Child Magazine | Joburg Dec/Jan 2013

J O B U R G ’ S

b e s t

gu i d e

f or

p a r e n t s

sunscreen

smart

are you getting enough protection?

safety tips for the pool, home and beyond

slow it down choosing a life in the country

happyholidays bumper dec/jan ‘what’s on’

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Dec 2012 / Jan 2013

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health

ways to give from the heart

education

entertainment

Hunter House P U B L I S H IN G

On my way home from work recently, I watched as a Big Issue vendor helped an elderly woman cross the road. The wind was howling, and the old lady, stiff with arthritis, was making dangerously slow progress amid rush-hour traffic. Seeing this, the vendor abandoned at least 20 potential customers to perform a simple act of kindness. They exchanged no words when they eventually reached the other side of the road. She reached out her hand to steady herself on a building and catching her breath, she lifted her head, and smiled up at the vendor.

With just a simple nod of acknowledgment, he returned to his post, seemingly unaware of how much easier he had made her day, and at the same time, enriched mine.

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 Editorial Assistant Lucille Kemp • capetown@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Debbie Hathway

Art Designers Nikki-leigh Piper • nikki@childmag.co.za Alys Suter • studio2@childmag.co.za Mariette Barkhuizen • studio@childmag.co.za Mark Vincer • studio3@childmag.co.za

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

Client Relations PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: Brooke Fasani

Renee Bruning • renee@childmag.co.za

Subscriptions and Circulation

And so, as I head into the often frantic festive season, there is only one item on my wish list: it is the gift of kindness that I am most hoping to give and receive this year. This lasting, but often underrated gesture has the power to change not only the quality of our lives, but the actual lives of others.

Here’s wishing you a wonderful, family-filled end of year and a rejuvenated 2013.

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

Helen Xavier • subs@childmag.co.za

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

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.

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to advertise Tel: 011 807 6449 • Fax: 011 234 4971 Email: jhbsales@childmag.co.za Website: childmag.co.za

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.

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December 2012 / January 2013

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contents december and january 2013

46

upfront 3

a note from lisa

6 over to you readers respond 17 dad’s blog

Marc de Chazal gets nostalgic about family holidays at the coast

42 cookout

21 reader’s blog

journalist Lynne O’Connor is moved by the suffering of a young burn victim

18 stop to smell the roses s wapping the city for a slower, simpler life has its ups and downs, says Lucille Kemp

fever blisters are contagious and unsightly, but they can be treated, says Marina Zietsman

regulars 8 wins

22 safety first

health 11 that tingle you have

features

Child magazine offers 20 smart tips for home and away

10 upfront with paul

26 raising a vegetarian

ake the most of the warmer weather m with these outdoor recipes from Christine Phillips

lynis Horning finds out that even G babies and pregnant women can thrive with a meat-free lifestyle

30 burn, baby, burn

make sure you cover up with sunscreens that comply with the new regulations for UVA and UVB protection. By Tamlyn Vincent

ave you heard the one about the h child who couldn’t laugh? Paul Kerton says humour is an important part of family life

12 best for baby – the crying game

most parents fear colic, but there are things you can do to make your baby more comfortable, says Anél Lewis

14 dealing with difference

Lisa Witepski says pregnant women should question the accuracy and merits of tests looking for genetic abnormalities

46 resource – presents from the heart

30

Child magazine suggests creative gift ideas for children of all ages

51 stories in stereo

audio books for the holiday

52 a good read

33 the sun always shines on tv

Cath Jenkin and Christina Castle consider the pros and cons of letting your child watch the box

58 what’s on in december/january

36 get real

test your skills under pressure with these popular game shows.

By Anél Lewis 38 the true meaning of family

Joanne Lillie offers practical advice for families wanting to foster a child

new books for the whole family

78 finishing touch nél Lewis finds that not even the A cat is safe when there are children in the house

classified ads 72 family marketplace 75 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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December 2012 / January 2013

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

shutterstock.com

kinder.co.za Photograph: Romi Stern supernovacm.co.za

Siri Stafford Getty Images Gallo Images

shutterstock.com

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December 2012 / January 2013

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letters

back to basics I want to say thank you so much for this magazine. I am a young mom and have found that your publication has helped me a lot.

In response to the article “bottoms up” (November 2012 issue): I have a daughter who is now two years old. When she was about eight months old, she developed a rash from an allergic reaction to antibiotics. Her poor bottom was so damaged that it barely had any skin on it. It bled and she cried whenever she sat down or got into the bath. This lasted for three months.

I spent thousands on recommended creams and lotions. Eventually a doctor told me to paint raw egg white on the affected area, as it is high in protein. Desperate, I followed his instruction, and one week later the rash had cleared. Now, whenever I see a rash starting, I get out the paintbrush and an egg. This has saved me a lot of money and my daughter’s bottom.

Avalon Klein

multiple caps My sister’s little boy, Luke, came into the world a month early, meaning that there was less time for us to prepare for his arrival and we had to deal with his status as a “prem” baby. As Claire had developed the HELLP syndrome, a condition that includes

over to you

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

a big thank you

technology not available to everyone

I find your magazine very informative and I especially enjoy the “fab dad” column by Paul Kerton. The letter “left is right” (October 2012 issue) caught my attention.

I have a six-year-old “lefty” daughter in Grade 1 and her teacher recommended therapy. I don’t think teachers realise the difficulties “lefties” face. They need special scissors, to name one thing. Thanks again for an awesome magazine.

Elroy Petersen

keep the balance right

Regarding your article “swipe type learn” (November 2012 issue), on the use of technology in the classroom, the schools mentioned are attended by a privileged few children whose parents can afford the astronomical school fees and the purchasing of these expensive gadgets.

While this is indeed the way the world is going, it is only a very limited number of children who are able to be educated in this manner. For the average child in South Africa, this is far beyond their reach. Surely it should be the democratic right of each child to be given the chance to use technology, not just the wealthy, overindulged and spoilt rich children?

Makes you think: the gap between rich and poor will continue to grow, giving people who have never had to work for anything yet another added advantage over the rest.

Josie

Referring to the articles “the modern mom’s dilemma” and “operation: date night”, these are two contentious issues in a marriage. I would like to know whether there are any stay-at-home mothers who have husbands who just cannot, or will not, grasp the idea that these two issues need to be dealt with for a balanced marriage.

There are women whose husbands don’t give them an allowance for themselves and don’t take them out on date nights. What type of men are these? I have one and I cannot understand this.

Anonymous

Child magazine asked Michelle Lissoos, managing director of Think Ahead, a company specialising in the integration of technology into teaching and learning, to respond: Thank you for your feedback. Our experience has in fact been the opposite. We have seen the iPad being used as an educational tool to increase the access to technology and improve the digital literacy of a broader range of schools across South Africa. With its mobility, lack of need for additional infrastructure,

Thank you so much for an excellent magazine, which is always full of interesting articles and information. I would also like to thank you for the Leaping Lizards game I won from Clever Fish, which my children really enjoy.

Jennifer Stiff

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liver complications, Luke was delivered via an emergency C-section. She had only a few hours to say goodbye to her plan for natural delivery and adjust to “being put out completely” for the birth. Luke had already been bathed, bottle-fed and burped by the time she got to meet him, and she was determined to get him to latch and breast-feed as soon as possible. It took a day or two for him to get acquainted with her “boobies” and after much determination and perseverance on her part, combined with sound advice from the nurse, Claire succeeded in getting Luke off the bottle and onto her nipple-shielded breasts.

These little items have become a great conversation piece and we have come up with some good ideas on how to improve them. Firstly, they should glow in the dark; not only to humour the sleep-deprived dad lying in the fetal position next to Mom, but also to make them easier to find with only one eye open during the 2am feed. If they were to light up or glow red or green, the new baby could learn to stop and go, and maybe slow down when they turn orange.

They could work like runway lights for twins to ensure the safe landing of the little mouths on sore nipples, thus preventing too much handling. The housebound mom’s inevitable cabin fever could also be prevented if the shields were fitted with a disco strobe light to make her feel, even for just a moment, that she is at a club shaking her hips and now ample bosom to the rhythm of The Black Eyed Peas. Once done with breast-feeding, one could put the entire collection of colourful nipple shields in a glass bowl and use them as a night-light in the little one’s room. Or, as part of your bit for load shedding, you could put them on the dining room table when sharing a romantic meal with your partner.

Lee-Anne Benade

December 2012 / January 2013

such as a computer laboratory, and comparatively lower cost in terms of access to content and usability, we have seen the iPad (and other types of computer devices) being adopted by schools and teachers that previously had no access to technology or resources such as science labs or libraries. Our programme, iSchoolAfrica, focuses on increasing this accessibility. Through our public and private partnerships, we can see how technology has worked as a catalyst for narrowing the divide.

your feedback on facebook and twitter I read Anél’s “finishing touch” column, called “double trouble” (October 2012 issue), and I hear her loud and clear. I have two boys, 10 months and 22 months, and a girl who is five. Madness! It’s really great to know that I’m not the only one with many children close in age. It makes the bad days better.

Sherryn Phillips I just love the Santa Shoebox project. I took part last year and this year. It is so much fun, and being a mom knowing that there are children who don’t get to celebrate Christmas or receive any gifts, just breaks my heart. When you wrap the box you can almost imagine the little ones opening it and seeing the look on their faces – must be priceless. I will continue to support this project.

Natasha Ludeke Mostert

We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters. The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

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December 2012 / January 2013

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wins

giveaways

in december and january colourful creativity sitting safe The GoBooster is a highbacked inflatable booster chair that combines the safety of a booster seat with convenient, travel-friendly features. It is lightweight and durable, and only takes seconds to inflate and deflate. The automatic air pressure regulator ensures it won’t burst or pop. Contact: luc@gobooster.co.za or visit gobooster.co.za Three readers stand a chance to each win a GoBooster, valued at R895.

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

Your details will be made available to GoBooster.

Perler Beads develop skills in children, including their concentration, fine motor skills, maths and counting skills and planning perception.

They can create anything from fridge magnets to key rings. Contact: 082 856 8140, info@perlerbeads.co.za or visit perlerbeads.co.za Four readers stand a chance to each win a Perler Beads hamper, including an Ocean Buddies pack, a 2 000-bead pack, tweezers, a Fun Fusion Idea Book, ironing paper and three additional peg boards, all valued at R550. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Perler Beads JHB”. Your details will be made available to Perler Beads.

back to school goodies Cartoon Network brings children a comedy-packed line-up, including The Amazing World of Gumball about a 12-year-old cat with a flair for misadventure. Find video clips, wallpapers and games online. Watch the series on DStv channel 301 or visit cartoonnetworkafrica.com/gumball Three readers stand a chance to each win a Cartoon Network hamper of goodies for school, including a USB flash drive, backpack, T-shirt, Star Wars watch, Rubik’s cube key ring, notepad and sets of badges, stickers, coloured pens and crayons, all valued at R844.

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

fashionable fun Jam Clothing is committed to delivering high quality fashion at the best value. Their brand is fun, stylish and versatile. In store, you’ll find a wide range of international and local clothing labels for people of different ages and backgrounds. Contact Jam HQ: 031 303 9670 or visit jamclothing.co.za Four readers stand a chance to each win a Jam Clothing voucher, valued at R500. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Jam JHB”.

Your details will be made available to Jam Clothing.

to enter simply visit childmag.co.za

congratulations to our October winners Priscilla Ngwenya, Ronale Amtmann, Sophie Plagerson, Geraldene Naidoo, Eunice Phororo and Adrienne Poultney who each win products from bobble; Kerry Smith who wins with Think Toys; Charlene Mulaudzi and Rekha Govender who each win a Calpol hamper;

or post your entry to PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Entries close 31 January 2013. Only one entry per reader.

For full terms and conditions of giveaways please see “Competition Rules” on our website childmag.co.za

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December 2012 / January 2013

and Lee Fairlie who wins audio books from The Listeners’ Library.

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December 2012 / January 2013

9

upfront with paul

laugh out loud Laughter really is the best medicine when it comes to your child’s health and

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

i

t makes me die laughing; okay, it raises a wry smile, when I see young children going through the inevitable toilet humour stage we all do. Anything to do with bottoms or farts, or an extended lexicon of embarrassing but normal bodily functions – mostly those in the nether regions – causes them to double up in wild hysterics. I reluctantly bought Sabina a whoopee cushion about two years ago and instantly regretted it. How can something so ridiculous and irritating bring so much pleasure? Luckily she grew out of it. Toilet humour gets slightly tedious when they are still doing it at 21, but hey, each to their own.

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December 2012 / January 2013

A great sense of humour, or GSOH as the personals prefer it, is an essential tool that helps to get us through the rigours of life, whether as a parent or a child.

Think of the gallows humour of the soldier dodging bullets on the front line, “always look on the bright side”, “laughter is the best medicine” and all that. Some of us have a GSOH, some don’t; some think they do but don’t and some people’s wit is so dry that it flies over everybody’s heads.

Others have a sense of humour deemed so weird or dark, that an audience sits there aghast, asking, “Do you really think that’s funny?” As a test, try this, one of the top five funniest jokes of all time: “I said to the

gym instructor, ‘Can you teach me to do the splits?’ He said, ‘How flexible are you?’

I said, ‘I can’t make Tuesdays.’”

No matter what type of humour you have, people will adapt given time. The fact that you and your child have one is critical, and the sound of genuine laughter is music to a parent’s ears as it’s a sure sign that your child is happy, relaxed, well-balanced and socially connected. Basically, if you can’t laugh, there’s something slightly wrong. While psychologists used to poohpooh the idea that there was any scientific correlation between laughter and an individual’s health and development, they changed their tune radically 20 years ago and have been having a laugh ever since.

In adults, a deficient sense of humour can signal a variety of disorders such as schizophrenia, autism and Asperger’s syndrome, and humour offers new insights

into the nature of those conditions.

“Humour sets you up to understand that people can do things wrong and intend them to be wrong,” says UK psychologist Merideth Gattis. “That’s an easy entry into duality, the idea that an action can mean more than one thing – a very difficult concept for young children to grasp.”

Children generally go through various stages starting with peekaboo baby stuff, through to toilet humour and slapstick, which is why children love clowns and those home video shows where people fall off trampolines. Then comes the joke telling – “knock, knock...” – that, apart from anything else, is more important for the social interaction than the humour given that you can’t tell a joke to yourself. If you do, please stop reading this column now and seek help.

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

development, says PAUL KERTON.

health

that tingle you have Fever blisters are common, but most people don’t realise how contagious they are. By Marina Zietsman

t

hey are unsightly, sore and highly contagious – cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. They are filled with liquid and can be very painful. After a few days they scab over, and will then take up to two weeks to heal. More than one cold sore may appear on the face at any time. They can also be found in the mouth, although this is less common.

may be asymptomatic (have no symptoms at all) or a child may show signs of a fever and fatigue with multiple painful ulcers on the lips and tongue. Symptomatic first infections usually spontaneously subside after about 10 days, though it may take up to six weeks to heal completely.”

Recurrent attacks of the virus give rise to what we call fever blisters, says Rabinowitz. These infections usually “crust” within four days and heal completely within 10 days.

how you get them

gone, but not for good

It is the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes cold sores, and the most common cause of these sores around the mouth is the herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1. It’s a cousin of herpes simplex type 2, which causes the sexuallytransmitted disease, genital herpes. Most people are first infected with HSV-1 before they are 10 years old. Dr Debbie Rabinowitz, a general practitioner at The Wellness Station in Cape Town, explains: “It is passed from person to person, either directly through kissing and skin contact or indirectly by drinking from the same cup or using the same utensils.”

Once contamination has occurred, the virus hides in nerve cells, where it remains dormant until something causes it to flare up. When the virus is activated, it travels back to the skin and there may be a tingling or burning sensation before there are any other visible signs.

Rabinowitz says, “During the first (primary) infection a child

There is no cure for fever blisters, and Rabinowitz points out the following which can precipitate them: colds, fever, stress (mental and emotional), sun exposure and low immunity, but they can flare up for no known reason. “They tend to be a lifelong condition,” says Rabinowitz. Most sores will go away without treatment, but medicines may reduce the duration of the blisters. Topical antiviral creams can ease the pain and itching of recurrent fever blisters and speed up the healing time, if applied early enough. She adds that these medicines have little effect if started once the blisters are already present. Oral antiviral agents are available by prescription and are used in specific cases only.

Dr Kerri Sacks, a homeopathic practitioner in Joburg, suggests the following supplements, “Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps the body to fight the virus.

L-lysine has anti-viral properties and helps fight the herpes

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virus.” A vitamin B complex supplement is important for sufferers who lead stressful lifestyles. Sacks says there are homeopathic remedies, which can also be very effective, but should symptoms persist, it’s best to consult your homeopathic practitioner for a specific remedy. Rabinowitz suggests you consult your doctor if the fever blisters make it difficult to eat or speak or if they take longer than a week to heal.

keep them at bay • I f your child has open or weeping fever blisters, many crèches would prefer you to keep her at home until the blisters have healed and they are no longer contagious. The weeping stage is the most contagious.

• Encourage frequent handwashing.

• Do not share utensils or cups with a person who has a fever blister.

• Do not kiss someone with a fever blister.

• It is a good idea to clean children’s toys regularly with disinfectant.

• A good sunscreen may prevent the recurrence of fever blisters precipitated by sun exposure. *Courtesy of Dr Debbie Rabinowitz

December 2012 / January 2013

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best for baby

the

crying game

We all know that babies cry, but could that incessant wailing be a sign of colic?

ANÉL LEWIS finds out.

t

he term “colic” is enough to strike fear into the hearts of most new parents. But, does the condition really exist, or is it just a convenient way of referring to prolonged bouts of crying? Cape Town-based paediatrician Dr Claudia Gray says the term is used “rather broadly” by doctors to refer to excessive crying for no apparent reason, in an otherwise healthy infant. She suggests the “rule of three” to define colic: does the crying last more than three hours, occur for more than three days a week and persist for more than three weeks?

and paediatric medicine. Gray says there are “many theories” about the causes of colic, but common factors may include one or more of the following: immaturity of the baby’s gut, abnormal bowel movements, trapped wind, a disturbance in the bacteria of the gut, reflux of stomach contents into the baby’s oesophagus, feeding difficulties, which may include over- or underfeeding and swallowed air, exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and after birth, or an allergy to cow’s milk protein. Lactose intolerance may also play a minor role.

Gray adds that a baby’s hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli and any family

Some may say it does not exist, and this could be due to the fact that colic is a collection of symptoms, rather than a condition.

Gray says colic presents in as many as 40 percent of babies. Caesarean babies are no more at risk than those born naturally and there isn’t any difference between breast-fed and formula-fed babies, or those born prematurely. It may run in the family though, and it seems to be more common in Caucasian babies.

possible causes While some may argue that there is no such thing as colic, the parent of an infant who cries nonstop will beg to differ. “Some may say it does not exist, and this could be due to the fact that colic is a collection of symptoms, rather than a condition,” explains Dr Lauren Forbes, a Pretoriabased chiropractor specialising in family

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December 2012 / January 2013

stress or emotional tension experienced during pregnancy may contribute to the symptoms.

identify that cry Gray says parental expectations or perceptions “certainly” play a role in the definition of a child as suffering from colic.

“It is important for parents to understand a ‘normal’ pattern of crying. All children cry more during the first three months.” Colic, however, is behaviour that goes beyond what is considered normal: persistent and excessive crying that is distressing for the baby and the parents. “The crying is more intense and high-pitched than normal with a ‘piercing’ or ‘grating’ quality.”

Forbes says a colicky baby may present with legs flexed against the abdomen, magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

no discrimination

tensed abdominal muscles and clenched fists. Some babies arch themselves backwards. The unexplained crying will usually start from about three weeks, will peak at two months and should subside between three and six months. Gray says the crying episodes usually begin abruptly, often clustering in the evening.

colic survival kit Your baby needs to be examined to rule out any other causes of pain and irritability, such as an infection or a fracture. The symptoms then need to be managed, and Gray says children will respond differently, depending on the factors causing their colic. She suggests the following: • Make use of friends and family who offer to help. Incessant crying can try a parent’s patience. Take a quick break, rather than running the risk of harming your baby should you reach the end of your tether.

• Bottle-fed babies may need an anti-colic bottle, or will benefit from drinking in a more upright position.

In cases of severe colic, your doctor may suggest changing your baby’s formula to rule out a possible reaction to cow’s milk protein, especially if there are other signs, such as eczema or growth failure.

• Empty one breast completely when breast-feeding to reduce the intake of lactose from the foremilk, or milk released at the start of the feed. Limit your dairy and caffeine intake for a week, after discussion with your health practitioner, to see if your baby’s symptoms subside. There is not much evidence for avoidance of other magazine joburg

allergenic foods, such as wheat or nuts, so it is not advisable to go on a highly restrictive diet.

• Carry your baby during crying spells.

Regular motion, in a car or a safe baby swing, may also help.

• Try a warm bath or a soothing baby massage. White noise, such as the sound of a washing machine, may help your baby settle.

• If there are signs of possible reflux, such as excessive vomiting, a refusal to feed or arching of the back, your doctor may consider a trial of antacid medication.

• Use antispasmodics, popular colic mixtures and homeopathic medications sparingly, as they may have side effects.

• Forbes says chiropractic care has shown to be a “highly successful” treatment option and, according to some studies, has shown significantly better results than other treatments.

Chiropractic care is a “conservative, gentle and natural” option for treating colic. Specific and gentle pressure, much like that used to check the ripeness of an avocado pear, is applied to the baby’s back and neck. There are also baby massage techniques that facilitate digestion and aid relaxation. This strengthens the bond between mother and baby, as the stress of trying to soothe an unsettled baby often interferes with mother-baby bonding and can increase the risk of postpartum depression.

Gray adds that parents need to be reassured that the colic is not a result of their parenting abilities. It will eventually be outgrown and your child will not experience any long-term harm.

December 2012 / January 2013

13

dealing with difference

a testing time Blood screens for abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome are a regular part of a pregnant woman’s medical examination, but they’re not always accurate, and the

hen I fell pregnant with my daughter in December last year, I looked forward to my 12-week checkup as the day my gynae would confirm that my baby was healthy and developing as she should. And sure enough, the appointment left my husband and I elated: baby was growing well, and the nuchal fold scan showed there was little risk of Down’s syndrome. But, a week later my doctor phoned to say that my blood screens told a different story. Combined, the results of both tests indicated that the chance of my child being born with Down’s could not be ruled out. I was devastated. I tried to remind myself that, with the risk standing at one in 300, the odds were definitely in my favour. But in my head circled a myriad questions: what would life be like if the perfect child I had envisaged was not, in fact, “perfect”? Was I equal to the task of caring for such a child? And the hardest, ugliest question of all: would I be able to love her with all my heart? Concerned

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about my test results, I found reassurance in speaking to mothers who’d had similar experiences – and, to my surprise, there were plenty.

It’s crucial to note that it is the woman’s choice whether or not to have these tests. false fears Taryn Maree, a 31-year-old Joburg school teacher, was dismayed when told that according to her blood tests her first baby, now three, had a one in 32 chance of having Down’s. “Although Katie was considered a high-risk case, abortion wasn’t an option for me. I couldn’t have lived with myself, especially if I wasn’t able to fall pregnant again,” says Taryn. Her husband, however, had a different opinion.

“He queried the wisdom of bringing someone into the world when they would be constantly bullied or unable to look after themselves if something should happen to us,” she explains.

An amniocentesis confirmed that Taryn and her husband could breathe a sigh of relief. But the anxiety and differing views caused by the earlier test results had put each of them, and their marriage, under strain. Incidentally, Taryn’s second baby was also considered at risk for Down’s, which was again disproved by an amniocentesis, so it’s not surprising that her husband is less than enthusiastic when she talks of having a third child. Taryn says she felt pushed into having an amniocentesis by her gynaecologist, especially as she received no counselling beforehand. “I was horrified by the thought that the baby might be fine, and that the amnio could cause a miscarriage,” she says.

That’s a sentiment Anél Lewis, features editor of Child magazine, understands. Having endured two prior miscarriages, when told that her blood tests revealed a

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w

emotional costs of getting a false positive result are high. By LISA WITEPSKI

high chance of Down’s syndrome, she was reluctant to put another pregnancy at risk with an amniocentesis.

“However, my gynae told me that an amnio was the only way to confirm the baby’s status,” she recalls. Like Taryn, Anél received little counselling; in fact, she says, she was reminded repeatedly that the hospital could not be held liable if any problems did occur.

Already distraught, Anél took her doctor’s advice to visit a fetal medicine specialist. But the visit was anything but reassuring. The first shock came when the doctor asked if she had any “funny-looking” or “retarded people” in her family. Next, after she explained her reasons for wanting to avoid an amnio, she was told very firmly that without the test, there was little the specialist could tell her. So Anél spent an anguished seven months unable to connect with her child. “I distanced myself from my baby as I struggled to deal with the possible outcome. I already had a very bright daughter of almost two and, instead of looking forward to her brother’s arrival, I was worried about the impact it could have on her.” Anél cried the night before her C-section, right until she was wheeled into theatre and, although her son was born without Down’s syndrome, it wasn’t until he was about four months old that she felt able to bond with him.

All three of us experienced enormous emotional stress based on the results of our blood tests, yet none of our children was born with Down’s. Does this point to a problem with the system? Anél thinks so. “The fact is that you don’t have to have these tests, but no-one tells you this. We tend not to question our gynae’s advice and, as a result, we often get railroaded into choices we’re

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not comfortable with. You have to trust your instincts. I realise now I should have sought a second opinion the moment I had any sense of doubt. I also think that medical practitioners need to take responsibility for their patients.

It seems they’re sometimes too concerned about potential lawsuits if something goes wrong.”

what to expect Dr Hennie Lombaard, principal specialist at the Maternal and Fetal Medicine Clinic at the University of Pretoria, says that patients should receive counselling before a screening test, primarily so that they understand the advantages and disadvantages. It’s also important that parents understand

the difference between a screening and diagnostic test.

Screening tests, Lombaard explains, are used to identify women at risk of having a baby with Down’s syndrome.

Maternal age is the first screen – women over the age of 35 have a higher risk rate – with a detection rate of 30 percent.

The first trimester screening is also important. Here, the maternal age is considered in combination with the nuchal fold, the swelling behind the fetus’ neck and head. At this stage, between 11 and 13 weeks and six days, your doctor will usually also look for the presence of a nasal bone, which can increase the detection rate to 90 percent, as well as biochemical tests measuring the hormones betahuman chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancyassociated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). If analysed with Fetal Medicine Foundation Software, the combination of these screens has a 95 percent detection rate.

A number of screens can be carried out in the second trimester too, when the fetus is at 15 to 18 weeks. Chief among these is the “triple test”, which looks at the levels of the hormones β-hCG, oestradiol and alphafetoprotein. These tests, according to Lombaard, have a 50 to 70 percent detection rate, but have a five percent false positive rate. A detailed anatomy scan can also be performed at 18 to 22 weeks, says Lombaard. This scan evaluates the fetus according to a number of soft markers not considered abnormalities per se, but commonly found in fetuses with Down’s syndrome. “The presence of these markers increases the risk for Down’s, but it is important to understand that at least one third of fetuses with Down’s syndrome will appear normal on a detailed anatomy scan.”

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dealing with difference

risky business

diagnostic tests

According to Australian feto-maternal medicine specialists Drs Vitomir Tasevski and Jonathan Morris, it should be clearly explained that the false positive rates for Down’s syndrome using screening is approximately five percent for a detection rate of 90 percent. This means that the vast majority of positive results will be false positive. In an article in the medical journal of the Pacific Laboratory Medicine Services, they write, “The incidence of Down’s syndrome per 10 000 pregnancies at a maternal age of 30 years may be 10 to 12 affected individuals, while 500 cases will yield false positive results.” They emphasise that women need to be properly counselled about the options available to them if the screens pick up an unacceptably high risk. “For those parents who would not proceed to invasive testing, it is important to discuss that a positive screening test may result only in increased anxiety for the duration of the pregnancy and therefore for them to carefully consider the wisdom of the test being performed at all.”

Dr Karin Norman, of Kingsbury Hospital’s Fetal Assessment Centre in Cape Town, explains that a number of variables may contribute to false positives. “The blood tests need to be adjusted for maternal weight, race, smoking, IVF or ovulation induction, gestational age, maternal age, the number of previous children and whether it is a multiple pregnancy.” The results of the tests may also be a sign of complications that may occur later in the pregnancy. A low PAPP-A score might be a marker for babies that are smaller than their gestational ages, or a mother with high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia; while a high β-hCG count may be caused by a multiple pregnancy, or even a vanishing twin.

While none of these screens can provide conclusive results, diagnostic tests can. The downside though is that the only diagnostic tests available in South Africa are invasive in nature, as they involve analysing samples of fetal cells drawn from fetal blood, amniotic fluid or the placenta. Most expectant mothers have heard of the amniocentesis, where amniotic fluid is collected for analysis, usually between 16 and 20 weeks.

Alternatively, your doctor can perform a biopsy of the placenta, obtained by a method called chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which is carried out between 11 and 13 weeks and six days. With both these tests, there is a one percent risk of miscarriage.

Finally, after 22 weeks, blood may be drawn from the fetus, a process called cordocentesis. This presents an even higher risk of miscarriage of between one and two percent. “It’s crucial to note that it is the woman’s choice whether or not to have these tests,” says Lombaard. But, equally, if you decide not to undergo testing and your child is born with Down’s syndrome, your doctor cannot be accused of negligence as there is no way he could have diagnosed the condition.

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December 2012 / January 2013

speak about your concerns Whether or not you decide to proceed with diagnostic testing, finding out that your child potentially has Down’s syndrome is traumatic and you’re bound to experience a number of complex emotions. “After the initial shock, denial and disbelief one might start to feel sad, angry, anxious and depressed. Feelings of wanting to escape

can be followed by negative feelings towards the unborn baby and what was a blessing and a miracle begins to feel like a burden,” says Durban clinical psychologist Sherona Rawat. “These feelings of rejection towards the baby and avoidance of the reality of the diagnosis are common, and are usually followed by guilt for the negative attitude towards your own flesh and blood.”

She recommends seeking professional counselling to help you process the situation, especially if you are considering terminating the pregnancy. “Following your instinct may not be best, as high emotion impairs logical thinking and impacts your judgement. Moreover, if you and your partner have differing views on the subject, a professional will help you navigate the difficult task of voicing your opposing opinions.

Wrongly worded statements and generalised comments can be difficult to forget and may negatively affect the relationship for years to come. Any decision you make affects both you, your partner and, of course, the baby, so it is important to take the time you need and make sure all concerned are best served by your choice.”

check their credentials Not all doctors are accredited to perform the nuchal translucency scan. You can check online with the Fetal Medicine Foundation, fetalmedicine. com, to see if your doctor has the required certificate of compliance.

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dad’s blog

are we there yet?

Time is a tricky concept for children, especially when they’re en route to an exciting holiday destination.

MARC DE CHAZAL reminisces about his coastal experience.

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10-day holiday when you’re an adult flies past, but time seems to drag on forever when you’re a child. The car journey from our farm to the beach, where we spent most of our family holidays, always felt like a transcontinental trek. My sister and I learnt to look out for particular landmarks along the

afternoon nap so that we’d be able to stay awake for both movies. I could never fall asleep in the afternoon, but somehow I managed to stave off the sleep at the drive-in long enough to watch both films. My sister, however, never made it to the second screening, despite her afternoon shuteye.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

My sister and I learnt to look out for familiar landmarks along the way… way to reassure us that we weren’t merely spinning on a hamster wheel on the road to nowhere – but we still asked the annoying “are we there yet?” question.

I don’t think we were ever really bored at the beach.

We played board games such as Uno, Monopoly and Snakes and Ladders as if there was no tomorrow. We also tested our trivia knowledge, played cards, and very often, “I spy”. Our favourite outing was a trip to the drive-in. My parents would insist that we all take an

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I recall my dad being a different person on holiday.

The beach has always been his “happy place”, where he can forget about the pressures of running his farming business. Hopefully you will also be able to unwind from your daily stress if you go away for the holidays; I’m sure your relaxed mood will rub off on your children too. Make sure you take lots of board games. After all, a child’s boundless energy won’t necessarily abate just because he is on holiday.

Read more of Marc’s weekly parenting blogs on childmag.co.za/dad-blog

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our stories

stop to smell the roses Four families went looking for a life beyond the suburban standard and found a richer sense of family and self-fulfillment. By LUCILLE KEMP

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merican author Charles Bukowski was certainly onto something when he asked how a man could enjoy being awakened by an alarm and fighting traffic to get to a place where “essentially you make lots of money for somebody else and are asked to be grateful for the opportunity to do so”. If you feel as if life has become an endless cycle and you’ve forgotten why you’re doing what you’re doing, you might need to be reminded that we’re living in a time of options. You can find a job with flexible hours or negotiate to work remotely more often; you can innovate, freelance or consult. Earning a living certainly no longer takes place only between the hours of nine and five.

Susie Leblond’s husband needed to be in Mauritius to set up an office there for his IT business. They had been there before, and loved it. “We decided that living on the island for six months while the children are still young would be an exciting adventure, plus my work as a photographer is flexible and seasonal so it was easy to pack up and go.”

Six years ago, a life removed from the rat race beckoned Cape Town-based Catriona Ross. She had a demanding job in

magazine publishing, but she enjoyed it, her friends were close by and she had her book club and belly dancing, but she realized she didn’t handle stress well, and that she actually wanted to be self-employed and

With so many people working online I can imagine more people choosing this lifestyle.

Johanita and Don Whitaker, and their son Aaron, moved from the Bluff in Durban to Underberg in the Drakensberg. Don was unhappy in his job and Johanita sought a close community. “We had been on holiday to Underberg a few times and I fell in love with the peaceful village, so my husband applied for a job and here we are,” she says.

Cape Town-based Heike Allerton and her family lived happily in Hout Bay until the end of last year, but life was busy. “We realized that our children were growing up fast and we were not spending the kind of time with them that we really wanted to. Also, I could not get my daughter into any of the popular southern suburbs schools, even though she had been on a waiting list for four years, and the politics and pressure of many of the mainstream schools did not appeal.” Once they started exploring other options they realized that the town of Greyton ticked all the boxes; from safety and proximity to the city to beautiful and idyllic surrounds.

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December 2012 / January 2013

for life to slow down and mean more. After freelancing for a few years, Catriona was ready to make the move. Just months into looking at places she met David de Villiers, the farmer who would become her husband.

They’ve been married for three years and live on a working fruit farm in Simondium, close to Stellenbosch, with their one-yearold daughter, Nina.

number one consideration Schooling was probably the major factor in determining where the Allertons would stay.

“We discovered Greyton House Village School, which offers an excellent primary school education in a non-pressured environment, and a fully equipped high school is being built.” Heike says that many families send their children to boarding school as weekly boarders in the southern suburbs, Somerset West or Stellenbosch and there are also a number of families who home-school their children.

Johanita says Aaron goes to Underberg Primary where the classes are small and a magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHs: susieleblond.com / photoriginal.co.za

change is needed

Clockwise from the top: Samuel and Tyler Allerton overlooking Canola fields in Greyton; Noa Allterton making friends with the local donkeys; Aaron Whitaker feeding ducks at Kenmo Lake, Underberg

respect and love for nature is instilled. “The impact on Aaron has been phenomenal; he has become almost ‘Zen-like’,” muses Johanita. Though Nina is still young, schools are front of mind and Catriona has her eye on Bridge House School in Franschhoek. She has also found good government schools in Paarl with some bilingual options too.

the teething period Life in the slow lane is, of course, not perfect, but it is clear that these families’ gripes are minor and transient. Susie says, “Saying goodbye to much-loved grannies and aunties is really hard for little people who have no concept of time, and they both missed their special Cape Town friends, but were easily distracted by all the new experiences on offer.” magazine joburg

Catriona finds that although different, there are still stresses, but the level is far less. “During harvest season, which can last up to six months, I see very little of David.” Johanita’s biggest complaints are Underberg’s frequent power outages and that you have to drive 111km to get to the nearest dentist.

For Heike it’s the grocery shopping, which requires a 20-minute drive to Hermanus or Caledon.

real change is felt Catriona says her happiness is now defined by experiences, not things and Susie feels the same about her six months on the island. “It was the first time in a long while that I wasn’t distracted by work, unanswered emails, clients, friends or family, and got to be just Mom, who December 2012 / January 2013

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our stories

spent hours with her children in the pool or on the beach building sandcastles.”

Village living is life as Johanita has never known it before. “About a month ago, on the day I had to get a few things for Aaron’s birthday the following day, none of the bank ATMs and card machines were working. The store manager came to me and said, ‘Don’t worry Ma’am, take your shopping and come pay for it when we are back online or at your earliest convenience.’ I nearly fell over backwards.”

Susie tells of a standout moment when she took her children to a birthday party on the beach and watched them stare in a mixture of horror and delight as the host’s neighbour made an impromptu show of gutting a 1,2 metre-long dorado right there on the rocks. “My daughter Katie, who before Mauritius didn’t like to get her feet dirty, proudly held the fish’s eyeball and squealed.”

The Allertons’s quality of life is amplified by the distinct seasons. “In spring we see lambs and foals being born and an unbelievable display of flowers. In winter snow is visible on the mountains and fireplaces sizzle and warm the home.” Clean

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December 2012 / January 2013

country living clearly has all entranced, as is evident in Johantia’s remarks, “I love that we are all much healthier, that I can walk my dogs at the dam down the road, that my boy can play outside and ride his bike safely because everyone knows everyone, and that people ask how you are because they really are interested.”

Heike shares the sentiment, saying that in Greyton there is an invisible and protective circle of some kind as people watch out for each other. Heike notes there are fewer distractions and less time spent in traffic, which gives children more time to catch tadpoles, ride bikes and build forts. “There are quite a few families who have also made the move out here for similar reasons, showing a collective consciousness and desire to do things in a better, different and simpler way.

With so many people working online I can imagine more people choosing this lifestyle.” Although the Allertons have left the life they once knew, they say they are actually closer now to their loved ones. “We probably spend more quality time with friends and family than we did before as whole weekends are spent with each other.”

Clockwise from the top: The Ross De Villiers family celebrating Catriona’s birthday in Wellington; Tyler Allerton at Greyton’s Gobos River; James and Katie Harris in Mauritius

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reader’s blog

when disaster strikes A freak accident can change your family’s life in seconds. Journalist

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Lynne O’Connor reflects on a news story that made every parent’s heart skip a beat.

he story of Isabella “Pippie” Kruger, the three-year-old girl who was badly burnt in a freak braai accident on New Year’s Eve last year, has affected me deeply.

I monitor her progress on Facebook via the Pippie Angels page, hoping that each time I log on I’ll find she has reached another milestone on her road to recovery.

I pray that her little body will become whole again and that she’ll no longer have to endure pain.

I also wonder how her mother, Anicé, has been able to stay so strong, pushing highly qualified doctors to perform ground-breaking surgery on her baby, who has been in hospital and rehab for much of the last year, after suffering severe burns to most of her body.

After working in a radio newsroom for the last 15 years, I’ve become somewhat “immune” to pain and suffering, choosing instead to think

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about incidents of crime and tragedy in a logical and distanced manner. I’ve been angry after reading stories about babies being raped, children being murdered and their parents being maimed.

I’ve reacted with outrage to the laws and authorities that have failed to protect them and agonised over what I could do to make a positive change. But I’ve moved on.

Switching off has been my way of protecting myself, so that I don’t fall apart every time I read a news bulletin or write a story.

Now that I’m no longer in the thick of radio news and am focused more on online coverage, I realise that I’ve let my guard down slightly. I think about Pippie when there’s a lull in my day, wondering what I would have done had my own daughter been hurt so badly. Would I have been so strong, if I were sitting at the hospital bedside of one of my treasured sons?

My husband, Kenneth, was the paramedic who transported Pippie’s cloned skin from OR Tambo International Airport to Garden City Hospital in rushhour traffic, in just 16 minutes. For days afterwards, he was too choked up to speak about the incident without wanting to break down in tears. Pippie’s plight has tugged at the heart of my family. It’s probably because we too have a little girl, two years older than Pippie. We too have had incidents over the last 13 years, where we’ve had to rush to the braai, to quickly push one of our inquisitive children away from the flames. Kenneth has literally walked into the swimming pool, fully clothed, to save our daughter from drowning.

I’ve phoned the doctor, panicked, after my eldest son pulled a cup of hot coffee off a table onto his body, when he was just a toddler. I’ve held my youngest son to my chest, sobbing, after he fell

over in the bath when he was a year old and struggled to get up, while I turned around to get a towel from the rail.

I’m eternally grateful that none of these accidents caused permanent damage and that we were only left shaken. I wish that had been Pippie’s fate. I wish her beautiful, chubby cheeks weren’t scarred. I wish she didn’t have to wear a bite plate, to stop her from grinding her teeth in pain. Pippie’s mother deserves a medal. No, she deserves a healthy, happy and whole daughter.

See page 22 for summer safety tips.

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

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fyi

safety first CHILD MAGAZINE suggests 20 smart things you can do to keep your family safe this summer.

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1

Keep children away from braais and fires and keep spray cans away from any sources of heat. The Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa says about 230 children die annually of burns because an adult wasn’t watching them.

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Invest in a good medical kit that includes a hydrogel-based dressing in case of any burns.

Attend a paediatric course and put emergency numbers in your phone and on your fridge.

A child can be dead in half an hour if left in a car, especially on a hot day, says Gary Ronald of the Automobile Association. Childsafe South Africa reports that on days when the temperature is around 32°C, it can reach 43°C in a parked car within just 90 seconds and 54,4°C within 10 minutes. Babies especially lose moisture rapidly, and in large quantities, and will become severely dehydrated. Don’t think that leaving a window open or parking in the shade will help. Rather don’t leave your child in the car.

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Run cold water over affected areas if a burn is minor. Never put butter, petroleum jelly or any other creams onto a burn. For deep white burns, cover the area with a sheet and seek immediate medical attention. Wash chemical burns under flowing water and get medical help.

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December 2012 / January 2013

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

No single barrier is foolproof when it comes to preventing drowning accidents, so it is best to rely on a number of layers of safety, says Daan den Hollander, consultant trauma surgeon and regional director of Childsafe KZN. Combine various safety measures such as adult supervision, a cover for when the pool is not in use and a fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate.

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Make sure your pool’s drain is protected with a dome-shaped cap, a safety vacuum release system or by marking the off switch on the pool pump. Entrapment occurs when a child’s hair or part of their body gets caught in the drain.

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As a passer-by, you have the right to get involved if you see a child locked in a blazing hot car. Gary says call for help from the police and medics, as you have no idea of how long the child has been in the vehicle. Break a window away from the child and place them outside the car in a shady or cool place.

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Riding an escalator barefoot is a no-no, but clunky, rubber-soled footwear can also be risky. Avoid using an escalator if you are carrying a child and don’t attempt to push a pram onto one; rather take the elevator. If you do use one with a small child, make sure to hold their hand and don’t allow them to sit or play on the escalator.

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Escalators can be dangerous if not used properly. Avoid potential hazards by standing in the centre of the stair, away from the sides.

Stay clear of the pinch areas and be extra careful to step over the comb plate when getting on or off.

Do not allow children who can’t swim near a pool unless they are supervised. Touch supervision means that the child should be within arm’s reach of their caregiver, whose only focus should be on the child.

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Experienced swimming teacher Lee-Anne McQueen has published a Swim Savvy I can swim! (swimsavvy.co.za) progress journal for children and parents. The handy journal includes water safety rules, such as to never swim without an adult watching, to never push others in or around the water and to avoid running around the slippery edges of the pool.

There’s also advice for getting in and out of the pool safely. The water safety checklist for parents says: know where your children are at all times when they’re near water; make sure the pool is covered if not in use and that the gate is closed properly; take turns watching the children, keep children within your reach at all times in the water, don’t take your eyes off children at all if there is water, and this includes a pond or even the bath and triple check the water area when you leave to make sure that no children have been left behind or have slipped into the water.

Handy safety tip for your child: if you feel as if you are getting into trouble and can’t reach the side of the pool, don’t be afraid, just be a star. Float like a starfish and shout for help.

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December 2012 / January 2013

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fyi

Children can drown in less than three centimetres of water, so they should be supervised around any form of water,

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including paddling pools and ponds. They should be taught how to swim as soon as possible after turning four. However, those who swim safely in a pool may not be safe in large

bodies of water. Always keep an eye on children swimming or playing

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Pool fences should enclose the pool on all sides, be a minimum height

of 1,2 metres and have a gap

near the sea or a dam. Only allow swimming in the ocean if a lifeguard is

of less than 10 centimetres

on duty.

underneath, says Den Hollander.

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Never let your children dive into water if you don’t know the depth. Always check first for any submerged objects.

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Children should wear flotation devices, such as a life jacket, during water activities. Arm bands or floating devices for the pool can be used, but Den Hollander says that he can’t find any evidence of their effectiveness in preventing

drowning.

“What everyone does agree on is that they are not an alternative to supervision.

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December 2012 / January 2013

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Cover electrical sockets and keep the

Always run the cold water in the bath

electrical cords of appliances short so

first and lower the temperature

that they can’t easily be pulled off.

of your geyser to 50°C or less.

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Make sure toxic pool chemicals are packed away or closed with childproof lids.

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If you buy a Christmas tree this year, make sure it is labelled as ”fire resistant”. Only use flameresistant, non-breakable decorations and don’t include lit candles.

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Check all the tree

lights

before using

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them. Discard lights that

are

broken,

have cracked sockets or frayed wires as these could be an electrical hazard.

6 500 children die annually from

accidental injuries – Childsafe Put hot liquids or pots with hot food in the centre of a table or counter; never on the edge where they can be reached.

The risk of accidents occurring increases over the holidays, says Childsafe SA. Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable, so make sure you create a safe environment, even while you are away on holiday, and warn them of potential dangers.

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nutrition

raising a vegetarian With many parents opting for meat-free diets, for themselves and their children, there are concerns about possible nutritional

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December 2012 / January 2013

when I suddenly embraced his regimen of dense veggie and legume soups, and salads with nuts, seeds and cheese.

from the start It was only when we chose to have children that I had doubts. Like many vegetarian parents-to-be, we were confronted by questions from the future grandparents and other concerned omnivores in our circle. Could we really be sure our precious progeny would have all the protein, iron and other nutrients usually associated with meat, which they needed to be healthy and smart? Today, if we didn’t have two robust teenage sons as reassurance, we’d have a slew of health studies and recommended nutritional guidelines to back up our decision. A study at Loma Linda University in California showed that

vegetarians live some seven years longer than meateaters, and vegans, 15 years longer. The findings were confirmed by the China-Cornell-Oxford Project, the most extensive 20-year study on diet and health to date, which found that Chinese people, who eat the least fat and animal produce, run the lowest risk of cancer, heart attack and other chronic degenerative diseases. If this is not convincing enough, a UK study that tracked 6 000 vegetarians and 5 000 meat-eaters for 12 years found the vegetarians were 40 percent less likely to die from cancer in that time, and 20 percent less likely to die from other diseases. A study by the University of California has even found that children on a vegetarian diet grew taller than meat-eating children, which is no surprise, because my eldest stands 1,8m tall in his socks.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

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vegetarian diet is the considered choice for many parents and their children these days. Independent research firm Harris Interactive reports that the number of vegetarian youth in the United States has increased by 70 percent in the past few years, and there are similar trends in South Africa too. This is attributed to growing environmental and animal welfare awareness and evidence of the health benefits. It was more of a knee jerk emotional reaction that prompted me to drop meat. As a fledgling reporter I covered a news story about a truck full of sheep that had overturned on a freeway. “They’re headed for the abattoir anyway,” quipped the photographer, as he snapped the bleating survivors. But face to woolly face with what I, too, would normally have considered lunch, I balked. My partner, a longtime vegetarian, said nothing

deficiencies. GLYNIS HORNING seeks advice.

nutritional benefits South African dieticians are equally positive about the benefits of vegetarianism. Berna Harmse, president of the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (Adsa), says the advantages include “a lower intake of cholesterol and saturated fats, and a higher intake of fruit, vegetables and fibre, which in turn results in eating fewer sweet and salty snacks and fast foods”. She adds, “Studies have shown that vegetarians have a lower risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and cancer.” The only possible disadvantage to being a vegetarian or raising one, Harmse says, could be the planning, purchasing and preparing of the food needed to maintain an adequate diet. “Although there is much more variety available in the

are four to six months old, though vegan mothers may require iron supplements. After that, babies will need some extra dietary iron, which is readily supplied by iron-fortified rice cereal. For a nutritional guide, visit nutripaeds.co.za/vegetarian-diets/ To play it safe, Harmse and fellow Adsa dietician Dianne Ivison suggest possible supplementation as vegetarian children grow. “This might include iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 or flax oil,” says Ivison. “It would need to be assessed individually, as many foods are already supplemented with these vitamins and minerals.”

Parents of vegan children, who eat no animal produce, need to plan their diets particularly carefully, preferably in consultation with a dietician.

Studies have shown that vegetarians have a lower risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and cancer. shops and markets these days, it can still be a bit more time-consuming.” In response to fears of deficiencies during vulnerable periods such as pregnancy, infancy and adolescence, she says, “Current nutritional thinking is that following a properly planned vegetarian diet can be beneficial for all stages of life, including these.

There is no cause for concern if a variety of foods are consumed to ensure adequate intake.” Healthy, full-term babies can meet all their iron requirements with breast milk or iron-fortified soy formula until they

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personally speaking Except for vitamin B12 and a folic acid supplement, which is recommended for most pregnant moms, I ate our usual lactoovo-vegetarian fare through a picture-perfect pregnancy, and produced a beautiful son who I breast-fed for 18 months, introducing him to rice cereal and our foods from six months.

Three years later I repeated the routine with his brother. Both are now healthy, high-achieving teenagers and, though we have left the choice entirely with them, avid vegetarians.

As the younger wrote recently in a school project, “I’m

know your veggie-eaters Vegans eat no animal products, including eggs or dairy.

Vegetarians eat no red meat but some may eat chicken or fish.

Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products, but no meat.

Pescetarians eat fish, but no meat or poultry.

Fruitarians eat only fruit, nuts and seeds.

Flexitarians (a relatively new term) follow a meat-free diet for a few days a week.

tips for feeding a vegetarian child • Variety is key.

• Look for fortified foods with calcium, iron and vitamin B12, including iron-fortified breakfast cereals and soy milk-based products.

• Keep reintroducing foods.

• Be adventurous. Find new ways to incorporate soya, beans and lentils in soups and stews.

They are one of your most nutritious plant protein sources, say the dieticians.

• Be sneaky. Add mashed kidney beans or grated butternut, carrot or beetroot to muffins, cottage pies and other favourites; add omega3-rich flaxseeds ground in a coffee grinder to soups, salads and porridge.

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nutrition

meat-free for my health and for the planet.” Tammy Fry, 31, of Durban, shares those concerns and will be passing them on to her sons Josh, four, and Kai, who is just six months. “I stopped eating meat when I was three,” says the marketing director for Fry Group Foods, and driver of South Africa’s Meatless Monday campaign. “My mom was vegetarian, but didn’t set out to influence us. She just answered our questions honestly, which I think lots of adults don’t do, perhaps because they don’t want to think through the answers themselves,” says Tammy.

Her two younger sisters joined her and when their father, in construction at the time, was contracted to build a piggery, “seeing it in operation was the final push to join us”. But Wally Fry missed the taste and texture of meat.

He started experimenting in the kitchen, and ended up launching a family business developing vegan food that tasted like meat and was packed with protein.

Today all the Frys are vegetarian “and fighting fit”.

Tammy, who is now largely vegan, represented the national karate team for more than 10 years. She and her father are fifth dans, and her mom and sisters are third dans.

“We’ve all got masses of energy,” she grins. “I breastfed both my boys, and started Josh on rice cereal, organic fruit and veggies, soya milk and smoothies, with snacks of soya yoghurt, nuts, beans and cottage cheese.” Other sources of protein now include raw nuts, seeds, legumes, and meat substitutes. “Today meat substitutes range from burger patties and sausages to schnitzels, pies and nuggets, and are great for lunchboxes, braais and visiting friends.”

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useful contacts Association for Dietetics SA 011 061 5000, info@adsa. org.za or visit adsa.org.za SA Vegan Society 082 828 5275, info@vegansociety.co.za or visit vegansociety.org.za Vegetarian Society of SA vegsocsa@mweb.co.za

lunchbox snacks for vegetarians Use a cool box in summer so foods stay fresh and crisp, and pack: • trail mix – dried fruits with nuts and seeds; • soft dried fruits such as apple rings, apricots and raisins; • rice cakes, plain or coated with yoghurt or carob; • crackers with hummus, avocado dip, nut butters or vegetable extract; • add to the above baby carrots, tomatoes and celery sticks; • fruit-sweetened biscuits or date balls; • popcorn • baby bananas, naartjie segments, strawberries; • soya shakes; • soya yoghurt; and • meat-free nuggets or pops.

Respectful Recipes (Produced by The Society for Animals in Distress, R200 plus R35 for postage or delivery) All the recipes in this book were submitted by supporters of The Society for Animals in Distress.

The society supports Meat-Free Mondays (and Tuesdays to Sundays). But, whether you want to eat meat-free once a week or for life, you’re sure to find something in this book, with its delicious, easy, meat-alternative dishes. All proceeds from the sale of this book go towards the society to further their work with thousands of animals in townships and informal settlements. For a copy, contact: 083 643 9480, animals@animalsindistress. org.za or visit animalsindistress.org.za

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December 2012 / January 2013

29

spotlight

burn, baby, burn Help protect your children from skin cancer by choosing the appropriate sunscreen and

rays of damage The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Only UVA and UVB rays penetrate the ozone layer to reach the earth. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), the shorter wavelength UVB rays cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. UVA rays, which also cause skin damage, have a longer wavelength. They are less intense than UVB rays, but make up over 90 percent of the UV radiation reaching the earth. UVA can also penetrate through clouds and glass and, unlike UVB rays, the time

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December 2012 / January 2013

of day, location and season don’t significantly affect their intensity, says Durban-based dermatologist Dr Ishaan Ramkisson.

“Excessive UV radiation produces genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer,” says Dr Mahendran Moodley, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town. Mohs surgery, a specialised procedure in which the cancer is removed in stages, was developed by Dr Frederic Mohs in the 1930s. UVB and UVA rays both damage the skin, and Ramkisson points out that while the skin can fix superficial damage, the underlying injury remains, and gets worse every time you’re exposed to UV rays.

“Recent research has also found an increased correlation between UVA exposure and the onset of malignant melanoma,” states Cansa. This has lead to a demand for sunscreens to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

standard testing It was for this reason that Cansa decided to put our sunscreens to the test. Broad-spectrum protection isn’t catered for in the current sunscreen standard in South Africa as “it doesn’t provide for optimal UVA protection”, states Cansa. Many sunscreens have been endorsed by the association, and have displayed the Cansa Seal of Recognition (CSOR), as they complied with the standards available at the time. But with research now showing a link between UVA rays and skin cancer, Cansa commissioned tests on a sample of sunscreen products to determine just how much UVA protection they provided. The sample was made up of about 10 percent of the branded sunscreen products available in SA, including local and international brands, and some CSOR-bearing products. “The sunscreens were tested specifically according to the European Colipa Standard for assessing sunscreen’s UVA protection – the most stringent test currently in use,” states Cansa.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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ith summer comes the promise of lazy weekends and family holidays and, with this, long hours spent outdoors in the sun. South Africa has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, which means we need products that offer effective protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

being sun-savvy. By TAMLYN VINCENT

Due to financial constraints as a nonprofit organisation, Cansa carried out tests on only 35 products in total; a relatively small percentage of the sunscreens available to consumers. While Cansa was contractually bound not to disclose the test results, the sample size was too small to draw final conclusions. The association has also pointed out that sunscreen manufacturers were providing sunscreens that met South African standards, and so “public disclosure of the test results was irrelevant”.

In a recent press release, Sue Janse van Rensburg, Cansa CEO, commented on what the tests did highlight: “Although all of the sunscreens adhered to the relevant South African National Standards (SANS), some of the local and imported brands were found to provide less optimal UVA protection as determined by the EU standard”. Ultimately, Cansa says “the tests served their purpose in empowering Cansa with adequate information to support negotiations with industry for improved sunscreen formulations”. Janse van Rensburg adds, “Cansa feels that the public should not merely have adequate protection in terms of sunscreen, but have the absolute best possible protection.”

provide for protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Sunscreens to look for are those that offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation, and a good sun protection factor or SPF.

Recent research has found an increased correlation between UVA exposure and the onset of malignant melanoma.

Cansa will also be replacing the original CSOR with a new Cansa SunSmart Choice Seal. “While the SABS develops standards for sunscreen in South Africa, the industry remains self-regulatory, with no-one enforcing the law,” states Cansa. And while it doesn’t have the power to enforce sunscreen manufacturers to improve the UVA protection of their products, “Cansa will withdraw the seal from those currently bearing it, if not complying with Colipa standards by March 2013”.

raising the bar It is for this reason that Cansa has raised its own standards and requirements. From 31 March 2013, products that want to display the Cansa Seal will have to comply with both the existing CSOR requirements and the new Harmonized Colipa UVA Protection claim. In time, there will also be a new South African standard, which will

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new treatments “Anyone can develop skin cancer,” says Ramkisson, but the risk does increase if you have a history of exposure to UV rays, and if you have had sunburns, particularly blistering sunburns. Being fair, freckling easily and having a changing mole or a large number of moles, are

also risk factors. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While the carcinomas account for about 90 percent of skin cancers, melanoma has a much poorer prognosis because of its potential to spread quickly, says Moodley. Early diagnosis by a dermatologist offers the best outcome.

While there are many treatment options, several new treatments have become available. “Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective and advanced treatment,” says Moodley. “It can be used on basal cell carcinomas and other skin cancers, and has the highest cure rate of all treatment modalities currently available for skin cancer.” As Moodley explains, this surgery recognises that a skin cancer can resemble an iceberg, where only the tip is showing, while more tumour cells grow down and out, into the skin. The surgeon removes the visible tumour and a thin layer of surrounding tissue.

“The tissue is prepared, put on slides and examined under a microscope while the patient waits for the results,” says Moodley. If any residual cancer cells are detected, another layer of tissue where the cancer cells are present is removed and examined. This process is repeated until all the samples are free of cancer. The surgery is done under local anaesthetic, and should be done by an accredited Mohs surgeon.

The benefits of this are that all of the cancerous cells are removed, making it unlikely that the cancer will return.

It minimises the amount of healthy tissue that is lost, which means that there is less cosmetic damage

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spotlight

and, if reconstructive surgery is necessary, it can often be done on the same day. The Mohs surgery can also effectively treat skin cancers that have recurred, that cover a large area, that are growing rapidly, or that have ill-defined edges.

There are also several new forms of non-surgical treatments: • Photodynamic therapy destroys the skin cancer cells by using both laser light and drugs.

• Immunotherapy is another option. It works by boosting the immune response against the melanoma cells in the body.

• Another type of drug that may help with basal cell carcinomas, is called a hedgehog pathway inhibitor.

Ramkisson says it works by restoring the activity of damaged genes.

Ramkisson highlights other treatments that may be available soon: • Biologic therapy uses chemicals that occur naturally in the body.

• Gene therapy research focuses on identifying specific genes that will stimulate the production of antibodies to attack melanoma.

• Chemoprevention drugs, such as retinoids, have shown promise in reducing the risk of squamous cell cancers.

• Drugs that target the proteins that may cause squamous cell cancers to grow, are also being tested.

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sun protection “At least 80 percent of sun-induced skin damage occurs before the age of 18 and only manifests later in life,” advises Cansa, so good sun protection is vital.

• Moodley recommends choosing a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for sunscreen with a 3- to 4-star UVA rating and an SPF of at least 30.

• Moodley also suggests looking out for sunscreens that have UVA screening ingredients: stabilised avobenzone, Mexoryl, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

• There are also organic sunscreens available, that don’t contain potentially harmful chemicals.

• Apply at least two tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two to three hours, or after swimming.

• A void direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm. Babies under a year should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

• Wear protective clothing and hats, preferably with a high UPF or ultraviolet protection factor.

• Don’t use tanning booths. They use UVA rays that can give off as much as 12 times more radiation than the sun. Exposure to these beds in your youth substantially increases your risk of developing melanoma.

With all of the concerns about UVA protection, people are probably wondering which sunscreen to choose. Look out for sunscreens that have the new Cansa SunSmart Choice Seal. A list of sunscreens that adhere to the EU Colipa standards is also available on the Cansa website, and it will be regularly updated.

Cansa’s toll-free line is 0800 22 66 22 or download the list: cansa.org.za/cansa-on-sunscreen-available-insouth-africa/

Original Cansa SunSmart logo

New Cansa SunSmart logo

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debate

the sun always shines on tv It can be a convenient babysitter, an antidote to a busy day or an entertaining source of news.

CHILD MAGAZINE asks two mothers why they turn the telly on, or off, in their homes.

PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

Turn on by CATH JENKIN Television time in our house is a family experience. We’re true fans of technology and if my seven-year-old daughter has a question I can’t answer, her first response is always, “Mom, ask Google”. She has been able to learn so much through the use of technology and I am a proud enabler of her digital obsession. We’re the family that plays on computers, tablets and phones.

It is the same with TV. We read a story every night before bedtime, but once the school day is over and her homework is done, we’re quite happy for her to feast her eyes on some televised entertainment. It is through television that she’s learnt about the animal kingdom, watched fascinating documentaries about the pyramids in Giza and enjoyed a little downtime with The Little Mermaid.

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and projects. Even at Grade 1 level, there are various mental demands. She deserves and needs downtime and a cuddle on the couch while we enjoy a family movie.

TV can teach. Educational programming has filled in many of the gaps we haven’t been able to. When my daughter has wanted to learn more about something, we’ve often been able to find television material that presents information to her in an easily understandable format. This allows her to enjoy the learning experience, rather than having it forced upon her. Her school life is busy with homework, extramurals

Watch, but with limits. I set guidelines and time limits though, and believe that this principle can and should be applied to any element of parenting. Just as you shouldn’t feed your child too much sugar, you shouldn’t let them watch too much television. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child’s “total media time, with entertainment media”, should be limited to no more than one to two hours of quality programming per day, and not at all for children younger than two. Even as a pro-television parent, I agree with this, and that entertainment time should be mostly devoted to interactive and educational content.

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debate

The occasional babysitter. Yes, the television is an easy babysitter and I know I am guilty of that practice too sometimes.

Any parent who claims they haven’t at some point used the television to grab a five-minute break is probably lying.

With good guidelines, restricted access to unsuitable content and by making television something we enjoy together, we believe it can have some merits.

Judith Graham, a human development specialist at the University of Maine, says children younger than two should not be watching any television, as most of their learning should be done while playing and interacting with others.

Some screen time may be beneficial for school-going children if it has some educational content. To make TV time more beneficial, she suggests the following: ask your child questions about what is about to happen; turn down the volume when the adverts come on; use the characters from popular TV shows to create stories or draw pictures and question what the characters are doing to encourage your child to form their own opinions or solve problems raised on the show.

Disney Junior has been rated the most popular dedicated preschool channel for the past year. The channel says its programming invites parents to join their children in the experience, while incorporating learning and development themes for children between the ages of two and seven.

Turn off by CHRISTINA CASTLE I was recently making small talk with a doctor. You know, the sort of conversation you have when you have an hour to kill with someone you don’t know from a hole in the ground. We’d done the standard “how many children have you got?”, “how old are they?” and “where are you from?” kind of stuff. Thinking I’d hit the jackpot of small talk, I said, “Hey, did you watch the Olympics?” “We don’t have a TV,” said the sanctimonious little surgeon. Next.

Actually, he wasn’t sanctimonious at all. I was just feeling guilty knowing my boys had just completed a marathon of TV watching on the weekend. So I consulted another medical professional, my walking mate Victoria Mayer, who also happens to be a psychologist, and offloaded my guilt about the boys’ screen habits. While she made me feel much better by reminding me that they also spend many hours each week on sports fields; she suggested a few cons to their watching television.

TV stifles creativity. Children often battle to come up with something completely new in the playground. TV can certainly influence a child’s play. Instead of just creating make-believe characters, stories or settings, they tend to re-enact what they see on the box. Is this why my 12 year old still refers to himself as the wrestling superstar, John Cena, and me as The Undertaker?

South Africa is a co-signee of the Africa Charter on Children’s Broadcasting, which was endorsed in 1997. It states: 1 Children should have programmes of high quality, made specifically for them and which do not exploit them at any stage of the production process. These programmes, in addition to entertaining, should allow children to develop physically, mentally and socially to their fullest potential.

2 While recognising that children’s broadcasting will be funded through various mechanisms including advertising, sponsorship and merchandising, children should be protected from commercial exploitation.

3 While endorsing the child’s right to freedom of expression, thought, conscience and religion, and protection against economic exploitation, children must have equitable access to programmes and, whenever possible, to the production of programmes.

4 Children should hear, see and express themselves, their culture, their language and their life experiences, through the electronic media that affirms their sense of self, community and place.

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December 2012 / January 2013

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It limits language development. Because TV is a visual medium it naturally relies on visuals at the expense of language. This means children may battle to process information without the visual aid they have become so used to on TV. Not good when we expect them to engage and learn in a school environment where there are no cartoon characters to entertain and distract.

TV is addictive. It’s just too easy to turn it on and sit in front of it for hours, as was the case with the boys’ marathon Olympics viewing session: swimming turned into cycling, which turned into archery, and then into gymnastics. Six hours later the rugby was on and they had not moved, except to walk to the fridge.

It eats into the precious time you could use to be doing something else. Don’t let the box detract from time that could be spent playing with friends, training for the Olympics, painting a masterpiece or building a Monopoly empire together.

Violent programmes can affect your child’s behaviour. The American Psychiatric Association indicates that children’s programmes can be 50 to 60 times more violent than prime-time shows for adults, and some cartoons average more than 80 violent acts per hour. Former minister of home affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, speaking at the Film and Publications Board’s national forum earlier this year, said studies show that “without doubt”, exposure to television contributes to aggressive behaviour in children.

TV can lead to obesity. A study of teenagers in the Western Cape by UCT’s Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports found that of the children surveyed, those who watched more than three or four hours of TV a day, had a greater body mass index. Television encourages a more sedentary lifestyle, putting children at risk of obesity and related diseases.

If your children do watch TV, adopt the “everything in moderation” approach.

• Choose programmes that are educational and age appropriate.

• Pre-record a variety of appropriate programmes and have them at the ready.

• Make TV viewing an activity. Watch it with them, interact and discuss what it is you are watching. Cartoon Network celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, an achievement made possible partly because it encourages “mutual viewing”, where parents and children enjoy the network’s classic cartoons and more contemporary animation together, says Alan Musa, vice president and general manager of the Middle East and Africa Pan Region for Turner Broadcasting System. Their shows, while entertaining, also contain a simple message for children of all ages.

• Find alternative activities, such as building blocks or a jigsaw puzzle, that allow your child quiet time and enable you to get on with dinner.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics says there should not be a TV in your child’s room and viewing time should be limited.

• Help children to consider advertisements critically. Explain that they are often there to sell us things we don’t really need. Of the three branded Disney TV channels available in this country, only Disney XD is fully commercial. But, as part of its commitment to improving the health of young viewers, all food advertisements must comply with The Walt Disney Company’s nutritional guidelines. This means children will not be exposed to marketing from companies selling junk food.

• Adhere to the age restrictions on shows and enforce your own if necessary.

You can control which channels your child can access, as well as the language settings.

• Be a role model and limit your viewing time.

5 Children’s programmes should create opportunities for learning and empowerment to promote and support the child’s right to education and development. Children’s programmes should promote an awareness and appreciation of other cultures in parallel with the child’s own cultural background. To facilitate this there should be ongoing research into the child audience, including the child’s needs and wants.

6 Children’s programmes should be wide-ranging in genre and content, but should not include gratuitous scenes and sounds of violence and sex through any audio or visual medium.

7 Children’s programmes should be aired in regular time slots when children are available to listen and view, and/or be distributed via other widely accessible media or technologies.

8 Sufficient resources, technical, financial and other, must be made available to make these programmes to the highest possible standards.

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35

ideas

moment. Bring the small screen alive by tackling a few of these challenges with your family. By ANÉL LEWIS

masterchef

minute to win It

We were all enthralled by MasterChef Australia,

This is your chance to test your family’s skill and patience, using ordinary household items. Many of the challenges look easy; but don’t be deceived.

They often require intense concentration and talent.

Put 10 or so challenges, of varying difficulty, into a jar. Each person takes a turn to choose one, which has to be completed in just 60 seconds. Possible games include “junk in the trunk”: fill an empty tissue box with eight ping-pong balls and attach it to the contestant’s belt. They may only use the movement of their body, not their hands, to throw the balls onto the floor before the 60-seconds buzzer sounds. In “egg roll”, the contestant must roll an egg around a tray to collect several stickers. They may not touch the egg, but the game can continue if the egg drops and does not break. In “Christmas ball”, the game starts with the contestant standing behind a Christmas ornament, holding a gift box. They have 60 seconds to fan the ball, using only the gift box, to a designated end zone. Make sure there is much cheering and excitement as contestants pit their skills to “win it” in only one minute.

and then Durbanite Deena Naidoo walked off with the grand prize in South Africa’s first MasterChef.

I’m sure you watched as the contestants struggled to chop those onions, or identify different spices, in their bid for the title. Now there’s Junior MasterChef, where aspirant young cooks battle it out for gastronomic glory. Why not test your family’s culinary skills with your own version of the show? Include various challenges, such as a blind tasting, or place several herbs on a tray and ask

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hile your children will tell you without any compunction that you are definitely not Smarter than a Fifth Grader, and that you are more likely The Weakest Link, there are plenty of popular game shows that you can play at home with contestants of all ages. All you need are a few household items, a competitive spirit and plenty of enthusiasm.

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December 2012 / January 2013

your family to identify them. Cook a pot of curry or a stew, and get your family to list the ingredients.

Or, better yet, prepare a dish that is missing a vital ingredient and challenge your family to guess what it is. You could also have cook-offs. Set a timed challenge: let the older children compete against each other to see who can make the tastiest pasta or most decadent dessert. The winner gets excused from kitchen chores for the week or gets to eat at a restaurant of their choice.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

get real

Reality TV shows and game shows are all the rage at the

come dine with me

fear factor

Everyone gets a turn to cook a meal for the rest

Okay, so eating cockroaches or grasshoppers is

of the family. At the end of the evening, the meal

probably not going to fly with the family as a fun

is scored out of 10, and the host with the most

holiday activity. But why not give the reality show

points at the end of the week wins. This is a great

a new, slightly more palatable twist by playing

way to take the monotony out of weekday meals.

Fear Factor with different foods? Blindfold each

Perhaps try this one during the holiday, when the

contestant and get them to sample an array of

children will have time to find interesting recipes,

dishes of different textures and tastes. Throw

come up with a menu and send you off to buy

avocado, olive oil and chilli into the mix, to make for

the ingredients. Laying the table and making

an interesting gastronomic challenge. The person

the meal look presentable is also part of the

who can stomach the most taste tests wins.

challenge, so remember to score each other on the whole experience.

noot vir noot wipeout In the television version, contestants tackle a seemingly impossible obstacle course littered with moving targets, balls that show no mercy, and foam and water sprays. Your garden version may not be on quite the same scale, but it can still test your family’s agility and wile. In summer, use your pool as part of the course. Just make sure children are supervised at all times and that only confident swimmers tackle the more difficult challenges. You can use a Lilo, a pool noodle and other items to create interesting challenges.

On terra firma, use garden furniture as obstacles – make them run through, jump over and slide under various objects.

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This game, based on the popular Afrikaans show

idols All the world’s a stage; even if that stage is in your lounge or your garden. Children of all ages will love the opportunity to perform for family and friends. Create an audition area and assign each child a song or musical genre. You can record the performance so that they can listen to or watch themselves sing. Give each child a turn to be a “judge”, where they can make a few comments.

Hopefully there won’t be any budding Randalls in your Idols audition. Everyone can then vote for their favourite performance. Remember to keep it fun and encouraging, so that everyone has the confidence to grab the microphone.

Noot vir Noot, or note for note, can be adapted for children of all ages. Record a selection of music and get your contestants to name the songs. Play the first couple of notes of a song and the first person to shout out the song’s title wins. You can also test your family’s lyrical knowledge. Type out a few lines of a song, omitting key words, and get your children to fill in the blanks. You can also find pictures of popular artists and get them to match the singer to the song.

To download this article, visit childmag.co.za/ content/game-shows

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37

parenting

the true meaning of family There is an enormous need for foster care in our country. It can bring profound joy, but it isn’t for the

t

here is a dire need for foster care in South Africa.

Unicef reports that data from the South African Social Security Agency shows that at least half a million children are in formal, court-ordered foster care. A vast number of children are left vulnerable when orphaned, abandoned, neglected or abused as a result of HIV/Aids.

Foster care is defined as temporary care for children in need with families and in communities. The situation varies from region to region, but the intention with foster care is always to reunite children with their biological parents, when they are willing and able. “Family reunification is the ultimate aim,” says Delene Ritter, regional director of Child Welfare South Africa for the Eastern Cape, Free State and North West. This is perhaps why foster parenting is so

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December 2012 / January 2013

difficult. “You may spend years bonding with the child, giving a lot of yourself emotionally and financially, only to realise that the child could be returned to his or her biological parents,” says Ritter.

Wendy van Biljon, a marketing and admissions officer at an independent girls’ high school in Joburg, can relate.

“Megan came to us as an emergency foster placement when her young mother gave her up for adoption,” says Wendy. “She was two weeks old and weighed just two kilograms.”

According to the law, the biological mother has 60 days in which to change her mind and withdraw her consent for adoption. And she did – on the sixtieth day.

“It felt like someone had ripped my heart out. I was devastated, but my feelings were of no interest to the social

workers at all. They were determined to send the child back to her mother, regardless of the fact that she was unemployed and homeless,” recalls Wendy. It later emerged that the biological mother had no interest in her little girl, and it was her sister who wanted to get custody in order to receive the state grant that is awarded to foster parents.

Wendy and her husband went to court and were awarded a two-year foster order. “My life was hell; every time the phone rang I expected the social worker to tell me she was coming to take Megan away. I can’t have my own children, and my life’s dream was to get married and be a mother,” she says.

“I poured so much into her, loved her so very much; it was an unbearable thought.”

Wendy and her husband eventually adopted Megan and have the pleasure and privilege of watching her grow

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

faint-hearted. Here’s what you need to think about if you’re considering it. By JOANNE LILLIE

and develop every day into a secure and happy little girl.

“It has meant the world to us to make her part of our family legally, and to share every day with her, knowing that we are helping her reach her full potential,” says Wendy.

Despite the intentions of reunification, “the reality is that 99 percent of the time it is a long-term placement, not a temporary one. Most of our children leave their foster homes only to get married,” says Maureen Coetzee, manager of the foster care department of Jo’burg Child Welfare. “In threequarters of the cases handled by us, there are no parents that we know of,” says Coetzee.

properly followed in the first few days after Mary Martha was found, it is proving challenging. The Macmillans, from Cape Town, have four children: Joseph, 20, Hannah, 17, Samuel, 16 (who is adopted), and Mary Martha, seven, who is fostered, awaiting her adoption.

what it takes to be a foster family “It has to be a response from the heart to be successful.

You have to love children, want to help them develop, and do it for the right reasons. You have to have conviction to get through difficult times – when people are unkind

Family reunification is the ultimate aim of foster parenting… but 99 percent of the time it is a long-term placement, not a temporary one.

“A foster child can be adopted when the biological parents are not traceable, are no longer alive, when they voluntarily give up a child or when they don’t rehabilitate,” explains Ritter.

Adoption it’s not always straightforward. The minimum period of fostership before children can be adopted is two years, yet Mary Martha Macmillan has been “in the system” for six years already.

The Macmillans have been trying to adopt her since she joined their family when she was 18 months old.

But, because records are scant and procedures were not

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or when the questions come,” says mom Sheralynne Macmillan. “We love family life; we believe in family. And yet we often come up short.”

Mary Martha has blossomed in the love and security of this family. She is the most gloriously happy, confident little girl. And there is no doubt that she is where she belongs.

“Foster parents are very special people, and most of the time, the children they foster couldn’t be happier,” says Coetzee. “We can tell they have really fitted in when they say ‘my mother this or that’, and we have to ask which mother they are talking about,” Coetzee adds. “When

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parenting

a child truly feels part of the family, is well-balanced and happy, this is when we have succeeded.”

“We are a family in the same way every other family is. We might look different, but we love each other. We believe it and we want our children to feel it,” says dad Duncan. “It takes daily, lifelong positive reinforcement of our family values, and respect for one another. We tell our children constantly that we love them, and that that’s what matters,” says Duncan.

“The external reality of how our family looks fades in comparison to the internal reality of the spirit and attitude and true meaning of family.”

It’s not always easy though. Since Mary Martha started school last year, she’s faced difficult questions about her history. “It’s hard to equip such a young child to respond to those comments,” says Sheralynne. But when asked, Mary Martha simply says: “Yes, I’m adopted.

My family loves me very much and I love them.”

Similarly, Megan Angel van Biljon, aged eight, explains to her classmates: “My other mommy couldn’t look after me, so she asked my mommy and daddy to look after me.”

“That’s just how it is to her,” says Wendy. “Megan accepts it, and actually feels quite special, particularly when we tell her that we chose her.”

“One of the greatest gifts for Joseph and Hannah is that they value people. No matter where they come from or what they look like, they know that all people should be valued and respected. They see beyond outward appearances,” says Sheralynne.

There have been funny moments. When Sheralynne learned to braid Mary Martha’s hair, and when Samuel told Duncan, who cut his sons’ hair, that he didn’t know how to cut his type of hair, and could he go “somewhere proper, please?”

“All our children are the same in our eyes. Our religion shapes our world and we believe we are all children of God. Everyone deserves to be in a family,” says Sheralynne.

consider this Foster parents are blessed by their children in so many ways, but it isn’t an easy path. Here are some of the issues you’ll need to consider: • If there is a living relative, you have to recognise that someone can step forward at any time and claim your foster child. “Think about how this would feel. You need to be emotionally mature; your head may accept this, but the heart can be slower,” says Maureen Coetzee, manager of the foster care department of Jo’burg Child Welfare.

• The greatest need for foster care is for older children. Sadly, they are the most likely to be left to languish in children’s homes. These children may come from extremely difficult circumstances, have experienced trauma, and may be resistant to routine and structure. “A parent needs patience and understanding, and to realise that children may act out instead of verbalising their feelings. You will need to show consistent love to win their trust,” says Port Elizabeth clinical psychologist Gillian van der Riet.

• “There is a greater responsibility and accountability with foster care, more so than with your own children, as you form part of a team that comprises the Children’s Court, social workers, schools, as well as the biological parents,” says Child Welfare’s Delene Ritter.

• These days there’s certainly more acceptance for multicultural families than there was in 1994, but it still isn’t easy. If you foster a child of a different culture to your own, there will be stares and questions. You will need to be prepared for that.

• “Of course, some children rebel, and become unmanageable, much like other children do. They are not immune to the social ills out there. They have the same pressures as other children on top of possible existing feelings of rejection, fear, insecurity and uncertainty,” says Coetzee.

• Building confidence will be your biggest challenge. “We encourage our children to develop and nurture their own strengths – to celebrate their differences and their uniqueness,” says dad Duncan Macmillan.

• Other family members need to buy into your plans. “It was important to us to have the support of each member of the family,” says mom Sheralynne Macmillan.

“Each has his or her own special place in the family, and everyone is unique.”

• You need a support structure – it’s not enough to be a unit, you need extended family support too; people who will welcome your children at weddings, birthdays and family events and see them as your own.

• As a couple, you must be totally and equally committed. “Express your fears and concerns honestly and openly with each other before you go down this road,” suggests Duncan.

• Be sure. “People don’t seem to honour commitments anymore, but this is a lifetime commitment. You can’t change your mind. The most damaging situation for a child is to be passed from one foster home to another,” says Duncan.

• “As our family has grown, the same salary has been spread thinner,” says Sheralynne. “Everyone has to sacrifice a little.”

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q&a how do we apply?

To become a foster parent, contact your local Department of Social Development or organisations such as Child Welfare. Child Welfare South Africa is an umbrella body that represents more than 260 independently owned and run member organisations and agencies around the country. Each one develops its own rules and policies within child-protection laws.

Social workers should make frequent visits with the foster parents, the children, siblings, school teachers, church leaders and others who provide social support.

However, the reality in most provinces is that there are simply far too few social workers for the number of cases – one social worker may have up to 300 cases.

The Macmillans have had two visits from social workers in the last six years, both at their own request. who can be a foster parent?

Anyone who is emotionally and financially stable can apply to foster children, including single people and gay couples. There is a fairly rigorous screening process involving interviews and home visits, where your motives will be explored, your home inspected, your lifestyle assessed, and necessary background, medical, credit and criminal record checks done. You may need to supply testimonials and character references. “It is unlikely that you’ll be able to foster a child at the age of 65, but you do get some very active 50-year-olds, who may be better able to care for a child than a 35-year-old,” says Maureen Coetzee of Jo’burg Child Welfare, who adds that much of the assessment is based on common sense.

But when it comes to accommodation arrangements, strict rules apply: there is no sharing of bedrooms, and foster children must be treated as one of the family.

“It doesn’t matter whether you already have children or not, but if you do we would talk to them, consider their ages, and discuss the impact of fostering on the family. If it’s straightforward, the paperwork can take as little as six weeks,” says Coetzee.

After this assessment, potential foster parents are asked to attend training sessions designed to equip them to deal with legal aspects of foster care and adoption, methods of appropriate discipline, the Children’s Court process, how to handle situations such as sharing visiting rights with biological parents, and so on. where can I find out more?

Department of Social Development: visit dsd.gov.za Joburg: visit jhbchildwelfare.org.za Durban: visit childwelfaredurban.org.za Cape Town: visit helpkids.org.za Pretoria: visit childwelfare.co.za

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cookout When the days get longer and the nights get warmer, there’s nothing better than eating outside around a fire. CHRISTINE PHILLIPS offers

sweet & fruity chicken kebabs Makes about 8 • • • • • • • •

1 red pepper 1 red onion 1 pineapple 2 chicken breasts ½ cup sweet chilli sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil salt and pepper

1 Cut the red pepper, onion, pineapple and chicken into large chunks that are similar in size.

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2 Mix the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl.

3 Toss the chicken chunks into the sauce mixture, making sure they are properly coated.

4 Push the chunks of red pepper, onion, pineapple and chicken onto skewers.

5 Place the skewers under the grill or on the braai until cooked as you like it.

tip:

Soak wooden skewers in hot water before using them to prevent them from burning in the heat before the food is cooked.

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PHOTOGRAPHs / Illustrations: colette baillie / shutterSTOCK.COM

some much-loved recipes that always go down a treat.

toasted sarmies 1 Spread both sides of each slice of bread with butter.

2 Place your choice of filling between two

• Camembert cheese and caramelised onions • Tuna and mayonnaise • Chicken and mayonnaise • Meatballs and chutney

slices of bread.

3 Wrap the sandwich in foil and place it on the braai for three minutes a side.

Filling ideas • Cheese and ham • Goat’s cheese and tomato jam

tip: Don’t use fresh tomatoes when you make the sandwiches in advance, as the bread will become soggy.

Great idea The first night at your camping destination is always loads of work for moms and dads.

Setting up tents and getting settled always takes a while, and the children normally get hungry before parents are ready for dinner. I find these toasted sarmies are wonderful meals for your first night camping, because you can fill them with anything and they only take five to six minutes to make on the braai.

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book extract

mini veggie burgers

4 Blend the mixture with a food processor

This is a great recipe to make with children as they love to get their hands dirty while helping to form the vegetable patties.

5 A dd the remainder of the lentils,

until the chickpeas are broken down.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 410g tin lentils, rinsed and cooked 2 onions 5ml vegetable seasoning 2 teaspoons crushed garlic 1 410g tin chickpeas, rinsed and cooked olive oil 1 egg 3 tablespoons chopped coriander 2 grated carrots 2 grated baby marrows 1 freshly squeezed lemon 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup stale breadcrumbs ½ cup oats plain flour for dusting

1 Cook and drain the lentils.

2 Fry the onions with the vegetable seasoning and garlic until golden brown.

3 Combine the chickpeas, half the lentils, egg, coriander, carrots, baby marrow, fresh lemon juice and cooked onions in a big bowl.

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breadcrumbs and oats. If your mixture is too runny, add more oats.

6 Mix all the ingredients together well, adding salt and pepper to taste.

7 Divide the mixture into small portions and flatten them gently into patties.

8 Toss the patties in flour and place them on a tray.

9 Fry each patty in a little oil for four minutes, or until they are golden brown.

10 Serve in a roll or in mini pitas with tomato sauce, or plain yoghurt and mint.

Chickpeas are a rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium, fibre and protein.

Lentils are low in cholesterol and sodium. Use lentils to make hummus, a healthy dip for veggies.

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all bran & sunflower seed rusks Bake these rusks before you go camping and enjoy them with a cup of tea early in the morning.

• • • • • • • •

500g melted butter 500ml maas or soured milk 15ml vanilla essence 6 cups flour 50ml baking powder 5ml salt 1½ cups sugar 3 cups bran flakes lightly crushed

• 1 cup sunflower seeds • ½ cup linseeds

1 Mix the melted butter, maas or soured milk and vanilla essence together.

2 S ift the flour, baking powder and salt together.

3 Mix all the ingredients together well.

4 Place in two greased baking trays and squash down.

5 Bake at 180°C for 45 minutes.

6 Take out and cut into finger biscuits; put back onto the baking tray.

7 Leave in a slightly opened oven to dry out for three hours at 120°C.

Sunflower seeds can be eaten as they are or toasted. They are used in different kinds of dishes, such as salads or baked goods. They can also replace nuts in most recipes.

about the book Qualified chef, founder of the Little Cooks Club and mom of three, Christine Phillips, created and published the Timeless Family Food Journal to capture some of the precious moments her family has shared in the kitchen. The beautiful book, packed with useful family recipes, also has space for you to make notes, rate your favourite dishes and paste photographs of your family’s special cooking memories.

Christine includes information about the importance of good nutrition and the effect of diet on childhood ailments, home-made baby foods and nutritious snack foods for toddlers, tips for packing healthy, but exciting, lunchboxes and easy meals to cook during the week. She also shares her cupboard must-haves and kitchen tips. This is more than just a cookery book. It’s also a way of creating a culinary legacy that can be passed on to your children, and hopefully theirs too. To order, contact headoffice@littlecooksclub.co.za or visit tffj.co.za. For more about Little Cooks Club, visit littlecooksclub.co.za

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resource

presents from the

heart

As Mother Teresa said, “It’s not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

Child magazine offers a selection of gift concepts that will delight children of all ages.

gifts with wheels

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Speedy heels Whether it is roller shoes or heel skates, your primary-schooler with her bottomless tank of energy will love the extra boost of speed and exhilaration these wheels promise to give.

Crawl, baby Toys that move, roll or slide away from your baby will encourage them to crawl.

A writing desk on wheels Children need a place where they can sit and do their homework. This desk can be moved easily, as and when they decide to redecorate their rooms.

Not just for acrobatic acts A unicycle is a fun alternative to the bicycle, and will improve your child’s core strength and balance.

Boards of all shapes Skateboards, carver boards and snakeboards will be a hit with your older child. Invest in some knee and elbow guards for younger boarders, just in case.

Water wheels Bath toys with wheels, gear wheels and cogs will keep budding engineers entertained.

Books with pop-ups, flaps and tabs These provide a multisensory experience for your child as they discover the world of books.

E-book readers Download books onto your computer tablet or smartphone.

These books are easy to use and give you quick and easy access to a variety of content.

First edition books or collectors’ sets If your child is an avid reader and has a favourite author, he will love this present.

If she has a thirst for interesting facts, then a volume of encyclopaedias will be a welcomed gift.

Journal Get your child a special book or diary where they can record their thoughts, dreams and memories. They can also use the book to start writing their own stories.

Board games Switch off the television and have some old-fashioned fun with traditional board games that involve making words or guessing the names of things.

Priceless Have your child’s name engraved on a piece of jewellery or stationery.

Poster perfect A selection of passages from the classics can be designed to

form an artistic poster for your child’s bedroom wall.

Art space A blackboard or magnetic whiteboard will allow your child to unleash their creativity, while saving the paint on your walls from their artistic scribblings.

Fridge poetry Play with magnetic words or letters to create phrases and sentences. Magnets are only suitable for older children.

gifts that make a noise Musical instruments You can get bongo or djembe drums (skin-covered drum) for children of all ages. Toddlers love tinkering on a xylophone, or any kind of instrument that makes music and noise.

Babies can make their first foray into the world of music with rattles, wooden musical instruments (flutes) and even a tambourine. As children get older, they will try their hand at a keyboard, “electric” guitar and drums. You also get roll-up pianos and keyboards that are compact and easy to carry around.

Harmonica This pocket instrument can be quite costly, but it’s a good investment to buy for a child that shows signs of having musical talent.

gifts with words

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cool cars Cars of all shapes and speeds will be appreciated, but the most popular are those that your child will “rev” and release for hours. They come in various models and sizes.

I want to ride my bicycle A tricycle is likely to be the first mode of real wheels for your toddler as they master the art of peddling.

Then they will move onto a bicycle, balance bike, scooter or electric ride-on.

Construction vehicles Large, plastic construction vehicles are easy for young toddlers to grab and push in the garden.

Wagons These can be used to load toys, wooden blocks and other educational items.

Plush horse on wheels This mobile steed is a step-up from the traditional, stationary rocking horse.

Go fast, go-kart Older children will love to race in a go-kart. Look out for tracks in your area where they can compete safely against friends.

Pram for dolly Children love to mimic, so “playing mommy” with their pram will bring much enjoyment. They’ll probably take their soft toys and dolls around the house and to the shops. Shopping carts are also popular.

Push and pull toys Think wooden or plastic trolleys, wheelbarrows or dogs that can be pulled as if on a leash. Items that respond to a child’s movement will be engaging and will form part of your toddler’s first physical play.

Push bikes Toys with wheels are always a great source of enjoyment and will give your growing child some mobility and independence.

Remote-controlled cars or an electric racetrack These gifts will quickly take over your living area and probably have you wondering when they are going to be packed away, but they will provide hours of fun as the children get competitive and challenge each other to race.

Steering wheels Brightly-coloured steering wheels that imitate the sound of car horns, engines and car radios let your little one make believe they can drive a car, just like you.

Alphabet lettering with a twist Look for letters in different themes, from an African to a rock ’n roll theme, to make learning to read more stimulating. Younger children will enjoy playing with letters that can be stuck onto the wet bathroom wall.

Wooden alphabet blocks can also be used to make up words, as a décor item. magazine joburg

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Microphone If you’ve spotted a budding performer in your midst it wouldn’t hurt (too much) to get them a microphone to practise with.

Music player What preteen doesn’t want an MP3 player? This is great for long road trips.

Singing teddy Toddlers love stuffed toys because they’re soft and warm and are used to cuddle up to at bedtime. Those that are interactive and sing a lullaby as well will be a great comfort.

Toy phone Your children are probably fascinated with your cellphone, so they will enjoy making their own “calls” to imaginary friends on their own device. You can get big, colourful phones for younger children or play-play cellphones for the more discerning child.

Walkie-talkies These provide a nifty way for siblings to communicate, and are definitely a step up from the old tin can variety today’s parents used to make.

Waterproof toys Think toys that float and ones you can squeeze – ideal for the bath and swimming pool.

Wind chimes Your older child may like the ethereal sound of wind chimes and may even want to hang them by their bedroom window, to give their space more atmosphere.

Get musical There are various CDs you can get for children of all ages, from lullabies for babies to nursery rhymes and popular songs for older children. Look out for instrumental rock songs that have been turned into lullabies – it may make those long road trips when the CD is on repeat more enjoyable.

Baby toys that rattle, sing and chime These “musical” companions will have pride of place in the cot, car seat or the pram.

Work toys A pounding bench or noisy hammer set will keep young handymen, and women, occupied for hours.

Dinosaurs and action figures These can squeak when squeezed.

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Noisy books Some have their own sounds – just press and listen, or read with an accompanying CD or computer application.

Shoes that squeak while your child walks They will also help you keep track of your child in a busy public space.

Musical mobiles Hang these above your baby’s cot, or the changing mat, for soothing entertainment.

Clocks that chime Watches that beep make for a fun, useful gift.

Musical instruments for the bath tub The water is used to change the tone and pitch of the instrument. Each one comes with its own plastic-coated music sheets.

Music lessons Let your children develop their musical skills with a skilled teacher.

gifts that keep on giving Quality time Book some bonding time with your child. It could mean a mom-anddaughter pamper session or a dad-and-son trip away together or it could simply involve spending one-on-one time with your child, doing something that interests you both.

This is especially appreciated by children who are accustomed to having to share your attention with a brother or sister.

Start a savings account for your child It will teach them the value of money and how to manage their savings.

Rubik’s cube An old favourite from the eighties that will sharpen your child’s problem-solving skills.

Get your game on Older children will spend hours testing and improving their skills on a foosball or ping-pong table.

Leave a legacy Name a star or a rose after your child, or get them to think up a suitable name.

Monthly reads Take out a magazine subscription for a title that interests your child. You will be giving them a year’s worth of entertainment. Magazines about celebrities or pop culture will appeal to older children. For those who have access to a computer tablet or personal computer, you could organise a digital subscription.

Pets, fluffy or scaled A pet teaches your child responsibility and one of the four-legged variety can become a loyal companion. Just remember that this gift needs constant care and attention. magazine joburg

Start a time capsule Treasure your child’s achievements, art projects, school assignments and other creations.

Work on building a collection with your child It could be stamps, glass bottles, miniature cars, stickers or figurines of popular cartoon characters.

Get arty Visit an art gallery or outdoor exhibition with your child and discuss the paintings and sculptures. Make it an interactive experience by encouraging them to draw their favourite artwork. If you can, buy a piece of art the whole family loves, and that will eventually be passed onto your children.

Give back Get your child to help you collect items you can donate to a charity or an organisation, or spend time volunteering.

Go for gold As an investment gift, buy your child a Krugerrand.

Backyard items Many a summer day will be spent in your garden so equip yourself with pool noodles, bats and balls, swingball sets, tyre swings, blow-up pools (if not the real thing) and a slippery slide.

Camera, a few frames and a scrapbook For an older child it is all about their friends and chronicling the exciting experiences they share. Take it a step further and get them into the habit of developing their favourite photos and creating a keepsake, such as a scrapbook. The frames are for those precious photos that take pride of place on their bedside table or wall.

Children’s gazebo Invest in a shady place in the backyard where your child can have fun with their friends. They’ll love it in the same way they like the forts they build in the lounge, as it provides them with their own hideaway.

Hobby presents We’re thinking a fishing rod and hat; a knit pack of cashmere wool and thick wooden knitting needles; a green finger set – a pretty pot, potting soil, seeds, watering can or an art set comprising a canvas, easel, paints, jars and an apron.

Library card In a time where you can’t get anything for nothing, it is truly a wonder that there is still one place where you can explore new worlds free of charge. Take your child to get a library card and spend some time in the children’s section with them poring over different books, choosing the ones you’re going to take home.

Model aeroplane As you have to get away from the maddening crowds to enjoy

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this gift, a model aeroplane will encourage quality time with your child. The activity could evolve into a serious hobby, and one that may even see you attending model aeroplane flying shows together.

Rag or porcelain doll For many, a doll will be a lifetime companion. Your child will probably give her doll a name and she may talk to, sleep with and even pretend-feed her “friend”.

Wendy house This gift will be great for an older child, as they can enjoy some privacy in their own space, but still be within the safety of home. Let them decorate their house and help you make curtains or furniture.

Tickets Theatre and concert tickets to your child’s favourite band or show will leave a lasting impression.

Things to do Older children will enjoy fun courses, such as cooking, surfing or sushi-making.

Special family holiday You can’t wrap or hide this gift under the tree, but a fun getaway will strengthen family ties and create enduring memories.

All access A membership card or access card to a theme park or activity centre will keep your child entertained all year.

Open doors A solid education will put your children in good stead to pursue their career goals, but it doesn’t come cheaply.

Invest in your child’s future by opening an educational policy or fund.

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In a galaxy far, far away A telescope will open your child’s mind to the possibility of worlds beyond ours and allow them to track shooting stars and planets.

Feel it Older children may enjoy an introduction to a new experience, such as zipline adventure, caving or a ride on a steam train.

Young entrepreneur If your child has an idea for a small business, encourage them to make it happen by offering some startup capital. Also help them to set it up and get them literature on the subject.

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gifts that inspire creativity Dress-up dolls, including a few outfits Girls will love dressing and accessorising their willing “models”.

Costume treasure chest This is another of those gifts that is likely to change hands for a few generations. Fill the chest with a few basic items, so that when they lift the lid they are able to don wings, princess dresses, superhero costumes, cowboy hats, masks and more. Over time, add props such as face paints, wands and crowns, costume jewellery and feather boas.

Finger puppets These can be bought ready-to-use from a toy shop, but it’s more fun to make your own. Gather a few items and make a finger-puppet craft pack. There are various craft websites that can help you with what you need, but the basics are buttons, beads, sequins, different coloured felt, glue and perhaps one or two downloaded patterns for when it’s time to create the puppet.

Inflatable globe You and your child can spend hours discussing countries, continents and oceans. Use stickers to identify places, or use the map to find out more about a place’s culture, traditional dress, food, and climate.

Kits Sets or kits for making cupcakes, sushi, magic or mosaics may spark a new hobby, or a possible career path.

Puzzles From five-piece wooden sets to intricate designs of thousands of pieces, puzzles are a wonderful way of keeping your child busy. It also teaches important skills that will help with reading, maths and problem-solving.

Room refurbishment pack This is a creative way of allowing your older child to redecorate. Wrap a tin of paint in their favourite colour, with a new duvet set, a lamp and perhaps a wall decal. Wall murals are also a fun way to brighten up a room. Get one that charts their growth, or has the alphabet or numbers to add an educational twist.

Make it Let them get creative with modelling clay or playdough. They can also make their own stationery with stamps, different coloured ink pads and stencils. An art table or easel will be popular with children who enjoy crafts and messy play.

Green fingers Children love getting their hands dirty, so show them how to weed and plant seed that will eventually grow into beautiful flowers and plants. A garden set, packets of seeds and a few hours a week will instil a lifelong love of nature.

Let’s pretend Younger children love playing at being grown-up. A play-play vacuum cleaner or ironing board may be the perfect gift. You can get toy ovens and microwaves, cash registers, a doctordoctor set or even a miniature workbench and tool kit.

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stories in stereo The Jungle Book

By Rudyard Kipling (Published by AudioGo, R212,95) Kipling’s tale tells the story of Mowgli, the “man-cub” rescued from the tiger, Shere Khan, and adopted by a wolf pack. As he grows up, Mowgli learns the ways of the jungle from Baloo the Bear, Bagheera the Black Panther and Kaa the Rock Python.

His life is full of adventure, but soon it’s time for him to live with his own people.

The Secret Garden

By Frances Hodgson Burnett (Published by AudioGo, R212,95) When spoilt orphan Mary Lennox is brought back from India to live in her uncle’s house in England, she finds the blunt ways of the staff at Misselthwaite Manor an unpleasant shock. Bored and miserable, it seems as though life will be awful. But Misselthwaite has hidden delights and, when Mary discovers them, nothing is the same again.

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audio books

Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star Narrated by Deryn Edwards (Published by AudioGo, R114,95) A collection of much loved songs and lullabies, including: “All Through the Night”, “Brahms’s Lullaby”, “Frère Jacques”, “Hush Little Baby”, “Incy Wincy Spider”, “Sleep Baby Sleep”, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star” , “Baa Baa Black Sheep”, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”, “Little Bo Peep”, “Scarborough Fair”, “Lulla Lulla Lullaby” and “Now the Day is Over”.

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat and other nonsense rhymes

By Edward Lear (Published by AudioGo, R114,95) The poems and limericks are: “The Daddy Long-Legs”, “The Fly, The Owl and the Pussy-Cat”, “The Duck and the Kangaroo”, “The Table and the Chair”, “The Broom, the Shovel, the Poker and the Tongs”, “Mr and Mrs Discobbolos”, “The Nutcrackers and the Sugar Tongs”, “The Two Old Bachelors”, “The Pobble Who Has No Toes”, “The Jumblies” and many more.

The Railway Children

By E. Nesbit (Published by AudioGo, R212,95) Roberta, Peter and Phyllis lead an ordinary life with their parents. But, when their father is mysteriously taken away one night, everything changes. The children must move to the country, to a little white cottage near the railway line, where they find that there are plenty of adventures to be had. One mystery remains: what has happened to Father, and will he come back? (The AudioGo titles are available from all good bookshops and The Listeners’ Library: visit the listenerslibrary.co.za.)

Storytime Africa Volume 1, 2 and 3 (Published by Storytime Africa, R75 each) These audio books comprise three separate CD volumes of original, funny animal stories. There are five different African animal stories per volume; stories that will whisk you away into a world of fun and imagination, where anything is possible, and will probably get you thinking differently. Each story is introduced by a short song and read by the author, John Bush, with a delightful backdrop of music and sound effects. Volume 1 brings you “The Warthog’s Tail”, “The Giraffe who got in a knot” and Hello Tortoise”. On Volume 2 are the ever popular “Hello Hippo” and “The Baboon who went to the Moon”. Volume 3 will entertain with “Hoppy Christmas”, “The Fish who could Wish” and “King Baboon’s New Year Party”. To order, email funtasee@ cybersmart.co.za

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books

a good read for toddlers Christopher’s Caterpillars

By Charlotte Middleton

(Published by Oxford University Press, R57) Christopher Nibble and his friend Posie catch six caterpillars eating all their prizewinning dandelions. Not wanting to hurt them, they decide to keep the six hairy creatures as pets.

They carefully look after them but, one day, the caterpillars disappear. Our gardening guinea pigs become the detectives of Dandeville and with the help of Mr Rosetti, they solve their minibeast mystery in this bright and beautiful tale. This book about caterpillars turning into butterflies is a fun way to explain metamorphosis to young children. The mixed media illustrations will inspire further exploration and creative experimentation after reading the story.

My Grandpa

By Marta Altés

ial a spec nship relatio

(Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R170) This is a stunning picture book debut by exciting new writing and illustrating talent, Marta Altés, for children from the age of two. It deals with the very special relationship between an elderly grandfather and his adoring grandson, offering a unique look at old age through the poignant and beautifully observed experiences of a young bear. “My grandpa is getting old… sometimes he feels alone. But then I come along! When he is with me he smiles. When I am with him, I can fly!” As the pair goes on adventures together, their love for each other grows. This is an excellent gift for a granddad to give to a beloved grandchild.

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The Scariest Thing of All

By Debi Gliori

First Fairy Tales – Snow White, Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Published by Tucker Slingsby Ltd, R45 each) These are the perfect books for little hands to hold, “read” and love. The padded covers and hardboard pages make it easy for small fingers to navigate and the classic stories are told in simple, rhyming text, which is the perfect way to introduce very young children to fairy tales. Big, bright and bold illustrations accompany the stories and there are characters – a butterfly, a little black bird and two little mice – in each book to encourage your toddler to count how often they appear in the story. Why not get the whole series as a gift for aspiring small readers?

(Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, R103) Everything about Pip is small, except the list of things he is scared of, which is enormous. Even his family is not sure how to help him overcome his anxieties. One day, Pip finds himself alone in the dark woods and everything gets just about as bad as it can. This little rabbit finally has to face his fears. In so doing, of course, he realises that nothing is as big, bad or terrifying as it first appears, and he soon discovers that the “scariest thing of all” isn’t quite as scary as he had imagined. The Independent on Sunday has described this stunningly illustrated book as “an instant childhood classic” and the Guardian called it “a brilliant gem of a book”.

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for toddlers

for preschoolers Nursery Rhymes & Verse from Africa Reworked and illustrated

by Liz Mills

Babies Don’t Bite

By David Bedford and Tor Freeman (Published by Hodder Children’s Books, R151) Count from one to 10 with Hegley as he discovers adorable farmyard babies just waiting for fun. Hegley is excited to hear that his mom is expecting a baby, until his farmyard friends tell him that babies pull tails and bite. But Hegley soon realises that the best thing about babies is they love big brothers and sisters to bits. Bestselling author David Bedford perfectly captures the anticipation and worries of a new baby with his warm style, making this the perfect book to give to a very young child in preparation for a new baby brother or sister.

Tor Freeman’s illustrations are absolutely adorable, creating a cosy atmosphere for a story about families and love.

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(Published by Struik Lifestyle, R90) This delightful book follows on the continuing popularity of African Nursery Rhymes, which has been reprinted almost every year since it appeared in 2006. Nursery rhymes form an essential part of children’s development, teaching them rhythm and rhyme, and word skills, while improving their memory. Liz’s colourful and often humorous illustrations and word imagery will capture the imagination and make reading an activity that children, and their parents or carers, look forward to at bedtime or any other time of the day.

african rhythm

Peppa Pig – The Official Annual 2013 and The Official Lego Annual 2013 Peppa Pig Annual: based on the TV series created by Neville Astley and Mark Baker (Published by Ladybird Books Ltd, R123 and R108) The Peppa Pig Annual is based on the number one award-winning preschool children’s TV show and is full of piggy tales, puzzles, games and activities, and lots of stickers. With so much piggy fun to keep Peppa Pig and George fans happy for hours, it’s a preschooler’s favourite Christmas present, stocking filler and birthday present for the year. The Official Lego Annual is bursting with brilliant games and activities about the popular Lego ranges. With Lego bricks and minifigures to build and play with, this is the perfect Christmas gift.

The Peppa Pig annual is recommended for children from the age of two and the Lego annual should suit children from the age of five.

Creativity Fun – Kitchen

By Emmanuelle Teyras (Published by Silver Dolphin, R134) This book for children from the age of six has 72 pages of activities for hours of colourful and creative fun. Children can colour in, do collage, draw, doodle, decorate and write.

There are also more than 200 stickers and 16 pages of paper cut-outs. The pages are sturdy enough to use crayons, paint, markers, white correction pens, glue, pencils, pens and felt-tip pens. The theme of the book is “the kitchen” and children get the opportunity to play fashion designer with stickers of food – they can dress the cut-out dolls in a banana skirt, decorate an entire kitchen in their own colour scheme, brand and colour their own packaging, create fruit pies, finish drawings of all kinds of food stuff and decorate a birthday cake.

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for preschoolers Yes Kids Bible Stories about Prayer, The Yes Kids Bible Activity & Prayer Book and The Yes Kids Bible Colouring Book

By Ewald van Rensburg and Lilani Brits (Published by Christian Media Publishing Kids, R15, R12,50 and R12,50) This colourful, illustrated Bible story series has been created especially for children between the ages of three and seven. A prayer and a lesson with a Christian value accompany each story. It has also been compiled with your child’s developmental phases in mind, so it helps with faith building, vocabulary, as well as reading skills and emotional development. Get all the books in the series, Jesus, Greatness, Obedience and Love, and build an entire illustrated Bible for your child. The two craft books are full of creative fun with Bible-related themes and stories. Children can have hours of fun finding differences, connecting dots and numbers and finishing picture stories.

for early graders Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Goes Aboard and Pippi in the South Seas

By Astrid Lindgren and Tony Ross (Published by Oxford University Press, R57 each) A new generation of readers can get to know this eccentric character within these books, with their funky new covers. In the first book, children are introduced to Pippi who lives in a house with a horse, a monkey, a suitcase full of gold and no grown-ups to tell her what to do. She’s wild and funny and her crazy ideas are always getting her into trouble. In Pippi Goes Abroad, our heroine and her friends, Tommy and Annika, go to the circus where they buy nice things and later get shipwrecked. Pippi’s long-lost father is also coming to visit, but will she abandon her friends and set sail with him?

In the third book the trio are off on a great adventure to the Canny Canny Islands, where Pippi’s father is king. They explore secret caves, play marbles with pearls and luckily the pirates and sharks they meet are no match for Pippi.

making a comeb ack

Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat

By Ursula Moray Williams and Catherine Rayner (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R154) Reissued for its 70 th anniversary, this classic tale has been loved by generations of children and is perfect for reading aloud. No one could mistake Gobbolino, with his sparky whiskers and magic tricks, for a simple kitchen cat, but that’s just what this witch’s kitten wants to be. Instead of learning how to turn mice into toads for the witch’s brew, Gobbolino sets out on an adventure to find a family and a home of his own. This classic tale is the perfect gift for a young book lover, and one that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Adventure Trails in Kirstenbosch

By Daphne Mackie (Published by Random House Struik, R95) These five imaginative trails capture the magic of nature within Kirstenbosch, South Africa’s best-known and muchloved botanical garden. Eager young adventurers will have hours of fun discovering prehistoric gems, enchanted forests, secret gardens, mysterious mirror pools and much more. Each beautifully illustrated route is packed with information. There are striking and majestic trees, abundant flowers, birds, insects, animals and snippets from history, as well as descriptions of the best places to play and relax. Follow the nifty companion’s maps and directions, and slip off on the garden’s secret pathways.

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for early graders The Big Fat South African Kiddies’ Joke Book (Published by Zebra Press, R120) This is a truly home-grown book for children of all ages, with jokes they can relate to. There are knock-knock jokes, one-liners and oldtime classics, short jokes, longer jokes, stupid questions and silly answers. There are animals that can talk, children who outfox grown-ups, jokes about teachers and pupils, sport and computers, the precious (and hilarious) things children say, and much more that will make you laugh out loud, whether you are seven or 70. Some examples of one-line jokes: “How do you greet a frog? Wart’s up.” “What does an elephant do when he stubs his toes? He calls the toe truck.” Popular knock-knock jokes include: “Knock, knock!

Who’s there? Figs. Figs, who? Figs the doorbell, it’s broken.” Or, “knock, knock! Who’s there? Boo. Boo who? Well, you don’t have to cry about it.” With fun riddles, and quirky illustrations, this 214-page book will supply hours of laughter and fun.

for preteens and teens Star Wars – The Complete Visual Dictionary

By David West Reynolds, James Luceno and Ryder Windham

Dodger

By Terry Pratchett (Published by Random House Struik, R295) This is a terrifically funny tale of dark deeds in Dickensian London, from master storyteller Terry Pratchett. Dodger is a 17-year-old tosher – a sewer scavenger living in the squalor of the city. He is a cheeky but good-hearted orphan who knows how to survive on the streets of London. Everyone who is nobody knows Dodger. Anyone who is anybody doesn’t.

But when he rescues a young girl from a beating, suddenly everybody wants to know him. So Dodger’s tale of skulduggery, dark plans and even darker deeds begins.

Dodger is recommended for children from the age of 12.

(Published by Dorling Kindersley Publishers, R358) This invaluable volume brings all four Star Wars Visual Dictionaries together, with a tantalising selection of unique material.

Revenge of the Sith is now explored in even greater detail, with additional pages on Utapau, Mustafar, Order 66 and clone battle tanks. Coverage of the original trilogy is also expanded with overviews of the Rebel Alliance, Imperial personnel, the Sarlacc, R2-D2 and the Cantina crowd.

The authors worked closely with Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Music to research this unique reference book. The result is a fascinating visual gallery of the characters and creatures of the entire Star Wars saga.

Top 10 of Everything 2013

By Caroline Ash

boost your general knowledge

(Published by Hamlyn, R230) There are a lot of books on the market that can tell you who is number one, but what about how big the margin is between first and second place or where does fifth come in? Was number 10 really that far off the mark? Top 10 of Everything 2013 answers these questions and many, many more, with brand-new and updated lists and over 7 000 of the most intriguing facts about history, science, sports, music, movies, nature, people and places. And as if that wasn’t enough to quench your thirst for knowledge, this fascinating full-colour book also includes feature spreads that are packed with insightful information and additional lists that really give you the low-down on your favourite records.

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for preteens and teens I Capture the Castle and The Wind in the Willows

By Dodie Smith and Kenneth Grahame

Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian

By Eoin Colfer (Published by Puffin Books, R140) Is this Armageddon for Artemis Fowl? In The Last Guardian, Opal Koboi, a powercrazed pixie, is plotting to exterminate mankind and become fairy queen. If she succeeds, the spirits of long-dead fairy warriors will rise from the earth, inhabit the nearest available bodies and wreak mass destruction. But what happens if those nearest bodies include crows, or deer, or badgers – or two curious little boys by the names of Myles and Beckett Fowl? Yes, it’s true. Criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl’s four-year-old brothers could be involved in destroying the human race. Can Artemis and Captain Holly Short stop Opal and prevent the end of the world? This is the eighth and final book in this very popular series for children from the age of 10.

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(Published by Random House Struik, R125 and R90) Random House Struik has released a series of vintage classics, with new covers for the next generation. Included are these two well-known titles. I Capture the Castle is a must-read for children from the age of 12. It’s the diary of Cassandra Mortmain, which tells of her extraordinary family and their crumbling castle home. The Wind in the Willows is recommended for children from the age of eight and they can follow Mole, Badger and Rat on their adventures in the Wild Wood and on the road. Other books in the series include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Secret Garden and Treasure Island.

for us Us and Them

By Rosemund J Handler (Published by Penguin Books, R170) Starting out in a Lithuanian shtetl, but set thereafter in Cape Town, Rosemund Haden’s Us and Them encompasses three generations in the life of a Jewish family. It’s a compelling story of family conflict that explores the effect of religious superstition passed on to successive generations and it reveals how, even if consciously rejected, it is nearly impossible to escape the consequences of life’s early influences. The third generation twin daughters are undeniably damaged. Although each reacts in her own way, their closeness as twins means that what is imposed on them by their mother during their childhood and adolescence, will be a shared experience in a way no-one could have foretold.

Scrumptious – Food for Family and Friends

By Jane-Anne Hobbs (Published by Struik Lifestyle, R260) Creating memorable dishes for family and friends is one of life’s great pleasures: how better to celebrate life and love than to gather at a happy table laden with scrumptious home-cooked food? You don’t need to inspiration be an expert cook to produce heart-warming dishes in the full of flavour. All that’s required is passion, patience kitchen and smart preparation well in advance. Jane-Anne Hobbs has created over 90 original, triple-tested recipes designed to take the fuss out of home entertaining and bring smiles to the faces of the people you love. Whether you’re planning a relaxed get-together over a homely dish of soup, stew or salad, or a lavish spread with all the bells and whistles, you’ll find plenty of inspiring new ideas here, plus top tips for planning and preparing a meal to remember.

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parenting book Free Wheeling – Southern Africa’s best multi-day MTB trails

By Fiona McIntosh

My Life with Leopards – Graham Cooke’s Story

By Fransje van Riel

(Published by Sunbird Publishing, R166) From short, easy, one-night escapes suitable for the whole family, to hard-core mountain adventures that will test even the most experienced, competitive racers, the 34 trails of southern Africa’s best multiday trails and wilderness journeys featured in this book cover the full spectrum of mountain bike tours on offer locally and in neighbouring countries. A guide and support vehicle accompanies most of the tours, meaning that someone else takes care of the logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the best that mountain biking offers. Whether you want to ride with big game, along empty beaches, through verdant forest or across barren deserts, you’ll find a trail that suits you, and there are also some specialist trails aimed at birders, gourmands and culture vultures.

(Published by Penguin Books, R220) When two six-week-old leopard cubs born in captivity in Zimbabwe arrive at the Londolozi private game reserve in South Africa, 22-year-old game ranger Graham Cooke is assigned to take care of them. His first task is to gain the cubs’ trust before he begins to guide them towards their release into the wild where they can assume their role as Africa’s most efficient predators. But, over time, both cubs come to recognise him as their protector and friend, and he forms a unique bond with the young leopards.

When the cubs are relocated to the Zambian wilderness, Graham has to face the hardest task of all: to let go of the young charges he has become devoted to so that they can return to an existence where he will be unable to control their fate.

Held Up

By Christopher Radmann (Published by Headline Review, R175) Paul is a contented man; his life is cruising along just fine and his family means everything to him. But then he picks up his new BMW and, while waiting at a traffic light, someone taps on his window with the barrel of a handgun. He’s dragged out and his abductor drives off in his car. It’s an everyday carjacking; except that his nine-month-old daughter is in the back seat.

As a pacifist, Paul is reluctant to carry a gun, but as he begins the search for his child he uncovers a criminal gang involved in people trafficking and discovers in himself a capacity for violence. Moving from the enclaves of Joburg’s northern suburbs to the throbbing heart of Soweto’s informal settlements, Paul is forced to confront the changing political and social landscape of the new South Africa, questioning his own values as his perfect life crumbles around him.

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Recognising Postnatal Depression – A Handbook for Mothers

By Paula Levin, Zahava Aarons and Andy Taub-Da Costa (Published by Penguin Books, R190) Having a baby is hard for everyone, and for some women it’s a hellish experience.

The journey to motherhood is sometimes clouded with unrealistic expectations and society’s unfair judgement of any woman who isn’t immediately blissfully happy with her new baby. This title is for anyone who is struggling or has struggled on that journey. It offers hope, support and comfort and a clear path out of what may feel like a bewildering or overwhelming situation. Cowritten by a medical doctor, a clinical psychologist and their patient, who is a writer, each author contributes her own personal experience and expertise.

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calendar

what’s on in december and january

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

Find out what’s happening in and around your city.

Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

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special events

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FUN for children

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only for parents

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bump, baby & tot in tow

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how to help

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SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Emperor’s Aqua Splash Pack your swimming costume for an active holiday programme.

Stand-up Chameleon Barry Hilton has been constantly updating his material and evolving with the times over the past three decades.

Garden safari Armed with a magnifying glass, binoculars and keen eyes, discover the interesting world that exists in your garden.

Donate your old newspapers Lory Park is always in need of old newspapers and other items for the zoo.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Carols at Nelson Mandela Square Enjoy traditional carols and performances by some of our best local acts.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

december 2012

1 December – Energizer Night Race

1 saturday Carols in the Piazza Get a dose of Christmas cheer from the Bishop Bavin school choir. Time: 6pm–8pm. Venue: Bedford Centre, cnr Smith Rd and Van de Linde Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: free. Contact: 011 622 1840 or visit bedfordcentre.com Energizer Night Race Be sure to wear a head lamp, and add a few glow sticks just to be safe. There is plenty of space for family and friends to enjoy a picnic and listen to the live entertainment as they wait for you to complete the fun walk or trail run. Time: registration 2pm–6pm, the race starts at 7pm. Venue: Central Park Mountain Biking Trails, Modderfontein.

Cost: R50–R250. Contact: 033 386 0815 or visit nightrace.co.za Festivities at Ngwenya Glass Take the children to meet Father Christmas, build a tower, design a piece of clothing and sing during the carols by candlelight.

Time: 11am; carols at 7pm. Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr and R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: varies. Contact: 083 611 4350 or info@ jocksstudio.co.za First Lego League national tournament Cheer on the teams that made it through the regional competitions and are now strategizing, designing, building, programming and testing an autonomous robot using Lego Mindstorms technology. Time: 9:30am–4:30pm. Venue: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, cnr Miriam Makeba St and President St, Newtown.

Cost: adults R20, children R10. Contact Michael: 011 639 8490, michaele@scibono.co.za or visit fllsa.org Frogs at night Children love this nocturnal event, which has them searching for frogs and tadpoles. Take a picnic, torch and possibly a raincoat. Booking essential.

Time: 6pm–8pm. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Ave and Argent Ave, Roodepoort.

Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact Karin: 011 674 2980, 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

2 sunday Carols at Nelson Mandela Square Enjoy a mixture of traditional carols and performances by some of South Africa’s best known bands. Sing-along to your favourite Freddie Mercury songs to commemorate World Aids Day. Time: 5pm. Venue: Nelson Mandela Square, cnr Rivonia Rd and 5th St, Sandton Central.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 217 6000 or visit nelsonmandelasquare.com Insect adventure Join entomologist Bernice Aspoas for a walk around the reserve looking for the critters that are often overlooked. Time: 9am–11am.

Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Ave and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact Karin: 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za Lonehill Carols by Candlelight Bring your festive cheer to the park and sing to all your favourite Christmas carols.

Time: 4pm–8pm. Venue: Lonehill Park,

1 sat

Kids like 2 bike A fun cycle event for young children where the adults are able to walk or run alongside their children. For children 2–12 years old. Time: registration 7:30am, race starts 8:30am. Venue: The Other Side Restaurant, Monaghan Farm, Lanseria. Cost: R100. Contact Kirsty: 083 326 6721, kirsty@like2bike.co.za or visit like2bike.co.za

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your next menu with their mouthwatering bites, while stalls of boutique suppliers help you with supplies. Ends 9 December. Time: 12pm–9pm, Friday–Saturday; 12pm–6pm, Sunday. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, Northriding. Cost: from R80. For more info: visit tasteofchristmas.co.za

8 saturday

2 December – My Suite Hyatt

Calderwood Dr, Lonehill. Cost: adults R50, children R20. Contact Shelley: 082 560 1090, shellmil@mweb.co.za or visit lonehill.info My Suite Hyatt Enjoy a delectable Sunday lunch while your children suit up and shape up under the watchful eye of the Hyatt management team. They will be taken through a fun educational afternoon of hotel training, cooking lessons and delicious food. For children 6–12 years old. Time: 12pm–1:30pm.

Venue: Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, 191 Oxford Rd, Rosebank. Cost: adults R280, children R250. Contact Valentina: 011 280 1172 or valentina.marmouget@ hyatt.com Run of the Roses A 3km or 8km petal power eco-run between the rose fields of Ludwig’s. Proceeds from the event are donated to the Susan Strijdom Huis. Time: 8am. Venue: Ludwig’s Roses, Wallmansthall.

Cost: 8km R60, 3km adults R40, children R35 (includes a meal voucher). Contact Anna-Marie: 082 954 9628, babas@wol. co.za or visit enteronline.co.za

5 wednesday Carols in the zoo Compete with the roar of the lion and howl of the jackal as you welcome in the festive season with a couple of your favourite carols. All ages.

Time: 6pm. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R58, children R36. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

7 friday Carols at Garden World Join Garden World for their annual Carols by Candlelight evening hosted by MC LynnDi, and featuring the Gauteng SAPS Band as well as Villa Rosa’s actors and artists from the West Rand. You are welcome to take a picnic basket or buy snacks from the tea garden that remains open until late.

Cansa’s Mobile Health Unit is available for those who would like to have a screening.

Time: 6:30pm–9pm. Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: free, donations for Cansa are welcome. Contact Corné or Magriet: 011 957 2545, 083 997 6142 or visit gardenworld.co.za Pick n Pay Taste of Christmas Celebrate the flavours of the festive season with plenty of food and drink, homeware, fashion, accessories and other goodies.

The city’s top restaurants can only inspire

Birdbrains Bird expert Geoff Lockwood takes children out to spot the early birds in the garden. For children 6–13 years old. Time: 7am–10:30am. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, Muldersdrift.

Cost: R55 per child; breakfast snack pack R25. Contact David: 082 553 0598, info@ rhn.co.za or visit rhn.co.za Fun frog walk Set off on a nocturnal adventure in search of the night-time troubadours: frogs. Booking essential.

Time: 6pm. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: members: adults R30, children R15; non-members adults and children R60. Contact Karen: botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za Stargazing our summer sky Join Vincent Nettmann for a basic introduction to astronomy and discover a few amazing facts about the life cycles of the stars. Take a pair of binoculars to participate in the laser-guided sky tour. For children 4 years and older. Time: 5pm. Venue: Maropeng, The Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein.

Cost: adults R190, children R90 (includes dinner and the presentation). Contact: 014 577 9000, childmag@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za

BSG Triseries Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned professional, the whole family can head outdoors and swim, run and cycle their way to the finish line. Be sure to catch your Olympic heroes who are competing in the Elite race. For children 5–15 years old. Time: main series registration 6am, race starts 8am; Kids’ Series registration 7:30am, race starts 10am. Venue: Emerald Casino, Vanderbijlpark.

Cost: R105. To register and for more info: visit bsgmultisport.co.za

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10 December – Garden Safari

The Gerber Gear Mud Run Conquer the 12km (18 years or older), 5km (12 years or older) or 2km (4–12 years old) trail run with various obstacles to get you down and dirty. Come face to face with The Zombie Apocalypse, scurry through Snipers Alley, and get close to nature with the tunnel crawls. Enter at Trappers Trading Stores in Fourways, Northgate or Boksburg. Space is limited. Time: 7:30am. Venue: Avianto Clubhouse, Muldersdrift. Cost: adults from R250, children R80. For more info: visit ilumin8events.com

9 sunday Artisan bread and pizza making Moms can spend a relaxing day learning the art of traditional sourdough breadbaking, while children make their own sourdough pizzas. The day ends with lunch and a glass of wine in the garden. Time: 12pm–4pm. Venue: LiveMacro Whole Foods Wellness Centre, 126A Runnymead Ave, Chartwell Country Estate. Cost: adults R499, one child free, extra children R75 each. Contact: 011 691 9946, 082 906 0462 or info@livemacro.co.za Zoo trot Whether you run to improve your health, or simply to socialise, the fun 5km or 10km Zoo Trot is a great way to start your Sunday. For every third consecutive trot you take part in, you receive a special Zoo Trot medal. Time: 7am. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: R40. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

10 monday Garden safari Armed with magnifying glasses, binoculars, and keen eyes, children go on a safari to discover a world that exists

in our gardens. Space is limited. 10 and 12 December: for children 5 years and older; 18 December: for moms and toddlers 18 months–3 years. Time: 8:30am–12pm, Monday and Wednesday; 10am–11:30am, Tuesday.

Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, Muldersdrift. Cost: R50 per child (excludes refreshments).

Contact David: 082 553 0598, info@rhn. co.za or visit rhn.co.za

11 tuesday Making Christmas decorations Make a variety of beautiful Christmas decorations inspired by nature. Cost includes three different decorations. For children 4 years and older. Children 4–6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Also 19 December.

Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, Muldersdrift.

Cost: R100 per child, includes refreshments and items made. Contact David: 082 553 0598, info@rhn.co.za or visit rhn.co.za

12 wednesday A visit from Santa Take picnic snacks to enjoy in the library and later meet Santa Claus. Time: 10am–11am. Venue: Weltevreden Library, cnr Moss Rd and Fern St, Weltevreden Park. Cost: free. Contact Gwyneth: 011 679 3406 or gwynethp@ joburg.org.za Chanukah celebrations Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights with Rabbi Pini Pink from Chabad House as he makes menorahs and demonstrates the making of olive oil, which has significance for the festival and within Jewish history. The event is all about educating children on the symbols of this religious festival. Time: 1pm. Venue: Killarney Mall, Cinema Court, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 4657 or visit killarneymall.co.za Tricky Trevor’s magic show A comedy magic show for children 4–10 years old.

Space is limited. Time: 3pm–4pm. Venue: Linden Library, cnr 4th Ave and 6th St, Linden. Cost: free. Contact Wendy: 011 888 5685 or wendypo@joburg.org.za

13 thursday

12 December – Chanukah celebrations

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Card and giftwrap creations Make your own Christmas cards, tags and giftwrap. Wear old clothes or take an apron.

For children 4 years and older. Children 4–6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Also 17 December. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, Muldersdrift. Cost: magazine joburg

Teddy Bear Extravaganza Collectors and bear makers are displaying their Christmas-themed teddy bears and other plush toys. There are teddy bear-themed gifts and more available. Time: 9:30am–1pm. Venue: Hall 5, Edenvale Community Centre, cnr Van Riebeeck Ave and 2nd St. Cost: free. Contact: 011 828 7901 or info@vaharper.co.za

15 sat

R100, includes refreshments and items made. Contact David: 082 553 0598, info@rhn.co.za or visit rhn.co.za

14 friday Mosaic and mixed-media workshop A colourful workshop for absolute beginners. Children older than 11 years can take part in the more technical mixedmedia workshop. For children 6 years and older. Also 15 December. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, Muldersdrift. Cost: mixed-media project R160, mosaic R90 (includes refreshments and materials).

Contact David: 082 553 0598 or info@rhn. co.za or visit rhn.co.za

15 saturday Bird walk Take a pair of binoculars along to spot a fine-feathered friend. The botanical garden is a popular birding spot so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. Time: 6am. Venue: meet at the main entrance to Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: members adults R30, children R15; nonmembers adults and children R60. Contact Karen: botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za

16 sunday Gerard Sekoto Youth Festival This festival, dedicated to the late artist, encourages young people to explore their creativity by taking part in painting, creating Christmas cards and jewellery, and enjoying the informative films on various artists.

Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Johannesburg Art Gallery, King George St, Joubert Park, Joburg CBD. Cost: free. Contact Moshe: 011 725 3130 or visit joburgculture.co.za/ museums-galleries/jag Wobbles and Wigglers hat race A fun 8km race in memory of the late Ginger Watters, the former club runner who instigated this race, with prizes for the best headgear. Proceeds from the race go to Marang House, a nonprofit organisation that provides medical care to ill children.

Time: 8am. Venue: Pirates Club, Braeside Rd, Greenside. Cost: adults R36, children and dogs R26. Contact Tracey: 078 532 7440 or visit entrytime.com magazine joburg

20 thursday Evening Encounters Visit the zoo at night and experience its active nightlife.

The sunset, moonlight and night tours include a bonfire and refreshments.

Booking essential. Time: 4pm–9pm.

Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: from R75. Contact Lebo: 011 646 2000 ext 216, lebo.moalusi@ jhbzoo.org.za or visit jhbzoo.org.za

21 friday Smudge Christmas party Enjoy glorious party packs, yummy food, fun stories, face painting and Father Christmas activities.

Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Smudge, shop 21A, Valley Centre, 396 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park. Cost: R120 per child for the first hour; R60 for every hour thereafter (inclusive of all art materials). Contact: 011 501 0234, sandra@smudgeart.co.za or visit smudgeart.co.za

31 monday New Year’s Eve sky lantern offering The Buddhist temple is conducting a ceremony in the main temple to welcome in the New Year with a fireworks show and the release of lanterns.

Time: lanterns 10pm; fireworks midnight.

Venue: Nan Hua Temple, 27 Nan Hua Rd, Cultura Park, Bronkhorstspruit.

Cost: free entry, lanterns vary. Contact: 013 931 0009, info@nanhua.co.za or nanhuatemple.org

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classes, talks and workshops

12 saturday Fly by night Join the Bat Interest Group for a presentation and walk looking for bats.

Please bring a torch and warm clothes.

Time: 4:30pm–8:30pm. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Rd and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact Karin: 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

26 saturday A Miniature Showcase View the doll houses and miniature accessories on display. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Parkhurst Recreation Centre Hall, cnr 13th St and 5th Ave, Parkhurst. Cost: free, donations to Cerebral Palsy SA welcome. Contact: 011 787 2340 or miniatures@telkomsa.net Bush food and drink A guided walk where you can pick and taste various edible fruits, collect leaves for tea, coffee beans, and fruit for mampoer. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Rd and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R60, children R30. Contact Karin: 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

27 sunday Farm to Table Brunch Spend the afternoon in the countryside enjoying a unique farm-to-table brunch on a working

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10–22 December – Crafty Corner Festive Holiday Club

vegetable farm. Children are treated to a picnic and are entertained with pony rides, face painting and other activities.

Time: 11am. Venue: Rem Portion 17, farm 534, Pine Valley Rd, Nooitgedacht. Cost: adults R300, children aged 2–12 years R80. Contact Hazel: 087 310 3888 or underground@theforum.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Artists under the Sun Artists display their masterpieces, made in different mediums.

1 and 2 December; 5 and 6 January. Time: 9am– 4:30pm. Venue: Zoo Lake, cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Westwold Way, Saxonwold.

Cost: free. Contact Val: 083 470 1998 or visit artistsunderthesun.co.za

Crawford Schools Art Exhibition A variety of artwork from the Crawford Sandton Preprimary, Preparatory and College is on display. 30 November– 2 December. Time: 9am–5pm, Friday– Saturday; 9am–1pm, Sunday. Venue: Killarney Mall, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 4657 or visit killarneymall.co.za The French Collection Works of art from the romantic artists, impressionists and post-impressionists from 18th, 19th and 20th century France are on display. See Claude Monet, Jean-Francois Millet, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and many more.

Ends 3 March. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Johannesburg Art Gallery, King George St, Joubert Park. Cost: free. Contact: 011 725 3130, tinym@joburg.org.za or visit joburgculture.co.za/museums-galleries/jag

Baking buddies Discover how to bake, make and decorate various sweet treats from cake lollipops, marshmallow teacups and coconut ice to rainbow cupcakes, chocolate treats, cookies, gingerbread and more. 11, 13–15, 18, 20 and 21 December.

Time: 2pm–4pm. Venue: Ladybird Corner.

Cost: R120. Contact Hope: 011 485 3057, info@ladybirdcorner.co.za or visit ladybirdcorner.co.za Become a culinary whizz These holiday cooking classes have children creating cakes, sushi, quick suppers and more.

Contact the organisers for a breakdown of

27 January – Farm to Table Brunch

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classes. For children 6–14 years old. 10–28 December (closed on public holidays).

Time: varies. Venue: Good Food Studio, 1st floor, Pick n Pay on Nicol, cnr William Nicol Dr and Republic Rd, Hurlingham.

Cost: 6–9 year olds R200, 10–14 year olds R220. Contact Kerrin: 011 998 3310, goodfoodstudio@pnp.co.za Chainmaille jewellery Spend a few hours creating a beautiful piece of jewellery.

1, 5, 8 and 12 December; 23 and 30 January. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr and R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: adults R195, children R100 (includes materials and refreshments). Contact: 083 655 3237 Confident Kids workshop Children build on an “I can” attitude under the guidance of clinical psychologist Joanna Kleovoulou.

In a group process, they learn to relate to others, develop social skills and build on their self-esteem. Booking essential. For children 8–13 years old. 8 December. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: PsychMatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview.

Cost: R2 000, includes lunch. Contact Linor: 011 450 3576 or visit psychmatters.co.za Crafty Corner Festive Holiday Club Daily craft and kitchen activities for children 5–12 years old. 10–22 December.

Time: 11am–6pm. Venue: Bedford Centre, cnr Smith Rd and Van de Linde Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: baking R30, crafts R50.

Contact Winnie: 082 780 3673 or admin@ craftycorner.co.za

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Festive baking Learn to love good food while making an edible craft and baking a Christmas-themed treat. For children 3–12 years old. 8 and 15 December. Time: 10am–11:30am and 1pm–2:30pm. Venue: Tots n Pots, shop 10, Kruin Centre, Banket Dr, Helderkruin, Roodepoort. Cost: R180 per class, R340 for two classes. Contact Daleen: 082 389 1564, daleen@totsnpots. com or visit totsnpots.com Get creative with Artjamming Children can spend the holiday learning valuable painting techniques used by renowned artists and applying them to create their own masterpieces. For children 3 years and older.

7 December–11 January. Time: 9am–4pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Artjamming at Melrose Arch and Lonehill Shopping Centre.

Cost: R155 per class. Contact: 011 684 1608 (Melrose Arch), 011 465 5778 (Lonehill) or visit artjamming.co.za Hollywood to SA Attend a training workshop with a Hollywood film director, acting coach and casting director. Halfday and full-day workshops are available.

Booking essential. For children 6 years and older. 15 December. Time: tbc. Venue: Gold Reef City. Cost: tbc. Contact Addi: 082 559 6702, hollywood2sa@gmail.com or visit caitlinscasting.co.za Little Cooks Club Broadacres Spend the morning cooking breakfast and lunch as well as baking Christmas cake pops and making pretty garden lanterns.

For children 5–10 years old. 11, 13

1 sat

Little Cooks Club Boksburg Children cook up a storm and learn to make different cookies, a variety of pies and even a chocolate cake in a mug. For children 2–15 years old. 1–20 December. Time: 9am–12pm or 1pm–4pm. Venue: 231 Trichardts Rd, Cinderella, Boksburg. Cost: 2–6 year olds R160; 7–15 year olds R240 per child. Contact Erika: 072 271 8904 or erikab@littlecooksclub.co.za

and 14 December. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venue: Little Cooks Club, 5A Valk Ave, Broadacres, Fourways. Cost: R240. Contact Deborah: 082 874 2851 or deborahg@ littlecooksclub.co.za. For more info on holiday programmes at a franchise in your area: visit littlecooksclub.co.za Mosaic classes Mosaic a colourful wall mural, house number or photo frame under the guidance of Kim Green from Earthly Mosaics. Classes stop 22 December; recommence 12 January. Time: 9:30am–1:30pm, Wednesday and Saturday.

Venue: Earthly Mosaics at Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr and R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: R250, includes all materials, mosaics and light refreshment.

Contact Kim: 072 602 3021

Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme Teaching children the importance of healthy eating, good nutrition and physical activity through fun theatre and workbook activities.

Space is limited. For children 6–12 years old.

16 December. Time: 10:30am–11am. Venue: Education Centre at the Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R58, children R36 (included in the zoo’s entrance fee). Contact: 011 514 6018, 082 671 5530, nhw.nestle@za.nestle.com or visit jhbzoo.org.za

family outings Christmas at Killarney Mall Drop off your children to be taken care of by the friendly childminders and spend some time enjoying the cookie decorating, card

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calendar making, candle making, sand art, animal magic show, puppet workshops and more.

8–16 December. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Killarney Mall, Cinema Court, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 4657 or visit killarneymall.co.za Christmas Wonderland Children can tell Father Christmas how good they have been this year and have a photo taken with him in the Fountain Court. They can spend a couple of hours playing on the various play equipment, and dancing and singing along to the live entertainment.

7–24 December. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Sandton City, cnr Sandton Dr and Rivonia Rd, Sandton. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 883 0978 or visit sandtoncity.co.za Garden of Lights Take your children to see the thousands of coloured lights that form reindeer, elves, Christmas trees and a range of other well-known fairy-tale characters. 7 December– 6 January. Time: 7pm–10pm. Venue: Emperor’s Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 928 1000, info@emperorspalace.com or visit emperorspalace.co.za Kids holiday fun Various activities take place within the giant gift box to keep your children happy and entertained as you finish off with a bit of last-minute shopping.

15 December–8 January. Time: 9am–5pm.

Venue: in the Piazza, Clearwater Mall, cnr Hendrik Potgieter Dr and Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 288 5260 or visit clearwatermall.co.za Lego fire truck Join in and help build a Lego fire truck. 28 November–14 December.

Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: in the Piazza, Clearwater Mall, cnr Hendrik Potgieter Dr and Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 288 5260 or visit clearwatermall.co.za Lipizzaners by Candlelight White Lipizzaners perform to classical music and Christmas carols accompanied by the Welsh Male Choir to ring in the festive season. 5, 7, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23 December. Time: 7pm; 16 December 3pm. Venue: Lipizzaner Centre, 1 Dahlia Rd, Kyalami. Cost: R130. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Say cheese! Make sure the camera catches your best side as you pose for a photo with Santa. Photos are professionally taken and developed by Foto First. 15–24 December.

Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: in the Piazza, Clearwater Mall, cnr Hendrik Potgieter Dr and Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 288 5260 or visit clearwatermall.co.za Sun City Nedbank Golf Challenge Catch some of the biggest names in golf as they battle it out for the number one spot. Families can also pay a visit to the Valley of Waves, Kwena Gardens Crocodile Sanctuary and Butterfly Sanctuary and be entertained by some of South Africa’s funniest comedians and popular bands.

28 November–2 December. Time: varies. Venue: Sun City Resort, North West. Cost: R80–R200. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit nedbankgolfchallenge.com

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Zoo Wild Lights Visitors can take their picnic hampers of goodies to nibble on as they sit and watch the metal menagerie of animal shapes come to life. 15–24 December. Time: 5pm–9pm. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview.

Cost: adults R58, children R36. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

finding nature and outdoor play Charm the snakes Find out more about the venomous snakes found in Gauteng, and learn about their venom and how a bite is treated. You might even get to touch a puff adder. Time: 11am, snake show every Wednesday, Sunday and public holidays during the December holidays. Venue: Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park, plot 59, R114 Old Pretoria Rd, Nietgedacht 535. Cost: adults R60, children R40. Contact Anton and Marietjie: 083 657 7561, 083 321 1016, familyfunchristmasmarket@gmail. com or visit croccity.co.za Mountain Sanctuary Park This reserve boasts crystal-clear rock pools, a waterfall, hiking and mountain bike trails for the young and old as well as camping, swimming and braai facilities. Booking essential. Time: 8am–5pm, daily. Venue: Mountain Sanctuary Park, Magaliesburg.

Cost: adults R50, children R30, R20 per vehicle. Contact: 014 534 0114 or visit mountain-sanctuary.co.za

holiday programme Adventure holiday camp Including hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, paintball and much more. Booking essential. For children 9–15 years old. 9–14 December. Time: 9 December 4pm– 14 December 12pm.

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 Bike ability An action-packed and adventurous programme where the largest focus is on the bike and learning to ride it

Smile with me, Santa Visit Father Christmas in the Edgars Court and have your photo taken.

10–23 December. Time: 10am– 6pm. Venue: Edgars court, Bedford Centre, cnr Smith Rd and Van de Linde Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 622 1840 or visit bedfordcentre.com

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magazine joburg

5–23 December – Lipizzaners by Candlelight

as best as you can. Children need to be able to ride a bike without training wheels. For children 5–12 years old. 11–13 December.

Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: PWC Cycle Park, Libertas Rd, Bryanston. Cost: R700.

Contact Nerice or Lee: 073 428 0375, 083 228 4670, nerice.swanepoel@gmail.com or leearcher@fitpro.co.za Birds of Prey See the stunning and powerful birds of prey up close, and learn more about their diet and adaptations.

Booking essential. For children 7–12 years old. 14 December. Time: 8:30am–2:30pm.

Venue: Montecasino Bird Gardens, cnr Witkoppen Rd and William Nicol Dr, Fourways. Cost: R120. Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za Bush Survival Learn some of the skills you need to survive in the African bush.

Booking essential. 20 December. Time: 8:30am–2:30pm. Venue: Montecasino Bird Gardens, cnr Witkoppen Rd and William Nicol Dr, Fourways. Cost: R120. Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za Chartwell Stables holiday camp Spend time riding horses and managing a stable, making crafts, playing games and singing songs around a campfire. For children 6–14 years old. 11–13 December. Venue: 112 Runnymead St, Chartwell. Cost: R350– R900 per day. Contact Shirley: 083 500 0103 or 073 952 8572 Christmas craft club Children can construct and decorate their very own Christmas crackers, candles, hats and other festive items, as well as take part in treasure hunts, pass the parcel and more during this week-long programme. Booking essential.

10–14 December. Time: 8am–12pm.

Venue: Faraway Tree, 7 Condor Rd, Douglasdale. Cost: R130 per day. Contact: 083 234 4120.

Christmas is coming As we build up to Christmas, children are invited to visit the library where they can make Christmasthemed crafts. For children 3–10 years old.

6 and 10 December. Time: 10am–11am.

Venue: Weltevreden Park Library. Cost: free. Contact Gwyneth: 011 679 3406 or gwynethp@joburg.org.za Dancing Cranes Spend the day learning about our national bird, the blue crane, and try to imitate its graceful dance moves.

Booking essential. For children 7–12 years.

18 December. Time: 8:30am–2:30pm.

Venue: Montecasino Bird Gardens, cnr Witkoppen Rd and William Nicol Dr, Fourways. Cost: R120. Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za magazine joburg

Egoli Kids holiday programme Let the staff supervise your child as they take part in various fun activities to kickstart their summer holidays. For children 3–13 years old. 3–21 December. Time: 7:30am–4:30pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Egoli Kids, 17A and 19 Terrace Rd, Eastleigh, Edenvale. Cost: R550 per week. Contact: 011 609 4755 or egolikids@qservices.co.za

18 December – Dancing Cranes

FlipFlop Gymnastics holiday camp A weekend of Christmas activities, swimming, treasure hunts, campfire tales and fitness activities. Space is limited. For children 4–14 years old. 7–10 December. Time: departs and returns at 3pm. Venue: departs for Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort from Hurlyvale Primary School. Cost: R1 600, includes transport, meals, drinks, three nights’ accommodation and activities.

Contact Tanya: 072 238 7342, flipfloptv@ telkomsa.net or visit flipflopgym.co.za Frog friends Get clued up on frogs and our wetlands with the rangers of the Montecasino Bird Gardens. Booking essential. For children 7–12 years old. 10 December. Time: 8:30am–2:30pm. Venue: Montecasino Bird Gardens, cnr Witkoppen Rd and William Nicol Dr, Fourways. Cost: R120, which includes light snacks and refreshments. Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za Holiday dance workshop Children can learn the latest choreography and dance techniques from world champions in hip-hop and break dance. Suitable for boys and girls. Booking essential.

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calendar 3–14 December. Time: holiday care full-day 7am–6pm, half-day 7am–1:30pm; dance classes 10am, Zumba classes 1:30pm.

Venue: Kim Field Dance Academy, 46 King Fisher Dr, Fourways. Cost: half-day R100; full-day R150 (includes lunch). Contact: 011 465 1801, kimfield@mweb.co.za or visit kidsinternational.co.za Kings Camp and Kings Cricket A sport and activity camp that offers fun, friendship and achievement. Children can explore new sports and activities, make friends and enjoy their holiday in safe surroundings. For children 4–17 years old. 10–14 December.

Time: 8am–4pm. Venue: Kingsmead College, 132 Oxford Rd, entrance in Tottenham Ave, Melrose; or HeronBridge College, No. 36 on the R114, Nietgedacht.

Cost: R400 per week. Contact Nick: 031 100 1011, nick.brushett@kingsfoundation. org or visit kingsfoundation.org Night creatures Learn about the creatures that go bump in the night: bats and owls.

Booking essential. For children 7–12 years old. 19 December. Time: 8:30am–2:30pm.

Venue: Montecasino Bird Gardens, cnr Witkoppen Rd and William Nicol Dr, Fourways. Cost: R120. Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za

19 December – Night creatures

Playball holiday clinic A week-long holiday clinic where children get to take part in daily playball lessons, water games, baking, art and crafts, and more. Booking essential. For children 3–9 years old.

10–14 December. Time: 7:30am–12pm.

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Club-V holiday camp Activities include art and crafts, colouring-in competitions, games and obstacle courses, and group exercise classes. For 3–13 year olds. 10–14 December. Time: morning and afternoon slots available, Monday–Friday; enquire with your club. Venue: Virgin Active Club V and Club V Max, check the website for a club near you. Cost: free for Virgin Active Club V members. For more info: visit virginactive.co.za

Venue: Fairlands Tennis Club, Kessel Rd, Fairlands, Northcliff. Cost: R150 per day, R600 per week. Contact Roxene or Kim: 079 089 3993 or 076 935 4366 Pony camp at Chikara Children immerse themselves in the world of the horse.

Young children can enjoy taking part in the day-camp activities (lessons, treasure hunts and rides), while children 11 years and older can opt to stay the night.

Space is limited. For children 5 years and older. 11–12 December . Time: 8am–5pm.

Venue: off Malibongwe, near the Lion Park.

Cost: R300 per day, R650 for the sleepover.

Contact: 082 895 7738, lynn@chikara. co.za or visit chikara.co.za Ranger for a day Spend a day with zoo-keeping staff and assist with feeding, cleaning and interacting with some of the zoo animals. Every ranger receives a certificate at the end of the day. For children 8–16 years. 11–13 and 18–20 December.

Time: 7:30am–4pm. Venue: Lory Park Zoo, 181 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand.

Cost: R150, includes lunch. Contact: 011 315 7307, education@lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za Ryan Maron’s Cricket School of Excellence Spend four days playing and learning more about cricket, covering everything from etiquette to general

knowledge. Parents can join in for free coaching on the last day. Each participant receives a shirt and cap, and a water bottle. 10–13 December. Cost: R500 per child, R950 for two children from the same family. Contact William: 021 671 9460, info@cricketschool.co.za or visit cricketschool.co.za Sewing for beginners Children can learn how to operate a sewing machine, pin, cut and sew two items: sewing bag, backpack with pockets, a denim skirt or Christmas stocking. Booking essential. For children 8 years and older. 11, 13, 18 and 20 December. Time: 13 and 18 December: 2:30pm–4:30pm; 11 and 20 December: 10am–12:30pm. Venue: Melville. Cost: R500, includes all sewing equipment.

Contact: 011 482 6542, 082 568 7408 or visit sewandgrow.co.za

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11, 13, 18 and 20 December – Sewing for beginners

10–13 December – Ryan Maron’s Cricket School of Excellence

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in science and technology and learn how to use energy efficiently at home. 8–21 December. Time: 9am–5pm, Monday– Friday. Venue: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, cnr Miriam Makeba and President St, Newtown. Cost: adults R20, children R10. Contact: 011 639 8400 or visit sci-bono.co.za Tennis holiday clinic Children can perfect their hand-eye coordination, backhand, forehand and serve, while socialising with other children. Booking essential. For children 3–16 years old.

10–14 and 17–21 December. Time: 3–6 years old 8:30am–9:30am; 6–16 years old 9:30am–1:30pm. Venue: Lonehill Crawford Pre-preparatory School, Lonehill Boulevard; or Craighall Park Tennis club, St Alban’s Rd, off Jan Smuts Ave, near Hyde Park. Cost: from R240 per week. Contact Michele: 083 443 3391, michele@itatennis.co.za or visit itatennis.co.za Wild Kids Holiday Programme This is a programme that incorporates the use of the body and the natural environment to develop essential skills for learning. For children 3–9 years old. 10 December (insects), 12 December (pirates and fairies), 14 December (Christmas). Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Sandton Field and Study Centre, Louis Ave, Parkmore. Cost: R250, including drink and healthy snack. Contact: 082 379 2675 or visit wild-kids.co.za included Yoga holiday school Children take part in yoga and creative movement activities, breathing and relaxation exercises, and create art and crafts. Booking essential. For children 3–12 years old. 10–14 December.

Time: 8:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Go with the Flow Yoga Studio, 422 Trevor Gething St, Faerie Glen. Cost: R60 per morning.

Contact Caryn: 012 361 6196, 082 602 7689 or info@gowiththeflow.co.za Zoo holiday programme An interactive outdoor programme that gets children connecting with the natural world. For children 3–13 years old. 10–21 December.

Time: half-day: 8:30am–12:30pm; full-day 8:30am–4pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview.

Cost: R65–R150 per day. Contact: 011 646 2000 or visit jhbzoo.org.za

Slithering Snakes Learn to hold a snake safely, and find out more about the snake’s senses with the rangers of the Montecasino Bird Gardens. Booking essential. 12 December. Time: 8:30am–2:30pm. Venue: Montecasino Bird Gardens, cnr Witkoppen Rd and William Nicol Dr, Fourways. Cost: R120. Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za Super Science holiday programme This week’s Energy at Home programme allows children to investigate different sources of clean energy, explore innovations

Bryanston Organic Market Apart from offering a large selection of fresh produce and handmade crafts, the market also offers activities such as papermaking, sand art, candle dipping and a gemstone scratch patch for children. 1, 6, 8, 13 and 15 December; moonlight markets: 4, 11 and 18 December. Time: 9am–3pm; moonlight market: 5pm–9pm. Venue: Culross Rd, off Main Rd, Bryanston. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 706 3671 or visit bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za Craft market and book sale Enjoy a boerewors roll and a cup of tea while browsing through the selection of books and crafts. 1 December. Time: 9am–1pm.

Venue: Linden Library, cnr 6th St and 4th Ave, Linden. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 888 5685 Family fun Christmas market Join Croc Norris for a fun filled day of croc viewing, jumping castles, face painters and an magazine joburg

array of market stalls. 9 December. Time: 10am–4pm; croc feeding 2pm. Venue: Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park, plot 59, R114 Old Pretoria Rd, Nietgedacht 535.

Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact Anton or Marietjie: 083 657 7561, 083 321 1016, familyfunchristmasmarket@gmail.com or visit croccity.co.za Hobart Grove’s Christmas market Find the perfect stocking filler at this festive market with a selection of varied and original items. 6–7 December.

Time: 6pm–9pm. Venue: Hobart Grove Centre, cnr Hobart Rd and Grosvenor Rd, Bryanston. Cost: free. Contact: 011 267 5700, info@hobartgrovecentre.co.za or visit hobartgrovecentre.co.za A Midsummer Night’s Dream market A mystical market with interesting goodies for sale, art and crafts, unicorn rides, face painting, clowns and fancy dress. 8 December. Time: 12pm–8pm.

Venue: Gecko Jewellers, 52 Mercury Rd, Crowthorne. Cost: free entry; underground gemstone mine tour: adults R40, children R30. Contact: 011 468 1467 Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair Hunt for antiques, collectibles and memorabilia at this monthly fair that attracts local and international enthusiasts.

2 December. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Nelson Mandela Square, cnr Rivonia Rd and 5th St, Sandton Central. Cost: free. Contact: 011 217 6000 or visit nelsonmandelasquare.co.za

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26 December – Adventures in Zambezia

Out of the Box Christmas Fair Search the fair for interesting stocking fillers.

Also, bring your unmatched pillowcases to donate towards the Pillowcase Princess drive and make an underprivileged girl feel special this Christmas. 1–2 December.

Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: 305 Long Ave, Ferndale. Cost: R15 donation to transform the pillowcase. Contact Nina: 011 673 6592 or visit outofthebox.org.za Rotary Christmas Craft Market Meander among the stalls to discover antiques and collectibles, Christmas inspirations, festive decorations and lots more. You can make your own Christmas

wreath or family heirloom, and add your family photos (at least six) to the Time Capsule. 2, 9 and 16 December. Time: 9am–5pm, 16 December: 9am–9pm.

Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, Vaal River, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: free entry. Contact: 016 982 2951, info@stonehaven.co.za or visit stonehaven.co.za

on stage and screen Adventures in Zambezia This animated film follows Kai, a high-spirited falcon, who travels to the bird city of Zambezia, set on the edge of the majestic Victoria Falls. This is a proudly South African film that was

created by TriggerFish Animation, based in Cape Town. 26 December. Time: varies.

Venue: cinemas nationwide. Cost: varies per cinema. Contact: 0861 246 362 or visit numetro.co.za Annie Jr A tale about a cheerful young orphan who manages to outsmart the manager of a New York City orphanage and finds a new home with a billionaire.

5 November–23 December. Time: 9am and 10:30am, daily. Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: adults R100, children R80. Contact: 011 484 1584, bookings@nctt.org.za or visit nctt.org.za Big Top Rock A theatrical rock concert that includes aerial acts, dance routines, a circus atmosphere and six decades of music.

10 October–31 December. Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 2pm, Sunday. Venue: Rivonia Barnyard, Rivonia Crossing 2, cnr Witkoppen Rd and Rivonia Rd, Rivonia.

Cost: R95–R150. Contact: 011 234 2033 or visit barnyardtheatre.co.za Jack and the Beanstalk Janice Honeyman’s version provides entertainment for the whole family, with an original twist on the traditional tale. 2 November–30 December.

Time: varies. Venue: The Mandela at Joburg Theatre, cnr Simmonds St and Stiemens Rd. Cost: R190–R290. Book through the Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com Potted Potter All seven Harry Potter books compressed into an hilarious 70

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calendar minutes. With all your favourite characters, a fire-breathing dragon, colourful costumes and the magic of Hogwarts. For children 6 years and older. 23 November–6 January.

Time: 7:30pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 2pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday; 4:30pm, Saturday–Sunday. Venue: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Theatre, cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways.

Cost: R100–R250. Book through the Pieter Toerien Theatre: 011 511 1818 or visit montecasino.co.za The Amazing World of Gumball The Wattersons and their fearless blue cat are back for a new second series brimming with energetic adventures. 5 December.

Time: 5:45pm, every Wednesday; with repeats every Saturday at 11:40am and 6:45pm, and the following Tuesday at 5:25pm; on Cartoon Network, channel 301 on DStv. For more info: visit dstv.com The Little Mermaid Join Ariel and Sebastian for a magical adventure under the sea. The play, based on the fairytale

by Hans Christian Andersen, is filled with comedy, song and dance. 17 November– 23 December. Time: 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Venue: People’s Theatre, cnr Loveday St and Hoofd St, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein. Cost: R65–R99. Contact: 011 403 1563, info@peoplestheatre.co.za or visit peoplestheatre.co.za

playtime and story time Emperor’s Aqua Splash Pack your swimming costume for an active holiday programme where you can win lots of prizes, and enjoy live entertainment, games and celebrity appearances. All ages.

15–31 December. Time: 10am–4pm.

Venue: Emerald Resort and Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijl Park.

Cost: adults R75, children R50. Contact Valria: 072 626 4042, events2@telkomsa. net or visit emeraldcasino.co.za Kid’s Traffic-land Learn road safety and traffic awareness while driving a battery operated vehicle in a mini city called

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Mister Maker Comes to Town In series two, Mister Maker continues visiting children in his Makermobile, creating pictures in a box, a microphone and a peacock out of a cardboard tube.

Starts 3 December. Time: 8:35am, daily on CBeebies, channel 306 on DStv; with repeats at 4:35pm. For more info: visit dstv.com

Traffic-land. The cars support up to 35kg.

Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: Kid’s Trafficland, Balfour Park Shopping Centre, cnr Louis Botha Ave and Johannesburg Rd, Highlands North. Cost: R50 for a two-year license and two 15-minute rides, thereafter R30 for 15 minutes, R50 for 30 minutes, R90 for one hour. Contact: 073 329 8510 or visit kidztrafficland.co.za

sport and physical activities Walk on the Wild Side Dress up in overalls, helmet and a torch and see the world under your feet. Booking essential.

For children 6 years and older. Time: caving 10am–11:30am and 2pm–3:30pm, daily; abseiling 11am–2pm, every Sunday.

Venue: meet at EnGedi Lodge, plot 22,

Walk on the Wild Side, daily

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1 December and 26 January – The basics of sign language

Protea Ridge Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp.

Cost: adults R200, children R150. Contact Sandy: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464, info@ wildcaves.co.za or visit wildcaves.co.za Walk through Albert’s Farm A guided walk leads you along the network of paths that snake through the park to the dam and wetland area. Dogs are welcome. 16 December. Time: 8am. Venue: meet in the car park of Albert’s Farm, 8th St, Greymont, Northcliff. Cost: R20. Contact Nina: 083 583 5383 or nina@outofthebox.org.za Yoga for children Yoga classes for children to improve concentration, self-esteem, balance, sleep patterns as well as strengthen the nervous system and facilitate emotional release. For children 4 years and older.

6 and 13 December. Time: 3pm. Venue: Tara’s Yoga, 9 Brentford Rd, Darrenwood, Cresta. Cost: R60 per class, R250 per month.

Contact Tara: 082 783 3115

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Adventure Bootcamp A four-week outdoor fitness programme for women.

The encouraging and motivating trainers help you to push to your personal best.

Take an exercise mat, small hand weights, a water bottle and running shoes. Space is limited. 7 January–1 February. Time: varies.

Venue: camps across Gauteng. Cost: varies by region. Contact head office: 021 447 2746 or visit adventurebootcamp.co.za Art Therapy intro course Get a taste of what the process of art therapy entails in an experiential and playful group format.

5 December. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Glenhazel. Cost: R1 450. Contact Samantha: 083 326 6655, sami@arttherapy.co.za or visit arttherapy.co.za Elementary cooking course Change your life and have your domestic worker trained with an accredited cooking course. The five-week course covers family favourites and more delicious, healthy, home-cooked meals. Booking essential. 23 January–20 February. Time: 8:30am–2pm. magazine joburg

Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R2 250. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za First Aid and CPR course Learn how to help an injured adult, child and infant.

This course covers all the day-to-day injuries that a person looking after a baby or child would potentially deal with. 8 December.

Time: 8:30am–3:30pm. Venue: Fourways.

Cost: R500. Contact: 083 625 8033, marinda@nanniesintraining.co.za or visit nanniesintraining.co.za Household management Have your domestic worker trained on an accredited housekeeping course, a comprehensive programme covering all aspects of household management to ensure the smooth running of your home.

The course takes place over five weekly sessions. Booking essential. 22 January– 19 February. Time: 8:30am–2pm. Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R1 950. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Rawlicious seminar You’ll gain insight into the raw lifestyle on this seminar hosted

by Peter Daniel, raw chef and coauthor of the book, Rawlicious: Delicious Raw Recipes for Radiant Health. 1 December. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Leafy Greens Café, Muldersdrift. Cost: R895–R1 150. Contact Gail: 086 100 0976, info@superfoods.co.za or visit rawlicious.co.za The basics of sign language Today’s training covers workshops one and two in which you can learn about food, animals, clothing, family and more. Booking essential. 1 December and 26 January.

Time: 8:30am–3:30pm. Venue: Sandton.

Cost: R370–R740, excludes refreshments.

Contact Monita: 082 218 7339, contact@ tinyhandz.co.za or visit tinyhandz.co.za The Bridge Transformational Workshop A workshop based on Louise Hay’s programme of Love Yourself, Heal your Life. It is a personal development tool to help you re-evaluate your life by looking at your mental and physical wellbeing and to free yourself of negative thought patterns. Booking essential. 1–2 and 15–16 December. Time: 8:30am–5pm. Venue: Buccleuch, Sandton. Cost: R650. Contact: 076 135 7601, bridgetranswork@gmail. com or visit bridgetranswork.webs.com

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on stage and screen Demis Roussos The Greek legend from the 1970s, Demis Roussos, brings his distinctive operatic vocal style to the Big Top Arena. 8–9 December. Time: 8pm, Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: Carnival City and Entertainment World, cnr Century Rd and Elsburg Rd, Brakpan. Cost: R275– R650. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Noël and Gertie This witty musical revue, devised by Sheridan Morley, is comprised

of a collection of play extracts, songs, and snippets from personal diaries and correspondence between Noël Coward and his stage partner Gertrude Lawrence.

7 November–6 January. Time: 8:15pm, Wednesday–Saturday; 4:15pm, Saturday; 3:15pm, Sunday. Venue: Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways. Cost: R150. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or at the door: 011 511 1818 (Studio Theatre) or visit montecasino.co.za

The Pirates of Penzance Director Greg Homann presents this Gilbert and Sullivan swashbuckling comic masterpiece with a talented cast of five men and one pianist. 20 November– 22 December. Time: 8:15pm, Tuesday–Friday; 6pm and 8:30pm, Saturday.

Venue: Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton.

Cost: adults R120, students and pensioners R80. Contact: 011 883 8606 or visit theatreonthesquare.co.za

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Stand-up Chameleon With an eye on the audience and a tongue quicker than a chameleon’s, Barry Hilton has been constantly updating his material over the past three decades. 21–23 December. Time: 8:30pm; 5pm, Saturday–Sunday. Venue: The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, take the M1 South, Booysens exit. Cost: R85–R270. Contact: 011 248 5000 or visit goldreefcity.co.za Time of my life Relive the music, rhythm and romance of Dirty Dancing.

26 October–10 February. Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 3pm, Saturday; 2pm and 6pm, Sunday. Venue: Teatro, Montecasino Boulevard, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd. Cost: R100–R400.

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

out and about Kim Field Academy Kids Pre Primary open day Parents interested in enrolling their child can take this opportunity to meet the teachers and view the facilities.

Call ahead to book; arrangements can be made for weekends. 3–7 December and 2–15 January. Time: 7:30am–5pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: 46 Kingfisher Dr, Fourways. Cost: free. Contact: 011 465 1801 or visit kidsinternational.co.za Savvy Entrepreneurial Women An opportunity for like-minded business women to network, share ideas and socialise. 5 December. Time: 6pm–9:45pm.

Venue: Amici Pizzeria, Woodlands

8–9 December – Demis Roussos

Dr, Hurlingham Manor. Cost: dinner R220; dinner and a display table R320.

Contact Sheilagh: 082 653 5128, sheil@chantillynetworking.co.za or visit chantillynetworking.co.za Soloparenting Christmas Party Celebrate the festive season with this single parent’s social club. 8 December. Time: 11:30am–1:30pm. Venue: tbc. Cost: free.

Contact Jean-Marie: 076 054 5510 or soloparenting@talc.co.za Yoga in the Garden In the tranquil setting of the botanical garden you can take part in a Vinyasa flow yoga class.

Bring a yoga mat and a small blanket.

8 December. Time: 9am. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden,

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at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: garden entry fee: adults R27, children R12 and children under 6 free. Contact Eloise: 082 929 7264 or info@indigoyoga.co.za

support groups Alcoholics Anonymous People with drinking problems and their families can search the database for a support group in their area. Contact: 011 683 9101 or visit aasouthafrica.org.za Compassionate Friends Support group for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents.

Contact: 011 440 6322 or visit tcfp.co.za Epilepsy South Africa Contact them for information on support groups, advice and contact details for relevant healthcare professionals across Gauteng. Contact: 011 816 2040 or visit epilepsy.org.za

Missing Children South Africa Contact: 072 647 7464 or visit missingchildren.org.za Single parent support group You don’t have to tackle it on your own; Jean-Marie offers support and guidance for single parents. 8 December. Time: 10am–11am.

Venue: Parkview Medical Suites, 63 Dundalk Ave, Parkview. Cost: R70. Contact Jean-Marie: 076 054 5510 or soloparenting@talc.co.za The Trauma Clinic Offers counselling and group briefing for adults and children affected by violence. Contact: 011 403 5102

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Antenatal exercise and relaxation classes These classes prepare moms-tobe for labour and birth and offer a great

Tuesday and Thursday, antenatal exercise and relaxation classes

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place for mothers to meet and share their experiences. Classes stop 20 December; restart 8 January. Time: 9am–10am, Tuesday and Thursday. Venue: Centre for Holistic Health, 56 Kingfisher Dr, Fourways. Cost: R120, can be claimed back from medical aid. Contact Justine: 011 467 7022 Baby and toddler care course A two-day course that teaches your nanny or domestic all the basics to ensure that your baby and toddler is cared for with confidence. The course touches on aspects of nutrition, hygiene and safety. 1 and 8, 4 and 11 December; 12 and 19, 24 and 31 January.

Time: 8:30am–3:30pm. Venue: Hammets Crossing Office Park, 2 Selbourne Rd, Fourways. Cost: R1 400. Contact Marinda: 0861 077 777, marinda@nanniesintraining. co.za or visit nanniesintraining.co.za Massage your baby A four-week course on how to soothe problems such as colic, sleep and bonding issues using massage.

For babies 2 weeks–1 year. 17 January– 7 February. Time: 11:30am–12:45pm, every Thursday. Venue: The Children’s Therapy Centre, Petervale. Cost: R480. Contact Joanne: 083 303 1190 or joannebradley@ global.co.za Stimulate your baby This five-week BabyGym course teaches you to stimulate your baby’s whole brain development and ensure that all their milestones are met.

For babies 2 weeks–1 year. 17 January– 14 February. Time: 9:30am–10:45am,

3–7 December and 2–15 January – Kim Field Academy Kids Pre Primary open day

every Thursday. Venue: The Children’s Therapy Centre, Petervale. Cost: R630.

Contact Joanne: 083 303 1190 or joanne. bradley@babygym.co.za

playtime and story time Get arty at Bambanani Between Tuesdays and Thursdays children can take part in art and pottery classes, and sit in awe as a magic show, puppet show or a man on stilts delights them. For children 0–12 years old. Time: 2:30pm. Venue: 85, 4th Ave, Melville. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 482 2900 or info@bambanani.biz

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if you’re heading to durban 12 december Mr Price Rotary Christmas Fantasy An evening of fun for children with fantasy characters, train rides, face painting, a jumping castle and more. You won’t want to miss the arrival of Father Christmas, who will be handing out gifts. Ends 15 December. Time: 5:45pm–8:30pm. Venue: Durban Model Engineers, Hinton Grove, Virginia. Cost: adults R55, children R95. Contact Hilary: 082 556 0299 or visit computicket.com

13 december Dolphins by Starlight It’s Christmas with a twist, a leap and a splash, as the uShaka dolphins ring in the festive season with Christmas songs. Ends 16 December.

Time: 7pm. Venue: Standard Bank Dolphin Stadium, uShaka Marine World. Cost: R120. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

24 december Breast Milk Banking

Crazy Kidz Farmyard The farmyard gives little ones a chance to feed bunnies and Piccolo, the mountain tortoise. They can also ride ponies and zip around the scooter track. Call them once you’re at the gate to gain access. Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: 9 Daniel St, Danielbrink Park, Randburg. Cost: adults R10, children R25.

Contact Jana or André: 082 389 9153, crazykidzfarmyard@gmail.com or visit crazykidzfarmyard.co.za December holidays at Smudge Children can write a special letter to Father Christmas.

They can get creative in the art room, dress up in the dressing room and enjoy the climbing apparatus while adults relax in the coffee shop. 7–21 December. Time: 10am–5pm, Tuesday–Friday; 10am–4pm, Saturday; 10am–1pm, Sunday. Venue: Smudge, shop 21A, Valley Centre, 396 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park. Cost: R120 per child for the first hour, R60 for every hour thereafter (inclusive of all art materials).

Contact: 011 501 0234, sandra@smudgeart. co.za or visit smudgeart.co.za Great Wonders and Mysteries This programme takes children on a journey around the world stopping off at all the great wonders. For children 2–6 years old. 10–14 December. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venue: Fastrackids, Broadacres Ext 7 Cedar Rd, Shop 7 Broadacres Shopping Centre. Cost: R650. Contact: 011 467 0230, fastrackids.fourways@gmail.com; or Fastrackids Parkmore: 083 716 5086 or visit fastrackids.com Magic at Kinderspiel Children are amazed by Tricky Trevor’s sleight of hand when he performs magic tricks as well as comedy. For children 4 years and older. 13 December and 26 January.

Time: 10am–11am. Venue: Kinderspiel, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: R50. Contact: 011 646 7457 or emma. kinderspiel@telkomsa.net Puppet shows at Kinderspiel A handpuppet performance of Rudolf on Safari in December and Nogwaja Goes to School in January. For children 3 years and older.

6 and 11 December and 19 January.

Time: 10am–11am; 3:30pm–4:30pm, 6 December. Venue: Kinderspiel, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: R50.

Contact: 011 646 7457 or emma. kinderspiel@telkomsa.net

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support groups Bipolar Kids South Africa Offers support and guidance to parents. Contact Lee: 083 227 2304, bpkidssa@mweb.co.za or visit bpkidssouthafrica.co.za Beyond Expectations A centre that offers therapeutic, educational, social and behavioural interventions for children with communication and cognitive delays.

Contact Pauline: 076 481 6410 or visit beyondexpectationscentre.co.za Deaf Federation of South Africa For assistance, consultants and advice.

Contact: 011 482 1610, deafeducation@ deafsa.co.za or visit deafsa.co.za

how to help Breast Milk Banking Donate your extra breast milk to help save the lives of babies.

Contact Sasha at the SA Breastmilk Reserve: 011 020 0348 or visit sabr.org.za Christmas gifts for orphans Out of the Box is conducting a Christmas drive to bring some cheer to the lives of orphans, HIV-infected children, mothers and caretakers in children’s homes in Joburg. This year they’re collecting items for Nkosi’s Haven and Sithabile Child and Youth Care Centre in Benoni. Contact Nina: 011 673 6592, 083 583 5383 or nina@outofthebox.org.za Donate your old newspapers Lory Park is always in need of old newspapers and other items for the zoo. Venue: Lory Park Zoo, 180 Kruger Rd, President Park, Midrand. Contact Eddy: 011 315 7307, info@lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za for the wishlist Rhinose Day Buy a plastic “Rhinose” that can be safely mounted with cable ties onto the grille of your car. Proceeds from the day go towards the Rhino Action Group Effort (RAGE), the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Rhinose Foundation.

Ends 27 December. Available at CNA stores countrywide. Cost: R30. Contact: hello@ rhinoseday.com or visit rhinoseday.com SPCA Christmas Raffle SPCA Randburg is raising funds. By purchasing a raffle ticket you stand a chance to win great prizes.

Ends 13 December. Cost: R10. Contact: 011 462 2659, fundraiser@spca-rbg.org.za or visit spcarandburg.org.za

Sugar Bay holiday camp A holiday camp for children 7–17 years old, including over 90 different activities. Themed weeks include Avatar, Weird and Wacky and Glee. Camps run throughout the holidays. 9 December–12 January (closed 24–26 December). Time: 3pm drop-off. Venue: Zinkwazi Beach, North Coast. Cost: varies. Contact: 032 485 3778, holidays@sugarbay.co.za or visit sugarbay.co.za

if you’re heading to cape town 1 december City Sightseeing Night Tour This three-hour tour is a sunset tour to Signal Hill. Take a picnic basket with snacks and sundowners and watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. The tour is three hours and is not a hop-on, hop-off tour (visit their website for information on this). Take warm clothes just in case. Until 6 May. Time: departs 6pm. Venue: starts and ends at Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront. Cost: adults R100, children R50. Contact: 021 511 6000 or visit citysightseeing.co.za Body Worlds and the Cycle of Life Exhibition This anatomical exhibition displays real human bodies, organs and transparent body slices flawlessly preserved thanks to a revolutionary method known as plastination.

The exhibition has been showcased in more than 70 countries worldwide, including Mexico, Turkey, the USA and Italy, and has been seen by over 35 million people. 31 October–31 January. Time: 9am–7:30pm, daily. Venue: Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront (next to Toy Kingdom). Cost: adults R140, 6–17 year olds R90, children under 5 free, family ticket R400. For more info: visit bodyworlds.co.za

7 december Carols by Candlelight Father Christmas will be on hand to entertain the little ones and spoil them with an abundance of sweets.

CrissCross will entertain with popular traditional Christmas carols. Take a picnic basket and blanket.

Time: gates open at 5pm, carols commence 6:30pm.

Venue: Laborie Wine Farm, Taillefer St, Main Rd, Paarl.

Cost: adults R50 and children over 12 years R20; picnics R250 for two adults sharing and R75 for children.

Contact: 021 807 3390, info@laboriewines.co.za or visit laboriewines.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 January for the February 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 continued...

Uncle Dum Dum

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finishing touch

extreme parenting A feline’s fall from grace teaches ANÉL LEWIS a

ustrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner, also known as “Fearless Felix”, shattered the sound barrier when he jumped off a stratospheric balloon to freefall almost 39 kilometres to earth. In an unassuming garden, somewhere at the tip of Africa, Domino did the same.

But unlike Felix, Domino did so without the adulation and cheers of onlookers and millions of viewers. Domino is our cat; our long-suffering feline companion who has survived several moves, two of them between cities, and most recently, an unexpected fall from space – and grace.

You see, Domino was hijacked by some children who were at a party at our house. Unbeknown to us, as we were blithely passing around cupcakes and sausage rolls, our poor cat was being

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Erin, Anél and Conor

suspended from the top of the trampoline.

Granted, Domino may not have broken any speed records with her fall, but she still plummeted a good metre or so, and she did so a couple of times more than Felix. Fortunately for our hapless jumper, I managed to rescue her before any serious harm was done. And, barring a few bald spots and a slight case of vertigo, Domino seems none the worse for wear.

The incident did raise some interesting questions though about discipline – of other people’s children. With Erin it’s easy enough. She has grasped the concept of a time-out, and just a look from her father is enough to stop her in her tracks.

My children are no angels though, and Erin can wreak just as much havoc when we are out as the next child. At a rather posh event recently, I caught her doing her

own form of graffiti tagging on the white walls of the organiser’s upmarket mansion.

I gave her a stern talking-to, confiscated the crayon and promptly excused myself from the party. But what do you do when the instigator is someone else’s child?

And, even worse, what if you don’t know the parents that well?

Well, I opted for the diplomatic approach after the trampoline incident and made a general comment to all the parents there that “the children” had been caught tormenting our family pet.

They promptly spoke to their respective progeny, explaining that the cat was not to be carried, elevated or suspended in any way. A few moments later, however, I noticed that my Pilates ball, which has seen me through my tight twenties, when I couldn’t afford furniture and it doubled as

a core-strengthening desk chair, and two pregnancies, being rolled to the bottom of the garden. I wanted to rush down there and save it, but then I thought: it’s just a ball, and children need to be allowed some room to play.

Alas, it has been a good few days since the party and Domino’s petrifying plunge, but the Pilates ball is missing in action. I just hope that the cat, perhaps still drunk on adrenaline from her brush with neardeath, is not working on a new stunt for our next gathering.

Anél Lewis is Child magazine’s features editor. She would like to confirm that no animals were harmed in the making of this blog, although a few children were threatened with their life if they didn’t listen. Follow her on Twitter:@ ChildMagParent

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PHOTOGRAPH: STEPHANIE VELDMAN

a

few things about children and discipline.