Child Magazine | Joburg July 2012

J O B U R G ’ S

b e s t

gu i d e

f o r

p a r e n t s

school success helping your child learn the everyday way

your ultimate guide to what’s on in joburg in july

bumper holiday issue

growing good habits

resource

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holidays that heal

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July 2012

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sleep, baby, sleep

health

education

entertainment

What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had with your family?

I am always interested to hear where families have been and what they’ve seen and done.

I love the idea of going to a brand-new spot every couple of months, and I love the fact that in South Africa, that spot could be only an hour or two away from home. We have so many wonderful, extremely family-friendly options close to home (see our getaway adverts), that it’s a wonder we find the time to venture further. Having said that, the thrill of travelling to a new country, hearing a language so different to our own – even if we have 11 of them – is without a doubt worth being wedged between a snorer and a non-mover who hogs both armrests for 15 hours! I once flew to Sydney stuck between my husband, who snored, and a woman who literally did not move the entire flight – not even to go to the bathroom. Thankfully, the spectacular sights and sounds of Sydney made up for the plane trip.

If you are up to travelling a bit further for something a little different, then our getaway resource “slow down, everyone” (page 32) is what you need. Whether it’s to the exclusive Tswalu Kalahari or pony trekking in Lesotho, let us know what takes your fancy… we’d love to hear from you.

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Hunter House P U B L I S H IN 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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Joburg’s Child magazineTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 5, First Floor, Bentley Office Park, cnr Rivonia and Wessel Rd, Rivonia. Tel: 011 807 6449, fax: 011 234 4971, email: info@childmag.co.za. Annual subscriptions (for 11 issues) cost R165, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by Paarl Web. Copyright subsists in all work published in Joburg’s Child magazineTM. We welcome submissions but retain the unrestricted right to change any received copy. We are under no obligation to return unsolicited copy. The magazine, or part thereof, may not be reproduced or adapted without the prior written permission of the publisher. We take care to ensure our articles are accurate and balanced but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage that may arise from reading them.

July 2012

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contents

July 2012

32 upfront

health

3

10 don’t turn a deaf ear

a note from lisa

readers respond

features

regulars

16 live to learn

8 wins

6 over to you

a ctivities at home can take care of difficulties at school. By Ruth Rehbock

early identification of hearing problems is crucial to your child’s development. By Tamlyn Vincent

11 upfront with paul

Paul Kerton urges parents to stay calm in the minefield that is the education system 12 best for baby – golden slumber

Kim Maxwell looks at the different options for getting your baby to sleep

14 dealing with difference

16

type 2 diabetes is the new paediatric disease, warns Marina Zietsman

32 resource – slow down, everyone

Child magazine brings you a list of holidays that will heal and rejuvenate you

38 a good read

20 backyard olympics get the children into the spirit of the Games with home-made athletic events for all shapes, sizes and ages.

By Christina Castle 24 make a meal of it

have your weekly menu sorted with inspiration from Jenny Kay and Elinor Storkey’s new book, Fuss-free Suppers 28 a trip down the countryside Louise Brouard shares her family’s adventures through the canals of France

new books for the whole family

40 what’s on in july 58 finishing touch

what’s in a name, you may ask?

Plenty, says Anél Lewis, if you are not very careful when choosing one

classified ads 52 family marketplace 55 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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July 2012

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

shutterstock.com

Photography: CaseyBertie.com Clothing: Earthchild.co.za

shutterstock.com

Fashion & Styling sticky-fudge.com

magazine joburg

magazine joburg

July 2012

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letters

over to you

well done, Gary!

Child magazine writer, Gary Koen, has won the prestigious Brandhouse Responsible Drinking Media Award for Best Online Entry 2012. Gary’s article, “think before you let them drink”, which appeared in the April issue of Child magazine, is now on our website, childmag.co.za. This is the first award initiative of its kind in the country, and aims to recognise journalistic efforts in supporting, promoting and contributing to the responsible drinking agenda. To read Gary’s article, go to childmag.co.za/ content/think-you-let-them-drink

the dolly debate Why is it nearly impossible to find decent black dolls in South Africa? I have been looking in various toy shops and I only see white dolls with blond hair and blue eyes. Is that possible in a country with a majority black population? I am white but my daughter is coloured because she has a Xhosa father. She has very curly hair and is four years old. She thinks only blond girls with straight hair are beautiful and the rest do not count. I do not want to perpetuate this vision.

I am trying to find ways of encouraging her that black is beautiful, and curly hair is beautiful. I can’t find a specific doll brand (black) here, so am trying to find one in France. But it remains puzzling to me why it is so difficult to find black dolls in South Africa.

Ingrid Dekker

facts on c-sections

comments from our website

gifted, but at the age of two years, the nursery school

I am writing in response to the article “special delivery” (June 2012).

In this feature a figure of 21 percent is quoted for the Caesarean section rate in South Africa in 2003. I would like to clarify that this number represents births in the public sector. This figure has increased slightly in the intervening years and in 2010 was 22,5 percent. It would be more informative for your readers to cite the Caesarean section rate in the private sector in South Africa, which is very different. The Council for Medical Schemes reported a Caesarean section rate in the private sector of 62 percent in 2005 and more recently one of the largest private hospital groups reported a Caesarean section rate of 68 percent in 2011. In comparison, Norway and Sweden have Caesarean section rates of 17 percent and 18 percent respectively and have the lowest neonatal mortality rates in the world (two per 1 000 live births).

Dr Tanya Doherty

“raising media savvy children” – see childmag. co.za/content/raise-media-savvy-cyber-citizens It’s important that parents educate themselves about both the dangers and opportunities the digital world offers children. With the prevalence of smartphones, parents should also keep up to speed with how their children are using mobile devices, as they are fully-fledged internet-enabled computers.

Vanessa

she attended said she had ADHD, because she

My experience working for a vagrancy project and learning from various social welfare experts has led me to understand how important it is for a community to not give directly to those unfortunate enough to be begging and living on our streets, as this simply makes the problem worse and sadly encourages more and more people to stay on the streets and beg. It is much better and more helpful that we support and make our donations through a project, which is committed to helping people move off the streets and start a new life away from begging. I really encourage everyone to support such organisations in whatever way you can and to please not give any cash, food and other “hand-outs” or offer odd jobs directly to vagrants and others begging in your community. For example, New Beginnings Care Centre in Boksburg provides counselling, rehab and family reconciliation for the homeless. They are in constant need of donations, food, blankets and more.

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

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July 2012

“guidance for parents with intellectually gifted children” – see childmag.co.za/content/ guidance-parents-intellectually-gifted-children I am concerned about my four-year-old daughter who is starting Grade 0 next year. I believe she is

she does have the ability to concentrate and the school even agreed with me that she is able to get involved and focus. Surely this means she cannot have ADHD? She is now reading at Grade 4 level and her maths is on the level of a child finishing Grade 1. I don’t know what will keep her busy in Grade 0.

I did speak to her school, and they assured me that their educational psychologist works with the gifted children, but unfortunately they have to stick to the class curriculum. The psychologist gives her extra work. My child is only four; she does not need extra work, she needs more challenging work. She might even need less work so she has time to play. I’m not sure if an educational psychologist will be able to help, so we are now considering home-schooling.

Anonymous mom’s blog, “welcome to the family” – see childmag.co.za/mom-blog Create a “special feeding box” filled with fun toys that only your older child can play with when you are either feeding or busy with your new baby. This way the older sibling is kept interested and busy, taking the focus off the fact that you are giving the baby attention. So, when it is your baby’s feed time you say: “Let’s get out your special play box.”

Keep the box fresh and interesting by updating it every now and then. No matter how much older the “oldest” is – it seems to work.

Mom to three

write to us childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. We reserve the right to edit

You can also post a comment online at

and shorten submitted letters. The opinions reflected here are those of our

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

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PHOTOGRAPH: JACO CILLIERS

how to really make a difference

“the downside of being your child’s best buddy” – see childmag.co.za/content/ downside-being-your-child’s-best-buddy It is tempting to be your young adult’s buddy and it’s all too easy to have a drink with your 18 year old and “shoot the breeze” with them, because it is legal and they are old enough. Right? Wrong!

Your 14 to 19 year old needs a moral compass, a mature guide and an independent council more than they need a buddy. They need you to say “no” and they still want the security from a loving mom and dad who is looking out for their best interests. The buddy approach brings with it all sorts of emotional complexities, which is the foundation for bickering, misunderstandings, co-dependency and emotional blackmail. Keep the parent/child relationship clear and loving.

Ingrid

was sleeping so little and was very active. However,

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July 2012

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wins

giveaways in july fun and games Polly Potter’s Toy Store is an upmarket shop specialising in educational wooden toys, from dollhouses and castles to children’s kitchens. Parents can find Melissa and Doug toys and the exclusive KidKraft range. A new branch has opened at Coachman’s Crossing in Bryanston. For more info: visit pollypotterstoystore.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a KidKraft Submarine or Dollhouse, plus a R500 voucher, all valued at R2 000.

Simply enter via childmag. co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Polly Potters JHB”. Your details will be made available to Polly Potters.

pop idol party Wired Sound Studios offers karaoke-style parties where children get the chance to sing and record their favourite songs. Children should be old enough to read the song words. Contact: 082 339 4733, info@wiredsoundstudios. co.za or visit wiredsoundstudios.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a two-hour karaoke-style recording session for up to 20 children, including a master disc, valued at R3 000. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Wired Sound JHB”. Your details will be made available to Wired Sound Studios.

party craft children on the go Crocs South Africa introduces Crocband Jaunt Kids, fully moulded rain boots using Croslite material. They are lightweight, with finger holes for easy on-and-off and are available from a baby size six to a children’s size three in fuchsia, sea-blue or lime. Contact: 0861 692 762 or visit mycrocs.co.za Seven readers stand a chance to each win a pair of Crocband Jaunt Kids rain boots, valued at R299,95 per pair. Simply enter via childmag. co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Crocs JHB”. Your details will be made available to Crocs.

Scrapbooking on the Move offers scrapbooking birthday parties and craft classes at your venue. Personalise birthday parties to suit your theme and choose from a selection of craft projects. Contact Dorian: 083 409 7434, dorian@gam.co.za or visit scrapbookingonthemove.co.za Two readers stand a chance to each win a themed scrapbooking birthday party for up to five children, eight years and older, valued at R1 000. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Scrapbooking JHB”. Your details will be made available to Scrapbooking on the Move.

to enter simply visit childmag.co.za

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

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July 2012

congratulations to our May winners Liza Rakobila who wins a Le Toy Van baking set; Shereen Lambert, Garrick Deutschmann, Cindy Brits and Deborah Pfau who each wins a Jacadi voucher; Nisha Nunkumar who wins party décor from Crazy Chameleon; Shanda Paine who wins a table and chair set from Extruwood and Ann Westwood who wins a Baby Soft hamper.

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July 2012

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health

don’t turn a deaf ear The early identification of any hearing problems can make a significant

n alarming 17 babies are born daily in South Africa with impaired hearing, and the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Services in South Africa (EHDI SA) estimates that 7,5 percent of school-going children suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss. Elbé Boshoff, a Cape Town-based audiologist, says that if left undetected for too long, hearing loss can cause delays in your child’s speech, language and hearing development.

why it happens Babies may be born with congenital conditions that affect their hearing, or they may develop problems later on. Boshoff says most hearing loss is “acquired” after birth, and may be caused by exposure to a loud noise, infections, head or ear injuries, or certain illnesses. Dr De Wet Swanepoel, from EHDI SA, says babies who spend more than five days in the neonatal ICU may develop problems with their hearing as they are more prone to complications. Other

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causes include in-utero infections, genetic conditions, and craniofacial anomalies.

what to look for

trouble pronouncing words or who watch your lips when you speak may also be struggling to hear. Behavioural problems are another indicator, says Swanepoel.

Babies and children may show different signs of hearing loss as they age.

• Boshoff says a younger baby may not be startled by a loud noise, such as a door slamming. An older baby may not turn her head towards a noise. If your baby stops babbling between six and eight months, or doesn’t reach normal speech and language milestones, there may be a problem.

• Speech and language delays in toddlers can indicate hearing loss. If they are inattentive, have difficulty learning, or ask you to repeat phrases, they may be struggling to hear you. Another indicator is sitting too close to the television, or turning up the sound.

• In children, poor academic performance or the teacher complaining that your child doesn’t seem to hear may be cause for concern, says Boshoff. Children that have

“Early identification is crucial to the management of hearing loss,” advises Boshoff. Babies absorb language in the first few months of life, says Swanepoel, so undetected hearing loss can have negative long-term effects. Babies should have a screening done before they are a month old and you can have it done shortly after birth.

Another screening can be done at around seven months, says Boshoff.

Children may also develop late onset hearing loss, or a middle ear infection where hearing loss is the only symptom.

These types of problems can be difficult for parents to pick up and may affect learning and development. If you think your child may have trouble hearing, go for regular testing. Boshoff also recommends

when and where to go

that preschool and school-going children have their hearing tested once a year and it should be done by a registered audiologist.

Treatment is most effective when started early, and Swanepoel recommends intervention before six months of age.

However, this will depend on the nature of the hearing loss. A middle ear infection could be treated with medication or with ventilation tubes, also known as grommets,” says Boshoff. “If hearing loss is permanent, hearing instruments, a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant would be recommended in most cases.”

who to call For more information or to find a speech therapist or audiologist in your area, contact the South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association: 086 111 3297, admin @sashla.co.za or visit sashla.co.za

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

a

difference to your child’s development. By TAMLYN VINCENT

upfront with paul

keep calm and carry on PAUL KERTON says if you want to keep your child on track, you’ll need to, gently, play a more central role in their education.

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

t

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

hink back to school – there were teachers you absolutely loved, teachers you loathed and teachers you didn’t even notice. Some were sticklers for the rules, others didn’t need to discipline – you simply hung on to their every syllable.

The bottom line is there are great teachers, good teachers and useless teachers. The problem is nobody knows if the teacher is good or bad, until they teach.

A bad teacher will only teach six months’ worth of syllabus in a school year, a great teacher will motor through a year and a half’s worth in the same time. The difference on your child is a whole year of learning. And both teachers earn the same!

This is why in Europe they have mooted the idea of paying bad teachers less.

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No, seriously.

Can you imagine being labelled a “bad” teacher and getting paid less than your colleagues in the staff room? Will individual grading mean wearing gold, silver or bronze badges? Can you imagine being the parent of a child who lands a bad teacher instead of a great teacher? Yes, we all quickly work out in our heads who is hot and who is not, but official naming and shaming is considered bizarre.

They say to experience superior teaching you either get better teachers or halve the class size. A great teacher is preferable because you don’t need to employ more teachers or build more classrooms. The school environment doesn’t matter; an excellent teacher in a

bad school is far better than a bad teacher in an excellent school. Excellent schools just tend to attract more great teachers.

The problem is there is a global shortage of teachers. Why? Wages have remained static while the demands, in terms of results, paperwork and being expected to do hours of overtime (for the love of the job), have intensified. Recently a group of teachers and examination board members, attending “seminars”, were “outed”. Such is the ferocity of competition between schools to get good grades, the examiners were telling the teachers, who paid vulgar sums of money, what the upcoming exam questions were.

Also, men have left the profession in droves after a series of global “scandals” made it

impossible for them to teach, which is sad. Some men have an incredible affinity for children and are skilled at getting the best out of them, but a male teacher, certainly of younger children, now attracts the same comments he would if he’d just bought a Russian bride. This needs to be reversed.

Everywhere, educationalists and ministers are trying to fast track learning to impart the most knowledge in the shortest space of time for the least cost.

It’s a lottery so stay calm, choose wisely and monitor progress. Not only is your child’s future at stake but national pride to boot.

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

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best for baby

golden slumber Getting your baby to sleep like a baby may be a struggle. KIM MAXWELL looks

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at recommended bedtime practices.

hat old saying, “there are many ways to skin a cat”, came to mind when I started researching the most beneficial practices to encourage babies to sleep. Canvas the opinions from exhausted parents of babies under a year old, even the upbeat ones whose children “slept through” early, and there will be huge variations in what set the tone for restfulness. There’ll be mention of the type of bed linen used, the most suitable sleep environment or whether a baby shared their bed. Even defining what is “normal” sleep behaviour varies widely as it depends on what parents were exposed to. A colleague with a 20-month-old child and a hefty workload recently announced that she was enlisting professional help after being woken nightly with repeated requests for a bottle. It wouldn’t have taken long for my lack-of-sleep grumpiness to overwhelm me.

cot death There seems to be universal agreement by baby experts on ways to eliminate sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the unexplainable death of a baby usually under the age of one. These include ensuring sleeping babies are only on their backs or sides, using rolled towels or wedges to assist, and on firm mattresses with no heavy, synthetic bedding that might cover faces or hamper breathing.

Smoke-free bedrooms kept at moderate temperatures of between 18˚C and 21˚C also decrease the risk.

self-soothing skills Megan Faure and Ann Richardson’s Baby Sense and Sleep Sense (Metz Press) books emphasise equipping young babies with skills to “self-calm from an early age, at even a few weeks old” to aid

are bad sleep habits formed early?

I remember stressing about this with my six-week-old son, when pacing or rocking seemed the only way to get him to wind.

Michelle Baker, a Durban-based clinical psychologist, says these actions can help, “but 90 percent of that is the parent’s anxiety about other issues”. They might find it difficult to put their baby down in a cot, even with a monitor nearby, because of their own issues about cot death. Jenni Johnson, Johannesburg clinic practitioner, nurse and midwife specialising in parenting sleep issues, believes that babies younger than one month old cannot be spoilt. But children older than that will form habits quickly. “The earlier a baby is given the skills to settle itself, the better,” says Johnson. “However, babies and children can be taught these skills at any age. Sleep routines are best thought of as giving the child the gift of quiet time and sleep, rather than as a rigid routine.”

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sleep. This means parents should not react to a baby’s every murmur, and should instead encourage them to suck their hands, a dummy or a blanket. I took their advice on board because it sounded logical. I also created a “visually soothing” sleep environment, with darkened rooms, monotonous background noise, and firmly swaddled my baby in a stretchy cotton blanket for the first few months.

But then I had a winter baby. Johnson says swaddling seems more successful in colder climates. “Most local babies I treat only find swaddling comforting in the first week or so, particularly if they’re unsettled. A baby that is settled and encouraged to fall asleep without much assistance will sleep more soundly, for longer and will be less niggly when waking,” advises Johnson. “One of the best gifts you can give your child is the skill of falling asleep on their own.

It’s the foundation of independence and security.” magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHs: shutterSTOCK.COM

One of the best gifts you can give your child is the skill of falling asleep on their own. It’s the foundation of independence and security.

routine sleep The Baby Sense authors recommend instilling wake and sleep routines, and avoiding over stimulation before bedtime.

These include limiting periods when the baby is awake and avoiding too many stimulating mobiles and pictures on walls for babies less than three months. I know many mothers who used these tips.

A friend whose baby cried often, resisting sleep, battled to find a remedy until she finally sought professional help and the child was diagnosed with silent reflux. After trying several other methods, this mom used the customised approach of Erica Neser, Stellenbosch-based lactation consultant and author of Sleep Guide for Babies and Toddlers (Protea Bookhouse).

“I’m somebody who gathers information and tries to provide parents with a broad range of opinions, because there can’t be only one way that works. I’m sometimes a lone voice, but I’m a little gentler in my approach.”

sleep close The issue of babies co-sleeping with their mothers often provokes prickly reactions.

Neser is all for it, believing many sleep problems developed through an insistence that babies should sleep alone. “Human babies have slept close to their parents for thousands of years. There is plenty of evidence that it’s beneficial for both mothers and babies to sleep together,” she says.

give it time Neser says we should accept children’s night waking niggles and understand that that these issues will work themselves out over time.

She quotes statistics suggesting that around 80 percent of three-month-old

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babies, 75 percent of six month olds and 50 percent of one year olds, need help to fall asleep again at night. “Hence we should see night waking as a healthy, normal part of child development, not necessarily a ‘problem’ that needs to be fixed,” she says. Her advice is at odds with many experts who instead coax babies to “sleep through” without interruption.

For busy working parents, this is often a practical expectation. “I’m not willing to set a cut-off age if it feels right to the parent,” she adds, in reference to this milestone. “I wouldn’t see it as abnormal if a one-year-old baby is still rocked to sleep, if a two-year-old wants mom next to him to fall asleep, or a child aged four needs a massage to help him wind down.”

Studies suggest that babies with sleep issues are more likely to have sleep difficulties as toddlers, compared with babies who sleep well from early on. A medical survey of over 250 mothers, done in Ohio, found that one in 10 children under age three had sleep problems, such as nightmares, waking, trouble falling asleep or an inability to sleep in their own bed.

Those who had no sleep problems as babies, usually developed no problems when they were older. However, 21 to 35 of every 100 babies with sleep problems had sleep issues later on.

Neser often counsels clients against slavishly following practitioners’ recommendations. “No expert or family member knows your baby better than you do. So ultimately I focus on helping a parent find what feels right,” she says. “Even if all the sleep strategies are ‘wrong’, most children will grow out of what they’re doing by age three or four. Parents often need permission to trust their own instincts.”

She makes a good point.

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dealing with difference

silent killer Diabetes is fast becoming the epidemic of the 21st century, with type 2 diabetes, previously unheard of in children, rising at alarming rates. By Marina Zietsman how do you know?

f

our to six million people in South Africa have diabetes and most of them are unaware that they have the condition. If this statistic does not make you choke on your fudge, maybe this statement will: type 2 diabetes has emerged as the new “paediatric disorder”.

one or two?

What are we dealing with here and why are alarm bells ringing regarding type 2 diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes, of which type 1 cannot be prevented.

It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 is classified

Alison Jordaan, 13, from Durban was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005. Her mom Dawn explains. “Alison was constantly thirsty and would drink litres of juice during the day. She complained of tummy aches and started wetting the bed again at night.”

Alison’s sugar levels were tested and the result came back as HI (over 33 mmol/L; normal range is 4–8), which indicated hyperglycemia, a condition that occurs when the body’s blood sugar is too high. Alison was referred to a paediatric endocrinologist and was hospitalised. Here her parents were taught how to inject insulin into her tummy and test her blood sugar. The testing is still done up to eight times per day.

The symptoms type 1 and 2 diabetes share are frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, abnormal weight loss and extreme fatigue and irritability.

Indicators of type 2 diabetes also include frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts or bruises that are slow to heal, a tingling or numbness in the hands and/or feet and recurring skin, gum or bladder infections.

We need to prevent rather than treat only and it needs to start from a very young age in our homes.

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risk factors Normally type 1 diabetes has a rapid onset and is accompanied by the classic symptoms of diabetes, says Olivier. “Alison was quite a sickly child so one of these illnesses could have triggered it,” says Dawn. In Alison’s case there is a family history of type 1 diabetes, but many people are diagnosed with diabetes without this genetic disadvantage.

“Type 2 diabetes, traditionally only seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals or at least those older than 30 years of age, has a more gradual onset and is multifactorial in pathogenesis, meaning there is usually a family history of it, but lifestyle factors such as inactivity and being overweight also play a part in its development,” says Olivier. According to research in 2007 by Discovery Vitality and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, 30 percent of teenage girls and 10 percent of teenage boys are overweight, while 22 percent of primary school girls magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

as an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system “attacks” its own tissues or organs, in this case the insulinproducing cells in the pancreas, resulting in the pancreas not being able to produce insulin. Genetics may play a role in this process, and exposure to certain viruses may trigger the disease.

Type 2 diabetes means the body is not responding correctly to insulin.

This is caused mainly by obesity and being unfit. Dr Christel Olivier at Diabetes Care Centurion explains the concern: “With the worldwide obesity epidemic, type 2 diabetes is now also emerging in teenagers and even children under the age of 10. In my practice I see many young adults between 18 and 30 years of age with type 2 diabetes, mostly with a family history of it and of being overweight or obese.” In fact, the last 30 years has seen a threefold increase in the number of cases of type 2 diabetes, as well as of type 1 diabetes.

and 17 percent of primary school boys are overweight. A whopping 17 percent of children under the age of nine are already overweight.

Although type 2 diabetes is in itself not life threatening, in many ways it is more dangerous than type 1, as its onset is gradual and hard to detect. Diabetes SA warns that undetected high blood glucose levels over a long period can cause serious damage to the body and lead to blindness, a heart attack or stroke, kidney failure, impotence and amputation.

Karen Pike, a diabetic nurse educator at the Constantiaberg Mediclinic in Cape Town points out other risk factors. “Ethnic origins, the gestational period (your baby is at higher risk of getting diabetes when in the womb) and an impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) all can play a role in the onset of diabetes.” When testing the incidence of type 2 diabetes in specific ethnic groups the results revealed five to seven percent, but in our Indian population it is as high as 14 percent. Olivier, however, warns that the worldwide tendency is that it is on the increase in all populations.

IGT is a fancy name given to those cases that fall under “pre-diabetes”. This means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but below the level of a person with diabetes. The danger of being prediabetic is that people don’t often show the symptoms of the disease, so are unaware that they are developing full-scale type 2 diabetes. Weight loss, a change in diet, moderate exercise and early treatment can return blood sugar levels to normal.

manage and prevent As mentioned earlier, type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, only controlled, so the rules are simple: take insulin, eat healthy, check blood sugar levels regularly and be active. “As the years have passed, Alison’s insulin needs have increased,” says her mom. “She was injecting herself up to eight times a day until December 2010, when she was given an insulin pump.”

The insulin pump delivers tiny amounts of insulin into her body all day, and she programmes it to give her extra insulin at meal times. Alison has tested her blood sugar over 20 000 times in her life.

Dawn says that at first it was very difficult for them to understand the disease and deal with the information overload, but with guidance and a foolproof family plan, life can be normal. “Being diagnosed in Grade 1, my fears were how Alison would cope at school, and with sports, and how her peers would react, but we were lucky to have fantastic support from her teachers and friends.” Alison was back at school two weeks after diagnosis and, with the guidance of teachers, was testing her own blood sugar. “She started to inject herself within six months,” says Dawn. magazine joburg

Dawn admits that type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 disease, but making coping mechanisms part of their routine has benefited her family.

“We count carbohydrates in foods, Alison calculates her insulin level based on this and we take her blood sugar reading at the same time. As a family we have learnt how to eat healthier, as a good diet helps keep blood sugars stable. We also try to eat low GI foods when possible.” Alison’s condition has not stopped her from participating in sports. She has won medals for swimming and athletics, and was awarded the school trophy for best girls all-rounder in sport twice.

Olivier adds that prevention of type 2 diabetes starts with acknowledging that you are in a high-risk group and getting tested annually. According to Diabetes SA, scientists believe that lifestyle and type 2 diabetes are closely linked. Lifestyle is one area that individuals can focus on to help prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

A healthy diet, weight control, exercise, reduction in stress and no smoking are important preventative steps. If type 2 diabetes has been detected in your child, he will be treated with oral medication if it’s in the early stage (insulin treatment is only necessary when the diabetes is in its advanced stage) as well as with lifestyle intervention (weight loss and exercise). But where prevention is concerned, choosing a healthy lifestyle is number one. Olivier’s final advice is, “We need to prevent rather than treat only and it needs to start from a very young age in our homes. We as parents must set the example and teach our children to exercise on a regular basis and eat healthy.”

98 percent the increase in the number of adults living with diabetes in Africa by the year 2030

complications Type 2 diabetes in children is on the increase worldwide, mainly due to poor lifestyle choices.

When you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it’s not only your blood sugar levels or pancreas that are affected. The following complications can also set in: • Heart and blood vessel disease • Nerve damage • Liver disease • Kidney damage • Eye damage • Foot damage • Skin problems • Brain problems

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education

a

Are you one of those parents scratching your head, wondering why so many children are being sent for therapy of one kind or another? Well, RUTH REHBOCK assures you, you’re not alone.

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so can’t focus on ordinary tasks for any length of time.

What’s more, our physical existence takes a back seat. Instead of climbing trees, children are playing on computers and staring at the TV. This kind of living is translating itself in the classroom – Head of Occupational Therapy at the University of Free State, Annemarie van Jaarsveld says, “As occupational therapists, we receive our greatest number of referrals from teachers, mostly for reading, writing and the various gross motor skills, indicating that more children are not coping at school.”

She adds that this is arguably due to the fact that we are raising passive children who spend a disproportionate amount of time hooked to a screen. “Electronic games offer immediate gratification, no real contact with another human being or real objects, and permit an escape to a

virtual reality, which requires no physical energy or any sense of time or space,” says Scott.

play a key role in your child’s learning Scott, who is also a qualified remedial teacher, believes one of the key issues today is that we don’t engage enough with our children. Among teachers, the consensus is that parents can and ought to play a key role in their child’s learning, which is termed ‘mediator’ learning. “Our greatest success stories are when we’ve targeted a problem with the parent and they facilitate the learning process,” she adds. This helps with children learning to transfer what they learn from one subject to another, for instance using sums to work out how well they have done in a spelling test or how much petrol was used on a road trip.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

round two decades ago children played ball, dug tunnels or made bows and arrows. They experienced the world directly, and thus had a sense of time and space. Now our lives involve less activity and more passivity; we push buttons and stare at screens rather than engage with the real world of soil, grass, pen and paper.

“Obsession with technology is eroding our sense of physical potential and our sense of continuity in daily life; we switch tasks after a few seconds or minutes many times a day,” says Alison Scott, principal of Bellavista School in northern Johannesburg.

“How many times do we get interrupted by or interrupt our own train of thought with cell phone calls, emails and the like?” says Scott, who adds that we in turn inflict this lack of focus on our children, who mirror our lifestyle and

encourage your child’s numeracy skills • U se practical aids such as beads, fingers or an abacus to help with counting, adding and subtracting.

• Involve children in everyday things like filling the petrol tank. Ask them to work out how much the fuel will cost at R11 a litre, and get them to calculate how far you have travelled on the last tank of petrol.

• For young children, preschoolers and children in Grade 1, it helps to trace out the numbers one to ten on different surfaces.

• Play games that use two dice. Board games can make learning fun.

boost your child’s literacy skills • R ead limericks, nursery rhymes and stories to your child. Get your child to read to you too and try not to interrupt him as it affects comprehension and continuity.

• Trace letters in sand, and paint and cut out shapes of letters to help them remember them.

• Take your child to the library and let him pick books he likes as long as the material is age-appropriate.

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Help your child to transfer the skills they learn at school to fun, good old-fashioned home activities, such as baking a cake. “Baking is wonderful as it requires your child to complete tasks using numeracy and literacy – you have to do things in sequence firstly, then you also need to understand weight, measurement and temperature – and waiting for the biscuits or cake to be ready gives them a real sense of time. Let younger children pour flour, stir in eggs or help decorate the cake,” says Scott. She adds that the new curriculum in South African schools is set up to promote a transfer of facts and skills, but cautions that if your child isn’t coping at school you must seek out professional help as soon as possible so that he doesn’t fall behind.

does your child need professional help?

“Before choosing to have an intervention you need to clearly understand what difficulties are affecting your child’s overall performance, says Juliette Grant, an educational psychologist who works at Tafelberg Remedial School in Cape Town. “An assessment should always look at the cognitive, scholastic and emotional functioning of a child.

You need to know what obstacles the child faces in the learning situation.”

Once your child has been assessed he or she will be referred to therapy such as speech or OT, or you’ll be advised to get a remedial teacher to help or a combination will be recommended. “The sooner you get help for your

27 percent The increase in the number of children attending OT in 2011 compared to the amount that attended OT in 2008 – Medscheme

child, the better the chance of remedying the problem successfully,” says Grant, “keeping in mind that nothing is as valuable to your child’s learning as your support and your relationship with them. Whether it’s chatting or reading to your child, laying the table together, or listening to his problems with interest and empathy, you are improving your child’s chances of success.”

What’s more, the more varied your child’s learning experience, the better. So, use all the tools at your disposal, say the experts. Whether it’s physical activity, the electronic screen or comic books, if your child is stimulated and able to focus, make the most of all the options.

“Our children can concentrate on video games or movies, but the important aspect of concentration is whether they can focus on other tasks, and stay on task for the required amount of time,” says Scott. Key to teaching a child to focus is to give him a sense of security and the tools with which to regulate his feelings and his actions.

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education

“Part of our children’s problems with concentration for instance, stem from not having a sense of time, she adds.

“Put a clock and calendar on the wall. Mark significant days like birthdays and school terms and explain how you break down the passing of time into days, hours, minutes and seconds.”

Your child should recognise, for instance, that if he does homework for 20 minutes, he can then play outside for an hour before suppertime. “If your child knows there are time limits for specific tasks, he will feel more secure and that he has some control over his world.” We need to also teach by example, say the experts. “Be organised at home if you want your child to be organised in other settings,” says Scott. “Play soccer, badminton or run races with your child, or teach him model-building or scrapbooking, and he will improve his co-ordination and fine and gross motor skills, and realise there is so much fun to be had without pushing a button.”

“My daughter couldn’t concentrate in class for more than a few minutes and the teacher was really concerned as she was in Grade 1, which is when they’re forming the groundwork of their numeracy and literacy skills. I took her to an OT and she recommended we try physical exercise before any other type of treatments. She gave us exercises like skipping and climbing jungle gyms and rope ladders and she became a different child.

After we incorporated these activities into her routine she blossomed and did well at school,” says Karen van Deventer from Centurion.

enhance your child’s ability to concentrate • Limit your child’s sugar or preservative intake and supplement with vitamins and omegas.

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• Create a space free of noise or intense visual distractions, like TV or ringing phones, if you want your child to be able to focus.

• Brush your child’s skin or use deep pressure massage for children with tactile issues.

• If your child moves around constantly, seat him on a movement cushion or give him putty to squeeze. Check that inefficient posture isn’t the cause of restlessness.

• For an activity requiring focused attention, change the course of the activity regularly to keep your child interested.

• Involve all learning styles as much as you can – visual, auditory and kinaesthetic (movement and sensation).

“To be on track with any intervention, whether formal or informal, look at your child holistically,” says Grant.

“We must always consider a child’s stage of development and take into account their individual strengths and weaknesses.”

Marion Whitton from Durban says her daughter was diagnosed with concentration difficulties and low muscle tone at the age of 8 and her teacher and an OT recommended she be put on Ritalin and sent for regular OT. “I didn’t like her being on Ritalin – it can have problematic side effects and I didn’t feel comfortable putting my young daughter on this type of medication.

She also wasn’t happy going to occupational therapy.

We weren’t sure what to do for her, but after we heard about horse-riding as a good way to help with all sorts of issues, we decided to try it and the riding worked wonders. She became more focused, her work improved, she became more assertive and made friends more easily.”

improve your child’s coordination fine motor skills • Drawing, tracing and cutting • Threading beads or buttons • Using glue to stick cloth, pasta, beans • Playing with blocks and Lego “Using fingers, particularly the forefinger, middle finger and thumb, will help with finger dexterity and attention to detail,” says Grant.

gross motor skills • Dancing, gymnastics and karate can help with motor planning, balance, muscle tone and posture.

• Netball, hockey, soccer and rugby help with endurance, agility and awareness of one’s body in space.

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activities

backyard olympics CHRISTINA CASTLE outlines a few sporting classics that work for athletes of all ages, shapes and sizes.

shot put Calling all lightweights and heavyweights, this discipline is best performed outside, away from the windows. Arm yourselves with tinned food of varied weights and sizes. From tiny tomato paste tins to tins of tuna chunks that could feed an army of athletes, the idea here is to stage an over-the-shoulder throwing competition. Points should be awarded for greatest distance and height thrown, most creative technique and loudest and most imaginative grunt made on release of the tin.

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steeplechase Traditionally performed with horses, you may substitute the live beast for a tame broom. Around the garden, create an adventurous obstacle course of jumps, puddles and tunnels. Then it’s off to the wardrobe to find the closest thing to jodhpurs, jackets (try the trusted school blazer) and helmets. Saddle up and get galloping. Fastest time around the course wins. Prizes should also be considered for most handsome horse and best-dressed rider.

handstands On your hands, get ready, go! This event may be performed on your own, against a wall or in pairs, depending on ability. Younger or less experienced handstanders may require a little help to achieve balance. First prize is awarded to the hand

stander who stays on their hands the longest – assisted or unassisted. Take it a step further and try to walk on your hands if you can. You may also want to try this with headstands. Trust me, it is the easier option. Just find yourself a nice soft pillow.

rhythmic gymnastics This is the pretty part of the Olympic Games, and your chance to get really creative. Choose an apparatus to work with – ribbon on a stick, or a lightweight ball or hoop. Then choreograph a simple gymnastics routine of leaps, somersaults, cartwheels and double back flips (just joking) that incorporate innovative and interesting use of that apparatus. And don’t forget the music. It will give your routine a very individual theme. Costuming is also an important factor to consider. Leotards, swimming costumes, and even underwear will certainly add to the experience. Just make

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ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

w

hile the Olympic Games are taking centre stage in London, our little sport stars can recreate the Olympic vibe in their own backyard with a little imagination, a couple of mates and their own set of rules. Let the games begin.

is room for wheelbarrow racing. An old favourite and a definite crowd-pleaser, wheelbarrow races really need no explanation. Set up a course, find a mate and line up those chariots. Expect a few spills along the way. The wipeouts are the most fun and perhaps the best way to judge the winner of this particular event.

lawn bowls

sure those opening and closing poses are well-rehearsed.

They can make or break a performance, I am told.

walkabout Get the walking shoes out, line up all participants and warm up those hips, because this walkabout will take you out into the neighbourhood and around the block.

Remember there are very strict rules when walking: • Any form of running will lead to immediate disqualification.

• Walkers must stick to pavements only.

The sillier the walk the better (I think this event may have been created by the Monty Python brigade).

Podium positions should be awarded to the speediest walker and definitely the silliest walker.

wheelbarrow race It may not boast the prestige of being an official Olympic sport, but if woodcutting can make it, then I think there

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And you thought this was just a game for grannies.

This gentle sport that displays the greatest of ball skills may not be played at a pace, but it can bring out the most competitive spirit in all of us. The object of the game is to deliver, by way of rolling, a ball closest to a placed white ball (called a jack) towards the end of the green – this is the area you play on. You can nudge out competitors’ balls along the way. The ball that is closest to the jack is the winner. While it is essentially an outdoor game, any flat indoor surface will do. And while the real game of lawn bowls requires very definite ball size, shape and weight, using a variety of different balls could make for a lot more fun. Imagine playing it with a rugby ball…

tag rugby This gem of a game was created on the decks of Royal Navy aircraft carriers where tackle rugby may have hurt more than usual if you hit the ground.

Equipped with a tag tucked into the back of your pants, players grab the tag instead of going for a tackle. The game works pretty much along the same lines as touch rugby except, by grabbing the tag, you have proof of the actual tagging, which basically means fewer fights and a more harmonious game. This game has fantastic, exhausting qualities.

4x4 croquet While croquet does not really feature on the Olympic line up, this version of the game might just earn its stripes. Just wait until the Olympic committee hears about it. Traditionally played on flat, manicured lawn, while sipping gin and tonic, croquet is the game for aristocrats; 4x4 croquet, however, is not. It’s a backyard classic that requires players to hit golf balls, hockey balls or cricket balls through a series of obstacles using golf clubs, hockey sticks, cricket bats – whatever – over unmanicured terrain.

volleyball You only need two people to really get this game going.

Inside or outside, volleyball requires a net and a ball. In fact, a net is not even necessary. A rope strung between two trees or two chairs to indicate the different sides of the court will suffice. Choose your ball depending on the age of players – the younger ones usually prefer a softer ball. Try using a balloon instead of a ball if you are playing indoors.

Its erratic nature will put a hysterical spin on the game.

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advertorial

book extract

make a meal of it We have the mid-week menu sorted with these three simple recipes from JENNY KAY and ELINOR STORKEY’s book Fuss-free Suppers. lentil bobotie This is a favourite classic dish with a twist.

It’s worth taking the time to fry the onions slowly as this will bring out the sweetness in them.

• 30ml (2 Tbsp) olive oil • 2 red onions, chopped • 10ml (2 tsp) chopped fresh garlic • 15–20ml (3–4 tsp) medium curry powder • 2 slices brown bread, soaked in water for 10 minutes • 2 x 400g cans lentils, drained and rinsed • 15ml (1 Tbsp) white wine vinegar • 15ml (1 Tbsp) apricot jam • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 2 eggs • 160ml buttermilk or milk • 3ml (½ tsp) turmeric • 6–8 bay leaves • a few slivered almonds

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1 Heat the oil in a saucepan and gently fry the onions until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the curry powder and cook for a further minute until fragrant.

2 Squeeze out the excess water from the bread and add the bread to the saucepan, together with the lentils, vinegar and jam. Mix well and season to taste.

3 Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof casserole dish and smooth over the top.

4 Preheat the oven to 160ºC. 5 Combine the eggs, buttermilk or milk and turmeric in a jug and season well with salt and pepper.

6 Pour the egg-mixture over the bobotie, spike with the bay leaves and scatter over the almonds.

7 Bake for 20–30 minutes or until the topping is set. Serve with yellow rice, chutney and sliced banana.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: warren heath

serves 4

herb-crusted fish fillets serves 4

1 Sprinkle salt over fish.

2 Combine the breadcrumbs, herbs

Use either white or brown bread for the crumbs. This crumb mixture also works well on flattened chicken-breast fillets.

• 4 white fish fillets (such as hake) • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 3 slices bread, crumbed • 45ml (3 Tbsp) chopped fresh herbs • 80ml ( cup) grated Parmesan cheese • 250ml (1 cup) cake flour • 2 eggs, beaten • a little olive oil

roast chicken with feta and olives serves 4 This is a great throw-together dish, full of colour and flavour.

• 4 chicken thighs • 4 chicken drumsticks

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and Parmesan cheese in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper.

3 Put the flour and beaten egg into separate bowls.

4 Dip the fish fillets one at a time in the flour, then in the egg and finally in the breadcrumbs.

5 Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the fish for about 4 minutes a side until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towel and serve with a side salad and potato wedges.

• 10ml (2 tsp) paprika • 2 red onions, cut into eighths • 1 small red pepper, deseeded and cubed • 1 small yellow pepper, deseeded and cubed • 1 small orange pepper, deseeded and cubed • 15ml (1 Tbsp) chopped fresh garlic • 30ml (2 Tbsp) olive oil • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 1 x 410g can chopped and peeled tomatoes • 100g black olives, pitted • 45ml (3 Tbsp) chopped fresh origanum • 125g feta cheese, crumbled

about the book If you haven’t a clue what to cook for dinner, then Fuss-free Suppers (Struik Lifestyle), with its simple and interesting collection of recipe ideas, is the perfect kitchen keepsake. Would you have thought that green curry chicken pies could be effortlessly done midweek? From fish laksa to cider pork and sweet-and-sour beef casserole, Jenny Kay and Elinor Storkey present recipes that will not only make the cuisine routine easier, but a little more creative too. It’s available at all good book stores nationwide.

1 Preheat the oven to 180ºC. 2 Toss the chicken portions in the paprika.

3 Put the vegetables, garlic and olive oil in an ovenproof roasting dish and season well with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken portions on top of the vegetables and roast for 40 minutes.

4 Remove from the oven and add the tomatoes, olives and origanum.

Return to the oven and roast for a further 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

5 Sprinkle feta over the chicken before serving.

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advertorial

getaway

a trip down the countryside A small family, a slow boat and a taste of rural France – LOUISE BROUARD shares memories of their barge

n

on, c’est tout fermé!” What do you mean everything is closed? The oddities of French sub-cultures had thwarted us on a number of occasions during our week-long voyage down the Nivernais canal. It was dinner time in the tiny hamlet of ChatelCensoir and we had been saving ourselves throughout the languorous day of barging for the consummate plat du jour, or plate of the day. But with everything closed, we were left with no choice but to cycle back to our barges, The Ha’Penny 900 and the

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Commodore 1370, with empty stomachs for some impromptu yoga on the deck and a leftover meal of Champagne, olives, salami and stale croissants.

Five days earlier, our two families had set out on the leisurely journey down the Nivernais from the little town of Migennes after an initial diversion in nearby Troyes.

In that ancient town, originally the capital of the Champagne region, we had our first and, thankfully, only sampling of the regional speciality, andouillette, a small sausage made of tripe. It is incongruent

that a region that produces incomparable bubbly can also produce this little French oddity, which could best be described as haggis’ wayward cousin.

The Nivernais is a less-frequented canal that originally formed part of an extensive network of waterways used to feed Paris with much needed supplies of wood for building and heating. It meanders vaguely south-north through Champagne and Chablis country, occasionally merging with the river Yonne, and eventually joining the Sienne. We had chosen to go upstream,

from north to south, taking us from the wider, more commercial waterways at the start, to more appealing quieter waters.

After a 10-minute boating lesson in broken Franglais, we were deemed competent enough to be sent on our merry way. We began with much nervousness and fumbling, but after the first few locks, the process became second nature, and provided welcome opportunities to stop and chat to fellow travellers and an array of lock-keepers. Often we enjoyed the luxury of being the only boat passing through the

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PHOTOGRAPHS / illustrations: Rob Bedford / shutterstock.com

cruise down the picturesque Nivernais canal.

From left to right: Arriving in Auxerre; Louise, Braddyn and Rob enjoying the views after a steep hike in Mailly le Chateau; Inside one of the larger locks

lock with not another barge in sight. This afforded my six-year-old son, Braddyn, the opportunity to help the keepers open and close the locks, which proved to be quite an adventure for him.

On the canals, you generally have the freedom to moor anywhere. On the first night we moored next to an embankment just outside Bassou and enjoyed a lovely home-cooked meal on the deck of our barge. We prepared most of our meals in our galley which, although small, was very well equipped.

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Day two saw us eagerly waiting at the first lock of the day for it to open at 9am.

After an hour or so, we found the perfect

of Appoigny. Bicycles are optional extras when booking a barge, but we found them to be essential equipment. The narrow back

On the first night we moored next to an embankment just outside Bassou and enjoyed a lovely home-cooked meal on the deck of our barge. spot to leave the barge safely moored, manhandled the bikes onto the shore, and cycled off to visit the lovely little village

roads and farmlands yearn to be explored, so we ended up cycling through the most pristine French countryside for over two

hours, sans even the slightest complaint from the younger members in our party.

Our first glimpse of Auxerre, the largest town on our chosen section of the canal, was truly breathtaking. We opted to motor past the busy marina to moor alongside a park where we managed to locate a public swimming pool for a much needed dip. Here some of the guys, much to their chagrin, had to borrow Speedos as they were not permitted to swim in their swimming shorts.

Another French oddity for which the only explanation given was “it’s the rule”.

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getaway

Top: One of the many beautifully adorned locks; Left: Being towed behind the boat

Walking through this beautiful old town as the sun was setting was a real highlight.

The cathedral towers over the town, which is dotted with attractive squares below half-timbered houses. When planning our holiday, we opted for a shorter route that would allow us the flexibility of unscheduled

down the hill, replete with big, red, happy grins. “Merci Monsieur le Fermier – we left €10 (about R100) under the big rock in the northern corner as thanks.”

The heat and exertion of that ride called for the spontaneous water fight that ensued while filling the barge’s water tank. Chugging

The narrow back roads and farmlands yearn to be explored so we ended up cycling through the most pristine French countryside. stops and see us avoid endless hours of motoring. Choosing a late start the following morning, we stopped in Vaux for a long cycle up a steep hill to see the vineyards and much touted view, over the valley. We missed the view but did find the vineyards and an abundance of cherry trees, laden with sun-baked, ripe and fleshy fruit. Needless to say we rolled

back to Champs-sur-Yonne, we moored alongside our friends at what was fast becoming our favourite time of day. Sitting on the roof of our barge, with a sketch pad in one hand and a glass of chilled wine in the other, watching my son ride his bike up and down the towpath as the sun was setting, is the closest I have come to an extended moment of pure bliss in a very long time.

Auxerre Cathedral at sunset

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The next day, with temperatures over 30˚C, our friends again took to cooling off in the canal while being gently towed behind their barge. We had resisted this temptation based on rather sage advice proffered by the guide books and some of the locals. The heat was, however, to prove our undoing and we finally relented.

The welcome relief of the cool water was quickly dissipated as we slowly gathered a motley selection of canal debris around our necks as we were gently towed along. This included the odd bottle, a couple of bird feathers, and bits of soggy toilet paper.

Yes, most rented boats pump their effluent directly into the canal. Not surprising then, that we later had to make a stop at a pharmacy for a magic potion to calm our son’s angry skin reaction.

Running low on Champagne, which should never happen in France, we cycled from Vincelles to Irancy where we joined a wine-tasting in a blissfully cool cave.

Champagne in hand, we puttered into Pregilbert for an overnight stop next to a lock. Here a late addition to our party, a septuagenarian aunt, joined the group, having arrived by train from Paris and having been ferried by bicycle back to the boat. After an alfresco dinner on benches conveniently located along the deserted embankment, our boys, ranging in age from six to 19, held their own version of an athletic track event late into the night.

Good simple stuff, that.

Mailly-le-Chateau had us hiking up a rather steep path for a superb view of the surrounding area from the castle. A short stroll through the deserted hilltop

town in search of an ice cream proved fruitless as all of the local inhabitants had barricaded themselves in the cool shelter of their homes during the heat of the day.

Salvation eventually came in the form of ice creams and ice-cold beers in a wonderful waterside café in Merry-sur-Yonne, nestled in the shadow of the spectacular Saussois rocks, which form a sheer cliff about 40 to 50 metres high.

Mooring just outside of Clamecy that evening, we cycled into the town for a dinner of escargot, chicken and chips.

Clamecy is classified under the French tourist criteria as among the most beautiful routes in France, and it did not disappoint.

After an early start, a full day was spent in Chatel-Censoir, where we had a memorable picnic lunch along the banks of the canal. Returning to the marina, we drank a final toast to our faithful friend, The Ha’Penny, which had been our home for the past week, and were filled with melancholy made only slightly more bearable by the knowledge that this was merely an au revoir.

plan your trip The barges are easy to operate and no previous sailing experience is required. Choose a route where lockkeepers are in attendance as operating the first few locks can be a little daunting. The cruising season is from March to October every year; we chose to go late in June. Do hire bicycles as this gives you freedom to visit nearby villages.

You should bring the minimal amount of clothing, swimming costumes, comfortable non-slip shoes and waterproof clothing for the occasional rain shower. Other useful items include sunglasses, sun cream, insect repellent and hats.

For companies that offer self-drive barge cruises in France, visit leboat.co.uk, barginginfrance.com, cruise-in-france.com or bargeconnection.com

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resource

slow down, everyone

Here you have it, holidays that will heal, rejuvenate, inspire and promise to flick the

this corner of the earth Where to go Nkwichi Lodge, Manda Wilderness, Mozambique What to expect Nkwichi is remote; you can only access it by boat, and there are no other lodges on the Mozambican side of Lake Malawi or Lake Niassa. The sand is powder-soft, sugar white, and you’re surrounded only by rocky coves, wilderness and empty beaches. Children can enjoy the famed treasure hunt and pirate adventure, family camp-outs in the

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Nkwichi Lodge, Mozambique

wilderness and guided snorkelling and fishing trips. You can experience local living or you can make this your time to do absolutely nothing. Ask about the “lake of stars” bed, where you stay overnight on a rocky outcrop in the lake, a short distance from the lodge. Enquire about their South African resident rates.

Perfect if you need a reminder that you can be happy with very little.

How to book info@mandawilderness.org or visit http://mandawilderness.org/

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PHOTOGRAPHs: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / Halo Gaia

switch on stress. By CHILD MAGAZINE

mountain retreat Where to go The Blue Hippo Tipi Village in Greyton, Western Cape What to expect This family friendly location is a small retreat set in the mountains outside Greyton. The emphasis is on nature and healing where you can take part in retreats, healing therapies, massage, meditation, drumming or more spiritual ceremonies. You can also watch a fire-dancing performance, swim in the dam and river, horse-ride and go on a nature walk. The village has an organic vegetable and herb garden and a play area for children. You stay in the Native American-style tipi village set in a field surrounded by trees, birdlife and a mountain stream.

Perfect if you feel disconnected and need to reconnect with yourself.

How to book 083 776 1922, info@ bluehippo.co.za or visit bluehippo.co.za

gone with gorillas Where to go Rwanda Eco-Tours, Rwanda What to expect Owned and run by Rwandans, this tour company offers

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Mizpah Farm Retreat, KwaZulu-Natal

visitors the chance to see Rwanda, while helping conservation and the community.

If you want the rare experience of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat, go on a tour to the Northwest area of Rwanda and Parc National des Volcans. Tours run throughout the country and its national parks, giving you the chance to experience Rwandan traditions at a cultural village, take in other national parks or experience city life in the capital, Kigali. If you’re planning on seeing gorillas, you will need a permit.

Perfect if you are bored with life and need a take-your-breath-away experience.

How to book +25 078 835 2009, +25 028 050 0331, info@rwandaeco-tours.com or visit rwandaecotours.com

under the stars Where to go Wolwedans, Namibia What to expect Fly in two-by-two with the Dunehopper, a scheduled air taxi, from either Windhoek or Swakopmund, or you can access Wolwedans by car, which is in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, the largest private nature reserve in southern Africa. For a family’s greatest comfort opt for the Boulders Camp (sleeps eight), which is hugged by massive granite rocks and is perfect for when you’re travelling with cousins, aunties and uncles, or take the Dunes Lodge Suite (sleeps two, but can accommodate a child), or the Private Camp (your own desert villa, sleeping four).

Go on long walks and see the renowned

fairy circles or just chill while getting a marula oil or Indian head massage and let the children roam and explore. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars. Also enquire about Club Chateau, which allows you to stay half price any time of the year, and ask about the star beds, a new feature to be introduced this year, where you sleep-out under the stars in the dunes.

Perfect if you need tranquility to clear your mind of all its to-do lists.

How to book +264 6123 0616, reservations@wolwedans.com or visit wolwedans.com

animal cure Where to go Mizpah Farm Retreat, KwaZulu-Natal What to expect A social worker and horse professional leads groups and individuals of all ages through tailor-made processes, which helps you to reflect and invest in your own personal growth. Through building a relationship of mutual trust and respect with a specific horse, meditation activities with the horses, and simply spending time interacting with the beautiful creatures, you are able to work through many issues

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Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort

such as divorce, depression, grief, lifelimiting diagnosis and more. Horses teach us to operate with no hidden agendas or preconceived judgments and teach us to live in the moment.

Perfect if you are stressed, traumatized or simply need to get back to basics.

How to book 083 362 6057, liesl@healingwithhorses.co.za or visit healingwithhorses.co.za

trampolines, a jungle-gym and a swimming pool for children. Adults can be pampered at the spa. Stay in either a hotel room, selfcatering units or camp. If you’re active you can go on a mountain bike trail or go fishing.

Perfect if you need to recharge and detox, and for cleansing your body and mind.

How to book 034 995 0300, 073 213 7242, adminspa@goodersons.co.za or visit goodersonleisure.co.za

out of africa

barefoot living

Where to go Malealea Lodge & Pony Trek Centre, south west Lesotho What to expect Malealea Lodge is located in rural Lesotho with views of the countryside and mountains. Stay at the lodge and go on a one to five hour pony ride (perfect for children under 12 years) or opt for overnight treks from two to six days (suitable for children 12 years and older).

The trails traverse spectacular mountain passes and some of Lesotho’s highest waterfalls where you can explore Bushman paintings and experience Basotho culture.

Sleep in remote and basic huts, which are hired from the Basotho people, and are equipped with a gas cooker, cooking and eating utensils and mattresses on the floor. The treks are usually about seven hours each day. No riding experience is necessary and though these treks can be long and tough, children love it.

Perfect if you want to know real and untamed Africa.

How to book 082 552 4215, info@ malealealodge.com or visit malealea.co.ls

Where to go Stone Cottage Backpackers and Lodge, Plettenberg Bay What to expect Get in touch with your simple side and hit the road to Plett.

Kayaking with whales or dolphins will enrich you and remind you that there is life beyond these city walls. Stay at one of the oldest holiday homes in Plett, the authentic Stone Cottage run by Annie the artist.

Its creaky timber floors and doors, high beamed ceilings, old-fashioned kitchens, Victorian beds, comfy couches, and black and white photos of life as it once was will spark a little imagination. This Ernest Hemingway-styled retreat offers great views of the bay and consists of three selfcatering apartments or the Boetie Pierre, which sleeps four.

Perfect if you want a home away from home and need a bit of relaxed and rustic.

How to book visit stonecottage.co.za. For kayaking, contact Ocean Blue Adventures 044 533 5083

natural healing Where to go Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort, situated between Vryheid and Paulpietersburg What to expect Set amongst giant granite boulders that are millions of years old, with abundant birdlife, this serene and rejuvenating oasis is situated on 800 hectares of KwaZulu-Natal bushveld, with four kilometres of the Bivane River flowing through it. Although the main attraction on the resort is the rejuvenating hot mineral pools, well known for their antioxidant action, another popular attraction is the great 110m long super tube, and there are

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into the wild Where to go Leshiba Wilderness, Limpopo What to expect Leshiba, which lies in a hidden valley on top of the Soutpansberg Mountains, offers the near spiritual experience of walking amongst wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, porcupines and pangolins along spectacular trails through forests, across plains and down breathtaking gorges with sparkling pools. Splash into rock pools in the summer or enjoy the plunge pools at the lodge with panoramic views of the valley.

Arrange for a champagne breakfast in the forest, and stay in the self catering Hamasha Bush Camp, which has a magnificent view through Hamasha gorge.

Perfect if you need the soothing affect of wildlife around you.

How to book 011 483 1841, 082 881 1237, info@leshiba.co.za or visit leshiba.co.za

living with the tigers, and gives details on his conservation efforts to aid in the ongoing struggle for survival that tigers face. Unfortunately babies or toddlers are not allowed, as the game drives are about three hours long.

Perfect if you are a wildlife fanatic wanting to appreciate these grand cats.

How to book Sunette: 051 773 0063, 082 892 4680, info@jvbigcats.co.za or visit jvbigcats.co.za

the smoke that thunders Where to go The Royal Livingstone Hotel, Zambia What to expect Take part in a conservation programme through walking and interacting with cubs of captive-bred African lions that are being introduced back into the wild, or wade through the mighty Zambezi River atop an African elephant. The humble elephants have been trained through positive reinforcement, as opposed to the stern techniques used with Asian elephants, and will take you on an ecologically friendly game “drive�.

There is a minimum age of 15 years and a height of 1,5metres or five feet for the lion encounter, and 10 years for the elephant safari. You can also revitalize with a day spent at the spa.

Leshiba Wilderness, Limpopo

a piece of asia Where to go Tiger Canyons, Van der Kloof Lake, Philippolis, Karoo What to expect Sitting behind bars in a game drive vehicle in Tiger Canyons, you’ll appreciate the regal qualities of the fourteen free-roaming Asian tigers being reared on the reserve. During an early morning or late night game drive John Varty, renowned wildlife filmmaker, shares tales of his experiences while

The Royal Livingstone Hotel, Zambia

Perfect if you want to connect with nature unbridled.

How to book Jenman African Safaris: 076 878 8607, reservations@royallivingstone-hotel.com or visit royallivingstone-hotel.com

Tiger Canyons, Philippolis, Karoo

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commune with nature

the soul of africa

Where to go Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Western Cape What to expect In this idyllic setting, reconnect with your loved ones and get in touch with nature. Do whale spotting and flower safaris at its peak from July to December, and cave excursions and shark cave diving being best from January to July. Also seek out pampering at The Bloom Saloon with pedicures, manicures and facials. Your children can feed horses, collect their own eggs and traverse through a Milkwood forest on a treasure hunt overseen by specialised guides.

Perfect if you need time to marvel at the beauty of nature while bonding with your family.

How to book 028 384 8000, info@ grootbos.co.za or visit grootbos.com

Where to go Mogalakwena, northern Soutpansberg region, Limpopo What to expect Leave your tie and heels at home and recharge with sunset drives, wildlife walks, fishing or horseback riding around the Mogalakwena Reserve. Attend to your need for creative expression at The Craft Art Village, where young and old can get inspiration to paint, write, read and create. Feed your thirst for knowledge at the privately funded research centre a short walk away, which has numerous ecological and anthropological findings on display, made by the centre’s field workers, including the skeleton of a giraffe, a wet laboratory and an interpretive environmental centre.

Perfect if you want a holistic retreat set in tranquil surroundings.

How to book 021 424 7488, info@ mogalakwena.com, visit mogalakwena. com or visit their office in 3 Church St, Cape Town

a playful marine retreat Where to go Ponta Malongane, Mozambique What to expect Halo Gaia’s retreats combine the healing experience of swimming with dolphins with a chance to creatively express yourself through art, sacred sound journeys,

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Ponta Malongane, Mozambique

drum circles and sand play. Following the terms of ethical marine mammal tourism, you must respect the will of the dolphin and allow them to approach you if they feel comfortable enough. You are not permitted to touch, feed or harass the wild dolphins in any way, thus creating a conscious and meaningful dolphin encounter. Retreats are for people of all ages and take place

throughout the year, with the next trip being planned over the long weekend in August this year.

Perfect if you are looking for a humbling and soulful encounter with these intelligent creatures of the sea.

How to book Kate at Halo Gaia Holistic Travel: 011 447 8121, 082 307 0424, info@ halogaia.com or visit halogaia.com

find peace Where to go Tswalu Kalahari, Kuruman, Northern Cape

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What to expect Experience the majesty and open expanse of the Green Kalahari at this malaria-free exclusive private game reserve. Game drives, dune picnics and horseback safaris allow you to explore this wilderness, while bush walks and the natural exhibition of San rock art takes you closer to the land. Take the opportunity to see the meerkat colony or the black maned Kalahari lions. Children can join the junior ranger programme to learn about nature. Relax in an indoor or outdoor spa while you listen to the sounds of nature. Other must-dos are spending a night under the stars and letting the children cook their own dinner.

Tswalu Kalahari, Northern Cape

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Perfect if you are feeling overwhelmed and need to unwind in the tranquility of the desert.

How to book 053 781 9331, res@tswalu. com or visit tswalu.com

and entertaining. Enquire about upcoming holiday ranger camps for children.

Perfect if you are feeling stressed and need a bit of pampering and you want your children outdoors.

How to book 031 781 1082, info@ gwahumbe.co.za or visit gwahumbe.co.za

reconnect with africa Where to go Umlani Bushcamp, Timbavati, Limpopo What to expect Traditional African reed and thatch huts blend into the natural environment. The camp is lit by candlelight and oil lamps, and the open-air bush showers take you closer to nature. Local Shangaan rangers take guests on game drives and bush walks to see game, flora and the cultural heritage of the area. If you need to relax, lounge in hammocks by the pool, or watch the watering hole from the deck. Take to the air in a microlight or hot-air balloon. Visit the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, take an elephant safari or go white-water rafting.

Perfect if you are feeling uninspired and need the relaxed pace and rustic living that will restore you.

How to book 021 785 5547, info@umlani. com or visit umlani.com

safari inspiration Gwahumbe Game and Spa, KwaZulu-Natal

revitalise in the midlands Where to go Gwahumbe Game and Spa in Mid Illovo, KwaZulu-Natal What to expect Set in the tranquil farmlands between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, this safe game reserve offers you the opportunity to spot game from your balcony. Spa therapists are on hand and treatments are available for the whole family, as children can also be pampered from the tailor-made children’s spa menu. Children can join the junior explorer’s club, which is both educational

Where to go Kwa Madwala, Mpumalanga What to expect Situated on the southern border of the Kruger National Park, this private game reserve boasts a rock camp in the mountains, a gazebo game lodge and a family orientated thatched bush camp. The variety of ways to get close to nature are with a game drive into the Kruger, by microlight, on horseback or elephant safaris. You can also try a night or walking safari. Tours run to Mozambique, Swaziland, God’s Window, Pilgrim’s Rest or to Matsamo Cultural Village. You can also take some time out at the Rustic Day Spa. Perfect if you need time out to find your own pace again.

How to book 082 779 2153 or res@ kwamadwala.co.za or book online: visit kwamadwala.net

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books

a good read for toddlers

for early graders African Tales

By Gcine Mhlophe and Rachel Griffin

When the World Was Waiting for You

By Gillian Shields; illustrated by Anna Currey (Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, R80) This celebration of new life will allow for tender bedtime cuddles as the book relishes the shared family pleasure of a newborn baby. This first board book will encourage children to either think about their own arrival into the world or prepare them for the arrival of a sibling, as the words visual and pictures combine to create a world at peace with itself. Children feast from as young as two years old up to the age of four will find the story and illustrations delightful, as a family of rabbits prepares for the much-anticipated arrival of a new baby.

Zou and the Box of Kisses

By Michel Gay (Published by Gecko Press, R150) Zou is spending his first night away from home. He knows he will miss all his daily kisses: morning kisses, bedtime kisses and no-reason-at-all kisses, but he doesn’t need to worry. Mom and Dad have come up with a brilliant solution. They have sent a box of kisses along with Zou. As the lights are turned down on the train, Zou is in desperate need of a kiss, and uses only one. But one little zebra is very sad, and his crying is so heartbreaking, that Zou now needs two kisses. Soon Zou’s box of kisses comes to the rescue for all on the train.

for preschoolers

(Published by Barefoot Books, R142) Travel through our colourful continent and discover the rich culture of the many people who live here. The characters you’ll meet include a brave boy who must try to save his village with the help of a talking bull, a wise spider man who outsmarts an evil king and a girl who is swept out to sea as a baby, but who survives to become a remarkable leader. Each of the stories in this book is prefaced by an introduction full of facts about its country of origin.

a young explorer’s guide

On Safari – Desert, River and Bushveld

By Nadine Clarke

(Published by Random House Struik, R190) Children can journey into three exciting wilderness areas and discover the fascinating animals, plants and people that make these areas their home. Discover the secrets of survival and explore the hidden treasures of southern Africa’s wild places. The book introduces readers to a remarkable array of creatures, many with unique characteristics and patterns of behaviour that enable them to survive in their particular environment.

In each adventure a local guide takes young readers through the landscape and introduces them to its inhabitants, uncovering many mysteries along the way. The book is packed with intriguing information, exciting things to do or make, challenging quizzes to test your child’s skills and games to play.

for preteens and teens

Next Stop – Zanzibar Road!

By Niki Daly (Published by Giraffe Books, R81) The quirky and much-loved gang from Zanzibar Road is back for another fun-filled adventure with Mama Jumbo, Little Chico and a host of colourful and entertaining characters that will delight children and adults alike. Mama Jumbo is going to the market with Mr Motiki’s taxi, and after a day of bargaining, swapping and shopping, she makes her way home, happy and satisfied. That is until a big thorn punctures the taxi’s wheel, and they’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, under an African sun as hot as a vetkoek. Then Mama Jumbo comes to the rescue with her Bum-Bum-Bubblegum…

boun d be a to hit

highly recommended

Moving House

By Jenny Hatton; illustrated by Joan Rankin (Published by Jacana Media, R40) This is another lovely addition to the Lucy series.

Children will easily relate to the stories, which reflect true-to-life events such as going on a journey, moving house and a visit to the beach. The rhythmic text of the Lucy books help build children’s reading skills and confidence while they are absorbed in the humorous illustrations and the lives of Lucy’s family members. In this version, Lucy is moving but is not at all keen – she loves the sounds of her old house and old street. But moving is an adventure, and Lucy might just love her new room. Teachers, parents and librarians can also download activity sheets relating to the story from jacana.co.za/teachers-and-librarians

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Science in Seconds

By Hazel Muir

The One Dollar Horse

By Lauren St John

(Published by Quercus, R85) Simple and accessible, Science in Seconds is a visually led introduction to all the scientific concepts that really matter. Each idea is made incredibly quick to remember and easy to understand, illustrated by means of a straightforward picture and a maximum 200-word explanation.

Concepts span all of the key scientific disciplines including physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, biotechnology, anatomy and physiology, medicine, earth science, energy generation, astronomy, space flight and information technology – it is the quickest possible way to learn about everything from black holes and quantum computers, to the Casimir effect, molecular geometry, photosynthesis, earthquakes and stellar evolution.

(Published by Orion Children’s Books, R140) Fifteen-year-old Casey Blue lives in East London’s grimmest tower block and volunteers at a local riding school, but her dream is to win the world’s greatest three-day event: the Badminton Horse Trials. When she rescues a starving, half-wild horse, she’s convinced that the impossible can be made possible. But she didn’t think of the effect of her father’s criminal record, or the distraction of a boy with dark eyes. Casey learns the hard way that no matter how high you jump, or how fast you gallop, you can never outrun the past. This book is recommended for teens from age 12.

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for us

When in broad daylight I open my eyes

By Greg Lazarus

proudly south african

(Published by Kwela Books, R176) Greg Lazarus is the pen name of husband-andwife writing duo Greg Fried and Lisa Lazarus. Lisa is a psychologist and freelance writer, as well as a mom and a regular features contributor to Child magazine (visit childmag.co.za for some of her articles). Greg is a philosopher at the University of Cape Town. This is their second co-written book, which has received rave reviews. In the aftermath of her mother’s sudden death, Maria Petros confronts disturbing questions: what is the secret society that her mother frequented and who is the philosopher she meets in a therapy session and why is he pursuing her with such vigour? The book is set in a familiar yet sinister Cape Town and it explores, in evocative and erotic fashion, the extent to which people prey on one another.

The Flight of Gemma Hardy

By Margot Livesey (Published by HarperCollins, R275) Fate has not been kind to Gemma Hardy. Orphaned by the age of 10, neglected by a bitter and cruel aunt, sent to a boarding school where she is both servant and student, young Gemma seems destined for a life of hardship and loneliness. Yet her bright spirit burns strong. Fiercely intelligent, singularly determined, Gemma overcomes each challenge and setback, growing stronger and more certain of her path. Now an independent young woman with dreams of the future, she accepts a position as an au pair on the remote and beautiful Orkney Islands. But Gemma’s biggest trial is about to begin; a journey of passion and betrayal that will lead her to a life she’s never dreamed of.

parenting books Baby Medbasics

By Luke Hermann and Tara Summers Hermann (Published by Perseus Books, R135) Do you know how to care for your child in an emergency?

This guide shows you, in clear, simple language and easy-to-understand illustrations, how to handle the most common infant emergencies. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent or caregiver, Medbasics provides you with the knowledge, confidence and security you need. The guide is divided into colour-coded sections for allergies, bites and stings, bleeding, burns, choking, CPR, falls, fever, poison and rashes. Emergency numbers published in the book are not relevant to South Africa, but it’s the practical advice and format of the book that makes it a very handy tool.

Have a New Teenager by Friday

By Dr Kevin Leman

do you know this person ?

(Published by Fleming H. Revell Company, R179) Life will never quite be the same again when you have a teenager in the home, but it can be better than you ever dreamed. The author believes you’re just five days away from your teenager asking: “What can I do to help?”

With his signature wit and common-sense psychology, internationally recognised family expert and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Leman will help you gain respect, even admiration, from your teenager. He shows you how to establish healthy boundaries and workable guidelines. He shows you how to communicate with the “whatever” generation, how to turn selfish behaviour around and navigate the critical years with confidence.

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calendar

what’s on in july

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

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

11 wed

special events

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FUN for children

44

only for parents

51

bump, baby & tot in tow

54

how to help

54

SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

The World of Dogs and Cats An expo for those who love pets, whether they are big or small, furry or scaled.

The Imperial Russian Ballet They perform a repertoire of outstanding full-length classical masterpieces.

Kay’s Place A colourful indoor playground where children can climb, slide and crawl.

Heifer You can help the rural communities to be self-sufficient.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Happy snappers Children learn the basics of photography in a fun and interactive workshop.

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calendar Fido on the Koppies This is a great time for the whole family, including your lovable dog, to stroll around the koppies for some fresh air and a bit of exercise.

You are welcome to come along even if you don’t own a dog. No need to book.

For children 6 years and older. Time: 8am. Venue: Melville Koppies, park in 3rd Ave, off Arundel Rd, Westdene. Cost: R20.

Contact Wendy: 011 482 4797 or visit mk.org.za

SPECIAL EVENTS 2 monday Family musical quiz Test your musical knowledge and eat delicious food while music from the ’60s and ’70s plays in the background. Booking essential. Time: 7pm. Venue: TSG Fourways, Leaping Frog Shopping Centre, cnr William Nicol Dr and Mulbarton Rd. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 465 7270 or visit tsg4ways.co.za

10 tuesday

3 tuesday Art for Baby Moses Local artists, in partnership with Killarney Mall and Diamonds of Light Foundation, host an affordable art exhibition to raise funds for the Baby Moses Baby Sanctuary for abused and abandoned babies, toddlers and HIVaffected and -infected children. Ends 9 July.

Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Killarney Mall, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 4657 or visit killarneymall.co.za

6 friday Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival This exciting, active festival provides fun for the whole family. You can take part in the Argus Rotary Cycle tour, a two-day bridge tournament, a bowls tournament and enjoy sipping South Africa’s top wines, compete to shuck the most oysters or get the children to compete in the cycle challenge or family hike. Weather permitting, navy

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Prospecting in Kloofendal Explore Confidence Reef Goldmine with Shirley Harrison and learn about the brothers, Strubens, who discovered the mine in 1884. Booking essential. For children 6–16 years. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue:

Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: R90. Contact Karin: 011 674 2980, 072 595 6991 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

11 wednesday Happy snappers Children learn the basics of photography in a fun, interactive workshop covering the concepts of framing, composition and other techniques.

Bring along refreshments and a digital camera. Booking essential. For children 10 years and older. Time: 9am–1pm.

Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: R90. Contact Karin: 011 674 2980, 072 595 6991 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

6 July – Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival

ships enter through the Knysna Heads on 10 July. Ends 15 July. Time: varies. Venue: Knysna, Western Cape. Cost: varies. For more info: visit pnpoysterfestival.co.za

7 saturday Craft club Learn to transform your wardrobe in this three-hour workshop where you are taught the art of tie-dye and lino printing.

Bring along your own fabrics or garments.

Booking essential. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Northriding. Cost: R350. Contact: 083 568 9150 or info@dyeandprints.co.za

10 July – Prospecting in Kloofendal

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12 thursday

20 friday

Eid Shopping Festival A host of interesting cultural activities and entertainment has been planned to celebrate Eid – from fashion, art and literature to professional seminars and activities for the young. Ends 15 July. Time: 10am–10pm, Thursday; 10am–11pm, Friday and Saturday; 10am–6pm, Sunday. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Dr, Northriding. Cost: adults R25, pensioners and children R15, children under 6 free; family packages (2 adults and 2 children) R65. Contact: 011 465 7791 or visit eidshoppingfestival.co.za

The World of Dogs and Cats This expo is for those who love pets, whether they are big or small, furry or scaled. You can spend time browsing the stalls and getting advice from experts, or enjoy a performance where dogs dance, jump, weave or take part in parades. Ends 22 July. Time: 10am–6pm.

Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. Cost: adults R75, pensioners and students R60, children R10. Contact: 031 765 4286 or visit dogscats.co.za

14 saturday Fun Day at St Benedict’s Enjoy a pipe band gathering, a fun park and have a look around the many interesting stalls. For children 5–13 years old. Time: 9am–4pm.

Venue: St Benedict’s College, Harcus Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: R50 per child (includes all activities). Contact Mrs Haji-Joannou: 082 496 0213

15 sunday Aloe walk The aloe garden is a beautiful sight this time of the year. This walk is always popular, so book early. Time: 9am. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: members: adults R30, children R15; non-members: adults R60, children R30. Contact Karen: botsoc@ sisulugarden.co.za

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Nature Treasure Hunt Intrepid explorers set off to locate various red and white tagged items, which have been scattered around the reserve, and answer a set of nature questions. Booking essential. For children 10–18 years. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: R90. Contact Karin: 011 674 2980, 072 595 6991 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

22 sunday Discovery 702 Walk the Talk Show your support for those who are strutting, striding or hobbling their way along the route to Marks Park Sports Club. Time: timed walk starts at 7am; 8km 9am and 5km 11am. For more info: visit walkthetalk.co.za

28 saturday Cycle Hub fun ride Check those spokes, pump up the tyres and set off on a fun 20km, 10km or the child-friendly 6km ride at The Thaba Trails in Mulbarton. Time: 8:30am. Venue: The Thaba Trails, 101 Klip River Dr, Mulbarton. Cost: 20km R100, 10km R80, 6km R30. Contact Wendell: 082 900 0749, events@thecyclehub.co.za or visit thecyclehub.co.za Zoo fun day Young and old can enjoy a festive day at the zoo, have their faces painted like their favourite animals, take part in activities and meet a few of the

zoo’s ambassadors. Time: 9:30am–3:30pm.

Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R55, children R34.

Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

18 wednesday Mandela Day It’s an annual celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a global call for people to give at least 67 minutes of their time to service their communities. Positive change begins with small actions. For more info on events in your community: visit mandeladay.com

A miniature showcase Artisans display their miniature dollhouses and other smallscale objects. Supplies are available for those interested in the hobby. Time: 9am–12:30pm.

Venue: Parkhurst Recreation Centre, cnr 13th St and 5th Ave, Parkhurst. Cost: entry free, but donations to the Cerebral Palsy Association welcome. Contact Sue: 011 787 2340 or miniatures@telkomsa.net Disco Baby Children can express themselves through all manner of dance styles while winning competitions and interacting with the enthusiastic team

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Confident Kidz

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This workshop helps to build an “I can” attitude so that children feel good about themselves and are able to cope with the various challenges that life throws at them. Booking essential. For ages 8–13 years old. 7 July. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: PsychMatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R2 000.

Contact: 011 450 3576, info@ psychmatters.co.za or visit psychmatters.co.za

of dancers. Booking essential. For children 2 years and older. Time: 2:30pm–4:30pm.

Venue: The Oak Leaf, Rivonia Rd, Sandton.

Cost: R150. Contact Lindsay or Lysette: 084 804 6550 Concert on The Deck – Josie Field A potent mix of lyricism and passion, Josie Field performs songs from her awardwinning albums. Booking essential. Time: 2:30pm. Venue: Gingko, 61 Dundalk Ave, cnr Roscommon, Parkview. Cost: R120. Contact Catherine: 011 486 3361, catherine@ gingko.co.za or visit gingko.co.za Potjie & Mampoer Fees A day and night of entertainment to celebrate everything that tastes great as well as the Afrikaans culture. Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, Sylviavale Ah, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: free entry. Contact: 016 982 2951, info@ stonehaven.co.za or visit stonehaven.co.za Spring garden festival To celebrate the forthcoming spring, a beautiful and fragrant array of designer gardens, including 10 children’s gardens, have been created to inspire you in your own garden endeavours. Ends 2 September. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: free. Contact: 011 957 5955, nursery@gardenworld.co.za or visit gardenworld.co.za Tots n Pots holiday workshop A special cooking workshop is on at the organic market to keep your little ones entertained while you take a look through the many stalls. Time: tbc. Venue: The Bryanston Organic and Natural Market, Culross Rd, off Main Rd, Bryanston. Cost: tbc. Contact Jotika: 083 265 5515, jotika@totsnpots. com or visit totsnpots.com

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29 sunday World Tiger Day Spend a few hours at the park considering these incredible cats and the other animals that are fighting extinction. Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: Lory Park, 180/1 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Cost: adults R60, children R40.

Contact: 011 315 7307, info@lorypark. co.za or visit lorypark.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Buddhist talent camp Children can enjoy a look into another culture, as teachers from Taiwan impart their knowledge of Chinese traditional dance and art work.

They can spend the night sleeping in the Buddhist temple. For children 7–14 years. 4–7 July. Venue: Nan Hua Buddist Temple, 27 Nan Hua Rd, Cultura Park, Bronkhorstspruit. Cost: R500 fully inclusive.

Contact: 013 931 0009, yad@nanhua. co.za or visit nanhua.co.za Radio Astronomy Observatory An open day at the Observatory is a chance for you to view scientists at work. Booking essential. 21 July. Time: 4pm–8pm. Venue: CSIR and HartRAO, Hartebeeshoek, Broederstroom. Cost: adults R45, students and pensioners R35, children under 6 free, family ticket R120 (2 adults and 2 children). Contact: 012 301 3100, aware@ hartrao.ac.za or visit hartrao.ac.za

classes, talks and workshops Art classes All materials are provided with complimentary refreshments. Attend a quarterly exhibition where your child’s creations are celebrated. For children 7 years and older. Starts 7 July. Time: 11am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Mondeor. Cost: R100 per lesson; R800 for a 10-week term. Contact Humbu: 081 420 8191 or artmatters101@gmail.com Beginner guitar The lessons are conducted in a fun, simple manner, making it easy for everyone to learn. Booking essential. For children 7 years and older. Time: depends on your schedule. Venue: Douglasdale. Cost: from R450 per month. Contact Claire: 084 389 6814 Ceramic painting and mosaic fun Add a splash of colour, a pattern and a tile to a piece of raw pottery. Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: Color Café, shop 14, Hyde Square Shopping Centre, cnr North Rd and Jan Smuts Ave. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 magazine joburg

341 0734, samanthas@vodamail.co.za or visit colorcafe.co.za Cooking like mama Learn how to make Italian dishes such as sauces, fillings and toppings. Children need to be over 1,1 metres tall and must wear shoes. Booking essential. Classes alternate daily between children 6–9 years old and 10–16 years old.

2–20 July. Time: 9am–11am for children 6–9 years old; 2pm–4pm for children 10–16 years old, Monday–Friday. Venue: Good Food Studio, Pick n Pay on Nicol, cnr Republic Rd and William Nicol Dr, Sandton.

Cost: R200–R220. Contact Kerrin: 011 998 3310, goodfoodstudio@pnp.co.za or visit picknpay.co.za Painting in July Paint or mosaic your midyear stresses away at a ceramic painting and mosaic workshop or spend a few hours in the studio being creative on your own or with a friend. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Time: 9:30am–4pm, Monday– Friday; 9:30am–2pm, Saturday. Venue: Glendower Place Shopping Centre, 99 Linksfield Rd, Dowerglen, Edenvale. Cost: R20 studio time per hour (excluding all materials); R85 for a three-hour workshop (excluding all materials). Contact: 011 453 2721, rosie@potteryjunxion.co.za or visit potteryjunxion.co.za Study skills course Learning how to study is often more important than knowing what to study. At this full-day workshop a qualified youth life coach covers learning styles, summary techniques, timetabling, study routines and exam visualisation among others. Booking essential. For teenagers 13–18 years. 4 July. Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: Emara Life Wellness and Remedial Centre, 15 Wessels Rd, Rivonia. Cost: R1 000, includes materials and refreshments. Contact Kirsty: 011 326 0716, 083 448 6665, kirsty.jackson@dore. co.za or visit dore.co.za Winter craft school Children can learn a traditional skill in a beautiful, safe environment. The workshops cover blacksmithing, metalwork and forging, copper and jewellery making, woodwork, textile design and print, and more. Booking essential. For children 10 years and older.

2–6 July. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Culross Rd, Bryanston. Cost: R1 250 for the week. Contact: 083 454 4076 or leaholtz@ icon.co.za

family outings

Painting in July

older. Time: 9am–12pm, Monday–Friday.

Venue: Douglasdale Dairy, Waterloo Rd, Bryanston. Cost: free. Contact Carin: 011 549 0411, dairytours@douglasdale.co.za or visit douglasdale.co.za McLaren Circus This circus features fastpaced acrobatics, hilarious clowns, flexible contortionists and an array of talented animals to amaze and astound you. Ends 15 July. Time: 9:30am–5pm, daily; the show runs twice daily: 12pm and 2:30pm.

Venue: Hippodrome, Gold Reef City, take the M1 South, Booysens exit. Cost: adults R160, students R120, children R100.

Contact: 011 248 6800, info@goldreefcity. co.za or visit goldreefcity.co.za Mona Lisa doing the backstroke A 22m x 11m Mona Lisa, which is visible on Google Earth, has been created in the unused swimming pool at the National School of the Arts. Time: 7:30am–2:30pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: 17 Hoofd St, Braamfontein. Cost: free. Contact: 011 339 6539, pro@artschool.co.za or visit artschool.co.za Segway tour of the Lion Park Enjoy a tour of the herbivore reserve, with a knowledgeable and experienced guide, at the Lion Park on a Segway x2. Booking essential. No children under 10 years.

Time: 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, daily.

Venue: cnr Malibongwe Dr and the R114, Lanseria. Cost: R300, includes entrance to Cub World. Contact: 021 859 1989, enquiries@segwaytours.co.za or visit segwaytours.co.za

Caving the Cradle of Humankind Go spelunking; the world beneath your feet is filled with crystals, bats and adventure. For children 8 years and older. Time: 11am–2pm, every Sunday. Venue: Wild Cave Adventures, meet at EnGedi Lodge, plot 22, cnr Protea Ridge Rd and Honingklip Rd, Kromdraai. Cost: adults R300, children R220. Contact Sandy: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464, info@wildcaves.co.za or visit wildcaves.co.za Douglasdale dairy tours Children can learn about Douglasdale milk products and the entire milk process. The tour includes a free gift pack. For children 4 years and 7 July – Art classes at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve magazine joburg

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1, 8, 15 and 22 July – Exploring nature

finding nature and outdoor play Exploring nature Search the koppies for scorpions, bugs and beetles as you enjoy a two- to three-hour hike and learn more about the fauna and flora of the region from an educated guide. For children 6 years and older. Time: 2pm, 1 and 15 July; 8:30am, 8 and 22 July. Venue: Melville Koppies, Kafue Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: adults R30, children R10. Contact Wendy: 011 482 4797 or visit mk.org.za Quad bike trail rides Zip around the Magalies River Valley − flying over hills and scooting around turns − on a fun 45- or 75-minute quad bike trail. Minimum two riders. Booking essential. Time: 11am or 2pm, Monday–Friday; 9am, 11am or 2pm, Saturday–Sunday. Venue: Saddle Creek Horse Ranch, Farm HH24 Hartebeesfontein Rd, Hekpoort. Cost: 45 minutes R200, 75 minutes R300. Contact Samantha: 079 467 9906/7, horseridingsa@yahoo.com or visit horseridingsa.co.za Run, jump and play Children run wild as they explore bushes, climb trees, and crawl through tunnels. Bring along your own snacks to keep your children going throughout the day. Booking essential. For children 1–9 years old. Time: 10am–6pm, daily. Venue: Trees Eco Fun Park, Totius Rd, Cloverdene, Benoni. Cost: R25 per person, children under 2 free. Contact Nicolette: 082 458 1504

2–6 July – Ballet boot camp

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holiday programmes Ballet boot camp In this week-long winter school, children interested in a career in dance can take part in daily ballet classes, learning more about stretching, pas de deux and pointe work. There are also Pilates classes and much more. Space is limited. For children 6–18 years old.

2–6 July. Time: 8:30am–1pm, for children 6–11 years; 8:30am–4pm, for children 12–18 years. Venue: The South African Ballet Theatre, Braamfontein. Cost: junior groups, R1 500 for a half-day session; senior groups, R2 500 for a full-day session. Contact Mr Moagi: 011 877 6898, admin@saballettheatre.co.za or visit saballettheatre.co.za Cricket holiday programme Children can attend Ryan Maron’s four-day cricket clinic to perfect their spin, bat like a pro and sprint around the field stopping fours and running out their opponents. Booking essential. 25 June–12 July. Time: 9am–2pm, Monday–Thursday.

Venue: University of Johannesburg. Cost: R500 per child, R950 for two siblings.

Contact William: 021 671 9460, 084 249 9969, william@cricketschool.co.za or visit cricketschool.co.za EQual Zeal holiday programme This week, children learn to deal with anger, divorce, improving their self-esteem and understanding bullying. For children 5 years and older. 2, 3 and 9–13 July. Time: 9am–3:30pm. Venue: Midrand. Cost: R650.

Contact Christa: 083 304 0303, christa@ equalzeal.com or visit equalzeal.com Experi-Buddies holiday workshop This interactive science workshop uses experiments to show young children that the world of science can be fun. For children 5–10 years old. 28 June–12 July. Time: 10:30am–12pm, every Thursday. Venue: Strubens Valley Library, Fredandharry Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort. Cost: R50.

Contact Zelda: 083 377 3440, zelda@ experi.co.za or visit experi.co.za Holiday fun with Artjamming During the winter holidays children can unleash their inner Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Georgia O’Keefe as they learn the style and history of popular artists. Booking essential. Ends 13 July. Time: 9am–11am and 2pm–4pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Lonehill Centre, Fourways or Melrose Arch, Shop 27, Melrose Arch Piazza. Cost: R155 per class. Contact Lonehill: 011 465 5778, lonehill@artjamming.co.za; Melrose Arch: 011 994 5050, melrose@artjamming.co.za, or visit artjamming.co.za

Holidays at Feastt This holiday, children chop, stir, blend and cook up a storm as they learn to create a few delicious recipes. Booking essential. 28 June–12 July.

Time: children 3–6 years 1:30pm–2:30pm; children 6 years and older 2:30pm–3:30pm, every Thursday. Cost: R70 per lesson, R60 per lesson if attending all three. Contact Rene: 011 447 8001 or visit feastt.co.za Introductory fly-fishing Learn the art of fly-fishing from an experienced guide, who covers fly-casting, basic understanding of insects for fly selection, practical fishing guidance, and catch-andrelease techniques. Equipment can be provided. Booking essential. All ages. Time: 8am, daily. Venue: Magalies River Barbus Haven, Steenkoppies Farm, Rustenburg Rd, Magaliesburg. Cost: adults R300, children R200. Contact: 011 315 4503, sundowncorporate@gmail.com or visit sundownerproducts.wordpress.com Kidz fishing camp Children learn how to bait, cast, reel and catch fish while enjoying other activities that get them to connect with nature and their peers during a threeday camp. All equipment is included. For children 7–12 years old. 26–28 June; 3–5 and 10–12 July. Venue: Villa Nova, Vaal Vista.

Cost: R800. Contact Manuela: 083 610 2911, nella.villanova@kidzfishingcamp. co.za or visit kidzfishingcamp.co.za Melodious fun Children with an interest in music enjoy being exposed to various instruments, finding the one that they feel most comfortable with, and creating their own songs at the end of the workshop.

Booking essential. 23 June–13 July.

Time: 9am–12pm, Monday–Thursday; 9am–12pm and 1pm–4pm, Friday and Saturday. Venue: Keyplayers Music, 4 Sandpiper Ave, Douglasdale. Cost: R150 Contact Dominique: 078 702 1634 or workshop@keyplayersmusic.com Playful pony camp At this delightful camp, children can sleep over or just spend the day, learning and having fun with horses in the great outdoors. Booking essential. 2–6 July. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: 55 Sunset Dr, Elandsdrift, Muldersdrift.

Cost: R230 per day. Contact Belinda: 084 220 2657 or belinda.milsom@gmail.com Ranger for a day Children learn more about animals while they explore the zoo and help out as a ranger. Booking

1 sun

Adventure holiday camp The great outdoors is jam-packed with hiking, abseiling, paintball, rock climbing and more this holiday. Children can take part in various activities with other children their own age and learn more about themselves, leadership and teamwork. Booking essential. For children 9–15 years old. 1–7 July.

Time: 4pm. Venue: Adventure n Beyond Leadership Centre, off the M47, Muldersdrift. Cost: R950.

Contact Paul: 083 449 9819, info@ anb.co.za or visit anb.co.za

essential. For children 8–16 years old. 26 June–12 July. Time: 7am–4pm, Tuesday– Thursday. Venue: Lory Park, 180/1 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Cost: R150.

Contact: 011 315 7307, education@ lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za Serve like Nadal A fun tennis clinic with small classes ensures individual attention.

Booking essential. For children 3–16 years old. 2–7 July. Time: mini tennis for children 3–6 years old: 8:30am–9:30am; children 6–16 years old: 9:30am–1:30pm. Venue: Craighall Park Tennis Club, St Alban’s Rd, off Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park. Cost: mini tennis: R240 for five days, R80 per day; half-day clinic: R900 for five days, R200 per day. Contact Michele: 083 443 3391, michele@itatennis.co.za or visit itatennis.co.za Super science holiday Various workshops and demonstrations have children creating water-bottle rockets, steam turbines, weather vanes or hydro-powered wind turbines. 23 June–6 July. Time: 9am–4pm.

Venue: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, cnr Miriam Makeba St and President St, Newtown. Cost: adults R20, children

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Playball holiday fun club

mon

Activities range from themed days and honing sports skills to art and crafts and loads of games. For children 2–9 years old. 2–6 July. Time: 7:30am–12pm. Venue: Fairlands Tennis Club. Cost: R150 per morning or R600 per week. Contact Roxy: 079 089 3993 or roxla69@hotmail.com

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R10, workshops vary. Contact: 011 639 8400 or visit sci-bono.co.za Zoo holiday programme Children interested in animals and nature enjoy fun activities while learning more about the animals living at the zoo. Booking essential.

For children 3–13 years old. 2–6 July. Time: 8:30am–5:30pm. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: tbc. Contact Lebo: 011 646 2000 ext 216, info@jhbzoo. org.za or visit jhbzoo.org.za

sun

markets Bruma Lake Flea Market This is a large flea market with a huge selection of crafts, clothing and knick-knacks, as well as live entertainment at the arena. Many stalls are under cover and thus accessible come rain or shine. Time: 9:30am–5pm, Tuesday– Sunday. Venue: cnr Ernest Oppenheimer Ave and Marcia Ave, Bruma. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit joburg.org.za Bryanston Organic and Natural Market This outdoor market offers everything from organic clothing, children’s toys and art to coffees and organic food.

Children can take part in candle dipping, sand art and search for gems in the scratch patch on Saturday. Time: 9am–3pm, every Thursday and Saturday. Venue: Culross Rd, off Main Rd, Bryanston. Cost: free entry; children’s activities vary. Contact: 011 706 3671, jules@bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za or visit bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za CountryStyle Market This market is constantly expanding and adding to its offering of interesting items, which include from hand-painted tablecloths, handmade jewellery, food, cake, bric-a-brac and more.

Time: 8am–3pm, every Sunday. Venue: Montgomery Park, cnr Milner Rd and John Adamson Dr, Rooseveldt Park. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 477 7048 or thaniya@ telkomsa.net Craighall Village Market Children can enjoy pony rides while you rest your feet after scouring the many stalls for interesting items. You can find organic produce, mosaics, stained glass, woodwork and many more interesting items on display. 28 July. Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: Craighall Park Bowling Club, Abercorn Rd, Craighall Park. Cost: free entry. Contact Roy: 011 465 3413 or jmsinek@mweb.co.za Market on Main A trendy market where foodies and those who love design can socialise and shop for unusual items. Time: 10am–3pm, every Sunday. Venue: Arts on Main, Fox St, Maboneng Precinct.

Cost: free entry. For more info: visit marketonmain.co.za Sunshine Market Warm up in the sun’s morning rays as you browse the many stalls and enjoy the live entertainment. 28 July. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Stoneridge Mall, 1 Stoneridge Dr, cnr Hereford Rd

26 June–31 July – Bumboarding at The Ski Deck

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Farmers’ Market, Antiques and Collectables Fair Wander among the various stalls and discover bargains, collectables and fresh produce to buy. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, next to Baddrift Bridge, Sylviavale Ah, Vaal River, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: free entry. Contact: 016 982 2951, info@stonehaven.co.za or visit stonehaven.co.za

and Modderfontein Rd, Greenstone Park, Edenvale. Cost: free entry. Contact: 087 550 0237 or visit stoneridge.co.za

on stage and screen Alice in Wonderland Roodepoort Youth Ballet invites you to follow Alice as she ventures down the rabbit hole and into a magical world. 12–14 July. Time: 7pm.

Venue: University of Johannesburg, Arts Centre, Kingsway Campus. Cost: R120.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Classical ballet: Le Corsaire The South African Ballet Theatre and Mzansi Productions present Le Corsaire, an exotic tale of love and adventure and a glittering showcase of virtuoso dancing. For children 3 years and older. 20–29 July. Time: 7:30pm, Friday–Saturday; 3pm Saturday– Sunday. Venue: The Mandela Stage, Joburg Theatre, cnr Simmonds St and Stiemens Rd. Cost: R180–R320. Contact Edgar: 011 877 6898 or visit joburgtheatre.com Disney’s Aladdin Children are whisked away on a magic carpet ride filled with fantasy, love and friendship. 4 June–21 July. Time: 9am and 11am, Monday– Friday; 10:30am and 2:30pm, Monday– Saturday during the holiday. Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: adults R100, children R80. Contact: 011 484 1584, bookings@ nctt.org.za or visit jyt.co.za Hansel and Gretel This is a colourful performance of the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen wherein two orphan children are abandoned in the woods.

28 June–7 July. Time: 10am and 3pm, Monday–Saturday; 7pm, Saturday. Venue: Irene Village Theatre, 1 Pioneer Rd, Irene.

Cost: R65–R85. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com magazine joburg

18, 20 and 21 July – Puppet show: Dominique

Magical Happenings in Nature A magical look into nature with a marionette puppet show, followed by a walk through the reserve where you can scour the undergrowth for insects. Booking essential. All ages. 9 July.

Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Ave and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: R90.

Contact Karin: 011 674 2980, 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za Puppet show: Dominique A story about acceptance, tolerance and being different.

The story follows Dominique, the rabbit; a loving character with a slight defect − he has buckteeth. Some animals mock him, others don’t mind it, and in the end he finds out that everyone is special, because they are different. 18, 20 and 21 July. Time: varies. Venue: Brooklyn Theatre, Greenlyn Village Centre, cnr Thomas Edison Rd and 13th St, Menlo Park. Cost: adults R60, children R40. Contact: 012 460 6033 or visit brooklyntheatre.co.za The Gingerbread Man 2 After being baked by a childless old woman, the wily Gingerbread Man outruns several pursuers while taunting them with the phrase “Run, run as fast as you can; you can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man”. 16 June– 5 August. Time: 10:30am and 2:30pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: People’s Theatre, cnr Loveday St and Hoofd St, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein. Cost: R99. Book through Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com Winter Fantasy Watch an adorable puppet show and take part in an hour of imaginative play afterwards. Booking essential. 5 July. Time: 11am and 2pm.

Venue: Smudge 21A, Valley Centre,

Capoeira classes

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396 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park. Cost: adults free, children R180. Contact: 011 501 0234 or visit smudgeart.co.za

playtime and story time Colour Wheel play area While parents shop, children can take part in the free craft activities on offer in the safe and secure play area. Time: 11am–3pm, every Sunday.

Venue: Killarney Mall Cinema Court, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 4657 or visit killarneymall.co.za Parkview’s story time Captivates the minds of toddlers and instils an interest in reading. Time: 10am–10:30am, every Monday. Venue: Parkview Library, 51 Athlone Ave, Parkview. Cost: free. Contact Liz: 011 646 3375 Seeds sprouting in Parkhurst Pop in for a cupcake and browse around the new art and crafts studio, which opened 30 June.

There is a jungle gym in the back for children who get restless. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: The SeedPod Studio, 4th Ave, Parkhurst.

Cost: free entry. Contact Mandy: 011 797 4483 or visit seedpodstudio.co.za Story hour Time for children to let their imaginations run free in a world of words. For children 2–8 years old.

Time: 3pm–4pm, every Wednesday. Venue: Linden Library, 4th Ave, Linden. Cost: free.

Contact Mavourneen: 011 888 5685 Storytelling in Rivonia An interactive reading for children 6 months and older.

Time: 3pm–4:30pm, every Thursday.

Venue: Rivonia Library, cnr Main Rd and 10th Ave, Rivonia. Cost: free. Contact Asnath: 011 803 1227

sport and physical activities Bollywood dance classes This hot new dance craze sees children having fun, increasing their fitness levels and learning a few intricate and sometimes silly dance moves. For children 6–12 years old. Time: 10am, every Saturday. Venue: Dance Café, first floor, The Square Shopping Centre, cnr Naivasha Rd and Leeuwkop Rd, Sunninghill.

Cost: R260 per month. Contact: 011 234 0448, terri@dancecafe.co.za or visit dancecafe.co.za Bumboarding at The Ski Deck Children can enjoy bumboarding, slope surfing and sliding on the revolving carpet in the winter wonderland. There is also a playground that includes a jungle gym, zip line, rolling log and trampoline.

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calendar Yoga4Kids The exercises are age appropriate, teaching children suitable breathing techniques and relaxation skills.

For children 3–12 years. Time: children 3–7 years old 3:30pm–4:15pm; children 8–12 years old 4:15pm–5:30pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Green Genes, 39 St Albans St, Craighall. Cost: tbc. Contact Suzie: 083 299 6555, info@greengenes.co.za or visit greengenes.co.za

visiting the east

Glass-blowing workshop

For children 3 years and older. 26 June–31 July. Time: 10am–2pm, every Tuesday and Thursday. Venue: The Ski Deck, 74 Bond St, Ferndale. Cost: R80 for two hours. Contact: 011 781 6528 or visit ski.co.za Capoeira classes A Brazilian martial art form that combines rhythm, music, acrobatics and self-defence. The classes are suitable for beginners through to advanced.

Booking essential. Time: children 10am, every Saturday; adults 6pm–8pm, every Tuesday and Thursday. Venue: Emara Life Wellness and Remedial Centre, 15 Wessels Rd, Rivonia. Cost: R450 per month. Contact Amilcar: 084 810 1959 or visit dore.co.za Jozi X Right in the centre of the northern suburbs is an extreme adventure park with activities for the whole family. The activities range from rope walking, Zorbing and mountain boarding to a Parkour gymnasium and action world. For children 5 years and older. Time: 10am–5pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: Jozi–X, cnr Main Rd and Sloane St, Bryanston. Cost: varies.

Contact: 082 456 2358, info@jozix.co.za or visit jozix.co.za Outdoor ice rink It’s time to grab the winter socks and zip around the ice rink in the Centre Court where you can impress your friends with figure eights and pirouettes, or stay near the side where you are able to safely learn the basics.

Ends 15 July. Time: 9am–7pm. Venue: Irene Village Mall, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Van Ryneveld Dr, Irene. Cost: R30 for 15 minutes. Contact: 012 662 4446 or visit irenevillagemall.co.za

Art and crafts evenings As you finish off your grocery shopping or browsing the shops and boutiques, children can paint and create in the safe entertainment area outside Nu Metro cinemas. Time: 6pm–8pm, every Friday and Saturday.

Venue: Lakeside Mall, Tom Jones Rd, Benoni. Cost: first plate is free, additional plates R20. Contact: 011 427 1801 or visit lakesidemall.co.za Bokkie Park Craft Market Wonder around the market with its interesting items on sale and treat the children to sand art, face painting, ceramic painting, pony rides, camel rides and farmyard activities.

7 July. Time: 9am–2:30pm. Venue: Bunny Park Craft Market, Pretoria Rd, Rynfield, Benoni. Cost: free entry. Contact Janine: 011 896 3890, 083 294 1817 or visit craftsinthepark.blogspot.com Glass-blowing workshop If you’re looking to entertain the children with something different this weekend, why not take them to a glass-blowing demonstration to learn about the history of glass blowing and create their own glass paperweight or handprint? The workshops cater for groups of two to 10. Call ahead for dates. For children 5 years and older.

Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: The Crucible, 8th Rd, Rynfield, Benoni. Cost: handprint glass casting for adults R250, for children R250; paperweight R180. Contact: 072 998 9383, info@thecrucible.co.za or visit thecrucible.co.za Le Grange Bird Park A visit to this bird park has you admiring an impressive collection of birds from all over the world and nibbling on a light meal while your children have fun manoeuvring around the shaded jungle gym. The venue is available for school outings; bookings need to be made in advance. Time: 8:30am–5:30pm, Monday–Friday; 8am–4:30pm, Saturday– Sunday. Venue: Pet Masters, 7 Northrand Rd, Boksburg. Cost: free entry; school groups: adults R20, children R15. Contact: 011 894 2359, info@petmasters.co.za or visit petmasters.co.za

27 July – Best of Chelsea Flower Show

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Future-proof your child

Surf the dunes The mine dumps in the east will attend to your need for speed, adrenalin, thrills and fun. The instructors help you every step of the way, strapping you onto a board and teaching you all the moves to get you sandboarding down the sand dunes in no time. Booking essential.

For children from 8 years and older. Time: 10:30am–3:30pm, every Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Mount Mayhem, Benoni.

Cost: R250. Contact Marco: 082 605 1150, info@purerush.co.za or visit purerush.co.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Best of Chelsea Designers Ray Hudson and David Davison take you through the highs and lows of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Booking essential. 27 July. Time: 9:30am.

Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R65, refreshments and a goodie bag. Contact: 011 957 2545, 011 956 3003 or visit gardenworld.co.za Divorce and separation workshop This workshop provides critical emotional, psychological, legal and practical information and support for individuals and families going through a divorce or separation. The workshop includes presentations by a clinical psychologist, a lawyer and a professional mediator. Booking essential. 7 July. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: first floor, South East Block, 5 Wessel Rd, Rivonia. Cost: R950. Contact Cordelia: 011 024 2742, info@sandtonpsychologists. co.za or visit sandtonpsychologists.co.za Effective discipline There are numerous theories and styles of discipline. Which style works best for your family and how should your child’s age affect your approach to discipline? Learn more at this five-hour workshop. Booking essential. 14 July. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Parkhurst Recreation Centre, cnr 5th Ave and 14th St, Parkhurst.

Cost: R540. Contact Shannon: 074 102 6200 or shannoneggers@vodamail.co.za Emotionally intelligent children A practical and experiential workshop where you learn to know and manage your emotions and those of your children. 14 July. Time: 8:30am for 9am–1pm. Venue: Bellavista, 35 Wingfield Ave, Birdhaven.

Cost: R1 000; R1 500 per couple.

Contact Hennie: 083 564 8266, hennie@ h2coaching.co.za or visit h2coaching.co.za magazine joburg

A thought-provoking multimedia presentation, with personal anecdotes, to introduce parents to the X-factors required for success in 2020 and beyond, providing many practical ideas to help develop your children from an early age. Booking essential. Time: 6:30pm–8:30pm. Venue: Miele Gallery of Fine Living, Bryanston.

Cost: R185, includes refreshments.

Contact Bridgid: 083 260 8792, info@brightideasoutfit.co.za or visit brightideasoutfit.com

First-aid and CPR course Have your domestic worker trained on a first-aid and CPR course, presented by an accredited trainer. The first aid component deals with calling emergency medical services, bleeding, bone breaks, burns, poisons, bites or stings, seizures and more. The CPR course deals with drowning, choking and what to do if the infant or child stops breathing or their heart stops beating. Booking essential. 14 July. Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North.

Cost: R1 380, for two weekly sessions.

Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Numerology and the vibration of numbers Using your name and date of birth, Brian Sheldon is able to understand your psychological traits and motivations, and determine the lines of your near and far future. He is a numerologist, personal and spiritual guide. 7 July. Time: 10am.

Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr and R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: R75. Contact: 083 285 8383

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calendar

28 July – Shoo flies

Our universe: accident or design?

Colour photographs show planets, nebulae, stars and galaxies while Professor David Block looks into the meaning of the universe and the complexity of its design. For teenagers 15 years and older. 28 July. Time: 9am.

Venue: Strelitzia Hall, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: members: adults R30, children R15; non-members: adults R60, children R30. Contact Karen: botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za Relationship magic Learn a few tips and tricks on how to get the magic back into your relationship. For moms only. Booking essential. 28 July. Time: 12:30pm–3pm.

Venue: Green Genes, 39 St Albans St, Craighall. Cost: R200. Contact Kamani: 071

686 5028, kamani@fabmomslifecoaching. co.za or visit fabmoms.wozaonline.co.za Safeguarding sexuality This talk is based on the award-winning Christian series, God’s Design for Sex. Bookings essential.

For parents of children aged 3–8 years old.

15 July. Time: 7pm–9pm. Venue: 32 High Rd, Eastleigh, Edenvale. Cost: R150 per person, R280 per couple. Contact Carol: 082 340 2723, daretolove@mweb.co.za or visit daretolove.co.za Shoo flies An informative talk on natural insect repellent with herb guru Margaret Roberts. Booking essential. 28 July. Time: 9:30am. Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R100, includes a goodie bag and refreshments.

Contact Magriet or Corné: 011 957 2545, 011 956 3003 or visit gardenworld.co.za Sign language: intermediate Adding to your basic knowledge of sign language, today’s training is for workshops three and four, covering more advanced categories.

You need to have attended workshops one and two. Booking essential. 14 July. Time: 8:30am–3:30pm. Venue: Sandton. Cost: R720, includes material. Contact Monita: 082 218 7339, contact@tinyhandz.co.za or visit tinyhandz.co.za Sonic meditation group With live sounds and music created with singing bowls, drums, bells and chimes. Booking essential.

1 July. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: South African Centre for Sound Therapy, Meerhof, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: R150. Contact:

071 682 2548, wilna@soundtherapy.co.za or visit soundtherapy.co.za The Bridge transformational workshop Looking at our mental and physical well-being helps us to re-evaluate our lives and make changes to free ourselves from negative thought patterns. 7–8 July and 28–29 July.

Time: 8:30am–5pm. Venue: Buccleuch, Sandton. Cost: R650. Contact Laurinda: 076 135 7601, bridgetranswork@gmail. com or visit bridgetranswork.webs.com The South African Wine Course This introduction to South African wines for everyone who wants to increase their knowledge of wine. Booking essential. 4 and 11 July. Time: 6:30pm–9pm. Venue: Michelangelo, 135 West St, Sandton. Cost: R1 095. Contact Fraser: 011 024 3616, fraser@capewineacademy.co.za or visit capewineacademy.co.za The Stork Talk Learn how to talk constructively to your children about sex and ensure that they are kept informed and have a healthy, positive, and respectful view of human intimacy. Booking essential. 11 July. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Psychmatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R500. Contact: 011 450 3576, info@psychmatters.co.za or visit psychmatters.co.za Wannabe Celebs An informative talk for parents to find out more about the television and film industry and what is involved when it comes to agents and

6 fri

Joburg Comedy Cartel Fresh and original stand-up comedy. 6 July. Time: 8pm. Venue: Foxwood Theatre, 13 5th St, Houghton. Cost: R100. Contact: 011 486 0935, admin@foxwood. co.za or visit foxwood.co.za

auditioning. 7 July. Time: 10am–11am.

Venue: Hilton Hotel, cnr Maude St and Rivonia Rd, Sandton. Cost: free. Contact Addi: 082 559 6702, addi@netactive.co.za or visit caitlinscasting.co.za

on stage and screen A midweek chuckle Book a table and enjoy an evening filled with laughter and

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good food. 4 and 18 July. Time: 7:30pm; the show starts at 8:30pm. Venue: TSG Fourways, Leaping Frog Shopping Centre, cnr William Nicol Dr and Mulbarton Rd. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 465 7270, info@tsg4ways.co.za or visit tsg4ways.co.za Cabaret A classy musical set in Berlin’s seedy Kit Kat Klub in 1931. No children under 13. Ends 5 August. Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 4pm, Saturday; 2pm and 6pm, Sunday. Venue: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, Montecasino, Fourways. Cost: R100–R325. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Choccywoccydoodah Follow the quirky chocolatiers from the Brighton-based cake shop as they create chocolate masterpieces and bespoke cake creations. Time: 8pm, every Monday on BBC Lifestyle, DStv channel 180. For more info: visit dstv.com The Colour of Funny Enjoy an unpredictable and hilarious performance while celebrating South Africa’s funniest comedians at the Comics Choice Awards. 10 July. Time: 8pm. Venue: Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways. Cost: R230–R270. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit comicschoice.co.za The Imperial Russian Ballet This wellknown ballet company from Moscow has a repertoire of outstanding full-length classical masterpieces, together with certain pieces of modern choreography. 14 and 15 July. Time: 3pm, Saturday–Sunday;

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8pm Saturday. Venue: Joburg Theatre, cnr Simmonds St and Stiemens Rd. Cost: R130–R250. Book through Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com

out and about Future Ed This education resources expo enables education experts, educators, governing bodies, parents and special needs educators to share their innovative products and solutions, and attend educational seminars. 19–21 July. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Ave and Olivenhout Dr, Northriding. Cost: free. For more info: visit future-ed.co.za Jazz evening Recharge with the likes of Edith Klugh and the Jazz Assassins and

14 and 15 July – The Imperial Russian Ballet

others. There is a menu of French, Mauritian and Asian cuisine and cocktails. Time: 7pm, every Wednesday. Venue: Parc Fermé, Michelangelo Towers, Sandton. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 245 4846, parcferme@ parcferme.co.za or visit parcferme.co.za Journey to the Moon Enjoy a spectacular stargazing expedition to commemorate the day of the first human lunar landing in 1969. 28 July. Time: 5pm. Venue: Maropeng Boutique Hotel, Maropeng, on the R400, just off the R563 Hekpoort Rd. Cost: R295, including a three-course dinner. Contact: 014 577 9000, info@ maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Learning Point High School Options Expo State and independent high schools are available in the hall to answer questions regarding your child’s future education. Each is unique in their approach to education. 25 July: Ridgevale Primary, West Rand; 27–29 July: Northgate Shopping Centre. Time: 2pm–6pm, Ridgevale Primary; 9am–5pm, Northgate Shopping Centre. Venue: Ridgevale Primary, cnr Wilde Amandel Ave and Bottlebrush St, Wilropark; Northgate Shopping Centre, Northumberland Dr. Cost: free. Contact Donna: 083 552 8778 or visit thelearningpoint.co.za Open day Meet the teachers and view the facilities of Dainfern College. The college is a co-educational college catering for Grades 0–12. 12 July. Time: 9am–10am.

Venue: Dainfern College, Broadacres Dr, Dainfern. Cost: free. Contact Caroline: 011

469 0635, cgrobbelaar@dainferncollege. co.za or visit dainferncollege.co.za Skoobs book club Chat to author Bridget Hilton-Barber and buy a signed copy of one of her books, Garden of my Ancestors and Travel Guide to Maputo and Southern Mozambique. 7 July. Time: 10am. Venue: Skoobs, Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 083 430 3363 Stillness The exhibition showcases how different artists interpret the concept of stillness. 14 June–15 July. Time: 9am–4pm, Monday–Saturday; 9am–2pm, Sunday.

Venue: Upstairs @ Bamboo, cnr of Rustenburg Rd and 9th St, Melville. Cost: free. Contact Dana: 082 784 6695, dana@16halifaxart. co.za or visit bamboo-online.co.za Supper club A monthly supper club where you can enjoy cuisine from around the world. Booking essential. 26 July.

Time: 7pm. Venue: The Forum, first floor Wanderers Building, The Campus Office Park, 57 Sloane St, Bryanston. Cost: R295, including a welcome drink and a fourcourse meal. Contact Tracey: 011 575 4411 or tracey.mukatuni@theforum.co.za The Chariots Quiz Challenge yourself mentally with a fun, fortnightly quiz.

Booking essential. 10 and 24 July. Time: 7pm. Venue: Sportside Pizzeria, The Wanderers Club, 21 North St, Illovo. Cost: R35. Contact Larry: 011 788 5010, 082 888 5355, contactus@wanderersclub.co.za or visit wanderersclub.co.za

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calendar skipping, hopping, climbing trees and even playing in mud. For children 3–6 years old. Time: 3:30pm–4:30pm, every Tuesday.

Venue: Field and Study Centre, Louise Ave, Parkmore, Sandton. Contact Angela: 082 379 2675 or Troye: 083 457 4106 or visit wild-kids.co.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Antenatal course Learn what to expect from pregnancy and prepare for birth and beyond. 21 July. Time: 8:30am–4:30pm.

Venue: Ladybird Corner, Linksfield Hospital, Linksfield. Cost: R1 100, can be claimed from medical aid. Contact: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za Antenatal workshop Gain guidance and advice on birthing options, breastfeeding and what to expect from labour.

For expectant moms and dads. Register online. 28 and 29 July. Time: 8:30am–4pm.

Venue: Genesis Clinic, cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Northwold Dr, Saxonwold. Cost: R1 400. For more info: visit motherinstinct.co.za Breast-feeding workshop Whether you plan to breast-feed for a week, a month, a year or more, this workshop teaches you about the challenges you may encounter and how to overcome them.

Time: 9am–12pm, every Saturday. Venue: Mother Instinct, 127 Wilson St, Fairlands.

Cost: R350 per couple. Contact Laura: 083 301 2826, lsayce@gmail.com or visit motherinstinct.co.za Child/parent relationship workshop This seven-week workshop looks at how you can use play as a way of communicating and how to help your child with emotional, behavioural or self-esteem issues. All ages. Starts 7 July. Time: 9am–11am, every Saturday. Venue: Ladybird Corner, Linksfield Hospital, Linksfield. Cost: R1 600, discount applies per couple. Contact: info@ ladybirdcorner.co.za Fitmommy Join in these 45-minute fitness classes with or without your baby and get your pre-pregnancy body back.

Bring an exercise mat, water bottle, small hand weights and your pram/stroller and baby. Booking essential. Time: prenatal-fit tummy classes: 9:45am, postnatal-fitbaby classes: 10:30am, fitmommy classes (without baby): 5:30pm, every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Venue: Norscot Manor Recreation Centre, 16B Penguin Dr, Fourways. Cost: varies. Contact Debbie: 082 895 2513, admin@fitmommy.co.za or visit fitmommy.co.za Introducing solids Moms and caregivers learn how to prepare solids for babies. All dishes cooked and learned through the day are taken home. For parents of babies 4 months and older. 4, 14, 18 and 25 July. Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: Ladybird Corner, Linksfield Hospital, Linksfield. Cost: R150. Contact: 011 485 3057 or info@ ladybirdcorner.co.za Ladybug play group Moms and toddlers play and have fun together while

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support groups

4, 14, 18 and 25 July – Introducing solids

developing fine and gross motor skills. For children 2–3 years old. Time: 1pm–3pm, every Monday. Venue: Ladybird Corner, Linksfield Hospital, Linksfield. Cost: R150 per playgroup meeting. Contact: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za Pregnancy yoga Enjoy a holistic take on pregnancy yoga where you learn about the yogic principles and birth preparation from a qualified instructor. Time: 8:30am–9:45am, every Saturday. Venue: Green Genes, 39 St Albans St, Craighall. Cost: trial lesson R100.

Contact Claire: 082 338 8001 Thirsty Tuesdays Get breast-feeding advice and join a social group for new moms.

Starts 3 July. Time: 10am–12pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Ladybird Corner, Linksfield Hospital, Linksfield. Cost: R60. Contact: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za

playtime and story time

Busy Bees Activity Centre During the holiday, children can stay active while taking part in music, dancing, cooking, baking and other activities. Booking essential. For children 3–10 years old. 22 June–13 July.

Time: 8am–1pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Busy Bees, 10 Bosduif St, Vorna Valley. Cost: R100 per day. Contact: 083 292 2956 Kay’s Place Children can climb, slide and crawl in a secure environment at this colourful indoor adventure playground. For children 6 months and older. Venue: Kay’s Place, shop 60, Stoneridge Shopping Centre.

Cost: R30, Monday–Friday; R39,50 Saturday and Sunday. Contact: 011 452 2180, info@ kaysplace.co.za or visit kaysplace.co.za Orango-Tangos Keeping you out of the cold this winter, children can play in the ball pools, jungle gyms, on the go-kart track and indoor soccer field while you sip cappuccinos at the food bar. Children need to wear socks. For children 1–12 years old.

Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: OrangoTangos, Randview Business Park, cnr Malibongwe Ave and Avon Rd, Randburg.

Cost: R60, Monday–Friday; R70, Saturday and Sunday; children under 2 R35. Contact: 078 526 9887, info@orangotangos.co.za or visit orangotangos.co.za Painting play-day A space where no rules apply and the little ones, parents and grandparents can take part in some messy fun. All art materials provided. Starts 5 July. For children 2–5 years old. Time: 10am–12pm, every Thursday. Venue: Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Mondeor.

Cost: R50. Contact Humbu: 081 420 8191 or artmatters101@gmail.com Wild Kids developmental programme This helps to prepare your child for school through outdoor activities such as running,

Bedwetting support group 8am–5pm, Monday–Friday. Contact: 083 289 6640 Beyond Expectations The centre offers therapeutic, educational, social and behavioural interventions for children with communication and cognitive delays.

Contact Pauline: 076 481 6410, pauline@ beyondexpectationscentre.co.za or visit beyondexpectationscentre.co.za Deaf Federation of South Africa For assistance and advice on deaf education.

Contact: 011 482 1610, deafeducation@ deafsa.co.za or visit deafsa.co.za Famsa Provides assistance to families and individuals in need of counselling. Contact: 011 788 4784/5, famlife@iafrica.com or visit familylife.co.za Johannesburg Bipolar Support Association Offers support to people suffering with mood disorders. Contact Linda: 011 485 2406 or visit bipolar.co.za La Leche League Breast-feeding support group. For more info: visit llli.org Moms and babes gathering Spend some time in the company of other new moms and share your experiences. The workshop offers telephonic support, breastfeeding advice and weight cards to monitor your baby’s weight. Time: 10:30am–1pm, every Wednesday. Venue: Mother Instinct, 127 Wilson St, Fairlands. Cost: R60. Contact Laura: 083 301 2826, lsayce@gmail.com or visit motherinstinct.co.za TLC Group Offers guidance and advice on motherhood and parenting. Starts 2 July. Time: 9am–10am, every Monday.

Venue: Ladybird Corner, Linksfield Hospital, Linksfield. Cost: R60. Contact: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za

how to help Collect-a-Can competition Cash prizes are available for the schools that collect the most beverage cans per month, with additional prizes for schools that collect the most cans throughout the year.

Schools can register online. Ends October.

Contact Janette: 011 466 2939, jenette@ collectacan.co.za or visit collectacan.co.za Heifer You can help the rural communities to be self-sufficient by purchasing chickens, goats, pigs and cows from the Heifer website. These are then donated and farmed by the communities, enabling them to create their own income. Contact: 015 295 8827, npoffice@heifer.org.za or visit heifer.org.za Home of Hope This organisation offers a safe home for 50 girls and assistance to orphaned and vulnerable children in the inner city. They welcome assistance with homework, donations of clothing, books and furniture for jumble sales and food.

Contact Rasada: 082 902 0081 or visit hopehome.org.za JAM (Joint Aid Management) A nonprofit humanitarian organisation that believes that without education there can be no development. They assist communities with school feeding and sanitation as well as skills and agricultural development. For more info: visit jamint.com Smile Foundation Makes a difference in the lives of children with facial abnormalities. For more info: visit smilefoundationsa.org Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Foundation A paediatric cardiac foundation focused on delivering lifesaving surgery for underprivileged children with congenital heart disorders.

Venue: third floor, West Wing, Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, cnr Witkoppen Rd and Nanyuki Rd, Sunninghill. Contact: 011 257 2017, info@wspcf.co.za or visit wspcf.org.za

looking ahead Joy of Jazz Festival Seven venues around Newtown are hosting mainstream, afro and smooth jazz performances by the likes of Kurt Elling, trombone master Wycliffe Gordon and the worldfamous Duke Ellington Orchestra.

23−25 August. Time: varies. Venue: Newtown Precinct. Cost: varies. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit joyofjazz.co.za

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to joburg@childmag.co.za or fax it to 011 234 4971. Information must be received by 4 July for the August issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

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

childmag.co.za/resources/birthday-parties

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it’s party time

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finishing touch

the name of the game What’s in a name? Ask Beyonce’s baby, Blue Ivy, or the offspring of an Egyptian dad called Facebook in a few years’ time,

name is a funny thing. While it may seem cute now to name your child Briella, after the star of that horrendous reality show Jerseylicious, the novelty will wear off. Your poor daughter will be less than enthused about her moniker when she reaches her twenties and realises she was named after a hairdresser from New Jersey known as the “boob monster”. Briella, by the way, is currently one of the most popular girl’s names in the United States.

For us mere mortals, here in the real world, there are several things to consider before you scribble down a name on your child’s birth certificate.

Can the name be shortened, and will the abbreviated version or nickname expose your child to playground taunts?

Think carefully before you make up a name. My parents lovingly combined their

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names, Anne and Neville, to come up with mine. Great in theory, but not so funny when you are in high school and the boys take delight in coming up with off-colour versions of it. As a result, I am keenly aware of the importance of a well-placed accent when it comes to spelling a name correctly. So, pick a name that your child, and others, will be able to spell with ease.

I fear I may have already let my son, Conor, down on that score. We wanted him to have an Irish name, like his sister Erin, as a nod to my Gaelic ancestry. After referring to him as Connor for several months, a last-minute internet search revealed that this was in fact the Scottish spelling.

I wasn’t too fussed about dropping the second “n”, until a friend promptly started referring to him as Cone-er. Oh dear, I hope Conor takes after his father and grows up to be a strapping 6 ft 4. Maybe we should

have gone the same route as actor Alec Baldwin, who simply named his daughter Ireland, then there would have been no confusion. Conor was almost a Declan, named after a charming Irish lad I met years ago while backpacking through Dublin, but my husband wasn’t so keen on this one.

Don’t drop the ball when it comes to the second or middle name either. Erin’s was decided during a particularly festive braai when my husband promised my mother, Anne, that Erin would have her name. I didn’t mind, as it’s an honour for Erin to share her grandmother’s name, but imagine if it had been something unfortunate, like Hortentia or Tu Morrow?

Moral of the story – don’t drink and name.

And finally, be mindful of what word your child’s initials will spell. If the names you come up with are something like Penny Ivy Goldstein, you may want to hit the baby-

Anél and Erin

naming books again. Conor’s second name is Seán, and I’m thrilled that this means his initials are the same as Irish novelist, CS Lewis. However, it seems poor CS was less than enamoured with his name, Clive Staples, which is why he preferred to be known by his initials, or simply as “Jack”.

I hope Conor is more satisfied with his names, despite the dodgy spelling.

Anél Lewis, Child magazine’s features editor, writes this from home while she is on maternity leave. You can read more of her online blog on childmag.co.za/ mom-blog

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PHOTOGRAPH: SUSIE LEBLOND

a

and they will tell you, “plenty”. By Anél Lewis