Child Magazine | Joburg December 2011 / January 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

keep them safe in the sun, the water and everywhere else

feet first choosing the right shoes

going potty? toilet training tips

www.childmag.co.za

Dec 2011 / Jan 2012

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what’s on in december & january

health

education

entertainment

I am not a fan of creepy crawlies, but as the first Christmas beetle settles on my kitchen counter, my spirits soar.

The cicada, or Christmas beetle as it’s commonly known, brings with it the promise of lazy summer days, gaudy tinsel on the tree and magical, festive family time. The little, shiny brown bug reminds me of Christmases past, at home with my mom, dad and brother. My dad – ever the gracious and generous Father Christmas, my mom – happy to put up her feet after a long year of primary school teaching, and my big brother – kind and caring, always.

Nowadays, with my brother in Australia and my sister-in-law in the UK, achieving a complete family Christmas is rare. To add to this, my dad died in June, so sadly this year will be the first without our gentle Santa. But it will be the first Christmas with my mom and my in-laws all together. To get the remaining grandparents together for Christmas is a coup and great cause for celebration. We’re planning fish on the braai, plates of paella and as many Lilos as the pool can manage.

My wish this festive season is that you too can spend fabulous family time together, that you too can put your feet up and play mind-numbing hours of Monopoly, relishing the time to breathe and smile knowing that your family is close.

Happy holidays from me, and all of us at Child magazine.

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

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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 Simone Jeffery • joburg@childmag.co.za

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December 2011/January 2012

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contents

december and january

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38 safe and sound

40 treasure hunt

upfront 3

a note from lisa

readers respond

15 reader’s blog

Claudia Eicker-Harris wants to send her four year old to a nudist colony 16 dad’s blog

sometimes your child’s honesty can be a bit embarrassing, says Marc de Chazal

46 the charm of camping

Lynne O’Connor and her family swap city life for the outdoors in Limpopo

12 get it off your chest

Anél Lewis praises grandparents

features

Lucille Kemp advises you to act fast when your child has croup

14 while you were sleeping

20 festive family traditions

Maia du Plessis and Simon Scarboro give inspiration for a feast on the beach

health

23 mom’s blog

geocaching is the buzz word in family fun. By Karen Whyte

42 festive food for family and friends

6 over to you

Ruwaydah Lillah gives 10 tips to keep your children safe these holidays

hristina Castle finds out how families C with different beliefs and backgrounds celebrate this time of year

Jessica-A’isha Mouneimne looks at ways to prevent cot death

regulars 8 wins

24 here comes the sun

advice on how to be safe in the sun this summer. By Vanessa Papas

27 stay safe in the water

Lucille Kemp looks at the importance of being water-wise

28 music for the mind

how can listening to Mozart benefit your child? Sonja du Plessis goes looking for the answers

31 little green fingers

Tamlyn Vincent gives tips on how to turn your child into a gardener

32 one, two, wee!

18 dealing with difference

Marina Zietsman looks at the genetic disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome

48 resource – get out there!

a selection of the best outdoor family outings. Compiled by Simone Jeffery

54 a good read

new books for the whole family

78 last laugh

which pet is right for your child at what age? By Jessica-A’isha Mouneimne

Sam Wilson is not going to pull out all the stops this festive season

classified ads

36 these shoes are made

for walking

Paul Kerton hopes his daughters will grow up to be more than the next Kim Kardashian

58 what’s on in december and january

Donna Cobban investigates the science of toilet training

34 finding (the right) fido

17 upfront with paul

Anél Lewis consults the experts on how to choose the right shoes for your child

73 family marketplace 75 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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Cape Town

Johannesburg

Durban

shutterstock.com

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shutterstock.com

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December 2011/January 2012

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letters

over to you article spot on

In response to the “heavy school bags” article I often see children with very serious spinal stress in my body stress release practice, and the sad thing is that these aches and pains are easily prevented. The weight of school bags, coupled with ergonomically incorrect desks and chairs, are responsible for many spinal problems in children. In a young, developing body these problems can become irreversible. A UK charity called BackCare has done a fantastic job of lobbying the authorities to take the spinal health of children seriously. Sadly, no organisations like this exist in South Africa. More articles are needed to highlight these issues. Thanks for once again taking the lead.

Melody Mitchell

on our facebook page In response to the website article “motor development therapy” I’m a preschool teacher and I think that children don’t spend nearly enough time playing. They are not being allowed to explore and make up games. It’s not just parents who are at fault, preschools are pressured to do school “work” with the children, which detracts from play (the real work of children).

Sarah Ashwell

one peaceful night…

I made the decision that 1 November would be the night that my five-year-old son, Marcus, would have to fall asleep without his mother. My husband and I did our research and accepted that the experts on television and in books must be right. Their advice was to simply put your child to bed, give him a good night kiss and leave the room. Every time he emerges from his bedroom, simply take him back to bed without making any eye contact or starting a conversation. This might carry on for ages (between 30 and 300 times – the experts are a bit vague on this one), until both of you are so tired, your child will simply fall asleep. It’s almost like breaking in a horse, according to these clever people. I don’t want to argue with the experts, but my child is not what one would call a textbook case. I’m not saying this because I’m his mom, but I think he has proven repeatedly that he is the exception to the rule.

Full of confidence and knowledge, we put Marcus to bed, explained to him how things would now be done, gave him a good night kiss, left on his bedside lamp and kept the door slightly ajar. The first time, he came flying out of the room like a ninja with a Jedi sword. The second time, I had to fetch him from under the table in the main bedroom.

Bear in mind that I was doing this almost blindly, as I was not allowed to make eye contact. The third time, he pretended to be very sad and tried his best to cry, complete with sobs, but no tears. Then he started with “but I love you mommy!” At this stage, I also had to keep my husband in line, as he was about to break the “no eye contact” rule.

Somewhere between the fourth and eighth time, my son wanted to know, “but why are you not talking to me?”

I succumbed, took him some milk and made eye contact. I gave him a hug and a kiss and chatted to him, sending the textbook nanny routine out of the window. It took all my willpower not to get into bed with my little one.

Instead, I forced myself to sit on his bed and hold his hand.

“Sing for me, Mom,” was the next request. Not sure of where to begin, I started with an Afrikaans children’s hymn he knows well. I worked my way through a few other church songs (it’s important for the songs to be slow with not too much rhythm). When I forgot the words, I simply sang “na, na, na.” At one stage, I worked through a difficult rendition of a Josh Groban song (lots of “na, na, na”). Then, with half-closed eyes and his little warm hand in mine, Marcus requested another “na-na” song. This is when I decided to “na na” Ave Maria.

As I sat in the half-dark looking at those two brown eyes, almost asleep but not leaving my face, I realised how grateful I am to have him. While calming my child, I had become calm. In my efforts to get my busy boy asleep, I too had become still. It gave me the quiet time to thank the Lord for my child. Marcus had helped me to forget about everything else, and enabled me to just be peaceful.

Janita Storm

i’m a winner I just got my prize, which I won through Child magazine.

Thank you so much.

The Ideal Toy hamper is amazing and my children will have so much fun with all the new goodies.

Penina Minkowitz

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Vanessa Papas’s article on central auditory processing disorder (“broken telephone”, November 2011) was great. I think she did a really wonderful job. I wish that I had read an article like that when I started this journey with my child, Tim. I really think it’s going to benefit some moms out there. The article has a great conclusion and is very positive, and I hope and pray that Tim too can benefit from early detection so that by the time he’s 12, he will be able to cope better. It is so nice for us moms to hear that we are not alone. I must admit that I was astounded by how many disabilities and difficulties there are out there.

Lianne Kelly

why halloween?

This has been on my heart for a long time and, as your magazine reaches so many parents, I want to ask why South Africans celebrate Halloween? It is not part of our culture or history.

Every year, I see how the shops expand their range of decorations, using this as another moneymaking scheme. It seems as if parents blindly follow their lead without question. I challenge every parent to read the history of Halloween to understand what it really means.

Why would any parent want their children to take part and dress up like a devil, a witch or an evil spirit? Please make an informed decision about celebrations such as these.

We could still have fabulous neighbourhood parties by celebrating something like spring or summer, where we could knock on our neighbours’ doors and give one another a flower from our gardens.

J from Cape Town

erratum In October we published a review on the Educat kit in our book review section. We incorrectly said the kit is published by Educat Publishers. The correct publisher is Edu-Cat Children at Task and the email address is cf.educat@gmail.com. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Follow us on twitter.com/ChildMag and facebook.com/childmag.co.za

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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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

on our website

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December 2011/January 2012

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wins

giveaways

in december and january funkiest footwear

where it’s at

Skechers Twinkle Toes sneakers with hot lights, a sequined toecap and colourful print designs, are the ultimate in funky footwear for young fashionistas! Skechers is available from Skechers stores in Sandton City, Rosebank, Cresta, Eastgate, East Rand Mall, Clearwater, Menlyn and Canal Walk. Also available from Edgars, Tekkie Town and other leading fashion retailers nationwide. Skechers hotline: 011 630 4000.

Five readers stand a chance to each win a pair of Skechers Twinkle Toes shoes valued at R400. See the “how to enter” box and simply email us or post your details and mark it as “Skechers JHB Win”.

The vibrant Lakeside Mall in Benoni provides convenient, affordable shopping.

The New Orleans-inspired town square, is the heart of the mall, where they are hosting a holiday programme by Lego and craft evenings every Friday and Saturday throughout the holiday. For more info, visit lakesidemall.co.za Two readers stand a chance to each win a R1 000 gift card, to use at any shop in the mall. Simply email your details to marketinglakeside@growthpoint.co.za and mark it as “Lakeside Childmag Win”.

geared up The BPA-free, funky Cool Gear range keeps your snacks and drinks cooler and fresher for longer, thanks to its patented EZ-Freeze technology. For more info, visit diversicor.co.za Two readers stand a chance to each win a Cool Gear Hamper valued at just more than R1 000. See the “how to enter” box and simply email us or post your details and mark it as “Cool Gear JHB Win”.

artistic flair The Super Rolling Art Centre is a mobile easel with a chalkboard on the one side, a whiteboard on the other side, replaceable pull-down paper roll for drawing and painting, four storage cups and four non-spill paint cups. For more information or to order, visit happykids.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a Super Rolling Art Centre valued at R2 000. See the “how to enter” box and simply email us or post your details and mark it as “Art Centre JHB Win”.

moving with the times The Enzi Chair is a revolutionary children’s chair that is adjustable as your child grows from infancy to toddlerhood and into the pre-teen years. For more information, contact 083 987 4447, liz@enzichair.co.za or visit enzichair.co.za One reader stands a chance to win an Enzi Chair valued at R2 000. Simply email your entry to liz@ enzichair.co.za and mark it as “Enzi Childmag Win”.

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December 2011/January 2012

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December 2011/January 2012

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wins

music to your ears Beautiful Creatures is parentfriendly children’s music, now available through iTunes. The range includes CDs, books, clothes and educational toys.

See Beautiful Creatures live on stage at Montecasino from 30 November. For stockists, contact paul@beautifulcreatures. co.za, leanne@pollywiggles.co.za or visit beautifulcreatures.co.za Two readers will each win four sing-along CDs, two illustrated storybooks and four educational toys, valued at R1 000. See the “how to enter” box and simply email or post your details and mark it as “Beautiful Creatures Win”.

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package deal The multi award-winning Sistema storage range is BPA-free, dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe, and modularly stackable. The patented clip-lock technology makes the Sistema range convenient and easy to use. For more information, visit diversicor.co.za Two readers stand a chance to each win a Sistema hamper valued at about R1 000.

See the “how to enter” box and simply email us or post your details and mark it as “Sistema JHB Win”.

how to enter

congratulations to our October winners

Unless it is otherwise stated, emailed entries go to win@childmag.co.za and postal entries go to PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Only one entry per reader is allowed and entries must be received by 31 January 2012.

René Chabana and Juanita Pardesi who each win an Eco.Kid hamper; Corrie Fourie who wins a getaway to The Ant Collection in the Waterberg; Anya Dyer who wins a uDraw Game Tablet with games; Christiane Köstlin, Lyn Laurenz, Ridwana Babamia, Sophie Plagerson, Jacqui Devezas, Helen Urban, Asha Valla and Nicole Barnes who each win a Green Cross gift voucher; and Tshepiso D Sebake, Thelma Cross, Deryn Garz and Clara Hurrie who each win a Kid-Ease voucher.

December 2011/January 2012

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December 2011/January 2012

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health

get it off your chest Croup is a common childhood illness and while most cases are mild, symptoms can worsen quickly

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roup is defined as the inflammation and swelling of the larynx (voice box) and windpipe caused by a cold or viral infection. It occurs mainly in children between the ages of six months and two years and can be seen as the equivalent of laryngitis in adults.

Some children are more prone to developing croup than others, and repeatedly at that. Although there is no sure evidence, Johannesburg-based paediatrician Dr Johnny Lotter says, “There definitely seems to be a family inheritance pattern for children at risk of getting croup; that they perhaps have a smaller airway, or a tendency to swell quicker when confronted with viral infection.”

Croup is highly contagious; contracted in the same way as the common cold. It is mostly present during the autumn and winter periods, so the majority of infections are between March and September. It is during this colder period, “when many children in daycare centres have

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December 2011/January 2012

the ‘glazed doughnut’ look, that croup strikes and is a common reason for absenteeism,” says Lotter. Dr Mario Zampoli, senior specialist of paediatric pulmonology at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital says, “In the past, serious bacterial infections caused severe croup-like illness, but fortunately these conditions are rarely seen today because of effective vaccines from the routine combination injection Pentaxim, which children receive at six, 10 and 14 weeks.”

However, Pentaxim does little to safeguard the child against the common viral form of croup.

identify and attack Typically, croup starts with a cold, which often appears as only that for several days, followed by a hoarse voice and a barking cough in mild instances or difficult and noisy breathing in severe cases. The symptoms will be worse at night and will normally last anything from three to six nights with the first two nights usually being the most severe. Other symptoms of the viral disease are fever, lethargy, irritability and poor appetite. Most cases of croup are not severe and can be safely managed at home: by getting your child to inhale warm misty steam, providing plenty of fluid, giving

them acetaminophen (or paracetamol) for the fever and to alleviate discomfort, and giving them a dose of oxygen via a nebuliser (medicine should only be added to the nebuliser if ordered by a doctor). Your doctor will prescribe cortisone, and in severe cases an adrenaline solution to breathe in via a nebuliser, to treat the swelling in the voice box.

Doctors advise against giving your child cough mixture as, according to Zampoli, “it doesn’t really work, it has potential side effects and with acute respiratory infections in children, coughing is good so it should not be suppressed.”

Lotter says, “It is important to know that your child’s windpipe is as big as his small finger, so only a small amount of swelling leads to a large decrease in airway diameter.”

If your child is not responding to home treatment and you notice any one of the following symptoms, take them straight to a doctor: they are very agitated, have difficulty breathing or they are struggling to breathe deeply, there is a tugging between the ribs when breathing in and there is a change in the colour of their lips or skin. However, Lotter encourages you to seek medical attention from the onset.

“If a child wakes up barking and battling to breathe, don’t wait until the morning to address the problem.”

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

so it’s best to act fast, says LUCILLE KEMP.

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health

while you were sleeping Although the exact cause of cot death remains unknown, parents can take steps to avoid the risk of it occurring. By JESSICA-A’ISHA MOUNEIMNE

know the risks While there are many theories about what causes Sids, or cot death, there is still no definitive explanation for this sad occurrence. Possible triggers include foetal neurological abnormalities, chemicals from

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the infant’s mattress, sleep positioning, exposure to smoke and temperature. But Megan Faure, co-author of Baby Sense (Metz Press), says that rather than looking for an exact cause, one should understand and minimise the risks. “Tummy sleeping has been proven to dramatically increase the risk of cot death and since the launch of the international Back to Sleep campaign, advocating side sleeping, there has been a dramatic reduction in the mortality figures.”

While co-sleeping, or sharing your bed with your baby, has many advantages, it has been proven to increase the risk of Sids. “Usually when co-sleeping occurs, the infant is not sleeping on a firm surface, under his own bedding or in a sleep sac.

This increases the risk of smothering and overheating, and if the mother is taking medication or has consumed alcohol, the risk is even higher,” says Faure.

Maternal smoking, whether during or after pregnancy, is also extremely dangerous.

“In fact, no smoking should take place anywhere near an infant and parents should

be strict when dealing with friends and family who smoke too,” adds Faure.

The risk is higher in babies born to mothers younger than 20 or who have had little antenatal care, and in babies born prematurely or underweight. Ninety percent of Sids deaths occur before the age of six months. It’s most common in babies between two and four months.

get help Families who have lost a child through Sids should seek counselling. There is no support group in SA, but Compassionate Friends supports parents who have lost a child in any way.

Johannesburg: 011 440 6322 or tcfsa@mweb.co.za Durban: 031 463 1890 Cape Town: 0861 227 464, support @tcfcape.co.za or visit tcfcape.co.za Nationwide: compassionatefriends. org.za

reduce the risks • Breast-feeding can lower the risk of Sids.

• Ensure the baby’s sleeping place is firm. Use a sleep sac to prevent your baby’s face from being covered by blankets. If you do use a blanket, opt for a cellular one.

• In the early weeks, put your baby to sleep near your bed.

• Ensure that your baby’s room temperature never exceeds 21°C and that your baby is appropriately dressed (not too warm or cold).

• Put your baby to sleep in a left lateral position and make sure his nasal passages are not obstructed.

• Ensure that your child’s mattress absorbs vomit so that it doesn’t sit on top of the mattress.

• Use a baby monitor that will alert you if your baby stops breathing.

• Do not use the propping method if you are bottle-feeding.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

s the mother of a young baby, one of my worst fears is discovering the lifeless body of my child in his cot in the morning. This is probably every parent’s worst scenario.

The American Sids Institute describes sudden infant death syndrome (Sids) as “the sudden death of an infant under one year of age, usually during sleep, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation”. In the United States, 2 500 infants die from Sids each year. There are no reliable statistics for the incidence of cot death in South Africa, but research shows that Sids is more prevalent in poorer communities. Durban paediatrician Dr Das Pillay says SA lags behind in providing reliable statistics and support for parents.

blog

the naked truth CLAUDIA EICKER-HARRIS considers sending her clothing-intolerant daughter to a nudist colony.

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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t occurred to me this morning that I should move to a nudist colony. Rather, it occurred to me after my four-year-old daughter had rejected outfit number 75 because “the socks have a seam”, that she should move to a nudist colony. The rejection of clothes is a regular occurrence in our house (for my daughter, not the rest of us) and some mornings it takes 45 minutes to get her to accept that she will have to feel the clothes she is wearing on her skin.

The other day she told me that I should go and find a shop where they sell seamless dressing gowns and that I should get clothes that make you “feel like you’re naked, mama”. She wants to know why no-one has invented clothes that stretch without having elastic in them, or shoes that don’t have a join where the soles meet the uppers (I told her that clogs are perfectly acceptable footwear in many countries), hats that don’t

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make your head itch or scarves that don’t make you feel “causticphobic”. I can’t wait until she has to start wearing bras – what fun that will be.

Every morning, we spend at least seven minutes sorting out her “bum-eating panties”, we then set our teeth on edge as we pull at the arms of a perfectly good long-sleeved top until the threads snap so that she knows it won’t be too tight. The only way we can ever get her to wear socks is if we pretend that they are “toedissolving socks” by putting them on her and then, in mock horror, whipping them off and counting all her toes.

The situation in which we now find ourselves is entirely our own fault. When Her Majesty was a baby, she was only clothed when we went out. We sniggered at people whose little darlings were ensconced in lace and ribbons.

We tut-tutted at little feet squished into shoes that made a horrible sucking sound as the wearers struggled through muddy puddles. And, heaven help the parents who actually put their littlies in full costumes on the beach. The poor things were sure to develop some sort of sensory problem in later life. Yes, I see the irony now.

When she started toddling, our daughter waddled around in a nappy (or mostly not) through the house, through the garden and, yes, sometimes through the local garden centre or park. We believed that children should be free of the constraints of clothing, the prickles of manufacturers’ labels and the rub-a-dub-dub of seams. But, I see now how very wrong we were.

So, here’s my advice to all of you with newborns. Dress your little darlings in the highest of polo necks, the laciest of christening gowns, the most sequined princess dresses, the knobbliest socks and the most label-ridden, buttoninfested, zip-clad, seam-swamped clothes you can find, because (and don’t say I didn’t warn you) the more you let it all hang out, the more it will end up biting you on the...

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

December 2011/January 2012

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dad’s blog

stop and stare Children can say the funniest things, but sometimes their honesty can be embarrassing

hildren have a generous capacity to stare at other people. Of course, their parents tell them that it’s rude to stare. Staring and pointing is especially rude, but children will do it regardless. Some things are just too fascinating not to point out.

And how else will you know where to look if someone doesn’t point you in the right direction? Sure, it may be a very big ocean that’s impossible to miss right there in front of you, but if you’re a child from Gauteng, travelling to Durbs for the first time, your brain is going to tell your finger to point and your mouth to

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yell something like: “Wow! Look at that, Dad!” Or in Afrikaans, “Kyk daar, Pa!” There are times when the innocent exclamations of a child, accompanied

standing in front of them had a very bad case of acne. “What’s wrong with that lady’s face, Mom?” my daughter asked spontaneously and loudly, gesturing

Staring and pointing is especially rude, but children will do it regardless. Some things are just too fascinating not to point out. by pointing and staring, cause embarrassment for a parent. For example, my toddler (who is now a teenager) was with her mom waiting in line at the ATM machine. The person

in the obvious direction. At that point (pardon the pun), her mom wanted a few dramatic things to happen, such as time travel or for the earth to open up widely beneath them.

When child-like innocence is thrown into the mix, such an episode is understandable and forgivable. (I’m hoping the person with bad acne found dermatological relief… and internal healing if my daughter caused her any emotional pain.) But it’s generally not acceptable to make fun of other people’s misfortunes or differences. If we all agreed on this, it would be a kinder world, wouldn’t it?

Read more of Marc de Chazal’s weekly parenting blogs on childmag.co.za/blogs/6

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for their parents, says MARC DE CHAZAL.

upfront with paul

almost famous Today’s celebrities do very little to earn their few seconds of fleeting fame. PAUL KERTON hopes his daughters will rather strive to do something worthwhile with their lives.

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

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read a snippet recently about a researcher who asked a classroom of four year olds what they wanted to be. Half said “famous”, which I found very telling.

Having once worked on a biting British tabloid newspaper selling 3,25 million copies every Sunday, I confess that even then, much of the content was celebritybased (and often controversial). But the culture of celebrity has since exploded out of all proportion. Everything now seems to be celebrity-centred.

There are so many new routes to fame, whether it’s the explosion of reality TV shows where ordinary people are whisked away to the gilded cage of fame and money; or selfcreated celebrity phenomena on YouTube.

Never before has there been an age when so many people, largely under 25, are so keen to get in front of the camera, and have the technology to do so.

The thing is, celebrities used to actually do something to earn their celebrity. Whether through sport, entertainment, business or general notoriety, natural celebrities rose

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Saskia, Paul and Sabina

above the clutter as the public’s champions.

Today, teenagers want to be famous but they don’t want to actually do anything to become famous. They just want to be a celebrity for the sake of being one.

Admittedly, some of their icons – Justin Bieber, Hannah Montana and others – do contribute something and work seriously hard. But check out the biggest celebrity milkmaids on the planet – the Kardashian family. Kim Kardashian earned $250 000 (almost R2 million) a day during her 72-day

sham marriage and gets $10 000 (about R78 000) for a mention of products on her Tweets. You can’t argue with the money – the whole family is a moneymaking factory – but what does she actually do?

Fame also used to have longevity, but now it is as instant as freeze-dried coffee and disappears as fast. Pop artist Andy Warhol’s famous quote, “Everybody will be famous for 15 minutes”, was probably true when he said it. But today that should read five minutes, as fame is fleeting. And when

stars are fading and the famous are on their way down after being at the top, there is nothing more depressing.

While celebrities were once chosen as reliable role models, we now have cricketers who take a “bung” (bribe); rugby players who act like children (especially in England), footballers whose every second word begins with “f” (said as they face the camera); while actresses wear drug-taking as a badge of pride as they casually pinball between rehab and prison.

This celebrity culture is having an adverse effect on our children and has been eroding their sense of reality for some time. I don’t want my daughters to be famous; I want them to do something that defines their lives.

If fame comes with that, then so be it. But celebrity itself is not a noble ambition.

No wonder the Western world is collapsing around us. Nobody is doing or making anything anymore; everybody is too busy queuing up to be famous.

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

December 2011/January 2012

17

dealing with difference

MARINA ZIETSMAN looks at Prader-Willi syndrome, one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed genetic conditions.

not just for us. We’ve also had to include extended family and friends. I have, at times, felt like a tyrant because I’ve had to say ‘no!’ yet again to Luke when he wants to eat something outside of his routine or diet. This is something most other children take for granted.” Janet says that taking Luke to the supermarket can also be testing. “He knows he shouldn’t ask for treats. We have to be strict. At times I’ve had to leave the trolley right there in the shop and take him home to make him understand that we cannot relent. Also, on the odd occasion we do visit a restaurant, I have to make it clear to him that he has only one of two choices from the menu. That’s it.” Luke is on a low-calorie diet of 900 calories a day and meal times are strict. Because of the low muscle

Food management also means locks on pantries, fridges and food cupboards. signs of prader-willi syndrome Dr Engela Honey, a paediatrician at the Department of Genetics, Division of Human Genetics at the University of Pretoria, describes the characteristics of PWS. “It is a genetic condition and presents with severe hypotonia (low muscle tone), increased appetite and obesity from about one year. If the appetite is not controlled, morbid obesity will develop.”

Dr Honey explains that different characteristics are apparent at different ages and stages (see “what to look for”).

Five-year-old Luke Legemaate, from Durban, has PWS. His mom, Janet, tells their story. “At birth, the first indication that something was wrong was that Luke was very swollen and floppy,” says Janet. “He was also non-responsive, he never cried and couldn’t feed on his own. We had to tubefeed him.” For two years, Janet and husband Brian had to subject Luke to several tests, one of which was a PWS test that came back negative, but they could not find the answer to what was wrong with their little boy. Although he could walk, with the help of a therapy programme, Luke was “walking, but falling all the time”, says Janet. At the age of two years and eight months, they did another PWS test that came back positive. “We finally had a name (for his condition),” says Janet. “We could now focus on what to do in order for him to reach his full potential.”

Dr Honey explains how PWS is diagnosed. “The diagnosis is made on clinical features and confirmed with blood tests. There are two different tests: FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridisation) where the presence of that specific piece of chromosome 15 is detected or not, and DNA studies where a methylation test detects if that specific area on chromosome 15 is working or not.” The latter is the more accurate of the two tests.

living with restrictions “We live in a society that is all about social events and these are generally focused around food,” says Janet.

“As a family, this requires significant planning before we venture out. We’ve had to make drastic adjustments about meal times, diets and keeping food away – and these are

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tone and inactivity, those who suffer from PWS need fewer kilojoules than the normal person. “On a ‘bad’ weekend, Luke can easily pick up 2kg,” says his mom.

Kath Megaw, a clinical dietician from Cape Town, says the amount of calories a person needs depends on their physical structure and age. For an overweight child who is not on growth hormone therapy, a diet of 700 calories per day is recommended. “That breaks down into about 150 calories per meal, three times a day, with 250 calories left over for snacks. It’s not very much, but because of the comparative inability for a person with PWS to exercise (and lose) 700 calories a day, it becomes very necessary to restrict their food intake,” says Megaw.

incredibly helpful to the person with PWS to know that food is secure and is not a temptation.”

And the way forward? Janet knows a time will come when they will literally have to lock away food. This is the reality. But for now, they are happy to do whatever it takes to keep their lovable little boy happy and healthy.

what to look for During pregnancy Reduced foetal activity; baby may stay in the breech position In the neonatal period Severely hypotonic; struggles to feed; a weak or an absent cry; shows little facial expression; almond-shaped eyes; thin upper lips with downturned angles of the mouth; sticky and thick saliva; narrow forehead; underdeveloped penis (micropenis) and undescended testicles in boys; in girls, there is hypoplasia (underdevelopment or incomplete development) of the labia minora In the infant period Hands and feet are usually small; the ulnar (forearm) borders of the hands and inner side of the legs are usually straight; delayed speech development; hypotonia improves to a point and motor activity increases, but gross motor development is delayed

management and treatment PWS is a complex syndrome, where in many cases the characteristics of autism are also present. Parents need to seek professional help to deal with very trying circumstances.

There are several professionals whose input is required to help make the life of someone with PWS more bearable (albeit not all of these are a must for each case). There is also no cure for PWS or any best treatment. “Treatment consists of a multidisciplinary team,” says Dr Honey. “This includes a paediatric endocrinologist (to monitor growth hormone therapy), a geneticist, a speech therapist, a dietician, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a psychologist and a remedial teacher.” But Dr Honey says the best “medicine” is early detection and weight management.

Megaw reiterates that it is important for food management to be implemented early. “It is far easier to start outright than to remove privileges later because of weight gain. It is also important that you recognise that food-seeking, which may result in morbid obesity, will be a problem and that you take steps to control this before it becomes a life-threatening situation,” says Megaw.

Food management also means locks on pantries, fridges and food cupboards, says Megaw. “Not straight away, but when food-seeking becomes apparent.

Although this might seem antiquated and unfair, it is

Childhood period Between the ages of two and three there is increased appetite and excessive weight gain; excessive sleepiness; decreased pain sensitivity; skin picking; temper tantrums related to food cravings; an increase in body fat mass compared to a low muscle mass, regardless of their weight; linear growth velocity is decreased and they are shorter than their peers; a small number of children may have an autistic personality Adolescence and adulthood Sleep and respiratory problems due to inactivity and obesity; behavioural problems, learning difficulties and temper tantrums; usual growth spurt and normal sexual development during adolescence is usually absent due to the lack of normal sex hormone production

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PHOTOGRAPH and illustration: shutterstock.com

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magine that you are hungry all the time, that you are on a diet all the time, and that you can only eat about half as much as everybody else – not to lose weight, but just so you don’t gain weight. This is how American mom Teresa Kellerman describes Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) on the Prader-Willi Syndrome Arizona Association’s website.

Although considered a rare syndrome by most people, it is one of the most common conditions seen in genetic clinics. But it is also one of the most misunderstood, as it is often not diagnosed. PWS is caused by a missing piece of genetic material on chromosome 15 and it is not more prevalent in a specific gender or race.

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December 2011/January 2012

19

our stories

festive

family traditions

CHRISTINA CASTLE talks to South Africans of different beliefs and

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he festive season is about embracing tradition and putting your own stamp on it, spending large amounts of time with family and friends and eating yourself into a stupor.

I’ve always loved the festive season. As a child growing up in Australia, it meant six weeks of no school, hot days and equally hot nights, colliding with Christmas beetles, drinking more fizzy cool drinks than I was allowed to in a year, playing cricket with my brother and father in the back yard, watching the Ashes, swimming in the neighbour’s pool, eating mountains of prawns, sunburn, salty skin, wrapping presents with my grandmother, decorating the tree, singing Christmas carols with my sister and making coconut ice and rum balls with my mother.

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December 2011/January 2012

Years later, South Africa is now my home and the festive season is still my favourite time of the year, with my children getting up to the same kind of nonsense. The only difference is that while we hang on to what was so special to us in the past, we are also forging our own traditions.

And it seems that many South Africans do the same.

oh christmas tree It’s a bit of an institution, our Christmas tree. There is absolutely nothing glamorous about it. But we are talking the Eastern Cape here and glamorous is not really part of its make-up. It took me a good few Christmases to get my head around the wonky branch that is our Christmas tree but, this being my husband’s turf, I was determined to embrace

it. And besides, I could always do the fancy tree with my family every second year. But, as the years have rolled by, this Christmas tree has inched its way into our family and became part of a much-loved ritual. Almost the very day we arrive for the summer holidays, the boys head off into the veld in search of an appropriate specimen. “Watch out for snakes, be careful with those weapons and bring us a nice one,” I yell as they climb into a bakkie with pangas, axes and mates.

They usually come back with a specimen loaded with character. Our tree is never straight or uniform, and it bears clear signs of the prevailing coastal winds. It is placed in a bucket with rocks and soil where it pretty much leans against the lounge wall. No one dares to shift it for fear of it taking a tumble and knocking out some old relative.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

backgrounds to find out what makes this time of year so special.

The decorations document the boys’ artistic journey through their school years. Some ornaments have been gifts from friends, others a feeble attempt to make the misshapen tree moderately “designer”. But the best part of it all is my husband’s unashamed love for tinsel. “A Christmas tree is not a Christmas tree if you don’t have tinsel,” he says. And so we have mountains of it that adorn not only the tree, but also every possible space where tinsel just might work. Even the fishing rods are draped in the stuff. I take a deep breath and place the presents at the base of this masterpiece. And secretly, I think it looks pretty cool.

family feasts and granadilla lollies

crayfish and cricket on the beach Loki Osborn is American and Lucy is English. And while their children, Scarlett, four, and Felix, seven, are born and bred South Africans, their extended families are very much on the other side of the world. But they always spend the summer holidays at home in Cape Town, honouring the traditions they have created for themselves over the years.

Christmas Eve is reserved for a more traditional family and food encounter. “The cooler evening is conducive to eating typical Christmas fare,” explains Lucy. However, Christmas Day has taken on a whole new format as the Osborns celebrate summer, family and friends. So, while their relatives and friends feast on turkey and gammon in the freezing northern hemisphere, they prepare dozens of crayfish, rustle up a group of friends and make their way to Llandudno. Here, they spend a not-so-lazy but highly indulgent afternoon on the beach, devouring local delicacies. And when that’s done, the wickets come out and teams are drawn for the annual Christmas Day beach cricket challenge. Whether you can hit a ball or not, or whether you have had just one too many crayfish, every age group is represented, participation is compulsory and festive fun is guaranteed.

While many families indulge in the commercial side of Christmas, for some, the festive season signifies a much-needed time-out. They prefer to call it a day after lunchtime, taking the opportunity to indulge in quality family time. Lauren Smith and her family are Jewish so she and her husband often work through the festive season. But they still manage to find some time to enjoy a picnic on the beach with other families, watching the children surf and the sun going down while sucking on granadilla iced lollies. “Why granadilla iced lollies? They are just synonymous with summer, like mangoes and watermelon. So too are tired, tanned and happy children.

The festive season is about sleeping late and catching up on the family time we often miss out on during the busy school year,” says Lauren.

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December 2011/January 2012

21

our stories

barszcz, uszka and pierogi Welcome to the Ranoszek’s “Wigilia” – the traditional Polish celebrations on Christmas Eve, but with South African undertones. Imagine devouring 12 courses of food in one sitting? In the Ranoszek household, the entire family rolls up its sleeves and pitches in to prepare this massive feast. I think they know it’s worth the slog.

Central to the meal are dumpling-like dishes, known as pierogi and uszka. These ravioli-sized parcels are either filled with wild mushrooms, potato and cream cheese or cabbage. Each parcel needs to be individually made so parents, Claudia and Marek, Stefan, 14, and Luke, 12, line up to form a production line.

Fish is baked, herrings prepared and the table is traditionally set with cloves of garlic at each corner for health. An extra place is always laid for the unexpected visitor (I think I might just pop in this year).

When the first star of the evening appears, it’s time to eat. And that they do, kick-starting the occasion with a generous bowl of barszcz (clear beetroot soup, served hot) which is followed by fish, herring, potatoes and, of course, the prized pierogi. There is fierce competition in the Ranoszek household as to who can eat the most pierogi. The current record stands at 37 pieces, but I’ll keep you posted as both Ranoszek boys are growing at a rate of knots. From there they waddle to the tree to open presents, reminisce and, wait for it, eat walnut torte.

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do it united nations style Every Christmas Eve, Nadia Surve and her family are invited to dinner at the house of their friends, Soraya and Mukhtar Joonas. Soraya spent her childhood in Canada and Mukhtar grew up in Mauritius. Although they are Muslim, Christmas presents an ideal opportunity to get together with family and friends who would not necessarily be celebrating Christmas. Soraya goes big and decorates her house from top to bottom with an extensive collection of Christmas paraphernalia.

Every detail is considered and perfected. The fare is traditional Christmas food, offered in vast quantities.

At the beginning of the dinner, they light a Christmas candle – a travelling light – that is passed around the table. The guests help their neighbour light his or her candle, taking a moment to reflect on the past year and to share their own festive stories. “It’s a fun way of connecting people, who are often strangers, around the table. We get to share and appreciate everyone’s traditions,” says Soraya.

At Soraya and Mukhtar’s Christmas Eve dinner, it’s not unusual to find Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians and other interesting people sharing this festive event.

“That, in itself, is worth celebrating. And it’s what Christmas is really all about,” says Nadia. I couldn’t agree more.

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mom’s blog

words of wisdom ANÉL LEWIS says grandparents deserve some thanks too,

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for the important role they play in our children’s lives.

y daughter, Erin, is a bit reticent among strangers, and she seldom smiles at people she doesn’t know. So I was astonished when she broke into a broad grin recently when an elderly gentleman glanced at her while we were out having lunch. He looked like your archetypal grandfather, which he later told me he indeed was.

Erin was entranced. She smiled, she showed him the book she was holding, and let him make faces at her.

Erin has not met her grandfather yet, as he lives in New Zealand, but she does get to spend all week with one of her grannies who looks after her while I am at work. It got me thinking about the value grandparents add to our children’s lives. Erin’s Oumie has already taught her so many things. She can wave goodbye, “high five” and change the TV channels with amazing (and somewhat alarming) dexterity. They share a special bond, quite unlike the one my husband and I have with her – one

of Erin’s shirts sports the cheeky logo “I’m tired of this, take me to Grandma”.

I can’t wait to introduce her to her other grandparents when we visit the Land of the Long White Cloud one day. Grandparents love unconditionally and with infinite patience. Also, having been there and done that, they are a great source of advice. My mom has shared teething and fever remedies that you can’t get in bottles or sachets from the chemist. We have Hallmark days set aside for mothers and fathers, but what about the grandparents?

So, in the absence of an official Grandparents’ Day, let’s remember to give thanks to these wise and wonderful people who play such a pivotal role in our children’s lives.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

They share a special bond, quite unlike the one my husband and I have with her.

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Read more of Anél Lewis’s weekly parenting blogs on childmag.co.za/blogs/960

December 2011/January 2012

23

health

here comes

the sun

here are so many reasons to love summer. Few things beat eating watermelon around the pool, building sand castles on the beach or going on a fun-filled family holiday. But summer also means increased exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. At least 80 percent of suninduced skin damage happens before the age of 18, so your child’s precious skin needs proper protection to limit the risk of them developing skin cancer in later years.

higher than in white skin. However, this does not mean that darker-skinned children cannot get sun damage and skin cancers.

All skin types need to be protected from the sun’s harmful rays,” she says.

block it out The first line of defence is applying a high factor sunscreen on your child whenever they are exposed to the sun. “While no lotion, cream, spray or ointment can totally

“Children have very delicate skin because the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin, is still thin. This means high doses of ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach the deeper layers of the skin quickly,” says cosmetic doctor Maureen Allem from Johannesburg. “While skin cancers are fortunately rare in children, one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chances of developing a melanoma later in life, so it’s vital to start sun protection at an early age.”

Although children respond differently to the burning effect of UV radiation, (a dark-skinned child will burn slower than a freckled, red-haired child with milky skin), the effects can be just as damaging.

“Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, helps protect the skin against the effects of the sun, but only to a certain degree. In dark skins, melanin provides a sun protection factor (SPF) about four times

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December 2011/January 2012

block out the sun’s rays, depending on the SPF of the product you use, your child should be protected from 90 to 98 percent of UV rays,” says Michelle Armstrong, brand manager of a sunscreen manufacturer in Durban. “Sunscreen is made from a long list of ingredients (see “what’s in your sunscreen?”). This is because there is a combination of UV filters, which have to be included to ensure full broad-spectrum protection. In a SPF50+ product, more than a third of the raw materials are filters. The higher the SPF, the thicker the formulation will feel on your skin.”

Armstrong recommends choosing extra water-resistant products with a high SPF. “Urocanic acid (UCA) is a biochemical substance naturally occurring in human skin. Together with melanin, UCA is among the most important components of the skin’s own UV protection system.

Swimming can cause the amount of UCA

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PHOTOGRAPH AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / NIKKI-LEIGH PIPER

While skin cancers are fortunately rare in children, one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chances of developing a melanoma later in life.

Protecting your child from the damaging effects of the sun doesn’t have to put a damper on their fun. VANESSA PAPAS explores ways to keep your child burn-free.

in the skin to decrease, which is why it’s important to choose products that are extra water resistant to ensure they stay on longer while your child is in the water.”

Different sunscreen brands have different shelf lives, but if you apply sunscreen correctly, enough for a visible layer before rubbing it in, a bottle should last only four to five full body applications. If there is no expiration date, throw away any sunscreen that is older than three years.

Extreme temperatures will also shorten the shelf life of your sunscreen, advises The Cancer Association of SA (Cansa).

Sunscreen should be applied anywhere your child’s skin is exposed, including their lips, ears, back, neck and the tops of their feet. It’s also important to only buy a reputable brand of sunscreen or one that has the Cansa seal of approval. Use lip balm with a UV factor to protect their lips.

cover up For additional protection, wear clothing or swimming costumes made from UV factor fabric. “The materials used in UV fabrics themselves are not special, rather it’s the way the fabric is constructed, the quality of the filaments and the density of the weave that gives swim wear fabrics a higher UV rating,” says Peter Constan-Tatos, of a protective clothing manufacturer based in Johannesburg. “Cansa administers this with a range of colour-coded labels, ranging from 30+ to 50+ ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).” A UPF50+ garment allows you to stay in the sun 50 times longer than if you were not wearing any protection. Your child should also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect their face from harmful UV rays.

Some hats are available in UPF fabric.

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shade your eyes Cape Town optometrist Magdel Lindemann says children’s eyes are more vulnerable to sunlight because their corneas, lenses and fluids are clearer, allowing more light to reach the retina. “Studies show that small amounts of ultraviolet radiation over a period of years may increase the risk of developing cataracts and may cause irreversible damage to the retina, the nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing.” She says, “Cumulative damage of repeated exposure may also increase the risk of developing skin cancer around the eyelids.”

what’s in your sunscreen?

It’s important to choose a sunscreen that does not contain chemicals that can damage your child’s skin. Sunscreen ingredients fall into two categories: absorbers, which create a chemical reaction to absorb UV, and reflectors that are physical barriers that block or reflect UV rays away from the skin.

• Absorbers that are tested and approved as safe to use by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are homosalate, octisalate (also called octyl salicylate), octinoxate (also called octyl methoxycinnamate or OMC), octocrylene, avobenzone and oxybenzone. Oxybenzone, a chemical that helps other chemicals penetrate the skin, can however trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals so caution should be taken when choosing products with oxybenzone.

• Reflectors that are considered safe to use are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

• Avoid products that contain retinyl palmitate, which is a form of vitamin A that can form free radicals, and sunscreens with added bug repellent, as toxic pesticides can be harmful to your child’s skin.

If your child has sensitive skin, opt for sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, kaolin or talc, which provide the best sun protection. Organic sunscreens are available at local health shops and pharmacies and do not contain toxic cosmetic ingredients.

Remember that tanning oils and creams, such as cocoa butter or coconut oil, do not protect the skin, unless it clearly states on the container that sunscreen protective ingredients have been added.

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health Lindemann says effective sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. According to Cansa, UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, causing aging and increasing the risk of cancer. UVB rays cause the browning reaction, known as “tanning”, and also increase the risk of skin cancer.

“How light or dark the lenses should be is a matter of personal preference. As the UV protection comes from a chemical applied to the lenses and not their colour, I recommend a medium tint. Light lenses don’t offer much comfort in bright sun and very dark ones will prompt your child’s pupils to expand to let in more light – along with more UV radiation. Large lenses and wrap-around styles that fit close to the eyes are best as they protect the delicate areas around the eyes.”

sun safety tips • Keep your child out of the sun between 10am and 3pm, when rays are at their most harmful.

• Never expose babies to direct sunlight. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies younger than six months.

• Always apply sunscreen on dry skin and reapply often if your child is swimming.

• You can’t add SPF numbers. If an SPF 10 product gives your child an hour in the sun, adding another layer won’t give your child another hour. If you want longer exposure use a higher SPF sunscreen.

did you know?

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with about 20 000 reported cases every year and 700 deaths.

• UV radiation is not felt as heat on the skin, so even on a cool and cloudy day, the radiation may be just as damaging as on a clear, sunny day.

• You can monitor harmful UV rays with a Cansa UV-Smart armband that turns darker in colour as the UV rays intensify.

• The UV radiation in sunlight is an important source of vitamin D, essential for bone growth and the immune system. This means that some exposure to the sun, outside of the danger period, may be good for you.

shark-spotting conditions are good

shark-spotting conditions are poor

For more about vitamin D, go to childmag.co.za/ content/sunshine-vitamin

SPF or sun protection factor refers to how long it will take for your particular type of unprotected skin to burn. If you are wearing sunscreen with SPF20, you can spend 20 times as long in the sun as someone who is not wearing any sunscreen. If your skin is fair and takes 10 minutes to show signs of burning, you can stay in the sun for 20 x 10 minutes, or three and a half hours. A darker-skinnned person, who takes longer to burn, would be able to spend more time in the sun using the same SPF. All sunscreen products have to comply with the South African Sunscreen Standard. Manufacturers must label the product with the following SPF categories: low for SPF6 and 10; medium for SPF15, 20 and 25; high for SPF30, 40 and 50 and very high for SPF50+. Always use a sunscreen with at least SPF20 and reapply regularly.

December 2011/January 2012

When it comes to clean and safe beaches, we are spoilt for choice. If you see this blue flag flying on the beach, it means it has met stringent international standards for safety, cleanliness, the amenities it offers and its environmental standards. South Africa has 27 Blue Flag beaches this season. For a full list, visit blueflag.org Be flag-savvy when heading into the water:

high shark alert

sp what?

26

beach basics

a shark has been spotted the designated area is monitored by lifeguards and safe for swimming swimming is unsafe, so stay out of the water designated area is used for water sports and is not safe for swimming

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health

stay safe in the water Get your child water-wise by equipping them with the

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

d

necessary skills, says LUCILLE KEMP.

rowning is the second highest cause of unnatural death in children in South Africa, and in a balmy climate where we swim a lot, children are often exposed to the dangers water can pose. Now that school’s out for the summer, your child will probably spend much of the holiday in the water, whether at the beach or in the pool.

To ensure your child’s safety, you probably make sure that you are always there when they are swimming. You may also have prepared yourself to deal with emergency situations by having a first-aid or CPR course qualification under your belt. However, because of the unfortunate margin for human error – forgetting to close a pool gate properly or briefly turning your attention to a ringing phone, Netcare says that 90 percent of children who drown are under some sort of supervision at the time. So, the question is: how equipped is your child – how well can they swim? You can decrease the likelihood of your child drowning if you send them to swimming lessons and ensure they are taught basic water survival skills as early as possible.

Olympic gold swimming champion Ryk Neethling went to water safety classes after a near drowning incident at the age of six. It’s not surprising then that Ryk, who runs swimming schools in Pretoria and Cape Town, believes that water safety classes covering vital basics such as “floating

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and breathing, knowing how to correctly get out of the pool and always respecting the water”, should be taught to children from six months right up to seven years. This is a crucial time for your child to become a strong and confident swimmer, as Netcare reports that a huge portion of the drowning calls it receives, especially inland, are for children between the ages of two and eight years old. Netcare also

swimming best practices 1 Always supervise children near water, but especially at home. Less than two percent of near-drowning incidents occur at the beach, but a staggering 72 percent happen at home.

2 Ensure your swimming pool is fully fenced with a self-closing and self-latching gate. You also get pool fences with SABS specifications.

3 Do not prop open pool fence gates.

4 Make sure there is nothing for your child to climb onto near the pool, such as pot plants or trees.

5 Ensure your child does not have access to the pool from the house.

6 If you do not want to make use of a fence, install a pool safety net. These should always be attached

found that most drowning cases involved children who were not used to being around swimming pools.

Childsafe, the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa, says, “Three-year-old children are vulnerable and constitute 45,45 percent of the total reported drowning cases.” Drowning happens quickly and a child can drown in 4cm of water. Brain damage can occur within minutes.

when the pool is not in use and, once it is removed, make sure children are supervised near it. Always use pool nets according to their instructions.

7 Never rely on flotation devices alone to protect your young child.

8 The fish pond should always be covered with mesh or a net to prevent infants from drowning.

9 Be sure to empty paddling pools after use or close them up safely.

10 If you live near natural hazards such as rivers, dams or a vlei, fence off your backyard or property.

11 When boating, make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket.

12 Learn CPR and be prepared for emergencies.

Courtesy of Childsafe.

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spotlight

music for the mind The calming effects of music are undisputed, but can listening to Mozart really improve your child’s maths and

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y daughter was a very “busy” baby during my pregnancy, constantly churning and moving. But as soon as I listened to a particular CD she calmed down. I played “Kisses from Heaven”, filled with affirming lyrics and classical vocals, throughout my 24-hour natural labour. Now she is six years old and plays this song on her own CD player. It still soothes her and I often hear her singing along to the music in an angelic voice at night. Does this mean she heard and identified the music even before she was born, and is it possible that this early exposure to music could improve her creative and analytical skills?

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in the womb Gordon Shaw, a neuroscientist at the University of California, says there are studies indicating that foetuses can hear and react to sound by moving. Rene van de Carr, a Californian obstetrician, says he has observed a 33-week-old foetus pattern his breathing to the beat of Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony”. “The foetus followed the rhythm of the symphony; it’s obvious he learnt something about the rhythm and enjoyed it.” It sounds plausible, considering that the development of a baby’s hearing starts on the 22nd day of gestation and the ear matures structurally during the fifth month. Studies in this field are still in its

infancy and no final conclusions have been made, but listening to music that you enjoy will make you relaxed and in turn benefit your baby. So dance to your favourite song, soak in the tub to the soothing sounds of cooing doves or violin concertos and keep singing to your newborn.

hooked on the classics According to Don Campbell in his groundbreaking book, The Mozart Effect for Children: Awakening Your Child’s Mind, Health and Creativity with Music (William Morrow), classical music improves a baby’s analytical and mathematical skills, and stimulates language formation, as early as in

the womb. The “Mozart effect” gets its name from a study that suggested that children’s spatial-temporal reasoning improved after listening to selected music by Mozart for 10 minutes. Spatial-temporal reasoning refers to the ability to visualise patterns; a useful skill for solving maths and science problems.

But why the classics and not rock music?

“When we listen to classical music, the spatial pathways (in the brain) are ‘turned on’ and are ready to be used,” says human development specialist, Dianne Bales in her academic paper Building Baby’s Brain: The Role of Music. Classical music has a more complex structure than other genres, and it is believed that babies as young as

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science skills? SONJA DU PLESSIS finds out more.

three months can identify the structure and then recognise classical pieces. Rosalie Pratt, a professor of music medicine at Brigham Young University in Utah, adds, “Classical symphonies have the right mix of new sounds and repetition, which babies may enjoy.” However, she warns to avoid unorganised sound, as animal studies have shown that constant exposure to chaotic music negatively alters the brain’s structure.

“Its effect has been reported by several, but not all, researchers. Only certain kinds of spatial reasoning have shown improvement.

General intelligence does not seem to be affected. The media and popular culture have inflated the various findings far beyond their original intent, but listening to Mozart from an early age won’t do any harm.” She stresses that making music with your child is more important. “Singing with your child,

When we listen to classical music, the spatial pathways (in the brain) are ‘turned on’ and are ready to be used.

Yvette Rodgers, a Cape Town mother of three musical boys, says she “never stuck to the classical stuff” when she was pregnant. Instead, she listened to music that had a lot of rhythm and beat. She was living as a Rastafarian when her eldest son, Zian, was born and he was exposed to many drumming sessions, in and out of the womb. At 15 years old, he plays the saxophone so well that he performs solos at weddings for extra pocket money.

brainy baby Anja Pollard, a Pretoria-based music therapist working with special needs children up to the age of three, is not convinced by the “Mozart effect”. She says,

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learning musical rhymes together, making instruments and playing and listening to music is extremely valuable. The positive association of a parent’s love and attention with music will encourage a child to love and appreciate it,” she says.

But Gwendoline Smith, a Durban mother of two musical girls, Caitlin, 11, and Kellyn, eight, is convinced that exposure to music helps brain development. “Learning music is like learning another language and learning anything new increases brain performance. Having said this, I don’t think it will turn an average child into a genius.” Bales says, “Babies love the rhythm, melody and predictability of songs and it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a

‘singing voice’. Just listening to your voice helps them with language formation and if you do play an instrument, practise while your baby is in the room.”

toddlers and preschoolers Music teaches children self-expression, which can empower a toddler whose verbal skills are limited. There are various programmes, developed by experts, to engage toddlers and preschoolers in informal music tuition. According to Heidi Twilley, head of Kindermusik SA and currently doing her doctorate in music on prenatal brain stimulation, the most important years for stimulation and brain development are from birth to the age of seven. “(After that) windows of opportunity close permanently in the brain,” she

cautions. Yet old-fashioned, non-structured musical play can also be a great source of stimulation. Toddlers will bang pots and pans with wooden spoons or create their own “orchestra” by shaking containers filled with dried beans and corn.

little maestros and musos Wikus van Zyl, a music teacher at a school in Cape Town, advises that the recorder is a good starter instrument which children can begin playing from the age of five. “Yet some five year olds have also successfully started guitar, violin or keyboard and piano lessons.

Violin and piano lessons should start early, as they take a long time to master. The playing of brass instruments should only be started later due to the lung capacity they require,” he says.

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spotlight

I have fond memories, as an eight year old, of gathering instruments from around the house – African drums, a penny whistle, a broken recorder and a “play-play” keyboard – to create the most awesome cacophony in the back of our garage with my friends. But I later developed a lovehate relationship with instruments as I spent hours practising the violin for music exams to please my ambitious mother. “A child should be given the opportunity if there is a desire to play a specific instrument.

Desire and discipline are the most important character traits for musical success, not extraordinary musical talent. Often children discontinue lessons because it’s the parents’ ambition and not their own.”

Gwendoline feels that some parents who force their children to play an instrument, do so to fill a void or fulfil a dream they never could. “That’s a very heavy burden to put on a child. My girls enjoy practising

because they enjoy music. I do remind them though that their lesson days are coming up.

Their teacher only expects about five to 10 minutes of practice everyday.” Gwendoline’s daughters are both learning to play the piano and they sing in their school choir. Wikus says, “A good teacher-student relationship, taking each student’s personality, aptitude and capacity into account, is key.”

Gwendoline agrees, saying that a teacher can make or break a child. “Caitlin started off with quite a stern teacher and it took her a while to connect emotionally with her music. Her current teacher is absolutely wonderful. Kellyn started a month ago and there is no stopping her.”

Playing an instrument teaches children the value of commitment and the feeling of success if they persevere. As Plato said, “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything.”

teach your child musical appreciation by: • Playing CDs in the car • Making instruments • Tapping glasses filled with water to identify the different sounds • Blowing on glass bottles to create “wind” instruments • Counting sounds heard in the kitchen or garden • Attending music concerts of various genres • Jamming with African drums, pots, pans and wooden spoons • Listening to sea sounds in beach shells • Singing with your child and reciting musical rhymes • Listening to music as a family

music – hit the right note!

By Dan Green Published by Macmillan Children’s Books (R99) This book for children aged eight and older is packed with tips and fun characters. Children can improve their musical know-how with a unique guide to the building blocks of music. Learn about pitch, tempo, dynamics, melodies, brass, percussion, woodwind and much more.

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December 2011/January 2012

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how to

little green fingers

TAMLYN VINCENT suggests five easy gardening projects your child will love.

hildren can learn so much from growing their own flowers, herbs and veggies, and they may be more inclined to eat what they grow themselves. You don’t need to spend a lot of money starting your own garden either.

Use old pots or containers to grow your seeds, or put them straight into the ground.

Alternatively, use an old wheelbarrow or other rustic items to create a flower or herb garden with a difference.

leafy goodness

3

• Spinach and lettuce are easy to grow and can be planted in a bed or individually in pots.

• For some of these veggies, you can pick a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant to keep on growing.

• Children who grow their own spinach may also be more inclined to eat it.

some items you may need: • Fun children’s gardening equipment (small watering can, fork and spade).

• Seeds and trays, pots or other old containers, with holes, to put them in.

• Seedlings work for children who don’t have a lot of patience.

1

flower patch

• Choose colourful, hardy flowers that are easy to grow, like petunias, marigolds or sunflowers. Marigolds also work well with herbs to keep pests out.

• Plant them in a small patch of garden or in a window box or pot.

• Make sure they will get enough sun.

• Water frequently and watch them grow.

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

2

4

teepea

• Beans, peas and other climbers are easy to grow and fun to watch, and your children can eat them straight off the vine.

• Build a frame from some straight sticks or dowel rods.

• Plant seeds at the bottom of each stick and water them.

• As the vines grow, encourage the plants to climb the frame.

herb box

• Use an old wooden box or planter, or see if your nursery has a ready-made herb box.

• Plant a variety of herbs that are tasty and easy to grow, such as basil, chives or rosemary. Also consider what you’ll use for cooking, such as basil on pizza.

• Make sure the herbs get enough sun and water.

• Get your children to collect the herbs when you cook.

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5

tinned tomatoes

• Tomatoes come in a wide variety and are easy to grow. Try growing cherry tomatoes to put in lunchboxes or salads.

• Plant your tomatoes in an old tin or pot.

• Give them plenty of sun and water.

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parenting

one, two, wee!

Toilet training is often a time of great anxiety for parents and their toddlers, but it doesn’t have to be. DONNA COBBAN lifts the lid on this important milestone.

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December 2011/January 2012

firm while he perched himself precariously over the toilet seat – and that sealed the deal. He had just turned three by the time he was toilet trained and I was none the wiser as to why it happened when it did.

Some toddlers resist potty training because they like the attention they get at nappy-change time.

Jann Watlington, of the Parent Centre in Cape Town, points to some distinctive signs that will indicate your child may be ready to start toilet training. “Signs may include tugging at their nappy, hiding behind the couch or requesting that the nappy be removed.” Peer pressure from other parents and family needs to be strongly avoided as “long-term emotional damage can occur if a child is forced when he is not ready”. Parents must not be bound by any training programme, book, ideal or idea, she advises. Instead, just do what is best for you and your family.

to pee or not to pee Dr Christopher Green, paediatrician and author of Toddler Taming (Vermilion), says, “No child can be trained until the appropriate nerve pathways have sufficiently matured, a process that is completely outside the influence of even the most brilliant parent or doctor.” He goes on to say, “Once sufficiently matured, the process is controlled by the child’s will to comply or his determination to defy, which in turn is dependent on the child’s temperament, as well as the skill and cunning of the trainer.”

tips to get the show on the road Robin Barker, author of the popular The Mighty Toddler (Struik) suggests “dimming the attention down” when you change a nappy as “some toddlers resist potty training because they like the attention they get at nappy-change time”. Nadia Evans, a consultant at the Johannesburg Parent and Child Counselling Centre, advocates for time spent just sitting on the potty – with clothes on if need be and in front of the television if that helps – just to get your

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uring my fairly short stint of mothering thus far there are two issues that win hands down in the amount of attention and unsolicited advice that they garner – teething and toilet training. My son has always done things in his own time. He was a late walker and talker and so I presumed he would be late to use the toilet too. “Bribe him,” suggested well-meaning friends. “Give him a star chart,” another advised. I resisted both – something in me thought that the skills needed to get to the toilet and pull your pants down, sit or stand, aim and succeed was pressure enough without adding dangling carrots and after-the-act stars to the whole fiasco.

I bought a potty – he seemed too large for it, so I bought an inside lid for the toilet seat to stop him falling through. But the seat wobbled and he hated it. I bought another potty that looked larger, but it turned out to be an illusion. Then I became cross that potties are not penisfriendly – who thought to put that massive thing in the front that crushes the family jewels? My final purchase was a small stool that allowed him to rest his feet on something

child used to the idea. “Whenever your child shows signs of needing to urinate or have a bowel movement, you should ask him if he wants to use the potty or take him to the toilet and explain to him what you want him to do.”

However, she quickly cautions that you should only keep him seated for a few minutes at a time. “Don’t insist, and be prepared to delay training if the child shows resistance.

Until he is going in the potty, you can try to empty his dirty nappies into his potty chair to help demonstrate what you want him to do.”

• Have either of the parents not been ready or been inconsistent with training?

Fouzia Ryklief, a manager at the Parent Centre in Cape Town, says, “Toilet training is an individual process and it is important not to give this process too much emphasis in front of the child. An extreme critical reaction or exaggerated praise can create too much performance anxiety for the child (and this can continue into adulthood).

Instead, try a simple ‘good job’ or ‘well done’ when there is success.”

when to back off

girls versus boys

Some experts believe “control over your bodily functions“ is one of the most important phases your child will go through – mess it up for them and they might be messed up for life, seems to be the general message. Doctors sometimes get concerned when they hear of a dry child regressing and starting to wet their bed. The general consensus here, says Green, is that there is either an infection or emotional trauma present. With regards to the latter, he believes it may well be the cause but in most cases, he doubts “whether even Sherlock Holmes could find the real trigger”. Watlington suggests you consider the following questions when toilet training shows no immediate progress.

• Is your child just not ready?

• Perhaps there is a new baby on the way?

• Has Mom recently returned to work?

• Have punitive, harsh potty-training techniques, characterised by blaming, shaming or shouting, been used?

• Is there any family stress, such as marital problems?

According to Evans, the only real difference between boys and girls is that “generally” girls sit on the potty or seat, and boys stand. “Copying the same sex parent will help, but if your child desires to do the ‘opposite’ to what is considered ‘normal’, so what? It’s not a train smash.”

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elimination communication (EC) This is the practice of potty training right from birth, through the use of observation and timing. The infant is moved to an appropriate place (hopefully the toilet, if it is near enough) in which to urinate and defecate once the signals and cues are in place. While this technique is practised in many cultures, and is perhaps the answer to nappy-laden landfills and expensive child-rearing, Watlington says EC is not recommended. “There is so much going on during the infant’s early development that needs constant attention – the focus is on bonding and building trust through consistent care and response to the baby’s physical and emotional needs.”

some insights from parents who have been there • Get a better, more comfortable potty.

• Try not to force the issue. If “Captain Underpants” is adamant that there is not a wee on board, even if I am sure there is, I accept (his word).

• Get the sturdy children’s toilet seat; not a loose-fitting one, which slips around and can be alarming.

• Expect the occasional accident and have a ready supply of spare clothing and undies available.

• Buy a seat together. Let the child choose (for standing, this allows a better aim and for sitting, there is less chance of dangling legs and slipping into the toilet bowl).

• Don’t rush it. Let them page through a book while they wait.

fun and helpful books to get you through the wet times Boys’ Potty Time and Girls’ Potty Time (Dorling Kindersley) come with special reward stickers.

They also have a potty-shaped cover to get your toddler in the mood.

Potty Time by David Bedford (Penguin Group).

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how to

finding (the right) Fido A house is not a home without a pet, goes the saying, but which one is suitable for your child?

JESSICA-A’ISHA MOUNEIMNE finds out.

llowing your child to care for a family pet can do wonders for their self-worth. Cape Town clinical psychologist Justine Evans says, “One of the most important benefits of owning a pet is the opportunity for children to share in the care of a valued member of the family.

This can encourage nurturing behaviour, empathy, responsibility and teamwork.

All of these are important ‘deposits’ into a child’s bank of competency and selfworth.” However, how do you choose the right pet for your child?

around is not at all beneficial for the child, but detrimental to his or her social and emotional development,” she says.

finding nemo Gray-Kilfoil says a child of six or older who is very keen on animals, and has shown that they can be gentle with them, may be able to manage a small pet. But she advises that it may be a good idea to start with a plant.

“If your child can remember to water it and keep it going for six months, then perhaps she can have a couple of goldfish in a tank.”

Choosing a dog for a family should be carefully researched and considered, perhaps with the assistance of a professional behaviourist or trainer.

According to Karen Gray-Kilfoil, a Cape Town-based animal behaviourist, having a pet when you have a baby or a toddler is only beneficial if you, the parents, are animal enthusiasts and are 100 percent responsible for the pet. “If the pet, even if it’s a goldfish, is neglected or treated badly then having it

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December 2011/January 2012

She warns that if the fish are not maintained correctly, the parent must always step in and feed or clean the tank.

“Allowing a child to neglect an animal won’t teach them anything good.”

touchy-feely From the age of 10, your child can usually manage more responsibility, so she may want a bird or a cuddly animal. Gray-Kilfoil says budgies are the easiest birds to own.

“They are hardy and can be trained from an early age to respond to people. But parents must do their homework and remember that most animals need company, so two are usually better than one.”

She says rats and guinea pigs are more suitable for young children than hamsters and rabbits. “Rats are clever, entertaining and can learn to be awake when their owner is there, while hamsters sleep during the day. Guinea pigs sleep at night and are less likely to bite than rabbits. They also make the cutest noises.

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pets for babies and toddlers

be lonely, but beware of having a pair or you will suddenly find you have hundreds.

They should be neutered.”

a child’s best friend A dog needs a lot more time, financial investment, exercise, training and attention than other pets. Gray-Kilfoil says this is why a dog should never be given to children, except perhaps in name, but should belong to the whole family. “Children should be encouraged to help feed and even train or walk the dog, but ultimately it is the adults’ responsibility.” While some breeds are generally known to be better with children than others, such as the Labrador or German Shepherd, a lot depends on the temperament of the individual dog, its training and upbringing. “Choosing a dog for a family should be carefully researched and considered, perhaps with the assistance of a professional behaviourist or trainer,” she says.

pet partner According to Evans, a child’s personality should be taken into consideration when choosing a pet, but it’s not necessary for the two to be alike.

“It is conceivable that a shy child may benefit from being in the company of a boisterous animal, just as we are often drawn to opposite characteristics that balance or complement our own personality, in our friends and partners. I consider it more important for the parents to work out what kind of pet they are likely to enjoy or be able to make space for, since they are ultimately going to be doing most of the caring for it.”

long-haired dogs and cats raise concerns about allergies. But Leask says that while parents should always consult a doctor first for the go-ahead if allergies are an issue, “new research has shown that exposing young children to dogs and cats could help prevent later allergies”.

pet etiquette • Children often touch dogs incorrectly, even pinching them.

Long, strong stroking and firm massaging all over the dog’s body should be taught from an early age.

• Teach your child to “let sleeping dogs lie”.

• Tell your child to back off when a dog growls.

• Never separate fighting dogs, as you or your child may suffer a severe, re-directed bite. Teach your child to move away from a dog fight.

• Children should be taught never to approach a dog while it is eating or chewing.

• Your child should be considered of higher status in the family than your dog. The dog should not feel that he has to correct the child’s behaviour by nipping.

• Puppy responsibility can best be guided by attending a puppy school with your child.

not suitable for children Dr Donald Leask, a Johannesburg-based veterinarian, says reptiles and some rodents carry a high risk of salmonella. He adds that while all animals could carry some sort of disease, one should always buy pets from reputable breeders and dealers. “The first thing a pet owner should do is take the animal to the local vet for a check-up, making sure it receives all its shots.” Often

baby and hound It is best to get your dog out of the habit of jumping on furniture before your baby arrives. Put some thought into where your dog will be sleeping (not in the nursery) and, if necessary, make this change before the due date.

If you know friends with a baby or small child ask them over to meet your dog.

Allow the dog in once everyone has settled down and stay calm. The more your dog sees and interacts with children, the more likely he is going to be comfortable with the new baby.

Sprinkle a doll, teddy or cushion with baby powder, or other baby scent, and practise cuddling, carrying and pushing it around in the pushchair. Allow your dog to sniff or lick the doll’s feet, while you use a calm and pleasant tone of voice.

While in hospital, send a dirty nappy and any dirty baby clothes home for your dog to sniff. These should not be given to the dog to destroy, but merely to briefly get used to the smell.

As soon as you and your baby are settled and comfortable (within a couple of hours), allow your dog to come and meet the baby. You should be holding your baby and someone should be supervising your dog. Allow your dog to sniff the baby and praise him constantly and calmly.

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December 2011/January 2012

35

fyi

these shoes are made for walking When your child takes her first steps, make sure she puts her best foot forward by choosing the correct type and fit of shoe. By ANÉL LEWIS

It is important to allow them to go barefoot regularly to help them develop balance, coordination and posture.

barefoot is best Podiatrists advise that you let your novice walker go barefoot where possible, unless she is walking outside and needs protection from sharp objects. Babies and crawlers don’t need shoes; socks will do. Podiatrist Vernon Lever, of Lever Amler Podiatrists in Johannesburg, adds that shoes at this stage may in fact impede normal foot development, especially if the fit is incorrect. Children learning to walk get important sensory information from the soles of their feet. “It is important to allow them to go barefoot regularly to help them develop balance, coordination and posture.” Anette Thompson and Michael Els, of the footwear committee of the SA Podiatry Association, agree.

“Barefoot is still best, at any age.”

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walk this way Once they have been walking for a couple of months, you can start looking for suitable shoes. Jo Frost, of the Supernanny series and author of Confident Baby Care (Orion Books) says you will know your child is ready for shoes when his toes are flat on the floor. Toddlers can still go barefoot indoors, but if you want them to wear shoes outside, opt for a lightweight shoe. Lever says, “The fit of a shoe at this stage is very important so as to not impede the development of those feet. Podiatrists agree that a first walking shoe should be slightly flexible and have a thin sole. A toddler should be able to feel the ground underneath their feet.”

if the shoe fits Always put a good fit and comfort ahead of fashion.

“You’ve got to remember that even though your baby’s walking, the bones in her feet are still soft, so it’s incredibly important for that first pair of shoes to be the right fit,” says Frost.

Lever offers the following shoe-shopping advice: • Shop later in the day. “Their feet will expand about five percent by the end of the day, which makes for a better fit.”

• To check for a good fit, have your child stand up.

“There should be just enough room to squeeze your pinkie between the heel and the shoe, and the full width of your thumb should fit between the end of his toe and the tip of the shoe. That will offer some wriggle room.”

• Choose shoes made of breathable, lightweight fabric, such as canvas, cloth or soft leather. Lever says synthetic fabrics should be avoided, as they will make your child’s foot sweat.

• If you can’t grab any material from the top of the foot, the shoe may be too tight at the ball of the foot.

• Abandon the myth that your child will be able to “break in” his shoes. They should be comfortable from the start.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SA Podiatry Association

y 10-month-old daughter is starting to take her first tentative steps. She still holds onto things for support, but she loves being able to stand and move freely, albeit on tiptoe. I make sure she wears socks with rubber grips on the soles for added traction, but lately I’ve been looking at baby shoes and wondering whether it’s time to get her a few pairs.

Let your child walk around the shop for a while, wearing the shoes, so that you can check her feet for irritated spots.

• The shoe should be 12 to 16mm longer than the longest toe.

• The sole must be flexible, to at least 55 degrees in the ball of the foot area. You should be able to bend the shoe at the ball of the foot with one finger.

• A closed heel or heel strap is recommended. “The goal is to have a shoe that follows the foot in any movement in space without needing effort from the foot to keep it on.”

• Shoes for infants should not weigh more than 30g, 110g for toddlers and less than 220g per shoe for teenagers. “If a child’s shoe weighs much more than your cellphone, don’t buy it.”

The same guidelines apply when it comes to buying shoes for older children, says Lever. “Healthy shoes for children are similar to healthy shoes for adults – not too high a heel, plenty of width in the toe box, soft natural materials to conform to the shape of the foot and good support.”

will lead to foot or toe abnormalities in later life. Heels for children should be banned,” say Thompson and Els. They may also cause internal problems. “When barefoot, the forward angle of the pelvic bone is 25 degrees. When a little girl wears even a 30mm heel, this changes the angle to 45 degrees, causing internal organs to shift position.”

Lever says high heels could increase the risk of twisted ankles. “High heel shoes can cause physical risks of heel muscle tension, changes in the plates’ growth (the areas of developing cartilage tissue at the ends of long bones) or bone fractures.”

Other shoes to be avoided include those with built-in wheels, shoes or sandals with rigid soles, flip-flops and sandals without back straps and pumps that don’t have a strap across the foot, say Thompson and Els. And don’t buy shoes with built-in arch supports. Your child needs a light flexible shoe that allows the arch to form naturally.

Specialised footwear, such as rigid-soled skateboard shoes or gumboots, should not be worn as everyday wear.

growth high heels and other no-nos Five-year-old Suri Cruise, the daughter of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, has controversially made high heels fashionable for young girls. But the SA Podiatry Association says children should not wear heels of more than 15mm, to avoid possible bone deformity, muscle imbalances, and potential spine alignment issues later. Toddlers should never wear heels, while children wearing shoes from size 12 to 2 should not have a heel elevation of more than 8mm. “Wearing heels, even if just for a little while, carries enormous risk of developing muscle imbalances which

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Thompson and Els estimate that your child’s feet will grow an average of two sizes per year in the first four years. But the growth may be sporadic, with a lull and then a sudden spurt of several sizes within a short period. It depends on the child and their rate of growth. So, check your child’s feet for growth (length and width) every school term, or every three months. Generally, the main growth period for girls’ feet is between eight and 13, while boys’ feet grow the most rapidly between the age of 10 and 16. To keep pace with your child’s growing foot, start a foot length chart at home, similar to a height chart. The association

urges parents to especially monitor their children’s school shoes. A survey at a Johannesburg school found that all 180 children measured were wearing the wrong size shoes

by September. Some of the children already showed signs of foot problems. Don’t be fooled by advertisers who imply that January is the only time to buy new school shoes, say Thompson and Els. Replace ill-fitting school shoes when needed. “It is far better for a child to be barefoot than to be in outgrown school shoes.”

did you know?

• The bones in your baby’s foot are partiallydeveloped and made of cartilage, making them pliable. They will only develop fully into bones by the time she is 18.

• A baby’s feet can sweat twice as much as an adult’s.

• The growth of your baby’s foot is seasonal, with the fastest growth occurring in the warmer months.

• By the age of 12, your child’s foot is about 90 percent of it’s adult length.

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parenting

safe and

sound

Holidays are not just about the fun in the sun.

There are also hidden dangers as your child spends time on the beach, in malls or out with friends.

RUWAYDAH LILLAH offers 10 safety tips.

1

Keep your environment childfriendly and safe for small children.

If you are staying in hotels or holiday apartments, check the rooms for open plugs, electrical cords and anything dangerous that may attract your baby or toddler’s attention. Make sure to baby-proof the room and block off access to stairs or windows that they can reach easily.

2

Don’t leave small children alone at home or in the care of an older child this holiday season.

Children may not have the mental and emotional capacity to properly take care

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December 2011/January 2012

of younger siblings. They may not know how to handle an emergency and often they won’t realise that their behaviour could have an impact on their siblings.

Younger children are less likely to respond to discipline by an older sibling.

3

Teach small children their name and surname, address and telephone numbers.

Make sure your child carries identification and contact details on them all the time, irrespective of their age.

4

Teach simple safety rules.

Get them to memorise emergency numbers for the police, ambulance and fire services, home security company (if you have one), Childline and the number of the nearest relative or close family friend who can respond quickly. Put this list on your fridge or notice board at home.

5

Implement internet safety rules.

Block access to adult sites on a family computer. Teach your child never to divulge his or her real name, age or address on the internet. Advise your child against communicating with strangers on the internet and monitor the websites they visit. magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

i

t is important for your child to have a safe and fun childhood, while having some independence. “You need to find a balance in educating your child about their personal safety without making them paranoid or scared of the outside world,” says Ally Cohen, child safety advisor for Arrive Alive. Joan van Niekerk, training and advocacy manager at Childline SA, says children may become soft targets in an environment where there’s a lack of adult supervision. But there are a few things you can do to keep your child as safe as possible, without curbing their holiday fun.

6

The incidence of road accidents increases dramatically over the festive period.

By law, all passengers should wear seat belts and children under three must be securely strapped in a baby car seat.

7

Drowning increases significantly over the December holidays.

Don’t allow children to swim without adult supervision, even if they are good swimmers. Make sure a fence or safety cover protects your swimming pool (as well as fish ponds). Avoid beaches with strong currents or areas that are not patrolled by lifeguards.

8

Always keep your children close to you on outings.

You could use safety harnesses for small children or child-locating devices to help keep older children in range and safe.

Dress young children in bright colours so that they stand out and do not blend into a crowd. Tell older children to seek help from the centre management or a security guard should they be separated from you.

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Don’t drop children off at malls, the movies, arcades or parks without supervision.

These places are not safe, especially over the holiday season. If older children go to public places, such as shopping centres and stadiums, make sure they use the buddy system, where at least two friends

stay together, and they must keep in contact with you telephonically.

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Check out and research holiday camps, workshops and programmes.

Get full references and make sure there will be adult supervision at all times.

Your child’s best deterrent to becoming a target is his understanding that no-one has the right to threaten his safety. You can also warn him about the dangers so that he can be more vigilant. But sometimes, for added peace of mind, you need to arm him with more than just common sense.

• ID wristbands with your telephone number, in case your child wanders off or gets lost.

• Child locators and alerts will help you find your child in open areas and shopping centres.

• Safety harnesses and wrist straps can be used to keep your child close to you, especially in crowded areas.

• A seat belt positioning harness is an affordable replacement for a booster seat to ensure children are properly buckled up. It’s suitable for children over three years.

• Pool alarms set off a siren if a child falls into the water. It’s suitable for all types of pools, ponds, rivers and the sea.

• A car strap clip ensures that your toddler doesn’t get out of the seat belt straps in his car seat.

DNA profiling About 800 to 1 000 children go missing in South Africa every year. The first few hours are critical, as quick action is needed to reunite a child with his family. Distraught parents are often unable to give an accurate and detailed description of their child.

Law enforcement says having a complete profile of your child on hand could lead to a quick and safe recovery. DNA profiling is mostly done by child safety specialists who visit schools. You could suggest this to your school principal or Parent/Teacher Association (PTA). Pre-printed order forms are sent to each parent who wants a DNA profile of their child. The completed kits, with the child’s fingerprints, photo and personal information, are delivered to the parents to keep in case of emergency. It includes vital information that will proactively assist in recovering a missing child.

who to contact for help or information Ambulance and fire: 10177 Childline’s national helpline: 0800 055 555 or visit childlinesa.org.za Missing children: 072 647 7464 or visit missingchildren.org.za (there is no waiting period to report someone as missing) Nationwide emergency response: 10111

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ideas

KAREN WHYTE explains why geocaching has become a firm favourite with explorers of all ages.

what is geocaching?

Geocaching is finding a “cache”, a treasure or a box, using GPS coordinates and clues. The biggest cache is usually an old plastic two-litre ice cream container, but they can be any size, even a micro cache of the tiniest proportions. The smallest are usually the hardest to find. Inside is a logbook where successful treasure hunters can leave details of their visit (including date, code name and comments). There is often also a small assortment of toys or trinkets. These can be exchanged for others, with a note made in the logbook of what was taken and what was left.

Alternatively, you can just sign the logbook and not exchange any items.

how did it start?

Geocaching started in May 2000 when the US removed the selective availability of the 24 satellites revolving around the earth.

This meant GPS receivers, belonging to

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the man on the street, were now accurate.

Techno-geeks wondered what we all could get up to with this new gift. Dave Ulmer, known as the “father of caching”, created the game when he hid a bucket in his neighbourhood and posted the GPS coordinates online in a challenge for people to find it. It was found within days. Soon a website had been started to collect the locations of caches. As “geo” means the earth and “cache” a temporary hiding place, geocaching is about bringing together the earth, the hidden cache, computer technology and people with a sense of adventure.

get exploring Your first step is to log on to geocaching. com and become a member, using your very own code name. It’s free, but you do have the option of a premium membership if you want additional features or to support the upkeep of the site. There you can search for caches close to your location or along a specific route if you are on a road trip. Choose one or more and download the waypoints (longitude and latitude) to your GPS. Read the history of the cache, the clues and let the children decrypt the “additional hints”.

You will see that caches logged on the website have different icons. These tell you what type of cache it is (e.g. a traditional cache, multi-cache or a virtual cache) as well as the difficulty and terrain.

This is the D/T code, with the range being from 1 to 5, with 1 being very easy, and 5 very difficult. Therefore a 1/1 will indicate that the cache is easy to find and also not physically demanding. A 5/5 will need much brainpower and physical fitness to locate. If you are new to geocaching, it is best to start with a cache with a D/T of 1/1 and build up from there. Some geocaches contain a geocoin – these are meant to be removed and put into another cache elsewhere, and their travels can be tracked via the geocaching site. Our family picked up a coin in Hermanus and deposited it magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHS and Illustrations: shutterstock.com/Karen Whyte

m

ark Twain wrote in Tom Sawyer, “There comes a time in every rightlyconstructed boy’s life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.” I disagree – I think this raging desire can hit all of us, at any age. Do you want to do something different with the family this weekend, perhaps get outdoors and explore a nearby area? Geocaching is the modern take on a treasure hunt and fantastic fun for children of all ages, including those of us who are over 1,5m; and it takes you to hidden places in your neighbourhood. The best part is that somebody else has hidden the treasure.

So, instead of mom and dad having to lay the clues, the whole family can take part in the search. The only catch is that you need to have a hand-held GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. Many car hire companies will rent out a GPS at around R70 to R80 a day. The alternative is to use your smartphone with a downloaded geocaching application.

in a cache in America, and it has been interesting to track its travels.

Once you have downloaded the waypoints and read the clues and information, get yourself as close to the cache as possible and then walk the rest of the way. Have sturdy shoes if the terrain indicates more than a 1. A hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks are usually good to have and take an inexpensive item to exchange. Remember to keep it small so that it fits into the cache and don’t make it something edible that will attract wildlife. Your GPS will take you within one to five metres of the cache and then you can use the clues given, as well as your powers of observation, to find the treasure. It is usually quite well hidden under a few strategically placed rocks. Read the information given with the waypoint. This gives the significance of the site. Once you have logged your visit and exchanged your items, make sure that you seal the cache well to prevent moisture getting in, and hide it in exactly the same spot as you found it so that the next geocacher can have the joy of finding it. Try to avoid being observed, as “muggles” (a non-geocacher, coined from the Harry Potter series) may come and remove the cache afterwards out of curiosity. Once at home, log your visit and comments on the webpage. Your account will keep you updated on the number of your successful finds.

families in a heartbeat.” Neil and Melanie Brooks, parents of Tristan, 12, Cameron, nine, and Shannon, six, say, “Geocaching takes us out into the greatest parts of any area we visit, whether it’s the mountains, the forest or the coast. Instead of the children moaning about going for a walk, we can bribe them with a hunt for caches.

There is no better way to explore a new waterfall, viewpoint or beach than hunting for a cache. Geocaching has also taught our children the history of local spots, such as Lady Anne’s cottage hidden in Newlands Forest, the lion enclosure at Rhodes Memorial, shipwrecks in the Western Cape and the haunted Du Toit’s Kloof tunnel.” The Brooks family started geocaching two years ago and have found 270 caches.

Andrew Myers, from the South African Geocaching Statistics website sageostats. co.za, says that there are currently over 5 400 caches waiting to be found all over the country. So what are you waiting for?

It’s time to start exploring.

for toddlers, teens and granddad Renata Bothma, Cape Town-based mom of Donné, 16, and Cobus, 13, says geocaching is a wonderful way to bond with your children. “It is like a treasure hunt that just keeps on going. We’re learning so much in the process, especially with the geocaches that have historical or geological information added to them. I love the idea of being outdoors with my teenagers and getting to know our country.

My children can’t wait for the next exciting adventure. I would recommend it to all magazine joburg

helpful websites geocaching.com cacheopedia.com sageostats.co.za

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book extract

festive food for family and friends Get into the holiday mood with these wholesome dishes from Halfaampieskraal Celebrates, compiled

by MAIA DU PLESSIS and SIMON SCARBORO.

PHOTOGRAPHS: Simon Scarboro

Without snow and sleet, Christmas in the southern hemisphere usually invol ves sand and sea. Thes e recipes can be cooked on a skottel or braai at the beach, or in your backyard, and make a refreshing change from the traditional, festive season fare.

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gigantes plaki Serves 6 500g butter beans (soaked overnight) ¾ cup olive oil 2 large onions, chopped 5 cloves garlic, chopped 1 x 400g tin peeled tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped 4 fresh bay leaves 1 tablespoon sugar sea salt freshly ground black pepper juice of ½ lemon Preheat the oven to 160°C Boil the beans until almost tender, then drain and place in a baking dish.

Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic lightly. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, most of the parsley and the bay leaves. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and pour the sauce over the beans. Add the sugar, salt and pepper and combine everything. Cover with tinfoil and bake for about an hour. Lift the foil to check if a little water is needed to loosen the sauce and that the beans are tender.

Sprinkle with the reserved parsley and drizzle with fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Season liberally with freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot or at room temperature.

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book extract

braaied whole crayfish Using a sharp knife, split the crayfish along the underside from the head to the end of the tail. Leave the shell intact. Clean out the intestines and head cavity. Brush the flesh lightly with olive oil. Place on a grill flesh side down, over medium coals with no flame. It should take a couple of minutes for the flesh to colour. Turn the crayfish over and spread liberally with garlic and parsley butter. It will melt immediately on the warm meat, filling the shell. Grill for another few minutes until the flesh is just firm.

Do not be tempted to overcook, as the crayfish will continue cooking in the shell after you take it off the heat.

Add more garlic and parsley butter if desired.

garlic and parsley butter Using a pestle and mortar, crus h six cloves of garlic with a teaspoon of sea salt. Add 200g soft ened unsalted butter, combine well and then stir through a han dful of chopped flat-leaf parsley.

These proportions can be adjusted to taste. Cayenne pepper also makes a piquant addition.

smoked mussels over the coals Lightly steam the whole mussels in sea water, or fresh water with enough salt added to replicate sea water. As soon as the mussels open, remove them from the water. Discard any unopened mussels. Remove the beard from the mussels. Push the mussels to one side of a pan and sprinkle a tablespoon of oak wine-barrel shavings over the empty side.

Cover with a lid or tinfoil and place on the coals. The mussels will smoke very quickly; a minute will be enough.

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chocolate roulade serves 6 6 large eggs at room temperature ½ cup castor sugar plus a further 4 tablespoons of castor sugar small pinch of salt 6 tablespoons cocoa powder 250ml whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla essence Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line a shallow rectangular baking tin or Swiss roll tin with non-stick baking paper.

Separate the eggs and beat the yolks with half a cup of castor sugar until pale and light.

Beat the egg whites to soft peaks, adding the salt and two tablespoons of castor sugar.

Keep beating until firm peaks form. Fold the cocoa powder and the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Try to retain as much air as possible.

Spread evenly in the baking tin and bake for 25 minutes. Leave to cool and turn out on baking paper. Trim off the hard crusts.

Whip the cream, vanilla essence and the remaining castor sugar together using an electric beater. Spread the cream evenly over the cake. Start to roll the cake, removing the paper as you go. Don’t worry if cracks appear, as they can be hidden by dusting icing sugar or cocoa over the cake. Decorate the roulade with melted chocolate or chocolate shavings if you prefer.

about the book Halfaampieskraal Celebrates (Human & Rousseau), by Maia du Plessis and Simon Scarboro, brings the goodness of farm life into your kitchen. The recipes, which are beautifully illustrated with full-colour photographs, document life on this 250-year-old working wheat, sheep and goat farm in the Overberg, which also boasts guest rooms and a Cuban-inspired function venue. The food is simple, sumptuous and worthy of any celebration – a wedding, Mother’s Day or a convivial birthday picnic.

Available at good bookstores nationwide.

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getaway

the charm of camping LYNNE O’CONNOR swaps early-morning deadlines in the city for dawn wake-up

i

wake up at 3am every day to get to work in time to prepare my morning news bulletins.

So one would think that I would choose a holiday where I could wake up at a godlier hour, order room service and watch TV from my bed. But no, I prefer to go camping. That means I get up as soon as the first bird starts singing in the campsite.

The best time of the day is just before sunrise, when the campsite is quiet and the air is crisp and fresh. It’s at that time of the day that I pull up a chair, wipe the dew from the table, boil the kettle, take out a box of rusks and read a few chapters of my novel. Aah, peace and quiet.

When my husband first took us camping several years ago, I wasn’t convinced that I would enjoy it. To be honest, I was six months pregnant at the time and I was not, at first, a happy camper. But by the time we hooked up our trailer and began the long trip home from Plett to Johannesburg, I was a convert. My two sons had spent a fortnight in the fresh air, riding their bikes, playing on the jungle gyms and digging for worms and goggos. Since that trip, we’ve become avid campers, much to my Sandton colleagues’ horror. We’ve bought every gadget necessary (including a mini washing machine) to survive a few days or weeks away from home luxuries.

Our favourite trips are those that take only an hour or two’s drive. Soon, the campsite is sorted, the fire is roaring and the children have vanished in search of new friends.

The trick to camping, sweetie darlings, is to follow the Girl Guides’ motto of “Be prepared”. Be prepared to do nothing, bark orders at your husband and children from your camping chair, drink plenty

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of wine, go for long walks, read a novel or two, learn the words of “Meisie, Meisie” (seriously), and braai with your neighbours and new friends.

Another part of following the Girl Guides’ code is to bring interesting bits and bobs with you to keep the children busy. Our trailer is filled with puzzles, colouring books, novels, skateboards, swing-ball, soccer balls and board games.

But the best time that we have is when we take long walks or ride our bikes together.

The children have also learnt some of the old-fashioned games that we played in the 80s and 90s, such as hopscotch, treasure hunts (searching for feathers, pine cones, seed pods, animal bones), Marco Polo and hide-and-seek.

One of our favourite places to visit has to be Sondela, near Bela Bela (what used to be known as Warmbaths) in Limpopo.

Situated in a nature reserve, Sondela has everything that a frustrated, exhausted mom could need. There are activities for the children, including pony rides, quad biking (my paramedic husband is never keen on that), warm and cold pools, jungle gyms, a farmyard, table tennis and during the busy season, holiday clubs. They also have a wildlife rehabilitation centre, where my children have touched and fed giraffe and wildebeest. Our neighbour there is a female kudu called Daisy, who visits our campsite often, creating great excitement for all. Our recent trip to Bela Bela was so relaxing – we woke up when we wanted to, ate when we felt like it and mooched around the campsite, killing time

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHS: Lynne O’ Connor / Jason Morris

calls while camping in Limpopo.

by doing nothing. I watched as my boys swam, drew pictures in the sand with my daughter and looked for squirrels, butterflies, owls and dung beetles with a group of children from the campsite. It was fantastic because we did nothing, together – something that our modern lifestyle doesn’t often allow.

We’ve made plenty of new friends, including a boisterous farmer from the Free State who insisted that we, his Engelsman neighbours, eat his Vrystaat wors and krummelpap, while drinking brandy and coke.

There are also days when you quite literally have to save your camp. One trip to Mountain Sanctuary Park near Brits began with a massive Highveld storm. As the women and children hid in our caravan (which we have since sold), the men stood in the rain trying desperately to save the tents from being blown away. We’ve also spent days huddled in our tents or the resort’s clubhouse, as the rain hammered down. Let’s just say that we’ve now learnt to pick our camping dates a little better.

But alas, camping isn’t for everyone.

We recently decided to bring another

It was fantastic because we did nothing, together – something that our modern lifestyle doesn’t often allow.

But my other favourite camping trips family of virgin campers with us. They are those with friends. We often go away made a brave effort to enjoy themselves, with the Dickson and Morris families. but left after just two days, promising to Those lazy days together are spent being join us when they had bought themselves entertained by the dads who chase the a caravan and plenty of sleeping tablets. children, encourage them to play pranks Despite the little dramas associated on fellow campers and scare other children with camping, it remains a firm family while playing “stalk the lantern” at night. favourite. I know that it’s time to hook up In the evenings, the families sit around the trailer and head to a campsite when, the campfire, roasting marshmallows, sitting at the newsdesk in my city office, laughing about the day’s events or telling I can smell the bush and the campfire, stories and jokes. almost feel the cool morning air on my skin Campsite dining is very basic. It’s only and see myself sitting in my camping chair worth preparing if it can be cooked on reading my novel. There’s also no radio a braai or a skottel. My husband, who and no television – bliss! knows how to prepare only simple dishes Lynne O’ Connor reads the news on Talk at home, is now expected to make many Radio 702 and 567 Cape Talk. She has of the group’s meals, which means hardly three children, Ciaran, 12, who spends his any cooking for me. Breakfast is French camping days trying to look cool, Braedan, toast, scrambled eggs or cereal. Lunch 9, who rides his bike, swims and causes is whatever anyone feels like: sarmies, general mayhem and Ava, 4, who nags her noodles or leftovers. Supper, however, is mom and dad to play with her as she’s still usually an elaborate affair, where the family too small to be let loose on the campsite prepares and cooks the meal together and on her own. sits around the fire chatting while eating. On those evenings, we’ll wolf down a potjie, a braai, or a boerie roll accompanied places to visit by rice or pap, and a variety of near Sondela: salads. The fresh air really does Thaba Kwena Crocodile Park 014 736 5059 make you ravenous.

Mystic Monkeys and Feathers Wildlife Park 012 723 0315 Zebra Country Lodge 014 734 7700 Forever Resorts Warmbaths 014 736 8500 Sondela Nature Reserve 014 736 8800

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resource

get out there!

SIMONE JEFFERY gives her top five spots to enjoy the outdoors with your family these holidays.

Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary

Elephant Sanctuary

Predator World

The sanctuary is a haven for orphaned and abused animals. It provides a natural environment in which monkeys can be free and live as they would in the wild.

There are tours available with informative guides. The 90-minute tours take place every hour.

Contact 012 258 9908, info@monkeysanctuary.co.za or visit monkeysanctuary.co.za

Take a walk with the gentle giants surrounded by natural indigenous bush. There are various packages available at different times throughout the day and at different costs, from brushing and grooming the elephants, walking trunkin-hand, riding and an overnight experience. Elephant rides are only for children older than eight. Flat shoes and jeans are recommended and booking is essential.

Contact 012 258 0423, elephantsanctuary@mweb. co.za or visit elephantsanctuary.co.za

Venture into the scary world of the African predator.

Why not brave the zoo by night, armed with a guide and a spotlight, or choose to take a game drive during the day. Times vary based on the amount of guests and type of tour option. Booking is essential. Entry to feeding times is free. They take place at 11am on Mondays, 4pm on Thursdays and 2pm on Saturdays.

Contact 076 817 6869, info@predatorworld.co.za or visit predatorworld.co.za

Mystic Monkeys and Feathers Wild Animal Park

The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary

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The park features 44 species of exotic birds and predators.

There are no braai facilities in the park, but you are welcome to bring a picnic. If you would like to play with the animals it will cost R50, and booking is not required.

Contact Andria: 083 391 7481, andria@wdsaayman.co.za or visit mysticmonkeys.co.za

The centre was started with the aim of breeding rare and endangered species to ensure their long-term survival. They offer a family tour that can accommodate children under the age of five. These tours are two hours long and take place daily at 9:30am and 2:30pm.

Contact 012 504 9906, cheetah@dewildt.co.za or visit dewildt.co.za

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

animal parks

camping Bakgatla and Manyane Lodges If you enjoy sleeping in a tent but want your home comforts, try these exclusive safari tents set on wooden decks. This deal includes breakfast. You can also “rough it” and bring your own tent. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied, such as a swimming pool, playground or spa and game drives can be arranged.

All camping sites can accommodate a maximum of six people and two cars.

Contact 014 555 1000 or visit goldenleopardresorts.co.za

shop. A catch-and-release policy is followed for any fish that is caught. There are 34 large stands available and booking is essential.

Contact 012 735 1650, camping@basslakelodge.co.za or visit basslakelodge.co.za

Frogs Trail This trail is perfect for day trips, or you can take your tent along and make a weekend of it. There are pools along the trail so don’t forget to bring your swimming gear. Be sure to bring all necessary camping equipment as there is nothing available on the farm.

Contact Jacana: 012 803 4144 or booking@ jacanacollection.co.za

Kaia Manzi

Bass Lake Country Lodge

Bass Lake Country Lodge

This spot is situated on the banks of the Bronkhorstspruit Dam where you can enjoy water sports or fishing and solar heated or cold-water pools, as well as cycling and hiking trails. Day visitors only allowed when they have their own boat. The campsite has clean ablution facilities and sites can accommodate up to six people.

Contact 013 932 3140, info@kaiamanzi.co.za or visit kaiamanzi.co.za

This spot, just 20 minutes north of Pretoria, offers

Kaia Manzi

night from your viewpoint near the Cradle of Humankind.

There are various activities (obstacle courses, game viewing, biking, picnics, mountain biking, hiking and various sports equipment) to entertain the entire family.

You can bring your own tent or use one of theirs.

exclusive camping sites, immaculate ablutions, a

Magalies Retreat

Booking is essential.

swimming pool and a trampoline. There are two well-

After a short drive from Johannesburg, you will be treated to a blanket of stars to gaze at throughout the

Contact 082 377 0219, info@magaliesretreat.co.za or

stocked dams for the keen fisherman and an onsite

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visit magaliesretreat.co.za

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hiking and day walks Delta Park Delta Park offers the Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary and a sensory and Braille trail. There are interpretive boards for the blind throughout the garden and paved paths make it wheelchair-friendly. It is a popular venue for dog walking (on leads), cycling and running. Walks are organised on the third Sunday of each month. The walks start from Trefoil Park at 8am.

Contact Johannesburg City Parks: 011 712 6600, or for more information about Sunday walks, contact Jose: 084 317 6348

Eagle Cove There are three popular circular day trails in the Magaliesberg with exceptional gorges and ravines.

Descend via a steel ladder into a gorge to get to cool pools and streams.

Game viewing is available as well as accommodation for hikers wanting to complete the full trail and stay the night. There are braai areas, a shop, and ablution facilities. The descent can be quite steep, making it unsuitable for young children.

Contact Anvie Ventures: 012 662 0586, anvie@xsinet.co.za or visit footprint.co.za

is available should you wish to spend the night, but book in advance.

Contact 079 490 2690, 082 312 2248, info@rustig.co.za or visit rustig.co.za

Uitkyk hiking trail This is a one-day trail overlooking the Hartbeespoort Dam. The ascent is quite steep in places and can be tough, especially when the weather is hot. It offers spectacular views over the dam and the Magaliesberg range.

The trail is easy to follow and well marked out. It should take about five hours to complete.

Contact Jacana: 012 803 9109 or rosa@jacanacollection.co.za

Westcliff steps Take a stroll up the Westcliff steps, which is located on Crescent Drive, around the corner from the Westcliff Hotel, and get a stunning view of the city. The climb, up a long and winding staircase of stone-steps with a walkway on the side, should take about an hour and a half to complete. Bring your dogs for a bit of exercise. The steps will take you from Wexford Avenue to Woolston Road, with another set of steps to take you back to Westcliff Drive.

Rustig Situated near Hekpoort and 73km from Randburg are several easy to moderate trails within the Rustig resort. The trails range from 5km, which are ideal for children, to 14km and are well-marked and maintained. There are braai facilities and a swimming pool for you to cool off in after you’ve mastered the trails and seen the Boer War shelters, interesting rock formations, bat cave and the breathtaking panoramic view of the Magliesberg range. Be sure to take plenty of water as there is none along the trail. Accommodation

Rustig

game reserves Pilanesberg Game Reserve Located in the centre of a volcanic crater and adjacent to Sun City, the reserve is the fourth largest in South Africa. It contains the Big Five, as well as other game. The facilities include picnic and braai areas, camping sites, chalets and children’s recreation areas.

Rhino and Lion Park

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Contact 014 555 1600 or pilanesberggamereserve.com

visit

Protea Hotel – Ranch Resort A family-friendly resort with plenty of entertainment options. You could find yourself walking with movie stars, such as the 30 lions who starred in The Ghost and the Darkness and The Gods must be Crazy, or saddle up and enjoy a horseback safari. A beautiful golf course and children’s playground are also on offer. The hotel has a tented camp, self-catering chalets or five-star hotel accommodation.

Contact 015 290 5000, reservations@ theranch.co.za or visit theranch.co.za

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mountain biking/bicycle trails

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

Hennops offroad trail The unspoilt path comprises two one-day trails that meander along the Hennops River before veering away into the mountains. You will encounter river crossings, a suspension bridge, a cable car and an underground cave.

Make sure you take plenty of water as there are no water points along the routes. The trail is open on weekends; for weekdays you need to book.

Contact Hubert: 082 825 9205 or visit hennops.co.za

Northern Farms, also known as the Diepsloot Nature Reserve An operational farm perfect for mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, and picnics. The trails are gentle and offer the perfect opportunity for novice bikers and children to become confident. The farm isn’t fenced off so it is advisable to ride in a group. Maps are available from the clubhouse, which is also the location of the ablution and braai facilities.

Contact visit northernfarms.co.za

Rietvlei Zoo Farm The respective trails are gentle and fun for children, or challenging with

Rhino and Lion Park The park abounds with various wildlife and birds due to successful breeding programmes. These animals can be seen from afar on game drives or up close with the animal crèche experience.

Lions are fed at 1pm on Sunday.

Contact 011 957 0349, hippo@global. co.za or visit rhinolion.co.za

Sunset Ranch Commune with nature in a familyoriented environment. Some of the wildlife to be seen include giraffe, buck, zebra, ostrich and various bird species.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep the children busy.

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hills and technical descents for more advanced riders. The farm also offers camping, hiking, farmyard animals and pony rides. You can bring your own picnic or buy food from the restaurant.

Contact 011 024 1512, info@rietvleifarm. co.za or visit rietvleizoofarm.co.za

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve The recently opened biking trails are limited to preserve the beauty of the natural fauna and flora of the reserve. There is an 8km dirt track that is gentle enough for the novice rider. The reserve offers hiking, braai facilities and overnight hiking trails (book in advance). While riding, you may spot some of the many animals on the reserve.

Contact 011 904 3937 or 071 602 7581

Toyota MTN Cycle Park The Toyota MTN Cycle Park is conveniently situated in the heart of the northern suburbs. It offers 15km of dirt track catering for various levels; from novice to advanced. The BMX track is suitable for riders from the age of five.

Contact 083 725 2453, cyclepark@ cyclelab.com or visit cyclepark.co.za

Contact Chantel: 014 735 0676, info@sunsetranch.co.za or visit sunsetranch.co.za

Windy Brow Game Reserve The farm forms part of Elandsfontein where the famous Cullinan Diamond was discovered. There are several species of antelope and birds that can be seen all over the farm, which is dotted with proteas and cork bush. One day or overnight hikes are available. Bring your own camping equipment and charcoal.

Notify the office of your expected time of arrival.

Contact 012 734 2170, 082 936 6979 or visit windybrowgamereserve.co.za

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picnics Picnic in the Sky Why keep your picnics on the ground when the sky is the limit? On the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre, you can enjoy a view of the city while you dine on a basket of goodies. You are supplied with a basic picnic basket, which you can supplement with treats from Market on Main. Picnics are on the first and last Sunday of the month and booking is essential.

Contact Gregory: 079 567 0997

Shady Pines

Monaghan Farm

Monaghan Farm An idyllic country farm near Lanseria Airport where your children can play while you settle down to a delicious picnic, which can be ordered one week in advance, or a Sunday buffet. Pizza and pasta made with fresh vegetables and herbs from the farm, are also available. Monaghan has a river, rolling grassland and a hiking trail, which is available to families who have booked lunch at the restaurant. Bookings are essential and a valid driver’s licence is needed to enter.

Contact: 087 630 0742 or visit monaghanfarm.co.za

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two to 11. The park is also open on 16 December, and 25–27 December from 10am–6pm.

Contact: 082 458 1504 or nicolette@words.co.za

Walkhaven Dog Park A haven for man and his best friend to walk, run, picnic and enjoy the rolling grassland. There is a fully-stocked bass dam and a wetland, which is home to various birds. A restaurant is available.

Contact Ashleigh: 071 212 9955, info@walkhaven. co.za or visit walkhaven.co.za

While you picnic on the lush lawns at this private park in Walkerville, your children can ride around the dirt or tarred track complete with stop signs and traffic circles. They might prefer to catch fish at the dam, enjoy the swings and jungle gym or enjoy a game of mini tennis. A coffee shop is available where you can get refreshments and snacks.

Contact Kristy: 083 300 1638, shadypinesvenue@ gmail.com or visit shadypinesvenue.co.za

Trees Eco Fun Park Children have fun exploring and getting dirty in nature. Bring your picnic baskets and let your children climb trees, crawl through a tunnel, hide in a bush, cave or tree house, or play in the huge sandpit.

There are lovely picnic spots available under lush trees. The activities are ideal for children aged

Shady Pines

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waterparks

for the thrill of it

Forever Resort Warmbaths (Bela Bela)

Gold Reef City

Relax in the natural hot spring pools or venture down the slides. There is ample grass space to spread out the picnic blanket. Make use of the braai facilities or buy food from the restaurants. There are campsites and other accommodation options available if you decide to spend the night.

Contact 014 736 8500, visit foreverwarmbaths.co.za or foreversa.co.za

An exhilarating experience awaits all who dare brave the Miner’s Revenge, the Tower of Terror or the Anaconda. There are plenty of exciting rides available to cater to everyone’s thrill threshold and the children can enjoy the farmyard, tribal dancing and other rides. Height restrictions may apply.

Contact 011 248 6800, info@goldreefcity.co.za or visit goldreefcity.co.za

Pines Resort Just a splish splash out of Johannesburg and you’ll be sliding down one of the three water slides or doggy paddling in the Olympic-sized pool. Braai and picnic facilities are available but in case you forgot the ice cream, there is a shop stocked with snacks and refreshments. The park is open on weekends.

Contact 011 955 3845 or visit pinesresort.co.za

Valley of the Waves A firm favourite in the summer months with five exhilarating water rides and a wave pool. Life guards are on watch at each slide to ensure the safety of your children. There is a height restriction for some slides and you need to make sure your toddlers and infants have swim nappies on.

Contact Sun International: 011 780 7810 or visit suninternational.com

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Pines Resort

Wild Waters They offer raging rapids, a speedhump slide, supertubes, and a wave pool to keep you cool and entertained for hours this summer. There are facilities for braaiing or grass areas for picnics. Children can play on the sand area and try their hand at volleyball.

There are change rooms and lockers.

Contact 011 826 6736 or to book online, visit wildwatersboksburg.co.za

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books

a good read CDs and audio books Riveting Rhymes and The Bright Blue Frog CDs

By Gregory Pastoll (Gregory Pastoll, R80, plus postage outside Cape Town) Riveting Rhymes is a collection of 19 amusing short stories told in rhyme, read by a variety of readers. The titles range from Beetle Ka-Teetle and Alien Annie to The Chewing Gum Champ and The Column of Wollum. The Bright Blue Frog is a story narrated by John Richards, a well-known radio announcer, with a variety of readers playing the various parts. Freddie is a little blue frog who wants to be green, like all the other frogs in his pond, but nobody knows how to make him green. His whole clan goes on a mission to get help with this problem from King Frongo, the biggest-frog-in-the-world. But it is King Frongo’s wife, the stately Queen Francesca, who solves the problem.

Both CDs are suitable for children aged five and upwards.

To order, visit gregorypastoll.co.za

for the road

Africa’s Little Five

By Chloë Murdoch (Videoart Media, R100) The author of these five stories completed her B.Prim Ed at UCT as well as an MA in education at Kingston University. Children can enjoy five delightful animals as they each learn a valuable life lesson, as well as important facts about their species and their environment. Through Shakina the leopard cub, Buru the rhinoceros calf, Ellie the elephant calf, Gongotha the buffalo calf and Lindani the lion cub, children learn more about animal life. The CD comes with an activity booklet with colouring-in fun, puzzles, mazes, places to draw and a space where children can create their own story. The CD is available in both English and Afrikaans and is suitable for children between the ages of three and 12. To order, contact 082 770 0323.

Spud Read by John van de Ruit (Penguin Books, R112) It’s South Africa, 1990. Two major events are about to take place: the release of Nelson Mandela, and more importantly, the start of Spud Milton’s first year at an elite, boys-only private boarding school.

Cursed with parents from well beyond the lunatic fringe, a senile granny, and a dormitory full of strange characters, Spud has to forge a new life for himself in this foreign and sometimes hostile environment. Armed with only his wits and his diary, Spud takes us from illegal night swimming to the cricket field, from ghost busting to teacher baiting.

He also invites us into the mind of a boy struggling to come to terms with a strange new world.

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for toddlers

I’m not Sleepy!

By Kayt Manson (Campbell Books, R90) This little boy is definitely not sleepy – he’s far too busy playing with his friends. After he and Lion have done some “roaring”, the poor lion, exhausted, falls fast asleep.

Then it is time to go running around with Giraffe, until Giraffe also gets tired and falls asleep. Still the little boy is not ready to go to dreamland, and it’s Bear’s turn to dance with him. When Bear gives up, the little boy realises that the running, roaring and dancing has also made him tired. “Good night. Sweet dreams.” With sturdy, tabbed pages that are easy to turn, this book might just become a bedtime favourite.

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Zoe and Beans: The Magic Hoop! and Zoe’s Christmas List

By Chloë and Mick Inkpen

Jack and the Flumflum Tree

By Julia Donaldson and David Roberts

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R118 each) In the second title of this brilliant series, The Magic Hoop, Zoe has found a fun new game to play. When Beans jumps through her hoop he magically transforms into a rabbit, a crocodile and a mouse. But could Beans the elephant be a jump too far? In Zoe’s Christmas List, Zoe knows exactly what she wants for Christmas, and to make sure Father Christmas does too, she and Beans take a trip all the way to the North Pole. But with a baby polar bear to rescue and a swirling snowstorm to contend with, will they ever make it? This is a wonderful Christmas story with a surprise pull-out page.

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R118) This is a fabulous and very funny new story from this winning picture book team.

Jack’s Granny is sick with a bad case of the moozles and the only cure is the fruit of the fantastic flumflum tree, which grows on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose. It’s a perilous journey, but Jack bravely sets sail with a motley crew of only three – and a large patchwork sack that Granny has filled with an odd assortment of items, from chewing gum to tent pegs. But what use will they be against hungry sharks, a leaky boat and a thieving monkey?

The Littlest Bear

By Gillian Shields and Polona Lovsin (Macmillan Children’s Books, R85) This book might be about an ice bear, but it’s not about Christmas in the snow. The littlest bear loves to play and explore, but he wishes he had a friend to play with. His mother warns him to stay close so the wild white wolf can’t catch him. Then, when the littlest bear wanders off one night, he stumbles across another little animal that is also wild and white… and a wolf. But just maybe, he isn’t as scary as his mom makes him believe… This is a beautiful snowy tale about an unexpected friendship, with such enduring illustrations and characters, that your child will simply fall in love with it.

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books

for preschoolers He came from the Father

By Alida van Deventer (Untangled Marionettes, R100, plus R15 postage) As a puppeteer, Alida van Deventer started performing the Christmas story with woodcarved marionettes in 1967 and since then the story has been told in many ways and places. For this book, Alida and her three daughters collaborated to tell this story again with table figures. Elsje took the photographs, Lisa was the graphic designer and Gerda wrote the story, while Alida, as the marionette artist, was responsible for creating the very believable and interesting characters. Children will simply love this wellknown story, told with the help of these figurines and clever backdrops.

Dr Seuss – A Classic Treasury

By Dr Seuss (Harper Collins Children’s Books, R284 hardcover) Every child should have a Dr Seuss treasure on their bookshelf and this omnibus includes five classic stories: The Cat in the Hat, The Cat in the Hat comes Back, Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Socks and How the Grinch Stole Christmas – the perfect gift for any little reader.

great gift id ea

for early graders Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again

By Frank Cottrell Boyce

Milly-Molly-Mandy’s Things to Make and Do Based on stories by Joyce Lankester Brisley

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R130) This is the first-ever sequel to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming. In this story, Jem thinks Dad had lost his marbles. The whole family is going on a tour of the world in a clapped-out camper van – mom, dad, grumpy sister Lucy and baby Harry? Please, no! But this is no ordinary camper van. Equipped with an engine with an amazing past, it can go fast. Very, very fast. And not necessarily on the road. Or even on the ground. In fact, it’s almost as if it has a mind of its own, and it wants to take them all on a magical adventure.

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R190) Whether she is baking a cake, planting a miniature garden or having a dolls’ tea party, Milly-Molly-Mandy is always having fun. Packed with teatime treats, crafty fun and big ideas to brighten up a gloomy day, this is the perfect book for long holidays, rainy days and adventures in your own back garden. With easy-tofollow instructions for lots of activities, including baking blackberry crumble, sewing patchwork, knitting a scarf, planting sunflowers, building a fort and making a bird feeder, little girls will have hours of fun with this book and the lovable Milly-Molly-Mandy.

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for teens and preteens

Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune

By Rick Riordan

Olivia’s First Term and Olivia Flies High

By Lyn Gardner

(Puffin Books, R165 each) Everybody was over the moon when Rick Riordian brought Percy Jackson back last year in The Lost Hero, with three new heroes, a missing demigod and a curse that threatened to destroy them all. In the second book, The Son of Neptune, Percy and his fellow demigods must face the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven. If they fail, it’s not just their camp at risk. Percy’s old life, the gods and the entire world might be destroyed.

The third book, The Mark of Athena, will be released around April next year. The series comes highly recommended for children from the age of 10.

(Nosy Crow, R85 each) The first book in the series, Olivia’s First Term, begins the tale of 12-year-old Olivia and her little sister Eel. They are used to travelling through Europe with their dad and his circus. When her dad gets injured, the two girls are sent to The Swan Academy of Theatre and Dance.

For Olivia, staying put in one place is pure hell. In the second book, Olivia Flies High, we meet her friends and see how Olivia deals with the many obstacles that cross a teenager’s path. The series has been described as “gripping” and it is believed that the author has created a tale of a modern day stage school, which could rival many children’s classics.

for us Madeleine

By Kate McCann (Bantam Press, R226) This is the heartbreaking and personal account from Kate McCann on the disappearance of, and ongoing search for, their daughter Madeleine. She was abducted in Praia da Luz in Portugal on Thursday, 3 May 2007, just short of her fourth birthday. The investigation that ensued even implicated that her parents were behind her disappearance. To date, Madeleine has not been found. In this book, Kate wants to give her account of the truth. She says writing this memoir has entailed her recording some very personal, intimate and emotional aspects of their lives.

Justin Bonello Cooks… for friends

By Justin Bonello

be inspire

d

(Penguin Books, R260) Justin writes: “My dad always says, ‘A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.’ I think the same can be said about eating on your own. Let’s face it. No one should eat alone. My worst nightmare is rushing home, fixing up a quick grub and standing in my kitchen stoksielalleen and wolfing it down.” He suggests getting together with your mates, lighting a fire, having a laugh and cooking food that creates memories. Whether your kitchen is in the great outdoors, somewhere on a beach or at home, this is the kind of book that is best enjoyed with your friends. And remember, there are no bad cooks… just friends who aren’t hungry enough.

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calendar

what’s on in december and january

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

An eventful list of adventures to count you down to Christmas and beyond. Compiled by Simone Jeffery.

3 sat

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

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Carols with the Lipizzaners Enjoy the traditional Christmas show along with Father Christmas.

Jimmy Carr This world-renowned English-Irish comedian presents his show Laughter Therapy.

Baby bootcamp Exercise in the great outdoors with your little one.

Each One Teach One campaign Helping the less fortunate to get a quality education.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Piazza Rocks Top SA talent takes to the stage.

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calendar

The Green Night Market Get on the “green train” and choose to buy sustainable, eco-friendly and responsible gifts to show your family you care as much for them as you do for the environment. Time: 4pm–9pm.

Venue: Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria. Cost: adults R10, students R5 entry. Contact Melissa: 083 562 5249 or greenmelilly@gmail.com

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 thursday 46664 It’s no joke Nine South African comedians take to the stage in support of the Nelson Mandela 46664 Aids Charity.

Enjoy a few quality laughs for a worthy cause. Parental guidance for language required. Time: 8pm–10:30pm. Venue: Emperor’s Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park. Cost: from R186. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Twilight Christmas market and carols Get your festive season off to a jolly start with this Christmas market and an evening of carols. All proceeds benefit children in the care of Jo’burg Child Welfare. Time: 6pm. Venue: Randpark Golf Club. Cost: a suggested donation of R30. Contact Tracey: 011 298 8500, fundraising@jhbchildwelfare.org.za or visit jhbchildwelfare.org.za

2 friday Carols for Pathways Enjoy a warm summer’s night with your family, listening to carols performed by the Gauteng SAPS Band in Garden World. Bring along a picnic basket of tasty treats. Donations for Pathways Home for physically disabled children are welcome. Time: 6:30pm.

Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: free. Contact: 011 957 2545, nursery@gardenworld.co.za or visit gardenworld.co.za Moonlight market Enjoy a candlelight shopping experience as you browse the craft and food stalls and gather in the food court at 7pm to take part in the Christmas carols. Time: 6pm–9pm.

Venue: Weltevreden Farm (Second Cup Coffee Shop), John Vorster Dr (between JG Strijdom Rd and Christiaan de Wet Rd), Weltevreden Park. Cost: free entry. Contact Gerda: 082 422 4927 or info@ogriet.co.za Sky Dining Enjoy good company and delicious food at a table with a view

4 December – Carols in the Square

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3 sat

suspended 60m above ground. Available for breakfast, lunch or supper. Not suitable for children under 10 years. Ends 4 December.

Time: varies. Venue: Silverstar Casino, Mogale City, next to the R28 Krugersdorp/ Pretoria highway, Roodepoort. Cost: R210– R525. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

3 saturday A Blubird Christmas evening Make a wish on a lantern, meet the Lions rugby players and support the World Chefs Tour Against Hunger and Reach for a Dream Foundation. There are lights on show, carols, crafts amd gifts, and Father Christmas pays a visit. Time: 4pm–9pm.

Venue: Blubird Shopping Centre, Athol Oaklands Rd, off Corlett Dr, Birnam.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 083 311 4768, wholefoodmarket@gmail.com or visit blubird.co.za Carike en Ghoempie Kuier Saam met Ghoeghoe in Kinderland Greet and meet all your favourite characters and get a chance to have your photo taken. Bring your own camera. Time: 11am. Venue: Mardi Gras Theatre, Carnival City. Cost: from R90, groups of 10 plus and schools get a discount. Contact Zena: 011 815 3000 or admin@lefra.com Piazza Rocks The Graeme Watkins Project, Kinky Robot and The Arrows are some of the acts performing for the finale of the 42-day Ayoba Festival. Time: 2pm–10:30pm.

Venue: Montecasino Piazza, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways.

Costs: R150. Contact: 011 510 7000 or visit montecasino.co.za

4 sunday A Christmas concert A concert of all your favourite carols performed by the Black Tie Opera Chorus and the Unisa Music Foundation Symphony Orchestra. Bring an unwrapped gift for children from the age of 3–18, which will be donated to charity. Time: 3pm. Venue: ZK Matthews Great Hall Unisa, Muckleneuk Campus, 1 Preller St. Cost: R45–R110. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Carols in the Square Gather around the giant baobab and sing along to all your favourite carols with Claire Johnston of Mango Groove, the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, the Mzansi Youth Choir and the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg. Time: 5pm–7:15pm.

Venue: Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City. Cost: free. Contact: 011 217 6000 or visit nelsonmandelasquare.com Charity Christmas For a fun family day out with food, an art and crafts market and plenty of activities. Mr and Miss Christmas

pageants are held for the children (come dressed in a Christmas-themed outfit) or bring your pet along to enter Mr and Miss Claws. The fête is for a worthy cause with proceeds going to Friends of Rescued Animals. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: 1A Windsor Rd, Luipaardsvlei, Krugersdorp.

Cost: free entry. Contact Ria: 072 122 3058 or visit fora.org.za Run of the Roses An exclusive 10km and 5km charity run for Susan Strijdom Huis, which offers services to the elderly and disabled. The children can take part in the 1km Rose Kiddies’ Run for ages 6 and younger. A rose medal is awarded to all participants. Time: 8am. Venue: Ludwig’s Roses, N1 to Polokwane, Wallmanstahl/ Pyramid offramp, no 163. Cost: 10km R90, 5km R70, 1km R30. Contact AnnaMarie: 012 544 0144, 082 954 9628, talkingroses@ludwigsroses.co.za or visit enteronline.co.za The Men in Red The Johannesburg Welsh Male Voice Choir treats you to an evening of carols by candlelight followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. Dress is smart casual. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: The Rand Club, 33 Loveday St, cnr Fox St. Cost: R220 (excluding drinks and a 10 percent gratuity), children under 12 half price.

Contact Lisa: 011 880 4263, lisa@randclub. co.za or visit randclub.co.za

8 thursday Dinner for One and Too A slapstick comedy set in an ancient English mansion where Miss Sophie is celebrating her 90th birthday with her “guests” and the ever-accommodating butler, James. Also 9 December. Time: 8pm–9:30pm. Venue: Atterbury Theatre, 4 Daventry St, cnr Lynnwood Rd and Daventry St, Lynnwood. Cost: R100–R120.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

9 friday Canon SA Expo The first exclusively Canon expo features new products. Visitors are able to learn a few tricks from the professionals as well as experience the latest Canon technology first-hand. Ends 11 December.

Time: 10am–6pm. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Maude St, Sandown.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 779 0000, help@csaexpo.co.za or visit csaexpo.co.za Night Market If you’re struggling to come up with gift ideas pop in for unique items and some festive spirit. Time: 5pm–9pm. Venue: Irene Village Mall, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Van Ryneveld Ave, Irene. Cost: free entry. Contact: 012 662 4446, info@irenevillagemall.co.za or visit irenevillagemall.co.za

10 saturday Arithmetic Competition Young mathematicians from the UCMAS programme compete to answer 100 arithmetic questions in eight minutes.

UCMAS is a brain development programme that uses mental arithmetic to promote right brain activity. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, cnr Miriam Makeba Rd and President St, Newtown.

Cost: adults R20, children R10. Contact: 011 639 8400 or visit sci-bono.co.za

Carols in the botanical gardens Pack your picnic baskets, grab your camping chairs and head out to enjoy a beautiful summer’s night concert with Irish drums and the Mzanzi Youth Choir. Bring a few candles and your blanket in case it gets chilly. Father Christmas is there to greet the children. Time: 6pm. Venue: Pretoria National Botanical Garden, 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria. Cost: R50, senior citizens R40, children under 13 enter free. Contact: 086 100 1278 or visit ticketbreak.co.za Craighall River Market This quaint market supports the Reea Foundation and offers fresh organic and home-baked produce and a selection of art and crafts.

While savouring a cup of tea, your children can be treated to a pony ride, play on the swing or whiz down the slide. Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: Colourful Splendour Nursery, Marlborough Ave, Craighall Park.

Cost: free entry. Contact Roy: 011 465 3413 or jmsinek@mweb.co.za

11 sunday Miss South Africa At this 50-yearold beauty pageant filled with glitz and glamour, women try to impress the judges with their looks and their brains to win the crown. Time: 7pm–8:30pm. Venue: Sun City Superbowl, North West. Cost: R200– R225. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

14 wednesday A zoo in the library A few of the small animals from the Johannesburg Zoo are visiting the library. Pop in to see the cute creatures up close. For children 3–12 years old. Time: 10am–11am. Venue: Weltevreden Park Library, Fern Rd, Weltevreden Park.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 679 3406

16 friday Art in the Garden View the art show set in the beautiful, serene surrounds of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

Ten percent of the sales go to the

A Christmas tree for the birds Decorate the Christmas tree with delectable bird treat decorations that you made yourself. If you love your decorations you can purchase them to take home. Suitable for children 4 years and older. Time: 10am. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, plot 57 College Rd, off Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R10 per child (decorations taken home cost extra). Contact David: 082 553 0598 or visit rhn.co.za

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calendar development of the botanical gardens.

Time: 8am–6pm. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R25, students R10, children under 6 free.

Contact Karen: 011 958 5177, botsoc@ sisulugarden.co.za or visit sanbi.org Johannesburg Zoo family day Celebrate the Day of Reconciliation with a jazz concert on the lawns of the zoo.

Bring your picnic baskets and enjoy the music, jumping castles, face painting and, of course, the animals. Time: 10am–3pm.

Venue: Bandstand, Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R55, children R34. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za Ludwig’s walk and talk Join Ludwig on an exclusive talk and walk through the roses. For those who cannot follow all the way, there is a cushioned and roofed tractor train ride that follows right behind Ludwig.

Time: 9:30am. Venue: Ludwig’s Roses, N1 to Polokwane, Wallmanstahl/Pyramid offramp, no 163. Cost: free entry. Contact: 012 544 0144 or spicedcoffee@ludwigsroses.co.za

18 sunday Rotary carols Complete with a market, antiques fair, tree of remembrance, and carols in German, Afrikaans and English; the market commences in the morning with the carols starting at 6pm. The event is in aid of underprivileged children and any small gift that you would like to donate is welcome.

Time: 7am–8pm. Venue: Stonehaven, next to Baddrift Bridge, Sylviavale Ah, Vaal River, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: free entry. Contact: 016 982 2951 or info@stonehaven.co.za

trees. Booking essential. Time: 12pm.

Venue: Cradle of Humankind. Cost: adults R320, children under 12 R180. Contact: 011 659 1622, enquiries@thecradle.co.za or visit cradleofhumankind.co.za Festive Christmas luncheon Indulge in a lavish buffet served with a free-flow of Villiera MCC. Children’s entertainment is available, including a special visit from Father Christmas. Booking essential.

Time: 11am–3pm. Venue: 191 Oxford Rd, Rosebank. Cost: adults R645, children 12–18 years R300, children 3–11 years R200, children under 3 eat free.

Contact Valentina: 011 280 1172 or visit johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com

31 tuesday The Phantom of the Opera Get swept away by the romantic scores of the much loved musical, The Phantom of the Opera. Follow the disfigured musical genius, “the Phantom”, as he haunts the Paris Opera House and falls in love with Christine Daaé. Ends 24 March. Time: 8pm.

Venue: Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd. Cost: R125–R425. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

21 wednesday Christmas picnic Bring a basket of goodies and enjoy a family picnic with Father Christmas in the Weltevreden Library. For children 3–10 years old. Time: 10am–11am. Venue: Weltevreden Park Library, Fern Rd, Weltevreden Park. Cost: free. Contact: 011 679 3406

24 saturday Christmas Eve Enjoy a cherished Christmas evening with your family as you dine on a delectable buffet and enjoy live entertainment. Time: 6:30pm; booking essential. Venue: The Otherside Restaurant and Deli, Monaghan Farm, Blair Atholl Estate. Cost: adults R250, children R125.

Contact: 087 630 0742 or theotherside@ monaghanfarm.co.za

25 sunday Christmas lunch Celebrate a wonderful Christmas lunch either with a five-course meal in the restaurant or with a relaxed picnic in the bush under 800-year-old

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FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Chainmail with Norma Children make jewellery out of chainmail. 10 and 14 December; 4 and 7 January. Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Also 4 and 7 January at 2pm–4pm. Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R100. Contact: 083 655 3237 Creative Kids While mom and dad finish the Christmas shopping, children can get creative in the Christmas craft workshops making items such as decorations, cards and Christmas crackers. A giftwrapping service is available. 10–23 December. Time: 11am–2pm. Venue: Heathway Shopping Centre, Beyers Naudé Dr. Cost: free. Contact: 011 678 7553, info@heathway.co.za or visit heathwaysquare.co.za Pottery holiday school The children can make something beautiful for the

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garden – their very own bird bath. Aprons are available, but wear old clothes to be safe. For children 5 years and older. Time: 13 and 14 December: 10:30am–12pm and 2:30pm–4pm; 16 December: 9:30am –11am and 12:30pm–2pm. Venue: Klay & Co, John Vorster Dr, Weltevreden Farm (between JG Strydom Rd and Christiaan de Wet Rd).Cost: R180. Contact: 082 422 4927

classes, talks and workshops A children’s gardening workshop A basic workshop about sustainable gardening.

They learn to plant herbs and vegetables that are environmentally sensible as well as various planting methods, while having fun.

Ideal for 8–12 year olds. 7 December. Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, plot 57 College Rd, off Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R50, includes refreshments. Contact David: 082 553 0598 or visit rhn.co.za Christmas crafts Drop your children off at the Weltevreden Park Library where they can learn how to make festive decorations to hang on their Christmas trees. For children 3–10 years old. 12 December.

Time: 10am–11am. Venue: Weltevreden Park Library, Fern Rd, Weltevreden Park.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 679 3406 Christmas creations Be inspired by nature as you make Christmas decorations, cards, tags and gift wrap. Wear old clothes or bring an apron. For children 4 years and older. Time: 6 December: 10am–11am and 2pm–3:30pm; 8 December: 9:30am–12pm and 2pm–4pm. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, plot 57 College Rd, off Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R10 per child (decorations are charged for separately). Contact David: 082 553 0598 or visit rhn.co.za Creative self-development workshop This four-day workshop develops your children’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills. They take part in singing, improvisation, presentation and characterisation activities for a positive and empowering experience. 12–15 December.

Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Scout Hall, Disa Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: R1 200 for four days or R400 per day. Contact Gina: 084 827 8481 or gina@voice360.co.za Drama school This marks the start of the Kidz Take Over drama courses, which focus on acting skills for stage, including improvisation, characterisation, breathing and speech techniques and confidence building. All students star in a production at a professional theatre at the end of the course. For children 6–18 years old.

Booking essential. Takes place once a week for three months. Time: 25 January: 3:30pm–5:30pm, Mustard Seed, Ruimsig; 27 January: 3:30pm–5:30pm, Stoneridge

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Healthy cooking class Take the day off and let your children do the cooking after they’ve learnt how to make a few healthy meals at this workshop. Booking essential. 6 and 8 December.

Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: Little Cooks Club, Rivonia. Cost: free, sponsored by McCain; space limited to 10 children per class.

Contact Megan: 083 985 8080, meganh@littlecooksclub.co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za

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Shopping Centre, Edenvale; 28 January: 11am–1pm, Dance Zone, Bryanpark Shopping Centre, Bryanston. Cost: 6–12 year olds R1 050, 13–18 year olds R1 250.

Contact Shaye: 082 871 0034, shaye@kto. co.za or visit kto.co.za Imagine Your life A creative and fun life skills workshop to get children thinking. Each workshop includes free play, refreshments, a structured talk with notes and craft activities pertaining to the workshop topic. Booking essential. For children 8 years and older. 12–15 December. Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: Watercombe Rd, Farmall, Fourways. Cost: R120. Contact Venter: 082 928 7474, imagine@mailnet. co.za or visit imaginechildrensparties.co.za Theatre workshop Children can build their confidence and improve their communication skills through participating in productions and learning the techniques of the performing arts, including drama, creative movement, mime, singing and presentation skills. The children are in the safe hands of experienced instructors, including Joyce Levinsohn, Tulla Eckhart and Candice Hillebrand. Suitable for children 7–17 years. 28 January–10 March. Time: 9:30am–12pm, every Saturday. Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: tbc. Contact: 011 484 1584, admin@jyt.co.za or visit jyt.co.za Young adults social skills A course covering etiquette, body language and interactive skills that is particularly useful for the “digital youth”. For ages 14–17 years. 12–15 December and 9–12 January.

Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: 31 St Andrew’s Rd, Hurlingham, Sandton. Cost: R950.

Contact Yolanda: 082 468 4029, yolandb@ icon.co.za or visit socialskills.co.za

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family outings Artists Under the Sun Enjoy an outdoor exhibition of fine art, sculpture and art in all media and sizes. 3–4 December and 7–8 January. Venue: cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Westwold Way, Zoo Lake, Saxonwold.

Cost: free. Contact Val: 011 432 1482 or visit artistsunderthesun.co.za

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Carols with the Lipizzaners Watch the Lipizzaners prance around the arena during their annual Christmas show, accompanied by the worldfamous Welsh Male Voice Choir.

Father Christmas also pays a visit.

7, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 20–24 December. Time: 7pm. Venue: The Lipizzaner Centre, 1 Dahlia Rd, Kyalami. Cost: R130. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

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Cooper’s Cave Picnic Explore a 1,5-million-year-old fossil site, which features several animal fossils. Spend a day hunting for fossils and learn how to make tools like our ancestors did. Enjoy a picnic afterwards. 3, 10, 17, 20 and 22 December.

Time: 9am. Venue: Cooper’s Cave, near Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng. Cost: R350, includes a picnic lunch. Contact: 014 577 9000, info@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Father Christmas at the Crossing Write a letter to Father Christmas and drop it off at the special post box. 5–24 December.

Time: 9am–5pm, Monday–Saturday; 9am–2pm, Sunday. Photo opportunities with Father Christmas on 10 and 17 December, tbc. Venue: Fourways Crossing, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: free. Contact: 011 465 9208 or visit fourwayscrossing.co.za Festive Christmas luncheon Indulge in a lavish buffet served with a free-flow of Villiera MCC. Children’s entertainment is available, including a special visit from Father Christmas. Booking essential.

Time: 11am–3pm. Venue: 191 Oxford Rd, Rosebank. Cost: adults R645, children 12–18 years R300, children 3–11 years R200, children under 3 eat free.

Contact Valentina: 011 280 1172 or visit johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com Nedbank Golf Challenge Enjoy one of SA’s premier golf tournaments. Childcare facilities are available throughout the

resort. 30 November–4 December. Time: all day. Venue: Gary Player Country Club, Sun City. Cost: from R80, children under 12 free. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Reading the bones of our ancestors Discover a wealth of information about your ancestors through the clues stored in their fossils. It is a fun and active observation class ending with a walk through the caves’ site and a picnic buffet. Booking essential.

For children 13 years and older. 19, 21 and 23 December. Time: 9am. Venue: Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: R350, includes a picnic. Contact: 014 577 9000 or visit maropeng.co.za Traditional Sunday carvery lunch Enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch, including an afternoon cruise on the Petit Verdot (on presentation of restaurant bill) at 4pm.

Booking essential. Ends 18 December. Time: 12pm–4pm. Venue: Matthews Restaurant, Riviera on Vaal Hotel. Cost: R165 (children under 12 pay half price). Contact: 016 420 1300, reservations@rivieraonvaal.co.za or visit rivieraonvaal.co.za Wild Lights Visitors can bring their picnic baskets to enjoy the wild lights of the zoo, lit in the shape of animals. They can also see small cats and experience zoo nightlife.

14–24 December. Time: 5pm–10pm.

Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R55, children R34. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

finding nature and outdoor play Build a mini-beastie box Discover amazing creatures with the Johannesburg Zoo and Random Harvest and make your own beastie box to observe the creatures in your garden. Suitable for ages 7 years and older; younger children need parental supervision. 9 December. Time: 10am–12:30pm. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, plot 57 College Rd, off Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R75.

Contact: 082 553 0598 or visit rhn.co.za Chartwell Castle and Guest House Spend the day in the southern hemisphere’s largest uninterrupted maze or in a fourstorey castle. Use of maze by appointment.

Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: Hood Rd, Dainfern. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact: 011 227 0002 or visit chartwellcastle.co.za Croc City Crocodile Farm View crocodiles and hatchlings at close range.

Time: 9am–4:30pm, Monday–Sunday.

Venue: Old Pretoria Rd, Nietgedacht.

Cost: adults R55, children R30. Contact: 083 657 7561, info@croccity.co.za or visit croccity.co.za Fly fishing special Learn the art of fly fishing from a trained guide. The classes are 2½ hours long, but you are welcome to fish along the river or at the dam for the entire day. Booking essential. Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: Magalies Barbus Haven or Valley Lodge and Spa, Magaliesburg. Cost:

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Nocturnal family event An informative talk about frogs followed by a walk and hunt around the gardens.

Booking essential. 10 December and 14 January. Time: 6pm. Venue: meet at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden entrance, Galena Ave, between Topaz and Argent Ave. Cost: FroK members R40, non-members R50, children 12 or under R25. Contact Karin: 079 693 5608, botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za or visit botanicalsociety.org.za

adults R300, children R150 (including rod hire), non-fishing adults R50. Contact: 011 315 4503, sundown@iafrica.com or visit sundownerproducts.wordpress.com Guided tours on the Koppies Walk around the Melville Koppies with an informative guide, stopping at frequent intervals to introduce the group to the flora, fauna, geology, archaeology and history of the area. For children 6 years and older.

Time: 3pm, 4 and 18 December and 15 January; 8:30am, 11 December and 8 and 22 January. Venue: Melville Koppies. Park opposite the entrance at Marks Park Sports

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Club in Judith Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: adults R30, children R10. Contact Wendy: 011 482 4797, fomk@mk.org.za or visit mk.org.za Moonlight Maze The adventure takes place under the light of the moon and involves five secret gardens themed around the elements of earth, air, fire, water and the Garden of Reflection. Booking essential as space is limited. Children under 15 must be supervised. 3 December. Time: 5:15pm– 8:45pm. The Elemental Maize is open from 10am–5pm on 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 December. Venue: Honeydew A-maize-ing Mazes, 82 Boland St, off Beyers Naudé Dr,

Honeydew. Cost: adults R90, children R80.

Contact Peter or Judy: 073 795 2174 or visit honeydewmazes.co.za Spiders in Kloofendal Look for spiders with Astri Leroy, of the Spider Club, as you walk around the gardens with sample jars.

Booking essential. 21 and 22 January. Time: 9am. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, between Topaz and Argent Ave. Cost: FroK members R40, non-members R50, children 12 or under R25. Contact Karin: 079 693 5608, botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za or visit botanicalsociety.org.za The early bird gets the worm Start your day with an interesting walk and talk led by a bird expert. Booking essential. 14 January.

Time: 6:30am. Venue: Melville Koppies, 3rd Ave, off Arundel Rd, Westdene. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact: 011 482 4797, fomk@mk.org.za or visit mk.org.za Veggie and fruit picking Pop in to fill a basket with fresh and organic fruits and vegetables from the working farm. After your harvest, sit back and enjoy some tasty treats from the Peach Café. Time: 9am–5pm, Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Camdeboo Farm, plot 82/83 Selbourn Rd, Witkoppen. Cost: free entry, pay per basket of produce. Contact Don: 083 230 0333, camdeboofarm@me.com or visit camdeboofarm.co.za

holiday programmes Band workshop The workshop allows students to learn and experience different

instruments. In each three-hour session students can select an instrument and create a song that they perform at the end of the workshop. 5–10 December and 4–7 January. Time: 9am–12pm and 1pm–4pm; booking essential. Venue: Key Players Music, 4 Sandpiper Ave, Sandton. Cost: R120 per three-hour session. Contact Magda: 082 768 3906, admin@keyplayersmusic.com or visit music-lessons.co.za Ben 10 invades Eastgate Meet your favourite Cartoon Network characters who appear for two hours per day. The children can use their imagination with the crafts at the Creative Station or take part in the competitions and activities offered throughout the day. 9–24 December. Time: mall hours 10am–9pm. Venue: entrance 6, Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 479 6000 or visit eastgateshops.com Christmas craft club Each day is jampacked with great games, face painting and a different craft activity. The theme is Christmas and children can enjoy making snow globes, bird feeders and Christmas stockings. For children 3–7 years old. 5–9 December. Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: Faraway Tree, 7 Condor Rd, Douglasdale.

Cost: R125 (including craft supplies).

Contact Melanie: 011 467 6540 or farawaytree@telkomsa.net Christmas day camp An active holiday camp with alternating activities (games, crafts, outdoor play) to keep your

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3 Survive or Race The Adventure

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Challenge your family, friends and yourself to an exciting outdoor adventure.

You can expect roadblocks, detours and clue cards, or get voted out in the tribal council. Braai facilities and a swimming pool available. Booking essential. For ages 6 and older. 3–5, 9–11 and 16–18 December. Time: 9am. Venue: on the N4, Pelindaba. Cost: adults R220, children R160. Contact Debbie: 082 895 2513, admin@surviveorrace.co.za or visit surviveorrace.co.za

children entertained throughout the holiday. Children are free to participate in the planned activities or run and play in the spacious venue. Booking essential. For children 3–12 years old. 12–22 December and 4–17 January. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Small World School, 17 Troupant Close, cnr Gertrude St, Randpark Ridge. Cost: R120 per day, includes breakfast and lunch. Contact Carol: 011 793 4118 or carol@smartx.co.za Creative Kidz pony camp Children can ride and groom beautiful ponies as well as be creative, play games and enjoy delicious food. The pony camp includes lunch and a daily creative workshop where they can make their own Christmas decorations. Suitable for children 5–13 years old. 12–14 December.

Time: 8:30am–5pm. Venue: Rivonia Riding Club, plot 5 Achter Rd, Paulshof. Cost: R300 per day, R800 for three days.

Contact Karen: 083 453 4621 or karen@ crystalessence.co.za Dance Academy Your children can learn the latest choreography and dance techniques from the world champions in hip-hop and breakdance. Suitable for boys and girls. Booking essential. 9–17 January.

Time: 2pm–3pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Kim Field Dance Academy, 46 Kingfisher Dr, Fourways. Cost: R150, includes breakfast,

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lunch and refreshments. Contact Kim: 011 465 1801, kimfield@mweb.co.za or visit kidsinternational.co.za Fastrackids Broadacres holiday workshops Your children learn about dinosaurs and countries across the globe with a tactile, hands-on approach. The programme is suitable for children between 5–8 years; holiday care is available for children 3–5 years. 5–9 and 12–15 December. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Fastrackids, Broadacres ext 7, Cedar Rd Shop 7, Broadacres Shopping Centre. Cost: holiday camps R855, holiday care R360. Contact Candice: 011 467 0230, reception-fourways@fastrackids.com or visit fastrackids.com Fastrackids Parkmore holiday workshops Through play and interaction your children learn about sports and countries around the world. The programme is suitable for children 5–8 years old; holiday care is available for children 3–5 years old. 5–9 and 12–15 December. Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: Fastrackids, 98 4th Ave, Parkmore. Cost: holiday camps R800, holiday care R360.

Contact Bernadine: 083 716 5086 or visit fastrackids.com Festive fun at the mall 3 December: video gaming on the boat deck and win prizes. Ends 11 December. Time: 9am–4pm, daily. 9 December: children can write a

letter to Father Christmas and have a photo taken with him. Ends 23 December. Time: 9–5pm, daily. 10 December: help break a record by building a 2-metre fireman out of Lego. Time: 11am. 14 December: The Princess and not quite a Pea is performed on the Boat Deck. Bookings essential.

Time: 10:30am. Also 21 December. Time: 2:30pm. Venue: Lakeside Mall, Tom Jones St, Benoni. Contact: 011 427 1801 or visit lakesidemall.co.za Little Cooks Make chefs of your children this holiday. They will learn to make a menu of mouth–watering morsels as well as get their creative juices flowing with an array of creative activities. For children 4–11 years old. 13–14 December in Fairlands; 5–8 December in Rivonia; 12, 13 and 15 December in Fourways; 12–14 December and 13–15 January in Centurion.

Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: varies, see their website for details. Cost: R230 per day, includes refreshments. Contact head office: 083 556 3434, headoffice@littlecooksclub. co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za Make and bake Have a bit of fun each day with activities alternating between art and crafts (mosaic, painting, decoupage, scrapbooking) and cooking and baking.

Booking essential. 9–14 December. Time: 8am–12pm, Monday–Friday. Venue:

Fastrackids holiday workshops

Bedfordview Pre-primary School, 22 Kings Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: R100 per day. Contact Charlene: 082 896 8000 or charlene.ciani@gmail.com Nandos holiday fun Children can enter burger eating competitions, create crafts, play fussball and PlayStation, as well as a host of other fun activities. Programmes of the days’ activities are available online or at the store. All activities are supervised. 10–22 December. Time: 10am–4pm, Monday– Thursday; 10am–5pm, Friday; 10am–4pm, Saturday; 10am–2pm, Sunday. Venue: East Rand Mall. Cost: free, pay per craft activity. Contact: 011 823 1110 or visit eastrandmall.co.za

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Aragon pony camp Three days of fun with horses. The activities include horse riding, swimming in a dam on horses, treasure hunts, team games and making pony treats. For children 7–15 years old. 12–14 December. Time: 8am. Venue: 158 Mountainview Dr, Rietfontein (close to the N14 Zwartkop/Beyers Naudé Dr intersection). Cost: R300 per day (including nights) or R800 for the camp if booked and paid for by 6 December.

Contact Jenny: 082 666 3728, jenny@aragonstables.co.za or visit aragonstables.co.za

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calendar Pony day camp Children get to ride twice during the day and learn all about feeding, grooming and general horse care. There is time to swim and play. Booking essential.

For children 6 years and older. 20 and 21 December and 4 and 5 January. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Namirembe Riding School, plot 82 Nooitgedacht. Cost: R220, includes lunch. Contact Heather: 082 638 3781 or buysge@gmail.com Serendipity holiday programme A fun-filled day of organised games, baking and creating art and crafts. Booking not essential. For children 2–10 years old. 1–18 December and 3–17 January. Time: half day 9am–12:30pm, full day 9am–4:30pm; closed on Monday. Venue: Serendipity, 48 Keyes Ave, Rosebank. Cost: R140 half day, R220 full day; includes lunch, refreshments, and crafts.

Contact: 011 447 7386, serendipityplay@ gmail.com or visit serendipityplay.co.za Sleepover pony camp Children ride twice a day and learn how to feed, groom and care for horses. Space is limited to six children. For children 7–14 years old. 12–15 December and 9–12 January. Time: 9am.

Venue: Namirembe Riding School, plot 82, Nooitgedacht. Cost: R900. Contact: 082 638 3781 or buysge@gmail.com The Smurfs are in the city Enjoy children’s activities. 9–24 December. Time: Smurf Chirstmas show: 11am, 2pm and 6pm daily; meet a Smurf: 2pm and 3pm, daily; face painting: 1pm and 4pm, daily; craft workshop: 10am, daily; edible craft

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workshop: 4pm daily. Venue: Sandton City. Cost: free. For more info: visit sandtoncity.co.za

markets Hazel Food Christmas Market A dedicated food market offering fresh products. There is a jumping castle, jungle gym and a children’s corner. 3, 10 and 17 December; 14, 21 and 28 January. Time: 8am–2pm. Venue: Greenlyn Village Centre, Menlo Park. Cost: free. Contact: 082 554 5636 or visit hazelfoodmarket.co.za Irene Village Market Only original art and crafts are traded. Relax at the tea garden. 10 and 31 December and 14 and 28 January. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Smuts House Museum, 40km north of Johannesburg. Cost: free entry. Contact: 012 667 1659 or visit irenemarket.co.za Jozi Food Market An outdoor food market specialising in homegrown and natural products. Shop for cheeses, meats and pickles. Time: 8:30am–1:30pm, every Saturday. Venue: Pirates Rugby Club, Braeside Rd, Parkhurst. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 083 643 4555, 076 469 8995 or visit jozifoodmarket.co.za Midrand Urban Market Take advantage of the last market of the year to locate that something special for your loved ones’ stockings. There are over 130 traders.

3 December. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Kyalami Main Rd (R55). Cost: free. Contact: 082 810 8643 or visit urbanmarket.co.za

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thurs Kamers Vol Geskenke A celebration of local creativity and innovation. Expect to find quality and original jewellery, ceramics, décor accessories, children’s furniture, clothing, and handcrafted toys. 29 November–3 December. Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: Open Window School of Design, Irene. Cost: R45. For more information: visit kamersvol.com

Nickel Xmas Market Funds raised from the sale of handmade items are donated to the Paul Jungnickel Home. Father Christmas pops in. 25 November–11 December. Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: Paul Jungnickel Home, Zwavelpoort, Lynnwood Rd. Cost: free entry. Contact: 012 809 0020 Neighbourgoods Market An urban market offering baked goods, artisan products, organic veggies and fresh trout.

Time: 9am–4pm, every Saturday. Venue: 73 Juta St, Braamfontein. Cost: free entry.

Contact Willem: 082 370 4075 or visit neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za Stepping Stones Village Market A market of handcrafted items including women and children’s clothing, bags and accessories.

Numerous food stalls are available. 3 and 16 December. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: 283 Honeydew Rd West, North Riding. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 681 9544 or visit steppingstonesvillagemarket.com Slow Market @ Harties Fresh products available from the producer/farmer directly to the public. 3 December. Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: NG Kerk Skeerpoort, Hartbeespoortdam. Cost: free entry.

Contact Marleze: 082 781 0736 or marleze@vodamail.co.za

on stage and screen Aladdin Junior An enchanting musical set in the city Agrabah, which takes you on a magic carpet ride across the Arabian Desert

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complete with genie, sorcerer, princess and camel. Booking essential. Ends 23 December.

Time: 10:30am, 2:30pm; closed Monday and Sunday. Venue: The National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: adults R90, children R80. Contact: 011 484 1584, admin@jyt.co.za or visit jyt.co.za Beautiful Creatures Join the characters as they come to life this summer. Follow Imvubu the Happy Hippo on a journey of self-discovery, and dance and roar with his friends. 30 November–18 December. Time: 12pm and 2pm, Tuesday–Friday; 11:30am and 1:30pm, Saturday; 12pm, Sunday.

Venue: Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino.

Cost: R75. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Beauty and the Beast A contemporary performance of the classic children’s fairy

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tale, filled with romance, humour and wit to make for enjoyable family entertainment.

Ends 24 December. Time: varies. Venue: The People’s Theatre. Cost: Kids’ Club members R60, accompanying a member R80, nonmembers R99. Contact: 011 403 1563 or visit peoplestheatre.co.za Cinderella The much-loved children’s classic is performed by some of Tshwane’s most promising talent. Fun for the whole family, it always leaves audiences singing in the aisles. All ages. 1–3, 8–10 and 12–17 December. Time: 10am. Venue: Irene Village Theatre, 1 Pioneer Rd, Irene. Cost: R65–R85. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Franklin’s Magic Christmas Join the lovable turtles, Franklin and Harriet, as they celebrate a magical Christmas with

their grandparents at the Faraway Farm. 4 December. Time: 7pm. On KidsCo, DStv channel 308 and Toptv channel 255 Hannah Montana A tribute show to Hannah Montana, a girl who lives a double life as an average school girl named Miley Stewart by day, and a famous pop singer named Hannah Montana by night. 10 December–15 January; closed on Christmas Day. Time: 12pm or 2:30pm.

Venue: Gold Reef City Theme Park. Cost: included in the theme park entrance; adults R150, children R100. Contact: 011 248 6800, info@goldreefcity.co.za or visit goldreefcity.co.za Janice Honeyman’s Cinderella Packed with comedy, stunning sets, and beautiful costumes, the pantomime features an allstar South African cast who bring the much loved characters to life. 1–30 December.

Time: varies. Venue: The Mandela, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein. Cost: R190–R290, with discounts for groups of 10 plus. Contact: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com Marionettes perform He Came From the Father This story is told with small figures on a table. For children 4 years and older. Booking essential. 3, 10 and 17 December. Time: 3pm. Venue: Untangled Marionettes, 28 Pallinghurst Rd, Westcliff.

Cost: R60. Contact Alida: 082 446 4324 or untangledmarionettes@vodamail.co.za Nutcracker on Ice A beautiful and enchanting ballet featuring the Imperial Ice

The Boy who Dreamed Christmas Follow Nilus the Sandman and eight-year-old Peter on a magical adventure to save Father Christmas from an evil toy maker in the North Pole. Time: 7pm on 18 December and 7am on 25 December. On KidsCo, DStv channel 308 and Toptv channel 255

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Stars, with all the music and characters of the original ballet infused with the extravagant skill and elegance of world-class skaters.

8 December–15 January. Time: 7:30pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday, with an additional 6pm show on Sunday. Venue: Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd. Cost: R100–R380.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

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calendar Puppet Show Spectacular Catch two adorable puppet shows featuring imported puppets Harry the Hedgehog and Intruder in the Castle. 2, 3, 9, 10, 15 and 16 December. Time: 1pm. Venue: Irene Village Theatre, 1 Pioneer Rd, Irene. Cost: R55.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Swan Princess An enchanting tale about a princess who has a spell cast upon her – swan by day, human by night. Only her true love can set her free, but will he shoot her first? Showing at Barnyard Theatres across Gauteng. 3–23 December.

Time: varies. Cost: R50. For more info: visit barnyardtheatres.co.za

playtime and story time Grannies Garden Drop your children off at a beautiful venue with plenty of fun activities to keep them entertained and happy on their holidays. There is a bicycle track, a fantasy room complete with dress-up costumes, jungle gyms and many other exciting facilities. 12–22 December. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Grannies Garden, 138 Barkston Dr, Blairgowrie. Cost: R80–R100. Contact: 011 326 4265, info@granniesgarden.co.za or visit granniesgarden.co.za Kid’s Traffic-land Learn road safety and traffic awareness while driving a batteryoperated vehicle in a mini city called Traffic-land. Parents can enjoy refreshments as the little ones have fun around the track. The cars support up to 35kg. Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: Kids Traffic-land, Balfour Park Shopping Centre, shop 174 Highlands North, cnr Louis Botha Ave and Johannesburg Rd. Cost: R50 for a two-year license and two 15-minute rides, thereafter R30 for 15 minutes, R50 for 30 minutes, R90 for one hour. Contact Pana: 073 329 8510, pana@kidztrafficland.co.za or visit kidztrafficland.co.za

Kid’s Traffic-land

Treasure Island Children can be treated to fun pirate games and activities hosted by entertainers in the play area at the piazza. Prizes are up for grabs. 1 December– 9 January. Time: 12pm–1pm, every Friday– Sunday. Venue: Irene Village Mall, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Van Ryneveld Ave, Irene.

Cost: free. Contact: 012 662 4446, info@ irenevillagemall.co.za or visit irenemall.co.za Yeesh! holiday fun Develop your child’s motor skills, spatial awareness, confidence and social skills as they run, stretch and play in the two-level structure. The children are treated to special visits from Barney and Mickey and Minnie Mouse at 11am. For children 1–12 years old. Time: 9am–5pm.

Closed on Monday and Sunday, Christmas

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Sleeping Beauty The South African Ballet Theatre presents this well-known fairy tale on stage with spectacular costumes, dancing and music. For children 3 years and older. Time: 7, 14, and 16–18 December 2:30pm; 8 and 17 December 7:30pm; 18 December 11am. Venue: The South African State Theatre, Pretorius St. Cost: from R50. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Day and New Year’s Day. Venue: Yeesh!

Woodmead and Bryanston. Cost: R45 for the first hour, R40 after that; one-yearolds R25. Contact: 011 656 9669, yeesh@ mweb.co.za or visit yeesh.co.za

sport and physical activities ITA Tennis clinic Expose your children to the hand-eye coordination skills necessary for the social sport of tennis through structured lessons that progress at your child’s pace. Booking essential. For children 3–16 years old. 5–9 and 12–16 December.

Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: International Tennis Academy, Craighall Park Tennis Club, St Alban’s Rd, off Jan Smuts Ave. Cost: R250–R850. Contact Michele: 083 443 3391, info@itatennis.co.za or visit itatennis.co.za Hike over the waterfall Walk around the botanical gardens and learn about its ecology. Meet at the main entrance. 10 December. Time: 7:30am. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R25, students R10, children under 6 free. Contact: 011 958 5177, botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za or visit sanbi.org Ryan Maron’s Cricket School of Excellence holiday clinic A four-day clinic that caters for all abilities. Children practise batting, bowling, fielding and also get advice on how to select equipment. They get a free T-shirt, cap, Powerade bottle and drink, a certificate, and a copy of SA Cricket magazine.

For children 4–16 years old, divided into age group and ability. 12–15 December and 9–12 January. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: University of Johannesburg. Cost: R500 per student. Contact Ryan: 021 671 9460, ryan@cricketschool.co.za or visit cricketschool.co.za Tennis camp and tournament Children can have fun learning specific tennis skills in groups of similar abilities and then put these skills to the test in a daily tournament. The week includes a talent show, “minute to win it” and other fun activities. Cool drinks and snacks available from the tuck shop. For children 6–18 years old. 5–9 December and 3–7 January. Time: 8:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Randburg Tennis Club, Susman Ave, Blairgowrie, Randburg.

Cost: R600. Contact Gareth: 083 600 2464 or gareth.gibson@hotmail.com

Tennis tournament Children compete in a round-robin tournament with a group of similar-skilled players. The objective is to have fun, socialise, compete and improve their tennis ability. Cool drinks and snacks are available from the tuck shop. For children 6–18 years old. 12–15 December and 10–13 January. Time: 8am–12:30pm.

Venue: Randburg Tennis Club, Susman Ave, Blairgowrie, Randburg. Cost: R120–R200.

Contact Gareth: 083 600 2464 or gareth. gibson@hotmail.com Walk with dogs Join the Melville Koppies guides for a walk over steep terrain with your socialised dog (not a puppy), which must be on a leash. You are welcome to join even if you don’t have a dog. For children 6 years and older. 3 December and 7 January. Time: 8am–9:30am. 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 Wonderwall Have fun and get a bit of exercise while tackling a boulder in an indoor climbing gym. Come as you are;

Cricket clinic Learn all the aspects of the game from one of the country’s leading cricket schools. The children are split into age groups with a coach allocated to every group of 10 children. 12–15 December and 4–6 January. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: University of Johannesburg, Cricket Oval, Cadoza Rd. Cost: R500 per student, two students from the same family R970; includes free T-shirt, cap, Powerade bottle and drinks. Contact William: 021 671 9460, william@cricketschool.co.za or visit cricketschool.co.za

12 mon

equipment is available to rent at the gym.

A restaurant is on site in case you get hungry. For children 6 years and older. Time: 10am–10pm, Tuesday–Friday; 9am–6pm, Saturday and Sunday and public holidays.

Venue: Wonderwall Climbing Gym, Unit 1 Kya Sands Industrial Village, 22 Elsecar St, Kya Sands. Cost: day pass for adults R60, scholars R45, children R45 (excluding gear rental of about R30). Contact: 011 708 6467, info@wonderwall.co.za or visit wonderwall.co.za Zoo Trot This fun 5km walk or run around the zoo promotes a healthy lifestyle. 11 December and 8 January. Time: 7am–10am.

Venue: Centenary lawn, Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R55, children R34. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops An indigenous Christmas This workshop offers oodles of tips and tricks to impress your family with a stunning indigenous Christmas table. For children 15 years and older. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, plot 57 College Rd, off Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift.

Cost: R100, includes tea. Contact David: 082 553 0598 or visit rhn.co.za Chainmail with Norma Learn to make beautiful and unique pieces of chainmail jewellery. Time: 2pm–5pm, 3 December; 9:30am–12:30pm, 14 January. Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr and R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: R195, includes materials and refreshments.

Contact Norma: 083 655 3237 Free yoga in the park A free Vinyasa flow yoga class takes place in front of the concert stage. 3 December. Time: 9am.

Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Cost: garden entrance fee; adults R25, scholars R10, children under 6 free. Contact: 082 929 7264 or info@ indigoyoga.co.za Flower arranging course New and imaginative ways to rearrange flowers are explored at the Ngwenya Glass Village under the supervision of Kami of Angel Flowers. 3 December. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr and R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: R200. Contact Kami: 082 817 1293 Housekeeping course Change your life in 2012 and have your domestic worker trained on an accredited “results guaranteed” housekeeping course. A comprehensive programme recommended for any housekeeper, covering all aspects to ensure the smooth running of your home.

8 January–5 February. Time: 8.30am–2pm.

Cost: R1 800. Venue: 235 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Mom’s Circle of Support The group aims to give support to mothers as well as advice, information and empowerment in parenting and motherhood. 7 December.

Time: 9am–10am. Venue: Bella Vida Centre, 268 Bryanston Dr. Cost: free. Contact: 011 463 4438, enquiries@bellavidacentre.co.za or visit bellavidacentre.co.za magazine joburg

Mom’s store tours Woolworths offers parents a chance to get advice from a dietician who is leading small groups around the store, answering questions and offering nutritional advice for their children’s school lunches. 26 January. Time: after working hours, call to confirm. Venue: Woolworths Irene Mall, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Pierre Van Ryneveld Ave, Irene.

Cost: free. Contact Vuyelwa Mhlauli: 021 486 2900, vuyelwa@okuhle.co.za or visit woolworths.co.za Powerful Child A four-hour workshop for parents eager to learn how to bring out the best in their children. 9 December.

Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Bella Vida Centre, 268 Bryanston Dr, Bryanston. Cost: R900. Contact Hailey: 011 463 4438, enquiries@bellavidacentre.co.za or visit bellavidacentre.co.za Powerful Parent A four-hour workshop for parents who are eager to be great role models to their children. 2 December.

Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Bella Vida Centre, 268 Bryanston Dr, Bryanston. Cost: R900.

Contact Bella Vida Centre: 011 463 4438, enquiries@bellavidacentre.co.za or visit bellavidacentre.co.za Powertalk: Emotional Intelligence This talk provides you with five steps to increase your emotional intelligence and that of those around you. 7 December.

Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Bella Vida Centre, 268 Bryanston Dr, Bryanston. Cost: R250. Contact Bella Vida Centre: 011 463 4438, enquiries@bellavidacentre.co.za or visit bellavidacentre.co.za Sailing training Anyone can learn to sail with beginners through to advanced sailing lessons available. All equipment is supplied. Time: 2:30pm, Monday–Friday; 9am, Saturday. Venue: Victoria Lake Club, Germiston. Contact Shellee: 083 626 7597 or shellee@sailingcentre.co.za Sonic Meditation Enjoy a deep relaxing meditation enriched with live sound and music performances created with singing bowls, vocal toning and overtoning, drums, bells, and more.

4 December. Time: 9:30am–11:30am.

Venue: South African Centre for Sound Therapy, Meerhof, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: R140. Contact Wilna: 071 682 2548, wilna@soundtherapy.co.za or visit soundtherapy.co.za Start your herb garden Get an overview of how to get started with your herb garden, from digging to planting. 10 December.

Time: 2:30pm. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, plot 57 College Rd, off Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R50. Contact David: 082 553 0598 or visit rhn.co.za The Brain Food open day If you are considering registering your children for the 2012 Adventure Phonics programme you might want to attend the open day for an introduction to their educational games and to let your children play and get familiar with the facilitators. The programme is suitable for children 4–7 years old. Book online. 3 December. Time: 9:30am–1:30pm. Venue: Marmalade, cnr William Nicol Dr and Fountain Rd, Fourways. Contact Sego Moeng: 011 339 5072 or visit workingsolutions.co.za magazine joburg

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calendar The Cycle of Life This is an experiential, therapeutic workshop where you can explore and refresh your conscious and subconscious. It’s a guided journey using the techniques of voice movement therapy.

10 December. Time: 7am–4pm. Venue: Scout Hall, Disa Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: R900. Contact Gina: 084 827 8481 Treasured Memories scrapbooking classes These help you to preserve your precious family moments in affordable creative and personal journals. 7 and 14 December. Time: 9am–12:30pm. Venue: Larney Ladybirds Party Venue, Valley Rd, Broadacres. Cost: R135, includes refreshments. Contact Carol: 082 345 9556 or carolscrapbook@gmail.com

on stage and screen Boney M What would Christmas be without the disco cult band of the ’70s and ’80s, Boney M and their hits such as “Brown Girl in the RIng”? 16 and 17 December.

Time and venue: 8pm, 16 December: Sun City Superbowl; 8pm, 17 December: Carnival City’s Big Top Arena. Cost: R150– R520. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Dance into the New Year Say goodbye to 2011 with a party that takes you all over the world. Bring a picnic basket for a swinging end to the year. 31 December. Time: 7pm–2am. Venue: Barnyard Theatre, Cresta Shopping centre. Cost: R300. Contact: 011 280 4370 or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za

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The Mousetrap The Agatha Christie classic keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense and mystery. “The Mousetrap is one of the most skillfully written murder mysteries ever produced”, according to the New York Times. 18 January–26 February.

Time: 8pm, Wednesday–Saturday; 5pm, Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways. Cost: R75–R150. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com

Menopause the musical A musical parody about four women who are all going through the many symptoms of menopause. Ends 8 January. Time: 8pm, Tuesday– Saturday; 4pm, Saturday and Sunday.

Venue: Pieter Toerien Main Theatre, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways.

Cost: R150–R250. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

out and about Dreaming of a Black Christmas Enjoy a barrel of laughs with South Africa’s top black comedians, including award-winning David Kau. 2 and 3 December. Time: 9pm–11pm. Venue: The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City Casino. Cost: R161–R263.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Laughter Therapy English-Irish comedian, Jimmy Carr, has you in stitches with his deadpan delivery and dark humour. Parental guidance 16 for language. 10 December.

Time: 6pm. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Pavilion, Maude St, Sandown. Cost: R263–R568. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Lil Wayne I Am Still Music tour Acclaimed as the “greatest hip-hop artist of all time, the deadliest lyricist and the genre’s most flourishing touring act”, this is not to be missed by hip-hop fans.

9 December. Time: 8pm. Venue: The CocaCola Dome, Northgate. Cost: R400, R600 or R750. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Night Fever A tribute concert to the Bee Gees with a multimedia display of footage showcasing their career and a live band to perform all their greatest hits. 25 November–31 December. Time: 8:30pm, Friday–Saturday; 3pm, Sunday.

Closed on Christmas Day. Venue: Silverstar Casino, Muldersdrift. Cost: R200. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Old Mutual National Choir Festival Enjoy a celebration of the best choral music as 24 choirs compete to win their respective categories. 10 and 11 December. Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: Ellis Park Arena. Cost: R90–R250. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com

Back to school services All your stationery requirements and basic school uniforms are available in the centre court. There is a school book covering service with proceeds going to Marang House. Children can get creative in the craft workshops between 11am and 2pm. 10–17 January.

Time: 9am–5pm, closed on Sunday. Venue: Heathway Shopping Centre. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 678 7553 or visit heathwaysquare.co.za Butterfly walk and talk Join The Lepidopterists’ Society for an informative display of butterflies, and Jeremy Dobson for a walk through the nursery grounds. Bring binoculars and a butterfly book. 3 December.

Time: 11:30am–12:30pm for the walk; 8am–5pm for the display. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, plot 57 College Rd, off Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R75 for the walk, includes a light lunch.

Contact: 082 553 0598 or visit rhn.co.za

magazine joburg

Pruning demo Join Ludwig for a talk on how to give your roses a boost this summer by doing some finger pruning. 7 and 15 January. Time: 10:30am. Venue: Ludwig’s Roses, N1 to Polokwane, Wallmanstahl/ Pyramid offramp no 163. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 012 544 0144 or spicedcoffee@ ludwigsroses.co.za Works on paper by Vasco Futscher Forming part of JAG’s emerging artists

programme, this exhibition gives opportunity to artists who are beginning to receive critical acclaim. Vasco Futscher, a young artist from Portugal, is showcasing drawings and a selection of complementary ceramics. Ends 28 January.

Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Johannesburg Art Gallery, King George St, Joubert Park.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 725 3180

bump, baby & Tot in tow Photography 201 If you already have the basics down then this workshop helps you move beyond these and put your vision to paper. 3 December.

Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: 48 8th Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R699, includes refreshments, notes and a professional edit. Contact Elaine: elaine@sundaylunchcreative.com

3 sat

classes, talks and workshops Antenatal workshop Offers advice on birth preparation with a two-day interactive workshop covering relevant topics facing a mother-to-be. 10 and 11 December; 14 and 15, 28 and 29 January. Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: Mother Instinct, 129 Republic Rd, Fontainebleau, Randburg.

Cost: R1 400 per couple. Contact: 011 791 0286, support@motherinstinct.co.za or visit motherinstinct.co.za Art and music Join in on some fun, themed art and crafts activities combined with music. Dance, paint, sing, glue, play and create. The themes include: Christmas, At the Sea and Creepy Crawly Critters among others. Booking essential.

For children 18 months and older. 6, 8–13, 15, 17–21, 22 and 23 December.

Time: 10am. Venue: MusikGarten with Cherise, 36 Apiesdoring St, Sundowner, Randburg. Cost: R80 per child per theme.

Contact Cherise: 011 794 5280, 082 371 1818, cherisemcgeer@gmail.com or visit musikgartenwithcherise.co.za Baby Bootcamp Bring your infants and toddlers (aged 0–4 years) along for strollerbased exercises. The classes are designed for the postnatal body. Classes take 55 minutes. Time: varies. Venue: classes takes place in Fourways, Sandton and Kyalami; closing on 15 December and opening on 9 January. Cost: from R90 for a single class, R600 for a package. Contact Tarryn: 082 462 7519 or tarryn.griebenow@ babybootcamp.com Breast-feeding workshop An in-depth workshop to remove your uncertainties about breast-feeding. 3 December and 7 January. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Mother Instinct, 129 Republic Rd, Fontainebleau, Randburg. Cost: R280 per couple, includes course material, refreshments and telephonic support. Contact Laura: 083 301 2826, lsayce@gmail.com or visit motherinstinct.co.za Embracing motherhood This can help you through the transitional period between pregnancy and motherhood by showing you how to access the bond that you and your baby share in a fun way. 3 December. Time: 1pm–4pm. Venue: 39–41 St Alban’s Ave, Craighall Park. Cost: R280. Contact Theoni: 083 229 3253, theoni@consciousbirth.co.za or visit consciousbirth.co.za Foundation phase course An enjoyable course that teaches you to stimulate your

Baby Bootcamp

baby and ensure whole brain development while they reach their milestones. For babies from 2 weeks–1 year. Starts 12 January.

Time: 10am–11am. Venue: The Children’s Therapy Centre, Petervale, Bryanston.

Cost: R630. Contact Joanne: 083 303 1190 or joanne.bradley@babygym.co.za Kindermusik holiday programme A music and movement programme to stimulate your child. The programme includes musical fun, a craft activity, a photograph of you and your little one, and a free voucher for a friend. Suitable for children 0–5 years old. 9–13 December and 9–14 January. Time: 9am–5:15pm. Venue: Trinity Presbyterian Church, off Republic Rd, Randburg. Cost: R30 per class. Contact Kerry: 082 594 0721, info@kmjoyfulsong. co.za or visit kmjoyfulsong.co.za

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calendar

Each One Teach One campaign

Massage Your Baby Learn how to soothe problems such as colic, sleep and bonding issues with massage. For babies from 2 weeks–1 year. Starts 12 January.

Time: 12pm–1pm. Venue: The Children’s Therapy Centre Petervale, Bryanston. Cost: R470. Contact Joanne: 083 303 1190 or joannebradley@global.co.za Postnatal exercise class Bring your baby along while you firm up, restore core strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Time: 11am–12pm, Tuesday; 9am–10am, Friday. Classes stop 15 December and start again 10 January. Venue: 129 Republic Rd, Fontainebleau, Randburg. Cost: R380 per month, twice a week. Contact Anitra: 082 577 4716 or visit motherinstinct.co.za Pregnancy yoga Connect with your partner and baby through yoga. Partners are shown tricks on how to support and nurture their pregnant partner during pregnancy and in birthing. Time: 5:30pm, Monday; 11:30am, Tuesday. Ends 12 December. Venue: 39–41 St Alban Ave, Craighall Park. Cost: varies. Contact Theoni: 083 229 3253, theoni@consciousbirth. co.za or visit consciousbirth.co.za

playtime and story time Jungle Rumble Indoor playground venue with an allocated baby area for children under 3 years. Time: 9am–5pm, Tuesday– Saturday; 10am–5pm, Sunday. Closed for Christmas and New Year’s Days. Venue: Panorama Shop and Leisure Centre, cnr Kliprivier and Jordie Rd. Cost: R15–R55; babies under 10 months free. Contact: 011 432 0403, junglerumble.co.za or visit junglerumble.co.za Larney Ladybirds playdays Relax and let the children blow off some steam in the outdoor play area with climbing frame, sandpit, pool and scooter track.

Parents can relax under the trees, so bring

Larney Ladybirds playdays

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a blanket. For children 0–6 years old. 7 and 14 December, 18 and 25 January. 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 Parkview Library story time The children can participate in a sing along, get absorbed in story time and activate their imaginations. Time: 10am for 18 months to 3 year olds; 3:30pm for 3 years and older. Venue: 51 Athlone Ave, Parkview.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 3357 Play days at Elf Hill This party venue offers a play area with a bike track, sandpit, play houses and lots more. 7 and 14 December. Time: 1pm–5pm. Venue: plot 29 Zandspruit Rd, Farmall (Chartwell North). Cost: adults R20, children R15, includes refreshments. Contact: 082 573 5386, estelle@elfshill.co.za or visit elfshill.co.za

support groups Al–Anon Offers help and support to families of problem drinkers. Contact: 0861 252 666 or visit alanon.org.za Alcoholics Anonymous To find a support group in your area visit aasouthafrica.org.za Children’s Disability Centre Aims to assist visually impaired and autistic children, their parents and caregivers with challenges they might experience in relation to school readiness. Contact: 011 643 3050 Choc Provides advice and support for families affected by childhood cancer.

Contact: 086 111 3500 Compassionate Friends Support group for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. Contact: 011 440 6322 or visit compassionatefriends.org.za Hi Hopes A non-profit organisation of volunteers who offer free support and early intervention to parents of deaf children up to the age of 3 years. Contact Dr Claudine Storbeck: 083 324 1588, info@hihopes. co.za or visit hihopes.co.za Jo’burg Child Welfare Assistance for children who have been abused, abandoned, neglected, consented for adoption, orphaned or infected with HIV/ Aids. For more information contact: 011 298 8500 or visit jhbchildwelfare.org.za Overeaters anonymous (OA) This is a fellowship of people who share a solution

to the problem of compulsive overeating.

Contact: 011 640 2901 Pacsen – Parents for Children with Special Educational Needs Provides counselling, support and information for parents with special needs children.

Contact: 012 333 0149 Respect Me Support for children who are affected by bullying. Contact Kelly: info@ respectme.co.za or visit respectme.co.za The Family Life Centre Offers marriage, divorce and couple counselling, single parent and step-parent support groups, family counselling as well as play therapy.

Venue: 1 Cardigan Rd, Parkwood. Contact: 011 788 4784/5, famlife@iafrica.com or visit familylife.co.za Tough Love Self-help programme and support group for families affected by difficult adolescent behaviour. Contact: 0861 868 445 or visit toughlove.org.za Youth with Diabetes This is a non-profit organisation created to help children, teens and young adults living with diabetes. For more info: visit youthwithdiabetes.com

how to help Chance Children’s Home A registered non-profit organisation that provides a safe, secure home and therapeutic environment for children from families in crisis. Although they offer residential care, their aim is to work with families towards the reconstruction and reunification of family units wherever possible. For their requirements and wish list, contact: 011 734 2320 or visit chancechildrenshome.co.za Cotlands This non-profit children’s organisation provides full care to over 10 000 beneficiaries. Their programmes include home-based care, early childhood development centres, toy libraries, food gardens, counselling, places of safety and care for children with HIV/Aids. You can donate products, time or money. Venue: 134 Stanton St, Turffontein. Contact: 011 683 7200 or visit cotlands.co.za Each One Teach One campaign Aims to raise funds to sponsor the 2012 pre-school fees of 1 300 children in early development programmes in Gauteng townships. The campaign is organised by Afrika Tikkun, an NGO that provides education, health and social services to children, youth and their families. Contact: 011 325 5914, info@ afrikatikkun.org or visit afrikatikkun.org FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Offers specialised treatment, care and rehabilitation to abandoned and orphaned animals. Their aim is to rescue, rehabilitate and release. To show your support you can volunteer, make a donation or select FreeMe as a beneficiary for your MyVillage or MyPlanet card. To apply for a card: visit myschool.co.za or for more info: info@ freeme.org.za or visit freeme.org.za

Friends of the Cat A pro-life organisation that helps improve the lives of homeless, abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens.

They arrange the removal and sterilisation of feral cats, as well as fostering abandoned cats. You can support them by adopting a loving feline or through donations. Contact Adele: 011 442 7219 Stop Hunger Now A meal packaging programme through which volunteers bundle high-protein, dehydrated meals.

If you would like to assist, phone ahead for times. Donations are welcome. Ends 16 December. Venue: 11A Knightsgate Industrial Park, cnr Refinery Rd and Jack St, Jonas Crescent, Driehoek, Germiston.

Contact Don or Mariana: 083 415 0263, 083 572 4809, info@stophungernowsa.org or visit stophungernowsa.org Women and Men Against Child Abuse Donations of presents, wrapping or gift bags and sweets are welcome for their Christmas party this year. They can be dropped off at the head office: 6 June Ave, Bordeaux, Randburg. Contact Wilma: 011 789 8815, wilma@wmaca.org or visit wmaca.org.za

17 February – Dance Umbrella

looking ahead Dance Umbrella Contemporary dancers take to the stage to entertain

you

with

a

mixed

programme of dance pieces. 17 February–4 March. Venue: various stages

around

Johannesburg.

Cost: R60–R100. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Master

of

wonder

Be

intrigue amazed

and

by

the

illusionary feats of Ilan Smith in his show Imagine. His slight of hand, stand-up comedy and audience participation

has

entertained

audiences from around the world.

No children under 10. Time: 8pm on 22 and 23, 25 and 26, 28 and 29 February and 1 and 4 March; 5pm on 26 February. Venue: The Fringe, Joburg Theatre, cnr Simmonds St and Stiemens Rd. Cost: R160. Contact: 0861 870 870 or visit joburgtheatre.com

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 6 January 2012 for the February 2012 issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

magazine joburg

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

childmag.co.za/resources/birthday-parties

magazine joburg

December 2011/January 2012

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it’s party time

continued...

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December 2011/January 2012

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last laugh

spread the joy SAM WILSON has concocted a plan for a stress-free festive season – and it involves a lot less trimmings and gravy.

i

have a new family plan for the festive season. I know, I know, you’ve heard me say that before, some of you more than once. But this time, THIS time I think it just might work.

Remember that first big family roast you ever did? You thought the meat was the big deal, didn’t you? But all you really do with the roast itself is bung it in the oven and whack a meat thermometer in it. No, it’s the evil trimmings that cause all the hassle.

Over the years, I’ve really grown to hate that word... “trimmings”. It sounds so innocuous, doesn’t it? Like a fluffed napkin or the good silver – the final festive flourishes.

But if you’ve ever stood in a sweltering kitchen – with potatoes crisping too fast in the fryer, cauliflower cheese softening

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December 2011/January 2012

with neglect in the warming drawer, rice catching on the bottom of the pot and recalcitrant gravy lumpily glomping around a spoon – you’ll know exactly what I mean.

It’s not the trimmings themselves that are the hassle (I mean, how hard is it to roast a potato?), it’s getting them all ready at the same time that makes mothers around the world groan inwardly.

And what is Christmas, but a full year’s worth of consolidated trimmings? Not only are most of us synchronising our veg with our roasts, but we are also trimming trees with tinsel, fireplaces with stockings, presents with ribbon and puddings with glacé cherries. And all for what? One day’s celebration?

“It’s too much,” I wailed at Andreas.

“You know I love a family knees-up as much as the next girl, but thinking about

all the stuff that needs to be done just makes me so very tired. And I can nail this stuff, you know I can. But all in one go?

It’s not a holiday, it’s an Ultimate Woman’s Challenge and it drains the last scraps of energy from my soul just thinking about it.”

Dreas dropped his book to his chest and patted me on the shoulder.

“That’s a little dramatic, don’t you think? Especially since I always do most of the shopping. But I see what you’re saying.

So, (and here there’s an almost audible click from his logical scientist mind), why don’t you just spread it out a little?”

Brilliant! The man is brilliant!

So this is my cunning plan: why does Christmas have to be all in one day? Our Wilson-Späth December is going to be a festival of little celebrations instead. Yes, we’ll do a (less trimmed) roast on the 25th,

but maybe we’ll spread our giving of gifts throughout the month and trim the tree over a lazy weekend. And save the trifle for New Year.

While I love the festive season and seriously cherish my family, this year I am going to cherish myself too. And I am going to build in a lot of new “me trimmings”. Like a DVD day with my BFF and a fair bit of relaxed swimming at the gym, possibly with a fetching pool noodle or two. And maybe, dare I say it, cooking with packet gravy?

I’ll let you know next year how the whole month turns out, and I hope you get to trim back your trimmings a little too.

Sam Wilson is the Editor of Women24.com, Food24.com and Parent24.com. And, yup, you guessed it... she’s never really cracked the secret to gravy.

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PHOTOGRAPH: Andreas SpÄth

Joe, Sam and Benj