Child Magazine | Durban May 2012

D U R B A N ’ S

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

p ar e n t s

let’s party your one-stop guide to planning the perfect day www.childmag.co.za

May 2012

free

party 101 – be the hostess with the mostest fun ideas and themes for all ages bake a creative cake with love great ways to remember the occasion

health

education

entertainment

Celebrate with us as we commemorate a new record – we now reach 177 000 parents every month!

May is always a time for joyful celebration at Child magazine. This year we have plenty to party about! After nearly nine years of publishing Child magazine in Cape Town and Joburg, this month we launch in Pretoria. I grew up in Pretoria and my mom, at 75, is still teaching there, so it’s great to go back to my roots, so to speak. Welcome to all our new Pretoria readers. We trust you will come to enjoy and rely on us, as many parents in Cape Town, Joburg and Durban do. Child magazine Durban also joins the party this month – it’s our fifth birthday in the city! So, it’s poppers and party hats all round. As usual, our gift to you every “Let’s Party” issue is the Ultimate Party Guide – featuring everything you may be looking for, from balloons and ball ponds to pirate ships and pamper parties. You’ll also find wonderful party themes, games and cake recipes for every age, stage and season. Make sure you hang on to this issue, because we’ve made sure that if you are planning a party, this is your one-stop shop.

Have a happy May.

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

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

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

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Durban’s Child magazine TM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: 1st Floor, MB House, 641 Peter Mokaba Road, Overport, 4091. Tel: 031 209 2200, fax: 031 207 3429, email: info@childmag.co.za. Annual subscriptions (for 11 issues) cost R165, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by Paarl Web. Copyright subsists in all work published in Durban’s Child magazine TM .

We welcome submissions but retain the unrestricted right to change any received copy. We are under no obligation to return unsolicited copy. The magazine, or part thereof, may not be reproduced or adapted without the prior written permission of the publisher. We take care to ensure our articles, and other editorial content, are accurate and balanced, but cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or inconvenience that may arise from reading them.

May 2012

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contents

may 2012

20 upfront 3

9

best for baby – chew on this

i f your baby swallows some soil, don’t panic. Anél Lewis explains

a note from lisa

7 over to you

10 dealing with difference

readers respond

Glynis Horning investigates both sides of the controversial Ritalin debate

features

20 resource – the ultimate party guide

14 the big day

L ucille Kemp offers party suggestions for the different ages and stages

16 it’s my party

in this new book full of party theme ideas, Arina du Plessis and Bernice van

der Merwe give you some inspiration 18 always something there to remind me

Lucille Kemp suggests innovative ways to preserve special memories

28 party etiquette

a list of everyone and everything that can help you create the best birthday party for your child. Compiled by Tamlyn Vincent

29 a good read

new books for the whole family

16

who to invite, when and how? Anél Lewis gives some tips

regulars 6 wins 8 upfront with paul

children are individuals and should be treated accordingly, says Paul Kerton 30 what’s on in may 34 anél’s finishing touch

18

Anél Lewis promises to remember entertainment for the children at her daughter’s second birthday party

classified ads 31 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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May 2012

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

Accessorize www.accessorize.co.za

shutterstock.com

Christie Lee Mann www.colleensevitz.co.za

shutterstock.com

magazine durban

magazine durban

May 2012

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wins

giveaways in may soak up softness Baby Soft is running an on pack promotion offering everyone the opportunity to get an instant reward with discount vouchers for Radox foam bath – making sure you delight in life’s little comforts. Look out for promotional packs with Softie the Labrador enjoying a bubble bath.

One reader stands a chance to win a Baby Soft hamper, with Baby Soft and Radox products and a spa voucher for you and a friend, all valued at R2 000. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-dbn and use the code “Baby Soft DBN”. Your details will be made available to Baby Soft.

hip hip hooray Crazy Chameleon creates and facilitates unique and memorable themed party packages for children and adults. They cover everything from birthday parties to baby showers and kitchen teas, and will tailor the event to suit your budget. For more info: visit crazychamelon.co.za One reader stands a chance to win décor for a party of 10 children and a mini candy buffet, valued at R3 500. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-dbn and use the code “Crazy Chameleon DBN”. Your details will be made available to Crazy Chameleon.

to enter simply visit childmag.co.za

congratulations to our March winners Kelly-Anne Foord, Brett Delport, Onisha Devchund and Monique de Villiers who each win a Protect-A-Bed® family pack; Roslyn Haripersad who wins a speech and drama tuition bursary from the Rising Star Performing Arts Academy and Rob Irwin who wins a shopping voucher from a regional

or post your entry to PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Entries close 31 May 2012. Only one entry per reader.

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May 2012

Polo store.

magazine durban

over to you

letters

teenage drinking the smacking debate Lisa Lazarus’s article, “spare the rod” (March 2012), was shocking to read. The author asks the question “what is a suitable form of punishment?” My question is: why is punishment needed at all? If children do not cooperate, does that mean we are allowed to hurt them physically and emotionally? I find it hypocritical to state, “… it is beneficial to associate danger with a short, sharp pain… from a loving parent”. How is hitting another person loving? There is enough evidence that the brain can’t learn anything if in a state of fear or pain, and there is also a moral implication: how would you feel if your “loving” spouse hit you because you did something he or she did not approve of? You would most likely call it abuse. Parenting should be about trust and faith, not about outdated notions of discipline.

Angela Kersten As the writer of the article, I want to comment: because of the contentious nature of this topic, part of my brief required that I include both sides of the debate. Child magazine made it clear in their brief that they don’t condone smacking. There is a great deal of research on this topic. Bear in mind that almost all psychological research can be criticised methodologically. it is very difficult to research people.

I chose the Gunnoe study for a number of reasons: (1) the research will be conducted over a long period

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of time and will track the children during this period; (2) it included a control group of the “never been hit”, which allowed the researchers to make comparisons (sadly, it is a relatively new phenomenon for children never to have been smacked – hence, the difficulty in finding such a control group); (3) I could include Po Bronson’s interpretation of the findings (namely: it’s not smacking that is good, but consistent discipline), and lastly, (4) the findings were interesting, relatively recent and worthy of debate. Gunnoe has published previously in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine on aggression and smacking.

Many parents do support smacking. Presumably, they have thought through their behaviour and their responses to their child, and, as such, the article was also addressed to them. It would be patronising in the extreme to assume that such parents know not what they do. Child abuse is rampant in this country, and a mild smack, under very controlled conditions, as articulated by the psychologist in the article, needs to be strongly differentiated from any other violent physical act towards children. I would also like to point out that both psychologists whom I interviewed did not support the smacking of children. I also don’t support smacking as an appropriate form of discipline. I believe that it is a topic worth discussing, and that there are a variety of legitimate opinions that deserve airing, without shutting down the debate with absolutes.

Lisa Lazarus

The article by Gary Koen, “think before you let them drink” (April 2012), clarified many things for me. I often feel pressured to blur boundaries and lower my standards due to peer pressure (“but mom, all my friends are...”), but reading this has made me feel justified in laying down the law and made me determined to stick to my guns for my children’s sake. This article is going to make a difference to this family.

Joy

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marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. We reserve the right to edit and s h o r t e n submitted letters. The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.

May 2012

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upfront with paul

a measured approach Don’t crush your children’s individuality by comparing them to others, or by charting their progress on a

w

development chart, says PAUL KERTON.

e all have our own ideas of what our children are supposed to be and do, and how they are supposed to behave and develop by what age – roughly. When they are babies it is much easier because they have an official government-enforced percentile chart, known as the Road to Health chart, and if your baby’s weight or height veers above or below the red line for more than a nanosecond then a very enthusiastic midwife will berate you sharply about giving too much or too little food. And if it continues, social workers will be around to bundle your pride and joy into the back of a van, until you get your portions and priorities right. At that critical period of development, standards do have to be rigorously adhered to or the baby won’t make it. Period.

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May 2012

But the older the child gets the more difficult it is to predict what they should be doing by what age, as there is no official development manual. Once your child gets to three, and certainly to four, then you are definitely on your own. All the best baby books, my own included, caution against comparing your child with others or getting deflated because your son is seemingly not as agile or aggressive as the other boys on the rugby field. Parents can literally drive themselves insane fretting over little Jimmy’s lack of ball control or clumsiness on the piano when, really, it matters, but not awfully.

We all coo in awe at child prodigies who can play Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony in C minor” or paint a perfect copy of Van Gogh’s “Irises” using mom’s discarded mascara brushes. True,

these are extraordinary, gifted children, but it can be exasperating watching them star on YouTube when all you crave is for your child to sit still for half an hour while they do their homework.

Yes, comparisons may be odious, but there is very little else to go on. As with talent, most children find their own level, and generally progress at a similar pace to their peers; with a few spikes and troughs. Official measurements, charts and gauges are largely replaced with personal observations mixed with school performance. An average student at a top school could very well be a top student at an average school, so there is an odd dynamic at work. At least we have moved on from the unsympathetic era of “smart children” and “stupid children” where everything was very black and white and

any child failing to score upwards of 65 percent in anything spent their week in the naughty chair. The recognition of multiple intelligences, and the blend of intelligence that makes up each of our children, has created a more measured and humane approach; allowing a child who is slow at maths to experiment with other subjects more befitting their academic strengths.

Luckily modern teachers are more alert to the signs of “failing” and provide fresh alternatives in an effort to spread the curricula love.

In the end though, what makes us all so beautifully ourselves is that unique and incredibly complex mix of intelligences and abilities that make up each individual. Let’s celebrate, rather than crush it.

Paul Kerton is the author of Fab Dad 2: From Walking to Talking... and Beyond.

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

best for baby

chew on this Babies explore their world by putting things into their mouths.

ANÉL LEWIS finds out why they do this, and when you need to worry.

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterSTOCK.COM

a

ny parent of a baby or toddler will tell you that as soon as they discover their hands, “everything goes in the mouth”. My one-year-old daughter has a penchant for sucking on stones, has munched a couple of dogfood pellets and recently ingested a clump of garden soil, much to my horror. I was concerned about the germs and bacteria she was now happily popping into her mouth, but Meg Faure, co-author of Baby Sense (Metz Press), says this practice, also called mouthing, is essential for strengthening a baby’s immune system. “Putting their hands or other objects into their mouths exposes babies to manageable types and forms of germs and this allows the immunity to build up incrementally.”

Mouthing is also a natural and vital part of your baby’s development. Faure

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says babies will start placing their hands in their mouths from about three to four months. “Since the mouth has more tactile receptors than any other part of the body, it is used to explore the qualities of not only the hands, but any toy or foodstuff.” As your baby develops and starts to crawl, she will explore her expanding world by putting most of the objects she encounters into her mouth. Speech-language pathologist Suzanne Morris, of Virginia in the USA, explains that the mouth is your baby’s “window to the world”. By exploring a toy or object with her tongue, lips and jaw, your baby is able to discern more about its size, shape, texture, taste and weight.

Faure says while most babies will outgrow mouthing in the toddler years, it is not uncommon to see six year olds sucking the ends of their pencils.

when to worry Faure says, “The only time a mom should worry is if there is a health risk of choking or poison.If objects hold a choking risk, such as nuts or marshmallows, do not allow your

baby to eat these. Or put marbles in their mouths.” According to the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa (CAPFSA), most choking accidents occur between the exploratory ages of five and 18 months. If you notice that your child has put something potentially dangerous in her mouth, but hasn’t swallowed it yet, gently squeeze her cheeks and scoop out the item with your finger. If your child is choking on an object, hold her up by the heels and give her a firm slap on the back. If you suspect your child has swallowed something toxic, contact your nearest poison information centre for advice and medical treatment.

if swallowed, should also be kept out of reach. An often ignored potential hazard is the garden, which may contain poisonous plants and flowers. Plants to avoid include azaleas, daffodil bulbs, hydrangeas, lilies of the valley and clivias. If your intrepid explorer insists on testing some less than palatable substances, such as dog droppings, voice your displeasure or pull a face. Your baby will soon learn to associate the substance with a negative experience and will (hopefully) avoid it in future.

poison information centres

make mouthing safer

Red Cross War Memorial

Any object that can fit through an empty toilet roll can also be swallowed, and should be considered unsafe. Make sure cupboards containing poison substances, household cleaners and medicines are locked. Keep a look out for small objects, such as buttons, safety pins, glass, balloons or small stones that may be lying around. Magnets, which may cause serious internal damage

Children’s Hospital 021 689 5227 Tygerberg Hospital 021 931 6129 (information centre for all nine provinces) Unitas Hospital Pretoria 0800 111 2229 (toll free)

May 2012

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dealing with difference

rethinking

ritalin

Is this widely-prescribed stimulant a solution for your child’s behaviour, or a potentially dangerous substitute for a healthier diet and better parenting?

By GLYNIS Horning

a

mother describes what is becoming an increasingly common scenario in homes across South Africa and the western world. “My son was in Grade 1 when the teacher called me in,” says Lynne Visagie of Johannesburg. “She said he had concentration issues and couldn’t focus to finish work, he was getting bored and walking about disrupting the class.” Lynne immediately braced herself for the threeletter diagnosis currently handed down to an estimated one in 10 children: ADD, or attention deficit disorder. Then when an educational psychologist confirmed it, she braced herself again for the most commonly prescribed solution: Ritalin.

“Today every other child seems to be on it,” Lynne sighs. “But everything I’d heard made me totally against it. I was afraid and confused.”

While the formal definition may have helped end the punishment of many children, it has also created a label some consider stigmatising. And it’s now so liberally applied that it’s been estimated that a million children in the US alone may have been falsely diagnosed.

“The crux of the controversy is that there is still no single definitive biological, scientific test for ADHD,” says Lynne, who today runs the national office of Adhasa in Randburg. This has prompted US educator and author of Walking Targets (CreateSpace), Beverly Eakman, to protest that “children are being forced to take a drug that is stronger than cocaine for a disease that is yet to be proven”. And Dr Mary Ann Block, head of the (antipsychiatry) Citizens Commission on Human Rights and author of No More

Like many parents, Lynne was reluctant to medicate her child with a drug at the centre of considerable controversy, and for a condition that is relatively new and not clearly understood. “ADD has been around some 60 years,” says Terry Wilke, educational psychologist and former director of the Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of Southern Africa (Adhasa). It was first diagnosed as minimal brain dysfunction, then brain damage. “These children were seen as naughty troublemakers, and beaten in class or kicked out of school.” Around the 1980s, ADD was diagnosed as a separate disorder, and today the favoured term is ADHD, although you can have attention deficit (concentration problems) without hyperactivity (overactive behaviour), or with other conditions such as learning problems, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and depression.

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May 2012

Ritalin (Block Systems), has asked: “If there is no valid test; no data proving ADHD is a brain dysfunction, why in the world are millions of children being labelled with ADHD and prescribed these drugs?” The answer that they have come up with is that it is an attempt by certain teachers and sometimes parents to control “natural childhood behaviour”, which they are unwilling or incapable of coping with, and a conspiracy by pharmaceutical companies, for which Ritalin and similar medications are a multi-million dollar industry. But what are the facts?

exploring the causes There may be no professional agreement on the cause of ADHD, yet most doctors and psychologists say studies suggest a mix of factors, from genetics to smoking and drinking during pregnancy, food additives or dietary deficiencies, magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH & ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The crux of the controversy is that there is still no single definitive biological, scientific test for ADHD.

±1 in 10 children is being labelled as ADHD

brain injury, and differences in the way children’s brains are formed or deal with neurotransmitters. “Specialised techniques indicate that ADHD is caused by insufficient levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the areas that control focus, cognitive planning and executive function, leading to distractibility, poor planning and organising and impulsive behaviour,” says Dr Johan Erasmus, a Pretoria-based developmental paediatrician with a special interest in ADHD.

Neuroimaging has shown differences in the thickness of these regions of the cortex with ADHD children, “but the clinical implications of these changes on ADHD are still not clear,” he says. “The problem with conditions of the brain is that, unlike the rest of the body, we cannot take biopsies to see what is wrong. We need to rely on indirect methods, which make diagnoses open to interpretation.” Theories for such differences therefore vary widely. Thom Hartmann, author of Complete Guide to ADHD (Underwood books), suggests that ADHD is an evolutionary adaptation, a throwback to hunter characteristics. But diet, lifestyle, family and personality are now all thought to play a part, and most professionals working with ADHD say these should be attended to before turning to medication.

could your child have ADHD? It’s natural for children to be inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive at times, but if several of the following symptoms are severe and persist, affecting your child’s progress and family life, Adhasa advises professional assessment: • unable to concentrate at school or read for more than a few minutes, • fidgety, • often sick, • generally disorganised, • easily frustrated, • struggles with social interaction, and • under-achieves.

Get professional diagnosis to eliminate other explanations: • parental conflict, divorce or separation, • abuse or bullying, • uncontrolled asthma or other allergies, • hearing or vision problems, and • stress or depression.

Your GP may suggest a child psychologist, developmental paediatrician, child psychiatrist or child neurologist. For recommendations of specialists experienced in ADHD, contact info@adhasa.co.za or visit adhasa.co.za

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May 2012

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dealing with difference

the Ritalin dilemma Methylphenidate, distributed as Ritalin or Concerta, increases or “stimulates” the dopamine levels that are too low, restoring focus, and functional and impulse control, says Erasmus. “It’s a stimulant, but it calms an overactive brain, so it works in children with ADHD if properly prescribed and supervised,” adds Wilke. “Sadly this isn’t always the case.”

“The dangers of medicating children who don’t need it into submission are quite tragic, and there are parents putting them on Ritalin who don’t have

an option,” says Durban clinical psychologist Robin Vanderplank, a regional coordinator for Adhasa.

Lynne was one. “My son’s school told me unless I put him on Ritalin they wouldn’t take him back. I told them, ‘You’re the teachers, and you should be able to handle him without resorting to drugs.’ Then I changed schools and started other treatments.”

how risky is Ritalin?

• hypersensitivity,

Ritalin is safe to use and has been in use for more than 60 years, says Dr Johan Erasmus, a developmental paediatrician. “Like any medication it can cause sideeffects, but these subside if the medication is stopped or the dose adjusted, and no long-term side-effect has ever been described with it. Most of the negative effects people are concerned about were seen with the injection, which was taken off the market many years ago, not the tablets, which get metabolised.” Ritalin should not be taken by children with: • high anxiety and agitation, • glaucoma, • uncontrolled epilepsy, and • motor tics or Tourette’s syndrome.

• nausea,

Recognised and reported possible side-effects are: • nervousness, • insomnia or drowsiness,

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Ritalin can have an important role in managing ADHD, but it’s only number 10 on the list of things to try.

May 2012

• loss of appetite, • weight loss, • dizziness, • headaches, • abdominal pain, • dyskinesia (involuntary movements), • blood pressure and pulse changes, and • palpitations, tachycardia, angina and cardiac arrhythmia. Ritalin, like many medications, should be used with caution by those with heart defects or abnormal heart rhythms.

“Reports of Ritalin encouraging addiction are a myth,” says educational psychologist Terry Wilke. “ADHD children not on Ritalin are more likely to use recreational drugs to ‘self-medicate’.”

“Ritalin can have an important role in managing ADHD, but it’s only number 10 on the list of things to try, including diet and exercise,” says Vanderplank (see “managing ADHD”).

Lynne passionately agrees. She put her son on a low-GI diet with omega and vitamin supplements and minimal sugar, and encouraged him to swim competitively and cycle. “He got super-fit and his focus improved, but not enough to complete tasks,” she says ruefully. When academic pressures mounted at high school, she finally agreed to try Ritalin. “It was amazing from the get-go – my boy listened, his marks improved, he blossomed. I felt guilty for not trying it earlier.”

But side-effects slowly set in. “He’d get emotional when the Ritalin wore off, then one morning he came in from a bike ride with serious heart palpitations.” She rushed him to a cardiologist and has since learnt that this is a rare side-effect of Ritalin, and children predisposed to heart problems should not take it.

Today Lynne’s son is 16 and off medication. “He still eats well, takes supplements and exercises, but he’s up and down again with the ADD.” She has the following advice for parents who call Adhasa for help. “Bottom line is that it’s a personal decision,” she says. “But I tell them Ritalin works. If your child is properly diagnosed and monitored for side-effects, go for it. I’ve seen a bad side, but I’ve also seen it can be a life-saver for some children; improving their behaviour, helping them socially and academically, and giving them the confidence to fly.”

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managing ADHD “At a recent ADHD world conference, every delegate agreed that medication on its own is not enough to manage the effects,” says clinical psychologist Robin Vanderplank. Adhasa supports these steps:

avoiding colourants, preservatives and other additives, as well as trans-fats and the sugar, caffeine and white flour some suspect cause spikes and dips in blood sugar levels. Adhasa also advocates professional testing for food sensitivities.

exercise This helps channel natural energy and brings mental focus by releasing feel-good endorphins.

reduce stress “This is a major contributor to ADHD, because to cope with increased stress levels we use up vitamins and minerals meant for our other important functions,” says Vanderplank.

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drink water 2 Dehydration impairs concentration; we need six to eight glasses a day. eat healthy foods Avoid fast foods high in fat and refined carbohydrates, and serve protein and unrefined carbohydrates at each meal. Encourage a child to eat often if concentration slides.

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diet A 2011 review by researchers from the Chicago Children’s Memorial Hospital of studies on diets and supplements showed “limited evidence” that these help ADHD, says Durban-based dietician Priya Seetal.

But anecdotal accounts abound, and Adhasa advises

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take supplements 6 Our bodies can’t make essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. We get these from food, and some studies suggest today’s food is less nutritious because of soil depletion from poor agricultural practices. Give a quality omega oil supplement and multivitamin. keep a calm home “No one can think clearly and work things out when angry or upset,” says Vanderplank. “Don’t shout, rather say ‘let’s talk about this’.” Also, make sure children get enough sleep.

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encourage emotional growth “Try to see things from your child’s point of view,” Vanderplank urges.

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respond differently “Those with ADHD have challenges and opportunities on a different scale to ordinary people,” says Vanderplank. “They’re among our brightest and most innovative members of society,” adds Johannesburg psychologist Anita Decaires-Wagner. Work with professionals to learn what the unique problems are that your child needs to sort out. Explore behavioural therapy, which uses positive reinforcement to help them learn to control their impulsivity.

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use medication wisely “Ritalin may be crucial at times,” says Vanderplank, “but unless a child is in danger of abuse from frustrated parents, it should be a last resort.” Dr Johan Erasmus, a developmental paediatrician says, “If all other interventions don’t improve the child’s quality of life, medication must be considered to prevent the serious long-term consequences of inadequately treated ADHD. With it, many relationships and careers have been saved.” A study by Rodrigo Escobar, a doctor and medical researcher in Madrid, showed that the quality of life of people with untreated ADHD is much poorer than that of people with untreated asthma. “But we don’t have a problem treating asthma, even with a medication that has side-effects way more dangerous and that can be longlasting.” It’s safe if well-controlled, he adds.

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ideas

the

day

It’s your child’s birthday, and you want to celebrate it in style. LUCILLE KEMP

m

gets some tried and tested ideas from moms on how to throw a memorable party.

any say that the simplest parties are often the ones where the best time was had, so though you may feel the pressure to produce the goods on the day, you don’t need to break the bank to do so. Half the battle is won with a good, solid party theme and a little imagination. Cape Townbased working mother of three and parttime caterer, Taryn Copeman advises, “Plan ahead, pick a theme and stick to it without overdoing it. For instance, if you’ve decided on a Cars theme you can use red, black and

white checks for décor, and maybe buy just one or two more expensive Disney-themed

Angie Cameron from Durban and mom to three-year-old Mackenzie, says the

I find the process enjoyable probably because I keep the end goal in mind – to have fun and be happy. For this I know I don’t have to go to great expense, so I don’t put pressure on myself. items to pull it together. Bake your own cake, if you can, as it makes it more personal, otherwise order well ahead of time.”

planning tends to become quite involved, so she starts organising her ideas in advance and keeps an eye out for odds

and ends when she’s at the shops. “I find the process enjoyable probably because I keep the end goal in mind – to have fun and be happy. For this I know I don’t have to go to great expense, so I don’t put pressure on myself. I’m hoping to keep my parties home-made, so my sister and I, for one, put a lot of energy into planning the cake.”

For another Durban mother, Catherine Jenkin, mom to three-and-a-half-year-old Cam, parties are strictly a family affair.

“We keep it small, and stick to Cam’s immediate family and closest friends.”

parties through the ages the one year old Key Their first birthday is a real milestone, but remember it’s more of a celebration for the parent.

You therefore don’t need to invite 15 one year olds, as Taryn informs me she did for her son Casey’s first birthday. As long as you’re within sight of your birthday girl or boy and the party falls in line with their sleep routine, it will be a success. Nancy Cockcroft from Cape Town kept the focus on one-year-old Georgina with a sweet gesture. She served only snacks that Georgie was able to eat and cut up foods to “Georgie-size”. Nancy says, “There were oaties, cucumber sticks, grapes, raisins, viennas and quartered sarmies. Party hats were worn to make it festive and I made cupcakes with sprinkles and put a candle on one for Georgie to blow out – more like for mom and dad to blow out – for a photo opp.”

Ideas If you want to inject a little fun into the first birthday while still keeping focus on the child, you could play dress up. One creative blogger says she dressed up her birthday baby as an eighties-inspired aerobics instructor, complete with a hand-embroidered, felt boom box.

Key Keep it simple and keep them active.

Toddlers are busy so have something that they can bounce on, slide down, twirl around or ride on. For this, all you need is your back yard and a hired inflatable apparatus, or a park where there’ll be a jungle gym, swings, a merry-go-round and seesaws.

Also focus on free play. Your toddler doesn’t sit still for long and gets sidetracked easily, so structured play, such as a craft workshop, is unlikely to work. Janine describes her son Connor’s second birthday party as a great success. “We hired a Lightning McQueen jumping castle with attached ball pond, which the children loved and spent most of the day playing in.”

Angie’s daughter, Mackenzie, had a jungle-themed second birthday with a monkey-face cake and a home-made mural, which they worked on for three weeks. Her third birthday was a low-key picnic in the park, but it still popped thanks to the giant cupcake-style cake and the park’s resident ducks, which the children enjoyed feeding.

Barbara du Randt from Durban and mom to five-year-old Noah, says, “The most special party for me and Noah was his third birthday; when he really understood that it was his birthday and could blow out his candles for the first time.”

Ideas When it comes to a theme for this age think cars, trains, teddy bears, fairies or Barbie. Activity venues are popular, or you can entertain with a storyteller. For simple dress-up ideas, moms have done a great job transforming their daughters into princesses and toddling boys will make cute little lions.

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magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPHs and illustrations: shutterstock.com

the toddler

the preschooler Key Keep them stimulated.

Janine, currently based in Guernsey, England says, “For Connor’s fourth birthday party my husband and I made a pirate ship out of cardboard and added a plastic slide, which we already had lying around the house. They had to climb through a tunnel to get into the pirate ship and then slide down to get out. It was a huge hit.

They spent most of the day in it and it cost us nothing.

We had hot dog boats for lunch with fruit and chips, and I made a pirate treasure-chest cake, which Connor loved.”

Ideas A cute and stand-out dress-up idea for a boy or girl is Wall-E or you could dress them up as a bunny and let them have fun with it by showing them how to hop around.

the young teenager Key Get them involved, let them feel like the grown-ups they aren’t and reduce the guest list because at this age, they’re all about their BFFs anyway.

Your tween is asserting her independence, and is likely to make her own party request. Taryn was initially taken aback when Skyla shunned her offer of a cake and instead requested a chocolate fountain for her 11th birthday party. Another popular idea at this age is a sushi-making party.

You may want to invite your immediate family, in-laws and your daughter’s best friend’s parents to celebrate the milestone 13th birthday, so include drinks and snacks for the adults.

Ideas Your child feels like a young adult so she’ll probably want a disco, a pool party, a sleepover, a movie night, a braai or, if it’s winter, a dinner party. If you’re feeling energetic and creative, why not throw a murder mystery dinner party?

Some great ideas for girls include a make-your-own-cake party or a pamper party at a spa. Boys at this age will love a paintball party, which can also be a great winter option, or you could splash out and hire a Hummer limo to fetch your birthday boy and a few friends from school on a Friday, take them to the movies and then home for pizza and a computer game party. Volleyball with friends on the beach is also a great idea for summer babies.

the prep schooler Key Be on theme. Build the party’s look and feel around your child’s favourite TV character, which will probably be Hannah Montana or Ben 10.

This is really your time to get creative and think outside the box. At this stage, your child has developed his own taste and special interests, so be prepared to hear him out and don’t be surprised if you are building an entire party around a science theme or your child makes a special request for a mosaic party. Your child’s imagination is in full bloom and professional entertainers can help to consolidate the party theme and keep the children’s attention. A magician will work well. For the eighth birthday of her stepdaughter, Kyla, Taryn organised a fairy party with a real fairy entertainer playing host. At this age, your daughter is likely to invite girls only, while your son may well want to stick to boys.

Cindy Perry, Cape Town mom to eight-year-old Josh, threw a Survivor party for 20 boys that was a roaring success despite its minimal cost. The venue, a grassed park situated on a family-friendly beach, was free and the eyeball cake was home-made.

Costs were kept low by using simple items for the games, which included a wooden jigsaw puzzle, made by a friend, leopard crawl, cupto-container and water balloons. The biggest expense was probably the lucky packet prizes of tattoos, stickers and animal figurines.

Ideas Popular themes for this age group include pamper parties, boot camp and parties outside at the pool. Girls like anything that is pretty and feminine, so simply decorating the venue with polka dots or holding a fancy-dress tea party, will be a success. Boys will enjoy anything involving physical activity or a hobby. Dress up your son as a ninja, and your daughter as Madame Butterfly.

magazine durban

the slumber party This is a popular winter party option; Cindy’s daughter has been voting for a “sleepover” party since she was 10 years old. Your daughter probably won’t invite boys at this age, but if she does there isn’t a “yes or no” rule. Do what feels comfortable and judge the specific circumstances – you don’t want to invite mischief so stick to good friends only. Trust your instinct – you’ll know if your daughter is trying to pull a fast one and if the boy is more than just a friend. Have the party guests over before the sun sets so you can have the children around the pool, serve finger foods to snack on and when it’s time to take it inside, you can play games such as freeze dance, charades, general knowledge and cotton-ball pass.

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book extract

Take the stress out of planning your child’s

it’s my party

special day with these imaginative ideas from Party Magic 3 For Boys and Girls by ARINA DU PLESSIS and BERNICE VAN DER MERWE.

• 60ml black butter icing • 125ml green mini Smarties, yellow Smarties and Smarties Mini Eggs • Nine or 10 quantities brightly coloured sweets (such as jelly sweets, Smarties and liquorice sweets) • thick black cardboard • ruler • cardboard cutter or heavy-duty scissors • double-sided tape

art class

step 3 Form the stems with green mini Smarties turned on their sides. Now, make as many brightly coloured flowers as you like with the quantities of jelly sweets, Smarties and liquorice sweets.

step 1

step 4

Neaten the sides of the cake with a sharp knife and place in the middle of the wooden board. Cover the cake with bright blue icing.

Cut the top and legs of the easel from black cardboard and secure at both ends to the cake board and table with doublesided tape.

step 2 Use the kebab stick to draw the outlines of a vase, table top and flower stems on the cake. Start by forming the table top with the red liquorice rolls. Then cover the vase with mini Smarties, jellybeans and candy-coated liquorice sweets in a pattern of your choice.

Set the scene Most children love drawing and painting, and the ideal party theme for budding artists is a creative art class. Cover the table in large sheets of cardboard in different colours. Paint each guest’s name on a smaller piece of cardboard and use as place mats. Leave enough space for them to do some painting of their own. Supply water paint, crayons and brushes so that everyone can draw and paint to their heart’s content.

The invitation • stiff blue, green, yellow and red cardboard • small paintbrushes • plastic water paint sets • yellow raffia Cut the cardboard into rectangles (10cm x 7cm). Punch two holes along one long side (to hold the paintbrush) and one in the middle of each short side. Make a hole at each end of the paint set. Write the party details on the back of the card. Insert a paintbrush through the holes on the long side. Thread the raffia through the holes in the paint set and the holes on the short sides of the invitation, and tie. Deliver by hand.

PHOTOGRAPHS: David Briers / shutterstock.com

Painting and easel cake • 1 slab cake • wooden board, slightly larger than the slab cake • 600ml bright blue butter icing • kebab stick • 4 red liquorice rolls • 100ml each yellow, red, orange, pink and purple mini Smarties or similar sweets • jelly beans • a few candy-coated liquorice sweets in the same colours as the mini Smarties

Place the black icing in a piping bag with a thin nozzle and pipe around the edges of the vase.

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magazine durban

building site Bulldozer cake • 1 large loaf cake • 375ml orange butter icing • 2 kebab sticks • 8-10 chocolate wafer biscuits • 125ml brown butter icing • tinfoil • 125ml small brown liquorice sweets

step 1 Cover a cake board with paper and plastic.

Evenly slice the top off the loaf cake. Cut off a third of the loaf and place this part on top of the cake, at the back. Sandwich in place with icing and insert two kebab sticks to keep the cake in position. Cut the sticks the same height as the cake.

step 3 Shape four wafer biscuits for tracks and attach. Pipe brown icing on the inside. Cover remaining biscuits with tinfoil for windows.

Edge with brown icing, pressing in brown liquorice sweets around the windscreen. Arrange blue mini Smarties on the bonnet and use jelly sweets and Smarties for lights.

magazine durban

• • • • • • •

125ml blue mini Smarties 2 flat orange jelly sweets 2 red Smarties 2 red mini Smarties 1 cardboard tube from a toilet roll 2 coloured ice-cream sticks 2 blue candy-coated liquorice sweets

step 2

about the book

Cover the entire cake with orange icing.

step 4 Cut open the cardboard tube and cover one half with tinfoil. Press the icecream sticks to the sides of the cake, letting them rest on the cake board.

Pipe a thin line of brown icing where they end, and place the covered tube on the icing. Fill the bucket with sweets. Finish by sprinkling coloured desiccated coconut around the cake on the cake board.

Set the scene It’s construction time! Cover the table with brown corrugated cardboard, and decorate with building blocks and toy tools. Use pale blue sponge paper for place mats, wooden cutlery and orange containers for sweets and snacks.

Packed lunches Workers on a building site work hard and have hearty appetites. Pack a lunch for each guest: a box with cubes of cheese, sausages or cold meat, sandwiches (cut into wedges) and finger veggies (such as baby tomatoes and carrots).

In Party Magic 3: For Boys and Girls (Human & Rousseau), Arina du Plessis and Bernice van der Merwe suggest more than 20 creative party themes that will delight children of all ages. There are step-by-step instructions for making the cake, ideas for the invites, décor and party food, as well as suggestions of what games to play at each themed party. Parents low on time will love the short cuts, tips and simple templates, and the recipes for the basic sponge cake, swiss roll and cupcake mix are easy to follow.

This is a one-stop party planning guide that will inspire you to make your child’s next birthday the most memorable one yet.

For more party theme inspiration, click on childmag.co.za/content/ theme-recipe

May 2012

17

top tips

always something

Get into the habit of preserving special memories.

LUCILLE KEMP suggests innovative ways to make each celebration last for years to come.

Photo books are probably one of the most popular forms of displaying photos, as they are quick and easy for busy moms to set up. At 24hourphotobooks.co.za you can download and install the software you need, choose a predefined layout or custom make your own theme, auto-flow or drag-and-drop the pictures from your folder until you are happy with the layout, and then hit “order”. You will get a hard copy, but you can also share the digital version with faraway family and friends via various social networking sites.

At rapidstudio.co.za, you create and design your keepsake online in one of the following downloadable templates: the birthday calendar, a photo diary, a photo calendar, a wall or desk calendar or a photo flipper. You then buy it and Rapid Studio will print and deliver your chosen product to you.

Evernote.com is a free online journalling app that is enabled for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac and is popular because it can be accessed on your desktop or via your cellphone, making it quick and easy to write and upload when you have the time. If you’re using Evernote as your personal journal, you can influence the text recognition and tagging to make your journal entries available to family and friends. MyMemoir is a journalling app designed for iPad, where you can import images into your journal entries and export your journalling into an e-book format, transforming each of the entries into chapters. The e-book even includes a tool that enables quick navigation through the book, which makes it very professional looking. This can be a creative way of making a big deal of your child’s birthday. Another feature of myMemoir is its ability to export your journal entries to PDF, making the birthday chronicle easy to email to loved ones.

online platform for photo creativity. Once you’ve created the slideshow, build unique text, music, animation and other special effects around it. Once you’re done, share your slideshow with family and friends through email, or add it to your blog, post it to Facebook or Twitter, or even make a DVD and have everyone enjoy the birthday fun.

Create a blog site with Wordpress and Tumblr, both web-based micro-blogging platforms. At your instruction, these blog sites can feed your posts directly to social networking sites of your choice to alert others of updates. The blog sites are easy to use and you can opt to keep entries completely private.

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magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Make a slideshow or create a collage free of charge with kizoa.com, an

there to remind me

Create a Facebook album, which can be accessed by friends and family.

Most parents have a Facebook profile just to chronicle their children’s growing up through photo uploads. It offers an immediate and easy way to keep faraway family in touch.

Your Birthday Book: A Keepsake Journal (Potter Style) starts with the first birthday and ends with their 18th celebration. Amy Krouse Rosenthal came up with this novel book, which provides fun, fast and casual birthday activities for each year as well as space to stick birthday photos and other random pictures. There are amusing and thought-provoking questions to ask your child and a place to record their answers. There is also a time-capsule envelope for stashing away odds and ends such as artwork, school papers, hand tracings, birthday cards, invitations, and other memorabilia. The journal is available at Exclusive Books.

Make a party wall. What’s the use of having all your special photos stored in a file on your computer? Print out some winning party shots from all the children’s past birthdays, including yours and your partner’s. Thrift-shop for frames to suit your home and display the photos on a wall that you’ve now reserved for birthday party pictures. You will notice that having this party wall will inspire you to get creative with the photo taking at the next birthday, and the next... Soon that wall will be alive with your memories.

Bring the moment to life and record your child’s birthday on video. Make sure you have a tripod so you can get everyone in for some special moments, such as the singing of “Happy Birthday”. Also, don’t forget to flick the audio switch so your child’s birthday party isn’t recorded as a silent event – it has happened before. Do a good edit on the recording so that the party montage flows and then copy it to DVD to send to the grandparents. Perhaps you could start a tradition where the family comes over the week after the birthday to watch the video and share a few laughs. You can also upload the video so techno-savvy relatives can access it online, on sites such as Facebook or YouTube, or via email.

There is always the good, old-fashioned chronicling of scrapbooking. For many creative people, scrapbooking is a most rewarding, time-honoured tradition; for others, it just takes too much time and can be intimidating as you can’t edit your mistakes as easily. Never fear, if you are determined to create such a treasure, unleash your creative side effectively by planning each spread before you start gluing anything and keep the end result in mind as you progress. The finished product is a memory of your child’s birthday that is full of texture and your personal touch. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, artwork, and the scribbling of poems, quotes and photo captions.

A party box, with photos and mementos kept from the day, is great to have. You could include the invitation, some of the decorations, any keepsake, especially if the birthday is a milestone. The party box is especially for the sentimental parent who wants to cherish all the special moments that marked the day. To make it extra special, decorate and label the box. magazine durban

May 2012

19

resource

1 Stop Party Shop Fancy dress, balloons, décor, cake accessories and more. The Crescent, Umlanga Ridge. Contact: 031 566 5091 or 1stopumhlanga@telkomsa.net Abba Jumping Castles Jumping castles, children’s rides, candyfloss machines and themed chair and table covers for hire.

Contact: 031 464 8619, 082 871 0004, 084 924 5537, info@tlccaterers.co.za or visit tlccaterers.co.za Absolute Parties Hire jumping castles, clowns, balloon arches and more.

Contact: 031 404 7360, 031 792 0448, 078 244 7012, stanton@absoluteparties. co.za or visit absoluteparties.co.za Apollo Jumping Castles Offers a variety of jumping castles and water slides.

Includes delivery and collection. Upper Highway. Contact Cheryl: 084 655 5015, c.froise@telkomsa.net or visit adguide. co.za/apollo Balloonful Events Specialises in balloons, including helium balloons, arches, pillars and canopies. They also do themed party décor. Contact Michelle: 031 262 2018, 084 565 4201 or balloonfulevents@iburst.co.za BellaBagheera Customised invitations, themed or basic, party favour stickers, cupcake toppers and thank-you cards.

Nationwide. Contact Astrid: 021 712 8628, 071 869 2151, info@bellabagheera. co.za or visit bellabagheera.co.za Bunny Foo Foo Party Packs Junk-free party packs include dried fruit, stationery and goodies for boys and girls. Various options available to suit your budget.

Contact Ishana: 082 565 9426 or kusheel@tiscali.co.za Candy Kids Fun Rides They hire out swings, mini fun trains, carousels, slides and jumping castles. Nationwide. Contact: 073 228 4180 Charisma Hire Hiring of tableware. Berea.

Contact: 031 201 2821, 082 956 1630 or charismahire@wirelessza.co.za Chelsea Flowers Online florist provides flower arrangements, centre pieces and

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May 2012

gift hampers for parties. Delivered locally.

Contact Joan: 031 563 8420 or info@ chelseaflowers.co.za Craft Blanche Retail and wholesale suppliers of all your invitation, card-making and scrapbooking requirements. Craft and DIY kits available. Nationwide. Contact: 021 554 2290, info@craftblanche.co.za or visit craftblanche.co.za Crystal Print Kidz Personalised invitations and stationery. They design invitations, party boxes, hats, banner bunting, table runners, masks and more. Contact: 031 201 1785, info@crystalprintsa.co.za or visit crystalprintsa.co.za Digital Works by Annelise For all your digital design needs, such as personalised invitations, birthday banners and much more. Nationwide. Contact: 074 432 5913 or annelise@digitalworksbyannelise.co.za Eezee Peezee Choose from a wide selection of sweets and treats, personalised cakes and party platters.

Party games, activities and helpers also available. Contact Ria: 076 711 7971 or eezeepeezee@hotmail.co.za Enchanted Creations Children’s party hire and décor shop. A wide range of services are offered at varying prices, from hiring chairs to novelty cakes.

Nationwide. Contact Michelle: 084 567 5220, info@enchantedcreations.co.za or visit enchantedcreations.co.za Eumalin Trading Enterprises Rents out party equipment, including popcorn machines and chocolate fountains.

Contact Shan: 082 459 0929 or shumal@ telkomsa.net Flower Fusion Offers a range of floral designs that can be done to match your theme. Nationwide. Contact: 031 764 2801, flowerfusion@telkomsa.net or visit flowerfusionflorist.co.za Funcastles Rents out jumping castles, water slides and mini tables and chairs. Contact: 083 555 1689 or spitcastle@gmail.com Gary’s 4 Wheelers Entertainment Jumping castles, quad bikes and a carousel swing available for hire.

Contact: 082 290 0846, 072 575 4005 or garys4wheelers@yahoo.com Gifts2Go For hand-made boxes and packets. Prices vary according to the boards and decorations used. Glenwood.

Contact Sandi: 031 205 9680, 082 776 7055 or g2go@vodamail.co.za Hanzon Design Projects Creates birthday banners, themed party backdrops, props and décor. Oversized birthday banner from R200. Contact Chris: 082 600 0994 or riverlounge52@gmail.com Hip Hip Hooray Happy Birthday Rents play equipment, tables and chairs. They have standard and full party packages, clowns and princesses for hire and cakes.

Contact Kerry: 072 434 4349 or visit hiphiphoorayhappybirthday.co.za In Good Company Specialising in imported and local linen, tableware, decorations and party favours. Nationwide. Contact: 011 447 1628 or visit ingoodcompany.co.za Its Mine Labels Offers a range of personalised magnetic invitations, pictureperfect labels, party pack stickers, tattoos, and personalised ribbon and wrapping paper. Nationwide. Contact: 011 646 3640, admin@itsmine.co.za or visit itsmine.co.za Jackflash stories Get a personalised book, which tells your child’s birthday story with your own photos from R150.

Nationwide delivery. Contact Jaci: 082 827 8474, jaci@jackflashstories.co.za or visit jackflashstories.co.za Jaguar Jumping Castles Hires out jumping castles, including a princess castle and Barney. Durban West. Contact: 031 711 1241 or 083 791 1241 Jitterbugs For magnet invitations, party pack stickers, décor and banners. From R9. Contact: 031 261 1030, orders@ jitterbugs.co.za or visit jitterbugs.co.za Just 4 Fun Jumping Castles Upper Highway area. Contact Anien: 082 540 7806, aniensearle@mweb.co.za or visit just4funjumpingcastles.co.za Just Labels Supplies colourful personalised gift stickers. Choose your own wording and pictures on their website. Contact: 031 266 1738, sales@ justlabels.co.za or visit justlabels.co.za

Just Plastics Sells party accessories including party buckets and children’s chairs and tables. Contact Gateway: 031 566 3351 or Springfield Park: 031 263 1906 or sales@justplastics.co.za Kiddie Junction Online store that offers a range of items for party packs and toys.

Nationwide delivery. Contact Karen: 073 163 8703, karen@kiddiejunction.co.za or visit kiddiejunction.co.za.

Kiddies Jumping Castles For jumping castles, activity castles, water slides, and candyfloss and popcorn machines. Prices include setup and collection. Contact Chris: 074 898 2090 or chrishad@mweb.co.za Koala Tea Collections Online supplier of a selection of classy, cute, and fun stationery and décor items, including birthday party invites, thank-you cards, party kits and party add-ons. Contact Lynette: 084 851 6981, admin@koalatea. co.za or visit koalatea.co.za Labels Inc A range of personalised stationery, including party invitations, gift labels and cards. From R60. Contact Lauren: 082 556 4232, lauren@labelsinc. co.za or Karen: 082 897 7799, karen@ labelsinc.co.za or visit labelsinc.co.za Little Occasions Children’s Designer Partyware For invitations, paper cups, plates, napkins, balloons, greeting cards, wrapping paper, gift bags and gift tags.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 011 071 7436, 083 415 6162, info@littleoccasions. co.za or visit littleoccasions.co.za Magical Piñatas A variety of shapes, characters and sizes are available. Contact Lee-Ann: 084 627 6217 or leeann@ magicalpinatas.co.za or Jo-Ann: 082 527 5213 or visit magicalpinatas.co.za Money Box Party Packs Novel and affordable party packs from R9. Money Box range includes blank, DIY and colouring-in. New designs are Smurfs, Hello Kitty, Cars 2 and Ben 10. Contact: 082 422 7872 or visit jorsam.co.za My Gas Supplies helium for balloons, large inflatable’s and blimps as well as easy-to-use, DIY balloon kits.

Morningside. Contact: 0861 435 486, info@mygas.co.za or visit mygas.co.za magazine durban

illustrations: shutterstock.com

Having a party? Here’s who to call. Compiled by TAMLYN VINCENT

Mystic Memories For party banners, digital invitations, photo editing and photobooks. Nationwide. Contact: 083 781 2556, leeann@mysticmemories.co.za or visit mysticmemories.co.za Party Buckets Choose party buckets and packs to match your theme. A health bucket is also available. Contact Ronell: 084 444 9705 or ronell@mco.org.za Party Dezign Stockists of party ware, costumes and children’s themed party ranges. Hillcrest. Contact Sam: 031 765 4842, 083 771 6717, partydz@gmail.com or visit partydezign.co.za Partylicious Find speciality cakes, party packs, party supplies, baking supplies, costumes, helium balloons and more.

Hillcrest. Contact: 031 765 6440 or hanliemaleham@telkomsa.net Party Planet Offers a range of heliumfilled balloons. Westville. Contact: 031 266 1415 or partyplanetwm@gmail.com Party Time Specialises in children’s themed parties and hires out children’s tables and chairs, gazebos, jumping castles and waters slides. Contact Rosh: 031 702 5527 or 083 777 8879 Party Whizz Supplies novelty cakes and party accessories such as lucky packets and balloons. Contact Samantha: 082 323 6088, partywhizz@gmail.com or visit partywhizz.yolasite.com Party Wizard With jumping castles, a water slide, cupcake stands and bubble machines. They also hire out tables, chairs and table linen. Upper Highway. Contact: 084 614 6055 or info@partywizard.org Party Zone Hire Stocks more than 120 jumping castles, a train on tracks, mechanical bull, swings, water slides, go-karts and merry-go-rounds. Contact Hassim: 083 685 5577, hamod@webmail. co.za or visit partyzonehire.co.za Piñata Africa Offers custom-made piñatas to suit your theme. Posted nationwide.

Balloon décor also available. Contact Marianne: 082 457 2276, mgwyther@ mweb.co.za or visit pinatas.co.za Pixies Jumping Castles and Party Hire A range of good quality castles for hire to suit everyone’s budget. Party equipment also for hire. Contact: 083 251 9754, info@pixiescastles.co.za or visit pixiescastles.co.za Poms and Tutus For party and event supplies, including pompoms, lanterns, serviettes, tutus, and flower fairy and party dresses. Nationwide. Contact: 011 803 8722, 076 259 9434, info@pomsandtutus. com or visit pomsandtutus.com Puzzle Worx Transform a photo into a jigsaw puzzle for out-of-the-ordinary invitations or a special gift. From R20. Contact Jody: 083 275 6567 or jodywebb@mtnloaded.co.za Rainbow Inflatables KZN Offers giant slides, a mechanical bull, Zorb balls, jumping castles and more. Contact: 083 262 5131, 082 877 8662 or rainbowinflatables@telkomsa.net Rainbows and Rascals Specialises in party catering and décor hire. Contact Lauren: 082 600 1911, laurenmurray@ mweb.co.za or visit rainbowsandrascals. yolasite.com magazine durban

Sensation Lab Manufactures and hires structures and accessories, including dance floors, marquees and fairy and disco lights. Nationwide. Contact: 011 023 5940/5, info@sensationlab.co.za or visit sensationlab.co.za Sing Your Name Personalised CDs that have your child’s name in the song, and a special message to their friends. Contact: 083 456 8385, info@sing-your-name.co.za or visit sing-your-name.co.za Snow Nice Flavoured shaved ice, served from a mobile trailer. There are 17 flavours to choose from. Contact Shashi: 078 705 2602 or shashin@telkomsa.net The Candy Man Supplies prepacked candyfloss, or popcorn and candyfloss machines with competent operators for functions and parties. Contact: 083 966 7417 or thecandyman@vodamail.co.za The Toy Factory Shop Party buckets and toys for party packs at reasonable prices. Contact Pinetown: 031 701 1836 or Springfield: 031 263 0992 or info@thetoyfactoryshop.co.za or visit thetoyfactoryshop.co.za Tinkle-pea Offers gifts and party favours.

Nationwide delivery. Contact Jenny: 082 804 5678, jenny@tinklepea.co.za or visit tinklepea.co.za Tony Miller Promotions Provides all types of children’s entertainment, including jumping castles, party planning and more.

Glenwood. Contact: 031 205 2074, 082 906 5450 or lalitha@tonymiller.co.za

Crocodile Creek Tailormade parties in the bush, with an entertaining guide.

Live crocodile demo, paintball, food and party packs are available. Ballito. Contact: 082 920 0730, crocodilecreek@mweb. co.za or visit crocodilecreek.co.za Flag Animal Farm Choose from several venues at this animal farm. The party includes a free venue, birthday treats and a free milking demo. Ballito. Contact: 032 947 2018 or visit flaganimalfarm.co.za Phezulu Safari Park Offers a junglethemed party room, playground and tour through the crocodile and snake park.

Safari drive available. Botha’s Hill. Contact: 031 777 1000, info@phezulusafaripark. co.za or visit phezulusafaripark.co.za Reptile Party Time Watch a live reptile and creepy-crawly show. Reptile themed party packs available, plus get a photo of the children holding a reptile. Contact: 074 885 7651, reptilepartytime@yahoo.com or visit google.com/site/reptilespartytime/ The Animal Farmyard Parties include use of one of two areas, jungle gym, swings and slides, plus a milking demonstration, packet of animal feed and one pony ride per child. Botha’s Hill. Contact: 031 765 2240, jenny@animalfarmyard.co.za or visit animalfarmyard.co.za

4 Craft Sake Mosaic or decoupage and glitter kits, with instructions included. Prices from R30. Or have a mosaic party at May 2012

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resource

uShaka Marine World. Contact: 073 412 4366, michelle@4craftsake.co.za or visit 4craftsake.co.za Alicats DIY Beading DIY beaded bracelet kits can be used as a party gift or an activity. Boys and girls enjoy this creative craft. Kits posted nationwide.

Contact Alison: 084 240 5430 or kieraroxy@gmail.com Bambury Stocks a range of products for art and crafts parties or party packs.

Nationwide. Contact: 083 680 5976, nikiw@ bambury.co.za or visit bambury.co.za Bearworx Stuff-your-own bear parties for R200−R300 per person. Contact Dalmain: 082 455 6779, dalmain@bearworx.co.za or visit bearworx.co.za Buddy Bear Choose a bear. Add a heart, give it a voice, then weigh and measure it to check it is healthy. Dress it in the latest trends, and take it home. Branches in Hillcrest and Ballito. Contact head office: 031 764 2383, leanne@buddybear.co.za or visit buddybear.co.za Just Imagine Mosaics Offers mosaic parties at your home. Design and complete your own mosaic. For ages 5 and older. Minimum 10 children; R110 each. Contact Sheila: 083 782 7810 or sheila.nichol@gmail.com Just Kidding Around Perler Beads make a fun activity for boys and girls 4 years and older. Children can use their creations for cards, bag tags or even jewellery.

Nationwide. Contact: 082 856 8140 or visit justkiddingaround.co.za Kidz Only Sand art at reasonable prices.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: admin@ kidzonly.co.za or visit kidzonly.co.za Lil Doodlers Offers fun craft parties at your venue. Craft packs are available or they can run the party for you, and clean up afterwards. Venue also available.

Contact: 082 338 5721, pinnfamily@ yahoo.co.uk or visit lildoodlers.co.za My Sand Art R500 includes the table, sand and 20 cards. Additional cards R10 each. Delivery and collection included.

Fun packs available for party pack fillers.

Contact Yolandi: 083 793 1703 or Jackie: 072 244 2147, info@mysandart.co.za or visit mysandart.co.za Sand art Creative fun. R500 includes the table, sand, 20 cards, delivery and collection. R10 per card thereafter.

Umhlanga to Durban North. Contact Leanne: 083 656 1901, leanne. vanrensburg@kcc.com or visit sandart.co.za Sand Art Parties A fun activity for children aged 5 and older. R550 includes the table, bottles of coloured sand and 20 cards. R10 per each additional card.

Durban, also available at Essenwood market. Contact Ingrid: 083 383 7102 or ingridlloyd@mweb.co.za Toby Tower Stocks a range of educational stickers and DIY activities. Party packs, activities and colouring available. Contact: 0800 220 488, tobytower@pyrotec.co.za or visit tobytower.co.za Yours Forever Craft Studio Party Venue Art and crafts, mosaics, candle making,

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ceramic painting and scrapbooking parties. Maximum 10 children. Hillcrest.

Contact: 031 765 6769, 083 776 3235 or yoursforevercraft@yahoo.com

Baby Cakes Specialises in a wide range of cakes, from novelty birthday cakes to cupcakes. Westville.

Contact Tanja: 072 647 7276 or tanja@ babycakesonline.co.za BiteSized Children and adult’s party platters and catering for parties. Platters range from R160 upwards. Highway area.

Contact Ursula: 082 349 1751, ursula@ bitesized.co.za or visit bitesized.co.za Cake Deco Mania Suppliers of edible cake image printing products comprising icing sheets, inks and licensed pre-printed images. Contact: 083 657 9225, sarel@ inkredible.co.za or visit inkredible.co.za Cakedesignz Makes novelty and 3D birthday cakes as well as cupcakes and mini cakes. Hillcrest. Contact Lee-Ann: 082 456 8487, cakedesignz@icon.co.za or visit cakedesignz.co.za Cake Magic Birthday cakes, cupcakes, sweets and savoury snacks for birthday parties. Party packs available. Ballito and North Coast. Contact Nadia: 071 684 2827 or Candice: 082 346 2744 or cakemagic2@gmail.com Cake Rite Images Edible accessories for cakes. Contact: 072 938 9550, info@cakeriteimages.co.za or visit cakeriteimages.co.za Cakes by Farzana Rangila Cakes made to order. Contact: 083 384 1008 or farzanar@mtn.blackberry.com Cakes For All Occasions Specialises in novelty and 3D cakes. Contact Aliya: 072 259 2519 or aliya.m@era.co.za Carol’s Home Industries Catering for birthday parties, with novelty cakes, themed cakes and cupcakes, and sweet and savoury platters. Glenwood. Contact: 031 202 3039, garb@telkomsa.net or visit carolscakes.co.za Crazy Cakes They create beautiful cakes for all occasions. Cakes from R350, cupcakes from R10 each. Contact Candice: 031 463 2741, 078 217 5861 or candice.leth@yahoo.com Crunchy Munchy Home-made biscuits in assorted flavours, biscotti and shortbread buttons. Morningside. Contact Leeanne: 082 771 9847 or lcole@iburst.co.za Cupcake Couture Designer cakes and cupcakes with sugarcraft decorations made to suit your theme. Sweet buffets and cupcake parties available. Kloof.

Contact Lana: 071 997 1266, lana@ couturecupcakes.co.za or Gary: 072 205 0840 or visit couturecupcakes.co.za Cupcakes and Fudge Choose from a variety of themed cupcakes, fudge, cakes, sweets and savoury goodies. Contact Ronell: 084 444 9705 or ronell@mco.org.za Daniela’s Deliciously Decadent Find handcrafted confectionery at the Hillcrest shop, including Parisian macaroons and delectable fudge. They also offer wholesale magazine durban

distribution, catering and private chef services. Contact: 0860 266 266 (BON BON), 082 868 8133 or visit danielas.co.za Delite Foods Specialises in sugar-free, low-fat foods such as jellies, biscuits and chocolate drinks that are perfect for children and diabetics. Order online. Nationwide.

Contact: 021 702 0721/2, info@delitefoods. co.za or visit delitefoods.co.za Everything Laser Cupcake wrappers for all occasions, plus polystyrene cutouts and cake stencils. Prices vary. Contact Jeanene: 083 613 0190, jeanene@everythinglaser.co.za or visit everythinglaser.co.za Home Treats Provides a wide selection of cakes for birthday parties, including novelty, picture, photo and cupcakes.

Sweet and savoury platters, and florist available. Contact Gail: 031 312 6908 or gail@hometreats.co.za House Of Treats Bakes various cakes including image cakes. Glen Anil. Contact: 031 566 1194 or sales@houseoftreats.co.za Huberto’s They make ice cream cakes for any occasion. Contact: 031 766 2595 or visit hubertos.co.za Iced ’n Sliced Caters for all your cake and cupcake requirements. Catering can be customised to suit your needs.

Westville. Contact Ayesha: 031 266 2037, 072 234 7455, icednsliced.dbn@gmail. com or visit icedsliced.blogspot.com In 2 Food For all your cakes and cupcakes, particularly 3D novelty cakes.

Cupcakes from R6, cakes from R275.

Contact Claire: 031 708 2603, 083 287 5571 or in2fabfood@mweb.co.za Kiddies Bakery They cater for events from baby showers to 21st birthdays.

Westville. Contact: 083 453 9991 or kiddiesbakery@gmail.com Little Miss Muffet’s For birthday cakes, platters, sweetmeats and desserts.

Contact: 031 209 8793, 082 363 5349, littlemissmuffets@telkomsa.net or visit littlemissmuffet.co.za Marnica’s Cakes and Bakes Birthday or novelty cakes and cupcakes, or baking parties. Cupcakes from R8, novelty cakes from R280. Ballito. Contact Marnica: 084 511 9551 or marnicascakes@gmail.com Party Packs and Snacks Party boxes and platters for children, sweet items, tarts and cakes made to order. Delivery can be arranged. Contact Michelle: 083 709 1843 or mmathysen@polka.co.za Pizza Boyz Make huge pizzas that feed up to 20 children. Contact Umhlanga: 031 566 5428 or Durban North: 031 564 2732 or Bluff: 031 467 7310, info@pizzaboyz. co.za or visit pizzaboyz.co.za Specialised Cakes & Catering They supply cakes, cupcakes and hot and cold platters. Picture cakes from R180.

Contact Maureen: 082 782 9751 or LeeAnn: 082 923 8888 or specialisedcakes@ hotmail.co.za Supacakes For baked party goods, from cakes and cookies to novelty or edible image cakes. Contact Kerry: 072 150 2962, kerry@supacakes.co.za or visit supacakes.co.za magazine durban

The Icing On Top Cakes and cupcakes plus lots of other baked goodies to choose from. Novelty cakes from R250.

Highway area. Contact: 031 262 7376, 082 785 2714, claire@theicingontop.co.za or visit theicingontop.co.za The Party Hat They create unique and affordable party goodies, from cupcakes and party treats, to invites and piñatas.

Contact: 083 555 0825, luluroets@hotmail. com or visit thepartyhat.yolasite.com Yummy Cakes Delicious novelty cakes for all occasions. Cakes from R200, cupcakes from R36 dozen, and themed chocolates from R2. Woodlands. Contact Tarryn: 082 329 6871 or tarrynb69@gmail.com Zolita’s Couture cakes and confectionery for your special occasion. Contact: 031 765 6174, 082 374 6399 or visit zolita.co.za

Fat Cow Catering and Training School Children’s cooking classes for your birthday party. Parties are tailormade to suit anyone from 8 years old.

Morningside. Contact: 031 303 3742, dayle@fat-cow.co.za or visit fat-cow.co.za Mudcakes Mix food and fun with the birthday chef. Ingredients, utensils and a chef’s outfit provided. Contact Drinnie: 082 422 7978 or drinnie.ferguson@gmail.com Sugar Me Kids’ parties Children can decorate cupcakes and cookies. Cakes and decorating ingredients can match your theme. Held at your venue. Contact Maria: 072 837 9198 or laundermaria@gmail.com Tots n Pots Offers tailor-made baking parties. Choose from a menu of themes and recipes. Contact head office: 083 400 1288 or angie@totsnpots.com, Durban North: 079 124 8839 or sam@totsnpots. com, Ballito: 082 873 2924, jenna@ totsnpots.co.za or visit totsnpots.co.za

Greensleeves Take a medieval tour and learn about knights, tournaments, weapons and living in the Middle Ages. Then experience an authentic medieval meal.

Camelot, Hillcrest. Contact: 031 765 9400, camelot@greensleeves.co.za or visit greensleeves.co.za The Menagerie Children are given an educational talk about animals and they get the chance to see and touch some of them. The animals include birds of prey, mammals and reptiles. Contact Fiona and Naomi: 031 464 1828, 072 215 6368 or themenagerie@telkomsa.net The ScienCentre Parties include allday access to the centre, party packs, a science show and more. Gateway.

Contact: 031 566 8040 or bookings@ sciencentre.co.za Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa Explore the rocky shore or forest with a guide and experience a fun, educational day out. Boma area with braai facilities available for hire. Bluff. Contact: 031 467 8507/8 May 2012

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Aalwyn’s Funtertainment A ventriloquist, magician, mime and balloon artist.

Nationwide. Contact: 083 354 8726 or aalwynd@vodamail.co.za Absolute Parties Hire a DJ, sound and lighting from them. Contact: 031 404 7360, 031 792 0448, 078 244 7012, stanton@absoluteparties.co.za or absoluteparties.co.za Adrian the Magician A children’s birthday party specialist. The birthday child is also the star of the show. Contact: 083 450 4024 or magic@themagician.co.za AfrodizzyActs An entertainment agency that provides performers such as magicians, stilt walkers, human statues, jugglers, acrobats and more. Contact: 082 087 5748, afrodizzyacts@hotmail.com or visit facebook.com/afrodizzyacts Arthur Reed Professional Magician Delights children 3 years and older with his 45-minute display of magic. Cost varies according to area. Contact: 031 702 0076 or arthur@arthurreed.co.za Big Top Entertainment Invite the circus to the party. Tom and Sparkles offer magic and circus shows as well as balloon sculpting, face painting, stilt walking and games. Contact: 031 811 4145, info@bigtop.co.za or visit bigtop.co.za Blue Flame Events and Branding Specialists Children’s entertainment, including magicians, clowns, stilt walkers and costumes. Contact: 072 599 2288, info@bflame.co.za or visit bflame.co.za Cherry the Magical Clown Juggling, puppets, balloon sculpting and face painting. With audience participation plus a magician and fairy show. From R450–R950. Contact Adi: 031 201 2515, 083 725 0925, adi@cherryco.co.za or visit cherryco.co.za Clamber Club Parties Offer a fun obstacle course of ladders, slides, balance beams and other exciting games. Fully trained entertainers run the party for 90 minutes. For your nearest branch contact: 011 325 2031, headoffice@clamberclub. com or visit clamberclub.com Clowns 4 Joy! They offer face painting, balloon sculpting, party games, jumping castles, bubble machines, themed décor, balloon arches, stiltwalkers and more.

Contact: 031 764 7764 or familycare@ futurenet.co.za Clowns for Africa Variety of party packages offered, including clowns, balloon modelling, face painting, party games and a magic show. Upper Highway and Durban. Contact Bob: 079 079 2059 or clowns4africa@gmail.com Clowns R Us Offers clowns, face painting, balloon sculpting, pamper parties and other party entertainment.

Contact: 031 765 1153, 082 491 2583 or clowns@post.com Costume Magic Hire your child’s favourite animated character to come to your party. Contact: 082 501 2625, 082 356 4585 or costumemagic@live.co.za

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Dilly the Clown With magic, balloon animals, face painting, juggling and parachute games. From R400 per hour for face painting. Contact: 031 208 2986, 082 574 3230 or dillytheclown@iburst.co.za Double Delicious Entertainment Face painters, balloon modelling, clowns and more. From R550 an hour. Contact Gaylene: 031 762 2232, 082 387 5230, gaylene@doubledelicious.co.za or visit doubledelicious.co.za Durban Face Painting Specialises in parties. R300 an hour. Contact: 084 455 1101 or destiny5tooze@yahoo.com Fabulous Favours and Functions Hire out adult-sized character costumes for children’s party entertainment. Contact Aileen: 031 836 0730, 083 784 4546, info@fabulousfavours.co.za or visit fabulousfavours.co.za Facepainters Delight Face painting, fake wounds, balloon artistry, nail painting and glitter tattoos all available.

R650 for two hours; R170 per half hour thereafter. Contact Amy: 074 804 9289 or amykarsen@gmail.com Fairy or Princess Party Children learn fun dances and watch an interactive concert.

Face painting, balloon sculpting, games and more. Contact Bianca: 082 808 5128 Gum Gum the Clown Puppets, stories, mystifying illusions, games and balloon shaping. Various packages to choose from. Contact Adrian: 083 388 8940, info@gumgumtheclown.co.za or visit gumgumtheclown.co.za Jewels the Clown Provides an entertaining show, hairspray for funky hairdos and face painting for children. From R800–R1 500.

Contact: 031 461 1006, 082 356 4144 or jofjerusalem@iafrica.com Kiddies’ Karate Birthday Parties Children can have fun learning basic karate, and even break thin wooden boards. For boys and girls 5−13 years old.

Contact Sensei Derek: 031 505 4444, 082 777 1755 or selfdefence@telkomsa.net Penguin Parties Stress-free, fun, girls’ party entertainment from themed dancing and games to oddball Olympics or pamper parties. From R950 for 30 children. Photographer optional. Contact: 082 320 7526 or tamerinb@gmail.com Photoboothinc The standard package includes unlimited instant photos, an experienced operator, duplicate prints and use of fun props for your guests. Contact: 083 377 9449, rob@photoboothinc.co.za or visit photoboothinc.co.za Puppet World Interactive puppet show with music, lighting and characters.

Contact Heather: 031 208 8202, 082 808 0057, heather@puppetworld.co.za or visit puppetworld.co.za Rico the Clown Offers a magic show, juggling, face painting, balloon shaping, games and more. Contact: 031 464 4718, 082 459 1797 or shirleymoon@telkomsa.net Simon’s Snake Shows A 45-minute or hour-long snake and reptile show at a venue of your choice. Educational and entertaining. From R650. Contact: 078 391 6721

Tekweni Puppet Plays Offers indoor and outdoor hand-puppet shows, with a variety of educational, entertaining and musical themes. For ages 3–12.

From R500−R900. Contact Pamela: 031 261 2370, 082 403 1707, pamela.tancsik@gmail.com or visit tekwenipuppetplays.com The Hairy Fairy Hairstyling parties with various themes. The birthday girl receives a free gift. From R65 per child for 10–15 children. Contact Adri: 073 634 3572 or adrithehairyfairy@yahoo.com The Incredible Dog Show A worldclass dog show starting from R1 200.

Nationwide. Contact Lloyd: 084 500 0415, lloyd@dogzcool.com or visit dogzcool.com Vuzu Entertainment Supplies face painters, clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers, dance teachers, magicians and more.

Contact Dianne: 031 564 2879, 082 423 3123, info@vuzuentertainment.co.za or visit vuzuentertainment.co.za

Carnival & Backstage Fancy-dress costumes for sale and made to order.

Fairy dresses, pirate and cowboy outfits, and more. Berea. Contact: 031 202 3852 Costume Carnival @ Magic & Mayhem Fancy and party dress hire, from R80 to R120. Durban North. Contact Ruyada: 083 258 0635, 081 470 4661, costumecarnival@ gmail.com or visit costumecarnival.co.za CrystalFusion FairyWear Stocks handmade fairy gowns with detailed fairy wings, headbands, tiaras and fairy wands.

Costs vary. Nationwide delivery. Contact Ewan: 082 578 6767, ewan@crystalfusion. co.za or visit crystalfusion.co.za Fantasia Costume and Prop Hire They hire out themed costumes and mascots.

They supply helium balloons and party requirements and coordinate functions.

Contact: 031 762 1871, ferreiramig@ telkomsa.net or visit fantasiahire.co.za Imagination costume hire Stocks a variety of themed costumes for children and adults. All ages, all sizes.

Glenwood. Contact: 031 202 9999 or imaginationcostumes@gmail.com Stylebudd Costumes and Prop Hire Children’s and adults’ fancy dress costumes and props for hire. Musgrave.

Contact: 031 207 6547, stylebudd@mweb. co.za or visit stylebudd.myeweb.net Troubadour Productions They have over 7 000 costumes and 70 cartoon character costumes to hire. Berea. Contact: 031 209 2817/8 or troubad@iafrica.com

Akimbo Kids Three fully equipped party cabins each have an indoor play corner. There is an outside playground, separate toddler area and a snack bar.

Drummond. Contact: 031 783 7892, 083 261 2742, info@akimbo.co.za or visit akimbo.co.za

Apache River Spur Offers an extensive supervised play zone, which features trampolines, a jumping castle, children’s movie theatre and children’s bathroom.

There is a separate indoor toddler play area. Durban North. Contact: 031 564 3368 or apacheriverspur@mynet.co.za Blue Zoo A jungle gym, sand art, a jumping castle and extra activities are available. Platters can be arranged. Ask about available options. Morningside.

Contact: 031 303 3568, 082 498 4234 or bluezoo@iafrica.com Butterflies for Africa Garden and indoor venues available. Cakes, platters and other catering, plus tours through the tropical butterfly centre, are available. Pietermaritzburg. Contact: 033 387 1356, info@butterflies.co.za or visit butterflies.co.za Café Tehelia Animals, a jumping castle, trampolines, a coffee shop and more.

Have a themed party in one of two areas.

Queensburgh. Contact Emmanuel or Tracy: 031 464 8619, 084 924 5537, info@ tlccaterers.co.za or visit tlccaterers.co.za Epic Karting Go-kart racing where guests can drive laps, have driver shootouts or do endurance laps. Contact Galleria, Amanzimtoti: 031 904 5470 or Pincrest, Pinetown: 076 375 8466, bookings@ epickarting.co.za or visit epickarting.co.za Funland Entertainment centre Various party packs available with tenpin games, Dodgems, video games, party packs, snacks and cooldrinks.

Amanzimtoti. Contact: 031 903 1068 or info@funland.co.za Glenridge Party venue A custom-built pre-primary school, fully equipped with a shaded garden, kitchen facilities and a staff member to assist with tidying up.

Weekends 10am–12pm or 2pm–4pm.

Contact Lauren: 082 600 1911 Green Chameleon Café and Lifestyle Centre With catering options and tailormade parties. Activities include cooking classes, art lessons, zorbing, water slides, laser games and more. Bluff.

Contact: 031 940 4301, 084 454 5464 or greenchameleon@bluffecopark.co.za Kids on Main Venue hire, with entertainment and catering as options. From R1 200. Hillcrest. Contact: 031 765 8780, 083 630 5110 or playball@mweb.co.za Le Rendez-Vous Restaurant Situated at Crocworld in Scottburgh, they host your party from R35 a child. Animal farm, or snake and crocodile presentations are available. Contact: 039 976 0083, 076 904 1477 or jlepront1@gmail.com Lucky Bean Undercover party sheds and playbarn with catered or uncatered party options. With sand art, 60m bike track and fantasy playhouses. Party planning service offered. Assagay. Contact: 082 216 3892, info@luckybean.co or visit luckybean.co Mini Town Children can marvel at the miniature city, planes and ships. The covered party area has tables and chairs, a braai area and power supply. Durban beachfront. Contact Brian: 031 337 7892 or minitown@live.co.za magazine durban

Piggly Wiggly Party The party includes a birthday cake, party packs, a present for the birthday child and use of the playground for a few hours. Kloof. Contact: 031 764 2497 or robyndale@cinet.co.za Playworks technology and events Themed and tailor-made party games, including Survivor, Minute to Win It, disco and more. Contact: 031 466 4488, 082 856 1018, info@playworks.co.za or visit playworks.co.za Polly Parrot Party Venue The 1000 Hills Bird Park venue offers an undercover area for parties, with zip-line rides and a jungle gym. Party packages available. Botha’s Hill. Contact: 072 927 8242, raredleg@ iafrica.com or visit 1000hillsbirdpark.com Sand Art parties Parties include the sand-art table, the sand, 20 cards and delivery and collection. Parties R550; extra cards R10 each. Contact Giselle: 031 762 2907, 076 645 1430 or gkoenig70@googlemail.com Spur Steak Ranches A safe venue for children’s parties. Each child gets a selected children’s meal, treats and party cup. Invitations, balloons and headdresses available. For a restaurant near you: visit spur.co.za T-Zone Play Café Caters for all age groups, with play areas for toddlers and children, PlayStations for older children, and a tyre playground for bootcamp parties. Botha’s Hill. Contact: 083 235 4060 or tttzone@live.co.za Zenju Day Spa Offers girly pamper parties.

Packages include mini spa treatments, an outdoor pool to swim in, party games and snacks. For 5–10 children. Ballito. Contact: 073 724 3037, info@zenju.co.za or visit zenjudayspa.co.za

Adventure Golf Parties include two games of mini golf with invitations, party area, drink, chips and sweets. R750 for 10 children; R100 deposit. Pavilion Shopping Centre. Contact: 031 265 1570 or visit adventuregolf.co.za Build-A-Bear Workshop Make your own cuddly animal, give it a heart and personalise it from a selection of outfits and accessories. Contact: 0861 123 277 (BEARS) or visit buildabear.co.za Dodgems Formula Racing Racing from R15 per ride; two children per car.

Gateway. Contact Robyn: 082 334 4690 Highway Action Sports Arena Action cricket, netball, soccer, hockey and dodgeball parties. Price includes two-hour venue hire, an umpire and equipment.

Optional catering available. Contact: 031 705 6046, liora@highwayactionsports. co.za or visit highwayactionsports.co.za It’s Thairs This children’s hair salon offers pamper parties for girls and boys 5 years and older. Davallen Centre. Contact: 031 562 8462, 031 562 9534 or itsthairs@ gmail.com Mr Funtubbles’ Fabulous Family Funfair An indoor funfair featuring seven imported rides. Children’s birthday parties include magazine durban

use of the party room and a card loaded with ride credits for each child. Gateway.

Contact: 031 584 6645 or party@ mrfuntubbles.co.za Petits Fours Hosts high teas, birthday parties or any special occasion. Also makes novelty cakes and offers catering.

Durban North. Contact: 031 563 3278 or petitsfours-durban@hotmail.com Playgym Waffle Café Themed parties where children can play on indoor play equipment and decorate waffles with sprinkles and sauces. Cakes, party packs and décor available. Amanzimtoti. Contact: 082 419 0078 or visit playgym.co.za Spa Royale Pamper sessions Includes a petite facial, manicure and pedicure, and paint. Contact: 031 566 1286 The Chicken Shack Café Choose between a pizza party, fairy party or self–catering party. Old Mission Rd, Grosvenor. Contact: 031 467 9461, 082 336 7433, fulloutputcc@telkomsa.net or visit chickenshackcafe.co.za Treehouse Parties and Events Specialising in themed children’s parties.

For R90 per child, you get décor, invitations, snacks, entertainment, venue hire and more. Gateway. Contact: 082 926 1035 or treehouse.g@gmail.com Westwood Paintball An indoor day and night paintball arena in Westwood Shopping Mall. Birthday parties R150 per person, includes equipment and 150 paintballs. Westwood. Contact: 082 556 5540, simine@westwoodpaintball.co.za or visit westwoodpaintball.co.za

Drumkidz Drum parties for all ages. Children drum along to exciting stories, songs and innovative games. Contact Robynne: 083 631 6064, robynne@ drumkidz.co.za or visit drumkidz.co.za Kids Just Love to Dance Children’s disco or dancing parties include lights, a mirror ball, games, music and a microphone. R1 000 for 2½ hours, plus travel if necessary. Contact: 072 135 8784 or cazzied@vodamail.co.za

Boot Camp SA Action parties for girls and boys, five years and older. Contact: 082 782 6432, durban@bootcamp-sa.co.za or visit bootcamp-sa.co.za Busyballers Parties At a venue of your choice. Entertainment includes sports, games, obstacle courses, treasure hunts, pool games and more. Jumping castle for hire. For ages 3–10. Contact Lisa: 083 236 0059 or lisa@busyballers.co.za Duck and Deck Animal Farm and Tea Garden A venue for children to interact with farm animals and enjoy pony rides. Designated party areas and catering for adults in the tea garden.

Assagay. Contact: 031 768 1029, cheryl@duckanddeck.co.za or visit duckanddeck.co.za May 2012

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Durban Charter Boat Bookings Choose from over 30 boats for your party, for anything from two to 100 passengers.

Catering available. Contact Maureen: 031 709 0797, 073 175 1559 or info@ boatcharters.co.za Durban Funworld Amusement park rides in a safe venue. Parties are held from 9am–11am on Saturday, when the park is closed to the public. Contact: 031 332 9776 or funpark@iafrica.com Durban Society of Model Engineers Miniature steam-train rides, playground and party area with setup included, and use of kitchen facilities. R500 for 15 children; R15 per extra child. Durban North. Contact: 082 577 2067 or alfred. farr@transnet.net Gametruck A mobile video truck for entertaining up to 16 players at any venue. Durban. Contact John: 081 4460 154 or Chris: 076 8421 705, info@ gametruck.co.za or visit gametruck.co.za Giba Gorge Parties include a ride to the waterfall and gift pack for the birthday child. Additional activities available.

Weekends: 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Giba Gorge, Westmead. Contact: 031 769 1527, info@gibagorge.co.za or visit gibagorge.co.za Gorgeous Girl Charters Spend the morning or afternoon on the dam, learning

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to waterski and having fun on the tube.

R2 000 for four hours. Contact: 083 679 1273 or theellisfam@mweb.co.za GroovyBalls Adventure Park Roll downhill in an inflatable ball at this zorbing park. For children over 6 years.

Tailor-made packages suit any budget.

Or they come to you. Upper Highway.

Contact Connan: 031 783 7162, 084 3303 112, bookings@groovyballs.co.za or visit groovyballs.co.za Hakuna Matata Charters For a party on a 58 foot catamaran, with music, a harbour cruise and a spacious deck. Contact: 031 307 3782, 083 274 6846, enquiries@ hmcharters.co.za or visit hmcharters.co.za Happi Days Toy Shop and Party Venue Party venue hire, from R600, with a jumping castle, tables and chairs and party bunting. Hybrid Living, Salt Rock/Umhlali area. Contact: 082 412 9905, info@ happidays.co.za or visit happidays.co.za Hillbilly’s Lifestyle Centre An animal farm, restaurant and playground. Or enjoy a pamper party at the spa. Botha’s Hill. Contact: 031 777 1680 or johnvanj8@ gmail.com Little Occasions at @tap Coffee Corner Parties for children 3–8 years old in an outdoor setting with playground and tea garden. Indoor venue can be arranged.

Durban North. Contact: 031 563 0882

Lucky Linton Gold Mine and Children’s Farmyard Pan for gold or go down a mine shaft. Children can look for semi-precious stones in the scratch patch. Pony rides, rafting and foefie slide available. Ballito.

Contact: 032 947 1459, 083 255 1277 or visit luckylinton.com Paintball Adventures Paintball parties are based on combat simulation and war games, for ages 9 and older. Durban North. Contact: 076 444 5570 or visit paintballadventures.webs.com S.W.A.T Lasertag Based on combat simulation and war games, for children 8 years and older. Durban North. Contact: 076 444 5570 or visit swatlasertag.co.za Sport on Court Africa Boys and girls can enjoy a variety of sports, from soccer to netball. Morning, afternoon or evening parties available. Durban North and Westville. Contact: 031 560 0107, 082 826 9714, janine@sportoncourt.net or visit sportoncourt.net The Chuck Wagon Party Venue at Stonyhurst Situated at Stonyhurst Riding School, this venue offers pony rides, party packs, a food table, swings and a tour of the stables. R40 per child.

Hammarsdale. Contact: 083 448 7807 or japa@absamail.co.za The Flying Donkey A venue with pony rides, a jungle gym and a sandpit.

Packages from R900 for a DIY party with pony rides, to R2 000 for a fully-themed party. Mount Edgecombe. Contact: 083 378 8899 or char.delaney@telkomsa.net uShaka Marine World Spend a day full of sun and fun where you are spoilt for choice between uShaka Kids World, Sea World or Wet ’n Wild. Packages start from R40 per child. Contact: 031 328 8000, bookings@ushakamarineworld.co.za or visit ushakamarineworld.co.za

1 Potato 2 Offers jumping castles and water slides, as well as party entertainment with clowns and fairies. Prices start from R220. Durban North. Contact: 084 569 0226, bookings@1potato2.co.za or visit 1potato2.co.za Big Occasions for Little People Creates magical, fun-filled parties, doing everything from catering to décor.

Plus get themed gift bags and birthday cake. Durban North and central Durban.

Contact: 031 818 2016, 083 656 2599, bashford@mweb.co.za or visit facebook. com/BigOccasions Classy Party Planners They plan and set up the party from beginning to end. Includes a jumping castle, tables and chairs, décor, catering, bubble

magazine durban

machines, rides and more. Contact Eshia: 031 569 5559, 082 503 5170, classypartyplanners@gmail.com or visit classypartyplanners.co.za Crazy Chameleon Kiddie Parties Specialises in children’s themed parties with décor, for children 1–7 years old.

Candy buffet and teen parties now also available. They can set up in a venue of your choice. Nationwide. Contact: 0861 543 343 (KIDDIE), info@crazychameleon. co.za or visit crazychameleon.co.za Ding Dong Kiddies Parties They organise everything from themed décor, cakes, entertainment, party packs and more. Contact Cynthia: 083 643 7245 or cynthia.mkhize@yahoo.com Funsunzi Parties They supply everything from tables and chairs, gazebos and cakes to party accessories for any theme.

Contact Liz: 072 605 9943, 082 874 8265, funsunziparties@gmail.com or visit funsunziparties.yolasite.com Glossy Events They organise children’s parties and offer novelty birthday cakes. Durban and Westville. Contact Sphindile: 031 201 8390, 082 884 1812, glossyevents@gmail.com or visit glossyevents.yolasite.com.

Hunnybeez Offers themed parties, décor and sell accessories. Contact: 082 774 5282 or info@hunnybeez.co.za

magazine durban

Kids Party Factory Specialising in fully themed children’s parties at a venue of your choice. Contact Sue: 073 250 8572, sue@kidspartyfactory.co.za or visit kidspartyfactory.co.za Kitty Catz Party Hire Offers jumping castles, water slides, entertainers, themed décor, birthday boards, cupcake stands and party packs. Contact Kitty: 076 531 4005 or kitty@mcnaughtan.co.za KNS Partyz Children’s party and function hire. They organise décor, a jumping castle, tables and chairs, entertainment, accessories, cakes and more. Contact Pamela: 031 400 3951/2, 083 779 3951 or knspartyz@live.co.za Laquacious Designs They plan and coordinate your party from décor to centrepieces and party packs. Contact Olga: 031 209 1045, 073 266 5536, olgamartinshenri@gmail.com or visit laquaciousdesigns.co.za Leeq-Waen Party Planners Organise children’s parties. Full party packages include cakes, party packs and more.

Durban South. Contact Chevonne: 072 442 6695 or chevonnehattingh@yahoo.com Lindamahle Functions and Hire Themed parties for children of all ages, to suit your budget. Starting from R345 for 10 children. Contact Nonto: 031 266 5978, 072 051 0950 or lindamahle@gmail.com

Little Raindrops Party Specialists For hassle-free party planning. They supply everything from decorations and games to party packs and cakes. Contact: 084 562 8807, candice@littleraindrops.co.za or visit littleraindrops.co.za Parties from Heaven Offers party packages with party packs, cakes, banners, chairs and tables, and more.

Choose from a variety of themes. Contact Rochelle: 082 894 6902, 083 775 0377 or partiesfromheaven@yahoo.com Party Dreams Party planners that offer packages to suit your budget or they can plan and personalise a theme. Contact Natalie: 079 894 8862, natalie@partydreams. co.za or visit partydreams.co.za Polka-Dot Party Provides themed décor, gazebos, party packs, prizes and games. Get a princess or fairy to entertain the children. Contact Sonja: 082 920 8102, polkadot@preferred.co.za or visit littlepartyplanner.co.za Prat’s Parties and Clown Hire Offers themed gazebo setups, entertainers, bubble machines, chocolate fountains, jumping castles, cakes and more. Western suburbs.

Contact: 082 920 8804, pratsparties@gmail. com or visit pratsparties.co.za Queen of Cuisine Your one-stop supplier of children’s themed parties, from invitations and décor to cakes

and catering. Contact Lizelle: 072 937 1430, info@queenofcuisine.co.za or visit queenofcuisine.co.za Shindig Sisters Themed birthday parties, catering and jumping castles. Contact: 071 332 8424, info@shindigsisters.co.za or visit shindigsisters.co.za Smurf That With party themes, equipment for hire, jumping castles and helium balloons. Ballito. Contact: 032 586 3514, 073 449 4632 or smurf-that@mweb.co.za Spectacular Events Children’s party package includes invitations, party packs, balloons, entertainment, birthday cake and more. Contact Shazia: 082 876 7447, info@spectacularevents.co.za or visit spectacularevents.co.za Sugar Plum Parties Provides themed parties with party packs, cakes, décor and entertainment. Contact Nikki: 082 498 4234, nikki@sugarplumparties.co.za or visit sugarplumparties.co.za Supakids Affordable solutions for parties.

Costs can be structured for your budget.

Contact Nelia: 082 332 9687, nelia@ supakids.co.za or visit supakids.co.za The Party Hippo Children’s themed parties, with party boxes, personalised invites, piñatas, novelty cakes, a clown and more. Contact Angie: 072 046 3736, thepartyhippo@gmail.com or visit thepartyhippo.yolasite.com

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how to

party etiquette The party may only last two hours, but it can take weeks to organise.

invitation dilemma The general rule is to invite as many children as your child’s age, plus one. So if your child is turning seven, invite eight guests. You don’t need to invite the whole class. Just be aware that the school may prefer you not to hand out invites at the school if the whole class is not invited. Some encourage you to send cupcakes or treats for the last day of the month, in lieu of a birthday party. Find out what the school rules are when it comes to invites and birthday celebrations. The type of party you are having will also be a guideline for the guest list. Outdoor parties can accommodate more people. Older children will be able to draw up their own guest list.

snail mail or e-vites?

In today’s world of cyber communication, electronic invites may be easier to send. You can customise the invite according to your child’s theme, using sites such as smilebox.com or evite.com. Marianne Calvert, a former party planner, says the type of invitation you send reflects how you feel about the party. “A printed invitation means you care about the event and it is important to you, so people will keep the invite and be serious about it.”

Children love getting something in the post because

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May 2012

everything is done electronically these days. You could also drop off the invites at school, depending on their party policy, or call the parents of the children being invited.

Calvert cautions that an sms invite suggests a last-minute decision and should be avoided.

Be sure to include the following on your invite: your child’s name, the date and time of the party, the venue and address, as well as a map if necessary, your contact details and an RSVP deadline. Don’t forget to mention if there is a dress code or theme, so that parents can plan well in advance, and if there are any other activities, such as swimming or outdoor games that would require comfortable clothing and shoes. Include the duration of the party. For younger children, it should be no longer than two hours and should take nap times into account. Send the invites a month in advance, giving parents about two weeks to RSVP so that you have time to plan. Be clear about who is invited.

You don’t want the child to arrive with a sibling or two in tow.

Parents will usually accompany younger children.

party politics With the mix of sugar and adrenalin, there is likely to be at least one meltdown during the party. If it’s your child, take

her aside and quietly encourage her to calm down. “I am a big believer in ‘time out’.” Often all they need is some quiet space and lots of water to drink, and then they are usually ready to go back,” says Calvert. If it is a guest, don’t make a scene in front of the other children. Try and divert the child’s attention with a game, or ask them to help you with an activity. “If they are still out of hand, you should call their parents and ask them to fetch them,” says Calvert.

With younger children, the parent will probably be there to help. Instil good party etiquette in your child from the start. Always remind them to say thank you for gifts, even if it’s something they already have or don’t like. Children are brutally honest, but encourage them to always show gratitude. Get older children to create thank-you cards after the event. Perhaps save the opening of gifts until after the party, especially for children younger than five.

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ANÉL LEWIS gives some quick tips for hosting the perfect bash.

books

a good read for toddlers The Big Yawn

By Monika Spang and Sonja Bougaeva (Published by Gecko Press, R105) It’s night-time in the zoo and all the animals are getting sleepy. First to yawn is the tiger. Then the swans start, and the crocs give in, even though they are in the middle of their fish braai, then the giraffes, the pigs, the lion and Donkey all get sleepy... Soon the whole zoo is ready for bed. We all know how contagious yawning can be and that’s why this is the perfect book for bedtime. Children won’t be able to resist the joyful illustrations of these yawning animals. The story is written in rhyme, which makes it the perfect bedtime tale, and the illustrations are simply delightful.

ly fami time

Zou

By Michel Gay

(Published by Gecko Press, R105) This is the ideal book to read with your child in bed while having a lie-in. Zou, a resourceful little zebra, finds a creative solution to a problem all young children will identify with, making for a sweet and humorous family story that is especially good to read on weekend mornings. How can Zou wake Mom and Dad so they won’t be grumpy? They need coffee, lots of coffee, so Zou sets off for the kitchen to prepare some, and ends up making an entire breakfast. Needless to say, the plan doesn’t work out as he would have wanted it to; with a mess here and a fall there. But it all ends well with a cuddle and a kiss.

for preschoolers

for early graders a classic tale

The Magic Fish Retold by Margie Orford; illustrated by Lizza Littlewort

(Published by Jacana Media, R60) One day, a poor fisherman catches a magic talking fish, which he immediately sets free. When he tells his brother what has happened, his brother demands that he asks the magic fish for a bigger house.

The magic fish grants the fisherman’s wish. Will his brother be satisfied or will he be greedy and ask for more? This book is also part of the Best Loved Tales for Africa series and bestselling South African author Margie Orford gives the tale a new twist by replacing the shrewish wife with a demanding brother who insists that the family moves from a grass hut to a brick house. But nothing is ever good enough for him.

for preteens and teens

the heart warmer

magazine durban

(Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, R65) Children from the age of seven will love this unforgettably funny animal adventure story about a little bird with big dreams from awardwinning author Jeanne Willis. It is one of the titles in the brand-new Awesome Animals series – the funniest fiction, starring the wildest wildlife, from prize-winning authors. Rory, the rockhopper penguin, loves showing off, but with too few visitors to the zoo, life has become a little dull. If things don’t improve the zoo might have to close. So when the keepers install a penguin cam, Rory grabs his chance with both flippers, organising a dazzling penguin talent show to pull in the crowds.

for us

parenting books practical advice

The One and Only Ivan

By Katherine Applegate (Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, R86) Children, from as young as nine, can enjoy this book which is inspired by a true story. Ivan is a gorilla who is used to humans watching his every move.

He can hardly remember his life in the jungle. That is, until a baby elephant called Ruby arrives. Suddenly Ivan sees his home through new eyes and knows he must do something to make sure Ruby doesn’t end up like him. This is a heart-warming and unforgettable tale of friendship, hope and bravery that no animal lover will be able to resist.

Penguin Pandemonium – Little Birds, Big Dreams

By Jeanne Willis

When Hoopoes go to Heaven

By Gaile Parkin (Published by Atlantic Books, R195) Ten-year-old Benedict loves his family’s new home in Swaziland, with its garden teeming with lizards, birds and butterflies.

Here, crouched in the shade of the luckybean tree, he can set aside his anxieties about the world, and plan imaginative ways to make things better. Of course, there are many things in Africa that can’t be put right by a boy who isn’t yet big.

But in Benedict’s wonder-filled world, even the worst situation has a certain magic. Warm, funny and brimming with life, When Hoopoes go to Heaven will capture your imagination and restore your faith in humanity.

Parenting Apart

By Christina McGhee (Published by Random House Struik, R215) This is a resource for separated and divorced parents wanting to raise happy and secure children. When a marriage ends, the most important thing parents can do is to help their children through this difficult transition and remain united.

Divorce coach McGhee offers practical advice on how to help children adjust and thrive during and after separation and divorce. She looks at all the different issues parents may face with their children of different ages, offering solutions to the most critical parenting problems divorce brings.

Groovy Adventurers: How to Encourage and Curriculum

By Lourdes Bruwer and Carly Tzanos; illustrated by Claudine Spratley (Published by New Voices Publishing, R250 for the set) With Groovy Adventurers, playing with your baby has never been so much fun. A focus on developmental stages rather than ages allows you to recognise and revel not only in his major achievements, but also his mini milestones. Create fun-filled challenges for your baby as you understand more of his physical and brain development at each stage. How to Encourage is packed with easy-to-use activities, each carefully selected by occupational therapists to build strong sensory, motor, perceptual and cognitive foundations. With Curriculum, you or your child’s caregiver can plan stageappropriate activities for the week and record your child’s progress.

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29

calendar

what’s on in may

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

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

20 sun

special events

31

FUN for children

32

only for parents

33

bump, baby & tot in tow

33

how to help

33

SPECIAL EVENTS Discovery East Coast Radio Mini Big Walk and Big Walk This is an event for everyone in the family, no matter how big or little.

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Shongweni Farmers Market Eat delicious food, browse for toys or crafts, or just sit and watch the crowd.

Moonshadows All your favourite Country, acoustic rock and folk music combine to bring audiences some foot-tapping tunes.

PreggiBellie A fun exercise routine that helps moms-to-be and new moms get fit and stay healthy.

Feedy Needy They can use your help to feed children and households in disadvantaged communities.

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May 2012

magazine durban

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 tuesday Moonshadows Whimsical folk music, soulful country and acoustic rock combine.

Ends 24 June. Time: varies. Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway. Cost: Wednesday–Saturday R135, Tuesday and Sunday R100. Contact: 031 566 3045, gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za Nature Walk Enjoy a two-hour walk through Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, with a short, guided meditation and a vegetarian lunch. Time: 9:45am–1:30pm.

Venue: Interpretive Centre, Kloof Falls Rd. Cost: R75. Contact: 031 765 1073 or meditateinhillcrest@gmail.com

Stafford Rd, Cowies Hill. Cost: free. Contact: 031 267 1307 or visit dsdurban.co.za SPCA Golf Day Get the chance to meet pro golfer Joanne Lefson and worldfamous dog Oscar. Time: varies. Venue: Royal Durban Golf Club. Cost: R1 600 per four ball. Contact Caroline: 031 579 6535 or 083 661 0995 The Johnny Cash Show A fun, vibrant show with all of your favourite Johnny Cash hits. Also 5 and 11–13 May. Time: 8pm, Friday–Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: Stirling Theatre, The Italian Club, Durban North. Cost: R80. Contact: 076 786 1127 or bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za

6 sunday Music Under the Marula A funfilled festival for the whole family with live music, children’s entertainment, a fleamarket stalls and more. Time: 11am–5pm. Venue: B30 D359, Shongweni.

Cost: R5 entry. Contact: 082 312 6114, musicunderthemarula@gmail.com or visit underthemarula.com Oddball Olympics Families, friends and corporates can enter teams to compete at fun, weird, obscure, upside down, wet and dirty games. Proceeds go towards rehabilitating Lahee Park. Time: 8:30am.

Venue: Lahee Park Cricket Grounds, Pinetown. Cost: varies. Contact Tim Brauteseth: 083 766 4657

9 wednesday

13 May – SPCA/Hill’s Township Dog Show

2 wednesday Drakensberg Boys Choir Wednesday Concert Showcasing diverse performance styles. Time: 3:30pm–5:30pm, every Wednesday. Venue: Ken MacKenzie Auditorium, Drakensberg Boys Choir School. Cost: adults R100, children R50.

Contact Lauren: 036 468 1012, bookings@ dbchoir.co.za or visit dbchoir.co.za

4 friday Deutsche They offer Children welcome.

Schule Durban open day preschool and primary school. of other language groups Time: 9am–11am. Venue: 24

Al-Falaah College open evening For Grades 00–11. Time: 6:15pm. Venue: Al-Falaah College Indoor Sports Centre, 99 Lotus Rd, Springfield. Cost: free. Contact: 031 208 7652

13 sun

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Johnny Clegg and Hot Water. Time: 2:30pm.

Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 322 4021, dbginfo@durban. gov.za or book through webtickets.co.za

13 sunday SPCA/Hill’s Township Dog Show Township mutts get the chance to shine in this dog show with a difference.

Entrants, spectators and volunteers are welcome. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Jabula Combined School, Lidgetton. Cost: R5 entry. Contact Heather: 033 330 5299, 082 378 2300, somerzet@iafrica.com or visit umngenispca.org.za

18 friday Circle of Life charity ball A glamorous fundraising ball. Proceeds go towards including stem-cell donors on the South African Bone Marrow Registry of the Sunflower Fund. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel, Durban. Cost: R600. Contact: 031 266 1148, 078 207 9041 or steph@sunflowerfund.org.za

19 saturday Discovery East Coast Radio Mini Big Walk Enjoy a fun, non-competitive walk, covering 1,5km. For children under 7 years. Time: 7am. Venue: uShaka Marine

12 saturday Raqstars A belly dance extravaganza by the Maya Dance Company. Ends 13 May. Time: 8pm, Saturday; 2pm, Sunday. Venue: iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, La Mercy.

Cost: R80. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Slam Dunk your Home A workshop that teaches you how to organise your home.

Find out why you struggle to get organised, and put together a plan of action. Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: Premier Hotel, Pinetown. Cost: R495. Contact Isabelle: 082 673 9740 or neatfreak@telkomsa.net

Old Mutual Music at the Lake

20 May – Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run

World. Cost: R30. Contact: 083 910 3825 or visit ecr.co.za Raising Multiple Kids seminar and exhibition Topics and exhibitions include potty and sleep training, developmental activities and discipline. Time: 12:30pm– 4pm. Venue: Netcare Parklands Hospital, Overport. Cost: members R100, nonmembers R130. Contact Mandy: 083 488 3948 or kzn@samultiplebirth.co.za Why Z? This interactive children’s theatre looks at fun stories like how Zebra got her stripes and why the crocodile is so grumpy. Also 20 and 27 May. Time: 10am.

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

Contact Jean: 082 560 7185

20 sunday Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk Join in this popular annual event. Register online or at selected Totalsports stores before 30 April. Children must be 7 and older. Time: varies. Venue: uShaka Marine World to Moses Mabhida Stadium. Cost: 5km R50, 10km R55,15km and 20km R65.

Contact: 083 910 3825 or visit ecr.co.za Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run Serious bikers and trail runners can take on more gruelling courses, while families and children participate in easier races. Enter online. Time: 7am. Venue: Mid-Illovo Club, Eston. Cost: varies. Contact: 086 100 7624, info@roag. co.za or visit husqvarnaclassic.co.za Wiggle Waggle Dog Walk Walk your dog and help raise funds for the Kloof and Highway SPCA. Time: 9am. Venue: 29 Village Rd, Village Green, Kloof. Cost: adults R25, children R10, dogs R10. Contact: 031 764 1212/3 or marketing@kloofspca.co.za

family marketplace

magazine durban

May 2012

31

calendar

21 monday Viva! Thailand’s sensational band delivers a blend of pop, opera and classical music.

Ends 26 May. Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Seabrooke’s Theatre, Musgrave. Cost: R140.

Contact: 031 277 1570 or seabrooke@ durbanhighschool.co.za

24 thursday Woolworths’ Brain Food for Exams Mom’s Tour A dietician-led store tour to give parents creative ideas for feeding children all the nutrients they need during exam time. Time: tbc. Venue: Woolworths, La Lucia Mall. Cost: tbc. Contact: amandamhluzi@woolworths.co.za Book Time A fundraising initiative where you can purchase books at reasonable prices. Also 25 May. Time: 7:30am–4pm, Thursday; 7:30am–2pm, Friday. Venue: Atholl Heights Primary School hall, 52 Methven Rd, Westville. Cost: free entry. Contact Linda: 031 262 0695 or mediacentre@atholl-heights.co.za Clifton golf day A popular annual golf day. Time: tbc. Venue: Beachwood Country Club, Fairway Dr, Durban North. Cost: R1 800 per four-ball. Contact Mike: 031 312 2147 or mfoxcroft@cliftonschool.co.za The Annual Reach For A Dream Game Show Book a table for this fun, interactive quiz night, which raises funds for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Suzuki Showroom, Umhlanga Ridge. Cost: R200.

Contact Denise: 031 566 2220 or denise@ reachforadream.org.za

25 friday Cross Country Day For students from primary school to high school. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Durban North College, Pembroke Dr. Cost: spectators free. Contact: 031 556 41347, dnkollege@telkomsa.net or visit durbannorthcollege.com Fundraising Ladies’ Breakfast Listen to motivational speaker Ingrid Roberts. Time: 7:30am. Venue: Robyndale Conference Centre, 10 Msenga Rd, Kloof. Cost: R120.

Contact Jules: 031 764 9800 or jcooke@ stmarys.kzn.school.za National Plaster Day sponsored by Elastoplast Children wear civvies for the day to support the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Stickers cost R1–R10. Individuals and corporates can also get involved. Contact: 021 686 7860, plasterday@chtrust.org.za or visit childrenshospitaltrust.org.za The Royal Show South Africa’s oldest and largest mixed exhibition promises any visitor an entertaining and educational experience. Ends 3 June. Time: 9am.

Venue: The Royal Show showgrounds, Pietermaritzburg. Cost: varies. Contact:

033 345 6274, info@royalshow.co.za or visit royalshow.co.za

26 saturday John Wesley Pre-Primary School fun day For a morning of fun with jumping castles and pony rides. There is also food, crafts, games and prizes. Time: 10am–1pm.

Venue: 4 Daventry Place, La Lucia. Cost: free entry. Contact Linda: 031 562 0239 or jws@trinitymethodist.co.za Rising Star Academy auditions for Honk! This theatre production is being staged in September and requires 30 musical theatre performers, aged 10–18 years. Also 27 May. Time: 1:30pm–5pm. Venue: Westville Theatre Club, Attercliffe Rd, Westville. Cost: free.

Contact Gillian: 083 326 3257 or gillian@ risingstaracademy.co.za The Modern ADHD Family Conference A diverse range of speakers, professionals and exhibitors discuss ADHD. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Hillcrest Primary School, 17 Emoyeni Dr, Hillcrest. Cost: varies.

Contact: 031 777 1853, 082 561 0056, 083 298 2828, conference@ladd.co.za or visit ladd.co.za

27 sunday Annual Home Industry Market Day Showcasing Durban’s home-based businesses with entertainment for children, crafts, food and art. Time: 8am–5pm.

Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 876 7447, info@spectacularevents.co.za or visit spectacularevents.co.za The Durban All Stars Swing, sway and samba with this 22-piece big band. Time: 2pm. Venue: The Venue, 166 Stamford Hill Rd. Cost: tbc. Contact Bronwyn: 082 967 2179 or bronwyn@kingstonlive.co.za

30 wednesday Cargo Hold Stellenzicht Wine Tasting A fine dining, wine tasting experience for over 18s. Time: 7pm. Venue: Cargo Hold, uShaka Marine World. Cost: tbc. Contact: 031 328 8000 or visit ushakamarineworld.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science ArtSpace Exhibits sculptures by Gerald Baise, art by Bradley Schwartz, and more. Time: 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday; 9am–2pm, Saturday. Venue: 3 Millar Rd, Stamford Hill. Cost: free. Contact: 031 312 0793 or visit artspace-durban.com

classes, talks and workshops Art lessons Learn to paint and draw using various techniques. For children of any age.

Village Green open days

There is also a moms and daughters group.

Monday afternoon or Saturday morning.

Time: varies. Venue: 128 Manfred Dr, Rosehill. Cost: R380. Contact Suzette: 074 178 9388 or sdyson@remax-panache.co.za Improving marks in a fun way Understand your unique learning style and use this to your advantage. For children 12 and older. Time: varies. Venue: 3 Lindsay Rd, Hillcrest. Cost: eight sessions R200.

Contact Corinne: 031 765 5447, 082 420 0930 or corinne@getwithit.za.net ’Lil Doodlers Children make quality, practical crafts and have plenty of fun.

Time: varies. Venue: Glenashley, Durban North. Cost: R320 a month. Contact Gwyn: 082 338 5721 or pinnfamily@yahoo.co.uk Meditation classes for children Introducing children to meditation.

For children 5–12 years. 27 May. Time: 10am–11:15am. Venue: Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 2 Hollings Rd, Malvern. Cost: R10. Contact: 031 464 0984, info@meditateindurban.org or visit meditateindurban.org Yoga for children Develops strength and flexibility while improving concentration and coordination. Time: 3pm, every Friday. Venue: Centre of Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North. Cost: R40.

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

family outings Book Fair Find popular children’s books at affordable prices. Time: 10am–3:30pm, 3 May; 7:30am–12pm, 4 May. Venue: Cygnet Preparatory School, also at Clifton School 8–9 May and St Henry’s Marist Brothers 28–29 May. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 082 907 1573, info@books2you. co.za or visit books2you.co.za Crystal Cavern Children can search for treasure in the scratch patch, while parents relax in the tea garden. Time: 9am–4pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: The Castle, Old Main Rd, Hillcrest. Cost: varies. Contact: 084 833 3749 Horseback Beach Adventures Ride through the bush or along the beach.

Ask about the Mother’s Day special.

Time: 3pm, daily. Venue: 501 Reunion Rd. Cost: R250–R350. Contact: 084 467 0752, horsebeachrides@gmail.com or visit horsebeachrides.co.za

finding nature and outdoor play

ArtSpace

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May 2012

Akimbo Kids This is a play venue with a large open playground and separate toddler play area for children 1–7 years.

Time: 9am–4pm, Tuesday–Thursday; 9am–5pm, Saturday–Sunday. Venue:

Drummond. Cost: R20 entry for children.

For more info: visit akimbo.co.za Crow Tours Take a tour of Crow, a rehabilitation centre for wildlife. 27 May. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm. Venue: 2 Coedmore Ave, Yellowwood Park. Cost: R20. Contact: 031 462 1127, info@ crowkzn.co.za or visit crowkzn.co.za The Animal Farmyard Offers daily milking demonstrations, and pony, tractor and foefie-slide rides. Time: 9am–4:30pm, daily; milking 10:30am and 3:30pm.

Venue: 3 Lello Rd, Botha’s Hill. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 765 2240 or visit animalfarmyard.co.za

Ratatouille May’s Friday night family movie is about Remy, the rat who dreams of becoming a great French chef. But this is not a rat-friendly profession and Remy must choose between his rat roots and following his dream.

25 May. Time: 5pm. Venue: Disney Channel, DStv Channel 303. For more info: visit disney.co.za

25 fri

markets Florida Road Lifestyle Market Celebrates locally made products. 29 April and 27 May. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: cnr Florida and Gordon Rds, Morningside.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 311 4500 or nsibandec@durban.gov.za Heidi’s Farm Stall Market For cakes, coffee, food and crafts. Time: 9am–3pm, every Saturday and Sunday. Venue: 1 Clement Stott Rd. Contact: 072 927 8242 or raredleg@iafrica.com I Heart Market Hand- and home-made crafts for the whole family. 5 May. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Masabalala Yengwe Ave, Stamford Hill.

Contact: thejoyteam@gmail.com Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market Organic and local produce and crafts.

Time: 6:30am–10:30am, every Saturday.

Venue: cnr Kassier and Alverstone Rds, Assagay. Contact Christine: 083 777 1674, info@shongwenimarket.co.za or visit shongwenimarket.co.za The Food Market For locally produced foods. 26 May. Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: The Hellenic Community Centre, Durban North. Contact: 084 505 0113, info @ thefoodmarket.co.za or visit thefoodmarket.co.za Umhlanga Antiques Fair Enjoy browsing among antiques. 20 May. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Umhlanga Centre, 189 Ridge Rd, Umhlanga Rocks. Contact James: 082 821 9031 magazine durban

Village Green open days The charity shops, tea garden and nursery are all open. Time: 8am–12pm, every Monday and Saturday. Venue: 29 Village Rd, Village Green, Kloof. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 764 1212/3 or visit kloofspca.co.za

on stage and screen Old Mutual Music at the Lake Johnny Clegg and Hot Water entertain. 13 May. Time: 2:30pm. Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 322 4021, dbginfo@durban.gov.za or book through webtickets.co.za Raqstars A belly dance extravaganza.

12–13 May. Time: 8pm, Saturday; 2pm, Sunday. Venue: iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, La Mercy. Cost: R80. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Viva! Features pop, opera and classical crossover music. 21–26 May. Time: 7:30pm.

Venue: Seabrooke’s Theatre, Musgrave.

Cost: R140. Contact: 031 277 1570 or seabrooke@durbanhighschool.co.za Why Z? A children’s play that looks at fun stories like how the Zebra got her stripes. 19–20 and 27 May. Time: 10am.

Venue: Under the Fig Tree Amphitheatre, Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: R30, children under 3 free. Contact Jean: 082 560 7185

playtime and story time Book Club Join other children as they discuss books they have read. Time: 3pm, every Friday. Venue: La Lucia Library, 1 Library Lane, behind La Lucia Mall. Cost: free. Contact: 031 572 2986 Lucky Bean Offers a safe children’s playground with an undercover playbarn and coffee shop for parents. Time: 9am–4pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: 10 Cadmoor Rd, Assagay. Cost: first child R20, second child R15. Contact Donnae: 079 893 8448, info@luckybean.co or visit luckybean.co

sport and physical activities Westwood Paintball An indoor, allweather paintball arena in a secure, convenient location. Time: varies. Venue: Westwood Shopping Mall, Lincoln Terrace.

Cost: R100 for one hour and 100 paintballs.

Contact Simine: 082 556 5540 or simine@ westwoodpaintball.co.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Food Garden Workshop Learn how to create your own organic kitchen garden. 5 and 26 May. Time: 8:30am–3pm. Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, Berea. Cost: R150. Contact: 031 322 4021/19 or dbginfo@durban.gov.za Ladies’ body stretch Exercise classes for ladies. Time: 8am, Monday and Wednesday.

Venue: Lasting Impressions, 35 Caefron Ave, Westville. Cost: R260 per month. Contact: 031 267 0435, 083 661 6682 or info@ lasting-impressions-studio.co.za Understanding Death A meditation course. 6 May. Time: 10am–1pm. Venue: Mahasiddha Buddhist Centre, 2 Hollings magazine durban

BabyGym

Rd, Malvern. Cost: R140. Contact: 031 464 0984, info@meditateindurban.org or visit meditateindurban.org Weight-loss Challenge This 12-week course teaches you about healthy nutrition and losing weight while having fun. Starts 2 or 3 May. Time: varies. Venue: Umhlanga Rocks. Cost: R350. Contact Tracy: 082 852 4890 or tracy.mills@telkomsa.net Wisdom course Identify your negative states of mind and develop inner wisdom.

19 May. Time: tbc. Venue: Fusion Fitness Centre, 6 Zenith Dr, Umhlanga.

Cost: R140. Contact: 031 464 0984, info@meditateindurban.org or visit meditateindurban.org

on stage and screen Moonshadows With hits from Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens and The Eagles.

1 May–24 June. Time: varies. Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway. Cost: Wednesday–Saturday R135, Tuesday and Sunday R100. Contact: 031 566 3045, gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za The Durban All Stars Swing, sway and samba your Sunday away. 27 May. Time: 2pm. Venue: The Venue, 166 Stamford Hill Rd. Cost: tbc. Contact Bronwyn: 082 967 2179 or bronwyn@kingstonlive.co.za The Johnny Cash Show Hear all your favourite Cash hits. 4–5 and 11–13 May. Time: 8pm, Friday−Saturday; 3pm, Sunday.

Venue: Stirling Theatre, The Italian Club, Durban North. Cost: R80. Contact: 076 786 1127 or bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za

Hi Hopes Home intervention programme for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Contact: 082 897 1632, dianne.goring@ hihopes.co.za or visit hihopes.co.za Overeaters Anonymous Where members can share solutions to the problem of compulsive overeating. Contact: 031 708 6014 or 083 456 6971 Reach for Recovery breast cancer support group Gets together for bringand-share morning teas. Contact: 031 205 9525 or 072 248 0008 Sadag For those suffering from depression or drug addiction or who may be suicidal.

For more info or referral to a support group: visit sadag.co.za Speak Easy For those who stutter, their family and friends. Contact Imraan: 082 786 3718 or visit speakeasy.org.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops BabyGym A five-week course focusing on relaxing baby, waking senses and building strong muscles. For newborns to eight months. Starts 26 April. Time: 10am–12pm, every Thursday. Venue: Waterfall. Cost: R630.

Contact Janet: 083 653 6801, janet.wilson@ babygym.co.za or visit babygym.co.za Infant Massage workshops Four lessons over two weeks. Time: 9:30am–11am, Monday and Wednesday. Venue: Lasting Impressions, 35 Caefron Ave, Westville.

Cost: four workshops R600. Contact: 031 267 0435, 083 661 6682 or info@lastingimpressions-studio.co.za PreggiBellie Fitness classes for pre- and postnatal moms. Tuesday and Thursday evening, Saturday morning. Time: varies. Venue: Underground Fitness Club, Lighthouse Mall, Umhlanga. Cost: varies. Contact: 0860 723 559 or visit preggibellies.co.za Pregnancy or moms and baby Yoga Teaching breathing techniques, relaxation and more. Time: varies. Venue: Centre for Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North. Cost: varies. Contact Angela: 076 410 1410 or angela@rautenbach.co.za

support groups Adhasa Meetings are irregular. Contact Stuart: 031 298 8896 or Robin: 082 499 1344 for details on Adhasa, meeting times and support.

Cansa support Durban North 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 Durban Autism For mothers of children with ASD. Informal coffee mornings are held four times a year. Contact Di: 083 443 8385 or dimaitland@tiscali.co.za Famsa Offers family and relationship counselling. Contact: 031 202 8987 or visit 30 Bulwer Rd, Glenwood

The EcoHouse

playtime and story time Clamber Club Movement and stimulation classes for children 1–4 years old. Time: varies. Venue: branches in Ballito, Durban North, Hillcrest and Kloof. Cost: varies.

Contact Ballito: 076 222 2946, Durban North: 083 785 4332, Hillcrest: 084 577 7630 or Kloof: 083 259 2746 or visit clamberclub.com Moms and Tots and Moms and Babes workshops Designed to stimulate learning and self-confidence. Time: varies. Venue: branches in Amanzimtoti, Umhlanga, Durban North, Highway area and Glenwood. Cost: varies. Contact: info@ momsandtots.co.za or visit momsandbabes. co.za or momsandtots.co.za Toptots Children 8 weeks–4 years can join age-appropriate classes to learn and play.

Time: varies. Venue: branches in Durban North, Ballito, Glenwood, Kloof, Hillcrest, Westville and Hilton. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 266 4910, 082 876 7791, info@ toptots.co.za or visit toptots.co.za

support groups Durban New Moms Support group for moms of babies and toddlers. Time: 9:30am, every Friday. Venue: Durban North. Cost: free. Contact Alexandra: 031 562 9253 or 083 788 0689 La Leche Worldwide breastfeeding support organisation. For breastfeeding support contact Jane: 031 309 1801 or visit llli.org/southafrica Mothers 2 Baby For new and old moms, who are finding motherhood challenging.

Booking essential. Time: 10am–11:30am, every third Thursday. Venue: Hillcrest Private Hospital, Kassier Rd. Cost: free.

Contact Hayley: 078 640 7949

how to help Feedy Needy Help feed children and households from disadvantaged communities. On 9 May they are feeding children from Kamalinee Primary School and households in the Malagazi district.

Any donations are welcome. Contact Juanita: 031 206 1479 or helpfind4u@ gmail.com South African National Blood Service Twenty-six percent of blood is used for transfusions for women during childbirth.

Celebrate Mother’s Day by donating blood to save moms and babies. Contact: 0860 119 031 or visit sanbs.org.za The EcoHouse This fun and interesting green exhibit is new to uShaka Marine World and shows you how to reduce your carbon footprint and save money, while helping the environment. At the end you can make a Promise to the Penguins that you will make a change to your daily life and reduce your carbon footprint. For more info: visit ushakamarineworld.co.za

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to durban@childmag.co.za or fax it to 031 207 3429. Information must be received by 4 May for the June issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

May 2012

33

anél’s finishing touch

party pandemonium First birthdays are really about the grown-ups, says ANÉL LEWIS, so make sure there’s plenty to keep them entertained.

t

Anél and Erin

hings got out of hand pretty quickly at Erin’s first birthday party. There were cupcakes strewn on the floor, bottle tops in the pond and the inflatable pool had to be pumped up again after an energetic wrestling match – and that was just from the adults’ activities. Managing the handful of guests under the age of five was a breeze, barring their odd complaint about the bubble mixture that was more water than soap and the shortage of Barney-themed juice packs. It was the adults who needed constant supervision.

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May 2012

I was initially quite blasé about the whole planning thing. I reckoned we would set aside a couple of hours on a Saturday, let Erin blow out a candle on a cake I had made and then watch her open a few presents.

But I was unaware that preparations for a parallel party, with far more grandiose dimensions, were already well underway.

It seems I had underestimated the grownups’ enthusiasm to celebrate.

Before I knew it, we were moving garden furniture to accommodate a 3kg lamb for the spit. Spit? What happened to my idea of cake and maybe a few bowls of marshmallows? No, it seems it had been decided that we needed to go large for this important milestone, and the men wanted meat – and lots of it.

Erin decided to take her nap as the guests arrived, so she was nowhere to be seen for the first hour. When she

did emerge, the heat combined with the surprise of a house full of people made her less than congenial. Fortunately, her friends were too busy poking holes in the gifts to really notice.

I squeezed her into a party frock for the obligatory photo, and then let her mingle with the guests wearing just a vest and her nappy. She’s going to hate me when I blow up those images for her 21st birthday party.

I am no baker. I last made rock buns for my home economics class when I was in Grade 9, and added salt instead of sugar to the mixture. Needless to say, I switched to art soon after that. So I begged a talented colleague to make Erin a beautiful bear cake. However, I was still determined to contribute in some way, and I made a batch of cupcakes. The only ready-made mix I could find came with iridescent pink

icing and sparkles. And yes, they tasted as artificial as they looked. I’m still finding bits of ossified cupcake stuffed into the corners of our outdoor furniture – no doubt from guests desperately trying to dispose of the noxious things.

Several long hours after the party started, the celebration was still in full swing. The spit was still turning, albeit a bit dejectedly, in the fading light, someone had locked themselves in the spare bathroom and yet another impromptu wrestling match had ended in tears. And no, there was not a child in sight.

Next year I’m hiring a jumping castle, and some entertainment for the children as well.

Anél Lewis is Child magazine’s features editor. By the time you read this, she will have had her second baby and will probably be planning his first party.

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