Child Magazine | Joburg April 2012

J O H A N N E S B U R G ’ S b e s t gu i d e f o r p a r e n t s

www.childmag.co.za

April 2012

free

cutting-edge debate – the law on circumcision why we need to vaccinate fun family games to try at home decoding your health practitioners

health

education

entertainment

80% percent of the calls and emails we receive from you, our readers, relate directly to your children’s health.

As parents, we understand that this is your primary concern. So in this issue, we have tried to assist you by covering a wide range of the more popular healthrelated topics. These include issues that come up time and time again: “what’s best for baby”, nutrition, HIV and the often-contentious discussion about vaccinations, to name but few.

Our job at Child magazine is to bring you the latest research and debates on matters related to growing, healthy children. We trust that you will use our articles as a starting point for your own discussions and ultimately, to seek solutions to your children’s health-related needs. We are hugely grateful to the many professionals we consult each month when researching articles, and who also respond to readers’ letters and blogs.

Ultimately, as parents, we make our own choices, but it is helpful to know who to turn to when the going gets a little tough.

As a bonus this month, we also bring you a resource of health care practitioners (page 37). Sometimes it’s knowing who to call that makes all the difference.

Have a happy, healthy April.

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

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

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

monthly circulation Cape Town’s Child magazineTM 45 129 40 257 Durban’s Child magazineTM 52 845 Joburg’s Child magazineTM

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April 2012

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contents

april 2012

upfront 3

a note from lisa

6 over to you

readers respond

36 blog

Cindy Perry learns that it’s never too late to learn how to surf the waves

24

features 14 plate up, the right way

ere is a breakdown of how much h of which foods should be on your child’s plate. By Vanessa Papas

34 home entertainment

18 give them a shot

deciding whether to vaccinate is

a controversial issue, but Vanessa Papas points out the benefits

regulars 8 wins

20 project protocol

Anél Lewis gives you great ideas for tried and tested outdoor fun

your child will benefit more if you let them take responsibility for their school projects. By Christina Castle

22 know your rights

10 best for baby – cut to the chase

Anél Lewis looks at what the law says about circumcision 11 upfront with paul

your nanny is HIV positive. What now? Ruwaydah Lillah looks into it

Paul Kerton reminds us that smoking is a bad habit at any age

24 easter celebrations

12 dealing with difference

is your child just naughty or is his

disruptive behaviour reason for concern? Sameerah Karolia finds out

get inspiration with these recipes from Allison Brand and Debbie O’Flaherty’s book Let’s Celebrate

28 beautiful bulungula

37 resource – who to call?

Lisa Mc Namara found a rural school in the Eastern Cape that has overcome adversity

Child magazine brings you a list of health care practitioners, explaining what they do

30 think before you let them drink

40 a good read

guest columnist Gary Koen looks at the danger of teenagers drinking alcohol

18

new books for the whole family

44 what’s on in april 58 anél’s finishing touch

Anél Lewis, our new back page columnist, shares her parenting issues with you

classified ads 52 family marketplace 55 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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April 2012

Cape Town

Durban

Johannesburg

shutterstock.com

Calamity’s Closet www.calamityscloset.co.za

shutterstock.com

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April 2012

5

letters

over to you

my gripe with the bikini

holidays without the children

During the holidays I saw a little girl of about five years old on the beach wearing a pink string bikini. Her parent was putting sunscreen all over the uncovered parts of her body; which was basically everywhere. Little string bikinis just don’t cover it. Firstly, they don’t offer any sun protection. Secondly, they’re audacious – women these days are parading around in what is essentially another version of ladies underwear.

Michele Engelberg

I’m a mother with two boys, am married and have a full-time job. I too have holidayed alone – for my mother’s 60th birthday. Although I missed my family terribly, it was an amazing trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. There are so many dimensions to being a woman, and I believe we owe it to ourselves to have a break and some time-out from everything. Not only do you appreciate your family more when you return home, but your family appreciates you more.

Anonymous

facts on sunscreen In response to a reader’s letter that sunscreen causes skin cancer (March 2012); it does not cause skin cancer.

I am a public health scientist who has been working in the field of skin cancer prevention and sun awareness in South Africa for more than a decade and people simply don’t put enough of it on, or re-apply often enough.

Using a sunscreen with a higher SPF does not allow you to spend longer in the sun. It just means that the higher SPF sunscreen is giving you better protection for the same time. Look for a Cansa-endorsed sunscreen in your local shop that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

I found a SPF 40 that does the job.

Caradee Wright

do you vaccinate your child?

How you responded on childmag.co.za

79% yes

21% no

the odd ones out When my daughter-in-law contacted a number of playschools for my little granddaughter, and fees were quoted, it was stated that an additional fee would be charged for an optional weekly visit from a music and movement teacher and a ball-skill tutor.

When I accompanied her to register the little one, we were taken on a tour of the school, and the movement lesson was in progress. I thought it most insensitive and unfair when I saw a few children, whose parents had obviously not been able to afford this extra cost, outside while the others were having fun singing and dancing.

What happened to nursery school teachers conducting the music rings as they used to, and should, do? School fees are already hugely expensive and as these activities take place during school time they are not actually an “extramural”. I should have asked the teacher what difference 17 rather than 15 little people bobbing around to the music would have made?

Granny

bravo to breast-feeding In response to the column “no substitutes”, I agree with our Minister of Health, Mr Motsoaledi, that breast-feeding is the best way to nourish babies and that there is no substitute for it. I am still breast-feeding my nine month old and tried to find a milk bank to donate breast-milk, as I have plenty and felt that I could make a difference to a sick or premature baby. To my disappointment, nurses advised me to breast-feed and express less to produce less milk. To add to this, whenever I breast-feed in public, even covered with a blanket, people’s expressions show: “Shouldn’t you be doing that in the loo?” My response: “No, do you eat in the toilet?” Mr Motsoaledi, I really hope that this initiative takes flight.

Risanti Saris

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April 2012

ritalin debate continues In response to Liz’s letter “don’t contaminate our children with drugs” (February 2012) I can understand the frustration voiced by this mother whose child was assessed by “one of the top child psychologists” in the country. However, allow me to correct a few misperceptions about ADHD. It is very much a biological and genetic illness that is a pervasive and persistent disorder, and needs to be present in more than one setting; not simply “bad behaviour” in a classroom. It is associated with a variety of behavioural and temperamental difficulties, with a neurotransmitter abnormality. Therefore ADHD should be diagnosed not only by a psychologist, but by a trained professional with experience in childhood disruptive behaviours. Medication is never the first solution, and if it is recommended, then it is legally only allowed to be prescribed by a child psychiatrist, a paediatrician or a general practitioner in consultation with a specialist.

American Paediatric Association guidelines, the gold standard of practice, suggest a holistic approach before treating a child with medication. If the diagnosis is ADHD, and not simply a “naughty or oppositional and defiant child”, and if medication is recommended, then Methylphenidate, such as Ritalin, is the first choice. The writer is correct in listing the side-effects, and these are more pronounced if Ritalin is not used for the correct diagnosis. It is never recommended that Ritalin be the only treatment, but rather be used with dietary and disciplinary modifications.

My recommendation to Liz would be to seek out the opinion of a qualified child psychiatrist or paediatrician before dismissing any diagnoses, while your readers should consult a medical practitioner and question the pharmacological and the non-pharmacological treatment of behavioural disorders in children, before subscribing to unsolicited and often dangerous information.

Dr A Lachman, child psychiatrist

I am sorry that Liz felt mistreated by a medical professional who is supposed to be an expert in her field. However, I have to clarify that only a person who has studied medicine is able to write up scripts. Hence, the “psychologist” in question could only have been a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists specialise in the assessment and diagnosis of psychiatric difficulties, followed by treatment with medicine, which is carefully monitored.

Lana Levin, clinical psychologist Ritalin has improved my family’s life a hundredfold and hasn’t changed my son’s personality, but rather improved his confidence. Before placing your child on Ritalin, my suggestion is to first get as much information as possible from credited professionals. Ritalin works for about four hours in your system then it no longer has any effects. There are some side-effects, but these need to be monitored when the drug is being used. It is in no way dangerous. I also recommend you speak to professionals at a school such as SNAP, who work with these wonderful children.

Johan Ritalin is the most researched drug in the world. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 51 and I deeply regret having not known about the complexities of this neurological condition while I was growing up, bringing up my children, and having a roller-coaster life of 12 careers, with great successes and traumatic failures. ADHD medication is but one component of managing ADHD, but for most people with the condition it is a vital one, along with a loving and supportive family, diet, exercise, occupational and other therapy. Unfortunately, four out of five children who have ADHD have at least one parent with the condition, and this is often undiagnosed, so the whole family struggles. This is why the family, school and environment must become part of the treatment.

Only when families understand that ADHD is a neurological condition that it is hereditary and requires the whole family’s cooperation, do things come right.

Dr Madeleine Portwood, who conducted the only peerreviewed trials of omega-3 supplements, often used to reduce ADHD symptoms, emphasised that they could never reach the levels of success that ADHD medication does. As with any medication, there will be some side-effects.

Pat Pughe-Parry

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write to us Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to: marina@childmag.

You can also post a comment online at

childmag.co.za

co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

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

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April 2012

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wins

giveaways in april play time Buddies Playgyms makes a wide range of quality, affordable wooden jungle gyms and playground equipment, that are perfect for the garden. The wood is pretreated and quality and safety always come first. Contact Lodie or Alethia: 011 864 4856, buddies@buddiesplaygyms.co.za or visit buddiesplaygyms.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a combo jungle gym and slide, including platform, monkey ramp, cargo net and swings, valued at R5 710.

Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Buddies JHB”.

smart furniture The Bloc works as an ottoman and converts to a full-size single bed. Add the BlocTop and you have a coffee table. It is covered in upholstery-grade, washable fabric. To order online or to find a retailer, contact: 0861 999 122 or visit blocshop.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a large Bloc Stor and BlocTop valued at R2 680. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Bloc JHB”. Your details are made available to Bloc.

fun in the sun

indoor play Yeesh! Fun for Kids offers indoor play centres in Bryanston and Woodmead. The venues cater for free play, fun activities and parties. Contact Yeesh! Bryanston: 011 463 5847 or Yeesh!

Woodmead: 011 656 9669, info@yeesh.co.za or visit yeesh.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a party with birthday invites and standard décor for 20 adults and 20 children, valued at R2 000. The prize doesn’t include food, drinks or themes. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/winsjhb and use the code “Yeesh JHB”. Your details are made available to Yeesh! Fun for Kids.

to enter simply visit childmag.co.za

Grannies Garden is an indoor and outdoor play venue and restaurant with a bike track, trampoline and outside play area, rooms for a party, crafts and dress up, and more. For more info, contact: claire@clairem.co.za or visit granniesgarden.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a party with food, juice, snacks and a birthday cake for 25 children, valued at R2 225. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Grannies Garden JHB”. Your details are made available to Grannies Garden.

congratulations to our February winners Davina Mortlock who wins a Peek-a-Boo playhouse; Lorienne Barnard and Shahnaaz Patel who each win R1 000 gift card for Lakeside Mall; Kirsty Weaver who wins with Pandora;

or post your entry to PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Entries close 30 April 2012. Only one entry per reader.

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April 2012

Madeleine Potas who wins with Huggies; Vanessa Jahnke, Gail Buckley, Jenny-Lee McCarthy, Monique Smith, Wilma Rieder, Sally Higgs, Megan Heath, Eve Kaidos, Ursula Nassif and Ammarah Bamath who each win with Toddler Tastes and Charlene Govindasamy, Tania Vieira, Maggie Pronto, Frances Venter who each win an Okaidi gift voucher.

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magazine joburg

April 2012

9

best for baby

cut to the chase

c

at Stevens certainly wasn’t thinking about circumcision when he sang “The first cut is the deepest” in the 60s, but for many in the medical fraternity, the removal of a baby’s foreskin is considered one of the most painful procedures in neonatal medicine.

Put simply, circumcision is the removal of the foreskin to expose the tip of the penis. A rite of passage in some cultures, many baby boys are circumcised because it is what their parents want. It may be that the father himself is circumcised, or the parents believe a circumcised penis is more hygienic. But this so-called routine or elective circumcision has become less common as medical authorities worldwide believe there is no medical reason for the procedure.

The South African Medical Association says there is “no justification” for routine circumcision and the law is even more explicit. According to the Children’s Act of 2010, the circumcision of male children under the age of 16, unless it is done for medical or religious reasons, is illegal and anyone found performing a prohibited circumcision risks a fine and/or 10 years in prison. In a country where young initiates die monthly from botched circumcisions, one can understand the need to protect them from unhygienic and uncontrolled procedures.

But does this mean elective circumcision in a safe, hospital environment is prohibited? Brian Honermann,

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April 2012

When it comes to circumcision, the decision to snip is anything but cut and dried. ANÉL LEWIS looks at what the law says.

a former researcher with Section27, a public interest law centre, says the act does allow for circumcision if recommended by a medical practitioner. As medical circumcision could lower the risk of HIV infections and other sexually transmitted diseases, a doctor is “well within the law” to recommend the procedure for your baby,” he says.

“At present there is no legal limitation, beyond standard informed consent requirements, that prohibits the provision of elective neonatal male circumcision.” The doctor must, as with any medical procedure, explain the risks and potential benefits, and may only operate with a parent’s consent.

It is an unnecessary surgery that could have been done later with the man’s informed consent.

However, many medical associations and interest groups contend that routine circumcision is unethical and unnecessary, and that the Children’s Act protects “vulnerable” infants and children from being cut without their consent. Professor Daniel Sidler, of the Department of Paediatric Surgery at Tygerberg Children’s Hospital, says the contentious issue is what would be considered a valid medical reason for an elective circumcision. It should

1/3

of men worldwide are circumcised – World Health Organisation

only be considered as such if there’s an “immediate health benefit” and if there is no other less invasive alternative.

Many problems, such as phimosis, or tightness of the foreskin, do not need medical interference and “water and soap will do” if there are hygiene concerns. He adds that paediatric surgeons do not consider neonatal circumcision to have fewer complications than adult circumcision. “It is an unnecessary surgery that could have been done later with the man’s informed consent.”

It is up to you, as the parent, to decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks and ethical concerns. As elective circumcision is deemed a cosmetic procedure, it will not be covered by most medical aids. You can expect to pay up to about R3 000, depending on the doctor and the hospital. It should be performed shortly after birth under local or general anaesthesia, and will take only a few minutes. Risks include bleeding and infection, and the procedure should not be performed on a baby born prematurely or with congenital abnormalities.

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upfront with paul

thanks for not smoking Nip their smoking habit in the butt early, says PAUL KERTON.

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

s

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

ir Walter Raleigh brought tobacco back from the South American Indians around 1560 and the habit spread like wildfire (sorry) despite early proof that burning leaves in your mouth destroyed your lungs. And that was before cigarette companies started adding “addiction accelerators” into the “filter” tips. But it took an awful lot longer for greedy governments to work out that the long-term health costs outweighed the benefits of short-term taxation on a pack of twenties.

It’s encouraging how, over the past five years, smoking has actively receded from consciousness as most civilised societies have tried to ban the habit by simply restricting the places that smokers can legally smoke. Just look at the huddled groups of lunchtime smokers in office and shop doorways.

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I don’t know what I would do if I found that my children had started smoking and were hiding behind the garage and hurriedly brushing their teeth before supper. I would be really disappointed as we have preached a no-smoking mantra since day one, as did my parents. Children start mostly because of peer pressure or because an older sibling or parent smokes.

I never smoked because a) I couldn’t be bothered carrying cigarette packets and lighters, b) I couldn’t stand the smell on my hair and clothes and c) I have always been sporty so it wasn’t an option. My elder sister, who lives in London, didn’t heed my parents’ warning and started at the age of 15 when it was still considered very cool. According to Cancer Research UK, a massive 160 000 children under 15 start smoking every year, a number that would fill about 5 200 classrooms.

Children are three times more likely to smoke if their parents do. The warnings on packets don’t seem to do much good once a smoker is hooked, as the risk is all part of the allure, they claim. They know that smoking can kill, but light up regardless. It always amazes me how many doctors and school teachers used to smoke although, luckily, they now seem to be getting the message.

The banning of advertising and the banning of smoking in public places, especially on trains and planes, has worked wonders. It is less than 20 years since they banned smoking on planes globally. How dumb was that? You may as well douse yourself in lighter fuel and touch an electric fire.

Despite clever under-the-radar branding and underground invite-only events, the trend has now moved away from smoking,

but BAT (British Allied Tobacco) has just posted a three percent rise in profits.

Initially marketers ingeniously tried to match cigarette brands to a colour: Benson & Hedges was gold, John Player Special was black, Dunhill was red and Silk Cut was purple. At one stage the idea of owning a colour, and its association, was so powerful, that one ad for Silk Cut consisted only of a shot of purple silk with a cut in it. Many countries are now moving towards plain packets, which authorities “are hoping” will further remove the cachet of smoking and any sense of loyalty, by removing branding itself.

Fingers crossed. While we are in a new era of sensibility concerning the habit, it’s frightening that children under 15 remain the most susceptible to its temptation.

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

April 2012

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dealing with difference

handling children who act up There may be more to your child’s disruptive behaviour than just naughtiness. SAMEERAH KAROLIA looks at the other possible causes.

what to look out for The question is not “why does the child behave in a certain way if they don’t get what they want?” but rather, “when the child does not get what is wanted, how does the child express their displeasure?”, says Jann Watlington, a social worker at the Parent Centre in Cape Town. In nursery and preschool children, disruptive behaviour may manifest as fighting with other children, not cooperating with or listening to the teacher, hitting and biting, an unwillingness to share with others or withdrawal from and a lack of interest in activities.

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April 2012

Scolari says junior primary school children will struggle to listen or pay attention in class, they won’t follow instructions or complete tasks in the allotted time and usually fall behind in their reading and writing. Older primary school children will develop a negative attitude towards school and their teachers. They may become disrespectful and could start misbehaving by running away, swearing, bullying or being truant from school.

possible causes Some children become easily bored without the correct stimulation, so they may seek other stimulation by talking to their peers or behaving in a way that

dealing with a disruptive child at home • A cknowledge the child’s feelings and try to understand why he’s behaving in a certain way.

• S et limits and boundaries.

When we set limits for children we provide them with a sense of security and containment.

• Poor behaviour is often a cry for help – make sure the child’s needs for security, love and attention, and containment are met.

• M ake sure that there are only a few rules and that these are clear, simple and consistently enforced.

• Give positive attention.

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PHOTOGRAPHs: shutterstock.com

i

have two wonderful sons, aged one and two, but there are moments when they are particularly challenging. All children will misbehave at some point, but sometimes their behaviour can go beyond what is considered “children simply being children”. When it becomes disruptive, in the classroom or in the home, it may be time for a closer examination of the possible triggers or causes. Johannesburg-based clinical psychologist Christine Scolari says that disruptive behaviour refers to actions that interfere with daily activities and that are more disorderly than what can usually be expected of children of that specific age.

Faaizah Essack, a foundation phase teacher from Johannesburg, describes the disruptive child as one who would act out by complaining and crying for no reason, disrupting the class and learning time by distracting others, throwing tantrums, bullying other pupils and, on rare occasions, portraying outrageous behaviour.

will be deemed disruptive by teachers.

Learners also work at different paces.

A child who is more advanced and completes their work quicker may talk, play or disrupt those around them. The teacher needs to have extra activities on hand for these children. Conversely, a child who is lagging behind the rest of the class, because of an age difference or cognitive problems, will also struggle and may act out. Sight and hearing problems could affect your child’s ability to hear instructions or see the board, making school work difficult. Your child may feel confused and overwhelmed, which can lead to disruptive behaviour.

New research has confirmed the impact hay fever can have on learners. Dr Michael Levin, an allergy advisor to a pharmaceutical company, says, “Children attending school while suffering from hay fever symptoms are often described as absent-minded and uninterested in educational or social activities. Sleep disturbances and therefore over tiredness is common, and this leads to impaired concentration, poor school performance and even general depression.”

Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be considered disruptive. The diagnosis of these disorders, however, is a fairly long process and there should be two evaluations by mental professionals, including a psychologist, to avoid a misdiagnosis.

Children on the autism spectrum may have difficulty coping in a mainstream school environment. A child with autism or Asperger syndrome will not be able to socialise with other learners and may find it difficult to complete tasks which have to be done in groups.

Disruptive children may also be experiencing problems at home. They may be grappling with the use of harsh punishment, a lack of positive discipline or unrealistic parental expectations. Their parents may be going through a divorce or separation, there could be a new baby in the home or they could be the victims of abuse.

Sometimes, a disruptive child may just be in the wrong class or school environment.

There could be a personality clash with the teacher, or the class may be too big for the teacher to manage effectively.

dealing with a disruptive child in the classroom

The younger child • Help younger children express their feelings appropriately.

• Teachers should talk about their own feelings and help children to identify and talk about theirs.

• H elp children understand the consequences and effects of their behaviour.

• Find constructive ways for children to release strong feelings of anger and frustration, such as hitting pillows, hitting or boxing a punching bag, tearing paper and newspaper or playing with a stress ball.

• P lan soothing activities that involve the senses, such as water play, sand play, playdough, finger painting, breathing deeply and blowing bubbles.

• Find positive outlets for intense emotions through music, dance, athletics or exercise.

• Encourage imaginative play as a means of self-expression.

• If necessary, stop disruptive behaviour by taking the child outside or doing something different.

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The older child • In a disruptive situation, Jann Watlington, a social worker at The Parent Centre, suggests the ECA method of Empathy, Content (or Consequence) and Action. Tell the child that while you understand that he is enjoying himself, it has disruptive consequences and should stop. Remove the child from the situation, wait until he says he’s ready to join the others and help the child return by making sure he can do so without being disruptive.

• Rather than time-out, make use of time-in, by taking the child to a quiet spot and standing with them while they calm down to allow the child to regain control.

• The teacher must talk to the parent about the child’s behaviour.

• Make sure the child is centrally placed in the classroom, to avoid distractions from windows, the door or classmates.

• Teachers should make sure they have the child’s undivided attention before giving instructions.

• Check the child’s comprehension by asking for a brief summary of the lesson afterwards.

• Praise good behaviour.

April 2012

13

fyi

plate up, the right way Super-sized meals and too much fast food means your child is eating wrong. VANESSA PAPAS finds out how much of which foods should be on their plates.

s

outh Africa is climbing the list of the most obese nations in the world.

According to the International Obesity Taskforce, 26 percent of children and adults in South Africa are obese. “An overweight child is more likely to become an overweight adult and is at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, orthopaedic problems, sleeping problems and depression,” explains Gauteng paediatric dietician Deborah Jacobson. So it’s vital that good eating habits are taught from a young age and children are encouraged to be active.

It starts with knowing how much to feed, and what portion sizes to give. “The food pyramid has been the food guide we all adhered to, but now there is a move towards the ‘food plate’ as the new nutritional guide,” says Jacobson. “The concept of the ‘food plate’ is to teach us practically, and visually, how to divide and choose foods from the different food groups on our plate for meals. Although there are five food groups – dairy, meat (protein), vegetables and fruit, starch and fat – we like to simplify things when it comes to children. Starch and fats are considered ‘energy foods’ or ‘go foods’ and protein and dairy are grouped as ‘protein’ or ‘grow foods’. The food plate is for meal times only. Generally, dairy products are taken as snacks, or with cereal, so these are not included on the plate. The plate is divided into three sections: half is assigned for vegetables (cooked or raw) and fruits, and the remaining two quarters for proteins and starches (preferably wholegrain varieties).”

no need to eat up While it’s important that parents encourage their children to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly, one should never “pressurise” a child to the point where they develop a power struggle over food.

“One of the most common mistakes parents make is forcing their children to ‘clean their plates’,” says Paula Lawson, a Durban dietician who specialises in the dietary requirements of children from the age of six. “If your child won’t eat their vegetables, for example, and so can’t complete their balanced meal, that’s fine, but then don’t offer them anything else to eat as a substitute. Should they ask for something else, reply by saying: ‘if your tummy is full for healthy foods, that is fine, but then your tummy is full for all food, and there is no more to eat’.

Moms often feel guilty that their child is not eating all their food, so they offer a myriad of unhealthy alternatives after the meal. There should never be emotions attached when it comes to food. Don’t use food as a reward and don’t use it to comfort your child.”

Lawson encourages parents to set realistic nutritional goals for their children.

“Just by changing a few things in your child’s diet, you can make a big difference.

Give your child water to drink instead of juice, don’t stock the fridge and pantry with junk food, ensure that veggies and fruits are available at all times, and lead by example by following a healthy lifestyle yourself.”

menu guidelines It’s difficult to generalise how many servings of each food group are recommended for the various age groups, as children have different needs based on their activity level, age and sex, but there are basic guidelines for children between the ages of two and 13. The Nutrition Information Centre at Stellenbosch University says a portion of meat, grains, fruit or veg is equivalent to one tablespoon for each year, until the age of 12. So a six-year-old would have six tablespoons of meat. Jacobson says, “as a rule of thumb”, children should eat:

milk or dairy products Two to three servings a day – one portion is 250ml of milk, 175ml yoghurt, or one matchbox-size piece of yellow cheese

vegetables and fruits Five servings a day – half a cup cooked or one cup of raw veggies and one fist-sized fruit: one apple, peach, orange, etc, or half a cup of fruit salad

protein foods Two servings a day – one portion of meat or chicken is the size of a child’s palm or a handsize of fish, or one egg

starch Six to 10 servings a day – one portion is one slice of bread, three crackers, a fist of pasta, potato, corn, mash or rice

unsaturated fats Not more than three servings a day, or 30 percent of their daily calorie intake – (a portion is one teaspoon of canola or olive oil, two tablespoons of avocado or a handful of nuts – only for children older than three).

Two portions of fish a week, of which one can be a child’s palm size of fatty fish such as tuna or salmon

tips from the dieticians for children aged two to six • Use your child’s palm and fist size as a guide to portion sizes.

• Choose a diet that provides enough calcium (dairy) and iron (protein) to meet your growing child’s needs.

• Do not force your child to clean his plate.

• Do not “reward” your child with food. for babies aged one to two • Breast-feed your baby as long as possible.

• Opt for home-made puréed food over commercially sold baby food as a healthier option and don’t add salt, sugar and “bad fats”.

• Full-cream milk is recommended for babies under the age of two.

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for children aged six to 13 • Your child should be eating three meals and two nutritious snacks a day.

• Set boundaries on time spent on the computer or watching TV. • Ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast every day.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

• I f you suspect your child is overweight, take them for a professional assessment by a doctor or dietician.

• Incorporate exercise and physical activity into your child’s daily routine.

• Enrol your children in extramural sports at school.

• Cook nutritious home-made meals and steer clear of takeaways.

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April 2012

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advertorial

health

give them a shot Vaccinations protect your child against infectious and sometimes life-threatening diseases.

By VANESSA PAPAS

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April 2012

early protection Your child gets their first set of vaccinations when they’re just a few days old. “The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin), and OPV (oral polio vaccine) are given in the first two weeks after birth,” says Dr Guest. “The BCG vaccinates against tuberculosis, a highly contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body, including the bones, kidneys and brain. Polio is a crippling disease that can lead to permanent lameness, deformity and even death.”

The benefits of a well-thoughtout vaccination programme will far outweigh the dangers for any individual, and ultimately for society at large.

Paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair, of Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town, says most vaccines require a course of injections with appropriately spaced boosters to ensure longevity of protection. If a course is interrupted or incomplete, protection will fail or wane, making the initial vaccines a waste of time, and putting your child at risk of acquiring these diseases when they’re older.

“If there is a break or delay in vaccines, it’s important to consult with your doctor or local clinic as to what

± 400 000 South African children are not fully immunised each year

2,5 million child deaths worldwide are prevented annually by vaccines

adjustments are necessary to ‘catch up’ effectively,” explains Dr Sinclair.

“If the cost of the vaccine is concerning, you can opt to have your child vaccinated at state clinics, which provide vaccines free of charge. However, there are some benefits to the private option. A private clinic can provide the Infanrix Hexa six-in-one vaccine as an alternative to the five-in-one Pentaxim vaccine and separate Heberbiovac.

This means your child will only have to have one injection with a delayed start at eight weeks. While mercurybased chemicals are being done away with for human consumption and exposure, there is no clear evidence of any harm caused by thimerosal in the small quantities found in vaccines like Heberbiovac. Private clinics also offer other ‘optional’ immunisations, such as the measlesmumps-rubella (MMR) and chicken pox vaccines.”

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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everal serious diseases, including polio and measles, have become less prevalent and the individual impact far less severe because of effective ongoing vaccination programmes around the world. This makes the development of vaccines arguably one of the greatest advances in world health. However, there are still concerns about the need for these injections, and the possible sideeffects they may have. Janey Naidoo, of Durban, says, “At first I was very concerned about having my newborn son, Ravi, vaccinated, as I’d heard horror stories of children who developed serious side-effects from certain vaccines.

But after speaking to the nurse at our local clinic, I now understand that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear through the grapevine. If you have concerns, speak to a professional.”

Gauteng general practitioner Dr Sylvia Guest, says the concept behind vaccinating is simple, yet effective.

“Each virus and bacteria has a specific ‘marker’ on its cell membrane and it is to that marker that the body makes an antibody or antidote when our body is exposed to it.

Vaccines are inactive or live, harmless replicas of the virus or bacteria we want to develop antibodies towards. In other words, they mimic the original disease. Our bodies recognise the bug and make an antibody against it. While the vaccine is a mild, far more harmless version of the original bug, the antibody we make towards the bug is effective against the original bug. That’s why vaccines protect us when we are exposed to the original bug many years after receiving the vaccine. Some vaccines even provide a lifetime of protection against the disease.”

are there risks?

While generally safe to use, some children may develop a reaction to certain vaccines, the most common side-effect being fever, body aches and headaches. “The use of topical anaesthesia, in the form of a cream or a patch, can assist in reducing the local pain, while breast-feeding some infants may also help in minimising the discomfort,” adds Dr Guest.

“Recent studies, however, suggest pre-vaccine paracetamol is not advisable and may, in a minor way, affect the vaccine’s efficacy, but it is fine to use paracetamol or alternate antiinflammatories post-vaccination if a fever occurs or there is discomfort. Expect your child to be a little miserable for 24 to 48 hours post-vaccination and treat them with even more care than usual.”

Certain vaccinations can leave a scar. If your baby has had a BCG injection in their upper arm, in the first six to eight weeks you will probably see a “pimple” appear at the injection site. This may develop into a larger sore and may even look septic. It’s a normal reaction and there is nothing you need to do, aside from keeping the sore clean with cool boiled water. Although rare, seek medical help immediately if your child develops a severe allergic reaction after an immunisation. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a rapid heart beat or dizziness. “Should your child not be well prior to having a vaccination, your doctor may suggest postponing

allay the autism fear Vaccinations generally get a bad rap, but the most controversial is the MMR vaccine, with its supposed links to autism. British doctor Andrew Wakefield claimed in 1998 that the vaccine could cause autism spectrum disorders. His alleged findings led to a drop in vaccination levels, causing an outbreak of measles in that country. The study was later refuted.

“The link between MMR and autism has been safely excluded for the last 15 to 20 years,” explains paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair. “In fact, the doctor who made these initial claims has been removed from his country’s register of practising doctors.

There is absolutely no link between the MMR vaccine and autism and there never was one. As with all things in life, any action may result in a reaction, but the benefits of a well-thought-out vaccination programme will far outweigh the dangers for any individual, and ultimately for society at large.”

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until your child is better,” says Dr Guest. “Generally it is best to wait a few days if your child has a fever.”

planning to fall pregnant?

If you are planning to fall pregnant, make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Rubella, or German measles, may cause birth defects such as blindness and hearing loss, if contracted during the first trimester. Other diseases that can cause congenital abnormalities are the STORCH group – syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, chicken pox, hepatitis and herpes.

Women who had vaccinations as a child are less likely to contract preventable diseases during their pregnancy.

Speak to your doctor about the vaccines you may need before conceiving.

• S outh Africa is burdened by one of the worst tuberculosis epidemics in the world, despite the fact that the disease can be prevented by vaccinating.

• Most nursery and primary schools insist on seeing your child’s vaccination chart when you apply.

• In almost 50 nations, 60 percent of the children are not immunised.

• A child in a developing country is 10 times more likely to die of a vaccine-preventable disease than a child in an industrialised nation.

EPI Schedule The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Schedule is a list of recommended routine vaccinations your child should have. The vaccines protect against invasive bacterial diseases, such as meningitis, rotavirus, tuberculosis, polio, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and influenza.

(This EPI Schedule appears on the Department of Health’s website: visit doh.gov.za) at birth

BCG (injection to right upper arm), oral polio vaccine

6 weeks

Oral polio vaccine, RV (liquid by mouth), DTaP-IPV/Hib (intramascular injection to left thigh), Hep B (intramuscular to right thigh), PCV7 (intramuscular to right thigh)

10 weeks

DTap-IPV/Hib (intramuscular to left thigh), Hep B (intramuscular to right thigh)

14 weeks

RV (liquid by mouth), DTap-IPV/Hib (intramuscular to left thigh), Hep B (intramuscular to right thigh), PCV7 (intramuscular to right thigh)

9 months

Measles vaccine (intramuscular to left thigh), PCV7 (intramuscular to right thigh)

18 months

DTap-IPV/Hib (intramuscular to left arm), measles vaccine (intramuscular to right arm)

6 years

Td Vaccine (intramuscular to left arm)

12 years

Td Vaccine (intramuscular to left arm)

Note: Not all state clinics in South Africa provide all the routine vaccinations reflected on the EPI. Additional vaccinations available over the above include MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Varilrix (chicken pox), Havrix (hepatitis A), Synflorix (streptococcus pneumonia and non typeable Haemophilus) and Cervarix and Gardasil (human papillomavirus). To guarantee maximum protection, your child will need booster shots of certain vaccines.

For more about vaccination against cervical cancer, visit childmag.co.za/content/cervical-cancer

April 2012

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how to

School projects teach our children valuable lessons that they will use throughout their lives, but only if parents take a step back. By CHRISTINA CASTLE

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April 2012

project benefits Projects are an essential part of the learning process. They allow our children to learn in a different format, encourage them to take ownership of their own learning and provide a platform to perform other than in tests. Therefore, projects should actually be done at school under the watchful eye of the teacher.

A project is essentially an extended in-depth study of a topic covered in class and should come with very clear instructions and guidelines as to how your child will be assessed. However, the actual task of completing a school project is a fantastic foundation for developing skills that will equip your child for his school career and beyond.

The basics of time management, organisation, research,

identifying and selecting information, problem solving and teamwork are key skills picked up in the project process.

These skills are essentially introduced in Grade 3 and are practised (and hopefully perfected) by the time your child reaches high school.

beyond the web Today, we have a world of information at our fingertips. The internet has revolutionised the way we research, gather information and investigate. However, our children need to learn that there are equally effective and interesting ways to access information, such as the good old local library, field trips and outings, interviews and experiments. It’s essential that children don’t get stuck in the world wide web.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

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rom dinosaur sculptures to Tutankhamun orals, exploding custard science experiments to Freddie Mercury PowerPoint presentations, I have seen it and – wait for it – done it all. And I know that I am not alone. Dig deep and be honest. You have also done the run to midnight trying to get that recalcitrant clay reptile to stand on its own two feet or stuffed the sphinx with electronics to make its eyes light up red. Oh, the things we do for our children just so that they can score big time. But who are we really fooling? I have a sneaking suspicion the teachers are on to us. And no matter how much we secretly enjoy rolling up our sleeves and getting stuck into each project, we have to learn our place in project protocol.

what can we expect?

From as early as Grade 1, our children are learning the art of project work. Cutting out a picture of a stick insect and writing a sentence or two about it is a big job for a seven year old and, believe it or not, requires nearly all of the skills mentioned above as well as a little help on the home front.

Grade 3 is the foundation year for projects. Many of the skills required for project work are laid in this phase and focused on separately throughout the year. Group work is often the best way to start and as the year progresses, the projects become more individualised. You can expect 3D sculptures, PowerPoint presentations and orals to enter the scene. And while your nine year old may require plenty of help creating beasts out of chicken wire or papier mâché, you’ll be amazed at how quickly he finds his way around PowerPoint and the internet.

Grades 4 to 7 present a good blend of individual and group work. And while their friends step in to contribute their bit to the project process, it’s time for you to take a step back and let them get on with it. However, don’t disappear out of sight completely. They still need to be motivated, organised, overseen and fed. Encourage them to take as much responsibility for the project as possible – from organising a time to work together to writing a list of material required for it. You’ll be surprised at just how competent and confident they are when tackling a project.

After Grade 8, I like to say, “Sweetheart, show me when you’re finished.” While they should be able to get on with the task at hand, make yourself available to act as a sounding board. Projects come in all shapes and sizes, from science experiments to short films. Chances are your child knows more about the subject than you do and is more competent than you are at delivering the goods. Let him go for it. Just hang around in the background to motivate.

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plan of action Children must be taught how to do a project. The Tasc (Thinking Actively in a Social Context) Wheel, devised by UK inspirational educator Belle Wallace as a framework for problem solving, provides a strategy that is embraced by many teachers in South Africa.

1 What do I know about this? – gather or organise information 2 What is the task? – identify 3 How many ideas can I think of? – generate 4 Which is the best idea? – decide 5 Let’s do it – implement 6 How well did I do? – evaluate 7 Let’s tell someone – communicate 8 What have I learnt? – learn from experience

don’t be a copycat A word on plagiarism: actually, let’s make that four words – just don’t do it. These days, it’s easy to copy from the internet and paste straight into a project. Your children need to be encouraged from an early age to interpret information and express it in their own words. The sooner they learn to do this, the sooner they’ll realise it’s the only way to do it. What’s more, plagiarism is against the law.

Another skill children are taught in the project process is to acknowledge their sources. So, here are mine: Chris Groom – deputy headmaster and Grade 5 teacher at Bishops Preparatory in Cape Town Sharlene Groom – Grade 3 teacher at Reddam House, Cape Town Belle Wallace visit tascwheel.com

April 2012

21

spotlight

know your rights What should you do if you find out that the person caring for your child is HIV positive?

RUWAYDAH LILLAH investigates.

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sometimes twice a week. I was going insane with two sick babies and a sick nanny,” says Sarah, who decided to ask her nanny about her HIV status. She did not know her status, but she went for a test and found out that she was indeed HIV positive and in the advanced stages. Together, they decided that she was too ill to continue working. “We’re still in contact with her and we pay her salary every month to thank her for what she’s done for us,” says Sarah.

HIV risks in the home “HIV is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse,” explains Marcus Low, editor of Equal Treatment, a magazine that deals with HIV/Aids-related issues and is published by the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in Cape Town. “Transmission from mother to child can also occur during birth or during breast-feeding. There is no cure for HIV, but the virus can be suppressed by using antiretroviral medicines.” However, over time HIV can destroy your CD4 cells, making it impossible for your body to fight infections and diseases, especially if you are not on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment or you’ve waited too long to start treatment.

When this happens, the HIV infection can lead to full-blown Aids.

There is a lot of fear about the disease, and misconceptions about your rights as the employer as well as the rights of your HIV-positive nanny or domestic worker.

For most of us, immediate dismissal may seem to be the only answer. But before you decide to fire her, be aware that the Employment Equity Act states that discriminating against someone because of their HIV status is unfair, advises Mark Heywood, the executive director of Section27, a public law centre in Johannesburg. “Furthermore, the constitution says that everyone has the right to fair labour practices and people have rights to equality.”

So, according to the law, you can’t dismiss your nanny because she’s HIV positive. Doing so could result in unfair dismissal charges being brought against you at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The Employment Equity and Labour Relations

< 5 million

The number of people in SA who are infected with HIV, meaning 10,6 percent of the population, is HIV positive (Statistics South Africa, 2011 report)

Acts force employers not to discriminate on the basis of HIV status. So, technically, a prospective nanny could have a case against you if you enquire about her status in a job interview and reject her application on that basis.

You are in contravention of the law if: • you force your nanny to disclose her HIV status; • you demand she gets tested; • you demand to know her test results and the treatment she’s taking, or • y ou dismiss her because of her HIV status.

can I ask about her HIV status?

There’s nothing in the law that says you can’t ask, but you can’t make her have an HIV test. You’ll need permission from the Labour Court if you want your nanny to be tested. “Building a relationship where you can talk to your nanny about the importance of getting tested, for her and her family, and for yours, is important,” says Lauren Jankelowitz, chief executive officer of the SA HIV Clinicians Society.

Develop a relationship where you can talk about HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis, for example.

Encourage her to get tested and if she’s HIV positive, encourage her to take her medication, says Jankelowitz. “We firmly believe that the worker should not be forced to get tested, but at the same

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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arah*, a Johannesburg-based mother of two, speaks candidly about hearing the devastating news that the nanny looking after her children was HIV positive. “I was heartbroken when my nanny tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). My son was three months old when I employed the most wonderful domestic worker, who quickly became a part of our family. Shortly thereafter, around the time my son took his first steps, I discovered I was pregnant again. I was already seven months along then and I found it difficult to keep up with him.” Realising that she’d need help with the chores and the children, Sarah decided to make her current domestic worker the nanny and hire someone else to do the household work.

“She adored my son and she stood by me with the birth of my new baby. Then, a few months later, she came down with a terrible flu for which she was hospitalised.

I started to suspect she was HIV positive.”

The nanny’s health deteriorated even further when she returned to work. She was constantly sick and Sarah’s children got sick too. “My children would just complete a course of antibiotics and get sick again. I had to take them to our GP

what the law says

time we also encourage workers honest about their status,” says Witbooi, general secretary of the African Domestic Service and Workers Union.

to be Myrtle South Allied

what if she discloses her status?

If your nanny or domestic worker discloses her HIV status of her own accord, it means she trusts you enough to share this sensitive information. You should also treat this information as confidential.

Dr Raveen Parboosing, a pathologist based at Durban’s National Health Laboratory Service, says HIV-positive nannies should be encouraged to have their CD4 count and viral loads tested regularly to determine if they need to start antiretroviral treatment. Antiretrovirals are used to treat retroviruses and stop infection from growing. HIV-positive patients only become eligible for ARV treatment once their CD4-count drops below 350, explains Low. “Once a patient starts taking the lifelong antiretroviral treatment, it is essential that the medicine is taken as prescribed.” She should continue regular visits to the clinic or doctor once she has started treatment.

“Depending on how involved you want to

be as an employer, you should encourage your nanny in a nonthreatening way to visit a doctor or clinic regularly, never to skip visits and to take the medication as prescribed,” says Dr Parboosing.

She may not feel comfortable going to a clinic in her area, so allow her to visit the one close to your home. “Be understanding, respectful and as supportive as possible. Some HIV-positive people have

your children about body fluids, what not to touch or share and why. Hugs and kisses are safe and should be encouraged,” advises Jankelowitz. Teach your nanny proper hygiene and infection control and you need not worry when an accidental open wound occurs.

“The truth is that if she’s positive, she’s actually at greater risk from you and your family, than you are from her.”

The truth is that if she’s positive, she’s actually at greater risk from you and your family, than you are from her. a very hard time with HIV-related stigma and discrimination.” Dr Parboosing adds, “Antiretroviral medication may have specific medical requirements that you can assist with if you allow her time during the day to take her meds and food on time.”

what’s the risk to your family?

You can’t get HIV from sharing cups and plates, cooking, using the same toilet, touching, hugging or kissing. “Educate

what happens when she gets sick?

HIV-positive people are at risk of many illnesses, or opportunistic infections, such as flu, diarrhoea and thrush among others.

Some of these are contagious and can be passed on to others. Encourage your nanny to get treatment for these immediately.

The law states that she is entitled to two weeks paid sick leave every year. If she gets too sick to work, you must get a letter from

her doctor declaring her unfit for work, and based on this you can dismiss her, but you must give her an opportunity to state her case. You could also accommodate her with another position that requires fewer hours and an easier workload. You only have to pay her out for long service if you can’t afford to keep her or she is moving away.

She doesn’t qualify for this compensation if she is too sick to work.

precautionary measures “You can insist on ‘universal precautions’ such as wearing gloves when changing nappies, washing hands before and after nappy changes, when preparing food or after touching pets. These precautions would have to be consistently applied – even when she takes leave and you get someone else in to help,” says Jankelowitz.

She adds that TB is possibly more of an issue and you can insist that your nanny takes time off, away from your child, when she is sick and coughing.

Regardless of the HIV status of your nanny, you should keep a well-stocked first-aid kit and train your nanny and family on how to use it. * Name has been changed.

support groups Your nanny’s first port of call should be her local municipal clinic, as these provide free testing, counselling, antiretroviral medication and the contacts of support groups in the area.

Other organisations offering information or support: Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA): visit ccma.org.za Department of Health: visit doh.co.za Department of Labour: contact 012 309 4000 or visit labour.co.za HIV/Aids toll-free helpline: contact 0800 012 322 SA HIV Clinicians Society: contact 011 341 0162 or visit sahivsoc.org Section27 (incorporating the Aids Law Project): contact 011 356 4100 or visit section27.org.za South African Domestic Services and Allied Workers’ Union (Sadsawu): contact 021 448 0045 or visit sadsawu.org Treatment Action Campaign (TAC): contact 021 422 1700 or visit tac.org.za

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April 2012

23

book extract

Get friends and family together for a decadent brunch with these inspirational ideas from ALLISON BRAND and DEBBIE O’FLAHERTY.

Method

Beat together the eggs, seasoning, parsley, cream and butter in a large glass bowl.

Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water and place the pot lid on top of the egg mixture.

Allow the egg to cook, stirring with a whisk from time to time, until the egg has just cooked but is not dry.

Slice the ciabatta breadsticks down the middle three quarters of the way through. Fill each breadstick with half the scrambled egg mixture.

Slice each breadstick into nine portions.

Top with a ribbon of smoked salmon and a sprig of fresh dill.

Serve immediately.

Makes 18 portions.

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Ingredients • 1½ cups Rice Krispies breakfast cereal • 1½ cups cooking chocolate discs • ⅓ cup desiccated coconut • 80 mini chocolate eggs Method Place the Rice Krispies in a large mixing bowl.

Melt the chocolate discs in the microwave for ± one minute on high (900W).

Mix the chocolate into the Rice Krispies.

Add the coconut and mix well until everything is coated in the chocolate.

Spray mini muffin-pan hollows with non-stick spray.

Spoon a generous tablespoon of the mixture into the muffin-pan hollows, pressing down with the back of a teaspoon or your fingers to create a nest shape. You do need to work quite quickly before the chocolate starts to set.

Place three mini eggs in each nest as you go, so they stick to the nests.

Refrigerate until set and then gently lever each nest out using the back of a butter knife.

Makes 25-27 nests.

PHOTOGRAPHS: kate miller / illustrations: shutterstock.com

Ingredients • 10 eggs • ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped • ¾ cup cream • 10g butter • 2 ciabatta sticks (thin ciabatta breads) • 200g packet smoked salmon or smoked trout • dill to garnish • salt and pepper to taste

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Ingredients cake • 1 cup cake flour • 1¼ tsp baking powder • 1 cup desiccated coconut • ¾ cup poppy seeds • 3 large eggs • 1½ cups caster sugar • 2 x 175ml tubs plain yoghurt • ½ cup oil • zest of 1 lemon lemon curd filling • 2 large eggs • ⅓ cup caster sugar • zest and juice of 1 lemon • 50g butter, cubed icing • 360g (2 bars) white chocolate, broken into pieces • ¼ cup icing sugar • 10g butter • 2 tbsp milk • 1 tsp vanilla essence Method

Preheat oven to 180°C.

Stir

Grease and line a 20cm round cake pan.

Sift the flour and baking powder together.

Mix in the coconut and poppy seeds.

Beat the eggs and caster sugar together.

Add the yoghurt, oil, lemon zest and mix together.

Mix the flour mixture into the egg mixture and mix until well combined.

Pour the mixture into the cake pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean from the centre of the cake.

Allow

the cake to cool for five minutes in the

pan before turning it out to cool completely on a wire rack.

To make the lemon curd filling, break the eggs into a heat-proof glass bowl.

Add the caster sugar, lemon and butter.

Place the bowl over a pot of boiling

water.

Alternatively, use a double boiler if you have one.

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the mixture from time to time as it thickens.

Remove from the heat when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Leave to cool.

Slice the cake in half and sandwich the two halves together with the lemon curd filling.

For the icing, melt the chocolate, sugar, butter and milk in the microwave for about 50 seconds on high (900W).

Stir until everything has melted completely and is well combined.

Mix in the vanilla essence.

Allow to cool slightly before pouring over the top of the cake.

Decorate the top with an assortment of chocolate Easter eggs, bunnies, flowers, poppy seeds or anything else you fancy to give it a festive, fun look.

about the book In this coffee-table book, Let’s Celebrate (Logogog Press), Allison Brand and Debbie O’Flaherty share their inspirational ideas for 16 different occasions – from a one-year-old’s birthday party to an elegant high tea.

They recommend a menu for each event, offer décor ideas and even suggest invite and gift options. The beauty is in the detail and care that the authors have put into every menu and table setting. The recipes are easy to follow with helpful tips for even the novice entertainer. Photographer Kate Miller brings the ideas to life with her beautiful images. This book is guaranteed to have you reaching for the calendar so that you can plan your own unforgettable event. It can be ordered from lets-celebrate.co.za or Kalahari, and is available at In Good Company in Parkhurst, Macaroon in Greenside, and the Baker’s Warehouse in Johannesburg.

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25

advertorial

community project

Bulungula A remote rural village has managed to turn adversity into success; providing quality education for its children.

LISA MC NAMARA visits this hidden gem in the hills of the Transkei.

t

owards the end of last year, as I sat at my desk paging through the newspaper, I was overwhelmed by all the “bad news” stories. There were articles about the appalling state of our education system and more on how little we seem to care for the millions of children growing up in a country seemingly unable to provide the basic requirements for a semi-decent childhood. But where were the “good news” stories?

Surely these are as important?

I left the newspaper to open my email and there it was – a good news story, in the heart of the Eastern Cape of all provinces. The email was from Annette Champion, who after retiring as deputy head of Herschel Preparatory School in Cape Town, headed for the hills of the Transkei

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April 2012

to join an NGO as the education programme’s manager, and most remarkably, establish the Jujurha Preschool.

In the remote village of Nqileni, there is a truly inspiring story of children being offered a world-class education, of teachers who are passionate and committed, and of eager children as young as three donning gumboots to brave the rain and slippery hills to get to school on time.

Prof Jonathan Jansen, rector and vice-chancellor of Free State University, will tell you that it’s the human resources that make for successful schools and nowhere is this more apparent than in the village of Nqileni, located in one of the poorest districts in South Africa.

Annette has been instrumental in setting up the Jujurha Education Centre, which includes the preschool

Pupils at Jujurha Preschool

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PHOTOGRAPHS: BULUNGULA INCUBATOR/CHRIS MC NAMARA/LISA MC NAMARA

MySchool.co.za Sign up and make Bulungula Incubator the beneficiary or add the BI as an additional beneficiary.

Sponsor a child Twenty percent of South African children live in the Eastern Cape, with 80 percent receiving an inferior education. Your donation could ensure that one child goes to a decent primary school, paving the way for others to follow. Pledge as little as R100 a month or leave a legacy by signing a codicil to include a bequest in your will. You can also visit the website to see what resources are urgently needed. Forms and banking details are available on bulungulaincubator.org. Go to bulungula.com for directions and accommodation details.

Jujurha Preschool and the community library

and community library, and forms the education part of the Bulungula Incubator (BI), a not-for-profit association. The village has no basic services and until last year, the road stopped 3km from the village. Not surprisingly, almost all its adult residents are illiterate and very few completed their schooling. But despite its remoteness, the BI is a collection of success stories, with the little preschool on the hill being the gem. When Annette mailed me about the school, and her life in the hills, I had to see it for myself.

Here was someone living my dream.

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After convincing my husband and children that three days of no electricity, running water and, most horrifying for my daughters, no flushing loos, would be a small price to pay for paradise, we made the long journey to Bulungula.

We settled into sea-facing tents and were impressed with our meals, made with only gas and in a communal cooking pot on a large fire outside. The food was delicious and my husband and I opted for beer as it was served chilled; impressive for a lodge that runs on solar power.

Even more impressive were the rocket showers, which delivered eight minutes of super-hot water to beautiful mosaiced cubicles. They did, however, require some precision to fire up, but after a scary start for my shywhen-naked youngest, which involved a local woman running into Robyn’s shower with large yellow gloves to avert an explosion, we all mastered the art of wrapping toilet paper three times around our hands, sticking it in to the bottom of the rocket shower, pouring paraffin out of an old enamel teapot onto the paper and setting it alight.

The compost loos also required a level of skill. No need for detail, suffice to say they were spotless and odourless.

The BI story began with Annette’s son, David, who decided to create an eco-friendly backpackers lodge as a community development project. The Nqileni community owns 40 percent of the Bulungula Lodge and is an integral part of its daily life. The Jujurha Education Centre opened in July 2009 and this year the preschool will provide an early childhood development programme to 64 children.

What’s remarkable is that these children will graduate from this rural facility, school-ready, with many capable of excellent scholastic performance if given the opportunity.

With no quality primary school close by, Annette and her team are working hard to secure scholarships for many of the children to continue their quality education at a

decent primary school in Mthatha. “The Vulindlela (Open the Road) scholarships are the only way that these children can secure a better life. They are otherwise doomed to the impoverished life of so many rural communities because the state is unable to provide functional schools in rural areas such as these,” says Annette.

On our second day, we walked through the hills, marvelling at the views and wondering how we could help the children and parents of Nqileni Village. The BI team have extended their projects into the surrounding communities, and what they have achieved without electricity, roads and limited resources is life-changing. They could do so much more with a little help from those of us with access to resources, and a willingness to be part of what has to be one of South Africa’s most wonderful “good news” stories.

Robyn, Lisa, Julian and Ayanda

MySchool who donated Woolworths vouchers to assist the first scholarship recipients with school uniforms.

Plastic Land for storage crates filled with educational posters, puzzles and toys for Jujurha Preschool.

April 2012

29

straight talk

think before you let them drink Columnist GARY KOEN cautions parents against shrugging

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any parents dread the thought of their children becoming teenagers. They don’t know what lies in store for them and many, either secretly or openly, wish there was some way they could stop their children from growing up. This is particularly true for the seven to 12 year olds who are in the most golden of their childhood years. The thought of that youthful innocence being swept away by the teenage maelstrom that awaits them around the next developmental bend can be devastating for most parents.

There is the misunderstanding that being a teenager must include a range of dangerous and destructive behaviour.

Parents tend to accept, with sad resignation, that this is true and inevitable, that as parents they are powerless to do anything about it and they therefore have to accept this as “normal teenage behaviour”.

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But nothing could be further from the truth. The very idea that our teenagers have to harm themselves to find themselves is absurd. However, when parents start operating cash bars at their 16 year old’s birthday party and 14 and 15 year olds start to believe that going out must include drinking, as well as maybe smoking marijuana, then unfortunately, we really have betrayed our children. If all of this is considered normal teenage behaviour, it is no wonder that parents and teenagers are anxious about these years.

the norm This is not to say that the teenage years will not be difficult.

In all likelihood, they will be filled with conflict, turmoil, drama and stress. There will be confusion, unpredictability, volatility and unrest. They will place a serious strain on your household, your time, your freedom, your budget and your

patience. You will probably question your understanding of the world, your relationships, your habits, your lifestyle, your attitudes and your overall outlook on life. However, at no point does it ever become normal or natural for these adolescent years to become dangerous and destructive.

But as our teenagers slowly move away from the safety of our homes, they will encounter the outside world with all its temptations, and one of the first and most beguiling of these will be alcohol. What makes alcohol so dangerous for teenagers is that the line between what’s normal and what’s destructive becomes rather blurred. This is because alcohol is so easily accessible and available, and also, in South African society, so acceptable. It’s considered very much a normal part of our lives, and therefore, like everything else that is coming our way, is an issue that parents and teenagers need to acknowledge and deal with.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

off underage drinking as “normal teenage behaviour”.

a dangerous drug It is very important to make our children aware of the fact that alcohol is a drug. This alone is worth reflecting upon, because we cannot hide the reality that in essence, by introducing our children to alcohol, we are basically introducing them to drugs. If alcohol was discovered and released on the streets today, it would apparently receive a grade A drug rating; the classification given to the most harmful and most dangerous of drugs. In a recent British study, alcohol came fifth on the list of all-time harmful drugs, way ahead of LSD and cannabis, and just behind cocaine and heroin.

It makes the war on drugs a bit difficult when the fifth most dangerous one is in fact a powerful, influential, respected and most importantly, legal member of our society. To complicate matters, there are few events

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in our lives at which alcohol is not present. From the celebrations that follow the birth of a child, to the commiserations when mourning the loss of a loved one, it

What makes alcohol so dangerous for teenagers is that the line between what’s normal and what’s destructive becomes rather blurred. does not take much for us to find a reason to have a drink.

Alcohol is so prevalent one may be forgiven for believing it’s the very thing that makes these occasions memorable.

The entire alcohol industry relies on this myth and almost

every advertisement would like you to believe that their product will make your life special and meaningful. So it is hardly surprising then that our teenagers are captivated by these untrue and blatantly misleading notions. Alcohol has played its hand in so many avoidable tragedies – from date rape and unwanted pregnancy to a head-on collision or a hapless mugging – that the value it brings to any occasion has to be questioned. Very few people can actually claim to have done something of which they are permanently proud in a moment of drunken splendour.

The truth is that alcohol’s actual value and genuine ability to add meaning to anybody’s life is, in fact, seriously limited. While we can blame the advertising industry for perpetuating this illusion, the bulk of the responsibility when it comes to teenagers and alcohol must still lie with the parents.

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straight talk

when should they drink?

Of all the factors that will influence your teenager’s attitude towards alcohol, your attitude, as parents, will be the most important. Some parents may drink alcohol only on weekends; some may include it as part of their daily lives and others may abstain. Regardless of what your family does, the responsibility of teaching your child about alcohol remains the same. But the decision to introduce your teenager to alcohol must be a sober one. It cannot be done in an impulsive moment, fuelled by your urge to share your good time with your child. Parents need to be sober and in control themselves when teaching their teenager about alcohol.

behaviour already seems wild and out of control, if they present you with arguments saying that as teenagers it is their right to start drinking alcohol or if you offer them a sip and they down the beer in one go.

Alcohol is far too dangerous a drug for anyone to be casual about it.

who’s to blame?

Parents need to remember that the decision of whether your teenager can drink rests with you, not them. They do not have the power or authority to decide when they can start drinking. Therefore, if it has become normal for teenagers to drink, it is the adults who, through ignorance, neglect, or indifference, have allowed this

By introducing our children to alcohol, we are basically introducing them to drugs.

The occasion at which you choose to do this is also important. A wedding, a family celebration or a traditional meal could all be appropriate times to allow your teenager to join in the celebration. However, even at these times, keep a careful eye on how much they want to participate. I would say they should preferably be 17, about to turn 18, before being allowed to join in. Many parents have decided that 15 is an appropriate age to introduce their children to alcohol and allow them to have two or three drinks, be it beers or cider, on weekends. I believe these parents are inviting trouble, and would advocate a far stricter approach. The longer you delay your teenager’s drinking, the better it will be for them and for you. This will naturally vary from one teenager to another and, in fact, there are some who shouldn’t start drinking at all. (See a future issue for the dangers of teenage drinking.) There are signs that your teenager is not yet mature enough to begin their relationship with alcohol: if their

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to take place. I am afraid you cannot blame the teenagers here. Adults and parents have tacitly allowed this situation to develop, and I believe that they are the only ones who can reverse this trend.

However, it will require a collective effort as well as a collective recognition that it is fundamentally destructive – and not normal – for teenagers to drink alcohol.

Of course it’s one thing to just blame the parents and excuse the teenager when it comes to teenage drinking. Your teenager may very well put up a strong argument as they beg, plead and demand to know what’s wrong with a couple of beers with their mates over the weekend, or a few ciders around the pool on a Sunday afternoon.

I recall a discussion with a 17-year-old girl who argued that one or two drinks were not a problem. I said, “Okay, you can have two ciders a month.” Her face fell and she wanted to protest, but then could see that she had caught herself out.

Why do they want more? If every teenager magazine joburg

was happy with just two drinks a month, would we really be having this discussion?

Unfortunately, in our culture, I am not sure that there is such a thing as normal teenage drinking. Teenagers do not sip serenely from a wine glass or go out and have one beer. They do not get tipsy. Teenagers get legless – horribly and incoherently drunk – and it happens quickly and easily.

binge drinking Unfortunately we come from a culture of excess, where alcohol is invariably imbibed in extreme amounts. Going out and getting drunk is considered a normal part of life in our country. This distortion of what constitutes a good night out extends well beyond what is conventionally known as adolescence. The older our children get, the more they drink, and for longer. Parties can start at lunch time and finish the following morning. As their boundaries blur, the more chaotic and out of control the night becomes. After nearly 12 hours of drinking, it’s easier to think about scoring cocaine, ecstasy or Tik, or anything else that will fuel the desperate, headlong flight into oblivion.

The “big night out” everyone keeps talking about often ends with a violent hangover and feelings of regret and resentment that it was all supposed to turn out so differently.

For me, the worst part is that what I consider binge drinking is now simply regarded as a regular night out. I am seeing supposedly high-functioning, intelligent and talented individuals – not only adolescents, but also supposed role models such as doctors, lawyers and professional people – getting consistently and severely drunk. The actual phenomenon of binge drinking has become an institutionalised epidemic, as it has become more difficult to distinguish between normal and binge drinking. Guys don’t bat an eyelid telling me they had 12 beers and several shooters in one session. When confronted about this sheer volume of alcohol, they quickly point out that it was just a bit of normal fun and that it only happens occasionally, maybe two or three times a week. Oh, and they never drink alone, so that kind of makes it okay. Someone at some point obviously

counselled them that the sure sign of an alcoholic is drinking alone. As long as they always get hammered with friends, they are off the hook. They are unaware of the other 12 criteria for alcoholism that they do meet.

what about that after-work tipple?

Of course none of these dilemmas would exist if drinking alcohol was not enjoyable.

Many parents treasure that cold beer at the end of a day’s work or that chilled Sauvignon Blanc as the sun starts to dip, but you have to be careful this does not turn into a debilitating and unwelcome habit where one beer becomes six, or a glass of wine turns into the whole bottle.

You may find that, on any given evening in the average household, the teenager is more sober than their parents. While parents will vigorously defend their right to an evening tipple, be careful that it does not topple you later on. Irrespective of how well you hold your liquor, no-one is immune to its effects and if your teenager hasn’t been drinking, but you have, you may be the one that reaches breaking point first if there’s an argument. Your teenager may push your buttons, but you will be the one whose judgement is compromised and who may end up saying something destructive and hurtful.

Furthermore, your teenager won’t let you off lightly if it was your “habit” that made you the one without control.

set the pace I would advise parents of teenagers to curb their partying. As far as your teenager is concerned, you remain their role model and they are watching you. Do not think that your teenager won’t notice if you start falling around in a drunken state. Do not expect them to be impressed by your feverish, alcohol-fuelled Dirty Dancing routine or Madonna impersonation. You may think you have the moves like Jagger on the dance floor, but even the teenage daughter of the legendary Rolling Stone thinks he looks like an idiot when he struts his stuff. An innocent party can come back to haunt you if you let yourself get out of control. Think carefully about the example you want to set.

Gary Koen is a clinical psychologist in private practice with over 20 years’ experience, working mainly with adults and adolescents. He also does presentations at schools on a range of teenage-related topics. These include all the general aspects of normal adolescent development. He developed and successfully runs a course, “An introduction to adolescence”, aimed at parents. He is also working on a book that deals with the challenges facing parents and teenagers and, as a father of three, he is heavily invested in everything he says.

For more information, visit garykoen.co.za

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33

how to

home entertainment Turn off the TV and the computer and let your children rediscover the joy of play. By ANÉL LEWIS

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t can be somewhat of a challenge to keep children entertained over long weekends or during the holidays. But, with just a few props and plenty of imagination, you can turn your home or garden into a veritable playground for children of all ages. Make sure they are wearing sunscreen and hats if they play outdoors.

1

hide out

Make a fort or teepee out of tablecloths or sheets. Children of all ages will love building a secret hideaway in the garden. You can use a variety of materials to make a fort, such as a large cardboard box or a sheet draped over some chairs.

Let your child decorate the fort with non-toxic paint, fabric or stickers. Intrepid adventurers may want to camouflage their forts with leaves and branches.

You can also use trees and shrubs as part of your fort’s walls.

2

hold a teddy bear’s picnic

3

camp out

Invite your children’s furry friends, and arrange them under some trees. Use plastic crockery and serve real juice and snacks for the human guests. For older children, turn this into a midnight feast and include hot chocolate in thermo flasks. Illuminate the meal with lanterns they’ve decorated, but make sure they are placed safely out of reach. Or recreate the magic of the Arabian Nights in your lounge by erecting a Bedouin tent, made of sheets or coloured fabric.

Children love the thrill of spending a night under the stars. Pack the sleeping bags and camping gear and head for a spot in the garden where you can perhaps build a small fire, or use a gas burner. Toast marshmallows and sausages and sing camp fire songs. Use the opportunity to teach older children about the stars and the Milky Way.

With it being the month of Easter, this is good training if you are planning an egg hunt and it’s also an excellent way to keep energetic children entertained outside. You can use all sorts of objects to hide in interesting places in the garden, including sweets (just make sure you remember where these are, in case they don’t get found), small toys and other items. Hide these treasures under stones, in flower pots or between plants.

With young children, keep the hunt short and simple. For older children, include clues to direct them to the hiding spots. This can be played with children from the age of three.

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ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

4

scavenger hunt

5

hopscotch or pavement art

6

turn the garden into a magical outdoor theatre or cinema

7

art in the garden

8

backyard bowling

9

amazing race or an obstacle course

Take some chalk and draw a hopscotch course onto paving. You can also use plastic hoops to mark the course. It usually has seven or eight sections and each child is given a marker, such as a stone or a bean bag, to throw onto the course. The first player throws the marker onto the first square and then has to hop over it to get to the second square, before hopping to the end of the course and back again.

If the player lands on the square with the marker, or stands on the line, they are out. Children from the age of three will enjoy this game. You can also use the chalk to play noughts and crosses.

Transform the humble washing line into a stage backdrop by draping it with a sheet that can be decorated. Use two sheets to create a working stage curtain. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a balmy evening, what about watching a movie outdoors? A clean white sheet can double as a big screen. Hook your laptop or DVD player to a projector to show the film on the sheet. Set up deck chairs or lay out comfy cushions and serve popcorn for an unforgettable, outdoor cinematic experience.

Give children some coloured chalk and let them do murals on paving in the garden. You can also create a canvas for an outdoor mural by hanging an old sheet on the washing line. Let the children explore their creativity and unleash their inner Jackson Pollock with some non-toxic paints. Just make sure they stick to the sheet and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t extend their artworks to any walls or garden furniture.

Create skittles with household items, such as empty cold drink bottles or cereal boxes. Let younger children use a large ball and give the older children smaller balls to test their bowling skills.

This is a great way to let older children burn off some excess energy. Get a group together and make an obstacle course in the garden.

Use chairs, boxes, cushions, the laundry basket and bits of rope to make challenging obstacles for children to climb over and under, or through. A novel idea is to tie strawberries or apples to the washing line on long pieces of string, then get the children to eat them without using their hands.

This can be one of the tasks on the obstacle course.

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10

water games

Nothing beats good old H2O for outdoor fun. Fill balloons with water to make water bombs. Invest in a water slide that can also be set up in the garden.

This will keep children of all ages entertained for hours. Toddlers will enjoy a splash pool, or playing with water placed in differentsized containers around the garden. Just make sure they are supervised at all times. Use a hose pipe for a limbo game for older children. While you are watering the garden, get them to move their bodies under the stream of water, each time lowering the height of the hose pipe.

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35

blog

i

am a 41-year-old mom with two children and one of the many things on my bucket list was to try surfing. We live a 10-minute drive from the beach and while I often sit there, watching my children having fun in the waves on their boogie boards, I hadn’t tried it myself. So, after some soul-searching, I decided to give it a shot. I found a local surf shop that hires out surfboards for 24 hours, and three days later we were back to hire the biggest board we could fit into our car. Apparently the bigger the board the easier it is. My 12-year-old daughter proudly carried the surfboard under her arm, feeling like a real surfer chick before we had even wet our feet in the cold Atlantic. The board was so long

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April 2012

to learn that it’s never too late to ride that wave.

it stretched from the back windscreen of my hatchback right to the front. We have no roof racks… yet!

The day had finally arrived. I walked into the ocean with my surfboard, feeling excited that I was no longer an onlooker – I was finally one of them, and scared that the waves might tumble me around like a rag in a washing machine. But I had support. My eight-year-old son and my boyfriend were with me on their boogie boards, encouraging me and giving advice. A few big waves left me wobbly on my feet and my son, concerned for my safety, suggested I swap my surfboard for his boogie board. But I was determined. I had come this far and I wasn’t giving up.

Lying on that surfboard, with the swell rising and falling underneath me, looking across the sea, I began to understand how this sport could become addictive.

There’s something special about being out there, just you and your board and all that water. Although I have to admit,

I was aware of every dark shadow around me. But my legs and hands were soon numb from the cold water, so even if a shark did happen to bite me I figured I probably wouldn’t feel it anyway. I paddled closer to where all the surfers were huddled together.

It must have been obvious that I was new in the water because they happily offered advice.

I “boogie-boarded” in on a couple of waves until I felt brave enough to attempt to stand. The dude from the surf shop had advised me to pop up in one quick motion from lying to standing. Yeah, right! You try and pop up when you are trying to balance on a moving wave. It was a challenge, but then again, I thrive on those. So on the next wave, I pulled myself up and tried to pop to a standing position. I got as far as my knees and fell off. I tried again on the next wave. Same thing. And again, each time only getting as far as my knees.

Even though I didn’t manage to stand and ride a wave, the experience was exhilarating. It was about more than just being on a surfboard in the ocean. I felt as if I was 21 again – I felt alive and satisfied, and it was a liberating experience. And to be honest, I was proud that I had taken on the challenge to do something that I have always wanted to do, and enjoyed it.

So much so, that I am considering investing in a second-hand surfboard with my next commission cheque. I’ll be back and next time I will stand and ride my first wave like a real surfer.

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

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Illustration: shutterstock.com

swell, baby

Novice surfer chick CINDY PERRY is stoked

resource

who to call?

When your child is sick, or needs medical attention, it helps to know which health care practitioner to consult. By CHILD MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

audiologist An audiologist evaluates and treats hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and auditory processing disorders by conducting a wide variety of tests. They also perform hearing-aid assessments and fittings, provide access to the latest hearing-aid technology and offer unbiased advice. An audiologist will assess hearing and identify hearing loss in children of any age, including newborns and infants, and will do hearing screening and diagnostic hearing tests with young children. They provide hearing therapy and fit hearing aids on babies and young children, where necessary.

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The audiologist provides an assessment of balance to evaluate dizziness, and offers rehabilitation training. They also provide advice on how to protect your sense of hearing in noisy environments. It’s important for your older child in that the audiologist will be able to provide custom-fit moulds for swimming or sleeping, and earphones for sound devices and cellphones. When the hearing problem needs medical or surgical intervention, audiologists will refer patients to a medical doctor or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

For the South African Association of Audiologists: visit audiologysa.co.za

chiropractor A chiropractor treats and manages backache, headaches (including neck pain, migraines, whiplash), sprains and strains, arthritis, joint pain and pregnancyrelated back pain by using manipulation, soft tissue therapy and other techniques such as ice, ultrasound and exercise. The term chiropractic literally means “done by hand” and incorporates a drug-free, surgery-free approach. The treatment involves safe, gentle and specific manipulation of the spine and other areas of your body to unlock joints that are not moving correctly, to ensure greater and improved movement and

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resource

to relieve pain in adults and children. For the Chiropractic Association of South Africa, contact: 058 303 4571 or visit chiropractic.co.za

whole family. Your GP might direct you to a specialist if they are unable to help you. For the South African Medical Association: visit sama.co.za

dentist

occupational therapist (OT)

They provide preventive and restorative treatments for problems that affect the mouth and teeth. Paediatric dentistry focuses on childhood or adolescent growth and development, as well as the causes and prevention of disease. Some paediatric dentists also specialise in the care of “special needs” patients, such as those children with cerebral palsy, mental retardation and autism. Paediatric dentistry emphasises the need to establish

OTs help people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities to carry out everyday activities, such as brushing their teeth or putting on shoes, so that they may lead as normal a life as possible. OTs help people who have conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, autism or other sensory processing disorders.

OTs will conduct assessments of your child’s abilities, comparing them to children of the same age. They will often come to your home to observe how routine tasks are handled or meet you at the hospital. OTs will also help you get hold of aids, slings and splints, or other devices you may need. For the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, contact: 012 362 5457 or visit otasa.org.za

optometrist

a trusting relationship with their young patients, so one of the main components of paediatric training is child psychology.

This manifests in special office designs, different communication styles and an emphasis on teaching preventive dental habits to children to make dental visits more enjoyable. For the South African Dental Association, contact: 011 484 5288 or visit sada.co.za

Optometrists deal with conditions and diseases that affect the eyes. They conduct eye exams to assess your vision and are able to provide corrective eye wear. If you or your children experience blurred vision, lack of visual clarity, pain in your eyes, or if you have an eye injury, you would see an optometrist. If you require surgery or medication for eye diseases, an optometrist would refer you to a ophthalmologist. For the South African Optometric Association, contact: 011 805 4517 or visit saoa.co.za

dietician A dietician promotes good health through proper, balanced eating, and interprets and communicates the science of nutrition to help people make informed and practical choices about food and lifestyle. Nutrition, a branch of dietetics, is the study of nutrients in food, how they are used by the body, and the relationship between diet, health and disease. Dieticians may also work in the food industry, in education and research or on a freelance basis. Professional advice from a doctor or dietician can help an older child who is overweight or has eating problems. For the Association of Dietetics in South Africa, contact: 011 789 6621 or visit adsa.org.za

general practitioner (GP) Your family GP is generally the first medical professional to contact if you or your children are feeling ill. GPs assist with yearly checkups, coughs, colds and flu, pulled muscles, allergic reactions, ulcers, asthma and many other ailments.

They keep a record of your health, taking notice of any trends or tendencies in your condition. They treat a wide range of health issues, either acute or chronic, and provide health education for the

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April 2012

otolaryngologist or ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist ENTs specialise in problems with your ears, nose and throat and related areas of your head and neck. Consult one if you or your child experience hearing impairments, tonsil or adenoid infections, ear infections, irritated sinuses, breathing problems or respiratory allergies, throat problems that may cause speech and voice disorders or swallowing problems, or problems with smell or dizziness. They also do cosmetic surgery of the neck or head region.

Many ENTs specialise in paediatric otolaryngology or sleep medicine.

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For the South African Society of Otorhinolaryngology, contact: 011 340 9000 or visit entsociety.co.za

evaluations or neuroimaging, and then prescribe treatment. For the South African Society of Psychiatrists: visit sasop.co.za

paediatrician Paediatricians deal with the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of babies, children and adolescents, from birth to 21 years. If your children need inoculations, their monthly checkups to monitor growth and development, or if they are suffering from ear infections and behavioural problems at school, a paediatrician will be able to assist you. There are specialist branches within paediatrics dealing with heart disease and cancer in children.

For the South African Paediatrics Association, contact: 011 340 9000 or visit paediatrician.co.za

physiotherapist Specialists in physical therapy use various techniques to help with problems of movement and mobility. They treat people of all ages, starting from birth.

Diagnosis is usually by looking for healthrelated problems, such as illnesses or injuries, which affect the ability to move or function. Some of the methods used include massage, manipulating or moving muscles, hot and cold therapies, exercises, electrotherapy and relaxation techniques. Children who have suffered an injury or who experience difficulty or pain when moving would need to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapy is also used to prevent injuries from recurring or getting worse. For The South African Society of Physiotherapy, contact: 011 615 3170 or visit physiosa.org.za

psychologist Psychology is concerned with studying, assessing and treating mental health disorders. There are different types of psychologists, including clinical psychologists and counsellors. These specialists work with people to understand how they think and behave in certain situations so that they can address any potential issues. These may include behavioural, emotional, functioning or even personality disorders.

Psychologists use therapy to work with their patients. They are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medicine.

However, if a psychologist feels that a patient requires medication, they will refer you to a psychiatrist. People who have difficulty dealing with stressful events, such as divorce or trauma, may want to see a psychologist to help them cope.

For the Psychological Association of South Africa, contact: 011 486 3322 or visit psyssa.com

play therapist In this therapy, play is used to help children deal with emotional and other issues. This is beneficial for children from about three to eight years old, who may struggle to understand or express their emotions. The therapist encourages the child to play with toys, games, clay or other mediums. Through this play, the child is able to express herself and come to terms with feelings, fears, wishes or needs in a safe environment. This therapy therefore helps children to learn about their emotions, develop ways of dealing with problems and improve communication. For South African Play Therapy, contact: 012 667 5199 or visit playtherapysa.co.za

psychiatrist This is a specialist who works with and treats mental disorders that may be behavioural, cognitive or emotional such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Psychiatrists can also treat less severe mental disorders such as anxiety. As they are medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medicine. Patients are usually referred to them when doctors or psychologists feel that they would benefit from medication. A psychiatrist would examine the patient, possibly performing tests such as psychological

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speech therapist This therapist is concerned with how people communicate and associated disorders. They assess the physical production of sounds as well as the ability to understand and use language. In children, speech therapy usually involves meeting any developmental milestones that may have been delayed. Therapists accomplish this by using various exercises such as language interaction, sound production exercises or oral exercises to train facial and oral muscles.

Children who may need speech therapy include those with hearing impairments, developmental delays, physical birth defects such as a cleft palate, breathing or swallowing disorders or weak oral muscles. Children show more progress when speech therapy is started early, or before they are five years old. For the South African Speech-LanguageHearing Association, contact: 0861 113 297 or visit saslha.co.za

For health practitioners in your area, visit childmag.co.za/resources/ healthcare-practitioners

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books

a good read for toddlers

for preschoolers

This Book belongs to Aye-Aye

By Richard Byrne (Published by Oxford University Press, R136) Miss Deer is holding a competition to find the most helpful animal in her class. There’s a prize for the winner, but someone isn’t playing fair. In this story of the Good, the Bad, and the Fluffy, it will be AyeAye who wins your heart. Previously confined to the pages of natural history books, the aye-aye (a type of lemur that hails from Madagascar) makes its debut in a picture book. Richard Byrne’s Aye-Aye will melt your heart with his big eyes and ready smile. This is an entertaining story with a “whodunit?” twist for the youngest reader. It also delivers the important message that kindness and helpfulness will always prevail.

My Fold Out Words

By Roger Priddy (Published by Priddy Books, R33) Babies and toddlers will love to learn first words with this bright, bold board book. It features one long, concertina page, printed on both sides, which is perfect for unfolding on the floor for little ones to look at. With full-colour photographs of fun and familiar things, such as a ball, dog, shoes, apple, cat, train, duck, baby and a car, you can get your toddler to point out the correct pictures as you name them. This board book is also very sturdy, making it easy for little fingers to handle, and it can be wiped clean.

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Rod Campbell’s Nursery Book

By Rod Campbell

l essentia r e v for e y nursery

(Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R81) This book is filled with rhymes and games to share with your toddler. It has traditional verses such as Incy Wincy Spider and Pat-a-Cake, as well as brand new rhymes. The book has over 25 flaps to lift, so your toddler can interact with the rhymes while you read.

Appealing illustrations and an easyto-read text make this a must-have book. The author has been involved in children’s books since 1980, and he was one of the first authors to create innovative books for children under five with liftable flaps and other elements.

Feathers & Fur

By Audrey Penn and Monica Wyrick (Published by Tanglewood Press, R95) “Feathers and fur don’t mix!” squawk a pair of ducks when they see Tuesday the cat licking his chops over a nest of eggs.

But when Tuesday sees the eggs in danger from a storm, he takes heroic action, and lifelong friendships result in spite of their major differences. This heart-warming story was inspired by real events in the author’s own neighbourhood, and yes, Tuesday and the now-grown ducks are still close friends.

The author is best known for The Kissing Hand, the story of a little raccoon who was too scared to go to school and how his mom helped ease his fears.

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The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories

By Dr Seuss

Who’s Afraid of the Dark

By Dianne Stewart (Published by Jacana Media, R44) This book brings together two of South Africa’s most gifted children’s story telling talents – Joan Rankin and Dianne Stewart.

Stewart has worked extensively in the field of oral tradition. This inspired many of her children’s books including The Dove and The Gift of the Sun, with the latter also being translated into Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, French, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu, Afrikaans and South Korean. In this offering, Sanele is afraid of the dark. She hears strange noises and can’t sleep. She thinks there are monsters under her bed and a lion in the house. What will help Sanele sleep at night?

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(Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, R48) This book is indeed special – a collection of lost stories by Dr Seuss featuring tales about a scheming feline and a greedy duck; a rabbit who is saved from a hungry bear by a single eyelash; a goldfish who grows as big as a whale; a set of twins who don’t always agree; an Ikka, a Gritch, a Grickle, a Nupper and a pair of Wild Wheef in search of a tasty dinner; a small spot that becomes a gigantic splotch of a problem and a boy with wonderfully wacky career fantasies. Originally published in magazines in the 1950s, these stories are highly entertaining, beautifully written and fascinating – truly rediscovered treasures.

book shelf must-have

for early graders My Little Book of Life Cycles

By Camilla de la Bédoyère (Published by Don Nelson, South Africa, R130) How do sunflowers begin and how do tadpoles swim?

Packed with fascinating facts about life cycles, with amazing photographs of every stage and labelled diagrams to explain growth and development, this book reveals everything about beginnings. It comes with important notes to parents and teachers on how to use the book interactively, how science can be tackled as a subject at home, which places to visit to see nature in action, how to observe nature and how to teach your child respect for wild life. There are activities, as well as a glossary where certain difficult words are explained.

You, Me and Thing: The Curse of the Jelly Babies and The Dreaded Noodle-Doodles

By Karen McCombie (Published by Faber Children’s Books, R75 and R80) From bestselling children’s author, Karen McCombie, comes a funny, utterly irresistible illustrated series about friendship, secrets and an adorable Thing.

Next-door neighbours Ruby and Jackson get the surprise of their lives when they discover Thing living at the bottom of their gardens. And when Thing places a curse on the inhabitants of the new house that’s been built over his old home, Ruby and Jackson find themselves up to their eyeballs in jelly babies, magic and big trouble. In the second book, Thing comes to their school, and Ruby and Jackson are mixed up in a terrible tangle of noodle-doodles.

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for early graders Grubtown Tales: When Bunnies Turn Bad

By Philip Ardagh

t

laugh ou loud

(Published by Faber Children’s Books, R75) If Beardy Ardagh is to be believed, the trouble begins when a monkey escapes from The Grubtown Old Folks Home, or when The Sun-Ripe Raisin Man decides to give up shrivelled dried grapes to grow vegetables instead. Whatever the beginning, it all ends up with far too many bunny rabbits and a serious problem with paper aeroplanes. Philip Ardagh shows just what it is that would make any sane person avoid visiting Grubtown, for business or pleasure, at all costs and exactly why fun-loving readers, of all ages, should head straight for a shelf of Grubtown Tales.

for teenagers

Solomon’s Story

By Judy Froman

Kidnap in the Caribbean

By Lauren St John

(Published by Pan MacMillan, R90) To help his family survive, Solomon sells apples in Mamelodi. It is 1976, and the closure of schools after the Soweto riots leaves Solomon and his friends with few choices. They can either accept their place in apartheid South Africa or leave the country to try and force change from beyond its borders. Solomon chooses to fight for freedom abroad and embarks on a life in exile as a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe. A year later, he is sent back to South Africa as an operative, with tragic consequences. Solomon’s Story is a fictional account of the true story of Solomon Mahlangu, a young hero who paid the ultimate price in his contribution to South Africa’s freedom. The book is recommended for children 11 and older.

(Published by Orion Children’s Books, R135) From Cornwall to the Caribbean, 11-yearold ace detective Laura Marlin comes face to face with pirates, sharks, criminal masterminds and an erupting volcano in her second mystery adventure, which follows the Blue Peter award-winning first book Dead Man’s Cove. Laura cannot contain her excitement when she wins a trip to the Caribbean for herself and her uncle, Calvin Redfern, especially when her best friend, Tariq, and her three-legged husky, Skye, accidentally find themselves on board too. As soon as they board mysteries begin to pile up and when they dock at Antigua, they discover that Calvin has vanished, and Laura and Tariq are about to be kidnapped by the fearsome Straight A gang.

Time Twisters: Cape of Slaves

By Sam Roth

proudly South African

(Published by Puffin Books, R100) Sarah is a normal 12-year-old girl, with pale skin, a dark ponytail and a skew nose. But things change when she is transported back to the time of witch-hunts through a library book picture. Knowing she needs to meet other time twisters like herself, she finds cool dude, Toby, and science geek, Bones. Together they decide to risk their lives to rescue a missing girl, last seen in front of a painting at the Cape of Slaves Exhibition. It is an adventure that will leave them all changed forever. Will they find her in the past? Will they be sold as slaves? And will the portal in the painting stay open long enough for them to get back to the present?

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for us

Good in a Crisis: A Memoir

By Margaret Overton

special mention

(Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, R176) During the four years of physician Margaret Overton’s acrimonious divorce, she dated widely and sometimes indiscriminately, determined to find her soul mate and live happily ever after. But then she discovered she had a brain aneurysm. She realised it at a particularly awkward moment on a date with a Mr Wrong. Overton had been so busy looking after the needs of others that she had forgotten to look after herself. So she set out on a course to take control of her future and finally become independent of men. Good in a Crisis is Overton’s laugh-out-loud account of dealing with the most serious of life’s problems: loss of life, loss of love and loss of innocence.

Be Your Own Personal Trainer

By Eddie Lambert (Published by Metz Press, R176) This book gives you all the advantages of having your own personal trainer without the challenges of scheduling, possible personality clashes and being tied to a specific gym or venue. It demonstrates more than 250 graded exercises using body weight and widely accessible basic equipment, highlighting the muscle groups used for every exercise and explaining pitfalls and injury risks. These are then combined in 26 user-friendly programmes. The individual exercises in the routines are interchangeable, giving you even wider scope, and many of the exercises have interesting variations, as well as more difficult levels for progression. Special training programmes for pregnancy have also been included.

parenting books reality check

Alcohol Nation

By Dr Aric Sigman (Published by Penguin Books, R215) We are a nation that loves to drink and we’re passing the habit on to our children. But a growing body of compelling new evidence will force us to reconsider the entire way we view alcohol and young people. It suggests that early exposure to alcohol in particular has a direct effect on brain cells, brain size, intellectual ability and school performance, future fertility and the way our genes function. It also warns that binge drinking may actually cause depression, and is linked to early and risky sex, and being a victim of accidents and crime. In this essential book, Dr Aric Sigman ties up the latest medical research and puts the findings into context.

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Jo Frost’s Confident Baby Care and Jo Frost’s Confident Toddler Care

By Jo Frost (Published by Orion Books, R150 and R230) Who better than Jo Frost, the UK’s most trusted nanny, to help you during the amazing first year of your new baby’s life and the challenging but exciting toddler years? She gives sound advice and practical help on a range of topics, including sleeping, feeding, weaning, teething, playing, healthy eating, tantrums, sibling rivalry, play dates, life skills, nursery and childcare, positive communication, praise and encouragement, milestones and creating routines. Jo’s indispensable baby know-how will help all parents and co-carers of newborns feel more confident, creating happiness as you and your baby grow together. And the toddler book will help parents create a thriving and peaceful home, taking the dread away from the terrible twos and troublesome threes.

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calendar

what’s on in april

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

Keeping you informed about what’s happening in

1 sun

special events

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FUN for children

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only for parents

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bump, baby & tot in tow

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how to help

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SPECIAL EVENTS Like 2 Bike Run alongside as your child completes the 2km, 5km or 8km bicycle route.

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Sheepdog trials Watch the multitasking dogs listen to the commands of the handlers.

Giselle A love story about a prince who falls in love with a peasant girl.

Jungle Rumble A multi-storey indoor playground with a dedicated baby area.

Black-and-white day Pledge to do your bit for the environment and waddle around Lory Park Zoo.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / Raa Raa the noisy Lion – BBC CBEEBIES / Top Gear USA – BBC / Secret World of Pain – BBC KNOWLEDGE

and around Johannesburg. Compiled by Simone Jeffery.

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calendar

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 sunday A swinging Easter Enjoy the Contemporary Big Band and a Tribute to Swing performance in the lead up to Easter. Time: 1pm. Venue: Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 271 6000 or visit nelsonmandelasquare.com Easter Carnival Ride the carousel, pat a fluffy bunny, and have your face painted at the carnival in the Piazza. Ends 9 April.

Time: 10am–4pm, Sunday–Thursday; 10am–9pm, Friday–Saturday. Venue: Piazza, Clearwater Mall, cnr Hendrik Potgieter Dr and Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubensvalley. Cost: free. Contact: 011 288 5260 or visit clearwatermall.co.za Gandhi Walk After your brisk 7km or 15km walk you can enjoy the colourful fusion

variety show; get your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol checked free of charge (sponsored by Lenmed Clinic), and let the children play in the Kidz Zone. Time: 8am. Venue: walk starts and ends at Gandhi Hall, 29 Impala Crescent, Lenasia Ext 5.

Cost: 7km or 15km R25, grand masters (60 years and older) free. Contact Ramesh: 082 650 9416 or visit entrytime.com Insect walk Enjoy a walk around the reserve, collecting and identifying insects. Booking essential. Time: 9am. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, FroK members R40, pensioners and children R25. Contact Karin or Steve: 079 693 5608, sspotty@pixie.co.za or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za Like 2 Bike Parents can run alongside as their children tackle the 2km, 5km or 8km bicycle trails; the short courses

Gold bunny fun Children can take part in fun Easter activities, including Easter egg hunts and colouring-in competitions.

Seventy cents from each gold bunny sold is donated to the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Riverine Rabbit Programme. Suitable for children under 10 years. Ends 9 April. Time: 10am–6pm. Venue: Hyde Park Corner.

Cost: free. For more info: visit facebook. com/LindtChocolateSouthAfrica 1 April – Insect walk

are suitable for prams and balance bikes.

There is a children’s play area with a jungle gym, jumping castles and a picnic area.

No helmet, no ride. Age groups: 2km for 2–3 year olds, 5km for 4–6 year olds, 8km for 7–10 year olds. Time: 8am. Venue: Helderfontein Estate, Chattan Rd (entrance via William Nicol Dr), Fourways. Cost: preentry R80 per child, enter on the day R100.

Contact Kirsty: 083 326 6721, kirsty@ eventactive.co.za or visit entrytime.com

2 monday

6 April – Easter on the Vaal

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Easter picnic Spread out a blanket on the lawns of the library and bring along a picnic basket of goodies to munch on as your children create imaginative Easter baskets. Suitable for children 3–10 years.

Time: 10am–11am. Venue: Weltevreden Park Library, 1203 Fern Rd, Weltevreden Park. Cost: free. Contact: 011 679 3406 or gwynethp@joburg.org.za

5 thursday Easter at Eastgate Children can meet Bugs Bunny and the Eggbie characters while taking part in craft activities, face painting and more. The stage activities take place between 12pm–4pm daily. Also 7, 8 and 9 April. Time: 9am–6pm, Friday; 9am–5pm, Saturday–Monday. Venue: Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd. Cost: free. Contact: 011 479 6000 or visit eastgate-shops.co.za

6 friday Easter fun Children can take part in the many activities happening at Jock’s studio, including a treasure hunt for all ages, while you browse the shops and enjoy lunch. Ends 9 April. Time: 10am–4pm.

Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr and R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: varies. Contact Roger: 083 611 4350 or jocksstudio@telkomsa.net Easter on the Vaal The Easter Bunny has been busy hiding eggs all over the

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gardens of Stonehaven on Vaal. There are egg-decorating activities, jumping castles, a trampoline and slip ‘n slide. Also 8 and 9 April. Time: 11am. Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, next to Baddrift Bridge, Sylviavale Ah, Vaal River, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: free Easter egg hunt. Contact: 016 982 2952, info@ stonehaven.co.za or visit stonehaven.co.za

7 saturday Easter egg hunt While the children search for Easter eggs, treat yourself to some tea and cake at the on-site tea garden, or have a braai or picnic in the park. Time: 10am–12:30pm. Venue: Bokkie Park, Southvale Rd, Parkdene, Boksburg.

Cost: free. Contact Joan: 011 893 2655 Easter weekend at the zoo Children can search for goodies in the treasure hunt and take part in the other fun Easter activities. You can meet the ambassador animals and listen to the talks at the big cat feeding. Also 8 April. Time: 10am–4:30pm.

Venue: Lory Park, 181 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Cost: adults R60, children R40, pensioners R30. Contact Althea: 011 315 7307, althea@lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za Walk with dogs Grab the leash and take your socialised dog for a walk around Melville Koppies. No booking required. For children age 6 and up. Time: 8am. Venue: park in 3rd Ave, off Arundel Rd, Westdene.

Cost: R20, dogs are free. Contact: 011 482 4797, fomk@mk.org.za or visit mk.org.za

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8 sun

Easter holiday fun at Yeesh!

Pop in for Easter fun and let the children take part in the Easter hat competition.

Find more information on their Facebook page. Suitable for children 1–10 years.

Time: 10am–11am, 3pm–4pm. Also 9 April. Venue: Yeesh! Bryanston: 5 Main Rd, Bryanston; and Yeesh! Woodmead: Woodmead Commercial Park, Waterval Crescent, Woodmead. Cost: R50 per hour. Contact Bryanston: 011 463 5847; Woodmead: 011 656 9669, info@yeesh.co.za or visit yeesh.co.za

million-year-old cave. Booking essential.

Time: 9am. Venue: Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: R350, includes a picnic lunch. Contact: 014 577 9000, childmag@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Zoo snooze Enjoy a night camping in the zoo and experience the sounds of the nocturnal animals. Bring your own tent and sleeping bag. Booking essential. Event ends 8am the next morning. Also 28 April. Time: 2:30pm. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: R130. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

21 saturday Fun walk Make your way around the zoo in a 5km fun run/walk in tranquil surroundings. Each participant receives a rabbit medal. Time: 6am entrance; 6:30am walk. Venue: National Zoological Gardens, 232 Boom St, Pretoria. Cost: adults R40, children R25. Contact: 012 323 0294

27 friday 8 sunday Paint and hunt Children paint an Easter pot and take part in a hunt for Easter eggs. Booking essential. Also 9 April. Time: 12:30pm. Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R30. Contact: 011 956 3003 or visit gardenworld.co.za Zoo trot Enjoy a fun 5km or 10km run/ walk around the zoo. Time: 7am–10am.

Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: R35. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

14 saturday Cooper’s Cave picnic Step back in time and learn to make your own stone tools.

Bring along a torch and wear comfortable walking shoes so you can explore the 1,5

Freedom Day River cruises depart every hour or, hop aboard the two-hour Luncheon Cruise. There are plenty of activities to occupy the children; from tree houses and a sandpit to computer games and a slip ‘n slide. Booking for the Luncheon Cruise essential. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: R30–R250. Contact: 016 982 2952 or visit stonehaven.co.za

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27 April – Freedom Day luncheon cruise

28 saturday Charity dog walk Get a bit of exercise for you and your dog and raise funds for Claw and Fora. There is a crafters market, games for children, prizes for dogs, and food on sale. Time: 9am–2pm.

Venue: Amakoekoe Guest Lodge, Apple St, Honeydew. Cost: adults R20, children and dogs free. Contact Claudia: 074 157 3466 or visit charitydogwalk.co.za.

International Frog Day Dress in green and hop around the zoo to show your conservation support for our friendly amphibians. Children can play “spot the frog” or “catch the fly” while you enjoy the conservation talks in the lapa. Time: 10am–4:30pm. Venue: Lory Park, 181 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Cost: adults R60, children R40, pensioners R30.

Contact Althea: 011 315 7307, althea@ lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za Sheepdog trials Unpack your outdoor gear and enjoy a rare day out in the Cradle of Humankind with sheepdogs, sheep and whistling handlers. Bring umbrellas and chairs. Also 29 April. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: 25 Driefontein/Kromdraai Rd, Muldersdrift.

Cost: adults R25, children and pensioners R15, children under 7 free. Contact Carol or Elsie: 072 288 1558, 082 441 9646, trollip@ iburst.co.za or visit sasda.za.net

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Spelling Bee: applications open Make learning and literacy fun by encouraging your child to enter the South African Spelling Bee. Heats take place from July to September. Suitable for children 9–14 years old. Applications can be made online.

Entries close 30 April. Cost: R150 (includes a T-shirt). Contact Ntsako: 011 616 3856, 082 588 0190, spellingbeesa@gmail.com or visit saspellingbee.wordpress.com The world of TV, film and print Find out more about these industries and get a few tips on what to expect when attending auditions at this introductory talk by Caitlin Castings. 21 April. Time: 10am–11:30am. Venue: Hilton Hotel, 138 Rivonia Rd, Sandton. Cost: free. Contact Addi: 082 559 6702, addi@netactive.co.za or visit caitlinscasting.co.za

9am–3:30pm, every Sunday. Venue: The Seedpod Studio, Broadacres Garden Centre, Cedar Rd, Fourways. Cost: workshops vary; studio R60 per hour (excluding materials).

Contact: 011 465 0375, info@seedpodstudio. co.za or visit seedpodstudio.com Ceramic painting and mosaic fun Get creative with ceramics and mosaic and make a special gift or décor for your room.

Booking essential. Suitable for children 7 years and older. Time: 9:30am–4pm, Monday–Saturday. Venue: Pottery Junxion, 99 Linksfield Rd, Edenvale. Cost: R20 per hour, R80 for a three-hour lesson. Contact: 011 453 2721, rosie@potteryjunxion.co.za or visit potteryjunxion.co.za Craft club Learn to transform your wardrobe in this informative three-hour workshop where you are taught the art of tie-dye and lino printing. Bring along your own fabrics or garments. Booking essential. 7 April. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Northriding. Cost: R350. Contact Melanie: 083 568 9150 or info@dyeandprints.co.za Gobbledigook workshops In this three-day workshop, children can learn to express themselves through different artistic mediums. 23–25 April. Time: 9:30am–12pm or 2pm–4:30pm. Booking essential. Venue: Gobbledigook art studio, 14 12th Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R750, includes materials, journal and refreshments. Contact Bronwyn: 083 450 9111 or bmgcoppola@gmail.com Journey of self-discovery Empower your daughter by building her emotional intelligence and developing the social skills that will accompany her throughout her life. Space is limited to six children per workshop. Suitable for girls 9–10 years old. Starts 26 April. Time: 3:30pm–5pm.

Venue: Highlands North area. Cost: R2 200, reclaimable from medical aid.

Contact Lana: 011 786 5365 Kids’ cooking programme Children learn about kitchen safety, cooking terms, measurement, hygiene and nutrition as they cook up a storm of eats and treats under the guidance of a team of experts.

Suitable for children 7–13 years old. 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 13, 20, 23 and 24 April. Time: 9am–12:30pm. Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R230 for one session, R390 for two sessions, R590 for three sessions. For more info: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Oil painting workshop This three lesson workshop introduces young artists to oil painting on canvas. Lessons include an introduction to the history of still life painting, oil painting materials

classes, talks and workshops Art @ Seedpod Get creative at the mosaic, pewter or bookbinding workshops.

Time: 9am–5pm, every Monday–Saturday;

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Ceramic painting and mosaic fun at Pottery Junxion

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22 sun

Bush food and drink After walking around the reserve, and identifying and collecting various plants, you reap your rewards and prepare and taste the plants you have collected.

Booking essential. 22 April. Time: 9am. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R60, FroK members R50, children R30 (includes food and drink tastings). Contact Karin or Steve: 079 693 5608, sspotty@pixie.co.za or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

and mixing colours. Suitable for children 11–13 years. 18, 24 and 25 April. Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: Beeline Art Studio, Riverclub, Sandton. Contact Taryn Millar: 082 904 3720, taryn@beelinestudio. co.za or visit beelinestudio.co.za

family outings Picnics in the sky Browse the stalls at the market for tasty treats for your picnic basket and head to the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre for amazing views of Johannesburg. Time: 11am–2pm, every Sunday. Venue: meet at Market on Main, 286 Fox St, Maboneng Precinct. Cost: adults R150, children R60. Contact: 072 880 9583, info@mainstreetwalks.co.za or visit mainsreetwalks.co.za Rand Easter Show Enjoy a fun day out with a wide range of activities for the whole family. 6–15 April. Time: 9am–8pm. Venue: Nasrec Expo Centre, cnr Rand Show Rd and Nasrec Rd. Cost: adults R80, teenagers and pensioners (10–13 April) R40, children R20, children under 6 free. Contact: 011 494 2894, info@randshow.co.za or visit randshow.co.za The world under your feet The maze has been growing tall and green to create 3,5km of pathways and dead ends. Time: 10am–5pm, Saturday–Sunday. Venue: Honeydew A-maize-ing Mazes, Boland St (off Beyers Naudé Dr), Honeydew. Cost: adults R90, children R65, family ticket (two adults, two children) R280. Contact: 073 795 2174 or visit honeydewmazes.co.za Vredefort Dome outing You can enjoy a family weekend away taking part in nature walks, talks and enjoying evening lectures.

Space is limited. 14–16 April. Venue: Vredefort, Vaal. Cost: members R100, nonmembers R200, children R100, children under 6 free (excluding accommodation).

Contact Karen: 011 958 5177 or botsoc@ sisulugarden.co.za

Flights of Fancy bird shows Time: weekdays, 11am and 3pm; weekends, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Venue: Montecasino Bird Gardens, cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways. Cost: adults R45, children R25 (Flights of Fancy included in the entrance fee). Contact: 011 511 1864, mbirds@mweb.co.za or visit montecasino.co.za The ultimate classroom Enjoy a guided walk around the reserve learning about the flora, fauna, geology, archaeology and history of Melville Koppies. 8 and 22 April.

Time: 8:30am. Venue: Melville Koppies, Kafue Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: adults R30, children R10. Contact: 011 482 4797, fomk@mk.org.za or visit mk.org.za

holiday programmes Animal trainer for a day Be a trainer for a day and work with the stars of the Flight of Fancy bird show. Learn what it takes to train the birds and even try out your skills on each other and some of the animals. Suitable for children 7–12 years old. 5 April. Time: 8:30am–2:30pm. Venue: Montecasino Bird Gardens, cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways. Cost: R120. Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za Community service Learners who need to accumulate hours for their community outreach programme can join the Lory Park education team and assist the keepers with cleaning of enclosures, food preparation, activities and general daily tasks. Suitable for children 12–18 years old. 2 April–2 May. Time: 7am–4pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Lory Park Zoo, 180 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Cost: R100 per child. Contact: 011 315 7307, 071 180 9065, education@ lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za

finding nature and outdoor play Elephants, lions and chimps Watch the animal shenanigans as they play with balls of all shapes and sizes. 6, 7 and 13 April. Time: 10am. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R55, children R34. Contact: 011 646 2000, info@jhbzoo.org.za or visit jhbzoo.org.za magazine joburg

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calendar Cricket clinic Learn all the aspects of the game from this leading cricket school, Ryan Maron’s Cricket School of Excellence.

Suitable for children 6–16 years. 2–5 April.

Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: University of Johannesburg, Cricket Oval, Cadoza Rd. Cost: R500 per student, two students from same family R970, includes T-shirt, cap, Powerade bottle and drinks. Contact William: 021 671 9460, william@cricketschool.co.za or visit cricketschool.co.za Drama Stars These fun and imaginative classes instil confidence in your child as they develop their gross and fine motor skills, speech development and articulation, and practice social interaction. Space is limited. Suitable for children 4–6 years.

Starts 10 April. Time: 1:30pm–2pm, every Wednesday. Venue: West Rand. Cost: R50 per lesson. Contact Bronwyn: 074 173 8344, dramastarsza@gmail.com or visit dramastarsza.webs.com Fun first aid Dangers in the home and around us are discussed as well as dealing with and calling the emergency services.

Learn basic CPR and how to deal with choking, shock, bleeding and injuries (bandaging different types of fake wounds), burns and broken bones (splinting of legs and arms) and stretcher building. 16 April.

Time: 8am–2pm. Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R275. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za

2–5 April – Cricket clinic

Holiday band workshop Children create music and experience different instruments as they play as part of a band and figure out which instrument they prefer. Booking essential. Ends 9 April. Time: 9am–12pm, Monday–Thursday; 9am–12pm and 1pm –4pm, Friday–Saturday. Venue: Key Players Music, 4 Sandpiper Ave, Douglasdale.

Cost: R130 per three-hour session. Contact Dominique: 078 702 1634 or workshop@ keyplayersmusic.com Holiday cooking Children can put on their chef’s hats and explore the creative world of cooking. This month they get to make Easter eggs, pizza, cheesecake, tacos, quiche, mini marble cakes and more. 2–3, 16–18 and 23–25 April. Time: 8:30am–12pm. Venue: Taste Bud Cooking Studio, 3 Waterford Place, Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: R200 per day. Contact Nicola: 082 331 9987, nicola@tastebudstudio.co.za or visit tastebudstudio.co.za Joburg Zoo holiday programme There are various programmes available with

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Chefs in training Classes are focused on teaching essential cooking skills, such as using knifes and other kitchen equipment, while exposing children to new tastes and textures. Booking advisable. Time: 1:30pm–2:30pm for 3–6 year olds; 2:30pm–3:30pm for 6–8 year olds; 3:30pm–4:30pm for 8 years and older, every Thursday in April. Venue: Feastt, Parktown Quarter, cnr 3rd Ave and 7th Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R70 per lesson. Contact Rene: 011 447 8001 or rene@feastt.co.za

fun activities. Booking is essential. Suitable for children 3–13 years. 2–5 and 18–26 April. Time: 8:30am–5:30pm. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview.

Cost: tbc. Contact Lebo: 011 646 2000 ext 216, lebo.moalusi@jhbzoo.org.za or visit jhbzoo.org.za Junior ranger programme Children explore various aspects of bush life, such as learning more about which plants hurt and which plants help; investigating snakes, spiders, scorpions, insects and birds; spotting animals; using a compass and avoiding and dealing with bites and stings. There are games to play and fun is guaranteed. 19 April. Time: 8am–2pm.

Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R275, includes refreshments and a certificate. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Merry Days holiday care Children can enjoy fun Easter-themed activities this holiday: painting, dancing, singing as well

5 April – Animal trainer for a day

magazine joburg

as creating baskets and bunnies. Suitable for children 3 months–5 years. 4 April– 2 May. Time: 6:30am–5:30pm. Venue: Merry Days, 51 Othello Rd, Fourways.

Cost: R60 for Merry Days students, R100 for non-students (includes breakfast, lunch and snacks). Contact Cathy or Jerry: 011 467 3339, jerry@merrydays.co.za or visit merrydays.co.za Pony camp Children can learn to ride, groom and clean ponies, prepare the pony’s feed and have lots of fun and games.

A sleepover is offered to children over eight years. Suitable for children 6–16 years. 2–4 April. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Shepherd’s Fold Stables, 55 Sunset Dr, Elandsdrift, Muldersdrift. Cost: R220, including lunch and refreshments. Contact Belinda: 084 220 2657, belinda.milsom@gmail.com or visit shepherdsfoldstables.co.za Ranger day programme A fun and interactive programme where children explore the wonderful and magical world of animals and get to be a ranger for a day. Suitable for children 8–16 years old.

3–26 April. Time: 7am–4pm, Tuesday– Thursday. Venue: Lory Park, 180 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Cost: R150 (includes a light lunch). Contact De Waal: 011 315 7307, education@lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za Tennis clinic Classes are kept small to ensure each child gets individual attention.

Booking essential. Suitable for children 3–16 years. 2–6 April at Lonehill Crawford Pre-preparatory School, Lonehill Boulevard.

16–20 and 23–27 April at Craighall Park Tennis Club, St Alban’s Rd, Hyde Park.

Time: 8:30am–9:30am, children 3–6 years; 9:30am–1:30pm, children 6–16 years. Cost: 3–6 years R80 per day, R240 for five days; 6–16 years R200 per day, R900 for five days.

Contact Michele: 083 443 3391, michele@ itatennis.co.za or visit itatennis.co.za Theatre camp Children learn about drama, theatre craft, music, dance and stage production in a fun and creative four-day camp. At the end of the camp they present a production to their parents.

Suitable for children 5–13 years. 10–26 April. Time: 10am–3pm, Monday– Thursday. Venue: Dance Café, 1st floor, The Square Shopping Centre, cnr Naivasha Rd and Leeuwkop Rd, Sunninghill. Cost: R950, includes lunch. Contact Dexter or Terry: 011 234 0448, dexter@dancecafe.co.za or visit dancecafe.wozaonline.co.za Wildkids holiday programme This programme gets your child outside instead of having them spend their holidays in front of a screen. The activities are age appropriate and may involve playing in mud, climbing trees, running, skipping and

2–4 April – Pony camp

hopping. Booking essential. Suitable for children 3–6 years. 13, 16, 20 and 23 April.

Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Field and Study Centre, Parkmore. Cost: R175. Contact Troye: 083 457 4106 or visit wild-kids.co.za

markets Bokkie Park Craft Market Browse through a variety of unique items that are on sale and treat the children to sand art, face painting, ceramic painting, pony rides, camel rides and farmyard activities.

7 April. Time: 9am–2:30pm. Venue: Bunny Park Craft Market, Pretoria Rd, Rynfield, Benoni. Cost: free entry. Contact Janine: 011 896 3890, 083 294 1817 or visit craftsinthepark.blogspot.com Jozi Food Market Shop for your fresh food in the great outdoors. Time: 8:30am–1:30pm, every Saturday. Venue: Pirates Sports Club, 4th Ave Ext, Parkhurst. Cost: free. Contact: 076 469 8995, enquiries@jozifoodmarket. co.za or visit jozifoodmarket.co.za Organic and Craft market Purchase home-made and organic products, from pewter and beading to fresh produce and flowers. 29 April. Time: 9am–2pm.

Venue: River Deck Country Estate, 35 Peter Rd, Honeydew. Cost: free. Contact: 087 940 9920, info@riverdeck.co.za or visit riverdeck.co.za Pretoria Boeremark The farmers’ market takes place on one of the oldest working farms in Pretoria. Gather under the trees, enjoy the live music and purchase fresh produce or a selection of unique art and crafts. Time: 5am–9:30am, every Saturday.

Venue: Pioneer Museum, Keuning St. Cost: free entry. Contact Johan: 082 416 3900, ptaboeremark@tlu.co.za or visit pretoriaboeremark.co.za

on stage and screen Alice in her Wonderland Follow the daydreaming Alice as she chases a

2–26 April – Joburg Zoo holiday programme

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Bumboarding at the Ski Deck

White Rabbit down a rabbit hole and into a phantasmagorical world of wonderful characters. Time: 10am. Venue: 2 April at the Rivonia Barnyard Theatre: cnr Witkoppen Rd and Rivonia Rd, entrance in Achter Rd, Rivonia Crossing. 5 and 9 April at the Cresta Barnyard Theatre: Cresta Shopping Centre, cnr Beyers Naudé Dr and Weltevreden Rd, Cresta. Cost: R50. For more info: visit barnyardtheatres.co.za Big Top Rock Enjoy the foot-tapping rock music accompanied by aerial acts, jugglers and a flying rope act. Ends 29 April. Time: 2pm and 8pm. Venue: Barnyard Theatre, Cresta Shopping Centre, cnr Beyers Naudé Dr and Weltevreden Rd, Cresta.

Cost: R95–R145. Contact: 011 280 4370 or visit barnyardtheatre.co.za Charlotte’s Web A touching story about Fern, a young girl who can speak to animals, and a spider named Charlotte, who save Wilbur from Mr Zuckerman’s axe.

Suitable for children 3 years and older. Ends 14 April. Time: 9am and 11am, weekdays; 10:30am and 2:30pm during the holidays.

Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: adults R100, children R80. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com or jyt.co.za El Milagro: Madame Zingara Dine in Madame Zingara’s mirrored tent while

being entertained by a troupe of performers from around the world. Time: 7pm–11pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Venue: Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways. Cost: R410–R496, includes welcome drinks, a four-course dinner and the show. Contact: 0861 623 263, boxoffice@madamezingara. com or visit madamezingara.com Nature puppet show Dianna Steward is performing a delightful marionette puppet show in the reserve titled Magical Happenings in Nature. 21 April. Time: 9am. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, FroK members and children R40. Contact Karin or Steve: 079 693 5608, sspotty@pixie. co.za or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za Powerbrain – The Mentalist Let Michael Abrahamson blow your mind with his lightning calculations, memory demonstrations, mind reading and more.

17–21 April. Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Art Centre, University of Johannesburg, cnr Kingsway Rd and University Rd, Auckland Park. Cost: R160. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Raa Raa the Noisy Lion Follow Raa Raa, the lovable little lion, as he explores the jungle in his cubby buggy looking for new and noisy things to do with his friends. Preschoolers are able to follow the simple story lines and they can enjoy and learn with rhyme, rhythm and word play.

From 9 April – Raa Raa the Noisy Lion

Starts 9 April. Time: 9:50am, weekdays on CBeebies, channel 306 on DStv. For more info: visit dstv.com The Jungle Book Follow the man-cub Mowgli and his lovable friends as they journey through the jungle. Ends 15 April.

Time 10:30am and 2:30pm. Venue: The People’s Theatre, cnr Loveday St and Hoofd St, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein. Cost: R99. Book through Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com The Princess and the Pea A humorous tale of a prince who is searching for a suitable princess. Time: 10am. Venue: 28 April, Cresta Barnyard Theatre, Cresta Shopping Centre, cnr Beyers Naudé Dr and Weltevreden Rd; 30 April Rivonia Barnyard, cnr Witkoppen Rd and Rivonia Rd. Cost: R50. For more info: visit barnyardtheatres.co.za

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playtime and story time Dibukids storytelling Expose your children to different languages at Dibuka, where they can listen to stories told in Zulu, English and French. Suitable for children 3 years and older. 21 April. Time: 10:30am.

Venue: Dibuka at Alliance Francaise, 17 Lower Park Dr, cnr Kerry Rd, Parkview. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 1115, dibukids@ alliance.org.za or visit alliance.org.za

sport and physical activities

481 6410, info@understandingfamilies. co.za or visit understandingfamilies.co.za Adapting to your mentally challenged baby Leeann Holdsworth gives a talk to assist parents with a mentally challenged newborn in adapting their environment and dealing with their new baby. 14 April.

Time: 9:30am–12pm. Venue: Psychmatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R500. Contact Lin: 011 450 3576, info@psychmatters.co.za or visit psychmatters.co.za

Building your EQ Learn to manage your emotions effectively to facilitate harmonious interactions with others, take responsibility for your life and live with a sense of purpose. 11 April. Time: 9am–11am.

Venue: Psychmatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R500, early bird booking R450. Contact Lin: 011 450 3576, info@psychmatters.co.za or visit psychmatters.co.za Dancing Divas Learn the basics of dancing and improve your fitness in these classes for

Bumboarding Have fun bumboarding, slope surfing and sliding at the Ski Deck.

The playground includes a jungle gym, zip line, rolling log and trampoline. Suitable for children 3 years and older. Time: 10am–2pm, every Tuesday and Thursday.

Venue: 74 Bond St, Ferndale, Randburg.

Cost: R80 for two hours. Contact: 011 781 6528, info@ski.co.za or visit ski.co.za.

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classes, talks and workshops 123 Magic! A discipline course that teaches you methods of discipline so that you have time to enjoy your children instead of getting bogged down by life’s daily obligations. For parents with children 2–12 years old. 14 and 28 April. Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: Greenacres Business Park, Victory Park. Cost: R800 per person, R1 200 per couple. Contact Pauline: 076

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Good Parent vs Bad Parent A talk to help parents understand that saying no doesn’t make them a “bad parent”.

Suitable for parents with children 5–16 years old. 28 April. Time: 9:30am–12pm.

Venue: Psychmatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R500, early bird booking R450. Contact Lin: 011 450 3576, info@psychmatters.co.za or visit psychmatters.co.za

over 30s. Time: 5:15pm–7:15pm, every Thursday. Venue: Sri Sri Yoga Studio, 1st floor Coachman’s Crossing Centre, Peter Place, Bryanston. Cost: R480 for six weeks; membership: R360 for five classes, R660 for 10 classes. Contact Tina: 082 460 7915, tina@dancingdivas.co.za or visit dancingdivas.co.za Goddess dance This is a fun workout for all shapes and sizes, ages and stages. Time: 5pm–6pm, every Friday. Venue: The Gym on 11th, Benmore, Sandton. Cost: R120 per session. Contact: info@alimurray.co.za Neurotherapy Learn more about Play Attention, an integrated learning system that allows a child to train their brain to improve concentration. Booking essential.

21 April. Time: 9am–10am. Venue: Psychmatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: free. Contact Lin: 011 450 3576 or visit psychmatters.co.za Parenting course This course offers guidance so that you better understand your children and feel more confident with the way you resolve conflict. 25 April–23 May. Time: 6:30pm–9:30pm, every Wednesday for five weeks. Venue: Gibs, Melville Rd, Sandton. Cost: R1 200 per person, R2 000 per couple. Contact Natalee: 082 525 7941 or natalee.holmes@gmail.com Road to divorce recovery Natasha Sutherland talks you through the legalities of divorce, co-parenting, anger, dating, and more. Treat yourself to a workshop of audiovisuals, vision boarding, role

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28 sat

Make your dreams come true A talk that teaches you to set and achieve realistic goals. 28 April.

Time: 12:30pm–3pm. Venue: Green Genes (formerly known as Triba), 39 St Albans St, Craighall.

Cost: R200 per mom. Contact Kamani: 071 686 5028, kamani@ fabmomslifecoaching.co.za or visit fabmoms.wozaonline.co.za

playing and journaling. Booking essential.

20 April. Time: tbc. Venue: The Rabbit in the Moon Studio, Kyalami, Midrand. Cost: tbc. Contact Antoinette: 082 925 9076 or visit natashasutherland.co.za The Language of Miracles Learn about what your animal wants, needs, feels and thinks with Amelia Kinkade. Please bring a photo of your pet and your own lunch.

Booking essential. 21 and 22 April. Time: 9:30am–5pm. Venue: Delta Environmental Centre, Delta Park, Victory Park. Cost: R1 600 for both days, R900 for Saturday only. Contact Sandy: 082 372 3388 or sandy@deltaenviro.org.za The Power of Play This workshop equips you with the information you need to provide age-appropriate stimulation and play for the development of your child’s first four years of life. 28 April. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Parkhurst Recreation Centre, cnr 4th Ave and 13th St, Parkhurst.

Cost: R540, includes manual and lunch.

From 11 April – Top Gear USA premiere

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Contact Shannon: 074 102 6200 or shannoneggers@vodamail.co.za The Stork Talk A guide to speaking wisely with your child about their sexuality.

18 April. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Psychmatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R500. Contact Lin: 011 450 3576, info@psychmatters.co.za or visit psychmatters.co.za Your water-wise garden Join TV personality Lynton Johnson as you learn how to create your own water-wise, lowmaintenance garden. 20 April. Time: 9:30am. Venue: Lifestyle Garden Centre, cnr Beyers Naudé Dr and Ysterhout Ave, Randpark Ridge. Cost: R60, includes tea and prizes. Contact: 011 792 5616, ursula@ lifeimp.co.za or visit lifestyle.co.za

on stage and screen An evening with the Eagles The Eagles are set to impress audiences around South Africa with their Long Road out of Eden world tour. Time: 8pm. Venue: 7 April at the Sun City Superbowl and 8 April at FNB Stadium, Soccer City Complex. Cost: R520–R3 520. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000, or visit computicket.com Giselle The South African National Ballet, along with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra presents Giselle, a love story about a prince who falls in love with a peasant girl. 12–29 April. Time: 11am, 22 and 29 April; 3pm, Saturday–Sunday; 7:30pm, Thursday–Saturday. Venue: The Mandela, Joburg Theatre, cnr Simmonds St and Stiemens Rd. Cost: R90–R160.

Book through Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com or visit saballettheatre.co.za Joburg Comedy Cartel Enjoy an evening of bizarre stand-up with the comedy cartel of Alyn Adams, Vittorio Leonardi, Shaun Wewege, Warren Robertson and guest performers. 6 April. Time: 8pm. Venue: Foxwood Theatre, 13 5th St, Houghton.

Cost: R100. Contact: 011 486 0935, admin@ foxwood.co.za or visit foxwood.co.za Penn and Teller: Fool Us Some of the greatest magicians in the world, amateur and professional, perform their best tricks to try and fool the famous Las Vegas headliners, Penn and Teller. Starts 29 April. Time: 7pm, every Sunday on BBC Entertainment, channel 120 on DStv. For more info: visit dstv.com

16 April – Mom Squad

Pianist Pallavi Mahidhara This critically acclaimed 22-year-old pianist has performed on five continents and at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago where she received enthusiastic reviews. 1 April. Time: 5pm. Venue: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown. Cost: R120–R150.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Secret World of Pain See people who feel no pain at all and how this has affected the way they live their lives. 4 April. Time: 10pm, BBC Knowledge, channel 251 on DStv. For more info: visit dstv.com Top Gear USA premiere The premiere of Top Gear USA sees the hosts tackle a number of extreme challenges, including a moonshine run along the Prohibition route in the deep south, and racing a HALO jumper in a Velociraptor across the Arizona desert. Starts 11 April. Time: 8pm, BBC Entertainment, channel 120 on DStv. For more info: visit dstv.com

out and about A morning with a gardening guru Meet the gardening guru, Tanya Visser, and soak up her knowledge and expertise on gardening and DIY. 10 April. Time: 9:30am.

Venue: Lifestyle Garden Centre, cnr Beyers Naudé Dr and Ysterhout Ave, Randpark Ridge, Randburg. Cost: R80, includes tea and prizes. Contact Ursula: 011 792 5616, ursula@lifeimp.co.za or visit lifestyle.co.za Bone detectives Identify and comment on the various hominid fossils. The tour ends with a walk through the caves and a light picnic. Booking essential. 21 April.

Time: 9am. Venue: Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: R350, includes the tour, exhibition and a light picnic.

Contact: 014 577 9000, childmag@ maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Landscape to Literature Pippa Skotnes has curated an exhibition to mark the centenary of the publication Specimens of Bushman Folklore, a book dedicated to the Bushman culture by Wilhelm Bleek and Lucy Lloyd. Ends 10 April. Time: 9am–5pm.

Venue: The Gallery, Origins Centre, Wits University. Cost: exhibition R45, tour of the Origins Centre and the exhibition R75.

Contact: 011 717 4700, ask@origins.org.za or visit origins.org.za SA Garden reader’s day SA Garden is discussing the show gardens and sharing

tips on design, plant choices and the latest gardening trends. Booking essential. 21 April. Time: 9:30am and 1:30pm. Venue: Lifestyle Garden Centre, cnr Beyers Naudé Dr and Ysterhout Ave, Randpark Ridge, Randburg. Cost: R70, includes an SA Garden goodie bag. Contact Ursula: 011 792 5616, ursula@lifeimp.co.za or visit lifestyle.co.za Supper club A monthly club for you to enjoy cuisine from around the world.

Booking essential. 26 April. Time: 7pm.

Venue: The Forum, 1st floor, Wanderers Building, The Campus Office Park, 57 Sloane St, Bryanston. Cost: R295, including a welcome drink and a four-course meal.

Contact Tracey: 011 575 4411 or tracey. mukatuni@theforum.co.za Women at the Square The monthly ladies’ night at Cedar is filled with prizes, movie premieres and your amicable host Kate Turkington. Booking essential. 26 April. Time: 7pm. Venue: Cedar Square, cnr Cedar Ave and Willow Ave. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 465 0910 or visit cedarsquare.co.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Antenatal course Make informed choices about your birth options and learn about breast-feeding and baby care.

4 April – Secret World of Pain

magazine joburg

it’s party time

17 and 24 April. Time: 7pm–8:30pm.

Venue: Northriding. Cost: R1 200 per couple for six weeks. Contact: 082 494 2903 or samanthacrompton243@gmail.com Antenatal exercise classes Bring your baby and lose pregnancy weight in a motivating and supportive environment.

Time: 9:30am–10:30am, every Thursday.

Venue: Northriding, tbc on booking.

Cost: R80 walk-in, R250 per month.

Contact Samantha: 082 494 2903 or samanthacrompton243@gmail.com Baby group A group for new mothers to share experiences, get advice and learn a few tips. A new stimulation activity for your baby is taught every week. For moms with babies from birth–6 months.

Time: 9:30am–11:30am, every Wednesday.

Venue: Northriding, tbc on booking.

Cost: R80 walk-in, R250 per month.

Contact Samantha: 082 494 2903 or samanthacrompton243@gmail.com Fitmommy Fitness classes, with or without your baby, to get your prepregnancy body, or better, back. Bring an exercise mat, water bottle, small hand weights and your pram/stroller and baby.

Booking essential. Time: 9:30am, prenatalfittummy classes; 10:15am, postnatalfitbaby classes; 5:30pm, fitmommy classes for the more serious mom (without baby) or veteran mom. Venue: Norscot Manor Recreation Centre, 16B Penguin Dr, Fourways. Cost: three times a week R560 per month, five times a week R690 per month. Contact Debbie: 082 895 2513, admin@fitmommy.co.za or visit fitmommy.co.za Postnatal yoga Combine strength, play and serenity as you work your body back into the shape it was before you fell pregnant. Booking essential. Time: 9am–10am, every Tuesday and Friday.

Venue: Tina Otte’s Childbirth Education Centre, 4 Jack St, Cresta. Cost: R70 drop in; R250 once a week, R400 twice a week for a month. Contact Becky: 083 764 0756

For more help planning your child’s party visit

childmag.co.za/ resources/birthday-parties

Donate your old newspapers to Lory Park Zoo

10am–12pm, every Monday. Venue: 4 Pafuri Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: free.

Contact Liz or Karin: 083 226 7130 or vandermerwekj@gmail.com National Asthma Education Programme For information and advice on dealing with asthma contact: 011 643 2755, naepr@netactive.co.za or visit asthma.co.za Stroke helpline Contact: 012 312 0470, 086 110 1066, heart@heartfoundation. co.za or visit heartfoundation.co.za The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) Support for people suffering from eating disorders, drug problems and depression. They also have a suicide crisis line. Contact: 0800 567 567 or 011 884 1797. Suicide crisis line: 0800 567 567 or sms 31393 Youth with diabetes Support for families who have children with diabetes. Contact Allison: 011 712 6000, allison@youthwithdiabetes.com or visit youthwithdiabetes.com

playtime and story time Jungle Rumble Indoor Playground An indoor playground with an allocated baby area for children under 3 years. Time: 9am–5pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 10am–5pm, Sunday and holidays. Venue: Panorama Shop and Leisure Centre, cnr Kliprivier Rd and Jordie Rd. Cost: R35 one hour, R45 two hours, R55 three hours, babies 10–18 months R15, babies under 10 months free.

Contact: 011 432 0403, info@junglerumble. co.za or visit junglerumble.co.za Playdays at Larney Ladybirds Let the children blow off some steam in the outdoor play area with its climbing frame, sandpit, pool and scooter track. For children aged 0–6 years. 11 and 18 April.

Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Larney Ladybirds Party Venue, Valley Rd, Broadacres.

Cost: adults R25, children R15 (includes refreshments). Contact Bianca: 083 770 7702, bianca@larneyladybirds.co.za or visit larneyladybirds.co.za

support groups Mom Squad A support group for new or expectant moms under the guidance of a doctor and mother of two, Karin, and her mom, Liz. Starts 16 April. Time: magazine joburg

Fitmommy

how to help Black-and-white day On 21 April, celebrate the end of the five-day Penguin Promise Waddle, which took place between Boulders and Sea Point in the Western Cape, by making a pledge to look after our environment and waddling around the zoo. Wear black and white, or dress like a penguin. Time: 10am–4:30pm. Venue: Lory Park Zoo, 180 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Cost: adults R60, children R40, pensioners R30. Contact Althea: 011 315 7307, althea@lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za Collect-a-Can competition Cash prizes for the schools that collect the most beverage cans per month, with additional prizes for the top school in the year. Register online. Ends October.

Contact Janette: 011 466 2939, janette@ collectacan.co.za or visit collectacan.co.za Doctors Without Borders You can help by making once-off or monthly donations or by volunteering your time as a fundraiser.

Contact: 011 403 4440 or visit msf.org.za Donate your old newspapers Venue: Lory Park Zoo, 180 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Contact Eddy: 011 315 7307 or info@lorypark.co.za. For their wishlist: visit lorypark.co.za The Lighthouse Baby Shelter This safe haven for abandoned and unwanted babies welcomes donations and baby products.

Venue: 48 Drysdale Rd, Sundowner. Contact Wanita: 011 795 4207, wanita@homefinsa. co.za or visit thelighthousebabyshelter.co.za Two Oceans Marathon The Sunflower Fund is looking for Gauteng runners to be sponsored as they run this marathon and raise funds and awareness for people suffering from life-threatening blood disorders. Ends 6 April. Venue: Two Oceans Marathon, Cape Town. Contact Lauren: 011 781 4200, lauren@sunflowerfund.org. za or visit sunflowerfund.org.za

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to joburg@childmag.co.za or fax it to 011 234 4971. Information must be received by 30 March for the May 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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itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party time

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anél’s finishing touch

ANÉL LEWIS comes clean about some of her parenting mishaps.

i

am a terrible mother. There, I’ve confessed. You see, last night Erin rolled off the bed and onto the uncarpeted floor – face-first. I usually hold her in a vice-like grip when she sleeps with me. But this time she was particularly restless, tossing and turning all over the bed. At about 3am, she decided it would be fun to communicate via Morse code with her unborn brother by kicking me in the stomach. Clearly eager for some nocturnal company, her brother responded with gusto. Desperate for some shut-eye, I turned over and that’s when I felt her roll away from me. I reached out to grab her, but there was just empty space, and a split-second later, a heart-stopping thud as she hit the floor. I catapulted over to her

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April 2012

and checked for bleeding and bruising, but she was, thankfully, unscathed. However, I lay awake for the rest of the night, berating myself for my poor parenting skills.

This mom business is clearly not for sissies, and I have to admit that there are a few other parental faux pas’ of which I am guilty. I have on the odd occasion replaced a couple of Erin’s meals with a packet of bright orange chips. I soothe my conscience by going for the “baked, not fried” variety, but we all know that at the end of the day, they’re still chips and not really one of the recommended food groups. Fortunately she takes after her dad, and will happily drop the offending snack for a piece of fruit if it is offered.

I also give her my husband’s wallet to

play with if she gets restless while I am watching the news, and then tell him that she found it herself on his bedside table when I wasn’t looking. I have even, very rarely mind you, allowed her to go straight to sleep after a particularly busy day, in her clothes and without a bath.

But then I spotted a post on a parenting site where a mother expressed concern about her toddler’s penchant for drawing with only a black crayon. Um, am I missing something here? Is a love for darker-hued art materials an early sign of something more sinister? Erin loves the pack of crayons I bought her. Not much drawing is happening yet, but she particularly loves chewing on the yellow one. Should I be worried?

There I was stressing about the potential toxicity of the crayons, without even considering the psychology behind their colours. I did an internet search, and found, to my relief, that yellow is considered to be the happiest colour in the spectrum. Phew!

So while she may develop a fear of heights after her recent plummet and perhaps an allergic reaction to the monosodium glutamate in the chips she’s been forcefed, I know now that she will be a relatively happy child – as long as she sticks to munching on the yellow crayon.

But, just for good measure, I’ve put pillows on the floor next to the bed, stocked up on dried fruit snacks and thrown the black crayon into the bin.

Anél is Child magazine’s features editor.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SUSIE LEBLOND

Anél and Erin