Child magazine | DBN Dec 2013 / Jan 2014

D U R B A N ’ S

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

p a r e n t s

happy

holidays bumper guide what’s on in december and january

keeping it in the family memories that need to be shared

around the world on a bike or a barge

pink, blue or neutral

what toy will you buy your child this year?

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Dec 2013 / Jan 2014

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get set for back to school – tips to get ahead

health

education

entertainment

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

There is so much to love about December – the promise of a little time off, plenty of family time and hopefully an outing or trip somewhere brand new.

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Cassandra Shaw • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Tamlyn Vincent • durban@childmag.co.za Editorial Assistant Lucille Kemp • capetown@childmag.co.za

It has to be my favourite month, with the first sighting of the Christmas beetle heralding the beginning of the end of what has been another unfailingly busy year. Walking my daughter into school one morning this term, Julian and I overheard a preschooler ask: “Why are you in such a ‘hush and a push’ this morning, Mom?” Sweet and apt.

But thankfully, now the time has come to leave the “hush and push” behind, to take a deep breath and recharge our batteries.

Copy Editor Debbie Hathway

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

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

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

Subscriptions and Circulation PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: BROOKE FASANI

Nicolene Baldy • subs@childmag.co.za

From all of us at Child mag, thank you for your letters, comments, suggestions and encouragement.

Your enthusiasm has kept us going and growing for 10 years and we wish you and your family a peaceful and fun festive season.

Happy holidays!

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

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

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December 2013 / January 2014

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contents december and january

upfront

regulars

3 a note from lisa

6 upfront with paul Paul Kerton

5 over to you readers respond

wonders if our children learn enough about manners and decency

8 pregnancy news – bugs with a bite Marina Zietsman looks at why

features

mosquitoes favour pregnant women

12 better together Lucille Kemp explains the value of family traditions

13 everyday delicious Christine Capendale inspires us to celebrate the West Coast way armed with her new recipe book

14 3 days in durbs if you have to play tour guide over the holidays, this itinerary will help. By Tamlyn Vincent

16 your future investments Cassandra Shaw brings you inspirational stories of women who made sound financial investments

18 back to school already?

Tamlyn Vincent gives tips on ways to prep for the new school year, over the holidays

9 best for baby – holiday upheaval how you can holiday without disrupting your baby’s developmental milestones.

By Ruwaydah Harris

10 dealing with difference Tamlyn Vincent looks at toys and their link to gender stereotypes

21 resource – see the world by bike or barge Child magazine unlocks the traveller in you with this destination guide

22 what’s on in december & january 30 finishing touch if Conor gets a vacuum cleaner from Santa, he’ll be over the moon, reckons Anél Lewis

31 a good read for the whole family

health 7 getting smart about vaccines decisions affecting our children’s health should be based on sound reasoning, says Marc de Chazal

classified ads 29 let’s party 30 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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December 2013 / January 2014

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

EARTHCHILD Clothing earthchild.co.za

Jean Bourget Jelli Children’s Boutique

Jean Bourget Jelli Children’s Boutique

shutterstock.com

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over to you hairy issue I have witnessed thousands of children having their first haircuts as I have had two children’s hair salons in Joburg for the last 15 years. I believe children should be brought into the salon several times until they feel comfortable or brave enough to have their hair cut. To make the experience fun, we have created a child-friendly ambiance: murals on the walls, the ceiling, the floor and the furniture, plus each child gets their own television. The stylist plays her part with sweets, balloons, bubbles and a certificate of the experience. The boys are generally not as comfortable, but this is most likely because girls are familiar with the set-up by watching their moms getting groomed.

Anonymous

dangers of cellphones I read your article “a valuable learning tool” (November 2013); what the article forgot to mention was how our children’s health is at risk from cellphone use. I read an article called “cellphones and child brains: casualty catastrophe” by Alexandra Bruce, which gave much food for

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letters

Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010.

thought. Top neurologists issue warnings to patients about the health dangers of cellphone use. iPhones also contain a legal disclaimer page with fine print, which is difficult to read, and discloses the dangers of radiation exposure from cellphones. It advises users to keep the device 10mm away from the body. How dangerous is cellphone use for our children whose skulls are thinner and whose bodies are still developing? According to statistics on brain tumours associated with cellphone-use, this has replaced leukaemia as the number one child killer. Not to mention other effects, ranging from DNA damage, a reduction in sperm count to an increase in tumours in the area of the body where the cellphone is in contact with the skin.

A radiation detector measured a smartphone to emanate 40 000 microvolts compared to the 800 microvolts of a microwave oven and the 800 micro volts of a WiFi router. Normal background radiation levels should not be more than 30 microvolts. In France, WiFi is being removed from schools and replaced with cabled internet and Germany, Israel and Finland are moving towards banning the sale of cellphones to children. In Japan there

is a general limitation of cellphone use for those under 18 and in the UK for those under 12. Many countries like India issue warnings against the use of cellphones by children.

As an educator and a parent, knowing this, I would not support cellphone use in the classroom.

Shelley Hindmarch

hubbly bubbly In response to the article “smoke screen” (November 2013); as a parent, it has disturbed me to see so many young people smoking hubbly bubbly. I’m so grateful for your article on the dangers and false perceptions of smoking this pipe. This article is now my ammunition to inform our youth and parents of the dangers of smoking hubbly bubbly.

Avril Adams subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competitions.

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

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December 2013 / January 2014

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upfront with paul

the intangible curriculum Human decency and manners are not focused on as much as they should be. PAUL KERTON explains.

i

n our eagerness to develop our children into the smartest, brightest specimens on the planet, chasing their – and our – noble aspirations, we focus on the three Rs – reading, writing and arithmetic – as an exam-based, default knowledge foundation.

Clearly this has been working for centuries.

People are generally forgiving of a rude, arrogant narcissist, providing that narcissist is clever enough to find a cure for cancer.

We all hope that the other life skills necessary for basic survival will magically materialise amoeba-like in little Jimmy’s person along the way, at the hands of parents, teachers and their peers.

Nobody teaches you social skills. You have to pick them up yourself through trial and error and finding what works for you.

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December 2013 / January 2014

These are intangible things like holding a conversation and knowing when to edge into the debate to make a contribution and express an opinion without seeming arrogant, rude or up yourself. How to say “no” politely without upsetting anyone and being true to yourself instead of being badgered into something you don’t want to do; particularly relevant with regards to alcohol, drugs and sex. Yes, there have been great strides in education to address this gap but have we gone far enough?

The same goes for dealing with intense emotions like “love”, which is incredibly difficult to deal with and haunts the teenage psyche particularly as their hormones run amok. Everybody talks about it, sings about it and it is the subject of zillions

of celluloid dramas. We all certainly feel something and think we know what it is, but nobody can give a clear definition and signal when it starts; or the difference between lust and love, obsession and love, and degrees and types of love.

Good teachers impart a lot of these life skills through simply being good people themselves or at least impressing on their learners a step-by-step moral compass for them to follow, through their own example and individual style. You can tell immediately whether one is good at this or not by their influence on your children, and the state of the classroom. If it looks like the baboon enclosure at London Zoo then, the loose rein, anything-goes liberalism suggests Sex-Pistol’s anarchy.

I’ve always thought that South African children – by and large – are very well mannered by modern international standards. As manners go out of the window across continents, the excuse is that nobody has the time to be polite and courteous anymore, which seems truly pathetic. I think nobody has the time to teach children manners and, sadly, we accept the alternative without complaint.

I read today that the sales of baths are dropping like flying pigs. A survey concluded that people no longer soak in baths, preferring the instant gratification of a shower. The same people haven’t got time to say thank you either.

Go on, have a bath and say thank you.

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

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PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

health

getting smart about vaccines When making decisions regarding our children’s health, it’s important to base our reasoning on sound fact

t PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

and consensus. MARC DE CHAZAL explains why.

hanks to worldwide immunisation campaigns, lifethreatening infectious diseases have been controlled and have dramatically decreased. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), vaccines against diseases such as polio, last seen in South Africa in 1989, save more than three million lives every year.

Measles is also targeted for elimination, but misinformation can dramatically hamper these efforts. In the late 1990s Welsh parents heeded the warnings of a debunked study spuriously linking the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to autism, which eventually led to a measles outbreak in 2013. This highly contagious disease causes pneumonia, deafness and, in one out of 1 000 cases, death.

How then should we make informed decisions about vaccines?

make sure the information is from a trusted, knowledgeable and highly respected source,” she says. “The Vaccine Safety Network is accredited by the WHO, so any information you find on these websites can be trusted. For Facebook fans, I recommend the VacciNewsNet page,” she adds.

Burnett points out that South Africa does not blindly follow global trends when including a vaccine in the national immunisation programme. “The National Advisory Group on Immunisation (NAGI) is an independent body that includes eight academic experts who all need to reach consensus based on the available scientific evidence before a vaccine is considered safe and essential for the health of our children,” she explains.

what to take in trusted sources There’s nothing wrong with doing our own research on the internet, but Dr Rose Burnett, a public health scientist and senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo’s department of virology, advises caution. “You need to

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You will find many websites with legitimate-sounding names that actually sprout nonsense about vaccines.

“Most of the misinformation that fuels anti-vaccination claims is dealt with by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” says Burnett.

“For claims that are not dealt with by the CDC, my advice to parents is to look at the evidence behind the claim,” says Burnett. She suggests we ask: • Did the study compare vaccinated children to unvaccinated children using a large sample size for both groups? Most anti-vaccination claims are based on small studies of only vaccinated children. “Huge studies conducted on over a million MMR vaccinated and unvaccinated children have shown the same rates of autism in both groups,” says Burnett.

• Did the study report a correlation and then conclude that this shows cause? Correlations are not causal.

• Is the website promoting an alternative to vaccines?

“There is absolutely no scientific evidence that these alternatives work,” says Burnett.

• Is the claim linked to a conspiracy theory? Conspiracy theorists have been shown to be more likely to believe and promote misinformation about vaccines.

There are, of course, children who have medical conditions that preclude them from some vaccinations. If you are ever in any doubt about vaccines, your paediatrician is the best person to turn to.

December 2013 / January 2014

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pregnancy news

bugs with a bite Why do mosquitoes find pregnant women so “attractive”?

what attracts mosquitoes?

The five human scents that attract mosquitoes most come from carbon dioxide, which we exhale; body odour, particularly sweat; secretions, when compounds known as saccharides and antigens are secreted through the skin; certain blood types; and lactic acid, which is emitted through the skin when you are active or have eaten specific types of food.

why pregnant women?

When a woman becomes pregnant, her need for oxygen increases by as much as 20–40%. As you need more oxygen during pregnancy, your body adapts to meet this need in several ways. As a normal part of pregnancy, your breathing may be affected by the increase in the hormone progesterone, which causes you to breathe in more deeply. Towards the end of your third trimester, your uterus begins to push upwards into your ribcage, which then presses on your lungs, naturally

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December 2013 / January 2014

forcing you to breathe deeper and more often, thus emitting more carbon dioxide.

Perspiration (or sweat) comes from sweat glands in the skin and helps to regulate your body’s temperature when you get too hot. Carrying a baby bump around is hot and hard work, no matter what the weather is, because your core body temperature rises. Hormones play a role too, in pregnant women, increasing blood flow to the skin leaving you feeling warm, looking flushed and sweaty.

the biggest culprit Dr Karen Minnaar, a gynaecologist and obstetrician in Centurion, says that malaria can be fatal in pregnant women. “The placenta acts as a reservoir for the parasite and it is difficult to treat during pregnancy.

Malaria is still a major cause of maternal deaths in Africa and it is better to prevent an infection, than to treat it,” says Minnaar.

She strongly recommends not travelling to areas where there is a risk of getting

infected. It is always safer to postpone these trips until after delivery and when the baby and mom can get immunisations or take preventative medication. “Pregnant women can get very ill if they are infected with malaria during pregnancy,” says Minnaar. “It could cause a miscarriage or congenital malaria infection in the unborn baby.” She adds that pregnant women may not take any antimalarial drugs unless they are infected with the parasite and it is used for treatment. Minnaar advises that if a pregnant woman must enter a malaria area, she should avoid going in the summer. She should wear long sleeved clothing; avoid going outside at dawn or dusk, when the mosquitoes are most active; and to sleep under a mosquito net.

repellents Most insect repellents contain the chemical N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, commonly known as Deet. This is a highly effective insecticide, and Deet-based insect repellents are

relatively safe if you use them carefully.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “Deet does cross the placenta, however, the effects of Deet use in pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied. There have been no studies of picaridin (the synthetic compound in Deet) use in pregnant women. Infection spread by mosquitoes can be harmful to a developing baby, therefore the benefits of insect-repellent use might outweigh any potential harm.”

Minnaar says citronella oil or lemongrass oil can be mixed with aqueous cream and applied to the skin. Also, “citronella soaps can be used or citronella candles can be burned,” says Minnaar. “If this is not effective, Deet-containing repellents can be used, but women should try and use a product with a low concentration of Deet.

They could also spray the Deet on their clothing.” Minnaar says plug-in repellents can also be used; both the ones containing chemicals and UV mosquito lights.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

Marina Zietsman finds out.

best for baby

holiday upheaval Taking your child on holiday and away from a familiar routine can seem a little daunting especially if you started potty training or you’re in the process of weaning your baby off the breast or bottle. But there are ways to manage, says RUWAYDAH HARRIS.

g

weaning baby off the breast or bottle

oing on holiday requires good timing and, at times, thorough planning, especially if your baby is busy learning something new. Abandoning routine for the sake of enjoying a stress-free holiday may be tempting, but sticking to routine, as best you can, even when you’re away from home on a much-deserved family vacation, is important in your child’s development.

“A predictable routine gives children a sense of security and helps them develop self-discipline,” advises Dr Laura Markham, an American clinical psychologist and founder of the website Aha! Parenting. “Even though they are in a different location and the bricks and mortar are different, is it important to keep as close to the child’s routine as possible,” advises baby and toddler expert and best-selling author of Toddler Sense, Sister Ann Richardson.

And in order to manage routine effectively, hands-on parenting is needed. However, if you’ve already started something new, Sister Ann offers tips and advice on how to ensure you still maintain a healthy routine while on holiday.

If your family is on their own with no immediate neighbours or other house guests, then proceed with the weaning programme. But, if there is going to be fussing and crying involved and perhaps some sleepless nights, then it is advisable to wait until you return home. The advantage of weaning in the holiday season is that parents are more relaxed, with no work and pressurised deadlines, and where possible, the support of extended family to call on.

introducing solid foods Pack everything you will need if you are unsure of shopping availability at your destination. Follow your plan for introducing solid foods or changing diets and don’t let too many boundaries around eating expectations loosen.

Holiday times are generally a good time to do something new, as both parents and the family are more relaxed.

dealing with nappy rash sleep patterns Routine, routine, routine, reiterates Sister Ann. “Parents must try to keep the routine as normal as possible. Going to bed too late and hyped up (whether it be with overstimulation or too many holiday treats containing sugar) can disrupt sleep patterns.” However, it’s also important to be flexible while on holiday, so sometimes (not every night) bedtime may be a little later than usual. Enforcing day sleeps are important though, as missing out on a much-needed day nap will impact on the child’s behaviour, eating habits and bedtime happiness.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

potty training If your child is developmentally ready to be potty trained, then potty training must proceed as normal. Introduce your little one to a set routine from the start and be consistent about it. The holidays are often a good time to potty train as there is more one-on-one, quality time to spend with your child. Don’t forget to pack your child’s potty and put it in a place that reminds him or her of a similar spot in your home.

Use the warm weather to your advantage. Let your little one run around in just a pair of swimming pants.

They will be less likely to urinate in the swimming pants and will remember to ask for the potty.

breast-feeding Time management is important so feeds are timed in a way that is comfortable for you. If you can’t change location, be organised and take along an extra cotton blanket or wrap if you prefer to be discreet. magazine durban

The most common nappy rash is a fungal infection caused by the candida fungus, which causes thrush.

This is usually due to wet nappies, heat, beach sand and swimming pool chemicals. Eating too much sugar is also a common cause of candida. On the beach or around the pool is an ideal time to air little bottoms. Take off wet swimming costumes and keep the nappy area dry. Frequent nappy changing is important if you are going on long car trips or aeroplane flights.

on the flip side With children there is never a perfect time for anything out of the norm. So, when you have a holiday it’s important to enjoy them, and to make the most of what you’re given, when you can.

• Spend your holiday creating good family memories that you and your children can look back on fondly together.

• Read stories, eat together, spend time outdoors, play and have fun. Just be mindful of your child’s routine.

• You don’t need to be rigid. Instead try to be practical and enjoy yourselves.

holiday dos and don’ts • B e organised and prepared before any outings. A day on the beach with small children, for example, requires a lot of planning, so make sure you pack sunscreen, hats, towels, plenty of snacks and water, wet wipes and tissues.

• Don’t leave home without probiotics in your medicine kit and an antifungal cream. Ask your chemist to recommend suitable products.

• Make sure you pack your child’s favourite toy, blanket and bedtime story books and CDs. • Don’t plan too many activities and keep in mind that your baby or toddler needs some downtime and being around too many people, constantly, may be overwhelming.

• If your baby doesn’t sleep in your bed at home, don’t start now. Make the necessary sleeping arrangements.

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dealing with difference

dolls vs trucks Tamlyn Vincent explores the link between toys and gender stereotypes, and discovers how to

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December 2013 / January 2014

learning gender But gender stereotypes don’t originate in toy stores.

Claire O’Mahoney, a play therapist in Joburg, says that toy preference often starts at home. Toddlers play with the toys that they are given, often selected by parents or found in an older sibling’s room. Gender identification only starts at 24 months, says Durban psychologist Gabi Kell, with children only really beginning to understand gender differences by three years. So a child’s primary socialisation and understanding of gender comes from parents and family.

Without realising it, parents commit to gender, says Kell. They may choose the clothes that girls wear, or tell boys that pink is for girls. Carlyn Foster, who works on marketing projects for big brands, points out that there are many baby and childcare products, from toys to clothes, that differentiate between gender and come in either blue or pink. Huggies have recently launched a range of gender-specific nappies, and while their product speaks to a physiological difference between boys and

girls, they have embraced the opportunity to create different designs for both sexes. The growth shown by this product suggests that it is popular with the public, as moms understand the need for boys and girls nappies to be functionally different, but also appreciate the visual appeal.

Even when parents consciously work to avoid distinguishing between genders, children pick up on it, and become aware of these differences.

Marketing manager Michelle Thomas says that choosing gender-specific toys often starts with the parents.

“Dads buy their boys Lego because they remember the positive experiences they had with the brand.”

Older siblings and friends at school will also impact how children understand gender. Thomas remarks on how common it is for parents to look for a toy that their child wants, but have no idea where he heard about it. My son, having never watched an episode, can tell me all about Ben 10. Guess what he wants for Christmas?

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

w

e’ve come prepared this year; having arrived early to avoid the hustle of the crowds that are sure to come. We tackle the boys’ section first. It’s easy finding Christmas presents for them. A talking superhero or a collection of larger-than-life bugs, complete with slime, will do the trick.

Then I do an about turn, and head to the girls’ section, easy to find with the pink glow emanating off the rows of dolls and kitchen sets. Do I go with the pink tea set or doll, for my niece? I worry that by choosing these toys, I am conspiring to keep girls stuck in the kitchen. And surely muscled superheroes and toy tanks aren’t sending the right message to our sons either.

It is this same concern that has seen many international toy stores come under fire for having girls and boys categories. Lego took some heat as well, when it released the Lego Friends range, marketed specifically for girls and available in a range of pinks and purples. Parents are concerned that stereotyping gender like this negatively impacts their children.

encourage gender-conscious parenting.

neutral ground The entertainment industry also plays a part in socialising children. Thomas points out that movie and TV trends influence what the next craze will be. Their newest trend seems to be moving towards a more gender-neutral space, with titles appealing to a broader audience.

Disney’s Brave, an animated movie about a bow-shooting princess, saw a mixed audience in its opening weekend, with just less than half of the audience being male.

Gender neutral films will foster an industry for toys that appeal to both sexes.

This gender neutral approach has been adopted by overseas toy companies, like Harrods, which have reorganised toys into themes. This is, in part, due to pressure from society. The Let Toys be Toys campaign encourages toy retailers and manufacturers to stop marketing toys for a specific gender, and rather let children choose whichever toy they want to play with. Wanda Ambrosini, managing director for a big toy company, says that the move towards being gender neutral is also less risky, as “a product that is developed for boys and girls is less expensive.”

There is a need for gender neutral toys, says O’Mahoney, as many toy manufacturers are leaning towards educational toys. In the past, boys played with blocks and developed gross motor skills. Girls played at dressing dolls, and developed fine motor skills. Many toys are now developed to help both sexes develop a range of skills. The development of these toys, and the new direction of the entertainment industry has resulted in a broader genre appeal. “There has definitely been a shift in the kinds of products we’ve seen

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developed in the toy world that will bring unfamiliar toy items to gender-neutral spaces, such as the Nerf Rebelle, a girl-themed crossbow,” says Thomas.

market their popular products to the relevant gender especially as specific play patterns remain popular with this gender,” says Thomas.

a matter of difference

playtime

But gender specific toys are hardly a thing of the past.

Although children do learn about gender from parents, friends and society, biology also influences the toys children play with. Research has shown that boys and girls 12, 18 and 24 months old show toy preference, says Kell. At this

While there is a space for gender-neutral toys, particularly those that are developmental, O’Mahoney points out that, as parents, we need to acknowledge these gender differences between girls and boys. We also need to allow children to explore these differences for themselves.

Children need to be exposed to a variety of toys, advises Kell. Girls can benefit from playing with mechanical toys, just as boys can benefit from playing with toys that encourage caring and language development. For children with a different gender sibling, this is easier as they have more access to a variety of toys and aren’t limited in their play, says O’Mahoney. Parents can also let children play with whatever toys they choose, without limiting their choice or ignoring their preferences. In this way, children can develop a variety of interests and skills, from the social and language skills developed by toys like dolls, to the spatial development learnt from construction sets.

So as I stare at the rows of pink toys, I remember that while my niece enjoys playing with dolls, she also enjoys playing with blocks and designing treasure maps. And while my son wants the biggest ninja turtle there is, he still plays with his teddy bear. So if he wants a baking set for Christmas, I’m sure Father Christmas will sneak one into his stocking.

Let children play with whatever toys they choose, without limiting their choice or ignoring their preferences. presocialised age, girls were found to watch dolls more, while boys watched cars, suggesting that toy preference is biological. Another study had male and female monkeys choosing toys. The male monkeys favoured wheeled toys while the female monkeys chose to play with dolls.

Children gravitate towards gender-specific toys, says Kell, and the marketing reflects this. Girls tend to show less rigid commitment to gender-specific toys than boys do, perhaps because it is more socially acceptable.

Boys don’t want to play with toys that are feminised, says Kell. This will influence toy preference and the marketing of toys. “Big toy brands will continue to

December 2013 / January 2014

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family life

better together Special family traditions, which are cherished and often passed from generation to generation, start with simple time spent with your loved ones. By LUCILLE KEMP

inspired by boredom

give them the back story

share

What was life like when you were growing up, Mom? What was your favourite present from Father Christmas, Dad? What city did you live in? What was Aunty Padmany like when she was younger? Who was the naughty one in the family? Slindile and Sihle Gumede’s children are still small but they say, “We want them to continue with our culture’s beliefs and practices and we try to expose them to traditional ceremonies, one such being the baby naming ceremony.”

For me, the holidays are that time of year when I whip out all the family albums; one goes back 35 years to when my parents were still only dating and true to ritual my dad will have a story for pretty much every photo in that album.

Just the other day, Cindy Perry, mom to Josh (10) and Rachel (14), found herself driving past her old house with Josh and got to talking to him about her childhood.

“Normally he talks while I talk, but he was quiet so I know he was interested. He had endless questions.” Children are interested in our past and the things that make us who we are, that’s why it’s important to pass on our traditions to them now.

Cindy gives her children room to be themselves by sharing her space in the home. “Josh enjoys making marinades and sauces. So, if I need meat marinated I leave it completely up to him – a bit nervously at first, but it turns out he makes it super yummy so I trust his concoctions.” This has taken the tired task, of getting the meat prepped for endless summer braais this holiday, off Cindy’s plate and turned it into a fun activity for the whole family.

Marius Baldy, married to Nicolene, is the cook in his home and has made it a thing that he and his six-year-old son Tyler do together. This is their one-on-one time before Mom gets home from work. It would be no surprise if the day comes soon when Tyler is roasting the turkey and prepping the trimmings.

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Any parent will tell you that, often, inspiration for what to do with their young children comes from needing to burn off their excess energy, and these days will surely come during the long school holidays, so be prepared and get creative. Cassandra Shaw’s extended family used to spend the time playing charades or board games – things that everyone could be involved in. “I remember playing massive games of Pictionary – we’re all pretty competitive and we used to stay up late laughing at each other’s cartoonish renditions of things.” This Christmas she hopes to get her almost four-year-old son involved.

It’s worth having a solution stac ked in the cupboard for those rainy days or evenings with family and friends over the holidays. Think Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, 30 Seconds, Twister and Uno, or be creative and come up with your own.

there are simple ways to be hands-on Tessa Daniel, mom to three-year-old Mae, grew up with a very busy dad. However, she notes how he did a good job of keeping her close because he found a hook – walks on

the beach with their black Labrador Jackson, that Tessa loved to pieces. When she’s home for Christmas they will keep that tradition alive by stealing a moment to go for their walk. Cindy recalls from her own childhood a simple act of kindness, “My dad was a printer, so he would design and print special little exercise books for me and my brother to use to practise our schoolwork.” This, Cindy came to know as classic Dad behaviour.

your precious experiences will inform your children’s “Growing up, the most amazing time was when my mother took us to the beach. She worked hard as a nurse and we hardly got to spend quality time with her, so those trips were cherished,” says Slindile who plans to keep family beach days alive with her boys this summer.

Cindy has many holiday memories of her own growing up over the years – from camping and hiking to trips to a specific restaurant when, at their dad’s insistence, they could order anything off the menu. Her dad’s sense of adventure, generosity and his desire to constantly go the extra mile for them has played a part in who Cindy is, as a mom. So when she reads a story she gets into character, using funny voices and acting like a “simple”, and when her children want to draw not only does she find a picture and get the table set up, she also puts music on. Having time off over the holidays allows us the chance to do these things more often.

holiday memories endure My memories of our annual summer trip to Salt Rock, on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, to holiday with the Gaileys from Gauteng, are vivid. Body surfing, playing hours of make-believe in the garden, trips down to the rocks with the dads to pick mussels (no licence needed back then), table tennis tournaments, solitaire sessions with real playing cards and general knowledge quizzes with good old-fashioned pen and paper – I plan to carry these all on to holidays with my children one day.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterSTOCK.COM

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y mom loves to over-cater; at this time of year I’m hitting the gym hard in preparation for the famed Christmas lunch hangover, which sees me through to New Year’s Eve. When my brother and I were growing up, this abundance meant there were always leftovers from our parties. So, at some point it became an annual thing, to head off as a family to a local children’s home with cake, sweets, cupcakes and chocolates the day after. I remember this time clearly. Not only for its potent lesson in sharing and giving to those less fortunate, but also because it was my family’s special thing to do.

Each family has something that keeps them connected and provides a shared comfort and enjoyment. These things are what make Boxing Day memorable and a Sunday lunch over the holidays taste extra yum as they come from simple, everyday acts in the home.

book extract

everyday delicious December is a time to celebrate with family and friends. In her book, Everyday Delicious, CHRISTINE CAPENDALE shares

PHOTOGRAPHS: MYBURGH DU PLESSIES

some of her recipes that your holiday guests will love.

west coast seafood and chicken paella

pear, toasted hazelnut and orange pavlova drizzled with dark chocolate

This is my West Coast twist on the Spanish paella. It is easy and it looks impressive.

Serve with crusty bread and salad.

meringue

topping

1 Preheat the oven to 100°C. Line a baking

• 350ml fresh cream • 50ml castor sugar • 1 tin (410g) pears, drained and chopped into large chunks • 50g toasted and chopped hazelnuts • finely grated rind of 1 orange • 100g dark chocolate, melted

Serves 6 hungry people • 500g rice • 10ml fish spice • 5ml paprika • 10ml spice for rice • 50ml oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 yellow pepper, cut into strips • 1 red pepper, cut into strips • 500g seafood mix, thawed and drained • 80g butter • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 6 cooked chicken drumsticks or thighs • 250g shrimps, thawed and drained well • 150ml frozen peas, thawed • chopped fresh parsley • 50ml good-quality mayonnaise • 30ml sweet chilli sauce • 1 box (800g) 21/25 prawns, cleaned and deveined • salt and black pepper • 250g mussels on the half-shell, rinsed well and steamed • lemon slices or wedges

1 Place the rice in a large saucepan with enough water to cover. Parboil for about 2 minutes.

2 Rinse several times with cold water until the water becomes clear. It is important to wash off most of the starch.

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(Serves 6) • 6 egg whites (180ml egg white or 30ml per egg white) • 450ml castor sugar • 2,5ml cream of tartar • 5ml vanilla essence or seeds of 1 vanilla pod

3 Cover the rinsed rice with water and add the fish spice, paprika and spice for rice.

Boil until almost cooked.

4 Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onion. Just before the onion is soft, add the peppers and cook for a few more minutes.

5 Add the peppers and onion to the rice and cook until done.

6 Sauté the seafood mix very briefly in half of the butter. Add the garlic, remove from the heat and set aside.

7 Add the chicken, seafood mix and the shrimps to the rice and cook through for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the peas, some chopped parsley, the mayonnaise and the sweet chilli sauce.

8 Fry the prawns quickly in the rest of the butter until they turn pink on both sides. Turn them over at least once during the cooking time. Season with salt and black pepper.

9 Place the rice mix in a serving dish.

Top with the prawns, half-shell mussels (quickly heated in the microwave just before serving), more parsley and lemon wedges.

sheet with a double layer of baking paper and grease well.

2 Whisk the egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Add the sugar gradually whilst beating, to make sure it’s incorporated completely.

Whisk until very stiff and shiny.

3 Add the cream of tartar and vanilla.

4 Shape a free-form meringue on the baking paper.

5 Bake for 2 hours and then switch off the oven. Leave the meringue to dry and cool in the oven – preferably overnight. Place on the serving dish once cooled.

to assemble 1W hip the cream and add the castor sugar.

2 Spoon a generous layer of the whipped cream over the meringue, and then top with the pears, hazelnuts and orange rind (only a small amount).

3 Drizzle the pavlova with the melted dark chocolate.

about the book This book includes a number of jazzed up recipes each inspired by South Africa’s West Coast.

Readers will find everything from yellowtail and bacon kebabs to chocolate pizza. Christine, a trained chef, has also taught cooking classes in Langebaan, and she loves to share her passion for food with others. Everyday Delicious is published by Human & Rousseau and is available at all major bookstores.

December 2013 / January 2014

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travel

days

in durbs Playing the tour guide, over the holidays, is never easy – especially when planning for different age groups.

To make life simpler, TAMLYN VINCENT has compiled a three-day travel guide for families in Durban.

1

along the promenade

Durban’s beachfront promenade stretches along a golden mile of swimming beaches, with uShaka Marine World on one end and Moses Mabhida Stadium on the other. The paved path running along the beachfront is ideal for running, skating or cycling, and you may even pass a rickshaw. Durban’s warm weather makes the beaches pleasant year-round, but the best time to visit is from spring to late summer. No matter the season, early morning is the best time to hit the beaches, before the wind picks up.

Visitors can also spend a sunny day enjoying the wild rides, lazy river meander and sheltered grassy patches on offer inside Wet ’n Wild at uShaka Marine World. There are two dolphin shows every day, held in the covered Dolphin Stadium.

For little children, uShaka Kids World is well worth a visit, with its giant jungle gym, treasure cave and splash pool. There is also a sheltered Lego Lounge and Play Dough Café, and the amphitheatre hosts daily performances by the uShaka mascots. A range of restaurants and food outlets keep hunger at bay, and can be found in the Village Walk or inside Wet ’n Wild. Should the rain come down, you can pass the time by exploring the aquarium. Children of all ages will enjoy discovering the many fish, sharks, turtles, crabs and other marine life housed in the upside-down-ship aquarium.

If you’re all beached out, head to the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. You can’t miss the arch that towers over the city, promising spectacular views of useful contacts Durban. The very fit can try climbing the stairs up the arch (safety equipment Moses Mabhida Stadium: is provided), while those with younger children can catch a ride on the sky car. mmstadium.com Tours of the stadium are also on offer, as are Segway Gliding Tours. Or you can get a different perspective of the stadium by jumping off the arch in the Big Rush Big Swing. This is only open for adults and older children. At the People’s Park, there is a jungle gym, play area and café that offers breakfast, lunch and early evening dinners. Other restaurants are available, as are a variety of shops.

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December 2013 / January 2014

Moses Mabhida Stadium

PHOTOGRAPH / ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Day

uShaka Marine World: 031 328 8000 or ushakamarineworld.co.za

uShaka Marine World

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Day

2

up the coast

Umhlanga is a must-do destination, both for the year-round useful contacts vibey holiday atmosphere in the town and for the beach.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping: Stretching along the beachfront is a paved promenade, 031 514 0500 or gatewayworld.co.za dotted with grassy spots for sitting and ending in a boardwalk through Jimmy Jungles: a nature reserve. The beach offers a chance to relax on the sand or 031 566 2000 or jimmyjungles.co.za swim in the warm water, while the summer and winter carnivals offer a KZN Sharks Board: shark.co.za host of activities for holiday visitors. In the town, you’ll find a selection Oyster Box Hotel: of restaurants and shops. The Oyster Box hotel, situated on the oysterboxhotel.com beachfront, offers daily buffets at The Ocean Terrace restaurant, where Umhlanga Tourism: visitors can enjoy the sea breeze, at breakfast, lunch or dinner. umhlangatourism.co.za If it isn’t beach weather, head to Gateway Theatre of Shopping, where you will find shops to suit every taste. The Barnyard Theatre offers entertainment in the evenings, and children will find plenty to keep them busy on the upper level. There are cinemas, the XD theatre with its interactive experience, Mr Funtubbles Family Funfair and the KZN Science Centre. Also on offer are Action Karting and Electric Avenue. At the far end of the centre, children can visit the entertainment area in the Expo Explore, available throughout December, and Wavehouse offers a supertube, skate park and more. If all the playing and shopping leaves you feeling peckish, head to the food court in the middle of the centre. It can get busy over holiday seasons, so get in any shopping in the early mornings or evenings.

For younger children, Jimmy Jungles in Umhlanga offers an indoor play emporium, perfect for rainy days or if the children just need to run around in a safe environment. The play areas cater for different age groups, with a baby soft play area for children nine to 24 months, a toddler play area for children two to four years old and a big play area for those four to 12 years old. Moms and dads can sip on a cup of coffee or treat themselves to a snack, while the children work off some energy. For older children, the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board offers a variety of learning opportunities, including shark dissections and audio-visual presentations.

Day

3

into the hills

Grab your camera and set off for a self-drive tour of the useful contacts Valley of 1000 Hills. The relaxing drive follows the same 1000 Hills Birdpark: route as the Comrades Marathon and offers spectacular 031 765 6090 or birdpark.co.za views of the hills and plenty of stops along the way. At the Comrades 1000 Hills Chef School: halfway point, you’ll see the Wall of Honour, that commemorates thechefschool.com some of the runners of this iconic race. The drive is pleasant all year, 1000 Hills Tourism: but it can get hot in summer and the wind is chilly in winter.

1000hillstourism.co.za If you start early in the morning, you can head up Botha’s Hill Animal Farmyard: and stop at Christine’s Eatery for breakfast. Situated at 1000 Hills 031 765 2240 or animalfarmyard.co.za Bird Park, visitors can take the opportunity to see indigenous and Intaba View: exotic birds, as well as snakes and reptiles. Just down the road is 031 783 4011, intabaview.co.za or the Animal Farmyard, where younger children can feed the farm facebook.com/IntabaView animals, ride a pony and milk the cows.

Phezulu Safari Park: Heading up into the hills, you will find other stops. Talloula’s 031 777 1000 or phezulusafaripark.co.za Treat Café is open for breakfast, lunch and teas and offers a friendly Talloula: atmosphere; a jungle gym for children, gift items and artwork for sale.

031 777 1586 or talloula.co.za The 1000 Hills Arts and Crafts Village overlooks the valleys and is home to The Pot and Kettle, a great stop for Sunday lunches. There is a jungle gym but the restaurant, situated on the edge of a hill, is geared more towards adults and older children. The 1000 Hills Chef School, right next door, has a deli, micro-brewery and gourmet restaurant. All the food is prepared by the chefs in training. If you’re planning on stopping in, phone ahead to check that the restaurant will be open. Further along, you’ll come across Phezulu Safari Park, with its crocodile and snake park, Zulu cultural village and game drives. And if you keep going, you’ll get to Intaba View, a restaurant with panoramic views of the valleys and a menu to suit any taste. Next to the jungle gym is an old tank, which children can climb on, although the metal is scorching in summer so make sure children are wearing shoes. While they’re playing, take the opportunity to snap some pictures of the valley stretching out below.

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Wavehouse at Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Mr Funtubbles at Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Intaba View

For more day trips around Durban, visit childmag. co.za/resources/day-trips If you’re keen to experience more familyfriendly South African excursions in other cities, take a look at our other three-day travel guides.

Our Durban guide is also available online. childmag.co.za/content/travel-joburg childmag.co.za/content/travel-pretoria childmag.co.za/content/travel-capetown childmag.co.za/content/travel-durban

December 2013 / January 2014

15

spotlight

your future investments Women are buying more than just handbags and shoes. CASSANDRA SHAW speaks to a

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few women about their savvy financial investments, and passes on some helpful tips.

ore and more women are investing in themselves and their future. It’s not always easy to know which sorts of investments fit best or how to get started, but there are a number of possibilities out there for those of us that are willing to start. We spoke to a few women who have made successful investments, and how these investments have helped to enrich their lives. They offer us their stories and share with us valuable advice.

that she found a piece she liked and when she sold it a year later, it had already doubled in value. Regardless of the returns, Tina finds the process enjoyable. “It is an easily understandable investment, no derivatives, complex acronyms and not too much drama, plus the window shopping is fun and you are acquiring valuable industry knowledge and pleasing aesthetics,” she says.

personal health and growth returning to campus and investing in artwork Tina Retief, a Cape Town local, recognised various gaps in her life and felt strongly that she needed to address them. She chose to further her education and invest in an MBA. “I needed financial training and knowledge to credibly operate in the business sector, especially at a higher level than I was operating at,” she says. As a result, she decided to take a year off and invest in herself. Tina feels that, as individuals, we forget to strategically plan our lives. Rather, we need to examine and initiate where we want to go in life, not just put our heads down and work for the next salary, she says.

Entering her programme, Tina was surprised at how normal it was for people to go through a 30s crisis and she found others, like herself, who also wanted to make a difference. She was surrounded by a diverse group of professionals, and the experience made her realise how unique she was. “You realise you have great skills, which others do not have, and you are not just another one in your tribe, she says.” Although she explains that it is an expensive year, with long hours and demanding work, she has found it very rewarding. “Studying as an adult you value the content and you can relate to it. It enables you to have a debate with a diverse range of individuals with strong, very different opinions. It has given me a new lease on life. I feel more balanced as both a person and a professional,” she explains. When asked what advice she would offer other women wanting to continue their education, Tina says that if you can, “give it a shot. We underestimate ourselves and are our own worst enemies. Our male counterparts are more likely to take the risk and resign to spend a year developing themselves and their skills. We (females) are far more cautious considering the bond and our responsibilities.”

Although Tina is currently focusing on her education, she also enjoys investing in artwork that she loves. After finding a knowledgeable art merchant in her area, she says

Investing in your health and overall wellbeing can also act as a good investment. Michele Jones, a Cape Town mother, realised that she wanted more out of life. She took an active approach in her future and invested in things like her health and her mind. “I needed to get fit and I wanted to build up my strength, so I signed up with a personal trainer. It’s now eight months and I can see the physical, emotional and mental benefits,” she says.

She also started going to counselling to develop her own personal growth. Whether you visit a therapist, a life coach or a career counsellor, investing in your mind and thus how you see yourself and your place in the world can also produce advantages. “There is a great benefit in having a trusted ‘sounding board’ – time to reflect, to review, to understand, to challenge the status quo of what makes up your view of yourself and our experiences,” she says. Since embarking on these changes, Michele has seen the benefits of her actions. She has more stress-free time to spend with her son, and she feels “more present and not just an observer in [her] own life.”

We need to examine and initiate where we want to go in life, not just put our heads down and work for the next salary.

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December 2013 / January 2014

Bjefke Breebaart, a Pretoria mother of two, has experienced the value that involvement in the art world and property market can bring. Possessing a keen eye for aesthetics and having practiced various types of art herself, she joined the art committee at work, and is currently responsible for art acquisition within her company. “It’s given me great exposure to artists, galleries, collectors and auction houses”, enough to “have built up the knowledge to start investing in a personal art collection,” she says. If you buy art wisely and purchase the work of an established artist, then you are likely to make a good investment. But she warns that work by an established artist may already fetch high prices and there are also a lot of unknown factors related to an art piece. So, educating yourself about the artist that you’re thinking of investing in is important. “You need a lot of knowledge in terms of which

magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

from paintings to property

artists to buy as well as which piece is most representative of that artist,” says Bjefke. She recommends buying from a reputable gallery – they are well informed, always seeking out new talent and try to ensure the longevity of the artist, before they decide to support them.

There are many young artists with promise and potential, but who stop producing before they become established, which negatively impacts the value of their work. Supporting them, though, will directly make a difference in their lives, she adds.

Bjefke has also invested in property, and made her first investment about 10 years ago – having realised the benefit of a tenant contributing to her bond. She explains that she

was fortunate to have brought just before the property boom and as a result has benefited from good growth and return on her properties. She sees this as a long term approach and believes that her investments will directly contribute to her retirement earnings and help her family’s financial future. She’s also found that commercial property may be a better investment than residential, but understands that not everyone has the financial means or experience. One thing that Bjefke has done is invest in shares and unit trusts, where companies are investing in property for you. This takes “a lot of the risk and stress out of it, leaving you with the benefit of good growth and return,” she says.

professional investment advice

wanting to further your education? Tina says:

Debbie Netto Jonker has been in the industry for 25 years and has assisted countless

• • • •

individuals with their financial planning. She feels strongly that everyone should have a financial plan. “You don’t land up in an investment by accident, and it’s important that people try to get some education in how to plan their future whether it be a course or a financial planner,” she says. A good financial investment is one

Call someone that’s done it and ask their advice.

Attend an open day.

If you are looking to study while working, speak to your boss as soon as possible.

Don’t doubt it for too long. Once you’ve recognised the need to further yourself you are halfway there.

that gives you diversity – a balance of shares, property, bonds and cash, that includes an appropriate allocation of investment offshore, she adds. As a planner, her role would be to change the balance appropriate to what your objectives are.

It’s important to understand the type of investments that you’re investing in and the risks involved. “There is a risk-reward relationship. Shares can be more volatile than cash,” she says. But adds that “your greatest gain will come from utilising your tax deduction; your investments in your retirement or pension fund are good because you get immediate return on your investment equal to the tax saved.”

Debbie says it’s important that you “pay yourself first” and decide how much

things to think about before buying property: • K eep an eye out on what’s available in the area – what properties are on the market for and what they sold for.

• Work out your return on investment beforehand, weighing up the potential rent against the cost of the bond and rates.

• Buy in a good area and only what you can afford.

is usually available after you’ve paid everything budgeted for; don’t wait to see what’s available at the end of the month. “We also need to remember that a man is not a financial plan. Many women end up retiring in poverty because they’ve left their paid work to have children and abandon their own financial plan – they

Bjefke and Tina’s tips for purchasing artwork

actually need to maintain it through their married life.”

• • • •

The things people often forget: 1 To stay on course – don’t switch an investment due to headline news.

2 It’s never too late to start.

3 Remember to insure the ability to earn – make provision for illness or disability.

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Love what you buy.

Some cities host a monthly social and art affair, see if there’s one in your city.

Follow art blogs and news to keep an eye on new artists.

Buy from a reputable gallery with tastes similar to your own and ask them to contact you when they see something you would like.

December 2013 / January 2014

17

your child’s life

back to school already?

Doing some back-to-school prep early on, means children are all set for the new year.

y son is starting “big school” next year and, to be honest, I’m a little nervous. I know myself; the holidays will start. I’ll put my feet up, relax, play with my son and forget about the long list of back-to-school shopping and planning. But all too soon, Christmas will be over. New Year’s will have come and gone. And school will start tomorrow.

But putting in a bit of work at the end of the year can save plenty of stress at the beginning of a new school year.

“Starting school, regardless of the grade, is a big event in a child’s life,” says Carmen Weir, headmistress of Tyger Valley College Pre-Preparatory school in Pretoria. Children will be meeting new and old friends, getting to know new teachers and adapting to a new routine. “For children to ease into the system, it is important for them to be well prepared,” says Weir.

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December 2013 / January 2014

Being prepared means ensuring your children have the correct stationery and uniform. Weir says it also means understanding the school’s expectations of your child. Children feel safe and secure when they feel

Do your shopping when everyone else is not doing it. comfortable and when they feel like part of the group.

“If they are singled out, intentionally or not, they will feel insecure and the experience will become negative,” says Weir. To start off the year on a good foot, parents should send children to school with everything they need for a positive learning experience.

school supplies “Don’t lose the stationery list,” says Isabelle De Grandpre, a professional organiser based in Durban. She suggests getting stationery organised as soon as children finish school. Ask the school to send home any leftover exercise books, pastels or anything else that can be used again.

Check the cupboards at home for unused stationery supplies. Take stock of what you already have, then figure out what you still need. Avoid doing stationery shopping just ahead of school, when shops sometimes run out of items – like the school dictionary your child needs.

To avoid stress at the end of the holidays, especially when money may be tight, shop when everyone else is not shopping, advises De Grandpre. If you’re ordering stationery online, do it early so that everything arrives on time, and in good order.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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TAMLYN VINCENT looks at some of the tasks parents can tackle during the holidays.

Cover exercise books in the holidays. For my son I’m thinking rocket ships and planets. If your children are old enough, they can do this themselves and decorate their books with pictures, stickers or glitter pens. Perhaps get them to invite friends around for a book-covering session, where they can catch up with each other and start to look forward to the year ahead.

During the holidays, start an art and crafts drawer.

Collect anything that may be useful for school projects or extramural activities, which could vary depending on children’s ages. Preschoolers could construct cardboardbox robots or paper-plate jellyfish, while older children may need items for leaf rubs, building an ant farm, or making cardboard spirals for snails. Collect cardboard, plain or decorative paper, or kitchen towel rolls. Also look out for stamps, stencils, glue and paint.

lunchboxes and shoes. Getting children to choose or decorate their own labels, in their signature colour of course, can help ensure everything comes home.

The week before school starts, it’s time to cut hair, check for lice and deworm. Children should be dewormed every six months, so do it at the beginning of the year and again half way through. At the same time, deworm your pets and everyone else in the house. The day before school, check that uniforms are ironed and shoes are polished.

school bags Bags should be packed and ready to go the night before school starts. But at the beginning of the holidays, check that school bags are still in good condition and will last for another year. If a new bag is in order, add it to your stationery list. At the same time, ensure you have a lunch bag, lunch containers and a good juice bottle.

uniforms Shop early for school uniforms, says De Grandpre. Make a list of uniform requirements, including PE kits and any extramurals your children will be doing, such as swimming or ballet. If you’re not sure what extramurals they’ll be doing, hold off until you’re certain. For art classes, get an apron or an old T-shirt. If your children need new school shoes, buy these and new white socks early on. Children should wear in shoes over the holidays to prevent first day blisters. If my son is anything to go by, boys will be reluctant to wear shoes any longer than they have to, so let them play or kick a ball, while wearing their shoes.

Don’t forget about labels, advises De Grandpre. Use these on everything, from shirts and blazers to PE kits and bags. Labels can also go on books, stationery, calculators,

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lunchboxes The thought of making lunches for another year may have you quitting before you’re ahead, but providing healthy lunches need not be a hassle. Before planning lunches, ask your children what they like. They could think beans are gross and egg mayo is smelly, or they may just love hummus and veggie sticks.

Christine Phillips, chef and founder of a children’s cooking group, says that lunchboxes should include one portion each of starch, dairy, fruit, vegetables and protein. Phillips suggests mixing it up by using alternatives. Try brown rice wraps or seeded, low GI breads as a starch. Yoghurt, cheese cubes or milk work as dairy. For fruit and vegetables, Phillips says, “buy what is in season, which is more economical

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your child’s life

and adds variety to a diet.” Cubed melon, berries, dried fruit and bananas are good options. Vegetables could include shredded lettuce or baby spinach on a sandwich, pesto, pepper, cucumber or bean salad. Choose lean, unprocessed meats for proteins, but avoid having meat everyday by using cheese, tuna or hardboiled eggs. Nuts are a healthy snack, but find out if they’re allowed in the class or school, as some children have severe nut allergies.

getting organised The more routine your family has, the better, says De Grandpre. Before school starts, set up a schedule that works for each child and put it where they will see it, such as the bedroom or kitchen. Avoid a chaotic timetable by looking at how much children are taking on after school.

De Grandpre suggests talking with your children, possibly before school starts, about what they want to do and what you can cut back on. You may find that they don’t like soccer, or that they would rather prefer trying guitar lessons.

Telling time is a useful skill for older children. Get them an alarm clock or watch and teach them how to tell the time. Get into a routine the week before school starts, by setting the alarm for an early morning hour, without too many snoozes. Turn this into a game, awarding a prize to whoever gets ready first or schedule some exciting early morning outings for this week, such as a harbour ride or breakfast at a pancake house. If they’ve been staying up late during the holidays, children can start going to bed earlier in the last week before school starts.

Set up a homework space, either in a communal area or in the bedroom, and ensure everything children need is there. Put up a pinboard for their schedule or make a funky

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December 2013 / January 2014

pencil holder with them. This can also be an area to store school bags when children get home, making it easier for them to find their homework.

Whether children are starting school for the first time or returning after a long break, they need to adjust to the school environment. “Discipline children at home, so that they are able to adapt to the structures and expectations of school life,” says Weir. If you establish ground rules for appropriate behaviour at home, and teach children the difference between right and wrong, it will be easier for them to cope at school.

where to go Showing up late on the first day is never a good thing, for children or for parents. Find out which classroom children will be in, and how to get there. If it’s your first year at the school, you may want to do an early morning trial drive, so you know how long it takes to get there, especially taking traffic into account.

lunchbox ideas Christine Phillips, chef and founder of a children’s cook group, suggests the following: • Homemade health bars, oat biscuits or rusks • Popcorn • Bran muffins with grated apple and carrots • Chopped fruit and a small yoghurt (pack a teaspoon) • Pita bread with cheese, gherkins, cherry tomatoes and olives • Chicken Caesar salad (pack a fork) • Shredded chicken, avo and lettuce wrap • Boiled eggs, meatballs, cream cheese, cherry tomatoes and cucumber • Low GI sandwich with hummus, baby spinach and grated carrot • Sliced beef sandwich with chutney and cheese

thinking ahead Keep brains active by encouraging children to think over the holidays. Stimulate them, says Weir, by providing learning opportunities where you can. Plan holiday outings to a local heritage site, learn a new computer skill, make something using your art and crafts drawer or send them into the garden to see what they can learn. Speak to children, and keep them reading and learning.

Armed with my checklist, I am determined to be prepared for the start of the school year. This may mean that I won’t get to freewheel into the holidays, but it does mean that my son and I get to relax into the new school year.

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see the world by bike or barge Holidays do not always have to be conventional. Child magazine has compiled a list of extraordinary and adventurous destinations that put a new spin on family holiday memories. barging on canal du midi

biking in cambodia

where to go The Canal du Midi runs from Agde, in the Mediterranean, to Toulouse. the adventure The canal is characterised by 42 000 plane trees that line the 241 kilometre waterway, which meanders through the French countryside and past historic towns.

The canal itself is 300 years old, and has been named a Unesco World Heritage Site. The hydraulic engineering used to build the canal is a modern marvel, and is sure to impress any budding engineers as they travel through the 300-plus structures, including locks and bridges. Of note is the round lock at Agde, and the nine-stepped locks at Fonserannes. Also of interest are the towns and cities through which you’ll travel, including the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne and Narbonne, with its Gallo-Roman influences. The smaller towns and villages offer interesting stops along the route, and many tours include visits to chateaux where parents can enjoy a wine tasting. With the Pyrenees in the distance, and vineyards stretching out along the banks, this is a relaxing, slow way to see the French countryside. Bicycles are often included on the barges, giving you the

where to go The Temple of Angkor Wat is approximately a five-hour bus journey to the north, from the capital Phnom Penh. the adventure The site of Angkor in Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world and is comprised of the Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with countless sculptural decorations. Once the centre of the Khmer Kingdom, it is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Bicycles can be hired in the town of Siem Reap and you can join a tour to the temples or go on your own and enjoy it at your own pace. The temples are easy to find and the 12km road you take to get to them is flat. An alternative way to view the temples is from a distance in a hot-air balloon at sunrise or sunset. When visiting the temples try to dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and not wearing shorts. Festivals to watch out for in Cambodia include Bon Om Tuk (Water festival) in November or the Khmer New Year celebrated in April. for the family Just 40km away is the Beng Mealea Temple, where children of all ages can have a true Indiana Jones experience.

The temple has been left untouched, and

opportunity to stretch your legs by cycling to local villages or for children to ride alongside the canal. Speak to the tour operator about other activities to keep children busy, such as horse-riding or a game of tennis. for the family This is a popular barging destination with a host of tour operators hiring out barges. Look for a family barge, or one a bit bigger for a larger group. There are also a number of family-friendly tour options, which offer activities to suit your family’s needs. a bit extra The canal is open from March through to November, but you may want to skip July and August, when the waterways can get a bit clogged with traffic. more info visit gobarging.com/family-cruise

glacier cruise where to go Southeast Alaska the adventure On a cruise through the enormous wilderness of southeast Alaska you should expect to see Leviathan whales, countless eagles, bears catching wild salmon, sea lions, porpoises and various seabirds too numerous to count.

Highlights of the Alaskan adventure are seeing calving glaciers, walking through old-growth rain forests, sea kayaking, strolling along secluded beaches and seeing incredible land, air and sea wildlife.

The best time to visit is between May and September.

children can hang from trees, treasure hunt and just run wild. a bit extra The best time to visit Cambodia is in the winter months from November to February. Although this is the peak of the tourist season, the temperature and humidity levels are lower at this time. more info visit tourismcambodia.com

some local spots for the family This destination is great for families with children as young as eight years old. Accommodating up to a mere 12 guests, these small ships find remote passages that larger cruise ships cannot access. ROW’s adventure cruises are joined by expert naturalist guides who will share knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and the natural and cultural history of this remarkable place. a bit extra ROW Adventures was winner of the 2012 National Geographic “Tours of a Lifetime”. more info visit rowadventures.com

biking Cape Town’s Wine Route There are several biking routes in and around Cape Town to choose from. You can opt for tours in Stellenbosch, through the Devon Valley, Franschhoek or the Durbanville Hills, where cyclists can travel through winelands. Stop at the vineyards, where you can sample wine, or find a spot to enjoy lunch and let the children run around.

Dinokeng Nature Reserve A cycling safari provides cyclists with the chance to see wildlife, birdlife and nature up close. Situated just north of Pretoria, Dinokeng offers various cycling and MTB trails, along with tours of Cullinan, hot-air balloon rides, scuba diving and more.

The Wild Coast Ride along the Eastern Cape coastline, with trails starting in Port Edward, and moving through Msikaba, Port St John’s, Umngazi and Coffee Bay. The changing landscape offers beaches, waterfalls and cliff faces, and difficulty levels will depend on the route chosen.

barging Knysna Lagoon Hire a houseboat and spend your holiday gently cruising around the lagoon, finding sunny beaches or letting the children ride a tube behind the boat. The area also offers hiking, the chance to meet elephants, and a variety of nearby shops and markets.

PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

The Vaal River Float along the Vaal in a houseboat, taking in the sights of the wetlands, enjoying a braai on board or docking at a restaurant for dinner. Whether you’re looking to fish, or just enjoy a gentle cruise, this destination offers a variety of activities.

Langebaan In the West Coast National Park, at Kraalbaai, you can rent houseboats for a family getaway of fishing, swimming, skiing, tubing, walking, hiking, bird-watching, beach fun or simply relaxing on board.

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December 2013 / January 2014

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calendar

what’s on in december & january

You can also access the “what’s on” section online at

childmag.co.za

Your guide to the holiday season’s festivities. Compiled by tamlyn vincent.

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FUN FOR CHILDREN – p25

ONLY FOR PARENTS – p28

Go to play market With market stalls and entertainment.

Romeo and Juliet This pantomime is a naughty take on the classic story .

bump, baby & tot in tow – p29

how to help – p29

Preggi Bellies Pregnant ladies can enjoy this safe exercise programme.

“I am Literacy” Bracelet These bracelets will help to develop literacy.

SPECIAL EVENTS – p23 Chriss Cross Christmas Children can join in the fun as Holly, an elf, tries to spread some festive cheer.

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December 2013 / January 2014

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com / Kevin Sawyer

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SPECIAL EVENTS

december 2013 1 sunday The Big Switch On Be there when the Christmas lights turn on at 6pm. Visitors can drive through and drop a new toy in the Toy Story box. Ends 1 January. Time: 5:30pm.

Venue: Annie’s Busy Bees, 37 Romsey Grove, Durban North. Cost: free, optional toy donation. Contact: 031 564 6592

3 tuesday Books 2 You Christmas sale Cash not accepted. Ends 6 December. Time: 8:30am–5pm. Venue: unit 6, Afriscan Park, 21 Shepstone Rd, New Germany. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 705 7744 or visit books2you.co.za The Zulu Mbongeni Ngema’s new show is based on tales of the historic background of the Zulu nation. Ends 29 December.

Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: Playhouse Drama Theatre, Anton Lembede Rd, Durban CBD. Cost: R150–R200. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

5 thursday The Whitney Houston Show This tribute show salutes one of the world’s greatest female pop singers. Ends 5 January. Time:

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8pm, Thursday–Saturday; 3pm, Sunday.

Venue: iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, Umdloti. Cost: R250. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com

1

sun

6 friday Dolphins by Starlight The dolphins make a splash as they are joined by a line-up of singers and musicians. 6–8 and 13–15 December. Time: 7pm. Venue: Standard Bank Dolphin Stadium, uShaka Marine World. Cost: adults R135, children under 12 R110. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Cold Fact – Tribute to Rodriguez Ends 15 December. Time: 8pm, Friday–Saturday; 6:30pm, Sunday; also 2pm, 15 December.

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

7 saturday Best cowgirl or cowboy Children can join in this contest or enjoy face painting, jumping castles, milking shows at 12pm and 3pm, and bottle feeding calves. They learn the “Monkey dance” and “Hot potato”, answer animal questions or play in the playgrounds and indoor play centres. Time: 9:30am. Venue: Flag Animal Farm, Umhlali.

Cost: visitors R33, contest registration R120, pony or horse rides R10. Contact: 032 947 2018 or visit flaganimalfarm.co.za Chriss Cross Christmas This is the story of Noel, a self-absorbed, perpetually

The Meeting Tree Market Set under the pine trees with views of Shongweni valley, visitors can find handmade and local crafts, and enjoy live music, food, craft beer and coffee. Also 15 December. Time: 10am–3:30pm. Venue: Farm B5, Kassier Rd, Shongweni. Cost: free, optional donation of R10 per family towards the band. Contact Candice: 082 371 5062, info@slicedcheese.co.za or visit facebook.com/themeetingtree

ravenous reindeer, Carole, a selfish, giftgrabbing, foot-stamping fairy and Holly, a well-meaning, long-suffering elf, who tries to infuse the others with the true spirit of the season. Ends 24 December.

Time: 11am. Venue: Suncoast Casino Zone, Durban beachfront. Cost: R50. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Umhlanga Lizzard Nature Valley Surf Fest As part of the Umhlanga Summer Carnival, surfers of all ages, and beach goers, can enjoy the festivities. Ends 8 December. Time: varies. Venue: Umhlanga Rocks main beach. Cost: varies. Contact Janine: 082 776 8433 or Paul: 082 555 6161, kznsa.central@gmail.com or visit kzncentralsurfing.co.za

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14 January – Elvis Forever

8 sunday Carols at sunset Pack a picnic basket and some chairs. Time: 5:30pm–7pm. Venue: St Margaret’s Church, 11 Delaware Ave, Virginia. Cost: free. Contact: 031 563 9474 or office@stmargarets.co.za Andrew Walford Pottery open day Time: 10am–6pm. Venue: B9, Shongweni Valley. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 769 1363 or 082 794 7796 or visit andrewwalford.co.za

13 friday Christmas giving For a small donation, you can dedicate a Christmas wish to an animal at the SPCA, or donate to Choc, for them to wrap your Christmas gifts. Ends 24 December. Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: La Lucia Mall. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 562 8420 or visit laluciamall.co.za

14 saturday Durban Duck Day The victorious duck wins the grand cash prize. Time: 11am, race 2pm. Venue: Durban Model Boat Pond, Blue Lagoon. Cost: R40 per duck. Contact Barry: 031 266 9828, barry@durbanduckday. co.za or visit durbanduckday.co.za

15 sunday Carols by candlelight Wonder Market hosts a special evening market. Time: 12pm–8pm. Venue: Chris Saunders Park, Umhlanga. Cost: free entry. Contact: wonder@wondermarket.co.za or visit wondermarket.co.za

Curry and Comedy with Ben Voss Time: 7pm–10pm. Venue: The Pearl Room, The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga. Cost: R350.

Contact: 031 514 5018 or restaurants@ oysterbox.co.za

23 monday Carols and candlelight Time: 7pm.

Venue: The Ocean Terrace, The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga. Cost: tbc. Contact: 031 514 5018 or restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

25 wednesday Christmas Day lunch Each of the hotel’s three dining venues offer lunch and live music. Time: 12pm. Venue: The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga. Cost: R1 200– R1 490 per person. Contact: 031 514 5018 or restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

31 tuesday New Year’s Eve The party lasts the whole night, with great cuisine and entertainment.

Time: 7pm. Venue: The Grill Room, The Pearl Room and The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga. Cost: R1 400– R1 600 per person. Contact: 031 514 5018 or restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

january 2014 14 tuesday

Litchi Picking Festival Take a tractor ride to the orchards to pick your own litchis. The festival finishes when the litchis do. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Cane Cutters Resort, Umhlali. Cost: adults R100, children 6–12 years old R50, children under 6 R20. Contact: 032 947 0851, stay@canecuttersresort.co.za or visit canecuttersresort.co.za Shongweni Farmers and Craft Christmas Market Enjoy a day of food, live music and stalls. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: 1 Fraser Rd, Assagay. Cost: free entry.

Contact Christine: info@shongwenimarket. co.za or visit shongwenimarket.co.za Light up the Night See the Christmas lights and enjoy a picnic, while children meet Santa and play on a jumping castle.

Ends 20 December. Time: 6:30pm–8pm.

Venue: CC&A gardens, Pioneer Rd, Kloof.

Cost: free entry, donations to Keep Kloof Beautiful Association welcome. Contact: 031 764 3658 or visit keepkloofbeautiful.org.za

Elvis Forever Shaky Russell is an awardwinning Elvis performer. Ends 25 January.

Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 2pm, Sunday. Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway. Cost: Wednesday–Saturday R150, Tuesday R115, Sunday R100. Contact: 031 566 3045 or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za

Christmas at the Barn A Christmas party for children 2–8 years old, with a puppet December 2013 / January 2014

20 friday

16 monday

19 thursday

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show, nativity scene, winter wonderland, Santa’s workshop, carol singing and more.

They can enjoy food and a gift bag. There will be market stalls and food on sale. Ends 20 December. Time: 11am–2pm. Venue: Glades Farm, Balgowan, KZN Midlands.

Cost: children R125, adults and children under 2 free. Contact Jane: 083 626 5555 or jane@puppetworld.co.za ‘Tis the Season! This show features a line-up of holiday favourites from yesteryear. Ends 24 December. Time: varies. Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Ave, Umbilo. Cost: R100. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Flag Animal Farm With rescued animals, a milking show, indoor play centre, coffee shop and more. Time: daily milking show, 12pm and 3pm.

Venue: Sheffield Beach. Cost: R33 entry. Contact: 032 947 2018

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31 friday The Bryan Adams Bare Bones Tour Time: 8pm. Venue: ICC Durban. Cost: R340– R680. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Art lessons For children 9 years and older.

Time: 9am–11am, every Saturday. Venue: Manfred Dr, Rose Hill, Durban North. Cost: R115 per hour. Contact: 074 178 9388 or sdyson@remax-panache.co.za Arty stars Art and craft lessons for children 18 months–5 years old, and their moms. Time: 2:30pm–3:30pm, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Venue: Westville.

Cost: R650 per term. Contact Kelly: 083 777 4578 or babybrightstars@gmail.com KZN Science Centre Looks at science in a fun, interesting way. Time: varies, daily.

Venue: upper level, Gateway. Cost: adults R30, children R35. Contact: 031 566 8040 or visit kznsc.org

classes, talks and workshops Algebra introduction For Grade 7s going to Grade 8 in 2014. 2 December. Time: 3:30pm–6pm. Venue: suite 125 Ridgeton Towers, 6 Aurora Drive, Umhlanga Ridge.

Cost: varies. Contact: 031 566 1110, 082 042 2556 or tracy@kipumhlanga.co.za Children’s yoga Time: 3:15pm, every Tuesday, 11am, every Saturday. Venue: Centre of Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North. Cost: R40. Contact: 076 410 1410 or angela@rautenbach.co.za Computers 4 Kids Equip children with computer skills. Time: varies. Venue: suite 124 Ridgeton Towers, 6 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Ridge. Cost: R470 per month.

Contact: 031 566 1110, 073 966 0983 or umhlanga@computers4kids.co.za Get Ready for School programme A gentle introduction to formal learning for Grade R learners. Time: 1:30pm, Monday– Friday; 11am, Saturday. Venue: suite 125 Ridgeton Towers, 6 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Ridge. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 566 1110, 082 042 2556 or tracy@kipumhlanga.co.za Study skills programme 9–12 December; 7–10 January, Saturdays from 26 January. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: suite 125 Ridgeton Towers, 6 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Ridge. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 566 1110 or tracy@kipumhlanga.co.za

family outings Burnedale Café There is a restaurant, pottery gallery, a farmyard, art and decor shop and more. Time: 9am–4:30pm, daily.

Venue: Salt Rock Rd, Umhlali. Cost: varies.

Contact: 032 947 1980 or visit facebook. com/BURNEDALE Inchanga Choo Choo A steam train trip to Inchanga Station and back. There are stalls and activities for children at Inchanga. 8, 15, 16, 22 and 29 December; 5 January. Time: departs 8:30am and 12:30pm, 8, 15, 16, 22 and 29 December and 5 January; departs 8:30am, 12:30pm and 5pm, 15, 22 and 29 December. Venue: Kloof Station, Old Main Rd, Kloof. Cost: R130–R170. Contact: 082 353 6003 or visit umgenisteamrailway.co.za magazine durban

Sugar Terminal Tours Time: varies, Monday–Friday. Venue: 25 Leuchars Rd, Durban. Cost: adults R16, children R8.

Contact: 031 365 8153, tourguide@sasa. org.za or visit sasa.org.za Tours of Coedmore Castle Time: by arrangement. Venue: 90 Coedmore Ave, Yellowwood Park. Cost: adults R45. Contact Jenny: 031 469 8811, 083 419 6428 or birtwhistle@mweb.co.za uShaka Marine World Visit Wet ’n Wild and see a dolphin show. Time: varies.

Venue: Point, Durban beachfront. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 328 8000 or visit ushakamarineworld.co.za

finding nature and outdoor play 1000 Hills Bird Park See exotic birds and reptiles. Time: 9am–3:30pm, Tuesday– Sunday. Venue: 1 Clement Stott Rd, Botha’s Hill. Cost: adults R65, children under 10 R40. Contact: 072 927 8242 or visit birdpark.co.za Akimbo Kids An indoor and outdoor coffee shop with play areas for children. Time: 9am–4pm, Thursday–Sunday. Venue: 40 Meadway Rd, Drummond. Cost: children R20. For more info: visit akimbo.co.za Crocworld Conservation Centre Time: 8am–4:30pm, daily. Venue: Old Main Rd, Scottburgh. Cost: adults R60, children R40.

Contact: 039 976 1103, crocworld@cbl. co.za or visit crocworld.co.za Duck and Deck Animal Farm See farmyard animals or ride a pony. Time: 9:30am–4pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: 3 Willow Way, Assagay. Cost: R15. Contact: 031 768 1029 or visit duckanddeck.co.za The Animal Farmyard Offers daily milking demonstrations and the chance to bottle-feed newborn animals. Time: 9am–4:30pm, daily; milking 10:30am and 3:30pm. Venue: 3 Lello Rd, Botha’s Hill.

Cost: entry R15, rides R5. Contact: 031 765 2240 or visit animalfarmyard.co.za Winsome View Animal Farm There is a play area, farm animals and pony rides. Time: 9am–3pm, Tuesday–Sunday.

Venue: Hamilton Way, Shongweni. Cost: varies. Contact: 082 892 1615 or visit winsomeview.co.za

holiday programmes Artbeat holiday workshops Children 5–12 years old make Christmas decorations, a mosaic mirror or a cork notice board.

9–13 December. Time: 9:30am–11:30am.

Venue: Artbeat Studio, 656 Musgrave Rd, Essenwood. Cost: R200 per day. Contact: 082 881 9223 or artbeat@mweb.co.za

9–11 December and 6–8 January – Junior Ranger Camp December 2013 / January 2014

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calendar A wish list for Santa Children can take their wish list to Santa, and have their photo taken. 4–24 December. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Centre Court, La Lucia Mall. Cost: R50–R100. Contact: 031 562 8420 or visit laluciamall.co.za Busyballers holiday clinic Fun obstacle courses, races, sports and age-appropriate games for children 3–8 years old. 9–13 December. Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: Morningside Sports Club, 132 Hollander Crescent. Cost: R100. Contact: 083 236 0059 or lisa@busyballers.co.za Computers 4 Kids holiday workshops For children in Grades R–7. 5–13 December.

Time: 9am–11am, Monday–Wednesday; 12pm–2pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: suite 125 Ridgeton Towers, 6 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Ridge. Cost: R120 per day.

Contact: 031 566 1110, 074 113 8364 or umhlanga@computers4kids.co.za Cooking Kids holiday courses Children learn to make bruschetta, a chicken dish and chocolate choux pastry. Mini chefs 9–11 December; teens 12–13 December. Time: 9am–10:30am. Venue: Meryl’s School of Cooking, 1 Wingfield Rd, Kloof. Cost: mini chefs R400; teens R300. Contact: 031 764 6577, meryl@merylschoolofcooking.co.za or visit merylschoolofcooking.co.za Face painting, balloon modelling and fun crafts 7 December–12 January.

Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Mr Funtubbles, Gateway. Cost: free. Contact: 031 584 6645 or visit mrfuntubbles.co.za

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mon Virgin Active Kids holiday camp A fun and engaging way to keep your children entertained and active this holiday season. The camp offers fun group fitness activities, basic art and crafts, and interactive PlayStation games where possible. For children 3–7 years old. 9–13 December. Time: varies per club. Venue: at Virgin Active Clubs across KZN. Cost: free for Virgin Active Club V members.

Contact: 0860 200 911 or visit virginactive.co.za

Glide 2 Ride holiday club Mountain biking activities for children. Time: 8:30am–12pm.

Venue: Umhlanga College, 6 and 9 December; Giba Gorge, 10 and 13 December; Holla Trails, 11 December. Cost: R200–R250. Contact: 078 345 3864 or info@singletrackminded.co.za Holiday boot camp Children 10–15 years old engage in physical activities. 11–13 December. Time: tbc. Venue: Boot Camp, Giba Gorge, Westmead. Cost: varies. Contact: 082 782 6432 or info@boot-camp.co.za Junior ranger camp At this three-day, twonight camp children learn about animals and how to survive in the bush. For children 8–13 years old. 9–11 December and 6–8 January.

Time: varies. Venue: Gwahumbe Game and Spa, Eston. Cost: R1 350. Contact: info@ gwahumbe.co.za or visit gwahumbe.co.za Lucky Bean Beading, baking, sand art and crafts are some of the free activities.

See their Facebook page for details. 10 December–10 January. Time: varies. Venue: 10 Cadmoor Rd, Assagay. Cost: activities free. Contact Donnae: 082 216 3892, info@luckybean.co or visit luckybean.co Moms and Tots holiday programme Fun, messy play for children under 5.

All activities and snacks included. Classes limited to 10 per group. 9–11 December.

Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Moms and Tots, Westville. Cost: R100 per mom and tot.

Contact: 084 900 5297 or 082 907 0905 Montessori Life holiday club Wholesome activities and outdoor play, hosted by

qualified teachers. 2–20 December and 2–10 January. Time: 7:30am–5pm. Venue: 7 Little Nook, Sunningdale. Cost: full day R110, half day R75. Contact: 072 444 7277 Mum’s Aide holiday club Children age 3 and older enjoy art, crafts and games. Snacks, lunch and juice provided. 9 December–10 January. Time: 7:30am–1pm. Venue: Northwood Crusaders Sports Club, Durban North. Cost: R120 per day, R400 per week.

Contact Tina: 078 617 2473, tinalepan@ mumsaide.com or visit mumsaide.com Playball holiday clinic Children 3–7 years old are entertained with dress-up, water slides and a jumping castle, face painting, treasure hunts and sports. Food and drinks supplied. 9–13 December. Time: 8am–12pm, 7:30am drop off available.

Venue: Playball Centre, cnr Old Main Rd and Meyrickton Rd, Hillcrest. Cost: full week R600, R150 per day. Contact: 031 765 8780, 083 630 5110 or playball@mweb.co.za Science of Food holiday programme 7 December–21 January. Time: 9am–6pm.

Venue: The KZN Science Centre, upper level, Gateway. Cost: adults R30, children R35. Contact: 031 566 8040 Sugar Bay holiday camps Their fun holiday camps offer instructional activities.

Themes include Bubble week, Back to the Future week and Disney week. 6 December–12 January. Time: varies. Venue: Sugar Bay Holiday Camp, Zinkwazi. Cost: varies. Contact: 032 485 3778, holidays@ sugarbay.co.za or visit sugarbay.co.za

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Umhlanga Holiday Club Children 2–10 years old take part in a top secret army boot camp, treasure hunts, art and crafts, and science projects. There are slippery slides and a pool, jumping castles and movie days. Younger children are separated from older children. 4 December until holidays end. Time: 7:30am–5:15pm. Venue: Little Einsteins Preprimary, Cabana Beach Hotel, Umhlanga. Cost: full day R100, half-day R70.

Contact: 031 561 2371 or 074 135 9511

markets Bergtheil Museum Craft Market 14 December and 11 January. Time: 8:30am–12pm. Venue: 16 Queens Ave, Westville. Cost: free entry. Contact: 074 890 2289 or 083 657 1259 Essenwood Market Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: Essenwood Rd. Contact: 031 208 1264 or visit essenwoodmarket.com

Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market

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Golden Hours Family Market Time: 10am–3:30pm, every Sunday. Venue: Uitsig Rd, Durban North. Cost: free entry. Contact Lyn: 083 262 3693 Go to Play Market Find food and drink, entertainment, clothes, decor and more, including guided walks or cycles to the waterfall. 14 December and 11 January.

Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Giba Gorge MTB Park, Westmead. Cost: R10 entry. Contact: 071 307 0823, 072 402 6689 or visit facebook.com/gotoplaymarket I Heart market 7, 14 and 21 December.

Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit iheartmarket.blogspot.com Kloof country market 7 and 14 December, 11 and 18 January. Time: 9:30am–1pm. Venue: Robyndale Piggly Wiggly Centre, Kloof. Contact: 082 454 3181 or info@countrymarkets.co.za Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market Time: 6:30am–10:30am, every Saturday.

Venue: cnr Kassier Rd and Alverstone Rd, Assagay. Contact: 083 777 1674 or visit shongwenimarket.co.za The food market Time: 4pm–9pm, 22 December; 8am–1pm, 25 January. Venue: The Hellenic Community Centre, Durban North. Contact: 084 505 0113 or visit thefoodmarket.co.za The Litchi Orchard Market 14 December and 11 January. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Seaforth Ave, Foxhill. Contact: 032 525 5118 or visit litchiorchard.co.za

Wonder Market 1 and 8 December. Time: 9am–2pm. Cost: free entry. Venue: Chris Saunders Park, Umhlanga. Contact: visit wondermarket.co.za

on stage and screen Chriss Cross Christmas This is the story of Noel, a self-absorbed, reindeer, Carole, a selfish fairy, and Holly, an elf, who tries to show others the spirit of the season. There are songs and audience participation. 7–24 December. Time: 11am. Venue: Suncoast Casino Zone. Cost: R50. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com Frozen 3D premieres 20 December This animated adventure tells the story of Anna, who sets off to find her sister, the snow queen, who has trapped their kingdom in eternal winter. Venue: 3D and other cinemas nationwide. For more info: visit sterkinekor.com or numetro.co.za Jack and the Beanstalk An adventure story with songs, jokes and fantasy costumes.

Rotary Durban Thekwini hosts a fundraising evening on 1 December. 29 November–5 January. Time: varies. Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, UKZN, Glenwood. Cost: R100–R200. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Kronk’s New Groove Disney kicks off its movie month with this hilarious animated sequel to The Emperor’s New Groove.

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

‘Tis the Season! This festive party show brings a line-up of festive favourites from yesteryear. 19–24 December. Time: varies.

Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Ave, Umbilo. Cost: R100. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas Party This pantomime is presented each year and features Father Christmas, Uncle Jumbo, Noddy and all of their friends. Proceeds go to the Round Table Welfare Fund. Parents must bring a wrapped, labelled present for their children, which Santa will hand out. Donations of unwanted household goods, clothes and non-perishable foodstuffs are accepted. 28 November–7 December. Time: 7pm, Monday–Saturday.

Venue: Kloof Civic Centre field, Kloof. Cost: R40. Contact: 071 871 3272 or visit kloof190.co.za Walking with Dinosaurs This familyfriendly movie gives audiences a taste of what it was like when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Opens 20 December. Venue: 3D and other cinemas nationwide. For more info: visit numetro.co.za or sterkinekor.com

playtime and story time Books and Books Children’s story time.

Time: 10am, every Saturday. Venue: shop 42 Kensington Square, 53 Kensington Dr, Durban North. Cost: free. Contact: 031 563 6288 or shop@booksandbooks.co.za Children’s story time Followed by a craft or activity. For children 3–8

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calendar

Prenatal yoga Blissful Bellies offers relaxed, nurturing pregnancy classes. Time and venue: 4pm–5pm, Tuesday, Bodyology, Hillcrest; 8am–9am, Friday, Wirikuta, Assagay. Cost: four classes R220. Contact Isabel: 083 560 5390, isabel@blissfulbellies. co.za or visit blissfulbellies.co.za

years old. Time: 10am, every Saturday.

Venue: 26 Rockview Rd, Amanzimtoti.

Cost: free. Contact: 031 903 6692 or thebookboutique@gmail.com French and English story time Children up to 8 years old listen to stories while parents enjoy coffee. Time: 3pm–4pm, every Friday. Venue: Alliance Française, 22 Sutton Crescent, Morningside. Cost: free. Contact: 031 312 9582 or afdbn@global.co.za Jimmy Jungles An indoor playground with different play areas per age group and a restaurant area. Time: 9am–6pm, Monday–Saturday; 9am–4pm, Sunday.

Venue: Perry Yamaha Building, Tetford Circle, Umhlanga. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 566 2000 or visit jimmyjungles.co.za Steam train rides 8 and 22 December.

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

sport and physical activities Horseback beach adventures Ride along the beach or through the bush. Time: 3pm, Friday–Wednesday. Venue: Durban South, directions sent on confirmation of booking. Cost: varies. Contact: 081 477 9348, horsebeachrides@gmail.com or visit horsebeachrides.co.za Newmarket Stables horse riding lessons There is a sand dressage arena, jumping arena and more. Time: varies, Monday–Saturday. Venue: cnr NMR Ave and Goble Rd, Stamford Hill. Cost: varies. Contact: 031 303 1529, newmarket.stables@gmail. com or visit newmarketstables.weebly.com Taekwondo Tornados Children get exercise and develop core strength. Time and venue: 3:30pm, every Wednesday, Westville Library; 2pm, every Tuesday, Hillcrest Library.

Cost: R130 per month. Contact: 082 876 0628 or tkdtornados@gmail.com

only for parents classes, talks and workshops E-learner computer course Starts 14 January. Time: 9am–12pm, Tuesday and

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Thursday. Venue: suite 124 Ridgeton Towers, 6 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Ridge. Cost: R3 120.

Contact: 031 566 1110, 074 113 8364 or umhlanga@computers4kids.co.za Meditation for moms Time: 9am–10am, every Friday. Venue: 6 Hamilton Crescent, Gillitts. Cost: R30. Contact: 031 764 6193 or meditateinhillcrest@gmail.com Pilates precision Preggie Pilates available by appointment. Time: 5:30pm–6:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday. Venue: The School of Modern Montessori, 9 Anthony Dr, Gillitts. Cost: four classes R280, eight classes R480. Contact: 071 183 4161 or sarahxevans@hotmail.com Taekwondo for ladies Time: 7pm–8pm, every Thursday. Venue: Westville Library.

Cost: R130 per month. Contact: 082 876 0628 or tkdtornados@gmail.com

on stage and screen Cold Fact – Tribute to Rodriguez 6–15 December. Time: 8pm, Friday–Saturday; 6:30pm, Sunday; 2pm on 15 December.

Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Ave, Umbilo. Cost: R100. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Elvis Forever A tribute to the king of rock. 14–25 January. Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 2pm, Sunday. Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway. Cost: Wednesday–Saturday R150, Tuesday R115, Sunday R100. Contact: 031 566 3045 or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za Romeo and Juliet – an East Side Story Set in Durban in the late 50s, this adult pantomime tells the naughty side of a wellknown story. 13 November–31 December.

Time: 7:30pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 2pm, Sunday. Venue: Sunzone, Suncoast Casino. Cost: R150–R550. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com The Whitney Houston Show A tribute to one of the world’s greatest female pop singers. 5 December–5 January. Time: 8pm, Thursday–Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, Umdloti. Cost: R250. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com The Zulu Mbongeni Ngema’s show is based on tales of the history of the Zulu nation, as told to him by his greatgrandmother. 3–29 December. Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: Playhouse Drama Theatre, Anton Lembede Rd, Durban CBD. Cost: R150–R200. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

support groups Born Sleeping Parents bereaved through stillbirths, miscarriages or neonatal death share experiences. Contact: 084 524 1541/2, bornsleeping@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page: Born Sleeping Choc – Childhood Cancer Foundation KZN Contact: 086 111 2182, dbn@choc. org.za or visit choc.org.za Durban Autism Support Group For mothers of children with ASD. Coffee mornings are held four times a year. Contact: 083 443 8385 or dimaitland@tiscali.co.za Famsa Offers family and relationship counselling. Contact: 031 202 8987 or visit 30 Bulwer Rd, Glenwood magazine durban

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 Pierre Robin Sequence Foundation Established to support families and individuals affected by Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) and its associated syndromes worldwide, they are online and aim to set up support groups in all major cities. Contact Leigh: 082 410 3197, info@pierrerobin.org.za or visit facebook.com/PRSFoundation Sadag For those suffering from depression or drug abuse or who may be suicidal. For more info: visit sadag.org 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 Baby massage classes Suitable for babies under 1 year old. Time: varies. Venue: Sunningdale. Cost: 5 session course R600.

Contact Eleanor: 084 821 6668 Edubabe Childminder training, first-aid workshops and cooking classes. Time: varies. Venue: Glenwood. Cost: varies.

Contact: 071 968 1007 or durban@ edubabe.co.za Edu-Maid Baby care, child stimulation and cooking classes for domestic workers. Time: varies. Venue: Sunningdale. Cost: R300.

Contact Eleanor: 084 821 6668 Preggi Bellies fitness classes For all fitness levels. Time: 5:30pm–6:30pm, every Tuesday and Thursday. Venue: Umhlanga Muscle and Fitness Xpress. Cost: R80.

Contact: 073 162 3710, latascha@ baby2be.co.za or visit preggibellies.co.za Pregnancy yoga Learn beneficial postures, breathing techniques and relaxation. Time: 3:45pm, every Wednesday; 9:30am, every Saturday. Venue: Centre for Wellbeing, 16 Canberra Ave, Durban North. Cost: R50.

Contact Angela: 076 410 1410 or angela@ rautenbach.co.za Stroller training for moms For moms with babies 6 weeks–3 years old. Time: 9:30am–10:30am, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Venue: Mitchell Park, Morningside.

Cost: R450–R500. Contact: bronwyn@ fit4health.co.za or visit fit4health.co.za

Little Me Moms and Toddlers workshops 90-minute workshops for toddlers 1–3½ years old and moms. Time: varies. Venue: Sunningdale. Cost: R75 per session. Contact Eleanor: 084 821 6668 or visit littleme.yolasite.com Moms and Babes and Moms and Tots workshops Programmes stimulate, develop skills and promote bonding. Venue: Amanzimtoti, Ballito, Berea, Durban North, Umhlanga and Westville. Cost: varies. For more info: visit momsandbabes.co.za or momsandtots.co.za Toptots Children 8 weeks–4 years old 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

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

childmag.co.za/ resources/birthday-parties

support groups Mothers 2 Baby For moms who are finding motherhood challenging. Time: 10am–11:30am, every third Thursday.

Venue: Hillcrest Private Hospital, Kassier Rd. Cost: free. Contact Hayley: 078 640 7949

how to help Choc Durban The Childhood Cancer Foundation SA has a facility that provides warm meals, clean beds and linen, free laundry, domestic services and welcome bags to children with cancer and their caregivers.

They provide a volunteer programme to the children in the ward. Support Choc by being a volunteer with your own transport, contact: 086 111 2182 or dbn@choc.org.za “I am Literacy” Bracelet The bracelet’s message is “Today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader”. Proceeds from the sales go to the Boks for Books literacy initiative. Bracelets can be bought at CNA, Exclusive Books and Look and Listen stores, and online. Cost: R40. For more info: visit thebeadco.co.za

playtime and story time Baby Bright Stars Interactive classes for moms and babies. Time: varies. Venue: Westville. Cost: R750. Contact Kelly: 083 777 4578, babybrightstars@gmail.com or visit babybrightstars.co.za Clamber Club Movement and stimulation classes for children 1–4 years old. Time: varies. Venue: Ballito, Hillcrest and Kloof.

Cost: varies. Contact Ballito: 076 222 2946, Hillcrest: 084 577 7630 or Kloof: 083 259 2746 or visit clamberclub.com

Bless a Granny or Grandpa You can provide a gift for a granny or grandpa on the wish list, provide a generic gift, or help out with your special talent or skill. Contact: robinhoodfund@telkomsa.net or visit robinhoodfoundation.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 7 January for the February 2014 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

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December 2013 / January 2014

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finishing touch

holiday wish lists Christmas comes early and ANÉL LEWIS is left to decide what

Erin, Anél and Conor

i

know that when those first Santashaped marshmallows start to appear between the dried fruit sticks in my local store – about three days after Valentine’s Day – it’s time to start thinking about Christmas gifts.

For us, it’s a double whammy, as Erin also celebrates her birthday on the 25th of December.

I make a big effort to keep her birthday gifts separate from the ones wrapped in green, red and gold, so that she gets to celebrate both occasions.

Conor was too young to really get into the whole present thing last year. He enjoyed sitting on a few of the brightly wrapped packages, but that was about it.

So I have really been looking forward to giving him gifts this year, as at the age of almost two he now has a clear sense of what is his, and what he enjoys.

But a few days ago, I woke up at 5am to the sound of heavy machinery being dragged across the floor. I almost hit the panic button, but then I spied a nozzle peeping around the corner of our bedroom door.

And a few seconds later, a red-faced and breathless Conor also appeared, pulling our vacuum cleaner.

So much for the 145-piece construction block set I was thinking of getting him for Christmas, or the remote-controlled car my mom has her eyes on.

I tried to pry his chubby little fingers off the machine, but there was no way that he was letting go. And now most mornings,

as soon as his eyes open, Conor heads for the kitchen to fetch his vacuum cleaner. I don’t know if it’s because he has watched the movie Robots too much, or if he thinks it’s a massive pink car, but Conor is happiest when he can lug the thing around the house.

So it seems that to make my boy’s Christmas wishes come true, all I need to do is stick a bow on a piece of electrical cleaning equipment.

Erin may be a bit harder to please.

She’s decided that she wants to be a “goctor” when she grows up, so a medical kit will be high on her list.

In the meantime, she hones her skills by sticking pens up our noses to take our temperatures, and rubbing Craig’s shaving gel on our cheeks “to make it all better”.

Christmas can’t come quickly enough.

And then I came across a blog that talked about how parents are often so distracted by their cellphones or other electronic

devices, that they completely miss out on their children’s lives.

It made me think about how Erin often says when I fetch her from school: “You’re not going to work on your laptop now are you?” or how Conor will bring me my cellphone, as if the device and I are inseparable.

I considered the many times that I have scrolled through my Facebook messages while pushing Erin on the swing or while playing cars with Conor on the floor.

And I realised that the best gift of all, especially during the festive season, would be to spend quality time with my children, without the distraction of a beeping smartphone.

I just wonder whether I will be able to convince Conor to give up his beloved vacuum cleaner as well.

Anél Lewis is coming to terms with the fact that she may have to fill her children’s Christmas stockings with small household appliances, instead of sweets or toys.

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magazine durban

PHOTOGRAPH: STEPHANIE VELDMAN

gifts would make her children the happiest this December.

books

a good read for toddlers

for preschoolers

The Crocodile Who Didn’t Like Water

By Gemma Merino (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R121) Everybody knows that crocodiles love water, but this little crocodile is different. He doesn’t like water at all. In fact, he prefers climbing trees. But it can be lonely when you’re the odd one out, so the little crocodile tries his best to change, but being wet isn’t for everyone, and a shiver soon becomes a cold and the cold becomes a sneeze – a very hot sneeze… Could it be that this little crocodile isn’t a crocodile at all, but he might just be a dragon? And dragons aren’t born to swim. They are born to fly and to breathe fire. This is a lovely story about uniqueness from the winner of the 2011 Macmillan Prize for Illustration.

for early graders

for preteens and teens

Ladybird Bedtime Tales for Children Retold by Mandy Archer (Published by Penguin Books, R135) This Ladybird treasury of eight classic, traditional tales is guaranteed to delight and entertain young children. Each favourite fairytale or story has been sensitively retold for modern readers and the mix of amazing animals, magical marvels and classic characters is perfect for both boys and girls. The stories include Chicken Licken, Rapunzel, The Enormous Turnip, The Wizard of Oz, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Rumpelstiltskin and Heidi. This keepsake can be read to children as young as three, but your seven year old will also get hours of pleasure from the classic stories and colourful illustrations.

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit

By Emma Thompson

Jo-Jo the Melon Donkey

By Michael Morpurgo and Helen Stephens

(Published by Penguin Books, R233) The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit is a brand new story from acclaimed British actress Emma Thompson. It’s the perfect Christmas tale: heart-warming, funny and exciting. In this story, Peter and his cousin Benjamin are on a mission to help a special friend from becoming Mr and Mrs McGregor’s Christmas dinner. Will Peter and Benjamin be able to save him? Thompson’s previous book, The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, was published in 2012 and featured in the New York Times Bestseller list twice.

Eleanor Taylor, who has a great affinity for the countryside, illustrates the book, and it is beautifully reflected in the engaging characters and scenes.

(Published by Penguin Books, R108) Jo-Jo is a lovable donkey. “Melons.

Melons for sale!” Every day, Jo-Jo brays the same message and carries the heavy melons through the streets of Venice.

Though Jo-Jo loves this city, he is bullied by his master. Jo-Jo is loved by nobody.

But one day, somebody notices Jo-Jo; the famous duke’s daughter herself. And when danger looms, the Venetians need a hero to save them. From the master storyteller himself comes a story about an evolving friendship between Jo-Jo and the duke’s daughter, who loves the donkey despite his lowly position. This is a classical tale, with beautiful illustrations

by Helen Stephens.

parenting book

The Last Wild

By Piers Torday (Published by Quercus Publishing, R173) In a world where animals no longer exist, 12-year-old Kester Jaynes sometimes feels like he hardly exists either. Locked away in a home for troubled children, he’s told there’s something wrong with him. So when he meets a flock of talking pigeons and a bossy cockroach, Kester thinks he’s finally gone a bit mad. But the animals have something to say… They fly Kester to a place where the last creatures have survived. A wise stag needs Kester’s help, and together they must embark on a great journey.

Blame my Brain: The Amazing Teenage Brain

By Nicola Morgan (Published by Walker Books, R102) This is a comprehensive guide to the biological mysteries that lie behind teenage behaviour. Contrary to popular (parental) opinion, teenagers are not the lazy, unpleasant louts they occasionally appear to be. During the teenage years the brain is undergoing its most radical and fundamental change since the age of two.

Nicola Morgan’s carefully researched, accessible and humorous examination of the ups and downs of the teenage brain has chapters dealing with powerful emotions and much more. The revised edition contains new research, including information on mirror neurons. It should be read by parents of teenagers and even children from the age of 10.

for us 100 Clever Digital Photography Ideas

By Peter Cope (Published by Metz Press, R180) This is a practical, accessible guide to the ingenious and inspirational ways to get the most from your basic camera and camera phone. Discover clever ways to share your photos using Facebook and Flickr, or create web galleries, photo books and large-scale versions of your prints from canvas to wallpaper. Understand how to use all those modes and menus to get the best possible picture every time. It is filled with invaluable, imaginative tips from shooting for online auctions and photographing children and pets to organising your own photo treasure hunt and interesting ways to let your old camera live on. Open your eyes to the creative possibilities with your digital photo technology. The book includes a “jargon buster” section.

The Dog Encyclopedia Senior editor Kathryn Hennessy (Published by Penguin Books, R414) This is the comprehensive compendium dedicated to all things canine. From Beethoven to Toto, dogs have been adored for their unswerving loyalty and companionship throughout history and this is the perfect celebration of man’s best friend. This extensive catalogue of over 400 dog breeds, from Labradors to German Shepherds and every pedigree in between, provides photographs and profiles detailing character, compatible owner traits, and breed-specific advice.

You’ll also find features on famous fictional dogs, canine heroes and a fact-packed guide to canine evolution. Expert advice on everything from exercise and feeding your pooch, to grooming and puppy training is included.