ junior school in Cape Town, observes a trend to emulate behaviour that glamorises being nasty. “Just look at High School Musical. Sharpay is the ‘bad’ girl – but she is the popular one – the one who everyone wants to be ‘in’ with. Children watch these movies and unfortunately the lessons and values become more appealing than those being taught by parents and teachers,” says Cawood.

how to recognise if your child is being bullied “Most children will speak up very quickly if they are becoming the focus of bullies. It’s so important to be connected to our children. This means being very aware of their body language and decoding their behaviour.

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Take their feelings seriously and make it easy for them to share with you; it will be easier to pick up the early warning signs,” says Cawood, who is also the author of the Boundaries series of parenting books.

“It is especially important to tune into the inner world of the more withdrawn child,” says Cawood. “Quieter children often bottle up their fears and anxieties – making it difficult to pick up problems. Look out for any changes in behaviour, for instance, a normally confident child who suddenly becomes afraid and develops stomach aches or headaches; or a quiet child who becomes even more withdrawn,” says Cawood.

“It’s so easy, in a very busy day, to become impatient and brush their issues aside. From this, children learn that

it’s not worth trying to explain how they feel because noone listens or understands,” says Cawood. Don’t forget that shy children who are bullied may be humiliated and ashamed by the negative attention and try to hide it, blaming themselves.

Another response to being bullied is a display of unusually aggressive behaviour, says Adam. A decline in academic performance, or avoiding school, are other signs to look out for.

what you can do “Listen carefully, but avoid an inquisition, as direct questions tend to cause defensiveness. Rather use indirect questions that invite sharing, like: ‘It seems to me that

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parenting

you are having a very hard time at school’,” suggests Cawood. “Also, don’t rush in too quickly to solve all the problems. Children do need to become resilient and be able to solve their own problems. But, when an incident is just far too overwhelming for a young child to cope with alone, they should know that they can always turn to you for assistance.”

The most effective thing you can do is focus on the issue and develop a plan, says Chambers. Reassure your child that they were right to tell you, don’t promise to keep it a secret, discuss practical ways to solve the problem, and talk to teachers and other parents – if there’s one bullied child, there will be others.

Something that many parents are concerned about is victimisation that is enabled by adults. “A teacher may not consciously label or victimise a child, but an unassertive child may be side-lined while the extroverts get all the attention. This adult behaviour is noticed by the children in the class (or home) and exacerbates the

perception that a certain child is a ‘loser’.

This can lead to certain children being teased and taunted on the playground – contributing to ongoing feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessness. Children with low self-esteem are more likely to be bullied,” says Cawood.

equipping your child to cope “From as young as possible, teach your child that they have the right to say ‘no’, that they do not have to endure treatment that undermines or abuses them,” says Cawood. “Children are allowed to have feelings – negative and positive, and they should be encouraged to express their

types of bullying Bullying can take a number of forms. According to the experts, any repeated behaviour by a child that deliberately hurts another can be termed bullying. physical Apart from hitting and shoving, children can intimidate each other with mere physical presence, towering over a smaller child or pushing past more forcefully than necessary, says clinical psychologist Justine Bartlett. emotional The difficulty with nasty words, criticism and insults is that these are more difficult to spot – and children will often not admit to being bullied in this way. But it can have much more serious consequences and far-reaching effects than physical abuse. Constant emotional bullying can lead to the development of a dysfunctional self-image, low self-confidence, anxiety and depression. social Bullying by ostracising or singling out can be the most painful, which is where permeating social networking websites (MXit, Facebook and MySpace) and cellphone applications are used to disastrous effect. Unlike traditional forms of bullying, young people who are the targets of “electronic aggression” are at greater risk for depression than their abusers, according to a survey conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (US), and published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

“There is very little accountability and children can bypass the normal social rules of face-to-face communication. It’s easier to say nasty things anonymously online and there are often very few, if any, consequences,” says Bartlett. The large public forum can also make humiliation that much more intense. “And the effects can be very severe, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide,” Bartlett adds.

Consider limiting your child’s online access and helping them develop more active outdoor interests.

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negative feelings in assertive ways. Many children still feel disempowered because they are told to be quiet, not to back-chat adults or to make a fuss,” she says. Rather alarmingly, Cawood says children are often encouraged to ‘just do it back to the bully’, which not only encourages the aggression to continue, it also does not help a child learn the real skills of assertiveness.

“We need to teach our children what is right and wrong in terms of how you speak to other children. This is a skill which sounds so obvious but is often left out of our children’s education at home,” says clinical psychologist Justine Bartlett, who is in private practice in Durban. Teach your children to: • Resolve conflict • Be assertive • Know when it’s time to get grownups involved • Develop a wide social circle so they are not too reliant on any one group for their social stimulation • Understand the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression not only for themselves but for friends too.

“Children are often so afraid of being bullied by others that they will jeopardise their own values and integrity, and be too scared to stand up for others,” observes Cawood. “We need to help children, from as young as possible, to have empathy for others. Ask: ‘How do you think it felt

Schools should have anti-bullying policies that are implemented with serious consequences for those who contravene, setting an example to all, says Adam.

“Bullying policies should actively involve parents on various levels, making it a combined effort,” she adds.

Work with teachers, suggests SADAG: • Notify teachers of the situation in writing. Schools are obligated to respond to bullying.

• Discuss ways the school can help, such as by developing a bullying awareness programme.

• Join the PTA and raise awareness of bullying as an issue.

• Offer to speak to the school board and be the “bullying expert”.

• If your child has disabilities, you can build bullying prevention goals into your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Anti-bullying rules should be part of every school’s code of conduct, but, says Cawood, “Schools can only do so much – the main lessons are learnt at home, where violence and intimidation are too often observed by children.

They see adults swear and treat other people aggressively. Children often feel disregarded and disconnected – and then act out their aggression on children who are younger or weaker than they are,” she says.

It’s so important to be connected to our children. This means being very aware of their body language and decoding their behaviour. Take their feelings seriously, and make it easy for them to share with you. to be treated like that?’ this will help children put themselves in others’ shoes,” says Cawood.

Bartlett agrees: “Doing nothing while others are targeted means they are being passive bullies. Standing up for what is right is a strong value that young children need to learn at home.”

ways to help stamp out bullying Adam points out that we need to start with ourselves by converting aggressive habits to calmer, more positive approaches. This in turn will impact our children. “Violent acts should be openly discussed at home so that children learn that they are unacceptable,” she says.

There should also be clear definitions as to what constitutes bullying. “According to my research, carried out at a primary school in Johannesburg, children who were accused of bullying, did not realise that they were bullying. This is because peoples’ perceptions about what bullying is, differs,” says Adam. (Refer to the panel alongside for more about different types of bullying.) magazine durban

Teaching your child coping skills and to stand up for herself and her beliefs can turn a potentially damaging situation into an opportunity for growth. Since being victimised, Kelly Gibson has started speaking out publicly against bullying and reaching out to other children offering hope, support and change (visit her website respectme.co.za).

She’s shown that we need not perpetuate a cycle of violence and anger.

“When we adults learn to behave and communicate in non-aggressive and nonviolent ways, I believe that the epidemic of bullying we are witnessing in our society will begin to decline,” says Cawood.

call for help Childline 0800 055 555 or visit childlinesa.org.za The South African Depression and Anxiety Group Available seven days a week from 8am–8pm.

0800 567 567, 011 262 6396, SMS 31393 or visit sadag.co.za

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resource

have a ball!

CHAREEN BOAKE rounds up some of the country’s most exciting, intriguing and unusual festivals – that will be fun for you and the children.

Hermanus Whale Festival

Situated between the beautiful Langeberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Albertinia is South Africa’s foremost producer of aloe products. To celebrate this natural resource, the little town comes alive with a weekend of festivities that include wine tasting, a potjiekos competition, music, adventure sports and lots more local and lekker fun. when 24–26 September where Albertinia, Western Cape child-friendly factor Entertainers provide lots of entertainment for children; other than that, families can spend time exploring the region with its many interesting nooks and crannies. find out more visit tourismalbertinia.co.za

Ballito Prawn & Jazz Festival On this winter’s weekend you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to prawns: have them grilled, fried, as part of a paella or in a cone.

Besides the delicious food, there’s a fun fair, a children’s area, an Xtreme arena, celebrity cook-offs and craft stalls selling educational products, furniture, wooden toys and more. when 8–10 July where Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal child-friendly factor The fairground rides

will induce adrenaline-filled screams of fear and fun. There’s also a dedicated food area for children so if prawns aren’t their thing, they’re sure to find something that is. find out more visit ballitoprawnfestival.co.za

Breedekloof Outdoor & Wine Festival Nestling beneath the majestic mountains in the Breede River Valley, the wine-producing region of Breedekloof (which includes Rawsonville, Slanghoek and Goudini) is a real family destination. Besides the opportunity to enjoy good food and fine wines, families can listen to live music, go on a helicopter flip, try their hand at archery, paintball, clay-pigeon shooting or a taggedfishing contest. One of the main features is the sporting events; the outdoor challenge, mountain bike ride and night run. when 7–9 October where Breedekloof, Western Cape child-friendly factor There’s lots of healthy, outdoor fun for children – they can enjoy pony rides, get their faces painted, pet farm animals and plenty more. find out more visit breedekloof. com/outdoor

Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show

The Elvis Festival Africa

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Once a year, after the winter rains, this small Karoo town is transformed into a floral fantasy of bright and beautiful wildflowers, many species of which grow nowhere else in the world. Why not join the tourists who flock to South Africa to see this spectacular display and enjoy the scenery on a self-drive tour through the region? The Cederberg area offers hiking trails plus there’s rock climbing, rock art, adventure activities, and 4x4 routes as well as many interesting little stops along the way. when 25 August–31 August where Clanwilliam, Western Cape child-friendly factor The best part of this festival is the opportunity to introduce your children to an awesome display of nature’s

beauty. There are also activities such as art competitions and donkey cart rides. find out more visit clanwilliam.info

The Elvis Festival Africa Like something out of a movie, Elvis is everywhere. Elvis impersonators, Elvis fans and those wanting to see what the fuss is about flood the small village of Storms River once a year to celebrate all things Elvis. There’s entertainment organised by the Elvis Tribute Artists (ETA), a Miss Marilyn pageant, Cadillac boot sales, a talent show: Garden Route’s Got Talent – the Elvis way, big screens showing Elvis movies all day long and stacks of Elvis memorabilia to view and purchase. when 29 April–2 May where Storms River Village, Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape child-friendly factor Older children can get a kick out of seeing grown-ups playing dress up. There’s a children’s play area with jumping castles, sandpit and the usual array of fun entertainment. find out more visit elvisfestival.co.za

Ficksburg Cherry Festival Set on the banks of the Caledon River, this little town becomes a big deal when it’s cherry time. From early morning cherry picking to a late night beer garden, the festival offers three days of action-packed fun. They’ve also introduced a halfmarathon and mountain bike challenge. If you’ve been hiding your cherry-pip-spitting skills, there’s a competition just for you.

Although there’s loads of entertainment for children, this is also a great festival where families can enjoy nature together. when 17–19 November where Ficksburg, Free State child-friendly factor Children can get their faces painted, watch stilt walkers or compete in mini-golf championships; there are also shows and activities throughout the day to keep children entertained. find out more visit cherryfestival.co.za

Ballito Prawn & Jazz Festival

Hermanus Whale Festival Held annually when the Southern Right Whales make their way to the waters of Walker Bay, the Hermanus Whale Festival is the only enviro-arts festival in the country. The whales’ arrival is celebrated by musicians, craftsmen, environmentalists, sports celebrities and thousands of visitors who travel to Hermanus to see this amazing spectacle. Other than fantastic food and entertainment, wildlife experts deliver talks and presentations on fascinating topics such as shark tagging and whale and dolphin acoustics. Sports enthusiasts can magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPHS: sUPPLIED

Albertinia Aloe Festival

PHOTOGRAPHS: sUPPLIED

beading), magic shows, pony rides and movies. Expert childminders are on hand to look after your children. find out more visit wildsfees.co.za

National Arts Festival

National Arts Festival

take part in a half-marathon, mountain bike rides or a gold challenge. when 30 September–4 October where Hermanus, Western Cape child-friendly factor The amusement park offers lots to keep little ones entertained, plus there’s a daily programme of activities, which runs from morning to night. find out more visit whalefestival.co.za

Karkloof Classic Mountain Bike Festival This mountain bike festival allows weekend warriors, pro athletes and families to compete in races ranging from 10km to 75km. There’s plenty on offer for the nonrider too. The Karkloof Canopy tour is an eco-experience that takes you through the stunning Karkloof indigenous forest, while the Midlands Meander offers more than 100 art, craft and refreshment stops on four different routes. There are several nature and wildlife reserves in the area. when 8–10 April where Karkloof, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands child-friendly factor The fully supervised children’s zone keeps them safe and entertained (think clowns, face painters and lots of fun activities) while mom, dad and siblings are riding. find out more visit karkloofclassic.co.za

Kirkwood Wildlife Festival Kirkwood is situated in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, and its Wildlife Festival is one of the highlights on the Eastern Cape calendar. There’s a game auction (supported by some of the country’s top wildlife reserves) plus performances by well-known singers and bands, extreme 4x4 challenges, a wine garden, the opportunity to taste some delicious game dishes, potjiekos competitions, and for the daring, even a koedoedrolspoeg (kudu dung spitting) competition. when 1–3 July where Kirkwood, Eastern Cape child-friendly factor The Kidz Zone is where children can enjoy hours of fun, including crafts (such as sandart and magazine durban

The small Eastern Cape town of Grahamstown comes alive to the sound of beating drums, performing artists, poets and craftsmen. More than 50 000 people usually flock to this 11-day festival to watch theatre performances, enjoy music concerts, shop at flea markets or just simply soak up the vibe of this eclectic festival. It features everything from opera, drama and jazz to craft fairs, medieval banquets and carnivals. Remember to wrap up warmly for this one, winter in Grahamstown can be chilly. when 30 June–10 July where Grahamstown, Eastern Cape child-friendly factor This is probably not the best festival for very little ones but children aged 10 and older, particularly those with an interest in the arts, will enjoy the various performances, buskers and flea market. find out more visit nationalartsfestival.co.za

Parys Dome Adventure Festival Parys is a big adventure destination for those in Gauteng; paddlers can regularly be seen traversing through the Vaal River’s rapids while mountain bikers make their way through the surrounding rugged terrain. This festival pays tribute to sport and adventure and is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. The main focus is the activities and sports, which take place at various venues in and surrounding Parys. This village is also an artist’s haven so you can enjoy the art and crafts on display. Oh, and make sure you sample the delicious boerekos or milk tart at one of several quaint eateries. when 4–6 November where Parys, Free State child-friendly factor There’s a safe play area for children where they’re entertained by clowns, face painters, crafters and childminders. Mom and dad can participate in adventure activities while the children are safely looked after. find out more visit domefest.co.za

Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival The extremely popular Oyster Festival is a celebration of good food, good wine, good music and good sport. The festival features things like oyster-shucking competitions, a wine mardi gras, a half-marathon and, of course, lots of delicious oysters – naked, cooked or garnished. when 1–10 July where Knysna, Western Cape child-friendly factor Parents can relax and enjoy the festivities while your little ones are taken care of at the Pick n Pay Young Oyster Festival, where supervised activities include cooking classes, creative art, craft classes and interactive entertainment. find out more visit oysterfestival.co.za

Sedgefield Slow Festival If living in the fast lane is for you then you’ll have to speed past this one. Sedgefield is officially Africa’s Slow Town or Cittaslow: a town promoting a sustainable environment, local produce and healthy living. Leave your watch at home and head down the beautiful Garden Route for a weekend of all things s-l-o-w. Festivities kick off with games of backgammon and boules, chilled-out music and delicious food. You’ll be invited to slow down, kick back and enjoy, appreciate and savour the slower things in life. when 22–27 April where Sedgefield, Western Cape child-friendly factor Little ones aren’t too good at being slow so there’s lots to keep them busy. They can enjoy the Easter Bunny beach fling, create sand sculptures or even meet Citta, one of the largest tortoises in the world. find out more visit slowfestival.co.za

There’s also boeresport, live entertainment, a beer tent, food and craft stalls and demonstrations of birds of prey in action. when 23 April where Tonteldoos, Mpumalanga child-friendly factor The donkey carts, lamb pen and farm animal displays are a favourite with younger visitors. find out more contact André: 013 254 8902 or 082 565 3402

Up The Creek Music Festival Situated on the banks of the Breede River, the Up the Creek campsite is transformed into a music-lovers haven. Head here for four days of unlimited music with some of the country’s top performers. The “anything that floats” competition is a real laugh; weird and wonderful contraptions take to the water to see who can stay afloat the longest. Good music, food, coffee and fun make this a really festive post-festive-season event.

Up The Creek Music Festival

Tonteldoos Country Festival This small Mpumalanga town, 20 kilometres from Dullstroom, is best known for its natural beauty, peach mampoer and donkey carts.

This country festival allows Easter weekend visitors an opportunity to indulge in local cuisine from braaivleis to pannekoek and, of course, the peach mampoer. The town’s donkey carts come out in all their glory to compete in the donkey-cart competition, always a firm favourite among the visitors.

when 4–6 February (2012) where Breede River Valley, Swellendam, Western Cape child-friendly factor Supervised childfriendly activities are available in the designated children’s area as well as a jumping castle. There are also trained lifeguards on the river banks and well-kitted medical tents in case of any mishaps. find out more visit upthecreek.co.za

West Coast Lagoon Festival

Kirkwood Wildlife Festival

One of the highlights of this exciting weekend held at Club Mykonos in Langebaan is the popular Silver Falcons air show: an awesome display of breathtaking aerobatics. Other highlights include loads of delicious food and wine stalls, plenty of beach activities and cooking demonstrations. when 25–27 March where Langebaan, Western Cape child-friendly factor The festival features a children’s tent with activities, which include puppet shows, craft activities, face painting for the little ones, jumping castles, biscuit decorating and a mini Olympics. find out more visit westcoastlife.co.za March 2011

23

books

a good read for babies and toddlers

View our book blog at

childmag.co.za

for preschoolers

Fuzzy Bee and First Words book pack

By Roger Priddy (Priddy Books, R55) This handy little book duo consists of a board book and a cloth book full of first words for your baby. The simple structure and bright photography of well-known objects in the board book make the pictures stand out and, with one image per page, it’s easier for your child to focus and understand. The touch-and-feel cloth book will interest babies of a few weeks old plus its padded covers are great for little hands to hold. It has cute animals in bright colours on each page, which makes it fun to look at.

Fluffy Chick and friends and Snowy Bear and friends book pack

By Roger Priddy (Priddy Books, R120) With a soft-to-touch cloth book and colourful board book, this wonderful set is perfect for your baby. The books stimulate your baby’s senses, teach her new words and encourage imagination.

Both books have simple stories written in rhyme and the cloth book’s rustling cover will entice your baby to explore what lies within. Both the cloth and board book have fun and colourful illustrations. Priddy Books is an educational and fun way to introduce very young children to the world of words and stories.

Magnetic Crazy Faces

By Sam Lloyd

fun for babies

(Campbell Books, R110) With this magnetic playbook your child can put a pirate patch on a robot’s eye or a witch’s nose on a fairy. They can also match the magnets to the right faces. With 20 magnets to choose from, Magnetic Crazy Faces will ensure lots of laugh-out-loud fun. Apart from providing entertainment, it also encourages interaction and stimulates the imagination. Sam Lloyd is an award-winning illustrator whose stories are original and witty. Note: the magnets are small and pose a choking hazard for very young children.

The Troll

By Julia Donaldson and David Roberts

classic tale

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R68) This is an original and witty version of two traditional tales and it cleverly shows what happens when two stories become blended into one.

The troll longs for a goat, but has to make do with fish for supper instead.

Meanwhile, Hank Chief and his pirate crew are digging for treasure, but it seems they keep sailing to the wrong island. The award-winning duo has brilliantly woven together this hilarious and inventive tale.

for early graders The Wychwood Fairies

By Faye Durston

Alienography

By Chris Riddell

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R192) Not all fairies live at the bottom of the garden, as Rosie and John Everdene’s Great Aunt Harriet is about to find out. Well known in magical circles, Harriet Everdene is an outlandish explorer and adventurer. Now she has been hired by the illustrious FAES (Fairy Aerodynamic Exploration Society) to track down the famed Wychwood fairies. Little girls will love reading her letters, and they can help to collect sparkly fairy dust, go on a moonlit adventure and discover the secret of Wychwood.

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R131) Young boys will be especially fascinated by all the weird aliens in this book, which is rich in comic details and very well illustrated. Packed with revolting aliens and impossible spaceships, it includes novelty elements such as five pull-out postcards, a mini “Who’s What and From Where” booklet and a “Bottom Trumps” card game, which you can play with your child. Fancy shaking hands with a Bubonic Strangler? How about unmasking a Zyglon Tentacle Beast in your wardrobe? No? Then you need this book!

Will Solvit and the Mission of Menace, Will Solvit and the T-Rex Terror, Will Solvit and the Mummy’s Curse, and Will Solvit and the Dreaded Droids

By Zed Storm (Parragon, R85 each) These are great books for getting young boys interested in reading. The reader travels with Will through space and time and helps him crack codes, solve mysteries and save the earth from its enemies. Will travels to Antarctica where he encounters an army of penguins. He is also assigned a project on the Egyptians, but doesn’t expect to find himself on a trip to Egypt. Then the 10-year-old finds himself dealing with a hungry T-Rex and has to save the planet. Each book comes with a decoder for helping Will crack secret codes.

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March 2011

My First Book of Southern African Seashore Life and My First Book of Southern African Creepy-Crawlies

By Roberta Griffiths and Charmaine Uys

proudly South African

(Random House, R80 each) These books introduce young nature-lovers to more than 58 spiders, snails, millipedes and other creepy crawlies that are likely to be seen around the home and garden, as well as creatures and plants found on the beaches and rock pools along the southern African coastline. Each page features full-colour illustrations with simple text to teach children more about the creatures or plants found on our continent. The books are popular with prereaders and those beginning to read and the text is also translated into Afrikaans, isiZulu and isiXhosa.

Other titles in the series cover birds, mammals, snakes and wildlife.

magazine durban

for preteens and teens

best buy

Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree

By Andy Stanton (Egmont Books, R90) The Mr Gum series is very popular with children aged about 10 (though even seven-year-olds get Stanton’s humour). This is another hilarious and cleverly thought-out adventure for Polly and her friends. The only part about the plot that can be revealed is that evil Gum and Billy now live atop a cherry tree. Strange things happen behind those green leaves and Polly plans on finding out at all costs what is going on.

Be prepared for some madness and belly-aching humour. Illustrator David Tazzyman’s drawings add to the fun.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Ugly Truth

By Jeff Kinney (Puffin Books, R96)

The Kingfisher Nature Encyclopedia

By David Burnie

The Twins and the Antique Chest

By DJ Turner

(Pan Macmillan, R283) There is an incredible diversity of life on earth, from microscopic, single-celled organisms to giant redwoods and blue whales. The Kingfisher Nature Encyclopedia is a beautifully illustrated guide to our world and its inhabitants – both flora and fauna – and will appeal to the whole family. It includes an introduction to the planet, its inhabitants and wildlife habitats, and explores every major plant and animal group on earth. With over 1 000 photographs and illustrations, special features that highlight particular species, their lifestyles and characteristics, this encyclopaedia is not only a pleasure to look at and to read, but also a great research tool.

(Nightingale Books, R118) This is the first book in the Fables of Alphéga series by South African author DJ Turner. Toby Trotter is an ordinary boy living a mundane life in the suburb of Tweeds Downs. He is teased at school and has an annoying twin sister, Tara. One day, Toby’s life is transformed into something magical.

Through an antique chest, which belongs to his grandmother, Toby is transported to the world of Alphéga, a far and distant planet.

In this amazing world, Toby and Tara set out on an adventure with fairies, elves, horses, eagles and other interesting folk.

as hilarious as its predecessors.

for us

The Ugly Truth is the fifth book in the Wimpy Kid series; and it’s just Greg Heffley is growing up and suddenly he has to deal with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibility and other awkward changes. And after a big fight with his best friend Rowley, it looks like Greg is going to have to face the ugly truth all by himself… A live-action adaptation of the original Diary of a Wimpy Kid was turned into a movie last year. Suitable for children from age eight up.

parenting book

Whatever you Love

By Louise Doughty (Faber and Faber, R175) This is Doughty’s sixth novel, and as with her first work, she is not afraid to unsettle her readers. The book opens with two police officers knocking on Laura’s door. They tell her that her nine-year-old daughter, Betty, has been hit by a car and killed. When justice is slow, Laura decides to take her own revenge and begins to track down the man responsible. Throughout her search, Laura is also plagued by the past; by her passionate love for Betty’s father and his subsequent desertion of her for another woman. Whatever You Love is a well constructed novel; gripping and tender.

Braai Masters of the Cape Winelands

By Lindsaye McGregor

great outdoors

(Sunbird Publishers, R208) The book offers inspiring yet easy-to-follow braai recipes from local personalities in the Cape Winelands. Each recipe is complemented by expert wine-pairing suggestions. Enjoy Jan “Boland” Coetzee’s rack of yearling lamb paired with some elegant Pinot Noir. Tuck into Schalk Burger senior’s wild Cape boar braai along with a Pinotage-led red or Paul Cluver junior’s cancan chicken with a glass of crisp Chardonnay among others. With plenty of ideas for salads and side dishes, breads, cheese plates, preserves and desserts, this collection of unusual recipes is sure to provide inspiration for the best braais ever.

magazine durban

The Great Modern Poets Edited by Michael Schmidt (Quercus, R198) This book is an introduction to the best poems written since the start of the 20th century, their authors and their themes.

Over 150 essential poems are accompanied by a brief discussion by poetry authority Michael Schmidt, providing insight, observation and the historical context of each poet and their work. Fifty Englishlanguage poets are explored including Robert Frost, W.B. Yeats, Rudyard Kipling, Dylan Thomas and Sylvia Plath. Included in this edition is an 80-minute audio CD with some poems read by their authors.

The Nanny Notebook

By Julie Kemsley (Nanny Notebook, R150) Using this diary will result in a detailed record every day of your baby’s life over a three-month period, ensuring that you don’t miss a moment.

In addition, by making use of the notebook you guarantee that first-aid instructions and emergency contact information – as well as a copy of your baby’s ever-changing routine – is at hand at all times. The book is divided into four main chapters: notes to and from the nanny, a routine chart, emergency information and baby first aid. Order it online at thenannynotebook.com

March 2011

25

calendar

what’s on in march

You can also access the calendar online at

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

29 tues

special events

28

FUN for children

29

only for parents

31

bump, baby & tot in tow

32

how to help

32

SPECIAL EVENTS

26

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

BMX Racing Boys and girls love taking part in this high-energy sport.

Sprigs Moms can learn to cook a variety of delicious and healthy meals for their families.

Toptots Fun developmental classes for babies and toddlers, where mom and dad can join in.

Adopt a Monkey Children can help save orphaned monkeys just by eating cereal.

March 2011

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A Handful of Keys These two piano players will entertain and amaze.

magazine durban

March 2011

27

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

calendar Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood. For more info: visit cca.ukzn.ac.za

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 tuesday Sprigs cooking demonstrations Moms are invited to a variety of cooking demonstrations, from everyday meals to Italian picnics. Also 3, 9, 15, 17, 23, 26 and 29 March. Time: 8:45am–11:45am.

Venue: Sprigs The Food Shop, Shop 1, Fields Shopping Centre, 13 Old Main Rd, Kloof. Cost: R230. Contact: 031 764 6031 or sprigs@telkomsa.net

18 friday

2 wednesday

André Rieu Join this popular violinist and the Johann Strauss Orchestra in a top-notch performance of classical music. Time: 8pm.

Venue: ICC, Durban CBD. Cost: R400– R1 000. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Durban North College Grade 1 open day Find out more about this dual medium school. Time: 8am–10am. Venue: Durban North College, Prospect Hall Rd, Durban North. Cost: free. Contact: 031 564 1347/8

3 thursday Thomas More College open days Find out more about this co-educational Christian day school. 3 March Grades 00–0, 4 March Grades 1–7, 5 March Grades 8–12. Time: 9am. Venue: Habberton Hall, Thomas More College, 15 Sykes Rd, Kloof.

Cost: free. Contact: 031 764 8640

4 friday Open day at Umhlanga College Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: 21 Preston Dr, Prestondale, Umhlanga. Cost: free. Contact: 031 566 5736, umhlangacoll@mweb.co.za or visit umhlangacollege.co.za Rango A chameleon leaves his home in search of adventure, only to find himself playing hero to protect a western town from bandits. This animated family film features the voices of Johnny Depp and Isla Fisher. Opening at cinemas nationwide.

5 saturday Kloof and Highway SPCA open days Shopping, nursery and tea garden. Also 7, 14, 21, 26, 28 March. Time: 8am. Venue: Village Green, 29 Village Rd, Kloof. Cost: free entry. Contact Barbara: 031 764 1212

Trends and Tastes Décor, design and lifestyle exhibition, hosted by DecorexSA, KSA Kitchens and Bathroom Faire. Ends 21 March. Time: 10am–6pm. Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban CBD. Cost: R50.

Contact Marike: 011 549 8320, marike@ tepg.co.za or visit decorex.co.za

23 wednesday 11 March – Weaver’s Nest Pre-primary open morning

6 sunday Old Mutual Music at the Lake Features Prime Circle. Time: 2pm. Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: early birds R100, on concert day R120, children 6–12 years R20. Contact: 031 309 1170, visit durbanbotanicgardens.org.za or book through ticketbreak.co.za

8 tuesday Rough Diamonds and Divas pays tribute to the gravel voices of music, from Joe Cocker and Neil Diamond to Cher and Tina Turner. Ends 17 April. Time: varies.

Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway.

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

10 thursday Highbury Grade R–7 open morning Parents of boys between 5 and 12 years of age can view the facilities and talk to the headmaster. Time: 9am. Venue: Highbury School, Hillcrest. Cost: free. Contact: 031 765 9800, marketing@hps.co.za or visit hps.co.za

11 friday Discovery Day Open day for the Durban Girls’ College Junior Primary, with activities

CANSA Shavathon – Shave or Spray Schools and corporates can hold in-house events on Thursday or Friday, and the public can participate at selected shopping malls on Saturday. Time: 9am–3pm.

Venue: participating shopping centres. Cost: R50, children under 12 R25. Contact: 0800 22 66 22 or visit shavathon.org.za or cansa.org.za

3

thurs

and refreshments. Time: 9:45am. Venue: Guildford Rd, Musgrave. Cost: free. Contact Lynne: 031 268 7254, lneilson@dgc.co.za or visit dgc.co.za High Notes and Highlights Rory Rootenberg and Anne Duthie explore beautiful songs from different countries and musical moments in history. Ends 20 March. Time: Friday–Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2:30pm and 6pm. Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Rd, Umbilo. Cost: R100. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com SPCA Golf Day Support your four-legged companions by taking part in a fourball alliance. Time: 10:30am. Venue: Royal Durban Golf Course, Stamford Hill. Cost: R1 600 per four ball. Contact Caroline: 031 579 6535 or 083 661 0995 Weaver’s Nest Pre-primary open morning Offers two co-educational Grade 000 and Grade 00 classes. This is an opportunity to view the facilities and talk to the teachers. Time: 9am. Venue: Highbury School, Hillcrest. Cost: free. Contact: 031 765 9800 or visit hps.co.za

12 saturday CANSA relay for life Aimed at creating awareness around cancer. Ends 13 March.

Time: 5pm. Venue: ABSA Stadium, Stamford Hill. Cost: corporate teams R1 000, family and friend teams R500. Contact: 083 784 9284, 083 784 8011, mhendriks@cansa. org.za or gert@makrosafe.co.za Expectant parents seminar For parents expecting multiples, the seminar covers topics such as breastfeeding, the dad’s role and more. Time: 12:30pm–5pm. Venue: Parklands Netcare Hospital, Overport.

Cost: member couple R150, non-member couple R180. Contact Edie: 082 338 2625, kzn@samultiplebirth.co.za or visit samultiplebirth.co.za Streetwise the Freerange Chicken A courageous chicken fights for what he believes in. Created by Jean van Elden with puppets by Greg King. Ends 13 March. Time: 10am. Venue: Under the Fig Tree Amphitheatre, Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: R30. Contact Jean: 082 560 7185

23 March – André Rieu

Hillcrest Primary School open day Coeducational school for Grade R–7. Time: 8:30am–10am. Venue: 17 Emoyeni Dr, Hillcrest. Cost: free. Contact: 031 765 1214, admin@hillcrestprimary.co.za or visit hcps.co.za

24 thursday Reach for a Dream Men’s Golf Day Play 18 holes in a four-ball alliance in return for a prizegiving dinner and the chance to help children with life-threatening illnesses.

Time: 10:56am. Venue: Masabalala Yengwa Ave, Stamford Hill. Cost: R3 200 per fourball. Contact: 031 566 2220 or kerry@ reachforadream.org.za

25 friday Wild Coast/Pondoland mountain biking weekend Explore the Wild Coast on a mountain bike, with two nights accommodation in self-catering units.

Mountain biking experience essential. Ends 27 March. Time: tbc. Venue: Munster.

14 monday Time of the Writer Writers of stories, poems, political commentary and other literary branches gather from around Africa for the 14th International Writer’s Festival.

Ends 19 March. Time: varies. Venue:

28

March 2011

18 March – Trends and Tastes

magazine durban

8 March – Rough Diamonds and Divas

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

29 tuesday A Handful of Keys Two piano virtuosos keep you entertained. Ends 17 April.

Time: 7:30pm, also Saturday and Sunday 2:30pm. Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood.

Cost: R130. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

30 wednesday Atholton Primary open day From Grades 000 to 7. Time: 10:30am. Venue: Kingston Dr, Umhlanga Rocks. Cost: free.

Contact: 031 561 1021

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science artSPACE Collector’s sale 7–26 March.

“Inspiration”, a DAG Archive show 28 March–16 April. Time: Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday/holidays 10am–1pm.

Venue: artSPACE, 3 Millar Rd, Stanford Hill.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 312 0793 Eat and Art Nourish on Kensington is exhibiting the work of local artists to raise money for the Sunflower Fund. Time: varies. Venue: Nourish on Kensington, Kensington Dr, Durban North. Cost: R120. Contact: 078 207 9041 or steph@ sunflowerfund.org.za Old Mutual MTN Sciencentre Experiment with gadgets and gizmos. Time: Monday–Thursday 9am–7pm, Friday and Saturday 9am–9pm, Sunday 9am–6pm.

Venue: Upper level, Gateway. Cost: adults R24, children R29. Contact: 031 566 8040 or visit sciencentre.co.za

Horseback beach adventures

magazine durban

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 teaches love, compassion and wisdom. For children 5–12 years and parents. 6 March. Time: 10am–11am.

Venue: Mahasiddha Buddhist Centre, 2 Hollings Rd, Malvern. Cost: R10. Contact: 031 464 0984, info@meditateindurban.org or visit meditateindurban.org Drumkidz Djembe drum sessions get children drumming to stories and songs.

Offering eight lessons per term, for children 3–5 years. Every Wednesday during term.

Time: 3pm–3:30pm. Venue: Gillitts. Cost: eight lessons R295. Contact Robynne: 083 631 6064 or visit drumkidz.co.za Extreme Dance classes Hip-hop and freestyle dancing for children 4–17 years old. Time: differs depending on age. Venue: 62 Winston Churchill Drive, Pinetown.

Cost: varies. Contact Bronwyn: 083 727 3243, bronwyn@extremedance.co.za or visit extremedance.co.za Fine Young Cooks Cooking lessons for children, teaching kitchen safety, cooking techniques, table etiquiette, table settings and recipes. For children 4–12 years. Time: varies. Venue: Ballito. Cost: nine-week term R585, lesson R70. Contact Laurinda: 083 303 6055 or Lewaine: 082 378 1912 or lewaine@tiscali.co.za Heather Clark Summer Surf lessons Individuals or groups can take lessons from this surfing world champion. For ages 12–17. Time: varies. Venue: KwaZuluNatal beaches. Cost: R300–R400 an hour.

Contact: 082 437 7839, fergie33@hotmail. com or visit heatherclark.co.za

Just Imagine Mosaics A two-week course where children design clay-mosaic inserts and decorate them. 5 and 12 March. Time: 12pm– 3pm. Venue: 50 Haygarth Rd, Kloof. Cost: R300.

Contact: 031 764 6454, sheila.nichol@gmail.com or visit kznmosaics.co.za Tots n Pots Cooking classes for children. Time: varies. Venues: Ballito, Berea, Durban North and Kloof. Cost: varies.

Contact Ballito: 082 873 2924, Berea: 083 280 2054, Durban North: 073 631 2299, Kloof: 083 306 1172 or visit totsnpots.com Yoga for Children Every Tuesday. Time: 2:30pm. Venue: Centre for Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North. Cost: R40.

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

New Daisy Arts Studio Drawing skills, painting and sculpture lessons for anyone 6 years and older. Time: call to select the best time. Venue: 65 Ethelbert Rd, Malvern or 33 Athlone Road, Durban North.

Cost: varies. Contact: 073 540 9210 or daniella.hartman@gmail.com

family outings @tap coffee corner Savour the coffee while your children enjoy the playground.

Time: Tuesday–Friday 9am–4pm, Saturday 8am–2pm. Venue: 20 MacKeurtan Ave, Durban North. Contact: 031 563 2678 or 031 563 0882

Eat and Art

Books2You Find popular titles by your favourite authors at affordable prices.

Time: 1 March 10am–4pm, 2 March 7:30am–2pm. Venue: Westville Senior Primary, also at Crawford La Lucia, Hillcrest Primary and Glenwood Preparatory in March. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 907 1577, info@books2you.co.za or visit books2you.co.za Horseback beach adventures Ride along the beach or through the bush. Pony rides on Saturday and Sunday. Time: Friday– Wednesday 3pm. Venue: 501 Reunion Rd, Isipingo. Cost: R250–R350. Contact: 084 467 0752 or visit horsebackbeachadventures. bravehost.com 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 The Inchanga Choo Choo Travel through the Valley of 1000 Hills to Inchanga. 27 March. 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. 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 Dangerous Creatures Face some of the world’s fastest and most poisonous reptiles including the king cobra and poison dart frog. 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 With farm animals, pony rides, a tea garden and more. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: off Tinley Manor Beach Rd, Umhlali. Cost: R25. Contact: 032 947 2018 or visit flaganimalfarm.co.za The Animal Farmyard Offers daily milking demonstrations, the chance to bottle-feed newborn animals, pony rides and a foefie slide. Time: open daily 9am– 4:30pm, milking 10:30am and 3:30pm.

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calendar Rango A chameleon finds himself playing the hero to protect a western town from bandits. This animated family film features the voices of Johnny Depp and Isla Fisher.

Opening at cinemas 4 March.

Rough Diamonds and Divas Pays tribute to the gravel voices of music such as Joe Cocker and others. 8 March–17 April.

Time: varies. Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway. Cost: Wednesday–Saturday R125, Tuesday night and matinée R90. Contact: 031 566 3045, gateway@barnyardtheatres. co.za or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za Streetwise the Freerange Chicken A courageous chicken fights for what he believes in. 12–13 March. Time: 10am.

Venue: Under the Fig Tree Amphitheatre, Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: R30.

Contact Jean: 082 560 7185 Book Boutique children’s story time

playtime and story time Venue: 3 Lello Rd, Botha’s Hill. Cost: entry R12, rides R5. Contact: 031 765 2240 or visit animalfarmyard.co.za The Noo Noo Farm School groups can learn about insects in a safe, friendly environment (ages 3–16 years), or visit the Savage Jungle to learn about navigation (ages 7–16 years).

School groups only. Booking essential. Time: Monday–Friday, by arrangement. Venue: 220 Clement Stoot Rd, Botha’s Hill. Cost: R16 per activity, R30 for both. Contact: 031 765 7370 or visit theharvestry.co.za

Shongweni Farmer’s and Craft Market

markets Essenwood Market Fresh food, children’s activities and a range of stalls.

Every Saturday. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Essenwood Rd. Contact: 031 208 1264 or visit essenwoodmarket.com Farmers’ Market Non-refrigerated fresh produce. Time: 10am–1pm. Venue: Jimmy Bellows Sport Field, Westville (Thursday), Autumn Drive, Umhlanga (Wednesday), Amanzimtoti Sports Club (Tuesday).

Contact Rob: 082 413 1887 Golden Hours Family Market Fundraising initiative of Golden Hours Special School.

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

Contact Lyn: 083 262 3693

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i heart market Food and design market showcasing locally produced crafts, food and fresh veggies. 5 March. Time: 9am– 2pm. Venue: DLI Hall, 5 DLI Ave, Greyville.

Contact: 079 496 4788 or thejoyteam@ gmail.com Our Country Market Natural, fresh produce and a range of other stalls. Petting animal farm and pony rides available for children. Last Sunday of every month.

Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: The Heritage Market, Hillcrest. Contact: 031 765 2500 Shongweni Farmers’ and Craft Market Every Saturday.

Time: 6:30am–10am. Venue: cnr Kassier and Alverstone Rds, Assagay. Contact Christine: 083 777 1674 or info@ shongwenimarket.co.za The food market For locally produced coffee, cheese, breads, children’s play corner, mini flower market and tea garden. 26 March. Time: 8am–2pm. Venue: The Hellenic Community Centre, 5 High Grove Rd, Durban North.

Contact: 083 777 5633 or visit thefoodmarket.co.za The Litchi Orchard Farmers’ Market A covered market featuring live music and a children’s playground. Open on the first and third Saturday of every month. Time: 9am–1pm.

Venue: Seaforth Ave, Foxhill.

Contact: 084 205 6151 or jeremy@litchiorchard.co.za The Riverside Market Offers high-quality products, including ceramics, woodwork, jigsaws and more. Proceeds go to local charities. Open on the first Sunday of every month. Time: 10am–3pm.

Venue: Northern entrance of Scottburgh, Scottburgh River Mouth. Contact Sue or Tony: 039 975 3893

Books and Books children’s story time Every Saturday. Time: 10am. Venue: Shop 42 Kensington Square, 53 Kensington Dr, Durban North. Cost: free. Contact: 031 563 6288 or booksandbooks@telkomsa.net Children’s story time A story followed by a craft or activity. For ages 3–8 years. Every Saturday. Time: 10am. Venue: The Book Boutique, 26 Rockview Rd, Amanzimtoti.

Cost: free. Contact: 031 903 6692 or thebookboutique@gmail.com Clamber Club Jungle gym, hoops, sand pit and more for children ages 1–8. Open every Friday. Time: 12pm–4:30pm. Venue: Hellenic Community Centre, High Grove Rd, Durban North. Cost: R20. Contact Michaela: 074 101 2616 Playball Parents can enjoy coffee or the art shop, while children play in the garden.

Time: Monday–Friday 8am–4pm. Venue: Old Main Rd, Hillcrest. Cost: varies. Contact Kim: 031 765 8780 or 083 630 5110 Steam train rides on a model stream train at the Durban Society of Model Engineers. Second and fourth Sunday of every month. Playground and tea/coffee is available. Open. Time: 11am–4pm. Venue: 4 Hinton Grove, Virginia. Cost: R5 per ride.

Contact: 083 284 6469

sport and physical activities Blue Horizons Horse Trails and Riding School Caters for the whole family, with riding lessons, pony camps and trail rides.

Stables Lifestyle Market Craft and products market offering clothing, toys, jewellery, food, make-up, paintings and more. Time: Wednesday and Friday 6pm–10pm, Sunday 10am–5pm. Venue: Jacko Jackson Dr, off Smiso Nkwanyana Rd, Stanford Hill. For more info: visit stablesmarket.co.za

From 3 years and older. The estate also has a nursery and beauty salon. Time: by appointment. Venue: Drummond (7km from Hillcrest). Cost: four lessons R570. Contact Debbie: 083 269 4945, debbie@bluehorizonsestate.co.za or visit bluehorizonsestate.co.za BMX racing A fun sport for boys and girls from 5 years old. Contact Giba Gorge: 082 626 7845 or wayne@gibagorge. co.za, Queensburgh: 082 467 0187 or eggarbmx@mweb.co.za or Cato Ridge: 082 614 7117 or paul.wood@bytes.co.za Little Kickers Approved football training and the development of ball skills for children 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, admin@littlekickers.co.za or visit littlekickers.co.za

on stage and screen Old Mutual Music at the Lake Features South African rock group Prime Circle.

6 March. Time: 2pm. Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: early birds R100, on concert day R120, children 6–12 years R20. Contact: 031 309 1170, visit durbanbotanicgardens.org.za or book through ticketbreak.co.za

6 March – Old Mutual Music at the Lake featuring Prime Circle

magazine durban

only for parents classes, talks and workshops 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. Last Saturday of every month. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: New Era House, 6 Joseph Ave, Glen Anil.

Cost: R500. Contact Kate: 083 271 5127 or durban@edubabe.co.za Edu-Maid child-stimulation course allows domestic helpers to upgrade and widen existing skills. Time: Monday–Friday 8:30am–12pm. Venue: Sunningdale. Cost: R350. Contact Eleanor: 031 572 4313 or 084 821 6668 Flamenco dancing Learn to dance with passion. For all ages, physiques and genders.

Time: varies. Venue: Ramsay Rd, Berea. Cost: varies. Contact Linda: 082 321 8065 or vargas@telkomsa.net Learning to meditate Gain freedom from anger and stress and find inner peace.

27 March. Time: 9:30am–12:45pm. Venue: Mahasiddha Buddhist Centre, 2 Hollings Rd, Malvern. Cost: R100. Contact: 031 464 0984, info@meditateindurban.org or visit meditateindurban.org

Flamenco dancing

5:30pm–8pm. Venue: 1 Wingfield Rd, Kloof. Cost: varies. Contact Meryl: 031 764 6577, meryl@absamail.co.za or visit merylschoolofcooking.co.za Sprigs cooking demonstrations Moms are invited to a variety of cooking demonstrations. 1, 3, 9, 15, 17, 23, 26, 29 March. Time: 8:45am–11:45am. Venue: Sprigs The Food Shop, Shop 1, Fields Shopping Centre, 13 Old Main Rd, Kloof.

Cost: R230. Contact: 031 764 6031 or sprigs@telkomsa.net

on stage and screen

Learning to meditate

Lunch box ideas Rania from Nosh shares quick, tasty and nutritious ideas with moms.

2 and 30 March. Time: 10am–11:30am.

Venue: Everton/Kloof. Cost: tbc. Contact Rania: 082 836 8112 or ttr@mweb.co.za Meditation classes for moms Learn to have a peaceful mind. Every Friday. Time: 8:30am–9:30am. 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 curries to courses for domestic workers. Time: morning courses 9:30am–11am, evening courses magazine durban

A Handful of Keys Two piano virtuosos keep you entertained. 29 March–17 April.

Time: 7:30pm, also Saturday 2:30pm and Sunday 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Glenwood.

Cost: R130. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra. 23 March. Time: 8pm. Venue: ICC, Durban CBD. Cost: R400–R1 000.

Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com High Notes and Highlights Songs from different countries and musical moments in history. 11–20 March. Time: Friday– Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2:30pm and 6pm.

Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Rd, Umbilo. Cost: R100. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com

support groups ADHASA Support Group For adult and child ADHD. 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 every 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 March 2011

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calendar Childline Works to protect children, offers counselling to abuse victims, provides education and training. Call the toll-free line: 0800 055 555 or visit childlinesa.org.za Compassionate Friends Support group for bereaved family members. They have meetings every fourth Sunday of the month.

Time: 3pm–5pm. Venue: ABSA premises, 20 Hunter St, Durban CBD. Contact: 031 335 0463 or 082 458 3663 Depression and Anxiety South Africa Call the national helpline on 0800 205 121 for referral to the relevant support group Diabetes South Africa is an advocate for all suffering from diabetes. Contact: 0861 222 717, durban@diabetessa.co.za or visit diabetessa.co.za Down Syndrome Association KZN Intuthuko support group meeting for those with Down’s Syndrome and their families.

Third Saturday of every month. Venue: Anglican Church Hall, Umbilo Rd. Contact: 076 978 9811 or the office: 031 464 2055 FAMSA Offers family and relationship counselling, parenting guidance, conflict resolution and more. Contact: 031 202 8987 or visit 30 Bulwer Rd, Glenwood Hi Hopes Offers home-based, familycentered support and information to families of babies with hearing loss. Contact Cheryl: 082 447 1142, cheryl.devnath@ gmail.com or visit wits.ac.za/Humanities/ Education/Deaf+Studies/HIHOPES 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 for bring-andshare morning teas. Contact: 03l 205 9525 or 072 248 0008 SADAG South African Depression and Anxiety Group offers assistance to those suffering from depression or drug abuse or who may be suicidal. For more information or referral to a support group visit sadag.co.za Speak Easy Support group for people who stutter. Meetings are used to discuss issues around stuttering, to share new ideas and experiences, discuss feelings and to practise speech techniques. Contact Imraan: 082 786 3718 or visit speakeasy.org.za

Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer Support Group

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support groups La Leche League Worldwide breastfeeding support organisation. There are currently no meetings in KZN, 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. 8 March. Time: 9am–10:30am. Venue: Alberlito Hospital, Ballito. Cost: free. Contact: 032 946 6956 or 032 946 1826 Postnatal Depression Support Association of South Africa No support groups are meeting currently. Call the National Helpline on 082 882 0072 or visit pndsa.co.za The South African Multiple Birth Association Support group for families with multiples. Contact: 082 338 2625 for counselling, kzn@samultiplebirth.co.za or visit samultiplebirth.co.za

how to help Baby Bond Workshop FAMSA

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Expectant parents seminar For parents expecting multiples. 12 March. Time: 12:30pm–5pm. Venue: Parklands Netcare Hospital, Overport. Cost: member couple R150, non-member couple R180. Contact Edie: 082 338 2625, kzn@samultiplebirth. co.za or visit samultiplebirth.co.za Pregnancy Yoga Teaches beneficial postures, 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 Moms and Tots and Moms and Babes workshops Interactive programmes to build relationships through play and fun activities. Time: varies. Venue: branches in Umhlanga, Durban North, 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; 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.

Time: 1pm every Wednesday and Friday.

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. Time: varies. Venue: branches in Durban North, Ballito, Kloof, Hillcrest, Westville and Hilton. Cost: R810 per term.

Contact: 031 266 4910, 082 876 7791, info@toptots.co.za or visit toptots.co.za

Adopt a Monkey Kellogg’s and Born Free have joined forces to help save endangered monkeys and baboons in Malawi. To support this initiative, buy any two packs of Kellogg’s Coco Pops and get your children to sms two monkey codes to receive a unique code, which will allow children to adopt their own monkey on the Coco Pops website. They can watch monkey videos, rehabilitate a virtual monkey and get an adoption certificate. For more info: visit adoptamonkey.co.za or kelloggs.co.za Be A Hero Donate blood. SANBS is always in need of volunteers to donate blood, particularly over holidays. Donors should be in good health and between the ages of 16 and 65. People 16 to 25 years of age can join Club 25, where members pledge to become active, regular blood donors. Contact: 0800 119 031 or visit sanbs.org.za Headway Natal Offers rehabilitation, therapy and support to people over 18 years who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. They also have an outreach programme through which they support a

Structured baby-massage training course about engaging in nurturing touch and baby education.

Every Tuesday. Time: 10:30am– 12:30pm. 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

rural centre for special-needs children. Help Headway on World Head Injury Awareness Day by making a donation. For more info: visit headway.org.za Ukuthula Craft Programme Works to develop skills in underprivileged communities by teaching women how to make jewellery and other crafts. You can help by donating old jewellery, craft materials, baby goods for the crèche, or by providing display space for the crafts, should you have a suitable venue. For more info contact Tracy: 072 682 9661

Be A Hero – donate blood

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 March for the April issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published.

To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

magazine durban

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

childmag.co.za/resources/birthday-parties

magazine durban

March 2011

33

last laugh

bliss pockets SAM WILSON savours those bubbles of time when it feels as if life just couldn’t be better.

fantastic 11-year-old Joe who brought me back down to earth with an Om. “I like life best when you can actually feel the little pockets of bliss that string it together,” he said to me a while back, in that companionable voice children use when gobsmacking you.

“What do you mean, Joe?” I asked.

“Well, take this moment,” he said.

“We’re lying on the couch in a pool of sunlight all snuggled together, reading books we like. If you think about it, it’s a bubble of bliss, isn’t it? And earlier when we took the dogs for that nice walk in the forest...”

“Before or after Odie Rocketboots rolled in that other dog’s poo?” I asked, a bit sceptical.

“Oh definitely only before,” said Joe, with a straight face. “Before the poo moment,

when we were walking up the stream hunting tadpoles, that was a bliss pocket.”

Readers, how lovely is that notion? I think it’s fantastic. Not only does it light up all the important bits, but the idea of stringing them together into a life that resembles Christmas lights all year around is deeply appealing to me.

As you know, at dinner every night we try to play Best and Worst, where each family member shares the highest and lowest moments of their day. While this game has served us well for years – or at least until Benj figured out he could say, “My best is that I have no worsts” – I prefer the new habit of drawing attention to Bliss Pockets.

And it’s catching on in our family. The other day we were playing a boisterous game of Cluedo (or as we like to call it J’accuse!) and Benj, while brandishing Col

Mustard indignantly in the air (“I didn’t! I couldn’t wield a dagger in the kitchen! I am a Mild-Mannered Mustard!”), suddenly fell back on his cushion and roared, “Bliss pocket!”

At which point, we all tickled him in agreement.

Isn’t it funny how the best bits of life are the most transient? I think that’s why I love the bliss-pocket idea so much – it not only recognises and reinforces that, but it acknowledges that it’s getting a fair number of them in that makes all the hurly-burly worth it. No matter how fast life flies by.

Here’s to gathering bliss pockets, while we may.

Sam Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief of Parent24, Women24 and Food24. Secretly, she has always been this mushy.

family marketplace

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March 2011

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH: Andreas SpÄth

n

ow that 2011 has worked up a little momentum, Andreas and I are struggling to hold on to the sense that we are doing any more than simply, well, holding on. First it’s March, then it’s June... and then 21-yearold Joey’s apologising for having pranged the car during a midnight joyride.

It’s all just going too fast. If I didn’t know it would end so badly, I’d be tempted to find an all-white hospital room where, like Sylvia Plath, I could just lie still outside of time for a bit, sneering occasionally at tulips.

But while I have been trying my best to fix the problem proactively – buying more time by finally kicking my social-smoking habit (hold thumbs that it’s still true by the time this goes to print) and slowing time down by trying to meditate – it was the still

Joe, Sam and Benj